Here is a selection of Q&As from Your West Midlands Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourwestmidlands.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Winter luxe
Q. What dress styles would you suggest for a winter wedding?
A. Jennifer Jamieson says: It's important to remember that you can wear any dress at any time of the year. However, if you want a traditional winter wedding, look for a heavier fabric like satin or mikado in an A-line or princess-cut.
Alternatively, embrace the elegance of a black-tie theme with a sexy dress with one-shoulder or a thigh-split lace and sparkly gown.
To make your look more wintry and wearable in the cold, we recommend items such as faux fur shrugs and rich colours to accessorise with, such as deep purples or the traditional Christmas reds and greens.
Two of our favourite gowns that embody these looks are Kennedy by Sophia Tolli (pictured) and Tiana by Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Collection.
Jennifer Jamieson, Ava May Bridal
www.avamaybridal.com
The next big thing
Q. I want a long, dramatic veil for my upcoming wedding. What designers/styles should I look for?
A. Mandy Lee says: There are many types of veils available, so start by considering what style will suit your dress. Do you want a dramatic opulent look or something more soft and delicate? A popular option is the single-tier lace-edged veil, which is one piece, with lace along the wide edge and gathered into a hair comb at the top. Similar to the Spanish mantilla veil, a single-tier veil without lace edging will suit most face shapes. Of course, single-tier veils can also be exquisitely decorated with other details, such as satin, pearls, beading, embroidery or a horsehair braid.
Another timeless and romantic style is the voluminous two-tier veil. These are made with a comb which has been folded near the top to create a blusher (a veil that covers the bride's face) which adds an air of mystery. You can keep the front blusher any length, and the second tier can be made as long as you want, which is the perfect choice for a luxurious bridal showstopper. This modern style can be decorated with pearl detailing, delicate embroidery, lace edging or sparkling tulle. Alternatively, a shimmering 3m wide long tulle veil can be a simply stunning yet understated choice for wedding dresses with special-shaped trains.
At June Peony Bridal Couture, we have made lots of heavy and opulent detailed couture wedding veils. We're also offering a free 30mins bespoke veil consultation for Your West Midlands Wedding readers with the Ref: YWMWB.
Mandy Lee, June Peony Bridal Couture
www.junepeonybridal.co.uk
Let the shopping begin
Q. When should I start looking for a wedding dress, and do you have any advice on how to go about my search?
A. Mandy Lee says: This is a frequently asked question, and the answer will depend on how far in advance you have booked your wedding. Nowadays to buy a stock wedding dress off-the-peg won't be mission impossible for brides living in big cities. However, we would still suggest allowing three months to do any last-minute bridal shopping, in case any alterations are needed, and to leave you some time to shop for bridal shoes and hair accessories.
For a bride who has planned far ahead, with one to two years before the wedding, we would suggest you visit a bridal boutique sooner rather than later. In our experience, starting dress shopping six to 12 months before the big day will give you enough time to find your dream dress and get it well fitted. Thanks to the well-established global bridal supply chain, manufacturing lead times are shorter than years ago. However, to get a decent gown, haute couture dress or a bespoke design, it still takes lots of time to make. The earlier you sort out your dress, the less stressed you will be closer to the wedding date.
There are many different ways to search for the perfect gown. Start by looking for bridal styles online and in magazines to get an idea of how you want your dream dress to look. Then search for local companies online, check their reviews and find the most trustworthy shops to start your fittings. Meanwhile, chat with your married friends and see if they can refer you to any stores.
All in all, visiting a quality bridal boutique will work better than visiting too many shops. Quality bridal shops with a wide range and flexible services will always give you more useful options, as well as save you time and make sure you enjoy your shopping experience.
Mandy Lee, June Peony Bridal
www.junepeonybridal.co.uk
Pretty in pink
Q. I love pink and want to incorporate the hue into my wedding dress. Do you have any ideas of how I can do this without it being over the top?
A. Bronagh Power says: Firstly, if any of you lovely brides know our boutique, you'll know we love pink! Designers are beginning to incorporate different colours and shades into their creations, so it's a really exciting time to be buying your wedding dress.
Style 8953 by Justin Alexander is a gorgeous gown in a soft, subtle shade of pink. It has a vintage-inspired deep V-neckline with a pleated waistband and hand-beaded lace appliqués that float across the English net skirt. This style is also available in a raised neckline for those who want a little more coverage.
Our gorgeous 3D floral detail gown, Cruz, is the most amazing statement dress with a hint of pink. This gown is available in the misty mauve shade, which is a lovely soft tone.
If you aren't feeling daring enough to have colour in your wedding gown, then you could opt for a completely plain crepe gown coupled with a statement pink bouquet and bridesmaids' dresses. This will ensure your hue flows through the theme and you stand out.
Bronagh Power, TDR Bridal Birmingham
www.tdr-bridal.co.uk
