IS FOR JEWELLERY The fun doesn’t end when you order your dress, as now you get to start shopping for your accessories. It’s generally recommended to do this after you’ve decided on your attire as it’s easier to make the jewellery work with the dress rather than the other way around. The right piece can elevate your look or solve and niggles you may have. G IS FOR GOWNS There are so many silhouettes and styles to choose from, so start by having a look in your own wardrobe to see what vibe you usually veer towards for a special occasion or that you know feels comfortable. If you’re not used to something fitted, your wedding day might not be the time to try – so avoid the fit and flares and look at the A-lines. HIS FOR HAPPY TEARS Fear not, when you find the one all is not necessarily as we see it on TV with much arm flapping and tears. If you’re not the emotional sort, it’s unlikely you’ll suddenly start while you’re dress shopping, and that’s completely fine. Sometimes, it will simply be a case of weighing up your options and feeling satisfied with your decision. As long as you feel comfortable in that, there’s no reason to doubt it, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! IS FOR IVORY Here comes the bride, all dressed in white... or is she? While Queen Victoria made it popular for the bride to wear white, having done so on her own wedding day, commitment to this tradition has by and large been relegated to the annals of history. Heather says, “There are so many colours to choose from, but make sure you talk to your bridal stylist, as not every dress comes in multiple hues. Poplar at the moment are champagne and sand, both slightly warmer than ivory. Another popular choice is mocha, which has a richer tone, but is darker than ivory.” Hanni says, “If you’re looking for a gown that’s still traditional but has a bit of an edge, we’d suggest looking at the neutral hue options ranging from light almond, to dark mocha and look especially fabulous on the lining of a lace gown. Blush pink is also wonderful and gives a softer, more romantic tone to your gown. For a bolder bride, make a statement with hot pink, red or black. We’d recommend checking out Madi Lane’s new Nostalgia collection released in 2023, which we’ll be stocking. It has some wonderful colour options.” J IS FOR KICK UP YOUR HEELS Once you’ve ordered your gown, it’s time to give your footwear some serious thought. You’ll need to have your shoes in the bag by the time your alterations appointment comes round as it’s important to make sure the seamstress knows the exact length the dress needs to be, and heels versus flats will make quite the difference. Make sure you’re comfortable. If you generally live and die in trainers, there are some gorgeous bridal options out there. Alternatively, many brides choose to make their shoes their wedding-day treat to themselves and spend months saving for the ultimate Jimmy Choos. LIS FOR LACE We adore lace! It has long been used in wedding dresses largely thanks to its luxurious nature, having historically been labourintensive to produce. Once again Queen Vic is in part responsible for its popularity, sporting handmade lace on her wedding dress. But if you’re now thinking of grandma’s doilies – stop! Modern lace is as varied as it is beautiful. Alencon, eyelet, Chantilly, embroidered, guipure (sometimes called Venetian), soft knit, and point d’esprit are all popular with today’s designers, covering styles from chic and traditional to vintage and boho. MIS FOR MONEY Emma Page and Sophie McCoy at Bellissima Brides (www.bellissima-brides.co.uk) say, “It’s so important to be clear on your budget before your first bridal appointments. We never ask a bride their budget as there’s always a little bit of flexibility for the right one, but to fall in love with a dress that’s way outside what you expected to pay is a tricky situation to be in. So, get a ball park in mind by researching brands and boutiques. Most bridal boutiques will state their average price points on their website and socials. If you’re unsure, don’t hold back, just ask.” Sophia Tolli available at The Bridal Lounge Madi Lane available at My Funny Valentine Bridal Allure Bridals available at The Bridal Lounge K I 74
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