The Wedding season is truly upon us and while Mr and Mrs Fashion’s celebration was the most stylishly off-beat affair you could ever hope to attend (traditional with plenty of twists) throughout the planning I submerged myself in a bridal bubble, absorbing all I could about The Dress that represents the ultimate expression of every woman’s fashion hopes and dreams.
That gown is probably going to be the most expensive piece you ever purchase (apart from a large selection of Chanel Fine Jouallerie, naturally) so it had better look fantastic. We all know that a flirty cocktail frock and Stephen Jones hatlet makes for the best-dressed guest but brides to be should check out Mrs Fashion’s guide to Big Day Style before you even let that ring anywhere near your finger.
Just as you used rules to snag your man (didn’t you?) there are rules to be followed in buying a bridal outfit. Listen up.
1: Don’t buy bridal shoes. Pick a metallic leather or pearly pastel version from Louboutin, Rupert Sanderson, Manolo or Sergio Rossi. You’ll wear them again on special occasions and you won’t have ugly square-toed ivory satin pumps staring out at you from your wedding album. Think simple and classic - the shoes are so often what ages a bridal photo when all else is timelessly chic.
2: Be brutal about your body shape. If your shoulders slope like Siennas’ a strapless dress will do you no favours. The right underwear is also essential for creating a fabulous figure. NB: Strapless dresses are dull. Why do normally fashionable folk revert to formulaic dressing when it’s time to trot down the aisle? Think outside the box.
3: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize: A white dress is a blank canvas. To continue the theme of your day - and to make sure your personality shines - you’ll need to pick the perfect jewels, shoes, bag, blooms and hair / make-up that flows and goes.
4: Ignore tradition. Veils and tiaras are anachronisms. As are garters. Hello? 2000-and-seven. While some may argue that the very act of marriage is outdated in the 21st century I certainly think that disposing with the tackier parts of the ritual is a step forward. Having said that a jewelled headband or lace-edged Mantilla veil are pretty additions if the rest of your look demands it.
5: Bridal shops suck. Be prepared to battle with a bitch or two before you find something you adore in a store you’re happy to visit time and again. Luckily my own Couture experience was all sweetness and light. _____ and ______, I love you! But some of the preceeding appointments made me cry. And remember it’s nothing to do with me not being able to fit into the frocks. My jeans say Size 0, ‘kay?
Now, what sort of dress should you choose?
You’re a Princess
Well, you’re determined to be one for one day of your life at least. The oft-repeated phrase “But it’s my day” means that you get exactly what you want (and you’re actually quite proud when the cake-maker declares that she’s never met a bridezilla quite like you before). Your theme? Pink. Roses and peonies are in unethical abundance because ‘Less is more’ never made any sense anyway.
Get married in
A ballgown, reams of tulle, glitter and diamante
Your dream dresses
Top row, from left: Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Caroline Castigliano
Bottom, from left: Jim Hjelm, Catherine Davighi, Maggie Sottero
Also try
Dior (Couture of course)
Don’t forget…
Be nice to your subordinates (ie your mother, father, groom) and remember size isn’t everything. Except, perhaps, on your wedding night.
You’re classic
Simple, elegant, un-fussy. Your home is a paeon to minimalism and Zen and your wedding day will echo these spare sentiments. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Jennifer Aniston’s pared down style makes your heart beat faster. A wardrobe of Jil Sander and Calvin Klein might carry you through the 9-5 but they don’t really go with white phalaenopis orchids do they?
Get married in
Draped column dresses, ivory silk, smooth crepe, bias-cut gowns
Your dream dresses
Top row, from left: Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Catherine Walker, Ritva Westenius
Also try
Amanda Wakeley, Ghost
Don’t forget…
Silk columns are the most versatile gown: go minimal with a slicked back chignon and jewelled flats or channel Jean Harlow with a fluffy marabou stole and Marcel wave.
You’re bohemian
Maybe you don’t do dresses. Perhaps you only wear vintage. But you do love Marni, picnics in the countryside and Belle & Sebastian. Oh, and you will not allow your personal style to be sacrificed at the altar of all that is puffed-up, shiny and meringue-like (and God help any future in laws that suggest you’d look radiant in taffeta).
Get married in
Crochet, raw-edged silk, scattered sequins, vintage patchwork
Your dream dresses
From left: Johanna Hehir, Valentino, Monsoon, Jenny Packham
Also try
Alberta Ferretti, Terry Fox
Don’t forget…
Getting vintage fabrics incorporated into your dress cuts out the hassle of searching for “Something old”
You’re a Lady
Your glossy grown-up glamour means Dita Von Teese has nothing on you. Always immaculately coiffed, manicured and buffed you’re 100% woman with a cinched in waist, bombshell curves and immaculately matched lingerie to prove it. Of course no one but your husband-to-be gets to see that part though, do they?
Get married in
Hourglass corsets, miniature pleats, ice white, red lipstick
Your dream dresses
From left: Circa Bride, Maggie Sottero, Stewart Parvin, Pronovias
Also try
Vivienne Westwood
Don’t forget…
Fishtail skirts will balance out your curves giving you the ultimate Jessica Rabbit silhouette.
Cheers! May all your ups and downs be between the sheets.