HOT TOPIC Local experts offer stellar advice on wedding dilemmas FINDING THE ONE I’m nervous about my first bridal appointment. What can I expect, and should I take anything with me? Your first bridal appointment is such a special occasion! It’s perfectly natural to feel a little nervous. You’ll usually begin by chatting with your bridal consultant, who is there to guide and support you through this exciting journey. They’ll want to know a bit about the venue, the date and the overall feel of your day. They’ll ask about styles or details you love, like lace, sparkle or flowing skirts. Trying on gowns is the exciting part! You’ll be guided through trying on a range of beautiful dresses. The consultant may suggest a few styles, but you should also be allowed to look through and choose some gowns. At this point, keep an open mind and be adventurous, as sometimes, the dress you least expect can end up being the one. Bridal gowns often have tricky fastenings like corsets or delicate buttons, so the bridal consultant will help you in and out of the dresses. Don’t worry, they do this all the time, and it’s part of the service. It can be the most nerve-wracking part of the experience for some, but most brides will soon relax into the process after trying just a few dresses on. As you try each dress, the consultant will ask for your thoughts. They’ll want to know what you like or dislike to help narrow your choices and find the perfect gown. Your entourage may give opinions on how a dress looks but remember, it’s about how you look and feel. Appointments tend to work better with just a few close people whose opinions you value and those who will give helpful feedback. You don’t need to take anything specific for the appointment, but I recommend an open mind! You cannot know which dresses you love until you’ve tried them on, as they look so different in pictures and on rails. You don’t need to bring bridal shoes as most stores have sample shoes to wear. Nude or white underwear and a strapless bra can be helpful but is not essential. I always end up laughing with brides who come in funky socks or their old underwear! It actually helps break the ice and the nervousness. When you find the perfect dress, you’ll end up with a beaming smile, excitement and not wanting to take the gown off! Not all brides or their entourage will have tears when you find the one, and that’s okay! Just keep an open mind and enjoy the experience. Tracey Goodall | Brides of Dorset | https://bridesofdorset.co.uk TIERS OF JOY We’re currently planning our big day, and we’ve decided against a traditional cake. Do you have any alternative suggestions? When it comes to alternative wedding cakes, the possibilities are endless. Couples tend to move away from the more traditional multi-tiered fruit cakes and explore creative options that best reflect their personalities, venue vibe, themes, colours and tastes. Some exciting options include cheese wedding cakes, sweet treat towers, dessert tables and even doughnut walls. Couples could also choose this fabulous showstopper above that offers an alternative for all the chocoholics, with a chocolate brownie drip cake with a fresh strawberry cone topper. The cake is a fabulously rich chocolate brownie layered with indulgent dark chocolate ganache. It’s covered in a semi-iced look with dark chocolate drips to finish. The cone topper features fresh strawberries dipped in a mix of dark and white chocolate with piped décor complete with some macaroons, chocolates, fresh flowers and even more fresh strawberries. You’ll be sure to wow guests with this one! Amanda Reilly | Reilly Cakes | https://reillycakes.co.uk https://jcphotographyltd.com ©Laura Lee Photography 77 ASK THE EXPERTS
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