EIS FOR ENTOURAGE Heather Laver from The Bridal Lounge (https://thebridallounge.co.uk) tells us, “Bring people you can trust to give you an honest answer. Bringing the entire bridal party can be fun, but it can also be overwhelming, and you might find your own thoughts about the dresses are lost in the babble going on around you. Sometimes, an intimate appointment with just yourself, or one trusted friend or family member is better than lots of people who end up making the choice harder.” A Rock that frock! The ultimate A-Z guide to wedding-dress shopping IS FOR ALTERATIONS Once you’ve ordered your dream dress you’ll need to start looking for a seamstress to do your alterations. Even though you’ve ordered your size, chances are it’ll still need a little tweak here and there as dresses fit everyone differently. B IS FOR BODY BEAUTIFUL When it comes to knowing what’s best for you and your body, Ali Hamilton at Blue & Sixpence Bridal (www.blueandsixpence.co.uk) in Liverpool as some words of wisdom: “As women we should dress for ourselves, and wear whatever makes us feel good, expressing our individual personalities and identities. When a bride attends her appointment we spend the first 20 minutes getting to know them, and in doing this I’ve discovered that most women have some sort of body issue, regardless of their size or shape. But we need to stop comparing ourselves to the airbrushed images we’re subjected to in the media and embrace our differences. There are ways to create shape, silhouette and style without compromising on individuality. “If you have concerns about a particular area, chat with someone who understands and can advise without judging. Choose a bridal boutique and consultant who'll listen, guide, suggest and encourage. One that provides plenty of choice allowing you to explore all your options in a warm, welcoming environment.” Blue & Sixpence stocks around 450 gowns in size 6 to 36. C IS FOR CATWALK We always advise newly-engaged couples to hit the wedding shows as soon as possible. It’s the best way to meet suppliers and assemble your W-day team. While you’re there, be sure to experience a catwalk show. It’ll help you find dress inspiration from silhouettes, to fabrics and designers; as well as guiding you towards a boutique you might want to make an appointment with. IS FOR FABRIC Ali says, “It’s a good idea to consider the fabric of a gown in conjunction with your venue type. For example, a lightweight, chiffon gown might seem ideal for an August wedding, but if you’re tying the knot in a stately home, it’s likely to look rather underwhelming. For that reason, we always advise our brides to wait until they’ve secured their venue before shopping for the dress. “Generally, more heavy-weight fabrics, such as satins and Mikado, create architectural, sculptural shapes, which can work well in the colder months. They also complement opulent surroundings. Lighter fabrics such as silk and slipper satins evoke sumptuous, luxurious textures ideal for grand venues, and are more suitable for summer. Chiffons meanwhile create soft, romantic silhouettes and are often the go-to fabric of many a boho bride regardless of the time of year as they blend well with the theme and setting.” IS FOR DIARY Hanni Frankland at My Funny Valentine Bridal (https://mfvbridal.com) in Chester advises that you arrive at your appointment with some ideas of dresses you like, “Although we do suggest you keep an open mind too!” “If possible, wear nude underwear and ideally a strapless bra if you have one, as underwear can make all the difference,” she continues. “Many stores have heels you can borrow, but just in case we’d advise to bring your own to give you that full bridal look. Do avoid wearing fake tan though as this may stain the dresses, but be sure to do your hair and make-up the way you feel best as this always helps with confidence. Above all, have fun, try not to overthink, relax and go with your gut!” My Funny Valentine Bridal © www.withloverosephotography.co.uk F Allure Bridals available at The Bridal Lounge D BRIDAL BOUTIQUES 73
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