ROCK THAT FROCK

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES Rock that frock The ultimate A-Z guide to wedding-dress shopping

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IS FOR ALTERATIONS Once you’ve ordered your dream dress you’ll need to start looking for a seamstress to do your alterations. Even though you’ve ordered your size, chances are it’ll still need a little tweak here and there as dresses fit everyone differently. Often the bridal boutique will be able to make a recommendation or may even have one in house. If not, look on social media for those with plenty of good reviews.

BIS FOR BODY BEAUTIFUL Claire Baldwin from Clara Fitz Bridal in Worthing (www.clarafitzbridal.com) says, “It’s so important to us here to have dresses to fit everyone and stock sizes from 8 to 28 in the boutique, but most styles can be ordered up to a 32. You all deserve to feel your most beautiful on your wedding day, so being able to get a true vision of how you’ll look is so important. Our Silhouette Collection by Romantica of Devon has everything from classic to boho.”

CIS FOR CATWALK Our top tip for newly-engaged couples is to hit the wedding shows as soon as you can. 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 the inspiration you’ve been looking for 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 Claire says, “For many brides looking for the perfect wedding dress can start out as an overwhelming shopping experience. Do your research on designers, styles and the price ranges bridal shops offer before you make an appointment. Bringing nude underwear with you and wearing minimal make-up are practical pointers, but all we ask really is that you bring an open mind and sense of fun! It’s important to us that you feel relaxed and enjoy the process.”

EIS FOR ENTOURAGE “Whether you want the whole entourageand-champagne moment or something more cosy, relaxed and intimate is something you need to think about. Covid limited the number of people who could come along to a boutique appointment, which worked for many who could only bring the most important people with trusted opinions to help them choose. Ultimately, only you know how a dress makes you feel, so go with your gut feeling. This is definitely an emotional purchase rather than a practical one, and is all about your vision for yourself on your wedding day,” Claire tells us.

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© Romantica of Devon Media Available at Clara Fitz Bridal

IS FOR FABRIC The fabric you end up opting 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 on trend in 2022. Classic satins with modern twists too are very much en vogue when it comes to beautifully structured shapes and clean lines.

“Sustainable fabrics such as organic lace, satin, Mikado and natural silk are set to be big in 2023,” says County Wedding Magazines’ fashion editor Claire Ridley. “Stretch crepe is the ultimate fabric for the modern bride with the sassy mermaid silhouette receiving an update thanks to this material, and sheathstyle gowns also made from it showcase sexy front splits.”

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

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! 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.

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. More popular hues now are warmer ones such as ivory of course, as well as moscato, almond, rum and champagne. If you’re feeling daring you could even go floral or with something bold. Just ensure the colour complements your skin tone and doesn’t wash you out.

JIS FOR JEWELLERY The fun doesn’t end when you order your dress, as now you get to start shopping for your accessories. It’s generally recommended to do this 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.

www.azazie.com

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, and heels versus flats will make quite the difference. Make sure you’re comfortable. If you generally live and die in trainers, there are 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. Your footwear offers another opportunity to put your own stamp on your attire and Brighton-based brand Irregular Choice always proves a popular choice amongst those looking to add a super-fun twist. L IS FOR LACE Lace has long been used in wedding dresses thanks to its luxurious nature, having historically been labour-intensive to produce. Once again Queen Vic is in part responsible for its popularity, having sported 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. Alencon, eyelet,

Chantilly, embroidered, guipure (sometimes called Venetian), soft knit, and point d’esprit are all popular with today’s designers, covering a myriad of styles.

MIS FOR MONEY 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 above all that 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.

NIS 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 Claire says, “Most designers will quote around 20 weeks plus from your order to the arrival of your dress. You’ll then need to allow time for your alterations, especially during busy summer periods, so allowing yourself nine to 12 months is optimal.” 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. Kinder 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 Bridal Reloved Rustington (https://bridalreloved.co.uk). www.andreahawkes.co.uk

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.

Some boutiques such as Clara Fitz Bridal offer a speedy solution if you’re in a hurry. Claire says, “We have plenty of dresses available for you to take away the very same day, so always ask and grab yourself a bargain too.”

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www.halfpennylondon.com

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. If nothing else, they’ll help to reassure you that you’re in good hands if you’re nervous before your appointment.

www.rosaclara.es IS FOR SLEEVES Sleeves are becoming incredibly popular and offer a multitude of flexible options – you only have to look at our fashion feature Standout Sleeves this issue to see what we mean. Many designs are available with or without them, with detachable sleeves allowing you to change the look from daytime to evening, or you can also choose the length. You could even talk to your seamstress about adding to gowns that don’t already have them if you’re self-conscious about your arms or just love the look.

IS FOR TRENDS County Wedding Magazines’ fashion editor Claire Ridley tells us what to look out for in the world of wedding fashion in 2023...  Plain dresses featuring clean-cut lines with a minimalist aesthetic.  Statement sleeves, which are here to stay with lightly puffed styles adding the wow factor.  Lace bodices adorned with beautiful beadwork and voluminous T skirts made with layers of organza offering a new take on princessstyle dresses.  Contoured corsetry boasting square or strapless necklines.  Wide, low backlines, which provide 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

www.icphotographics.co.uk for Clara Fitz Bridal www.airebarcelona.com

UIS FOR UNIQUE Couples are finding more and more wonderful ways to personalise their wedding days, and this is something easily extended to your attire. If you’ve found a gown that’s nearly there but not quite discuss

VIS FOR VEIL “A veil always adds drama and frames your beautiful bridal image. I always favour a long veil due to the softness it creates. A shorter veil definitely works too as it frames the whole silhouette. Have fun trying different lengths and styles when you’re narrowing down your favourite dresses, even if you think you don’t want one – you might surprise yourself,” Claire tells 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 Y you set your heart on just doesn’t work out how you thought. Your stylist or one of your entourage may pull out a wild card, something you never thought you’d go for. Trust us, try it on, it could be the one. IS FOR “YES” 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 Z IS 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 she’s worked her magic, but it doesn’t take much for some fabrics to crumple again.

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 everything you ever dreamed of and completely you. You could even make it super-personal 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 finish up without extolling the virtues of the amazing local boutique consultants. They have your best interests at heart and they really know their stuff. When you arrive for your appointment you’ll have an initial consultation, which will help your stylist to understand you and your vision. We like to think of them as the dress whisperers! Check out our little white book of local lovelies: Clara Fitz Bridal, www.clarafitzbridal.com | Eva Rose Bridal, www.evarosebridal.co.uk | Fross Wedding Collections, www.frossweddingcollections.co.uk | Proposals of Chichester, www.proposals.co.uk | Rosedene Bridal, www.rosedenebridal.co.uk