THE ROCK MY WEDDINGGUIDE TO DRESSES

in association with

THE FASHION PACK

IAN STUART“Bridal gowns are unlike anything else you have worn before. Be open minded to the fact that those hips you usually hide will make you feellike a knock out in your dress.”

THE SILHOUETTE

EMPIRE WAISTThe waist line on an empire gown is right under the bust. If you are petite and wantto create the illusion of a longer body you may want to think about this shape.

SUZANNE NEVILLE“To find the dress of your dreams it’s important to start with the shape, choose a shape that flatters your figure and gives you confidence. Once this has been decided you can then concentrate on the detail, such as fabric, neckline and accessories.”

A-LINEWith a fitted bodice and a skirt thatgently flares out this silhouette suitsmost body shapes.

CHARLOTTE BALBIER“Let the boutique stylist help guide you into finding the right style for you from

a small selection…not 100’s.”BALLGOWNFit for a Princess! This style of gown has a fitted bodice and a full, volumous skirt.

NAOMI NEOH“Don’t be afraid to break from tradition – there are no ‘bride laws’. You can wear whatever colour, dress, style etc and look whatever way you want on YOUR DAY.”

SHEATH/COLUMNThe column silhouette is a very narrow cut which often emphasises all of your curves. It suits a well proportioned figure.

TWOBIRDS“Have a hair trial in the morning to get yourself into the zone. Go withyour heart! If you love it then go for it no matter what anyone has to say.”

MERMAID/TRUMPETA mermaid or trumpet cut gown features a corseted bodice and a fishtail shaped skirt starting either just below or just above the knee. They are designed to hug your curvesin all the right places.

AMANDA WYATT“Keep an open mind, listen to the stylist in the boutique as they areexperts and will know what will suit you, your style and body shape.”

THE NECKLINE

SWEETHEART

JEWEL

BATEAU

HALTER STRAP

SPAGHETTI STRAP

ILLUSION

STRAIGHT

SCOOP

SQUARE

HIGH NECK

ASYMMETRIC

COWL

OFF-SHOULDER

V-NECK

HALTER

SABRINA

QUEEN ANNE

GRECIAN

SALLY LACOCK THE TRAINTRADITION

According to tradition, trains are exclusively for first time brides... No second weddings or renewals. But we say screw that! Wear the biggest train you can find at your

renewal if you so wish!

SWEEP/BRUSHA sweep train trailabout 6 inches on the floor.

CATHEDRALA cathedral train extends 22 or more inches. You can also get a semi-cathedral which would be half way between a chapel and a cathedral.

CHAPELThis train sweeps between12 to 18 inches on the floor.

ROYAL/MONARCHThink Princess Di super train. You will definitely need help from your best girls to walk down the aisle in this.

“Have an idea of budget in mind and try to avoid trying anything that is unrealistic for your budget. Ask if alterations are included in the price because this can make a big difference.”

STEWART PARVIN

THE FABRICWedding dresses come in all sorts of fabrics these days. You used to be fairly limited to a few to choose from but designers are always experimenting with new fabrics and especially organic ones. Below is a list of the most commonly found.

SATINSatin has been used forever in bridal gowns. It is heavy, smooth and shiny.

CHIFFONChiffon is a transparent fabric that is mainly layered with other fabrics, such as silk polyester or cotton. It’s a very light, sheer fabric.

LACEThere are a million types of lace from all corners of the world. It’s now often made with cotton thread but you can still find some that would be made of silk.

CREPECrepe is a fine fabric that is light and soft with a crinkled surface.

TAFFETAThis smooth fabric is often made from silk and similarly to organza has a crisp, yet soft finish.

TULLETulle is a form of netting that is often used to add volume to a dress but it has more recently been used as the main finish to the skirt.

“Don’t take too many friends to your appointment - it’s better to have maybe one or two of your closest friends who have your best interests at heart, aren’t going to have too many conflicting opinions and who’s style advice you trust. ”