By Georgina Clatworthy

Yes it’s that time of year again, when the bridal shows are in full swing and we get a first taste at what all the best dressed brides should be wearing next year.  Wedding dress trends for 2011 center around deluxe details such as flourishes, feathers, sparkles, ruching and embroidery.  All of which add a tactile finish to touchy-feely designs with standout style.

• Lovely Lace: Already a big dress trend this season, lace is set to feature again next year.  If you thought lace was too traditional then you should think again.  Top trends are with lace include girly, elegant and luxurious designs with thoroughly modern twist for 2011.
• Ballgowns: They have been a staple in designers portfolio’s for a couple of years now and show stopping ballgowns will continue to feature next year.  The return of full skirted, volume gowns allows many brides to live out their childhood dreams in aisle sweeping princess inspired wedding dresses.
• Soft Color: Break with the traditional white or ivory wedding dress and follow the trends for subtle hues of blush pinks, pale peaches and muted greys.  All of which are set to be big wedding dress trends that prove a wedding dress doesn’t have to be white!
• Trumpet Gowns: This shape is super-flattering, curve hugging and ultra feminine.  So it is no wonder that it is set to be the shape of the season.  For brides who want a touch of red carpet glamour a trumpet gown will make you look and feel like a million dollars.
• Floral Accents: Flowers are a staple part of any wedding and next season sees delicate floral appliqués blossoming all over many wedding dress designs.  Accessorized with a sprinkling of romance, oversized blooms and oh so pretty petals, flowers will be a big feature.
• Fanciful Touches: Trends for frothy ruffles and modern pleating has rocked the bridal world for the past year and are set to continue into the next.  The combination of these two textural elements adds a bold style statement to simple silhouettes.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Time was I would normally talk about wedding dress trends according to style or shape.  But is seems that for this season at least, it is your choice of venue or location which will dictate the dress trends you follow:

For the country bride:

Frills, flowers and curve enhancing corsets are all features of wedding dresses for the country bride.  Frills and flounces have been a big feature on many designs and classic ball gowns and A-line dress shapes make for romantic, fairytale dresses for a stunning country location.

For the destination bride:

Once upon a time it was nearly impossible to find a dress suitable for a destination wedding.  Times have changes and there is now more choice than ever for stunning gowns fit for parading foreign shores in!  Choose lightweight fabrics to beat the heat and the baggage allowance!  Light and floaty chiffons, along with lace and simple designs all feature for destination wedding dress trends this season.

For the city bride:

The city bride has a far more dramatic backdrop to contend with so choose fashion forward designs straight from the catwalks.  Trends include pleats, ruching and folds, dramatic fabrics and details and short dresses with long trains.  Knee length dresses with a sixties twist are popular and suit city weddings with an intimate feel.

For the formal bride:

If your venue is on the formal side then you will need a dress that makes an equally grand statement.  Choose big skirted designs or drama induced trumpet gowns.  Retro designs aka Grace Kelly are right on trend at the moment as well as elaborate detailing and all-over lace.  Necklines play an important part too, adding drama and interest to simple dresses, whilst heavy detailing to skirts and trains is prominent from many wedding dress designers.

By Georgina Clatworthy

So you think you have found the ‘one’, wedding dress that is, but something is still missing.  You feel that perhaps it could do with more interest, more detail maybe, something extra.  One of the best ways to adapt your wedding dress style and to create an extra dimension to your look is by adding a fabulous neckline, and this is not as hard as it may seem.

This season there is more and more dress styles appearing with fabulous necklines designed to draw the eye upwards.  Ruffles, lace and pleats all feature heavily and range in style from the flamboyant to the more subtle.  Creating interest around the neckline will create a focus on your face, neck and shoulders, rather than from the chest down as is often the case where the detailing begins on the bodice.  It also creates a wonderful frame in your wedding photographer for your beautiful bridal face and perfectly styled hair.

Traditional necklines on any wedding dress style range from none at all in the case of strapless dresses, to high necked, bateau styles.  In between these are halter-necks, plunging necklines with thin or thick straps and sleeved styles.  Interest can be added with lace inserts, beading and embroidery and couture details such as asymmetrical designs featuring trendy fabric origami.

Don’t over look accessories either.  Shrugs, wraps and boleros can all feature amazing necklines and can add instant style to even the plainest of wedding dresses.  What is more is you can remove them later on to completely change your look.  Also look at jewelry such as chokers and bib necklaces which add an ornate and fancy touch to a wedding dress.

Do be careful with how far you take the look.  Sometimes adopting a less is more approach is best and consider your body shape before making a final decision.  Pear shaped and inverted triangle shaped brides should avoid high necklines which can make the shoulders look narrow or make you look top heavy.  Hour glass figures should also choose with caution as too much detailing up top could make you appear heavier overall.

By Georgina Clatworthy

With so much choice available finding your dream wedding dress may not be an easy task.  So before you commence your wedding dress shopping, take on board the following tips to help you make a decision on the most important outfit you will every buy!

1. Peruse Bridal Magazines: these make the perfect starting point for finding your dream dress.  They give a good reference point on what is available, what the current trends are and offer useful information on what to look for.
2. Start Early: commencing your wedding dress shopping as early as possible will ensure you have your dress in time for the big day.  So start looking as soon as you have booked your wedding date.
3. Set your Budget: the amount you spend on your wedding dress is entirely down to the budget you have available.  Off the peg dresses are cheaper than having something custom made so make sure your shopping budget is realistic compared with your wishes.
4. Think About Style: your wedding dress will be a big part of the overall look of your day so try on as many styles as possible before making your choice.
5. Know your Body Shape: the style of dress which will suit you best will depend on your body shape.  Bone up on different styles and the body shapes they suit before you go shopping.  The bridal store assistant should also be able to advise you on the best styles for your shape.
6. Think About Color: it may not seem important but the color of your wedding dress needs to work with your skin tone or you could look washed out or overpowered by it.
7. Think About Unique Touches: once you have find a style to suit you think about adding in extra accessories or finishing touches to make it more unique.  Adding in colored sashes, additional petticoats or simply placing vintage brooches can all add a special touch to your dress.
8. Choose a Reputable Bridal Store: the level of service which you receive at the bridal store will be a good indicator of the quality of dress you can purchase there.
9. Listen to the Bridal Store Assistant:  a good assistant will be able to listen to what you want, offer good advice about styles and colors and provide good communication throughout your order process.
10. Ask Plenty of Questions: don’t be afraid to ask questions when you commence your wedding dress shopping.  When you have found a dress which you think could be the ‘one’ ask about where it is made, who will be making it, the fabrics used and other things such as how much will it crease, how many fittings you will need and how long will it take to make?  Make sure you have all the answers you require before you place your order.

By Georgina Clatworthy

This may seem an unusual post, but many brides fall fowl of the ‘I will loose loads of weight before my wedding day’ notion and many never do.  I’ve lost count of the number of times I have seen wedding dresses go up for sale with the description stating ‘thought I would loose weight before the wedding but didn’t and this dress didn’t fit’.  If you want that dream dress then you need to be realistic about your wedding dress size both now and by the wedding day.

Most advice is to start shopping for your wedding dress around 12 months before the day itself, with 9 months being the latest you should start.  This is because wedding dresses are made to order in your size and you may need to attend a couple of fittings before finally taking it home.  All of this can take time and most manufacturers require at least six weeks to make your order and then around four weeks for alterations.  It is possible to buy a wedding dress in a shorter space of time but do be careful about the wedding dress size you order.

Nearly every bride will want to loose weight before the wedding day, many don’t need to but it seems to have become one of those wedding traditions!  What you need to consider is that a dress is much easier to take in than it is to let out and many wedding dresses are made small so if you are size 10 normally, you may need to order a size 12.  So leave your size ego at the bridal store door!

Most bridal stores will stock sample dresses in common sizes, which are often around 8, 10 or 12.  If you are a dress size larger than this you may have to use your imagination a little when squeezing in a dress which is too small for you!  The store will measure you up for your choice of dress to ensure they order the right size.  At this point you need to remember that you will come back for fittings once it has been made and any necessary alterations can then be done.  Trust the advice the bridal store gives you on sizing, they will have heard countless brides insist they will loose another 20-30 pounds before the next fitting only for them to return at just the same size as they were before!  The store will order you a dress in the size you are at the time of measuring – so if you want to loose some weight do it before you order your dress!

The most important thing to remember as mentioned earlier is that it is easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out, as there is usually very little fabric to play with, especially around the bodice area.  If you decide you want to loose weight before the wedding day then set yourself a target date when you will order your wedding dress (remember the timeframes mentioned earlier for ordering your dress), then when you reach this date you will need to order a dress in your current size.  Don’t purchase a sample sale dress in a size or two smaller because you think you will loose weight and fit into it in time – so many brides fall fowl of this and have to purchase another dress instead!

By Georgina Clatworthy

When it comes to buying your wedding dress it may not be so much about what you buy, but where you buy.  With budgets tight more and more brides are looking beyond traditional wedding dress shops and trying alternative sources for their dream dress instead.

From internet bargains to end of season sales, here are my tips on where to shop for your wedding dress:

• The Internet: originally most wedding dress shops scorned the very idea of buying a wedding dress online, and whilst you do not get the same level of service as you would with traditional shops, you can score a bargain online.  Some websites are dedicated to bringing designer wedding dresses to brides at cheaper prices, whilst others will sell second hand and vintage lines.
• Secondhand Wedding Dresses: websites like EBay will have hundreds of listings for second hand dresses or dresses which are described as worn once or never worn (for whatever reason).  If you are not too proud to adorn yourself with a dress which has been pre-worn, then you can score yourself a bargain wedding dress for a fraction of the cost.  Bargain designer gowns from the likes of Vera Wang are not unheard of from EBay!  It is also worth checking out your local classified pages in newspapers and magazines.
• Charity/Thrift Stores: occasionally you may just come across a gem of a wedding dress in the window of a charity store.  OK so quite often wedding dresses in these stores tend to be very dated, but if you keep your eyes peeled you may just spot one which fits the bill.
• Sales: your local bridal shops will often have end of season sales or sample sales where they will sell off ‘old’ stock at reduced prices.  Many brides hang out for sample sales because it is a great way of bagging a bargain designer dress very cheaply.  Keep a look out for designer sample sales as well which maybe advertised as a one day event in a flag ship store or at the designers studio.
• Vintage: there is something very special about wearing a vintage wedding dress, especially if it originates within the family.  However, finding vintage dresses which are in a wearable condition and big enough to fit the modern bride (even if she is very slim) can be difficult.  Don’t pin your hopes on finding one, especially for a bargain price.  If you want vintage then you may have to have a dress specially made for you.
• Handmade: if you can sew or someone you know can, then you can save a fortune by making your own wedding dress.  Ready made patterns from designer names such as Vogue and even Vera Wang are available through most haberdashery shops and online.  Alternatively find a local seamstress/dress maker who can make a dress for you and maybe even design one for you.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Every bride dreams of having the perfect wedding dress for their big day, but sometimes it can seem like an impossible task, even after you trawled every bridal store in the area and visited endless websites promising dream dresses and the perfect look!  That is why more and more brides are making their own in a bid to create the dream dress.  Be under no illusion, to make your wedding dress is no mean feat, but it is well worth the effort when you consider just how unique it will be.

If you have decided that the only way you will achieve the dress of dreams is to make your wedding dress yourself then let me give you some tips to help you plan the best approach to patterns, fabrics and ultimately the making of your dress.

Fabrics: there are a wealth of bridal fabrics available, from luxurious silks and satins to pretty laces and sheer fabrics perfect for layering.  Ultimately the design of dress you decide to make will dictate the choice of fabrics, but do investigate the various options as it will help you to choose a style and design to which matches your dreams and your favorite fabrics.

Ready Made Patterns: many of the leading pattern designers produce bridal ranges such as Vogue and McCalls.  Often leading designers have produced one off designs for these companies and some also release vintage styles each year to fit with current trends.  Buying a ready made pattern can also be a good starting point to make something more unique as many can be ‘doctored’ to incorporate specific elements that you like.

Custom Designs: there are several specialty websites that can offer custom made dress designs or patterns.  Some have online design features where you can design your own dress by putting together elements such as skirt style, bodice and sleeves to create your dream look.  You can also select fabrics and colors and get fabric swatches sent to you.  Once you have finished designing your dress the site will produce either a paper pattern for you or the finished dress in your choice of fabric and colors.

Finding Someone to Make your Dress: unless you have the skills yourself you will probably need to find someone to create your dream dress for you.  Making wedding dresses is not something for beginners and does require someone with good dressmaking skills because of the many couture techniques often involved.  Ask around friends and family and follow up on any recommendations when looking for a seamstress.  Try to meet with at least two dress makers before making a final decision and ask to see examples of their work.  You may need to source and supply fabrics yourself or they maybe able to get them for you.  You should also note that you will likely need to have several dress fittings compared to buying a ready-made gown from a store.

Custom Couture: there are many talented wedding dress designers out there who offer their services to brides who want a unique wedding dress designed and made just for them.  Be aware that this type of service is not cheap and will involve you working closely with the designer to help them produce a design and pattern you like, as well as several fittings as they make your dress.

By Georgina Clatworthy

As the month of May progresses we are now well into the ‘wedding season’ and aisles around the world are seeing a parade of the latest wedding dress trends for 2010.  What is popular with brides this year will likely continue into next, especially given the way in which wedding dresses are ordered and made. So what can you expect to see and if you are just setting out to buy what are the trends you should be looking for?

Sleek and slinky are the buzz words this year when it comes to wedding dress trends – think forties/fifties Hollywood glamour.  Dress silhouettes are slinky and streamlined, although the big skirted fairytale look is still very much in.  Mermaids, trumpet gowns and modified A-lines are all key trends when it comes to dress shapes.  Fifties style wide skirted, ballerina length dresses are very popular too and suit brides who are looking for something a little different, maybe second time around or want that 50’s vintage look.

Destination weddings are a big trend this year and brides are looking for wedding dresses made from lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and organdy, rather than heavy satins and silks.  This year more than any before I think the choice of destination wedding dresses is huge showing just how trends have swung towards the less than traditional wedding.

Lace is a key fabric for dresses this year especially as Italian weddings, whether actually on location in Italy or simply copying the style, have become a big trend.  However, you should avoid laces which are encrusted with beads and crystals and instead opt for understated glamour and let the lace do the talking.  If you do opt for a full lace dress be aware that many bridal manufacturers need to import laces which can take time, so make sure you start looking for your dress as early as possible to be sure you will get the style you want in time.

Floral’s are another feature of this year’s wedding dresses with plain simple dresses sporting beautiful floral corsages on the bodice or at the waist.  Here big is beautiful so choose a plain dress and accessorize it with a bold and beautiful flower corsage to add extra interest.

When it comes to accessories veils are still popular although rather than being on trend they really come down to personal choice.  Brides are choosing plain veils to contrast with the stunning laces on their dresses or beautiful lace edged veils which coordinate with the vintage look.  Birdcage veils continue to be a big trend, whilst fascinators are making a big comeback with brides who do not want the fuss of a veil and tiara combination.

By Georgina Clatworthy

The vintage wedding dress look has been around for a few seasons now and looks set to continue as brides fall head over heels in love with the vintage look.  But are you aware of the different styles of vintage dress and how they will suit your wedding plans?  Whether you are having a themed vintage wedding or just want the look and feel of vintage for your big day, it is a good idea to bone up on period style before making your final choice.

Here is a quick run down on vintage wedding dress styles through the ages:

1920’s – This was the era when women’s fashion began to turn towards more practical designs and hem lines began to rise and skirts were less full.  Chanel picked this style up in their wedding gowns and brides from the 20’s can be seen wearing shorter gowns which fall to just below the knee.  The biggest trend of this era was to have a very long veil which was often adorned with stunning laces.  Wedding dress styles also began to reflect designs seen in Hollywood movies too.

1930’s – The Great Depression brought about much financial hardship and for many brides extravagant purchases such as wedding dresses were put on hold.  Many choose to wear their best party or evening dress, but by the middle of the decade wedding styles began to reflect those being worn in fashionable Europe.  Dresses where often made from elegant white satin, often called candlelight and where far simpler in style to those of the previous decade.

1940’s – The war years saw rationing introduced and the bridal industry suffered because of a shortage of fabrics with which to make dresses.  Again brides opted for evening dresses or even a suit instead of a more traditional wedding dress.  This was more out of a sense of duty to the war effort and many brides felt it was inappropriate to indulge in an extravagant wedding.  However, towards the end of the decade, the bridal industry began to recover and wedding dress styles similar to those of the 1930’s became popular.

1950’s – This was the decade when the modern wedding was born!  Brides felt it was time to indulge in their wedding fantasies after the hardship of the 1940’s and wedding dresses were stunning creations which evoked the glamour and style of the decade.  Hemlines rose again to mid calf and skirts where very full with nipped in waistlines.  Lace, tulle and silk were all prominent, along with beautiful detailing and embroidery.

1960’s and 1970’s – 50’s opulence continued into the first half of the 1960’s but then as the free love spirit began to take hold many brides opted for cotton peasant style dresses and pretty headbands instead of the extravagant laces and silks of previous decades.  It also became fashionable to wear flowers in your hair and to go barefoot and make-up free!  The mod scene of the early 70’s saw vibrant colors being introduced into bridal wear and in particular for the wedding party who could be seen in colors such as lime green and bright pink!  Towards the end of the decade wedding dresses where taking on a more 30’s style and with simple fabrics and styling.

1980’s – The wedding of Princess Diana to HRH Prince of Wales saw the wedding industry reignited with fabulous creations mimicking Diana’s Victorian style creation.  Skirts where large and full and dresses featured antique laces, bows, pearls and puffy sleeves.  The 1980’s have become famed as the decade that saw wedding budgets explode to a size that matched the wedding dresses!

 By Georgina Clatworthy

You may not realize it but your wedding dress fabric can make a big difference to way the way you wedding dress looks and fits, not to mention your budget!  So when it comes to choosing your wedding dress it is worthwhile taking a crash course in bridal fabrics before you hit the shops.

Most wedding gowns are made in satin with high end gowns being made in silk and satin/silk mixes.  Differences can occur with seasonal designs when temperature and weather conditions can dictate the choice of fabric used.  The choice of wedding dress fabric by the designer/manufacturer should compliment the look and style of the dress too and can make the difference between a dress that fits and looks good from one which doesn’t.

Silk is a natural fabric made from silkworm cocoons and is often mixed with other fibers to create different textures and weights.  Silk duchess has a rich, heavy feel and is good for larger, big skirted gowns as well as traditional designs.  Silk shantung has a slightly nubby texture to it and is quite a thick fabric, silk dupioni is another thick heavy silk with a nubby texture and is good for designs for fall and winter gowns.

Satin is the most popular choice for wedding dresses as it comes in many different finishes, weights and quality.  Satin has a lovely drape to it making it perfect for skirts of any length.  Duchess satin is a lighter version of the traditional satin and is a blend of silk and rayon fibers.  It is a good choice for spring and summer dresses because it will hold its shape well.  Peau de soie is a smooth, heavy weight satin with a dull luster finish making it flattering to most body shapes.

Heavy weight fabric for fall and winter wedding dresses includes brocade, which is a heavy, richly embroidered fabric, commonly used for bodices; damask which is slightly lighter in weight than brocade and has a subtle woven pattern to it; velvet comes in many different weights and is popular for bodices as well as accessories such as jackets and coats.

Sheer lightweight fabrics include tulle which is often used for veils but also for skirts.  It comes in many different grades and can be used to great effect for large volume skirts.  Organza is often used as an overlay on wedding dresses and has a soft lustered finish, it is also used in bridal separates.

Lace is a stalwart of the bridal fabric industry and can be used just a little or rather a lot in wedding dress design.  There are many different types of lace ranging from cotton eyelet to the more expensive chantilly and Schiffli laces.  Some laces are re-embroidered with the addition of sequins, beads and pearls and can be used to great effect on bodices and sleeves.  A little lace on a wedding dress will suit most, whilst a dress with an all-over-lace overlay may not suit everyone.