EXPERT ADVICE

FAQs and expert advice about wedding dresses

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your London Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourlondon.wedding

Dancing Queen

Dancing Queen

Q I'm looking for an elegant dress that's easy to dance the night away in. What would you suggest?
A Mara Dietrich says: At Mara Marie Bridal, we value the importance of a gown that lets you dance comfortably all night. Consider a second gown like our Lancaster mini for a shorter, carefree look made from gorgeous satin fabric and featuring a dramatic bow. This gown can also come with a removable skirt for a trend-setting look that will wow your guests.

If you're devoted to one dress, our Payton gown is the perfect option crafted from lightweight organza with a dramatic slit. With everyone talking about flash photography, the pearly sheen of the fabric will look elegant through the camera's lens from day to night.

We recommend our Acton gown if you want something more fitted. It's crafted from a gorgeous blended satin crepe, giving it some stretch with a luxurious sheen.

Whether your gown is fitted or a voluminous ball gown, the key comes down to the fabric it's created from. When looking for your perfect style, mention to your sales associate that you want a gown that will look elegant all night. From second looks to dramatic slits or airy organza, there are many ways your sales associate can help you find the perfect gown to dance the night away in!

Mara Dietrich, Mara Marie Bridal

Bridal gown

Bridal gown

Q I'd love the dream designer dress, but the price tag will be out of my league right now. Are there any options that would make me feel a million dollars, but at a more affordable price?
A Claire Weeks says: The short answer here is yes! We stock dresses for all budgets, but what's important to remember is to make sure you let your bridal boutique know what your budget is. They'll then help you to find the most amazing dress for your budget and trust me, regardless of the price tag, you'll feel beautiful in it.

At The Wedding Wardrobe, we offer a service called Something Borrowed, where you can hire designer dresses for a fraction of the buying price. These gowns are perfect for those on a tighter budget. The dresses range from timeless classic designs to glamorous gowns, ensuring every budget and style is catered for.

The hire service is straight forward and stress-free. We take care of dry cleaning, and you can forget about long waiting times, because with Something Borrowed, you can pick up your bridal dress rental in as little as a week from your order date.

Claire Weeks, Wedding Wardrobe

Summer style

Summer style

Q We're getting married in the peak of summer, so I don't want my dress to feel too heavy and hot. What collections are ideal for this time of the year and why?
A Claire Weekes says: Our Ronald Joyce dresses are very popular with brides who are getting married during the summer months or abroad.

We stock several styles that are made in a light floaty chiffon, which is great for hot temperatures as the gowns don't feel too heavy to wear and they allow for easy movement, which we find a lot of brides want to wear.

The gowns are also structured enough to be worn without a bra, which is excellent as you don't need to wear extra layers and feel uncomfortable on those warmer days.

Claire Weekes, The Wedding Wardrobe

Dress

Dress

Q How to inject seasonal brights into every element of your wedding…
A Tatiana Porembova says: On your big day you want to create a statement look with something that sets you apart and expresses your personality and adding colour to your bridal attire can do just that!

My personal favourite is adding different shades to a veil. All our bespoke dresses can have a custom-made veil created to compliment the look that can be as luxurious and full of wonderful details as the dress itself.

The simplest way to add colour would be by wearing bright shoes. The extent to which your shoes will be on display on your wedding day will depend on the length and silhouette of your gown. It can be a subtle, occasional hint of bright pink under a ball gown, or a full-on view with a shorter midi-length design.

Using coloured beading and gemstones or handmade details such as flowers or a bow are other stylish and sophisticated ways to add your chosen shade to your outfit. For a subtle touch, add a colourful lining or an underskirt to give your dress a multi-shade tone, such as blush or gold. For a cheekier interpretation of this, we could introduce bridal petticoats in crinoline for the perfect pop of colour. This works perfectly with a short hemline and would add a stunning casual vibe to an informal wedding.

Tatiana Porembova, Couture Bridal Studio

Luxury bridal

Luxury bridal

Q I have an idea of the type of dress I'd like. What advice can you give me for my first bridal appointment that'll help me find the one – even if it's different to what I'd imagined?
A Suzannah Crabb says: The first step is to have that shape, style and feel in mind of what suits you. If you don't have an idea yet, that's ok too, as we can help you find the special one! We have a beautiful edit of versatile glamorous gowns, simple white dresses, jumpsuits and separates and would work with you to explore, try on and find that perfect piece. We would then discuss how we adapt to make this personal to you, be it different colourways or fabrics, alterations to sleeves, neckline, or length. Suzannah London's bridal pieces are charming, playful and incredibly skilful in construction. I work tirelessly with my technical team to create the most ultimate fit and feeling of a garment. The look and feel are equally important when investing in luxury.

Suzannah Crabb, Suzannah London

The dress

The dress

Q What are the key wedding trends for 2022 and how are couples planning their weddings differently this year?
A Irina Merkulova says: I'm loving the trend of interchangeable dresses with detachable sleeves and skirts. Choosing one of these designs gives you a range of completely different looks to wear throughout your day without having to buy more than one dress.

If you're tying the knot during the cooler months, you'd be grateful for sleeves during the day, but then for your evening celebrations you can remove them. I also love the idea of the removable skirts and trains. It's surprising how different they can make your gown look. Opt for a dramatic flowing overskirt for your ceremony and then take it off to reveal a shorter or more demure skirt underneath and be ready to hit the dancefloor. Guests that have been with you all day will think you've changed into a different outfit!

Irina Merkulova, Lace and Button

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