I was watching Mama Mia on telly and then Amanda Seyfried came out in this wedding dress that was so fairy-tale like. The whole wedding itself was already something out of a rich man's world; the ceremony was taking place in this tiny chapel atop a cliff overlooking the sea and setting horizon. Talk about spoiling the market.

All the weddings I have attended follow traditional chinese customs - praying at the temple, serving of tea to the elders to collect ang baos etc. So from early afternoon the guests have to house-hop with the to-be-wedded couple, and everyone will be perspiring in their special outfits trying to stay alive in the heatwave. But it's all part of the fun. Then comes the dinner banquet in a fancy hotel/restaurant and a ball of merry-making. That's a chinese wedding for you.

Which is all very interesting but predictable and safe. What about whimsical? DIY? There is that sense of character in weddings held on the grounds of nature. The rustling of leaves in the wind or the calming motion of waves or just a big old shade tree in the garden - you cannot replicate these elements without coming across too trying. But again perfect is defined by individuals' terms. Just...make sure the bride and groom are on the same page.

In the process of finding Amanda Seyfried's dress on the internet I came across some other beautiful ones.

Tube wedding dresses usually trail the ground with lots of poof and air underneath (you can hide those huge thighs you have tried to lose for 5 years etc ), but this dress offers a different twist. Plus you get to show off your stilettos. Or boots! Getting married in boots would be so country.

But I think it's always safer to go for strapped dresses because you never know how eager your boobies are to make an appearance. The combination of lace plus low-backed plus big poofy bottoms is very appealing.

Although for all the oohs and aahs a poofy cinderella wedding dress receives, I think the simple white gown does it best for me. These are the ones without all that baggage and distractions. Anyone can rock a tube dress, but only a handful can look like a ravishing beauty in these understated dresses.