Jasmin married Michael Crook on 19 June 1999. She bought a ready-made dress from The Bridal Cottage, which she had altered to suit her style.

"I’m not your frills and flounces type of girl. The consultant at The Bridal Cottage read me right instantly, as the two dresses she brought out were exactly what I had in mind. From the moment I laid eyes on my dress, I was sold.

At The Bridal Cottage, you have the choice of whether to buy or rent. After much debate about the cost, I decided to buy my dress because I just couldn’t picture someone else wearing it. I’m a sucker for sentiment, so I’d love to pass it on one day. I’m also a ballroom dancer, and the dress can always be adapted to become a ballroom gown. By buying it, at least I kept my options open.

After my measurements were taken, I explained what embellishments I had in mind. I believe a wedding is a vibrant, happy occasion, and I wanted splashes of colour to reflect this spirit. Initially, my request for lilac beading was seen as unusual, but the result literally took my breath away. When Michael first saw me at the altar, his eyes were filled with emotion. For the next two hours, all he could say was, “You look so beautiful.”

The basics on buying

We spoke to Neil van Heerden, owner of The Bridal Cottage, about buying a gown “off-the-rack”:

When: Usually six months in advance, but we can accommodate brides one month in advance.

Cost: Buying off the rack can cost from R3 500 upwards, depending on the design, beadwork and fabric. Embellishments cost extra and a quote means there are no surprise expenses. The R400 deposit is deductible from the total cost.

How it works: Most brides have some idea of what they want, but we believe that it`s important for them to actually try dresses on. Sometimes, what they think they want doesn’t actually flatter their body shape at all.

About one month before the wedding, they have the first fitting where alterations are made, and the hem and seams are checked. At the second fitting, we suggest accessories and headpieces to suit the gown. The final fitting is usually about a week before, and then the bride collects her gown a day or two before the ceremony.

At The Bridal Cottage, brides can hire a dress, buy off-the-rack or have one designed especially for them. Even if they have one designed, they still have the option of renting instead of buying.

Before you buy

• Set a realistic budget.

• File away magazine clippings and take them along when you hunt for your dress.

• Shop around.

• Make appointments at a number of stores to ensure that you get undivided attention.

• Choose a reputable establishment. Ask for references if you are uncertain.

• When you go for a fitting, take your time. Look out for any pinching or gaping.

• Try to have a trial hair and make-up session on the day that you go for a fitting. At your second fitting, it’s a good idea to go with the undergarments and shoes you will wear on the day.

Something borrowed

Gugu married Vela Duma on 25 September 1999. She hired her gown from Grandiflora Bridal Couture.

"After searching for the right dress for almost a year, I fell in love with a dress from Grandiflora that I saw at a bridal expo. Although I had the option of buying the dress, I thought it would be an unnecessary expense. To rent would amount to roughly half the price.

At Grandiflora, your dress is reserved for you and stored away for five months - so there was no chance of anyone ruining it before the big day. I didn’t want the dress changed in any way, so I had only three fittings to adjust the seams, and then it looked as if it was made especially for me.

My guests thought my dress was out of this world and when my husband first saw me on our wedding day, he whispered “Gugu, you look so gorgeous”. Grandiflora also fitted me out with the right petticoat, veil, accessories, shoes and underwear to complete the look. Obviously these cost me extra, because they had to be bought rather than hired.

I would rather spend my money on a few stunning accessories, which I can keep and wear again, than buy a dress that will be tucked away in my closet. I am not really the sentimental type. If I do have a daughter one day, she will have her own taste and fashion will have changed, so I don`t believe in passing down my dress."

Hiring hints

We spoke to Elsa de Beer, bridal manageress at Grandiflora Bridal Couture, about hiring a dress.

When: Book a consultation at least six months before.

Cost: The cost to hire is usually between R800 and R2 500, depending on the dress and embellishments needed. This price includes the petticoat, the dress and the cleaning. On reserving the dress, there is a deposit of R350, which is refundable on return of the dress.

How it works: Once the dress has been booked, it`s put away for five months. We keep it untouched so that its condition is preserved and the bride is assured of a degree of exclusivity.

Three fittings take place: the first is approximately six to eight weeks before the wedding, where seams are opened and it is fitted according to the shape of the bride. At the second fitting, about a month before, we add finishing touches. Then, the third fitting and collection takes place a week before the wedding, and any final adjustments are made. Our experienced bridal consultants are also able to advise the bride-to-be on accessories, shoes, hairstyles, veils and flowers.

On delivery, the bride is required to sign a contract accepting liability for loss or any major damages to the dress, but minor stains, such as wine or sweat, are not charged for as these are easily erased using our special cleaning chemicals.

And if the dress fits...?

If you’re hiring or buying off-the-rack, find out whether the dress can be altered to fit your measurements. Look at quality of fabric and attention to detail and ensure that the seams are ample, to make allowances for alterations.

How much will alterations and embellishments cost and how long will they take? What deposit is required and when is the remaining fee expected? Is there a guarantee that protects the buyer if the dress is delivered in an unacceptable condition?

Something you

Sarah Levy married Bernard Berger on 6 December 1998. She had her dress designed by Wendy Venter of The Girls.

"I searched high and low for the perfect dress. I even scoured overseas bridal boutiques, but when I spotted The Girls` display at a bridal expo, I fell in love with their designs.

Wendy really impressed me at the first consultation, I felt that I was in capable hands. We discussed design and estimated price. I looked through some magazines and after selecting a handful of images, we discussed further options.

I then tried on a range of dresses that Wendy had in storage to see what suited me best. (The Girls also have a rental facility.) Once we had finalised the look, I paid the deposit and Wendy went off to select the fabrics.

About four months before the wedding, I took my retinue to meet with Wendy and her partner, Nikita. Together, they worked on a concept that created a sense of harmony and balance. We discussed issues like flowers and hairstyles and they gave me a lot of expert advice on numerous aspects of wedding planning.

The Girls also design to rent, but I chose to keep my dress. One day, I will unwrap it from its packaging and relive the fantasy with my children. I don’t expect to impose my taste on them, but it is important for me to share the moment with them."

Design notes

We spoke to Wendy Venter and Nikita Lambert, owners of The Girls, about having a gown tailor-made.

When: Make an appointment at least four months before.

Cost: Designer dresses can cost from R4 500, depending on what is required.

How it works: We believe that the bride must wear the dress rather than the dress wear the bride, so we take our time with the first consultation. From there, we draw sketches and the bride tries on a few dresses for further ideas.

After an agreement is reached, we provide a quote. A 50% deposit is needed at this point, which can be paid in instalments. Then, we get swatches of fabric for the bride to look at. Four to five fittings follow.

When styling the entire retinue, we like to make sure that the bride is happy first, as their apparel should be styled to complement her look.

Note: Prices, number of fittings etc. may vary from place to place.