Your Kent Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 76)

91 BRIDAL BOUTIQUES You’re in excellent hands with Kent’s bridal boutiques I t’s time to start dress shopping, but where to begin? We believe there’s no substitute for a local bridal boutique, and in Kent you’re spoilt for choice, with some of the country’s best, staffed by passionate bridalwear experts ready to lend a helping hand. If I had a pound for every time a bride told me her vision for her big-day dress wasn’t working out until the boutique assistant encouraged her to try on their wildcard pick – which turned out to be the one – well, I’d be a wealthy lady! Don’t forget, for the people who work in these boutiques, helping you make such an important choice isn’t just a job but a passion. They have a remarkable talent for knowing what will suit you, coupled with the innate patience of a saint! What’s more, when you appear for your appointment, you and your entourage will be welcomed with open arms and treated to an experience worthy of what is arguably the most important dress you’ll ever buy. Kent’s bridal boutiques have opened their doors to Your Kent Wedding as we find out what’s in store for you during the big shop. FOR THE AISLE Style HAYLEY FREEMAN AT VICTORIA GRACE BRIDAL Faversham, ME13 7BS victoriagracebridal.co.uk From the moment you contact Victoria Grace to book your appointment, the team will aim to give you the best possible experience. You’ll be asked some intial questions at this point so they can be totally prepared for your visit. You’ll have exclusive use of the boutique, and will be treated to an afternoon tea- style setting. Before diving in, you’ll sit down for a chat about your bridal style likes and dislikes so you can start to get a good feel for the different silhouettes available.  What top tip would you give to brides when dress shopping?  Wear a strapless bra to your appointment; this will give you a better perspective of what the dress will look like. What’s your favourite dress in the boutique? Trinity, a stunning couture gown by Kenneth Winston. A modern take on the princess style, it has the most beautiful sequin tulle layer on the skirt, which makes the whole dress sparkle when it catches the light. If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be and what dress would you pull first? A lady with curves – Beyoncé. Curves should be celebrated, and we love it when ladies come in and want to show off their shape. We’d choose new gown Zara for Queen B, a stunning fitted gown with wow factor. If you don’t fancy a veil, this dress comes with a detachable Watteau train. Trinity by Kenneth Winston KERRIE KERR & AMY BEANEY AT IVY ROSE Dover, CT15 7EA ivyrosebridal.co.uk Set in a beautiful countryside location, you’re sure to see a few farm animals during your visit to Ivy Rose! The boutique is appointment only ensuring you get the team’s full attention and you’ll be with them for two hours, so they’ll make sure you’re suitably refreshed. After discussing your ideas at the start of the appointment, everyone will then be able to browse the wonderful range of gowns. Everything is priced clearly so you can feel at ease when making selections. What top tip would you give to brides when dress shopping?  Break out of your comfort zone. There’s always a wild card, and we’d never want any of our brides thinking “what if?”  What’s your favourite dress in the boutique?  Nora by Ronald Joyce. With its full ball gown skirt and delicate 3D floral detail, it ticks all the boxes.  If you could dress any celebrity, who would it be and what dress would you pull first?  Holly Willoughby has curves in all the right places so we’d pull Chloe by Ella Rosa, with a beautiful low back, plunge neckline and split for a little flash of leg. Chloe by Ella Rosa 