Using online marriage agencies seems to have become one of the most common options for men to look for a Russian bride. These types of agencies are attractive because of their accessibility and a number of options. Unlike traditional agencies, where you have to send out a letter, look through photographs and rely on a one-sided selection process (where you choose the lady, but she never has the choice of choosing you), internet agencies allow an easy access to the database of ladies and a faster response rate. You can search through profiles by any criteria (age, location, appearance), but keep in mind that some agencies have their own database, while others simply purchase databases from other agencies.

An advantage to using an online dating agency is also an array of services and expertise you can use during your search and communication with the Russian women, even though you will need to pay for their services.

What services you can expect from such agencies:

• listing your profile, which is available for all women in their database to see;

• being able to communicate via email with a lady of your liking (even if she does not have a computer, the agency staff will call and read her your letter and write down her reply, provide necessary translations, etc);

• being able to send out mass introduction emails to several ladies of your liking;

• buying ladies' contact information;

• arranging a phone call/video conference with the lady you like;

• helping with travel arrangements when you decide to visit Russia;

• arranging meetings with ladies of your choice, etc.

The biggest downfall of such agencies is scamming. Many people have taken advantage of the high demand for beautiful Russian women and have gotten involved in elaborate scams. In order to avoid getting tricked by one of such institutions, make sure that you use a reputable agency (best if recommended by someone who has used it and can share personal experience with you). Even if you trust the agency, it is still good practice to never send money to women you are writing to unless you have met in person. If you need to make arrangements for travel, for example, reserve tickets yourself, make reservations through internet or a trusted person, etc.

Regular Internet dating sites are also an option. Such sites are different from marriage agencies. They are generally free of cost for everyone in search of their mate. You will be able to list your profile/photo on such sites, as well as search the database for people who interest you. Such a way of publishing your information, which is available for everyone to see, provides wide exposure. However, at the same time the downfall of this approach can be that you will receive letters from people who are not necessarily looking for marriage. A language also poses more of a problem with such websites. Many Russian women who do not speak English will not be using such websites, while men from abroad will not always be able to use Russian dating websites (unless you have an interpreter, or a friend who can help you with the language issue).

However, there also lies danger of scams in using such an approach. While you might be saving money by not paying the agencies, you might very well be left completely on your own with absolute strangers - there will not be an agency you can contact should you run into problems, no person whom you can ask to meet the lady if you have some doubts about her being genuine, etc.

Finally, you can place your own advertisement, if you do not wish to use any intermediary. It is possible to do so through placing a personal ad in a newspaper/magazine published in Russia. While it is possible to do so in English, you will definitely have better chances of reaching maximum number of ladies if you publish your advertisement in Russian language. You can have a Russian-speaking friend help you or even turn to a translation agency. You should also think carefully about the kind of publication you want to place your ad in. Large publications are a great option, but they might not be effective in reaching women in smaller, more remote towns of Russia or country of your choice. If you want to target both areas, you might collaborate with an existing translation service or an introduction agency, which can help you publish your ad in smaller towns for a certain fee.

Whatever option you choose to look for your Russian bride, it is important to determine your objective of the search and exercise caution in making choices.