Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - September/October 2020 (Issue 82)

73 BRIDAL BOUTIQUES ERICA ARNOLD Real Green Dress, Odiham, Hook www.realgreendress.com How can I make sure my wedding dress is as sustainable as possible? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Where does the fabric come from, is it recycled and can it be recycled? On the rare occasion I  need to incorporate a new fabric into a design I look at where it has come from, who it was made by and if it complies with standards such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).  I want my dress to be eco-friendly, but glamorous with wow factor too. Can I have it all? Absolutely! If you want vintage glamour and a look to wow think 1930’s slinky satins or the structured couture designs of the 1950s. I redesign vintage pieces to make ‘new’ gowns too, for brides who want a more contemporary look. What should I look for in a supplier to make sure their eco credentials are genuine? This is a tricky one because being both ethical and eco-friendly is sometimes seen as just a trend by some suppliers. Real Green Dress has been committed to these principles since I started the company more than eight years ago and it extends to all aspects of the business, from using environmentally friendly FSC standard printing to Fair Trade coffee. And if I don’t have a customer in the studio, I turn off the lights! SAM WALSH Sass & Grace, East Stratton, Winchester www.sassandgrace.co.uk What should I bring with me to try on dresses? There are no hard and fast rules but it’s best to wear nude underwear. Most wedding dresses don’t need a bra (yes really!) but if it makes you feel more comfortable then a nude strapless one works best. It’s also useful to have some idea of your budget, and please don’t forget to bring an open mind! Sometimes it’s the one you’re not too sure about that ends up being the one! How long does it take for alterations to be made? Fittings start around four weeks before the wedding date. In our experience the majority of brides need two fittings with the second one two weeks after the first. We like to do this close to the big day to ensure the best possible fit, after all we want you to be comfortable! What styles are likely to be on trend for 2021? Detail is back! Think lace, sparkle and floaty sleeves with a sassy edge. Low v-necks, open backs, capes and detachable skirts. Dreamy princess shapes and flattering figure-hugging dresses abound with beautiful delicate detail! Anis by Julie Vino Veronik by Julie Vino