Wedding Dresses in East Midlands

The East Midlands has a long history of lace making, particularly in Nottingham, so it is fitting that lace remains a favourite fabric for many brides in the region. Beyond that, styles are as varied as the venues: stately homes and country estates suit classic, structured gowns, while Peak District barns and lakeside settings near Rutland Water call for something lighter and easier to move in.

Planning your appointments

• Contact shops a few weeks ahead, especially if you want a Saturday.
• Ask what price range and sizes a shop carries before you visit, so the appointment is useful.
• Bring photos of your venue and a few dresses you like, but keep an open mind.

Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Lincoln all have bridal shops, and many smaller towns do too. The motorway network makes it fairly easy to visit more than one city in a day.

How long it takes

Once you have chosen a gown, it is often ordered in your size, which can take several months. Alterations usually begin a couple of months before the wedding and may need a few visits. Ask each shop how they handle this and leave room for delays.

Shoes, veils and accessories are best chosen before your first fitting so the hem can be set correctly.