SEARCHING FOR THE ONE When should I start looking for a wedding dress and do you have any advice on how to go about my search? Every bride is different; some can’t wait to find their dress as soon as the venue is booked, while others prefer to leave it until closer to the wedding date. There is no right or wrong option; however, there are advantages to finding your dress sooner rather than later. It is to be expected that the majority of wedding dresses will require some form of alteration. We advise our brides to start the conversation with their chosen seamstress as soon as they have found their dress. This doesn’t mean alterations start straight away; it simply means that you can make dates in your diary for appointments. It is also to be noted that there is a shortage of qualified seamstresses on a national level; therefore, they do get booked up in advance very quickly. Here at Beautiful in Curves, we have a recommendation list of seamstresses of whom we are proud to be working with. Another advantage of starting your search earlier is that you may have the opportunity to make some design changes to your dress before it goes into production. For example, adding sleeves, a little more lace, or a layer of sparkly glitter tulle. We advise you to start the excitement of finding your dress 10 months prior to your wedding, but some boutiques, ourselves included, offer the opportunity to purchase dresses directly from the rail should your wedding date fall within 10 months. The team at Beautiful in Curves www.beautifulincurves.co.uk FASHION FORWARD I want to look on-trend on my big day. What’s fashionable at the moment and are there any designers I should look out for? Bridal fashion continues to evolve, with 2025 embracing trends that balance timeless elegance with fresh, modern details. Designers that are popular at the moment include Milla Nova, Love Story London, Paloma Blanca and Eva Lendel, who blend classic sophistication with contemporary flair perfectly. Brides are gravitating towards dresses with luxurious fabrics, impeccable tailoring and romantic designs that feel both fashion-forward and classically beautiful. Among the standout trends we are being asked for is the return to simple, elegant styles. Clean lines, minimalist silhouettes and subtle details are redefining bridalwear, proving that less is often more. Crepe and satin gowns with sleek cuts and modest necklines are particularly sought after, offering an understated yet breathtaking aesthetic that lets the bride shine. Subtle embellishments are adding just the right touch of glamour to these pared-back designs. Bows, buttons and pearls are dominating bridal collections, creating delicate accents that feel luxe. Oversized bows, either on the back of the dress or as detachable accessories, are perfect for brides looking to make a dramatic statement. Covered buttons, running elegantly down the back of gowns or on long sleeves, are a nod to vintage charm. Pearls, meanwhile, are appearing in unexpected ways, from scattered embellishments on veils to intricate beading on bodices, adding a touch of sparkle without overwhelming the simplicity. This combination of modern minimalism and thoughtful detailing ensures that today’s brides have a wide variety of options to suit every personal style while staying on-trend. Carly from Bridal Boutique at Chilham www.chilhambridal.co.uk Q&A Fashion Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best www.olegssamsonovsphotography.com FASHION Q&A 83
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