Today life is so different, more girls than boys go to university and many then go on to have successful careers competing against men for the top jobs in law, finance, commerce and politics.

We now take out mortgages to buy our own home, travel the world, live with a man and have children out of marriage with no stigma attached or questions asked. We can have it all it seems – so where does marriage fit in?

Many of the brides I meet at the National Wedding Show have their children with them – ready-made little bridesmaids. Women are taking longer to commit to marriage – but interestingly the fairytale of happy ever after hasn’t died. We are just testing the water first…

If you have waited a long time to marry, it is likely you have had time to think about your dress and are looking for a designer that can make your dreams come true. I find most brides that come to me for a couture dress are in their thirties.

They have been to many weddings and want a dress as beautiful as those worn by their best friends. Dresses by the most popular designers are gorgeous but instantly recognisable – and, make no mistake, in this competitive world the pressure on the bride to look stunning cannot be underestimated.

I also meet second time around brides who often want a big ceremony to celebrate finding lasting love. There may be two new families to unite, often with offspring on both sides.

Last year I designed dresses for two brides in their forties – and one was a first time around bride. This year I have a lovely client who I met when I made her mother of the bride outfit –  she is tying the knot after 20 years or so with her partner and she rightly wants a gown that makes her look and feel confident, attractive and extra special.