Many companies recognise the need for bridesmaids’ dresses in a range of age-appropriate styles, so you shouldn’t find it too difficult to find gowns to suit all your girls. Having the two colours for your wedding also makes things easier. You could put the adults in full-length, wine-coloured dresses and the teens in shorter dresses in the same colour. The younger girls would look pretty in fuller ivory tulle skirts, but with a wine-coloured ribbon around the middle to tie in with the theme!

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.

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!

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.