Your Sussex Wedding - Apr/May 2019 (Issue 78)

118 CONTACT THE EXPERTS Emily Cumming, bella-may-bridal.co.uk Lou Slaughter, evarosebridal.co.uk Jennie West, @jenniewestseamstress TO KNOW A-VEIL I quite like the idea of a veil but don’t know where to start. How do I pick the best one for me? Emily says: When buying a veil, take into account how it’s going to work with your dress. For example, if your gown is heavily embellished, show off the detail with a sheer veil, for a lace dress, choose one with complementary lace edging or for an on-trend simple frock, add extra detail by pairing with something more elaborate embellished with beads or pearls. Think also about the overall look you want to achieve. A single-tier veil suits a sophisticated look, whereas multiple layers give a romantic feel to a fuller dress. Would you like to go traditional and cover your face as you walk the aisle? If so, you’ll need a blusher. We don’t mean rosy cheeks here, but in this case, it’s the part of the veil you can pull forward over your visage. You can also give your body shape a boost with your veil. Mid-length versions will draw attention to delicate features, suiting a pear shape perfectly. If you’re tall or blessed with a bust, you’ll be able to rock a long veil. Petite ladies out there, you’ll be looking for waist-length or shorter. Finally, bear in mind how you’ll wear your hair, which will determine where the veil sits. For up dos, a long, heavy veil pinned to the back of your head is showstopping, and with short hair, the veil will usually be best placed towards the front of your head because there’ll be less support for it.” BE PREPARED I'm excited to start dress shopping! What can I expect from my appointment, and how can I make sure I get the best out of it? Is there anything I need to prepare? Lou says: Go with an open mind. It's great to have a style or fabric in mind, but it’s also good to try on gowns that are outside of your comfort zone, as you never know. At your first appointment, you just need to bring yourself and your guests to be ready to enjoy the whole process. It should be the best time and the most fun! Try on as many different styles in as many fabrics as possible – this way, you’ll know with certainty that you’re choosing the right design for you. Never be pressured into making a decision. Trust your instinct. You’ll know if it’s the one. MADE TO MEASURE I really want a dress that no one else has and am considering going bespoke. Can you tell me what would be involved? Jennie says: At the initial consultation, you’ll start by discussing your ideas with your seamstress, looking at any pictures you’ve brought along and working out your likes and dislikes, from the bodice and styles to sleeves and the train. Next would be taking a look at the fabric samples. The world is your oyster here, as there are so many to choose from! Together, you’d come up with a design that is as unique and special as you are while keeping within your budget. At your first fitting, you’ll try on the toile (trial run) to check the fit and make sure you’re happy with the design. It’s at the next fitting you’ll get to slip into your actual gown. At this point, your seamstress will be making final adjustments, such as pinning the hem to the correct length. Finally, at the last appointment, we make the final checks to be sure everything’s perfect, and then you get to take your dream dress home with you. The whole process takes a minimum of five months from start to finish. You may also find that your seamstress offers a wedding day dressing service to help the morning run stress-free. chelseaweddingphotography.com Fashion Q&A Local experts offer advice on how to look your big-day best dickspics.co.uk