Your Herts & Beds Wedding - Apr-May 2019 (Issue 73)

DRESSING THE BRIDAL PARTY 81 HERE COME Dress your bridal party to impress BEAUT I FUL BR I DE How far in advance should I start looking for my dress? As Bowen Dryden specialise in bespoke wedding dresses we’d recommend that brides-to-be come to us at least a year before the big day. This allows us to design an outfit based on your inspiration, favourite colours, wedding venue and ideal dress shape. A year allows us time to refine the design, have the necessary fittings and create the perfect dress.  How do I know I’ve found the one ? You’ll know as soon as we sketch your dress or outfit at the design consultation. This is the first meeting where designer Sharon Bowen-Dryden listens to all your thoughts and ideas. She’ll then sketch you a one-off and fully bespoke gown incorporating everything you imagined and more. The design will reflect your personality and no other bride will look the same as you did on your special day. How many fittings should I have? Our bespoke outfits need a minimum of three fittings. The first fitting is a full toile, which is a cotton version of the final dress. During the toile fitting we look at the length of the gown or jumpsuit, the overall fit of the garment and then the specifics such as neckline, sleeves and shoulders. After this stage the dress or outfit is made and you’ll have your first fitting of the completed dress. From there we tweak anything that needs altering ready for the second fitting.  Are alterations normally included in the cost of the dress? All boutiques will differ but at Bowen Dryden the price of a bespoke dress includes three fittings.  the girls TOP T I P S BY JOANNA SOUTHWE L L , BOWEN-DRYDEN COUTURE SAM NEWBY- R I CC I , HER I TAGE BR I DE S , TALKS BOHO BR I DAL “So you think you are a boho bride? That’s probably the right description for you if you’re wearing flat sandals or bare feet and have flowers in your hair. Boho brides are free-spirited and want their wedding to reflect them and not tradition. And this is especially true when it comes to the dress. If it’s a relaxed look you’re after, Willowby by Watters is the designer for you.” Heritage Brides stocks Willowby by Watters gowns. They range in price from £1150 to £1995. 