SOPHIE LOUISE. How To Ensure You Look Sensational On Your Wedding Day. Illustrated guide by Vivienne Bradley-Smith

Transcription

1 How To Ensure You Look Sensational On Your Wedding Day SOPHIE LOUISE Designer Wedding Dresses and Accessories 236 High Street, Boston Spa, Leeds, LS23 6AD Copyright Sophie Louise Dolce by Nicola Anne Illustrated guide by Vivienne Bradley-Smith

2 This guide covers 8 of the most important things to consider when choosing your wedding dress In this guide, Vivienne Bradley-Smith provides advice and guidance regarding the style, shape, material and colour of your dress to ensure that your dress is perfect for you, so that you look sensational on your wedding day. Vivienne is the owner of Sophie Louise, a bridal shop which specialises in bespoke wedding dresses, shoes and accessories of high quality for the discerning bride. In the boutique you will find wedding dresses and accessories from award winning designers and couture garments individually designed by Vivienne. Vivienne Bradley-Smith s wealth of knowledge and experience in the bridal and fashion industry has accumulated from 25 years as a fashion buyer and designer. Vivienne produces her own bridal collection which is available exclusively from the boutique in Boston Spa. 1. Research, Research, Research Preparation is the key. Find dress images that personally appeal to you. I recommend that you keep references of the dresses that clearly stand out in your mind. These ideas will help you close in on one or two wedding dress styles that you would love to wear on your wedding day. To start off your research, you will find a wealth of information about designers and how to plan your wedding on the internet. 2. Start Preparations As Early As Possible Perfect timing to have chosen your wedding dress is approximately 9 months before your wedding day. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the whole process and make you feel well organised and relaxed. Time goes very quickly from placing your order to your final fitting! Being last minute is not an ideal situation. You do not want to choose in haste and then worry about whether you have made the right choice. I have come across quite a few instances of brides, who have ordered their dresses late, only to see it a few days before their wedding day. It didn t arrive until the eleventh hour! This would have certainly make me panic. So, I recommend very strongly that you have at least 9 months to organise your wedding dress. 3. Choose a Reputable, Local Supplier If you decide to have your wedding dress made for you, make sure you choose a local, reputable supplier. Expert advice can be invaluable, where attention to detail, quality, finish and a personal service are all of paramount importance. It makes sense to use a local supplier, as it s more convenient for you to call in for your fittings and keeping in touch is so much easier

3 4.The Dress Shape and Design Needs To Be Right For Your Body Shape Your wedding dress silhouette should suit your body type. The basic shapes are straight, fishtail, A- line and ball gown. You should have a pretty good idea of what suits you before you start trying on any wedding dresses. For example, if you have large hips you would not choose a bias cut, slinky dress as it would not flatter your figure. For tall brides, I would recommend a simple silhouette, with elegant embellishment. The proportions need to correspond to your height, such as the positioning of a dropped waist and the length of the train. If you are busty, a lower V neckline or scoop will flatter you. Try and avoid bandeaux style bodices (strapless and straight across) as these will make your bust look even larger. A-line Fishtail Petite brides will find it better to wear an empire line gown, as this elongates your body and create the illusion of being taller. Look at dresses where the waistline is above your natural waist, this will make the bottom half of your dress appear longer. Fish-tail and sheath styles are also very flattering. Detailing is best added to the bodice, which will draw the eye upwards. Try to avoid dropped waists and very full skirts as these will not be the most flattering. If you are small chested, I would recommend you choose a bridal bra that gives you a boost. This will enhance your bust and help give you a fabulous silhouette. There are lots of self-adhesive options available too, normally in nude colour. These work well with backless dresses or ones that are very low at the back. Consider dresses with ruched bodices to create an illusion of curves. Straight Ball Gown

4 5. Choose Your Correct Dress Size Choosing the correct dress size is extremely important; this will ensure you feel confident and comfortable all day long. Standard dress sizes are available, or your wedding dress can be made to your personal measurements. Not everyone is a perfect standard size. Ask for advice regarding the correct dress size you require once your measurements have been taken. You should feel comfortable in your wedding dress and it should not be too tight. A dress that is too tight will put pressure on the zip or buttons. A lot of strain will make your dress vulnerable to breaking or damaging it. Once your measurements have been taken, impartial advice will be given as to which size you require. 6. Seek Advice on Which Neckline Flatters You The neckline is very important and the main types to choose from are: v-neck, scoop, off-the shoulder, sweet-heart and strapless. Your neckline should suit your figure and will depend on the shape of your face and the build of your upper body. For example, it is not very advantageous to choose a strapless dress if you have a very ample bosom. Seek honest, professional advice to assist your decision. V-neckline Sweet-heart neckline 7. White or Ivory? Lots of colours are available for your wedding dress, such as champagne, gold and burgundy. Your venue might influence your choice of dress colour. Perhaps a medieval castle for your location may suggest wearing a historically influenced design in a much stronger colour. Choose a colour that suits your skin tone well. White and ivory are the most popular colours to wear on your wedding day. The main deciding factor that will decide the best colour for you is your skin tone. Try on different coloured dresses and seek advice. Vivienne, you made the process so easy and enjoyable. Thank you for the most beautifully made dress; it is both comfortable and exquisite. Sara C (Ilkley) 8. Choose Your Fabric Carefully There is a wide selection of silk fabrics and laces available and you are truly spoilt for choice. Options include: duchess satin, taffeta, organza and, my personal favourite, silk double crepe. Certain fabrics only suit particular designs, for example pure silk satin is a very fluid fabric and looks great as a bias cut wedding dress. It is a glamorous fabric and is very light-reflective which shows every curve. Petite sizes favour this particular fabric choice. Having despaired of finding the perfect dress, finding your shop was such a relief. It s a true haven of beautiful dresses and your expertise shines through. So many, many thanks for helping transform me into a bride, without being overly fussy. Jenni S (Harrogate)

5 Vivienne Bradley-Smith is the owner of Sophie Louise Sophie Louise is a privately owned, exclusive bridal boutique situated in the picturesque village of Boston Spa, just two miles south of Wetherby off the A1 / M1 Link Road.. You will find Wedding Dresses and Accessories from award winning designers and also couture garments individually designed by Vivienne. The well renowned boutique has an enviable reputation that offers a truly personal service to ensure each individual bride looks sensational on their wedding day. To Further Help Your Research Useful website addresses Visit for more information and to view some of the exquisite wedding dresses available. Also on the website, you will see more information on the bespoke design service many brides have trusted and enjoyed. For wedding shoes and accessory ideas please visit Silk and Lace Dress Samples If you would like to receive a selection of beautiful silk and lace samples (to help you make the right choice for your dress), please telephone or info@sophielouise.com with details regarding your dress ideas etc. Sophie Louise will be delighted to send you a selection of fabrics. Complimentary Consultation with Vivienne Bradley-Smith Vivienne Bradley-Smith is available to give one-on-one advice and guidance. If you would like her to advise you on how to look sensational on your wedding day from conception of your dress design through to your choice of shoes and accessories, call to arrange a complimentary consultation or info@ sophielouise.com. Thanks so much for all your help probably the most nervous and dis-organised bride to be ever! Thanks for your amazing skills, so many alterations and patience. Claire E (Wetherby) You are the most amazing seamstress I have known. How you came up with my most beautiful dress and coat I will never know. I have travelled through all the shops in Harrogate and beyond for a mother of the bride dress and found nothing. Then I met you. Thank you. Sandra C (Wetherby)

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