Wedding Dresses in York

York's medieval streets, city walls and the Minster make it one of the most photographed wedding cities in the north, but cobbles and narrow lanes such as the Shambles are not kind to stilettos or long trains. Try walking in a sample gown during your appointment, and consider a heel you can manage on uneven stone.

Timing

Start nine to twelve months before the wedding. Made-to-order gowns can take months to arrive. Alterations usually begin two to three months beforehand, with a final fitting within a couple of weeks of the date.

Appointments and visitors

Bridal shops work by appointment, and Saturdays are the first to fill. York is busy with visitors for much of the year, particularly in summer and during the Christmas season, so allow extra time for parking or come in by train. Ask about appointment length, guest numbers and any fee. Brides also look in Harrogate, Knaresborough or Selby.

Beyond the city

Many couples marry in country houses, barns and hotels across the Vale of York and North Yorkshire. Rural venues mean lawns and gravel, where a bustle helps, and the weather can turn quickly, so think about a warm layer that suits the dress.