ROCK THAT FROCK

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 one with plenty of good reviews.

BIS FOR BODY BEAUTIFUL Hayley Freeman-Revell from Victoria Grace Bridal (www.victoriagracebridal.co.uk) says, “We’re lucky to stock two dedicated curvy collections including the stunning EveryBody EveryBride from Essense of Australia. The truth is that no matter what shape or size you are you should be able to look and feel amazing in a bridal gown.”

Vicky Lamb from Victoria’s Bridal Boutique (www.victoriasbridalboutique.co.uk) advises: “Speak to your boutique before your appointment and we can have a selection of dresses ready for you, taking away the overwhelming experience from looking through hundreds of gowns. Try on all different styles, C IS FOR CATWALK Our top tip for newly-engaged couples is always 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, you’ll be surprised by what you feel fabulous in. ” to fabrics and designers; as well as guiding you towards a boutique you might want to make an appointment with.

DIS FOR DIARY Your first boutique appointment will be simultaneously exciting and nerve-wracking. Vicky tells us how to prepare: “To take the pressure away, try not to arrive thinking that you need to find the one. Instead, think more along the lines of finding the right shape and details, and you’ll be surprised that there’s a dress you can’t stop thinking about.” Victoria Walton at

Victoria Elaine Bridal (www.victoriaelainebridal.co.uk) takes up the mantle:

“Consider your underwear – nude undergarments are best and some dresses work well with a strapless bra. You shouldn’t need to bring anything else with you though unless there’s something you wish to try on with the dresses such as shoes or jewellery. Above all, your appointment should feel relaxed and be focused on your style and choices, nobody else’s.”

EIS FOR ENTOURAGE Victoria says, “Your entourage could make or break your experience so choose wisely! There is such a thing as too many opinions, so we say two to three guests will be just enough.

The people you choose should be able to give you constructive advice based on what you like.” Vicky at Victoria’s Bridal Boutique says, “Bring the people whose opinions matter the most. You can always bring your whole bride tribe at a later date to help pick accessories or enjoy a special reveal appointment.”

7560 Stella York, available at Victoria Grace Bridal Available at Victoria’s Bridal Boutique Essence of Australia, available at Victoria Grace Bridal D3529+

FIS FOR FABRIC “Fabrics this season range from beautiful sleek satins to floaty tulle gowns. We’re also seeing an increase in all-over patterned materials,” Hayley tells us. Vicky agrees: “Stunning laces with crystal tulles are so hot right now, but we’re still being asked for gorgeous classic satins with modern twists.”

GIS FOR GOWNS Start your search by having a look in your own wardrobe to see what silhouettes and styles you usually veer towards for a

HIS FOR HAPPY TEARS Fear not, when you find the one all is not necessarily as seen 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’ll simply be a case of weighing up your options and feeling satisfied with your decision. As long as you feel comfortable, there’s no reason to doubt your instincts, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! special occasion.

You know what feels comfortable on your own body. If you’re not used to something fitted, your wedding day might not be the time to try – so avoid the mermaids 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 While Queen Victoria made it popular for brides 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. Hayley says, “White has always been difficult to wear in certain fabrics and most bridal shops will stick to ivory now with just a couple of white gowns in their sample collections. Becoming evermore popular are Maggie Sottero, available at Victoria’s Bridal Boutique warmer hues such as moscato, almond, rum

Cinderella , available at Victoria Elaine Bridal and champagne.” Victoria tells us, “When looking at colours, it’s vital to find one that works with your skin tone. You don’t want to get your photos back and realise your dress leaves you looking pale or brings out your pink undertones. A new dress of ours, Helga by Abella, has been created in a soft champagne, which can warm a skin tone beautifully and for the more daring bride, our Cinderella-inspired dress comes in a soft shade of blue, which is flattering to many skin tones” Helga , available at Victoria Elaine Bridal

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. Vicky says, “Your choice can depend on your neckline, hairstyle and detail on your dress. We always offer an accessories appointment, so you can try all your options.”

KIS FOR KENT Sure, we’re a bit biased but we believe Kent has some of the best bridal boutiques in the land. By shopping local you’re supporting nearby businesses and benefiting from the attentive, one-to-one service they so expertly provide. You’ll be treated as the special person you are and shopping for the one will be an experience to treasure.

7272 Stella York, available at Victoria Grace Bridal L

IS FOR LACE Lace has long been used in wedding dresses largely thanks to its luxurious nature, having historically been labourintensive 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. Alencon, eyelet, Chantilly, embroidered, guipure (sometimes called Venetian), soft knit, and point d’esprit are all popular with today’s designers, covering styles from chic and traditional to vintage and boho.

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 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 whole world of necklines, each one 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!

Essense of Australia, available at Victoria’s Bridal Boutique D3570 O IS FOR ORDERING Vicky says, “Dresses are still taking a little longer to arrive than they did pre-Covid, so we’d advise ordering your dress no later than nine to 12 months before your wedding. This allows plenty of time for delivery, alterations and customisation.”

Victoria from Victoria Elaine Bridal shares, “Brides often tell us they want to lose a bit of weight before the big day, but don’t delay the shopping or you may find your dream dress can’t be delivered in time. Be reassured though that they can be taken in by two sizes, sometimes more, during alterations. So, find the one and allow your stylist and seamstress to advise on the size.”

PIS FOR PRELOVED If you’d rather invest your cash in other areas of the wedding, but don’t want to compromise on you 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 www.bridesdressrevisited.com in Sevenoaks.

QIS FOR QUICK Another budget-saving solution, or 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 Victoria Grace in Canterbury offer another option if you’re in a hurry.

Hayley says, “We have a ready-to-wear collection in store. These gowns can be taken off the peg at heavily reduced prices, but are made by our designers so you’re not lacking in quality or fit.”

Essence of Australia, available at Victoria Grace Bridal D3521

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.

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IS FOR SLEEVES Hayley says, “Sleeves are becoming incredibly popular and the options are so flexible now. Lots of our gowns are available with or without them, with detachable sleeves allowing you to change the look from daytime to evening, and you can even choose the length. Our own seamstresses can also add to gowns that don’t already have them, which is a great idea if you’re conscious of your arms or feel like adding your own twist.”

For more stylish sleeve inspiration check out our fashion feature from page 89.

IS FOR TRENDS Victoria gives us her top trend tips for 2023: “Designers are really investing in fabric and embellishment choices, with lots of elegant mikado satin and glittery options. They’re also modernising necklines, with many opting for scoop or square – excellent for ladies T who have a larger bust and want extra support. We’re also seeing more strapless styles coming back in. Pearls and bows are continuing to be used in playful ways, which can be mirrored in your accessories. Check out our uber-modern satin gown, Carmena and sparkly Christina gowns.”

Available at Victoria Grace Bridal , available at Victoria Elaine Bridal Christina

VIS FOR VEIL “We love a veil! It’s a completely personal preference – some feel it’s a must while others feel uncomfortable. Long veils are definitely more popular for this season and a statement one is definitely the way to go. Our 3D floral veil is one of our favourites for this season,” Hayley tells us. We say it’s definitely worth trying one on before you rule it out.

XIS FOR X-PERT whether this be a few extra sparkles, lace details on the train or buttons running down the back. You work with us while we do it so you really do get your dream dress.” You could even go all out and commission a bespoke gown. Check out www.therobingroom.co.uk, located in the Creative Quarter, Folkestone.

WIS FOR WILD CARD Our golden rule when it comes to wedding-dress shopping is to arrive with a completely open mind, as tunnel vision could lead to a stressful situation if the style 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. Victoria says, “They’ll then be on hand to direct you to the dress that meets your needs picking up on all the little clues you give in 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. response to the ones you try on. So, be honest with them and trust their expertise.” We like to think of them as the dress whisperers! 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 IS FOR “YES” you can, or hang from the garment hook if that fails. Just be sure How do you know this is the dress for you? We have some ideas... to hang it up again as soon as you arrive. We’d also highly ❤ You don’t want to take it off. recommend taking a handheld steamer with you – we speak ❤ You compare every other dress to it. from experience! Your seamstress will steam it for you once ❤ You feel beautiful and confident they've worked their magic, but it doesn’t take much for some ❤ You can picture yourself walking down the aisle in it. fabrics to crumple again. ❤ You’ve already started accessorising in your mind

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. Vicky at Victoria’s Bridal Boutique says, “We adore taking a dress and adding the perfect touches, Z