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who do you take with you to choose your wedding dress?

Wedding dress shopping is one of the most important tasks of the entire wedding planning process and every bride wants to ensure that they get it just right. The fortunate ones will fall in love with the first wedding dress they try on but for others, the process can be far more arduous. Either way, you want to ensure that you bring along the best people to help steer you in the right direction when it comes to wedding dress shopping. 

It’s a question that brides-to-be have been asking since the dawn of time, and remains a contentious issue to this day – who do you take with you to choose your wedding dress?

There are many reasons why you should consider bringing your bridesmaids along on the day – here’s why you should entrust them with this all-important task. 

Getting a second opinion 

Your wedding day and the planning process that precedes it is all about you and your partner, and ultimately you both will have the final say in all of the decisions. But when things get a little stressful, as they undoubtedly will, it can be useful to have a fresh pairs of eyes helping you out – especially when it comes to picking your dress. 

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know quite where to start your search but by including your nearest and dearest in the shopping process, they might be able to offer a different perspective or consideration which you might have overlooked. 

Chances are, the people you choose to be your bridesmaids will be the people you trust and whose opinions matter most to you. Although you may want to invite anyone and everyone to this special occasion, streamlining your wedding-dress-shopping brigade will take out the stress and confusion of having to contend with lots of differing opinions.

A chance to break the ice 

Many bridesmaid parties will consist of friends or family members who are already very well acquainted with, having grown up in similar groups.  If your bridesmaids, however, are from different parts of your life, this day could be a brilliant opportunity for everybody to meet up and become familiar with one another. 

Since they will all be working closely together in their important roles on the big day, it can help things  run more smoothly if your bridesmaids become all well-acquainted. Particularly if your bridesmaids live far apart, opportunities to meet up and socialise with your party might be few in preparation for the wedding, so this could be one of the best chances to break the ice. 

It’s a fun day out 

Spending the day trying on wedding dresses can be a very time consuming activity, so why not make a day of it? With a bit of planning, you can use this day as an excuse to spend some time with your closest friends and celebrate your engagement all over again. 

Perhaps you would like to mark the day with a few glasses of champagne, or a dinner out together at a fancy restaurant. You might even like to treat the day as a mini hen-do, and end the day’s festivities with a group activity or night out. 

Bear in mind that, as is the case with your wedding venue, bridal shops will typically be busier on the weekends. In the Height of  Pandemic and with the restrictions easing around the world now is a very busy time for bridal shops. As a result, it could be worth organising a midweek day-out to give you a more relaxed experience. If this isn’t a possibility, then be sure to book your appointments well in advance, along with any other activities for the day to ensure it all goes smoothly.

 

Amsale Bridesmaids Collection 2018

In addition to dressing some of the most elegant brides and bridesmaids, Amsale has also set the trend for brides to change from their wedding dress into a more informal but stylish gown for the evening party and the latest range of her bridesmaids collection offer the perfect choice for the bride, her bridesmaids and all the bridal party. Amsale’s designs represent the perfect mix between a traditional style and elements that represent the latest trends in bridal fashion. The Amsale 2018 bridesmaids collection at Farah Novias offers elegant dresses with romantic silhouettes and short cocktail dresses with elegant cuts. If you are looking for that extra special dress for your bridesmaids, we have got everything you need to know to find the right dresses for your friends.

Different Styles Different Shades
Choose a base colour, then let your bridesmaids pick out their own dresses in different shades of the same colour.

Amsale Bridesmaids Farah Novias

Amsale bridesmaids

One Style, Different Colours

Open up a rainbow of opportunities for your bridesmaids by choosing a flirty silhouette that will work way beyond the day of your wedding especially if your bridesmaids get to wear their favourite colour.

Amsale Bridesmaids Farah Novias

Amsale bridesmaids Tulle

One Colour Different Styles

Most probably your bridesmaids are not all the same size, to suit everyone’s shape pick your favourite colour and let each friend choose her most flattering cut.

Amsale Bridesmaids Tulle

Amsale Bridesmaids

Bridal Hairstyles and Natural Up-Dos

Every bride knows that behind a beautiful wedding dress there is always a dazzling and fantastic hairstyle to go with it. No matter what kind of wedding you have, there is always a style that matches the most special day of your life. Get inspired by these gorgeous  bridal hairstyles that accommodate each and every type of bride and will leave you looking marvellous on your wedding  day.

Loose Curls

A floral tiara makes an otherwise casual look, seem festive. To achieve this look, comb a moisturising mousse through damp hair, then blow it dry with a diffuser and finish by curling the hair using a small curling iron.

Loose Curls Bridal Hairstyle

Relaxed Bun

A relaxed hair-do creates a style that is sophisticated yet absolutely charming. Pinning and twisting long hair loosely around creates a messy and effortless upswept hair style that looks less structured and more romantic.

Relaxed Bun Bridal Hairstyle

Pulled Back

This simple half up, style is perfect for the brides getting married outdoors that can be easily accessorised with a comb, headband or fresh flowers. Lightly add volume to the hair at the crown before pulling it back to create an extra height on the top of the head to help balance out the fullness of the curls.

Pulled Back bridal Hairstyle

Side Bun

The side bum is a flattering style that suites most brides A beautiful and delicate hair accessory makes this off-centre chignon party-ready. To create a fuller bun add extra volume to the hair at the base of a low ponytail before twisting it into a knot.

Side Bun Bridal Hairstyle

High Bun

An elegant and classic up- do that looks great with a tiara or headband. Start this look with a french twist instead of a ponytail. It’s easier to form the bun when the hair is already twisting from its base. If you begin with a ponytail, the hair tends to hang straight down rather than twist up.

High Bus Bridal Hairstyle

Long Waves

For a hair-do that is polished yet natural, try these loose waves . Use a thickening spray on damp hair before blow-drying and wrapping individual sections around a curling iron. The spray is a great addition to the hairstyle because it helps keep the finished curls from wilting before the evening is over.

Long Waves Bridal Hairstyle

Low Chignon

A sleek, low chignon accessorised with a single comb on the side of the head gives this otherwise demure style an air of drama. Work a silicone serum through damp hair before blow-drying to boost shine and control flyaway hairs.

Low Chignon Bridal Hairstyle

French Twist

A voluminous french twist with a Swarovski hair comb creates a hairstyle that has an au-courant feel while maintaining a classic and elegant look. Back-comb your hair before attempting this look because then you will be able to achieve the required volume.

French Twist Bridal Hairstyle

Choosing Your Wedding Gown

Whether you have a clear idea of your ideal wedding gown or are not sure about the style you want to chose, it is vital that you get the professional advise you need in plenty of time to make sure that you look your best on your big day. It is very important to consider the time of the year you are planning on getting married. Bridal dresses in lighter materials such as tulle, chiffon and other soft and floaty fabrics create a light and delicate style which are ideal for a summer wedding whereas Satin, Lace or heavier fabrics are the perfect choice for winter weddings. If you are concerned about being cold in the evening consider wearing a matching warp or bolero to complement your dress.Wedding gowns can de made in different shades of white, cream, champagne and Ivory so before deciding on the colour consider your venue or the theme of the wedding. A traditional church ceremony is the perfect setting for a more classic and traditional gown but if you are getting married on the beach or having a open air civil ceremony you can opt for a more extravagant and less formal.

You should remember that whatever style of the dress you go for, should feel comfortable and reflect you as an individual, giving you a look that not only accentuate all the best bits of you, but one in which you will feel a million dollar.

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The Magic of Lace

Once again lace is at fashion’s cutting edge and this time the look is seductive and romantic. What could be better for brides than mixing stunning lace with soft fresh and flirty materials? The ultimate romance, lace is the perfect choice the brides this season. Make the trend your own by adding individual, delicate lace accessories to your dress; use it to soften a simple design or add more drama to a decorative style. You can be certain that lace’s combination of sexy and demure will wow your guests at your wedding day.

BRIDAL FASHION WEEK APRIL 2016

Anne Barge Bridal Spring 2017

Portrait of a Lady

A formal wedding portrait gives the bride the opportunity to capture every bit of the dazzling beauty and emotion she radiates. Here are some portraits ideas to inspire you, along with tips on how you can get the best bridal photos.

Often bridal-party portraits include lots of subjects. But for a especially sweet image, try posing with only your flower girls.

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A posed photograph does not have to be stiff. If you dress is made of a flowing fabric, such as silk chiffon, a special filter works to convey the sense of playfulness and animation.

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The iconic bridal accessory, a sheer veil provides plenty of drama for a close up as well as helps soften and flatter your features.

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If your dress has long train or a very full skirt, make sure your photographer takes a few shots that show the back view of the dress.

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While your photographer focuses on his job, let guests have a crack at the action too.

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From sexy to romantic, which of these six looks you choose for your wedding ?

So retro

A full, prom- style skirt is easy to wear and shows unique style.

If your shoulders are going to be bare wear an eye-catching necklace to add sparkle.

High, strappy heels are just the things to flatter your legs.

With a distinctive style like this keep your hair simple.

Add a sophisticated finishing touch with calla lilies dotted through your posy.

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Classic with a twist

A plunging back and long fishtail skirt gives a surprising slinky edge look.

An elegant up-do elongates your neck and makes the most of a backless dress.

If your dress has a train, wear shoes that are high and don’t step back.

For the subtler look with your lace dress, keep your jewellery not too over powering.

A simple rose posy will complement your dress perfectly.

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Fairy tale Charm

A traditional country- bride look can be brought up to date with an asymmetric bodice.

If your dress has an interesting neckline try to keep your hair up to show if off.

A beautiful hair accessory will add shine to your big day.

Kitten heels will give extra height without being impractical for outdoors.

For a natural bouquet include sprigs of lavender.

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Sassy in the city

Don’t be afraid to choose a slinky silhouette to express your joie de vivre.

Sparkly details work well with ivory, so pile on the glitz even down to your shoes.

Go for a pink rose bouquet for a more romantic accent.

Shiny unfussy hair with a slight wave looks sexy and elegant.

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Modern Miss

Moving in a big dress can be tricky so choose something light with a tulle overlay

A pretty corsage is an easier option than trying to hold on to a bouquet all night

Pick shoes that will ‘hold’ your feet if they swell in the heat, strappy sandals can cut in and be uncomfortable

Keep your hairstyle relaxed and easy to wear

A delicate tiara add sparkle and a fairy-tale finish to your bridal look

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Lady Luxe

An evening urban reception demands a chic gown to match the surroundings

The beading on the dress calls for a small but glitzy accessory

Don’t overwhelm a simply shaped dress with a fussy bouquet Calla lilies are perfect

A bias- cut dress normally shows off your figure so go for high heels to lengthen your silhouette

Sleek hair is best for a sophisticated look

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A Veil’s Tale

Symbol of purity, a  bridal veil is the ultimate romantic accessory, casting light on your face and creating an ethereal glow. From flirty and flyaway to cathedral –length grand, this is the one piece of fabric that sends an unmistakable message: Here comes the bride!

Shoulder Length: This short shoulder-brushing veil is a fun, informal option, light and easy to wear. It is comfortable enough to keep on throughout the reception and gives the illusion of long hair, as well as a charming halo effect. This is the perfect length for a garden ceremony beach nuptial, or a destination wedding. Best to wear with modern dresses that have a doll top of femininity. Alternatively, if you are marrying in a long slinky gown, a short veil is delivering bridal impact with a whisper.

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Elbow Length: The Elbow length veil is wearable with majority of gowns. It can extend from just above the elbows as far as the fingertips. Consider it if you are planning an ultra informal wedding like in a chapel, a hotel ballroom, a restaurant or a rooftop. Best to wear with almost any type of wedding dress; an A-line sheath, Chemise, moderate size ball gown

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Waterfall: This is a glamorous length of fabric that is cut like a cape to hang in gentle folds; shorter in the front and extending to the floor in back. A special piece like this demands a special setting be it in a modern or historic. Although a veil like this can be worn throughout the reception, most women would choose to remove it for dancing. Best to wear with a wedding gown that is long and narrow. This is an excellent option for a bride marrying in figure- hugging dresses that may seem a little racy for the ceremony, the soft folds of the veil provides sheer camouflage. Shoulders and arms should be fairly bare to allow the fabric to flow correctly. A waterfall veil can work equally well with a simple unadorned slip dress.

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Cathedral: Making the biggest statement of all, this 3 and a half-meter long veil calls for an ultra-formal setting church wedding, a very long aisle or sweeping staircase accompanied with a troop of bridesmaids. Best to wear with the most elaborate ball gown you can find, remember that the dress train should be shorter than the veil length. Since a cathedral veil acts as a sheer shell for your dress, choosing one in a matching fabric is idea. For a twist you could try a cathedral veil with a formal mermaid gown, the contrast could be extremely stylish.

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How to Wear A Hat?

The mother of the bride and groom would normally wear distinctive hats. If you like to mark out their statues in this way, why not suggest a feathered disc or butterfly comb.

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As a Bride, consider a sweeping picture hat or chic cocktail hat instead of a veil. Simple flower or feather pieces could enhance a simple dress or soften a traditional look.

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With a wide brim, make sure the hat fits precisely and won’t slip down onto your eyebrows. If you have a low forehead, you may not be able to see out from under your hat.

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Even with a simple decorated comb, practise with your hairdresser so he knows exactly how many pins will be needed to hold it on your wedding day.

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Which Bridal Gown Works Best For You?

Look taller and slimmer: A floor length trumpet gown is the best choice for petite brides; the horizontal lines have a ” telescope effect ” that appears to lengthen the body.

 

Define your waist: Full skirts with sash nips in the waist gives the illusion of curves at the lower half of the body.

 

Flaunting your shoulders: Broad shoulders look proportional when balanced by the weight of a dramatic skirt.

 

Balance your shape: A-line gowns makes a heavy bottom look smaller while the corseted bodice instantly slims the waist

 

Enhance your bust: Folds in the bodice add to the shape lines and draw the eye upward.

Minimising your bust: Tank dresses with wide straps are ideal for full busted women.

Anne Barge - Langham