Is wedding planning in full swing? Has the most-awaited time to shop for your wedding dress arrived? We can undoubtedly state that it's the dream of each and every bride to don a distinctive and stupendous wedding dress and to radiate a stunning look on her big day. It will be one of the most awaited for and memorable days of your lifetime and it's of no surprise that you want everything to be perfect. Discover the number of bridal shops listed on Yellow and explore the vast selection of exclusive wedding dresses, alongside evening dresses and wedding accessories.

When should you go shopping for your wedding dress & accessories?

It's easy to get over-excited and go buy your wedding dress as soon as you set the wedding date, which could even be two years in advance. However, we do advise you to wait till at least a year before. Styles may go out of fashion, your tastes may change, and another dress may catch your attention, making you feel downhearted and frustrated you didn't wait. A year will give you enough time to customise your wedding dress, plan alterations, and think over the hairstyle and jewellery which would best suit your dress.

How can you prepare yourself before visiting a bridal shop?

Don't just wake up and decide to visit a bridal shop without doing some research beforehand. Check out catalogues and online bridal collections to get an idea of the different styles in fashion at the moment. Make sure you make an appointment before you visit a wedding dress shop as it guarantees full attention of a shop assistant and the possibility to try on all selected dresses. Dedicate at least 1-1.5 hours for each appointment, as trying on different dresses will take a lot of time. Also take at least 1 person you trust with you, who will help you say yes or no to the dress. Do set a budget or you'll risk splurging much more than you can actually afford.

Choosing the best wedding dress style

For many brides-to-be, the wedding dress is one of the most important decisions to take. You may or may not have an idea of the style which would suit you best. In any case, do try on different styles in order to pinpoint the best style for your body type. This will make wedding dress shopping much easier. Some styles, such as A-line wedding dresses, are universal, but some only suit certain body types. Popular styles you'll find at bridal shops in Malta include ball gown and princess wedding dresses, beach wedding dresses and mermaid wedding dresses, together with strapless and long sleeve wedding dresses for summer and winter weddings. Apart from suiting your body type, make sure you feel comfortable in the dress you choose. Is a strapless dress the best option for a winter wedding? Is a ball gown wedding dress practical if you want to dance the night away? Do consider everything! No matter what your wedding theme is, the dedicated staff at bridal shops in Malta will do their best to help you find your dream dress. Check out our guide on how to find the perfect wedding dress.

A number of bridal shops also have in-house designers if you want to design a truly unique wedding gown from scratch.

Bridal Shoes & Wedding Accessories you can find at bridal shops in Malta

A good number of bridal shops in Malta also offer wedding shoes and accessories under the same roof. Completing your bridal outfit in one place is possible and it's convenient. You can find a vast selection of wedding shoes, underwear and lingerie, tiaras and other bridal jewellery, boleros and wedding veils, headpieces and flower crowns, clutch bags and other accessories matching the wedding dress.

Evening dresses, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses & more

Apart from wedding dresses, a number of bridal shops also provide vast selections of exclusive evening wear. From flower girl and bridesmaid dresses, to mother of the bride dresses, cocktail and wedding guest dresses, plus size evening dresses, prom dresses, and all sorts of evening gowns suitable for any occasion.

Dress and suit hire services offered by bridal shops

Not keen on spending so much on a dress or suit for your wedding? If you want to save some money, some bridal shops offer the possibility to hire a wedding dress, the groom and best-men suits or your bridesmaids' dresses. You may also be able to hire Holy Communion dresses and suits, graduation gowns, hats and other accessories. Quotations can be handled directly at the store or via phone or email.

Alteration service provided by bridal shops

So, you've chosen your dream wedding dress. However, you may need to shorten or add sleeves, transform the neckline, or carry out any other customisation which you may want. Alterations are provided by the bridal shop itself, but do inquire whether they're included in the price or not. In most cases, you'd need to pay an additional fee for each alteration you do. Otherwise, you may decide to opt for a seamstress of your choice.

How much can you expect to pay for a wedding dress?

You may be willing to pay whatever it takes to buy the ultimate wedding dress. However, if you're on a budget, stress not! Bridal shops offer a wide range of dresses, suitable for all budgets. Simple wedding dresses start from €500, with prices of more embellished dresses going up to €3000. Don't splurge more than you can actually afford. If a wedding dress you like is out of budget, wait for sale periods and stay alert for open days. In most cases, you'll only be required to pay a deposit upon signing the contract, and the rest you pay later on. Keep in mind alterations, wedding veil, and bridal shoes and accessories when setting a budget, as these all add up to the cost.

What can you do with your wedding dress after the wedding?

When the wedding day has come and gone, each and every bride starts contemplating on the wedding dress's future. Taking it to one of the professional dry cleaners on Yellow should be your first stop as it would have gotten stained and smeared in some way or another. Here are some options you can consider for your wedding dress:

• Donate it to one of the charity shops in Malta
• Sell it and get back some money you've spent on it
• Take it to a seamstress and transform it into an elegant dress to be worn on special occasions
• Use the fabric to produce a Baptism or Holy Communion dress for your daughter
• Keep it in your closet as a keepsake
• Use the fabric to create clutch bags, cushions or quilts
• Store it in a cool and dry place with low humidity levels in case your daughter may want to wear it for her wedding in future

Still have things to book for your wedding? Check out the range of wedding planners, wedding souvenirs, wedding rings, hairdressers, nail technicians and make-up artists who offer wedding services.