Few things are as important to a bride as her wedding gown, but finding the dress of your dreams - the one you've fantasised about since you were a little girl - can be tricky. Experts agree it's all about marrying the image you've long carried in your mind with your own style.
Alice got married in Spain six months ago and chose a HK$200 dress from a traditional flamenco shop in Madrid; Susan spent HK$60,000 on a bespoke Dorian Ho design for her wedding in Hong Kong late last year - and both brides were thrilled with their gowns. 'It's not so much about trends, it's finding a gown that suits your own style and taste,' says wedding consultant Michele Li from The Wedding Company.
Ms Li says over the past few years there has been a far wider selection of wedding gowns available in Hong Kong, so now there is something to suit every bride's taste. Choice and the trend towards western-style weddings is also luring brides from the mainland to Hong Kong, who are looking for high-quality wedding gowns that are simple and elegant.
'While there is an abundant supply of wedding gowns in the mainland, probably at a low cost, not all of them are good quality, and the designs tend to be busy,' says Elmis Chiu from White Bridal Couture. 'Hong Kong is the perfect place for these brides, as many of us speak Mandarin. As we are very close geographically, the brides can return for fitting sessions without too much hassle.'
Fabrics in vogue this season are lighter and less bulky. 'Designers are tending to use lighter fabrics that give a bit more texture, including knotting, crinkled chiffon, and embroidered lace. Satin is more traditional and structured, and brides are stepping away from this,' according to Carolyn Chow, co-owner of Central Weddings.
Ms Chiu agrees, and says gowns are less structured with elements of irregularity to give a natural look.
Costs vary as widely as the styles themselves. It's possible to buy a locally made gown for HK$10,000 to HK$15,000, but gowns from top international designers such as Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Oscar de La Renta, Valentino and Vera Wang can cost as much as HK$70,000 and more. If these prices are prohibitive, consider renting a gown; most Hong Kong boutiques have a selection of dresses for this purpose. The disadvantage, however, is that your rented gown may not fit as perfectly as one that is tailor-made for your figure.