A Rock that frock

Everyone, without exception, deserves to feel beautiful on their wedding day. We all have concerns out about our bodies, but remember there’ll be something stunning out there just for you. Dress for your gorgeous shape making sure you're confident and comfortable, and you can’t go wrong. Now recognising the true average dress size in the UK, more boutiques are holding a much wider range of sample sizes. Check out www. izzistocktonbridal.co.uk, which has gowns from size 8 to 30 in store. Also, look out for designers such as Romantica of Devon and True Bride.

Our top tip for newly-engaged couples is to hit the wedding shows asap. It’s the best way to meet suppliers and assemble your W-day team. While you’re there, be sure to experience a catwalk show. It’ll help you find inspiration from silhouettes, to fabrics and designers; as well as guiding you towards a boutique you might want to make an appointment with.

Dis For Diary

Cathy Keen, owner of 14 & Sixpence (www.14andsixpence.co.uk) in Illminster says, “Around one year before the big day (eight to 12 months minimum), book a couple of appointments at local boutiques. You may want to research a little first, so look into silhouettes you’re drawn to and the look you want to achieve before saving some images to your phone to take with you. You’ll know when you’re getting close to finding the one, and we have a couple of questions to ask to make sure!”

Krystle says, “When you book an appointment with us, you’ll have your own private fitting room for an hour-and-a-half, a bridal stylist to guide and assist you, as well as enough seating for three guests to join you. Our priority is that you feel completely comfortable during your appointment, so we’ll ask you about your venue, your style preferences, and your budget so that we can work with you to find the one. You don’t need to bring anything along with you, although we do recommend that you wear nude underwear.”

Eis For Entourage

“Take a couple of valued people with you to your appointment, those you can’t picture making such an important decision without,” Cathy recommends. “No more than three or four though or you’ll be overwhelmed with too many opinions!”

Sarah Hackett from Rookery Bridal (www.rookerybridal.co.uk) is in agreement: "While it's tempting to bring lots of people, bear in mind that you'll have to be able to deal with their initial reactions. This can be uplifting, but it can equally be the opposite. Having a trusted, smaller group will mean you can seek their input and advice more calmly and develop a deeper understanding of what you're looking for. Be prepared to stand up for what you want. It's all too easy to become influenced by others and you need to feel your choice is the one for you."

Fis For Fabric

The fabric you opt for will largely be governed by the style you’ve fallen in love with. Gorgeous floaty chiffon and tulle are delicate, lightweight materials often found in soft, effortless, boho-chic gowns – ideal for summer nuptials. Sparkle tulles in particular have been experiencing a heyday. Meanwhile, classic satin with a modern twist too is very much en vogue when it comes to beautifully to structured shapes and clean lines.

Gis For Gowns

There are so many silhouettes and styles to choose from, so start by having a look in your own wardrobe to see what vibe you usually veer towards for a special occasion or what you know feels comfortable on your body. If you’re not used to something fitted, your wedding day might not be the time to try – so avoid the fit and flares and look at the A-lines. Likewise, think about your overall vision. For example, a boho rustic event cries out for something relaxed, soft, non-structured and flowing.

Jis For Jewellery

It’s generally recommended to shop for accessories after you’ve decided on your attire as it’s easier to make the jewellery work with the dress rather than the other way around. The right piece can elevate your look or solve any niggles you may have. Your choice can depend on your neckline, hairstyle and detail on your dress.

His For Happy Tears

Fear not, when you find the one all is not necessarily as we see it on TV with much arm flapping and tears. If you’re not the emotional sort, it’s unlikely you’ll suddenly start while you’re dress shopping, and that’s completely fine. Sometimes, it will simply be a case of weighing up your options and feeling satisfied with your decision. As long as you feel comfortable in that, there’s no reason to doubt it, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Iis For Ivory

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white... or is she? While Queen Victoria made it popular for the bride to wear white, having done so on her own wedding day, commitment to this tradition has by and large been relegated to the annals of history. “Many designers are now offering their dresses in different colours to help emphasise their designs,” Sarah says. “Essense of Australia have a range of hues available from almond to biscotti and rum, and more. Lillian West use sublte shades such as sand and pink champagne, which I'd recommend to any bride. There are even black options available of you really want a different look.”

Lis For Lace

Kis For Kick Up Your Heels

Once you’ve ordered your gown, it’s time to give your footwear some serious thought. You’ll need to have your shoes in the bag by the time your alterations appointment comes round as it’s important to make sure the seamstress knows the exact length the dress needs to be.

Make sure you’re comfortable. If you live and die in trainers, there’re some gorgeous bridal options out there. Alternatively, many brides choose to make their shoes their wedding-day treat to themselves and spend months saving for the ultimate Jimmy Choos.

Mis For Money

We adore lace! It has long been used in wedding dresses largely thanks to its luxurious nature, having historically been labour-intensive to produce. Once again Queen Vic is in part responsible for its popularity, sporting handmade lace on her wedding dress. But if you’re now thinking of grandma’s doilies –stop! Modern lace is as varied as it is beautiful. As, Cathy says, “There are so many options and deciding on the ones you love is so personal. You’ll be drawn to laces that fall into a couple of categories...

 Vintage or boho styles are sometimes created using a cotton or knit lace, which are super soft; or feature Chantilly lace, which is a classic on a wedding dress when delicately used as the second layer of a tulle gown.

 Guipure or Venetian lace offers a bolder look, something very elegant that makes a statement.

 For a soft, feminine look, you may just want to add some appliqués with a beautiful scattering of lace pieces throughout.”

It’s easy to get swept up in all the gorgeous gowns on offer, so how to avoid busting the budget and before that, how to settle on one? There’s a general rule of thumb out there on the internet that says you should allocate five to 10 per cent of your overall budget to the dress but it really does depend on what you feel comfortable with and whether this is one of your non-negotiable elements. We recommend that above all you’re realistic about what you want and the rest will fall into place. For example, if you love lots of detailing and heavy beading, an acceptance that this isn’t going to come cheap will stand you in good stead, it’s then up to you whether you want to compromise.

Is For Necklines

As there are many silhouettes to choose from, there's also a world of necklines, each having its part to play in complementing or accentuating your figure. Head to Google and research sweetheart, plunging, off-the-shoulder, high, halter, one-shoulder, V, illusion, boat, empire, queen, scoop... we could go on!

Ois For Ordering

“We’ve seen an increase in brides leaving it closer to the big day before placing their order,” says Krystle. “While we can accommodate most time frames, offering samples and priority delivery options for quick turnarounds, the more time you have to play with, the better! Shopping at least a year ahead means you can look for the one knowing that all options are available to you.”

Cathy says, “Once you’ve said ‘yes’ to the dress, you’ll likely need a 50 per cent deposit, and ordering takes anything from three to six months. We’re then with you all the way through choosing accessories, alterations, and on to collection with your gown steamed and ready for the big day.”

Pis For Preloved

If you’d rather invest your cash in other areas of the wedding, but don’t want to compromise on your look, you may want to consider looking at preloved gowns. Kind on the pocket, these dresses will have been worn only once, some not at all, and may be no older than last season. Check out https://bridalreloved.co.uk in Street.

Qis For Quick

Another budget-saving solution, or an idea if you’re short on time, is a sample sale. At the end of the season bridal boutiques will often hold special events where they sell their sample dresses at a reduced cost to give them room in the boutique for the new lines. You’ll be limited on size of course, so be prepared to spend more on alterations. But they’re ready and waiting for you to take away, so no year-in-advance ordering is required.

Sarah says, "While we recommend looking to buy your gown around 10 months in advance as a minimum, dresses can be ordered later in some circumstances. Some designers offer what they call 'rush services' allowing you to have your dream dress in a shorter timescale."

Ris For Reviews

As you would when researching any supplier for your W-day team, check out your local bridal boutique’s reviews. They’re understandably proud of the kind words their past brides have shared, so many will have a tab on their website you can look through. Alternatively, Facebook is a good place to see what’s hot.

Sis For Sleeves

Sleeves are becoming incredibly popular and offer a multitude of flexible options. Some designs are available with detachable sleeves allowing you to change the look from daytime to evening, in some cases you can even choose the length. Why not chat to your seamstress about adding to a gown that doesn’t already have them if you’re selfconscious about your arms or just love the look?

Is For Trends

County Wedding Magazines’ fashion editor Claire Ridley tells us what’s hot in the world of wedding fashion right now...

 Plain dresses featuring clean-cut lines with a minimalist aesthetic.

 Lace bodices adorned with beautiful beadwork and voluminous skirts made with layers of organza offering a new take on princess-style dresses.

 Wide, low backlines providing a fresh update to the illusion look, as does the option to include a cape veil.

 The midi-length dress with a soft tulle skirt (à la Carrie Bradshaw) combined with off-the-shoulder sleeves

 Couture details such as structured box pleats with hidden pockets, lace appliqué and floral motifs.

Vis For Veil

Cathy shares, “Your wedding is your one opportunity in life to wear a veil, so consider the option as there are many to choose from: waist, fingertip, cathedral, royal. Then there’s the pattern or design, be it lace, pearls, sparkle or simple.

“You may want to go with tradition and wear the second tier over your face, known as the blusher. A single tier placed discreetly at the back over a low bun is also perfect. My advice is to visit your local bridal boutique with your dress and let them guide you. We offer this service even if you haven’t chosen your dress from us.”

Wis For Wild Card

Our golden rule when it comes to wedding-dress shopping is to go in 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. Cathy says, “Make sure you try on enough dress styles and if your bridal consultant suggests a wild card – give it a go!”

Y“YES” TO THE DRESS

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.

Is For Unique

If you’ve found a gown that’s nearly there, but not quite, discuss options with your consultant. Whether it be a few extra sparkles, lace, appliqué detail, or buttons. They can often work with you to make sure your dress is completely you You could even personalise it by adding a swatch of fabric from a loved one’s wedding dress or go all out and commission a bespoke gown.

XIS FOR X-PERT

Ok, we cheated a bit, but we couldn’t end without extolling the virtues of the amazing local boutique consultants. They have your best interests at heart and really know their stuff. When you arrive for your appointment you’ll have an initial consultation, which will help them to understand you and your vision. We like to think of them as the dress whisperers!

Zis 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.

Rookery Bridal Boutique, located in The Stables Business Park, Rooksbridge, is an independent boutique with an extensive selection of designer dresses to suit all shapes, styles and budgets.

Customer service is key! We want to make you feel a welcome and comfortable as we can so you can relax and enjoy your bridal experience with us.

We are also stockists for bridesmaid gowns for Tiffany’s. Dessy and Onlyway with beautiful flower girl dresses to match along with a selection of accessories too!