IS FOR TRENDS “We’re seeing a massive switch to go big or go home here at Bellissima Brides,” Emma and Sophie tell us. “Our brides are loving beautiful ballgowns and glamorous beaded fitted dresses with trains to die for. Our new Blanche Bridal range has hit the boutique recently and really does have the wow factor. If you want to feel special on your big day, these are the gowns for you!” V IS FOR VEIL In day-to-day life accessories can make or break an outfit, and the veil is the bridal version of that theory. Long, statement veils were popular in 2022, in part thanks to Kourtney K, and they’re so versatile. There’s nothing to say you have to keep it on all day, you may wish to switch up your look with a hair accessory later on and keep the veil for that romantic, ethereal look as you walk down the aisle. They’re not for everyone, but our best advice is: don’t rule it out until you’ve tried it. WIS FOR WILD CARD Our golden rule when it comes to wedding-dress shopping is to go in with a completely open mind, as tunnel vision could lead to a stressful situation if the style you set your heart on just doesn’t work out how you thought. Your stylist or one of your entourage may pull out a wild card, something you never thought you’d go for. Trust us, try it on, it could be the one. XIS FOR X-PERT OK, we cheated a bit, but we couldn’t finish up without extolling the virtues of the amazing local boutique consultants. They have your best interests at heart and they really know their stuff. When you arrive for your appointment you’ll have an initial consultation, which will help your stylist to understand you and your vision. We like to think of them as the dress whisperers! IS FOR ZOOM It’s inevitable your dress will have a little travelling to do – when you collect it and when you take it to the venue, as a minimum. To keep it in tip-top condition invest in a good quality, acid-free garment bag to store it in, and once it’s home keep it away from any harsh light or temperatures. When you’re heading for the venue lay down the seats of the car and place the dress flat if you can, or hang from the garment hook if that fails. Just be sure to hang it up again as soon as you arrive. We’d also highly recommend taking a handheld steamer with you – we speak from experience! Your seamstress will steam it for you once they've worked their magic, but it doesn’t take much for some fabrics to crumple again. Y IS FOR “YES” How do you know this is the dress for you? Ali at Blue & Sixpence Bridal has an idea: “We always say that if you can answer ‘yes’ to three questions you’ve found the one... Do I look like the best version of me? Am I confident? Am I comfortable? Nothing else matters.” Z UIS FOR UNIQUE “We make sure our brides know that we can change anything except the colour and fabric of a gown,” says Ali. “We have a full range of accessories available from straps, sleeves, appliqués and lace, sparkles and spangles, extra fabric, and ribbon and buttons too! “Often during an appointment, a bride will say: ‘I like it but...’ We’re able to customise gowns on the fly, reworking necklines, sleeves and more. By altering the smallest detail on a designer gown, you can make it a world exclusive, bespoke to you.” Allure Bridals available at The Bridal Loung T Blanche Bridal available at Bellissima Brides © www.thebridetribephoto.co.uk Sophia Tolli vailable at The Bridal Lounge 78
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