WHO TO BRING ON YOUR VISIT? Now that you are prepared for your visit, the question arises of who you should bring with you. Naturally, at the top of your list should be a parent and your maid-of-honour. The two people who will hold your hand the most during the big day and the ones who will probably give you the most honest opinion. If you have a small group of bridesmaids, then bring them along – but we recommend capping wedding dress shopping at four people (not including yourself). Siblings can also fall into the invited list, if they are not part of the bridal party. ‘Less is more’ is certainly the rule when wedding dress shopping, as too many opinions in one room invariably leads to upset. Keep the group tight and to people who you know will be honest but not cruel – you can tell someone the truth without being hurtful or comedic. Some brides choose to go by themselves for the first couple of appointments and then bring their close ones for the final decision. If you’re concerned about your friends/family being hurtful, then perhaps do the initial shopping by yourself. Make a day of it if you are travelling a distance to your bridal boutique! If you’re making a trip for a specific boutique or heading to a new area, then plan some other activities for while you’re there. You could dress shop at midday and go out for dinner and a show afterwards? Or head off to a bar for some cocktails with the girls while you brainstorm wedding and hendo plans! It doesn’t have to be a sombre visit to one shop and home to your pyjamas, it’s worth making the most of the experience so you can relish in the excitement of being a bride. DIFFERENT WEDDING DRESS SILHOUETTES Now that you and your entourage are prepped and raring to go, it’s time to consider the different styles you’ll be seeing at your appointment. The sales advisor at the boutique will not expect you to be armed with all the jargon, however, having a loose understanding will enable you to more confidently communicate your desires. A-line. A classic for a reason and lends itself to any fabric like silk, tulle, and jacquard. This style features a fitted bodice with a fuller skirt and suits lots of body types. Ball gown. Much like the above, this style features a fitted bodice, but a ball gown has a much fuller skirt in comparison. This style is typically considered more glamorous and would lend itself well to theatrical/fairytale settings. Basque. This style of dress is increasing in popularity, with the ever-shifting tide of fashion, and features a longer bodice to elongate the torso. The waistline of the dress typically falls just under the belly button, invariably coming to a point, and can lead into a full or fitted skirt. Sheath. This style is an elevated mermaid silhouette and features a more elegant design. Whilst it is fitted, the style leaves room for elements such as sleaves or cathedral veils. Drop waist. Much like the basque, the design elongates the torso. However, whilst a basque waistline comes to a point, drop waist features a straight waistline just under the belly button. Empire. Going in the opposite direction, the empire waistline sits just under the bust and skims past the rest of the body in a loose slimline skirt. This style gives a sense of period-inspired fashion and would be found in the halls of a manor house. Mermaid. A classic style like the A-line and can be very flattering on lots of body types. It’s fitted all the way down to the knees, at which point it flares out in to a small but full skirt. Mermaid cuts work well in lacy fabrics or satin and the skirt shape can be adventurous or safe. Princess. Not to be mistaken for a ballgown, this style has no clear waistline but has a full skirt and is fitted to the curves of the person in it. Short. If you’re not one for a long dress of any style, then you may gravitate to a shorter one. Not only ideal for summer weddings, but they also enable lots of movement and motion, so would be great for a second outfit choice at the reception when you get your dancing shoes on! jonathanborba.46graus.com BRIDAL BOUTIQUES 51
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