Question 1

We're having a wedding in December and would love my dress to feature seasonal touches. Do you have any ideas of how I can do this?

Accepted Answer

Christmas is a magical time of year to tie the knot and when it comes to adding seasonal touches to your wedding dress, think glitter, sleeves, lace and perhaps a beautiful ballgown style. We love Tahani by Sophia Tolli, which is both bold and sophisticated. The snow-like bodice, delicate lace sleeves and subtle glitter is a perfect option for the time of year. Not to mention the jaw-dropping Mikado skirt that gives an incredible shape and weight. Why not add a sparkly belt for the perfect finishing touch?

Question 2

I want to look on-trend on my big day. What's fashionable at the moment, and what designers I should look out for?

Accepted Answer

We were lucky enough to visit both the London and Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week this year. After two years of Covid restrictions, we were keen to feel and touch all the dresses and fabrics again. Here we have scouted all the latest fashion trends in the bridal world. There's a huge trend towards plain and classic styles but with a modern twist. In particular, overskirts are in huge demand as it allows you to have two different looks with a dramatic A-line skirt for the day and a more fitted sleek silhouette for the evening. One designer who does this well is Eva Lendel, a Ukrainian company that has set up a second hub in Poland despite the war to continue to serve all their beautiful clients. Modern brides are pairing their clean gowns with understated pearl details. Cathedral-length veils scattered with tiny pearls teamed with a pearl headband are uber fashionable at the moment. Another trend which graced the runways is frothy blouson sleeves that can be detached for that desired second look. The bridal world is also seeing a move towards a sexier trend with some skirt slits, so brides can show some leg and those all-important shoes. If you don't want to go full-on femme fatale with a figure-hugging silhouette and skirt slit, go for a timeless look with a twist and opt for a formal ball gown with sleeves and an unexpected thigh-high slit.

Question 3

We've recently booked our wedding venue for next year and I'm excited to get cracking with shopping for my dream dress but need to keep a tight rein on the purse strings. What would you advise so I can enjoy the experience to the full?

Accepted Answer

Mary says: Now you have your venue, you can think about what dress will suit both you, the setting and theme (if you have one). To help get you started, here are some of my top tips: - Research online for dress boutiques near you. - Check out their websites and make a list of your favourites. - Ring round and make one or two appointments initially. - Ask what the price range is, if not advertised. Let them know your maximum spend and don't be embarrassed to say that you're on a tight budget. - Find out if the boutique sells from stock samples at a reduced price and if you've spotted some designs on their website that you like, what sizes are available to you. - If you've no pre-set idea what's likely to suit you, be guided by the staff. - You can also find places that sell pre-loved gowns. - Shopping at a boutique gives you the opportunity to not only try on the dresses, but also take advantage of the staff's expertise and experience. Your appointment is most likely to be one-on-one and the aim is to make you feel relaxed. Remember you are as important as any other bride who walks through the door, so enjoy this special time.

FAQs and expert advice about wedding dresses