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" In part three of our wedding blog series, Bazaar&#146;s assistant features editor Helena Lee talks us through her hunt for the perfect dress. And so to the dress: that mysterious, transformative, magical gown that creates princesses of all brides. But is it really the one thing we&#146;ve been waiting all our lives to wear, busily scrapbooking since our teens? Of course the frock&amp;#039;s important - always the first subject of any wedding-related conversation &#150; but in reality, I have simple demands from mine: something wonderful that will show off the best version of me. However, now that I&#146;ve chosen a dress, I&#146;m happy to say that the process of looking should be enjoyed not endured. I know many have a good idea of what they&#146;d like but I was as unprepared for this activity as I was about\u00A0the proposal and diamonds. What I&#146;ve learned over the last year is that inspiration shouldn&#146;t be confined to sifting through bridal-wear. It&#146;s a self-referential area, and I did find it difficult to imagine myself in all the white tulle and ruffles that were presented before me.  Looking to the catwalk was rewarding. At the time I was browsing, the new autumn/winter 13 collections were being revealed and I was drawn to the looks at Dolce &amp;amp;amp; Gabbana for texture, fabric and accessories; Valentino for necklines and elegance; Proenza Schouler and Dior for shape. READ HELENA&#146;S WEDDING BLOG PART 2: THE SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT VENUE\u00A0 This exploration was infinitely more beneficial than bridal catalogues: I could see what shapes I wanted to wear and what might suit me without the pressure of trying things on and making snap decisions. When I did go shopping (armed with print-outs of gowns that I loved), I received sterling service at Browns Brides, which accommodated my three guests including my mother, and where I swished around in gowns that ought to have fairy-tale castles to match. I tried on a more period, Downton Abbey look at Charlie Brear (formerly the Vintage Wedding Dress Company) and Circa Brides. It was there that I learned that long lead-times were needed to tailor the dress to fit perfectly.  I do advise spacing out appointments - after trying on five gowns in one day, I was dress-weary and emotionally hardened to the idea of walking down the aisle. Having said that, I suspect my tolerance is lower than most. I finally decided to buy a bespoke gown, in part inspired by designs I&#146;d seen at Valentino and Monique Lhullier. Working with a tailor recommended by a friend, from looking at initial sketches to choosing fabrics, chatting about hemlines and sleeve lengths, the process has been (excuse the pun) a seamless one. It&#146;s still being finalised as I write, but with every fitting (of which there are five) comes the welcome realisation that I will be wearing it very soon.  Wedding dresses I loved and other inspirationsThe good news is that there is a wealth of shops tailored to the bride - David&#146;s Bridal\u00A0has opened its flagship store in Westfield, Stratford, and Maria Senvo will be serving up bespoke luxe early next year, to name but two. However, to find a well-made dress below \u00A31,500 is difficult, and that&#146;s without alterations &#150; which will inevitably be needed. I&#146;ve heard that Bicester Village can be a place for bargains (a friend found a Temperley gown for \u00A3400 which was altered for another \u00A3400). For those who are getting married later in 2014, the V&amp;amp;amp;A&#146;s must-see exhibition Wedding Dress 1775-2014 will feature dresses from designers such as John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood and Norman Hartnell. On loan are wedding dresses from Dita von Teese and Gwen Stefani (3 May 2014 &#150; 15 March 2015). And of course, here&#146;s a gallery of Bazaar&#146;s favourite celebrity weddings, which provide eternal fascination. Alternative suggestions: Delphine ManivetBohemian simplicity and French elegance.  Temperley The epitome of bridal gowns.  Reem Acra Flattering and feminine.  Peter LangnerStructured elegance from this former Dior designer.  Charlie BrearTailored service and accessible designs.  Astral Sundholm at Circa BridesVintage-style gowns. Monique Lhullier Gowns both dreamy and regal in equal measure.  Browns BridesLovely service with a great range of designers including Monique Lhullier, Peter Langer and Reem Accra. Up to \u00A330 consultancy charge redeemable against a dress. WEDDING BLOG PART 1: THE PROPOSAL AND THE RING\u00A0 WEDDING BLOG PART 2: THE VENUE "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/news/a21396/wedding-blog-the-dress/>