IS FOR TRENDS County Wedding Magazines’ fashion editor Claire Ridley tells us what’s hot in the world of wedding fashion right now... Plain dresses featuring clean-cut lines with a minimalist aesthetic. Lace bodices adorned with beautiful beadwork and voluminous skirts made with layers of organza offering a new take on princess-style dresses. Wide, low backlines providing a fresh update to the illusion look, as does the option to include a cape veil. The midi-length dress with a soft tulle skirt (à la Carrie Bradshaw) combined with off-the-shoulder sleeves Couture details such as structured box pleats with hidden pockets, lace appliqué and floral motifs.VIS FOR VEIL Cathy shares, “Your wedding is your one opportunity in life to wear a veil, so consider the option as there are many to choose from: waist, fingertip, cathedral, royal. Then there’s the pattern or design, be it lace, pearls, sparkle or simple. “You may want to go with tradition and wear the second tier over your face, known as the blusher. A single tier placed discreetly at the back over a low bun is also perfect. My advice is to visit your local bridal boutique with your dress and let them guide you. We offer this service even if you haven’t chosen your dress from us.” 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. Cathy says, “Make sure you try on enough dress styles and if your bridal consultant suggests a wild card – give it a go!” X IS FOR X-PERT Ok, we cheated a bit, but we couldn’t end without extolling the virtues of the amazing local boutique consultants. They have your best interests at heart and really know their stuff. When you arrive for your appointment you’ll have an initial consultation, which will help them 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 “YES” TO THE DRESS How do you know this is the dress for you? We have some ideas... You don’t want to take it off. You compare every other dress to it. You feel beautiful and confident You can picture yourself walking down the aisle in it. You’ve already started accessorising in your mind. Z UIS FOR UNIQUE If you’ve found a gown that’s nearly there, but not quite, discuss options with your consultant. Whether it be a few extra sparkles, lace, appliqué detail, or buttons. They can often work with you to make sure your dress is completely you. You could even personalise it by adding a swatch of fabric from a loved one’s wedding dress or go all out and commission a bespoke gown. Veil by Twilight Designs (TLV8094), available at 14 & Sixpence T www.rosaclara.es 62
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