Style Secrets

Brides should always focus on themselves first ie: choosing their dress style and shape, colour etc. Once this decision is made choosing bridesmaid dresses becomes much easier.

Always ring ahead when you know you want to try on wedding dresses to avoid disappointment. A lot of bridal boutiques work on an appointment basis so that there is an experienced member of staff available to help guide you through the collections. Their help is often invaluable as they should be knowledgeable about their dresses and what suits particular body shapes. Also, it should help to avoid the shop being overcrowded and making it a nicer experience for everyone!

If you are going to lose weight try and do it before you go dress shopping - you will feel much better in a dress that fits. But remember that if you lose or gain weight after you have ordered your dress and it doesn't fit (and may never fit!) then neither the manufacturer, or the shop are at fault.

DO go to your appointment with an open mind, try on a bit of everything - and listen to the advice and guidance given to you by your consultant - she's not a shop assistant - she's a trained consultant who will help you find the right shade and style to flatter you.

We always ask our brides if they have a budget that they would like us to keep within when helping them look through the dresses. This has been really useful as it means that we can be more concise and narrow the search down so that girls don’t feel like they are wasting their time. If the shop you visit doesn’t ask you, we would recommend that you tell them especially if you are working within a tight budget. Also, it prevents the horror of falling in love with a dress that it £1000 more than you expected to spend – don’t worry nobody worth their reputation will judge you in anyway.

The trying and buying of a wedding gown is a once in a lifetime experience.. make sure you like and trust the person selling you your gown... you should feel like the only bride on the books!!!

When you have your bridal consultation, try on different dresses to see what style, shape colour fabric suit you best, however, try not to try on too many as this can often leave you confused, and what should be a very happy time choosing your dress, can then turn into a stressful time.

We find that brides have a happier experience if they only bring one or two people with them to their first trying-on session. Sometimes, although bringing five bridesmaids and several family members might seem appealing, when they are all fighting for space on the sofa (and to share their opinions) it can be quite stressful for an already emotional bride. As long as the chosen ones know you very well, and are there for you, they will be a great judging panel.

Be vocal about what you do and don't like about a dress when trying it on. That way the assistant can suggest alternative dresses to try on.

Don’t get too hung up on sizes, we as retailers will guide you in conjunction to the manufacturers size chart. Bridal sizes do NOT reflect high street sizes, your guests will not see the size label; just admire a beautifully fitted gown.

Always start with good foundation garments - the right bra can make all the difference in your pictures and how you feel throughout the day. Foundation garments should be chosen in a shade closest to your skin tone.

If you're shopping for a strapless gown, make sure you bring a strapless bra to use while trying on. It will help give you a better idea of what the gown would look like.

This is the one time when you can give a personal statement about your individual style, so enjoy!

Rather than lose weight looking at gowns, try on some styles and surprise yourself...

The fabric of your gown needs to be one of the factors in making it ‘the one’. Lightweight fabrics like chiffon are the best choice for warm-weather weddings. If your nuptials will be in wintry-weather consider heavier fabrics.

DO consider your fiancee - what would he like to see you walk down the aisle in?

Where possible see your gown in daylight as the colour will change - we often take brides outside the shop