8 minute read
Bridal Couture
Bride Squad A-Z
From designing your own dress to donning a Disney princess-style gown, Grampian Wedding Directory’s A-Z has everything your bride squad needs to know when it comes to shopping and style!
What to Wear
14 BRIDAL COUTURE 30 BRIDESMAIDS 32 MUMS' OUTFITS 38 GROOMSWEAR 48 MOODBOARD 50 REAL LIFE WEDDING
Bridal
www.aboynephotographics.com
www.daniellelesliephotography.com
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
A is for… Alterations
Whilst your dream dress may be perfect, it may not quite be perfect for you at first tryon… And this is where the northeast’s talented seamstresses come in! You may find that it needs a big initial alteration – shortened or taken in – or simply a nip and tuck nearer the big day to account for any change in shape before the wedding. Ask your bridal boutique for their recommendations and get booked in in plenty of time.
B is for… Bridal cover-up
From leather jackets to fur coats and capes to boleros, there are so many options for enhancing your wedding outfit with a cool cover-up. Consider your theme, the season and, of course, what you’re wearing. Still not sure? Ask the consultant at your bridal fitting!
C is for… Comfort
As good as an outfit may look on the hanger, and on you, the most important question to ask yourself is whether or not it’s comfortable. You’re going to be wearing it from almost dusk ‘til dawn and in all sorts of positions – posing for photos, sitting to eat and dancing. Don’t be afraid to test it out for all eventualities in the shop!
D is for… Disney styles
If you’re planning a fairytale theme, you’re going to want the most magical dress to go with and, this year, Disney has you covered! Inspired by the style and spirit of your favourite princesses and their stories, Allure Bridal’s new collection promises to turn Disney dreams into reality.
E is for… Eco-friendly
Sustainability is big right now and eco-conscious brides have a number of options for going green with their outfit. From buying preloved, renting or planning to sell on afterwards to committing to a brand that promises sustainably made dresses, you can definitely do your bit.
www.byrhea.co.uk
F is for… Flower girls
One of the cutest parts of a wedding, don’t forget to make your flower girls feel special, too! Take them to their very own dress fitting and make them feel involved on the wedding morning. Why not let them sit in the makeup artist’s chair and pop on some sparkly lip gloss for a real VIP feel?
G is for… Garter
The garter is one of the oldest wedding traditions, dating back to 14th century France. They typically come in ruched satin or lace but custom garters can be made however you wish. Be traditional with white, use it as your something blue or go with your wedding theme.
www.daniellelesliephotography.com
H is for… Hairstyles
It’s worth having a think about how you want your hair to look on your wedding day before you shop as dress styles lend themselves to certain hairdos. Going for a statement back? A hairup would really show it off. Heart set on Hollywood-style curls? Tell your advisor at the boutique as some dreamy dresses are made for that look!
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
www.byrhea.co.uk
I is for… There's no I in team
No-one wants to try on wedding outfits alone so gather your fave people for a fun-filled day out! Be mindful not to take too big an entourage, though, as lots of opinions can be overwhelming and confusing. Go for one or two whose opinions you trust – and those you know will be honest.
J is for… Jewellery
If you have wedding jewellery in mind – a family heirloom, for example – bring it with you. No jewellery plans? No problem! Many bridal boutiques have stock options, as do the northeast’s high-end jewellers, of course.
www.elitephotographics.co.uk
K is for… Knowledge of boutique expert
There’s one thing you really need to bring when you go shopping and that’s an open mind! As hard as it may be, put your trust in the experts at the boutiques. They’ve advised more brides than you’ve had hot dinners and they know which styles suit which shapes. Take advantage of their knowledge and ask lots of questions, too!
L is for… Lace
Lace is a timeless, elegant and romantic choice for a wedding dress but there are so many other materials to explore. Mikado, for example, is a heavy fabric that provides structure for super-sophisticated designs whilst chiffon, a lighter, sheer material, is often used in layers as an overlay.
M is for… Maternity
Got a bun in the oven? Firstly, congratulations! Secondly, as online searches for maternity wedding dresses have rocketed, so have the options available. Choose from sequinclad styles to show off your bump to less structured boho beauties that’ll fit around your blooming body.
N is for… Not off the peg
Always had a very specific wedding day look in mind? Or just can’t find ‘The One’? Be like our feature bride, Liesbeth, who worked with a talented dressmaker to create the perfect top to pair with her chic, wide-leg trousers. They may even let you keep the sketches of their designs afterwards – what a wonderful wedding keepsake!
O is for… Open back
A statement open back can be simply showstopping but there are so many other styles of gown to fall in love with, too. From high necks to plunging necklines and foxy fishtails to vintage-style tea length dresses, try on as many radically different options as you can to narrow down what looks and feels good.
P is for… Pockets
Who doesn’t love a dress with pockets?! Not just practical (the perfect place to store your phone and lippy) a hands-in-the-pocket shot makes for a fun photo!
Q is for… Queen for a day
Your wedding day is all about you, and your wedding look should be, too. As important as it is to take the advice of the bridal boutique into account, as well as that of your trusted bridal squad, remember that the final decision on your dress/jumpsuit/whatever you decide to wear lies with you.
R is for… Research
Before hitting the shops, arm yourself with plenty of research! Check out inspo on Pinterest and Insta, scour the websites of designers you know you’ll see in store and look at wedding pics of friends and family. You’ll quickly build up and idea of what you like and don’t like.
S is for… Shoes
If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them to try-ons with you to get a real feel for the whole outfit. If not, don’t worry – bring a pair with the heel height you’re thinking of, or take advantage of the footwear on offer in the boutique. You never know, you might find your dream dress and shoes in one trip!
Blush
BRIDAL
T is for… Trying on tips
If possible, avoid wearing jewellery when you go for a dress try-on because it might just catch on some of the gorgeous gowns. Likewise with fake tan – no-one wants to stain the sample dresses! And wear comfortable, nude underwear – seamless if possible.
U is for… Underwear
Choosing the right lingerie is critical in ensuring your outfit looks good and you feel your best. You don’t want to be worrying about VPL or feeling an underwire cut into you all day. So, once you have your dress, consult an expert who’ll kit you out with what you need.
V is for… Veil
Whilst a veil isn’t essential, they can be a simply stunning finishing touch. Ask the experts at your boutique what they’d recommend for you and get ready for a little lingo. From birdcage and bandeau to church-length and cathedral-length, there are lots of options!
W is for… Wardrobe malfunctions
Having an SOS kit strategically placed in the handbag of one of your bridal squad members is highly recommended! Think safety pins, kirbies and a mini sewing kit for starters.
X is for… Xtra special details
Many brides find a dress they love but can’t resist making it their own with some extra special details. Go big and add sleeves or keep it simple with a little embellishment. The northeast’s talented seamstresses will be only too happy to sort you out.
www.perfectbridalrooms.com
www.simonesmithphotography.com
www.deesidephoto.co.uk
www.jonathanaddie.com
Y is for… Yes to the dress!
You’ve found ‘The One’? Now that’s cause for celebration! This is (hopefully) going to be a once in a lifetime experience so soak it up!
Zzzzz is for… Zzzzzz
When you’ve peeled your dress off and lain your newlywed head down to rest for the night, don’t forget about some TLC for your outfit. Ask about aftercare at the time of buying to ensure you’re organised. ♥
Fred’s
THREADS
Bridal Dressmaker & Hire Specialist
