hi
just read this thread. My advice to you for shopping for an engagement outfit is to go to southall in london and shop on the broadway. I know it is a trek from wales, however it will be worth it. I got engaged in the summer 2008 but in pakistan however on my firends engagment this december just gone we shopped in many places. we treked to manchester, it was not brilliant, birmingham was good but far too expensive in comparison to southall, which was cheaper. I would recommend go for a light colour and be simplistic. My friend wore a simple sharara in pale blue with a hint of pink work, very simplistic and matching fake set jewelery with blue beads and it was silver as this matched the kadia on the outfit. She had a simple make-up and me and her friends did her hair in curls and half-up. we brought the sharar for a hundred pounds, you just need to shop up and down the road in all shops and come back for the best bargain. It is a day trip but you can get your ideal dress at a bargain.
Anyway thats what i think. Good luck with it inshallah
tk care
zeebs100