For those of you who haven’t been dreaming of your wedding gown since you were five(!), these simple steps will get your ideas flowing…

Firstly, your venue. Is it a large formal church, or a romantic beach or garden setting? Big ball gowns are great for the wow factor walking down the aisle, not so easy to control with wind, and sand gets everywhere!

love it ,hate it, a train is a personal choice ,just save the big ones for a grand entrance walking down the aisle, or a simpler back shaping to control on the beach.

Consider the silhouette, its simple to break down the silhouette into categories

 Empire line– long and sleek, the skirt hanging from under the fitted bust line

’ A’ line – fit around the torso, flare out from the waist to the hem line

Slip dress – simple and understated, sumptuous in lace

Cocktail– short, elegant and feminine, latest fashion detail with an eye to be worn again at any special occasion

Ballet-  A  young look, particularly with a full tulle skirt and calf length hem ,also references 50”S

Mermaid –curvy, body hugging, sensual diva with a short train

Fishtail- normally corseted with fit and flare Mmmm va va voom!

Princess- dreamy gown with a detailed corset top, ofter embellished with beads, with a full skirt. Oh, the dancing!

Ball gown- elaborate unique wow factor. Inspiration from historical or red carpet events, blow your imagination!

Corseted hourglass shape or softer, natural curves? Do you want the chance to wear a corset for that great womanly figure, or are you a natural girl at heart? Dress for your personality!

what are your best assets? What do you wish to disguise? Come on, we all have good bits as well as something we wish we didn’t have, the secret is to draw the eyes to the best areas.

Neckline shape is most important. To show cleavage, or not? This is one way to express your personality. And the climate. Where on the planet will you marry, will you need sleeves or a shrug?

When budget is a concern, don’t choose a full layered skirt (save on fabric and your money, unless you have tulle, way cheaper than any fabric and still looks dreamy without looking cheap)

And remember, hand finished details are time consuming, so expensive whether they are Swarovski crystals, glass beads or faux pearls, so consider a pre maid trim if you are on a budget but still want to shine!

Your fabric choice will be based on the above shapes. silk of course being the desired choice for such an occasion (do royalty get wed in polyester?!). In our warm climate, choosing silk will be the cooler way to go. Silk is a natural product and allows the skin to breath. Will it be floating chiffon, crisp papery dupion, slinky chamouse  that  princessy tulle or regal satin?

Do you know how many shades of white there are?! Any shade you choose, whites, ivory, blush champagne, I have even made blue yellow, gold, silver and cerise pink wedding gowns!  It’s your choice entirely.

Lace is an option, though not everyone’s taste. So many to choose from, just like a print, love it or hate it, your choice.

Crystal, diamante, beads (even your own granny’s broken necklace!) and sparkles also add opulence and glamour, but we are adding up the price.

Now we can decide detail touches, perhaps ruching, adding a bow sash, or flower.                         How about feathers?

Lots to take in I know, but   I’m always happy to help. When your dress takes shape, it should reflect your personality and make you feel at your most confident, therefore most beautiful!