Q&A Fashion and beauty Look and feel your big-day best with help from the professionals IN A TIGHT SPOT I’ve collected my dress and it’s too small! Is there anything that can be done? What’s the alterations process? Tracy says: There are a few options in this case, it all depends on the style and your preference. Seam allowances vary from designer to designer, but mostly there’s enough to allow them to be adjusted for a little extra room and comfort. If it’s the top that’s too small, again depending on style and structure, we can change a zip fastening to a half or full corset style, allowing more room and adjustability. Should neither of these routes be suitable however, there is the more drastic option of adding full-length panels, either to the sides or back of your dress. This is going to change the style slightly, but we try to keep it as near to the original silhouette as possible, unless you previously agree a redesign. The alterations process involves an individual consultation, during which we’ll ask you to put your dress on to see the fit and discuss alterations required. At the end of the appointment a price will be confirmed and further appointments made. The future dates will be to ensure the agreed alterations are still required and to check that your size hasn’t drastically changed, as well as to make sure any work already done is suitable. Finally, we’ll check the length of the dress and that all details are sitting correctly. Once the final fitting is complete, we’ll steam your gown so it’s ready for you to step into on your big day and collection or delivery will be arranged. STEP UP I’ve bought a dress with no detailing and am now worried it’s too plain. How can I add the wow factor to it? Victoria says: To start with, let’s look at the dress itself. It’s not uncommon for the bride to tweak the design of her gown at the alterations stage, so you could add a sparkly belt, or more beading or lace, depending on the style you’re looking for. Alternatively, for an on-trend look, why not include a detachable skirt or train for two silhouettes in one? The Abella Collection for example has lots of detachable skirts to suit plenty of dresses. We even have brides adding sparkly sleeves or customising layers of their skirts with glittery tulle. Our advice on this would be to discuss your options with your stylist or seamstress, as I predict there’ll be many depending on the dress! If you don’t want to adapt the gown itself, let’s talk accessories. Thanks to recent celebrity weddings, veils are longer than ever, so why not add your own lace or sparkly, showstopping version? Our Jasmine dress from the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection may not be plain, but its matching veil adds drama for that wow-factor photo opportunity. If you’re thinking you might not keep your veil in all day, you’re right! So, a sparkly hairpiece, oversized floral hair crown or even a bridal hat will add something special long into the evening and keeping your bridal style right on trend. CONTACT OUR EXPERTS Tracy Stephens | https://acula.uk Alex Bird | www.alexanthonysalon.co.uk Victoria Walton | www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk UP DO DILEMMA I need some ideas for a bridal up-do for my spring wedding – what can you suggest? Alex says: Up dos are a key style for spring weddings, and can take so many different shapes from a loose bun and romantic curls, to thick chunky plaits. All options are very versatile and can be used on a variety of hair types. Once you have the dress, you need to find that hairstyle, the one that will enhance the beauty of your gown. Dress, hair and accessories should all work in harmony to achieve a chic look. There are several factors to take into account when choosing your up do. For example, are you going to have a headdress and how many hours do you need your style to last? There’s no point choosing something that looks amazing when you walk down the aisle, but won’t look as fabulous by the time you greet the evening guests. Finally, when you’ve decided on the look you want, gaze in the mirror and ask yourself: “Do I feel confident, do I feel beautiful?” 92
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