Your Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wedding - Apr/May 2019 (Issue 76)

Q&A Beauty Our local experts solve your wedding woes BIG-DAY BARGAINS I’d love a wow-factor wedding gown but worry that I just don’t have the budget for it. Can you give me any advice about finding the right dress at the right price? Lee says: Every bride should have the perfect bridal experience and find the dress of their dreams without compromising on quality and style. Have you thought widening your search to include sample and even preowned gowns? At Bridal Reloved, we specialise in high-end designer dresses at budget prices. Our brides can have a fabulous designer dress at a huge saving, and although we do stock incredible, immaculate preloved dresses, most of our dresses are either new or sample gowns in pristine condition, with a wide range of up-to-date styles and sizes from 6 to 26. Wherever you decide to buy from, you should expect the full bridal experience. At my boutique, the exclusive appointments are free and entirely styled around you. I ensure all my brides have a minimum two- hour appointment, during which the boutique is entirely theirs and they can try on as many dresses as they wish. Some boutique owners, like myself, may also be able to be more flexible with appointments, accommodating evenings and Sundays if not already busy at wedding fairs. Think about extras beyond the initial appointment too, such as storage and seamstress services. Here at Bridal Reloved, we can store your dress free of charge and have a bridal seamstress who will customise and create dresses to specifications at a competitive price. Lee Anne Griffin Boutique owner HIRE LOVE With finance in mind, what are the choices in terms of groomswear, and can my husband-to-be cut costs and still look great on the big day? Alex says: Let’s start practically. Is the suit just for the wedding day? Is it just for the groom, or is there a party of people needing the same suit? If there is a party of groomsmen needing to match the groom, hiring would be the better option. As grooms could be looking for a suit they may not wear again, the benefit of hiring may mean they can choose a more extravagant outfit. Hiring prestige suits and tails with alternative waistcoats is perfect for grooms who wish to feel their best on the day and the more affordable option, especially if more than one suit is required. At Elegans Menswear, we can also provide matching suits for boys and all the size scales for adults to ensure everyone is comfortable. A mixture of hiring and buying is a great way to keep costs down. The groom can buy his perfect suit and look to hire suits and accessories that complement the wedding theme for others. Alex Rathkey Proprietor CONTACT THE EXPERTS Lee Anne Griffin , boutique owner, wallingford@bridalreloved.co.uk Alex Rathkey , elegansmenswear.com wallingfordportraits.co.uk 102