Your North West Wedding - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 60)

59 PLANNING SOS Top tips for organising your big day ME E T D R E S S MA K E R ROX ANN E HA L E NKO F ROM ROX ANN E HA L E NKO ❤ Before buying your dream dress, the first thing you should do is set a budget and figure out who is paying for it. Does this price include shoes, veil and jewellery? Most importantly don’t try on a gown that is out of your price range, just in case you fall in love with it and can’t have it. ❤ Do your research and find out what styles you like. If you’re not already on Pinterest, I’d recommend you download the app as it’s a fantastic place to get ideas. Bring any photos that you find to the bridal appointment, so the consultant can see what you like. ❤ On Pinterest, you can create boards for bridesmaids’ dresses, tables and décor. This will give you an idea of the theme you want for your big day. ❤ Be open to trying on styles that you wouldn’t have necessarily picked for yourself. Try on lots of gowns but limit yourself to seven per appointment. ❤ Buy your true dress size. I know most brides want to lose weight before the wedding, but I’d advise you to buy a gown that is your original size. If you lose weight, then the dress can be altered, but if it’s too small, it will look tight and feel uncomfortable. ❤ Shop early! Call and make an appointment so you can find your perfect gown. If it’s handmade, it can take anything from one to five months depending on the details and fabric involved. ❤ A lot of people ask about underwear. I always say, wear seamless or a nude thong and a strapless bra. I do cater for brides who don’t want to wear one as I stock Perky Pear which holds you in without the need for a bra. Failing that you can always bring Spanx with you for extra support. ❤ Bring heels to your appointment. They should be a similar height to the ones you’ll be wearing on the day. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will look and what alterations will be needed. ❤ If you’re a lover of bargains like myself, then why not wait until the January sales to see if your chosen gown is on offer? ❤ Finally, make sure you’re 100 per cent sure about your gown before you say yes. Always remember, that small tweaks can be made to make it bespoke and personal to you. Visit roxannehalenko.com @Rhwearthechange  H ere at Your North West Wedding, we understand how overwhelming organising your nuptials can be. To help, we’ve spoken to five local suppliers and asked what you should be aware of before booking. SOS Planning teresac.co.uk teresac.co.uk teresac.co.uk