The Dress

This dress was custom-made by the amazing veteran Auckland wedding dress designer Anita at Vinka Design.

I paid $4,800 for it - considering the hours she put in fitting the best patterns in the lace onto the bodice, I thought it was a great deal.

I loved wearing it, my husband couldn't believe how great it looked, and it made me feel like a princess - though a little more fashionable I think!

I'm a size 10 on the top but a 12 on the bottom, so the A-line shape suited. Would fit a 10 or a 12 on the lower half.

The top is made from two layers of nude-coloured mesh with lace fitted and sewn over the top. It has a slight stretch which made it very comfortable. Sewn in also are two nude bra cups. I'm a size 12B, but the cups were put in very last so they can be removed, replaced or re-positioned by a dressmaker. I'm sure Anita at Vinka would be happy to do it for a small fee.

The bottom is made from Dupion Silk. I chose it so the fabric would have a little more strength and structure than chiffon, and retain its A-line shape. It also has a beautiful, subtle sheen to it. The only thing you need to know with this fabric is that it crinkles very slightly when crushed. You can see that a little in the photos I've posted ( they were taken at different stages ) - but it's not major at all. And it kind of adds to the slightly more natural look of the fabric - less costume-y.

There is a small train ( See outside "aisle" photo ) that can be hitched up via a button and loop for later. When it's hitched, there is still a very, very small train which made it look awesome- just sort of maybe an inch lower than the floor, but you could have some fabric taken out if you didn't want that. It gave it a very nice shape when the train was out though.

You may need to alter the length - I'm 175cm tall and I wore a 3cm heel.

I've just got the dress back from Regal Drycleaners, and it comes in a special long-term fabric storage bag. The simple veil has also been cleaned and if you want that you can have it.

There doesn't appear to be any stains on the dress apart from one small one on the inside bottom that you can't see at all from the outside.

I'm totally happy for you to come over for the all important try-on! I get that you can't know at all until you try - I'd just ask you don't wear makeup on your neck or chest - or wear fake tan.

I love this dress and I'd love for someone else to get as much joy out of it as I did.

Small stain on inside that can't been seen from outside.