Here comes the bride. And she can be…off-the-rack, all-in-white, made-to-measure or authentic-vintage. From franchise boutiques to couture design salons, you will have no trouble finding all you need for the big day. Those seeking a walk-in, walk-out purchase will find a great selection at L’Empire du Mariage, stockists of a range of bridal dress brands, children’s bridal outfits, and cocktail attire. A similar array is available at the myriad Point Mariage boutiques, though the nearest to Paris is located at Coignieres, 40 minutes drive from the city. This place is worth the trip for those seeking budget options (dresses from as low as €99) and one-stop-shopping; the bride, groom, wedding party and children are all catered for from head to toe.

For wedding gowns and cocktail dresses with a little more detail, Hervé Mariage offers a large selection with prices ranging €400 for special sale stock to gowns priced at more than €2,000. For a truly unique bridal gown, Suzanne Ermann creates gorgeously quirky dresses available off-the-rack. Colour copies can be made on command. Or make an appointment at the boutique Sonia L. The prestigious boutique carries a range of designer gowns, menswear, outfits for the bridal party, shoes, accessories and even photo albums.

Those seeking made-to-measure gowns will face a similar array of choice. Award-winning French wedding gown designer Max Chaoul creates designer weddings dresses from €3,500, while Mireille Brunel at Mercerie d’un Soir designs ball dresses and wedding gowns to your taste, budget and specifications. At the boutique of society milliner, Philippe Model, brides and bridal parties can find beautiful, individual hats along with bridal shoes. In the vintage department, Ragtime is an Aladdin’s cave of antique French fashion including a beautiful selection of vintage wedding dresses. Sizes are on the small side but alterations can be made in-house at the boutique where possible.

Department stores Printemps, Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché are all good generalist stores given their extensive ranges of shoes, gowns, accessories and clothing. Each centre also offers a fantastic wedding registry service: there really is little reason to look elsewhere. The same can be said of Cassegrain and Marie Papier when it comes to customised invitations, both boutiques offering the last word in elegance.

Confused by choice? Visit the Salon du Mariage et de la Fete (www.salonmariagefete.com) at the Espace Champerret exhibition centre, held each November, for a great overview of everything and anything wedding.