Bath-based bridal designer Catherine Miller talks about getting value for money on your big day

We caught up with Bath-based bridal designer Catherine Miller to talk about getting value for money on your wedding day.

"According to The Times, the average wedding costs a whopping £33,000, with an increasing amount being spent online with couples seeking good value," says Catherine. "I'm a big fan of internet shopping, but we need to be aware of the dangers. We worry about our children falling foul of scurrilous individuals, and yet apparently don't apply the same logic to ourselves. Can you imagine first-time house buyers dropping £30K on a house deposit without ever viewing it in person?"

"There's no meaningful redress for a ruined wedding day. The day is the deal. If the cake collapses, the photographer doesn't turn up, or the dress turns out to be a mass-produced nylon copy with zips that don't work and seams coming undone, you may well be a little stuck," she continues.

"I've been creating bespoke clothing for bridal parties the world over for 35 years, after securing a textiles degree at Bath University. When I started, traditionally the bride's parents paid and had more influence over the day. Now, women marry later and have more financial independence," she explains. "I have no doubt that social media can inspire the planning of a wedding, but it also offers an element of competition you didn't see 30 years ago. One-upmanship is very expensive, so of course people will look to reduce costs."

Not only can Catherine's brides expect an entirely bespoke service creating a one-off gown, and made to measure lingerie, but they have access to her black book of wedding services. If you need local recommendations for hair, make-up, catering or photography, 35 years and nearly 1000 bridal parties later, she has seen it all. But there's one thing which has not changed...

“My clients have always sought elegance and beauty. Some have clear ideas, and we work collaboratively and organically to ensure exquisite garments are created and fantasies are fulfilled. Each wedding is a personal event, and many come to me with only the vaguest notion about their day. And of course we work together, but I offer more suggestions and guidance until we agree the initial concept. All of my clients leave my studio with something which emphasises and flatters their natural qualities."

“I have also seen corners cut and disasters happen. Regrettably it can lead to tremendous disappointment and often last-minute unplanned expense. I cannot recommend enough working in person, from start to finish to plan your perfect wedding day. Why wouldn't you meet the people who you are putting so much trust in?"

For more information on Catherine Miller, head to www.silkspecialistcatherinemiller.co.uk