Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon 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@yourberksbucksoxon.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Support British
Q. I want to support British designers with my choice of wedding dress. Can you help?
A. Vicky says: The bridal scene is an eclectic mix of brands spanning the globe with designers from Australia to California coming to the forefront of bridal fashion. But should we be looking closer to home when it comes to getting our bridal fix? In this article, we delve into the benefits of shopping local when searching for the one and why supporting British, indie bridal brands and designers can make us feel as good as we look.
With localism surging in popularity, supercharged by the global pandemic, the trend for shopping local is not slowing. The current global challenges and the shift towards independent makers and creatives have given bridal boutiques the perfect opportunity to hone their customer service skills, ensuring each bride that crosses their threshold has a memorable experience while ensuring the product they are offering meets the same high expectations. What better time to showcase British independent designers who create dresses here in the UK which brings many benefits. Firstly, the designer is in charge because they're present and hands-on. They have full control over their supply chain and manufacturing processes. With small but perfectly formed teams of local craftspeople, they can ensure quality is never compromised on every gown sent out. Talking of teams, many indie British designers support their local economy by employing people from the region, often young people, allowing them to learn a craft and perfect specialist skills so often lost in our fast-paced, demanding society. It's as if you know the person who has made your dress, it doesn't feel more personal than that.
Another upside of being the champion of British design is that you have an opportunity to customise your bridal look. With British designers working closely with their stockists, boutiques are well supported in helping a bride make tweaks and changes to perfect the finished dress. They are also a great solution for the laidback bride who hasn't started shopping 18 months before her wedding date. Since every piece is made in the UK, customers won't need to factor in extensive shipping times which buys a little more time to make such an important decision.
With shorter shipping time comes fewer air miles. Choosing a wedding dress or bridal outfit designed and made in the UK minimalises the environmental impact. Many British designers will source their fabrics within the UK and while they cut each pattern to reduce waste, any waste fabric often gets donated to local schools and colleges to be made into something new.
Finally, a British designer knows British brides best. They are experienced to understand and reinterpret fashion trends and enduring British style creating gowns that speak to women. They cut and create silhouettes that enhance the way brides look, making them feel amazing in each piece.
By being a champion of British bridal designers, you're making a positive impact on the environment, supporting local economies that provide employment and getting a dress that's designed with you in mind.
Vicky, Love & Loved Bridal Boutique
www.loveandloved.co.uk
Best-dressed brides
Q. I'm about to start wedding dress shopping – what styles can I expect to see in store for the new season?
A. Isabella says: Here are some of our most popular dress styles at the moment. This style D265 by Essense of Australia is a popular gown for brides searching for a timeless clean-cut look. The matte mikado fabric creates a sophisticated and glamorous effect and having a V-neckline helps frame the face. The beaded belt accentuates the waist and the V-back adds a touch of something special while the dramatic train completes the look.
Style PH8008 by Phoenix Gowns is the ideal choice if you're after an embellished gown and a more detailed design. This features Gatsby-inspired lace appliqué that adds detail to this strapless style complete with a sweetheart neckline. It enhances curves by gently flaring from the hips into a fuller skirt and the corset back leads to the statement chapel train with a full lace hem. The finishing touch is the elegant bolero jacket with cap sleeves featuring a delicate scalloped edge.
Isabella, Bride To Be
www.bridetobe.co.uk
New beginnings
Q. Can you show me some ideas for wedding dress styles that will suit a low-key, late-summer wedding?
A. Rhian Jenkins says: We're seeing an increase in requests for laid-back, bohemian styles in soft floaty fabrics and fine lace for weddings this summer. Easy-to-wear is a great way to describe this style!
Sparkle was a big trend for weddings in 2019 and 2020 but plain A-line and sheath silhouettes are popular in the 2021 collections and are incredibly flattering on most body shapes and sizes. The beauty of these simplistic styles is that they work well with any type of wedding - they can be dressed up or down.
We have a large collection of new gowns in stock from designers including w.too, Willowby and Enzoani. We're also offering our brides-to-be luxury gift bags with a value of more than £600 when they purchase their dream dress at New Beginnings!
Rhian Jenkins, New Beginnings Bridal Boutique
www.newbeginningsmk.co.uk
