Not sure which style of wedding dress suits you? Can’t decide on a gown for your wedding abroad? Searching for a pretty plus-size style? These are all common wedding dress dilemmas faced by real brides every day, so we asked gown gurus Mark Lesley to come up with some savvy solutions, especially for you…
“I’m having a traditional church ceremony – what kind of gown should I wear?”
If you are having a religious ceremony you should check with your venue to see what their dress code is, you may discover that you need to cover up a bit more than you first thought. Bridal is very accommodating to this with accessories such as shrugs and boleros, which can be added or removed at your leisure. You also need to think about the silhouette of your gown and how it relates to your venue. For example, slinky dresses may look lost in a grand venue. Equally, you won’t need a full skirt if you have a narrow aisle to walk down.
“What fabrics should I be looking at if I’m getting married abroad?”
Chiffon or georgette are great fabrics for weddings abroad as they are so floaty and light weight. Light delicate lace can also look stunning with a duster train. It’s going to be sunny so crystals on the wedding gown are going to look fantastic as they catch the light. Even though it is going to be hot, you can still wear a full gown, but maybe think about putting a small hooped petticoat underneath to hold the skirt away from your legs.
“I have quite a big bust, which necklines will flatter me most and what should I avoid?”
The best necklines for big busts are open necklines like a sweetheart, scoop, square or V-neck, which look good on almost every body shape. V-necks are super flattering on big-busted girls, the V acts as an arrow to the bust. Just make sure that you don’t reveal too much! Avoid high necklines and round necklines as they can make full busts look even bigger.
“I am a plus-size bride – will any of your dresses suit me?”
Every body type is beautiful and no one should settle for anything less than their dream dress. The most important advice for finding a wedding dress is to know your body shape. Top-heavy brides with hourglass figures look great in trumpet silhouettes, whereas an A-line is better if you’re bottom-heavy, and apple-shaped brides look best in empire dresses or ball gowns. Draped gowns are also very flattering. Just because you’re a plus-size bride doesn’t mean you can’t wear a fitted gown! Look for a style that flares out at the knee, or right above or below it.
“I want that real ‘princess’ feeling when I walk down the aisle. What dresses would work with this look?”
All of our gowns would make you feel like a princess, we have some beautiful full floaty skirts in our collections. MLB 2176 and MLB 2206 have sparkle tulle under the lace appliqués, which will give you that princess feeling. Full, voluminous skirts will also make you feel like royalty. Consider wearing a hoop under your skirt to give you the full princess effect.
“I’m having a Great Gatsby wedding theme – which styles would work best with this look?”
Our style MLP 5070 has a 1920’s feel and would definitely fit in a Great Gatsby theme – beautiful vermicelli sequin tulle over soft satin with floaty cape sleeves. Our stunning gown MLP 5090 also has a 20’s feel with a cowl neckline – front and back – and gorgeous satin fabric.
“I love lace but not all over – what’s the most fashionable way to wear lace right now?”
Hope from our Donna Salado collection shows a pretty way to use lace appliqués. It boasts a draped cross-over neckline and lace appliquéd on to an overlay. The A-line tulle with a sexy fishtail underneath gives this vintage-style gown a modern, sexier edge.”
Do you love wedding dresses with lots of detail. Mark Lesley has picked out some of his favourite detailed dresses right here. Which one do you love?
