It is a case of prioritizing the things that mean the most to you and this is what you want to spend your money and time getting right.

The dress is for most girls, the most important and most delicate item on the agenda! We have all seen fab dresses, at friends weddings, in magazines, gracing the catwalks, but when it comes to actually choosing the one that will carry you through the biggest day of your life...the pressure can be all too much.

Every bride wants to look beautiful and unique on her wedding day. Rather than getting a dress off the rack, have you considered a vintage wedding dress? The classic beauty of a look that transforms you back to an earlier era can be truly magical. Additionally, vintage

wedding dresses often feature exquisite details and workmanship for a fraction of the price that you'd pay for a comparable modern dress.

But where can you find a vintage wedding dress? And what pitfalls should you watch out for when shopping for one?

Avoid dresses that have stains or need repairs You know how hard it is to get out a stain that has been sitting for a couple of weeks, now imagine that stain has been sitting for 20 years or more! Also, it can be difficult to match vintage fabrics with modern fabric if you have thought about replacing a piece of fabric.

I'd advise you to avoid any dress made before 1900, and to take a careful look at any 20's silk chiffons. Take some time to stretch the fabric, look at it, and note any weakening. Again, a skilled seamstress can stabilize some fabrics, but you'll need to be prepared for the cost. It's important to remember that fabric deteriorates over time.

You will not wear your regular dress size in a vintage dress. Not only have people generally gotten taller and a little chubbier, but the clothing industry has been gradually adjusting sizes downward. If you're buying a dress on-line, the best thing to do is to carefully take your measurements and ask the seller to provide you with exact measurements as well. Check measurements like shoulders and rise as well as bust, waist, and hips. Be sure to leave some wiggle room so that you can comfortably move.

In a store, you'll often just have to try things on and be open to wearing a larger size. Since many dresses were worn with a girdle or corset, you may want to wear one aswell. In this case, buy one before you've made your final wedding dress purchase so that you can make sure it will still fit properly.

And last, but certainly not least, be aware that most vintage dresses run from a modern size 0-6 or so, with a few going up to a 10 or 12, and many are on the short side. If you don't fit in this size range, you may want to consider other options, or be prepared to be patient.....