TIME TO BANISH THOSE BRIDAL HANG-UPS!

Let Claire Muir and some of Scotland’s best bridalwear experts put your mind at ease with answers to the questions you’re embarrassed to ask your bridal boutique but need to know…

As a bride who chose her wedding dress based on the fact it was highnecked and high-backed (in case of spots on those areas – something that rarely happened to me but was a top worry nonetheless) and had a full skirt to hide the inevitable bloat (our wedding breakfast was a burger bar, need I say more?) I really wish there’d been an article like this around when I was getting ready to tie the knot. Don’t get me wrong, I adored my dress. It was absolutely ‘The One’ – the one picked from a very small selection of ‘body suitable’ options I’d given myself, that is. Had I been able to somehow ease those anxieties and try every style under the sun, I wonder what the end result would have looked like…

As I got talking to Megan Carberry, assistant manager at Kudos Bridal in Dunfermline, she assured me that bridal consultants often meet women armed with a multitude of body hangups. “Everybody has at least one,” she points out. “But you should never be scared to try on your dream style because of your insecurities.”

Instead, it’s all about finding an outfit that wows you so much that you forget about them! Megan suggests trying a little bit of everything until you feel 100% comfortable. “You should be able

to envision slipping into your gown on the morning of the wedding and feel like you can completely relax with no worries!”

At Pan Pan Bridal, Huda Abdulgader recommends not thinking too much about the different styles until try-on time. And when faced with concerns she’s full of reassurance and understanding whilst encouraging her clients to keep all options firmly open. “For the bride’s comfort, I would always support her by recommending dresses that would give her ease of mind,” she says. “However, I also assure them there are other ways to deal with skin changes or spots. Don’t be afraid to try those ‘dream styles.’”

Nicole Milano - available at Pan Pan Bridal

What if…

According to Megan, there is no such thing as an embarrassing question in bridal boutiques. “There’ll always be someone, from your consultant to your seamstress, who will have an answer for you,” she says. So, let’s dive in! What if I don’t know what to wear under my dress?

Huda: “Don’t be afraid to ask. It can be really difficult to find a bra that doesn’t show under the dress so buy a few (keep your receipts) and bring them to your fittings to try on. Knickers can be a pain but you’d be surprised what’s out there for fitted dresses. Sometimes we advise brides to not wear knickers because every pair shows some kind of line. And to be honest, no-one is going to know unless you tell them!”

What if I hate my arms?

Megan: “This might sound completely crazy but sometimes sleeves aren’t the right thing to go for. Sleeves as part of a wedding gown are designed to be looked at and admired so you may find that instead of covering your problem areas, you find yourself drawn to them a little more. Maybe try an off-the-shoulder style instead? This way you still get cover where you want it but your insecurities aren’t being highlighted.” What if I’m prone to spots or redness on my back and chest?

Huda: “There is some fantastic body make-up to give good cover-up and treatments that can help with spots. Treat yourself and help your skin on the lead up to your wedding. If you go a little red, guests won’t mind, and photographers can edit areas you feel uncomfortable with.”

Aire Barcelona - available at Kudos Bridal

What if my IBS makes me super-bloated?

Megan: “Think about an A-line style. These gowns are fitted to the waist and either come in a soft, floaty skirt or a ballgown bottom that will disguise a multitude of tummy problems. If you’d like to stick to fitted, go for a style with a stretch lining that will move with you throughout the day without being uncomfortable. All over detail will also help camouflage any bloating, rather than a plainer style.”

What if I need the toilet?

Megan: “It sounds bizarre but go backwards – there’s no need to invest in any fancy contraptions! Instead of awkwardly trying to hold your train up behind you and risking the dreaded dip in the bowl, walk on to the toilet instead. If you have a fuller dress, chances are you’ll be wearing a hoop so use this to your advantage – hold the hoop and your dress will rest inside.”

Essence of Australia - available at Kudos Bridal

What if my period is due?

Megan: “It’s always good practice to have an ‘SOS kit’ on hand – how about a little box in the bathroom at your venue? Pads, tampons, paracetamol… Even a small sewing kit in case of any wardrobe malfunctions. There’s no such thing as being too prepared.”

Bothered by BO? Don’t be!

“One of the main causes of BO is a build-up of bacteria around hair follicles so get a wax a couple of days before your wedding – and make sure a trusty bridesmaid adds a mini deodorant to your survival kit for the day! If you sweat excessively, ask at the chemist for something stronger to put on the night before your wedding. Just make sure to read the instructions fully as these can cause irritation if not used properly.” Kayleigh Powell, Blushes & Bows at LMQ Hair and Beauty