Ask The Expert > dresses


Bridesmaids on a budget

I am getting married in June and I have four bridesmaids. Where can I find some lovely dresses for under £100? Or am I being unrealistic? Hayley, Weymouth

Helen Webster says :

You're not being unrealistic Hayley! There are some gorgeous dresses on the high street in shops such as BHS (the dresses shown are from their new 2010 collection) and Debenhams. Shorter dresses tend to cost less as they obviously use less material (the one shown is just £90!), and this style will keep your bridesmaids cool at your summer wedding. For inspiration on other styles and colours, click here.

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Cost concerns

Why do British made-to-measure designer dresses cost so much money? Isobel Taylor, Glasgow

Johanna Hehir says :

Johanna says: There is a popular misconception that brides ordering British made-to-measure designer dresses are somehow paying over the odds. This is simply not true. Made-to-measure dresses are generally handmade in Britain where labour costs and overheads are obviously a lot higher than in other less-developed countries. Designer stores like mine also offer a more involved level of service than bridal stores who only offer an altered-to-fit service. Brides are paying for the experience and expertise that UK designers have acquired over many years in the business. Dealing with designers who make their own dresses should give brides the confidence that the dress will fit properly and be ready in time, which isn’t always the case with imported gowns. Some brides buy online or use a dressmaker to copy a designer dress to save money. Internet suppliers and dressmakers often undercut designers on price, but I would only deal with someone who had been recommended by a friend because this can end in disaster and you have little or no comeback.

 

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Suits you!

I’m marrying for the second time and want a cream/ivory suit. The wedding is in a church and I’m in my forties and I don’t want to look like an old lady or the mother of the bride!

Helen Webster says :

I think the key with a suit is to make sure it accentuates your figure. Choose a boot-cut leg to make you look tall and slim, a fitted jacket with a nipped-in waist to accentuate curves or detailing such as embroidery or diamanté. If you’re feeling body-confident, you could choose a fitted, deep V-fronted jacket and wear nothing underneath to show off a dazzling décolletage. See www.johanna-hehir.com for a gorgeous white satin bridal suit. To make you feel truly bridal, pick some killer heels, stunning jewellery and a fascinator – a tiny pillbox hat would look chic.

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How can I cover my arms?

I’m a size 22 and really hate my arms so want to keep them covered up. I don’t like shrugs though and think I would feel constricted in a jacket. Are there any styles out there for curvier girls that have proper sleeves?

Johanna Hehir says :

There are lots of styles which have a shoulder and armhole which can incorporate a sleeve. Look out for V neck and scoop neck dresses as these are the best styles for bigger brides. Do some research on the internet first and make appointments at designers who have styles with sleeves in their collections — such as the gown by Romantica (style Malmo) shown here. Check first with the shop you want to make an appointment at, that it has styles with sleeves in your size, so you will not be disappointed!

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I need colour!

White just isn't me, I knew it the moment I started looking at gowns for my big day. I just look so pasty, withdrawn and not myself. It would be great to see an issue that shows some of the wilder and more colourful gowns on offer. I have found it really difficult to get a dress that suits my personality and I am determined to find a replica of the vamp-tastic wedding dress worn by Dita Von Teese. It would be great to know where I could find something like this… please help Helen!
Isla Ewing, Email

Helen Webster says :

Don’t worry, there are plenty of designers offering wedding dresses in gorgeous vibrant colours now, so you are bound to find something to suit! First, think about which kind of colour you would like and which will suit you. There are some beautiful dresses in delicate shades of pink, gold and blue at the moment, for these look at designers such as Kate Sherford, Sophia Tolli and Mon Cheri. From your email, it sounds like you’re looking for something with a little more drama though — so why not look for a dress in a deep red? Shades range from a vibrant flame or scarlet red to deeper, more burgundy tones and there are several designers you should definitely look at — start with Hollywood Dreams, MMK, Special Day and Nicola Anne. Luckily for you, many red dresses are also real statement dresses with detailed bodices and big skirts too, so you’re bound to look truly vamp-tastic on the day!

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Desperately seeking...

I have been desperately looking in bridal shops and on the internet for a dress in either a rich cream colour or a pale lemon. I've had no luck at all and was wondering if you know of any designers who offer dresses in these colours? I'm getting married on the Amalfi coast next May and want to go for a flowing and romantic look, with a fullish skirt. Tamsin.

Helen Webster says :

Off the top of my head, the first dress that comes to mind is 'summer of love' by Charlotte Balbier which comes in a colour called 'lemon sorbet' and also has that flowing, romantic look that you need for your destination wedding! Have a look at her website: charlottebalbier.com. Otherwise, check out the designers Sophia Tolli and Mon Cheri, who both have some beautiful dresses in pastel shades. I know Mon Cheri especially have a couple in their Spring 09 collection which are quite deep cream/pale gold in colour.

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Weddings abroad

Could you advise me on where to purchase a dress suitable for a wedding abroad? What should I be looking for? Many thanks!
Paula Townsley

Johanna Hehir says :

I assume when you say “abroad” that you mean a dress suitable for a hot climate or beach-style wedding? If so, then you will find that most bridal designers include styles which are less structured and more informal in their collections which will suit that type of venue. My advice is to do some internet searches and find some styles that you like the look of. You will probably not want anything too fitted or in synthetic fabrics if it is going to be hot. Find your nearest stockist and then make appointments to try them on. This is the quickest way to find out what works for you and suits your figure and budget.

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Love curves!

I’m a size 18 and get married in a year. I’ve lost some weight and I'd like to lose more, but I don’t realistically think that I will. My fiancé loves my curves and I'm happy most of the time — my only worry is that my sister and bridesmaids are quite small and I don’t want to look like the ‘big one’ in the photos. What kind of dress should I choose? Karen, Wolverhampton

Helen Webster says :

The mistake many curvier brides make is to choose a big, full-skirted dress to try and ‘hide’ their figure when a gown that follows your shape is more flattering. If your fiancé loves your womanly shape, then draw attention to it! If you have a great bust and hips but a smaller waist (an ‘hourglass’), then a sexy fishtail will give you that amazing, movie-star silhouette and I guarantee you will be the only person anyone is looking at! The dress shown is from the new Benjamin Roberts collection.

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Beach wedding

Could you advise me on where to purchase a dress suitable for a wedding abroad? What should I be looking for? Many thanks!
Paula Townsley, by email

Johanna Hehir says :

Most bridal designers include styles which are less structured and more informal in their collections which will suit that type of venue. My advice is to do some internet searches and find some styles that you like the look of. You will probably not want anything too fitted or in synthetic fabrics if it is going to be hot. Find your nearest stockist and then make appointments to try them on. This is the quickest way to find out what works for you and suits your figure and budget.

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Beach wedding

Could you advise me on where to purchase a dress suitable for a wedding abroad? What should I be looking for? Many thanks!
Paula Townsley, by email

Johanna Hehir says :

Most bridal designers include styles which are less structured and more informal in their collections which will suit that type of venue. My advice is to do some internet searches and find some styles that you like the look of. You will probably not want anything too fitted or in synthetic fabrics if it is going to be hot. Find your nearest stockist and then make appointments to try them on. This is the quickest way to find out what works for you and suits your figure and budget.

Ask your question here