Fashion and Accessories

The right dress

For many Brides, the perfect wedding dress is something they have been thinking about since the engagement and will probably be one of the most important decisions she will make with regards to the wedding. Looking the part is very important as she will be the centre of attention, and the wedding dress will be the most beautiful and symbolic gown she will ever wear.

For many Brides, the perfect wedding dress is something they have been thinking about since the engagement and will probably be one of the most important decisions she will make with regards to the wedding. Looking the part is very important as she will be the centre of attention, and the wedding dress will be the most beautiful and symbolic gown she will ever wear.

Choosing a wedding dress that’s right for you will take lots of planning and shopping around, therefore it should not be left to the last minute. Customised wedding dresses can take months to create. You will need to attend a fitting too, so you should start shopping around for a wedding dress about 9 months prior to the wedding.

Before shopping for your dress decide on the type of wedding that you want. If it is a simple affair, you may want to opt for a simpler and classic style dress rather than the over the top princess style. If you are on a budget, don’t forget to take into account the cost of other things you will require such as shoes, headpieces, jewellery, bags and undergarments. Also your dress may need alterations, especially if you are planning to lose some weight for the big day.

Wedding dresses can be very expensive so it’s important that you take your time to find the right one for you. Your dress should not only compliment your complexion and flatter your body shape, but also reflect your personality and style.

Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when shopping for a wedding dress:

• Bring along a family member or close friend you can trust their opinions with
• Choose a dress that will compliment your body shape and complexion
• Although white wedding dresses are timeless, don’t be afraid to try other colours
• Consider the style of your wedding, your theme, your budget and the time of year you are having your wedding
• Bring along a suitable bra and shoes to try on with the dress
• Always try on a dress before you decide to purchase it
• Keep in mind that your dress should be comfortable and fits well, as you will be wearing it all day
• Note the way that the fabric feels and the way it falls
• Check all the stitching, embroidery, beading and other intricate details of the dress before the purchase
• Ask your wedding gown specialist for help and if there is something that you are unhappy with, tell them
• View yourself from all different angles when you try on your dress

Here are a few tips to help you find the right dress to flatter your body shape and accentuate your best features:

• Height – to look taller, choose a style with a high neckline or opt for a sleeveless style paired with long gloves to elongate your appearance
• Pear shaped – go for an A-line shirt and concentrate the detailing on the upper body to draw attention away from your lower half
• Full figured – Avoid shiny and heavy fabrics such as velvet or satin. Instead, opt for lighter fabrics such as silk and chiffon. Lacy ruffles and puffy sleeves should be avoided all together!
• Petit – choose fabrics that are heavier, such as velvet or satin. Go for a fitted bodice to emphasise your waist
• Small bust – choose a style of wedding dress that will focus attention to your other features like your back and shoulders. Alternatively, bust cups can always be sewn into your dress to give you the look that you desire
• Broad waist – divert attention to the neckline with elaborate bodices or detailing. Skirts with an empire line will elongate the body and give the illusion of a smaller waistline
• Big Bust – simplicity is the key here. A sweetheart or v-neck line is the most flattering for your figure, especially if it is teamed with a straight fitted skirt

The details and design of your dress should be finalised approximately four months before your wedding. You will need to take into account that there may be delays in obtaining certain fabrics and detailing.

A month prior to the event, you should go in for your main fitting. Make sure that the dress fits you properly. Any crazy dieting in the month before the wedding may mean that your dress will not fit you properly. To be on the safe side, arrange a final fitting a week before the wedding.

The right tuxedo

Unlike the Bride’s dress, options in wedding attire for the Groom are rather limited. The effortlessly classic black tuxedo with bow tie, cummerbund and vest was once upon a time the only option. These days there’s a little more flexibility in terms of colour, fabric and style.

When choosing the right tuxedo for your wedding, it’s important that the suit compliments the Bride and Bridesmaid dresses. While it is traditional for the Groom not to see the Bride in her wedding dress before the wedding, there is nothing stopping you from asking details that will help find the perfect suit. The Groom and Groomsmen will usually hire their tuxedos and the right tailor will be able to help you find the perfect attire for the special occasion. However, purchasing a good tuxedo is also an investment worth considering.

There are also a wide range of shirts and ties to choose from. With shirts there are three different types of collars to choose from: wing, laydown and band. The most popular collar is the wing collar. This particular type allows you to display all of the bowtie whereas the laydown collar only reveals the bow and the knot. Perhaps you may not opt for a tie at all. If this is the case, you may want to go for the band collar, which fastens at the top. If a tie is not your style, you may want to try a cravat.

Whatever the choice, make sure that the colour and fabric compliment the outfits of others in the Bridal Party.

Tips for the perfect tuxedo

Here are some great tips to keep in mind when looking for the perfect suit:

• If you are tall and slender, most suit styles will suit you
• If you are thin, double breasted jackets with shoulder pads will compliment your build
• If you are tall with a solid build, you should opt for a single breasted jacket with a single button
• Hint: when being fitted for a jacket it is a general rule that when you relax your arms by your side, your fingertips should be able to touch the bottom of the jacket
• When choosing shirts make sure they are not too restricting in the neck area
• Hint: the cuffs of your shirt should be about 2.5 cm longer than your jacket sleeve
• Hint: if you have a large face, wing collars combined with a small tie can make your face appear even bigger
• If you are stocky, avoid jackets that focus attention on your mid section such as double breasted jackets

Your suit specialist will be more than happy to help you find the right tuxedo for the occasion.

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