IS FOR TRENDS Victoria gives us her top trend tips for 2023: “Designers are really investing in fabric and embellishment choices, with lots of elegant mikado satin and glittery options. They’re also modernising necklines, with many opting for scoop or square – excellent for ladies who have a larger bust and want extra support. We’re also seeing more strapless styles coming back in. Pearls and bows are continuing to be used in playful ways, which can be mirrored in your accessories. Check out our uber-modern satin gown, Carmena and sparkly Christina gowns.” VIS FOR VEIL “We love a veil! It’s a completely personal preference – some feel it’s a must while others feel uncomfortable. Long veils are definitely more popular for this season and a statement one is definitely the way to go. Our 3D floral veil is one of our favourites for this season,” Hayley tells us. We say it’s definitely worth trying one on before you rule it out. WIS FOR WILD CARD Our golden rule when it comes to wedding-dress shopping is to arrive with a completely open mind, as tunnel vision could lead to a stressful situation if the style you set your heart on just doesn’t work out how you thought. Your stylist or one of your entourage may pull out a wild card, something you never thought you’d go for. Trust us, try it on, it could be the one. XIS FOR X-PERT Ok, we cheated a bit, but we couldn’t finish up without extolling the virtues of the amazing local boutique consultants. They have your best interests at heart and they really know their stuff. When you arrive for your appointment you’ll have an initial consultation, which will help your stylist to understand you and your vision. Victoria says, “They’ll then be on hand to direct you to the dress that meets your needs picking up on all the little clues you give in response to the ones you try on. So, be honest with them and trust their expertise.” We like to think of them as the dress whisperers! IS FOR ZOOM It’s inevitable your dress will have a little travelling to do – when you collect it and when you take it to the venue, as a minimum. To keep it in tip-top condition invest in a good quality, acid-free garment bag to store it in, and once it’s home keep it away from any harsh light or temperatures. When you’re heading for the venue lay down the seats of the car and place the dress flat if you can, or hang from the garment hook if that fails. Just be sure to hang it up again as soon as you arrive. We’d also highly recommend taking a handheld steamer with you – we speak from experience! Your seamstress will steam it for you once they've worked their magic, but it doesn’t take much for some fabrics to crumple again. Y IS FOR “YES” How do you know this is the dress for you? We have some ideas... ❤ You don’t want to take it off. ❤ You compare every other dress to it. ❤ You feel beautiful and confident ❤ You can picture yourself walking down the aisle in it. ❤ You’ve already started accessorising in your mind Z UIS FOR UNIQUE Couples are finding more and more wonderful ways to personalise their wedding days, and this is something easily extended to your attire. Vicky at Victoria’s Bridal Boutique says, “We adore taking a dress and adding the perfect touches, whether this be a few extra sparkles, lace details on the train or buttons running down the back. You work with us while we do it so you really do get your dream dress.” You could even go all out and commission a bespoke gown. Check out www.therobingroom.co.uk, located in the Creative Quarter, Folkestone. Available at Victoria Grace Bridal T Carmena, available at Victoria Elaine Bridal Christina, available at Victoria Elaine Bridal 86
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