Words: Anna Kibbey Illustration: Jacqueline Bissett
THE DRESS
You’ve bagged a husband-to-be, now it’s time to find The One. We’re talking about the dress, of course. This process, which needs to begin between 10 and eight months before your wedding date is not always the dazzling voyage of discovery promised at the outset.
To avoid tears amid the taffeta, arm yourself with: a strong idea of what you want (but an open mind); no more than one or two trusted sidekicks; a clear budget (including allowance for adjustments, veil, bolero, shoes, jewellery and accessories); heels a similar height to your wedding shoes; any other accessories you’ve decided on and a nude, strapless bra.
And remember, many boutiques now charge for appointments, especially at peak times – taking half a day off work to secure a quiet (and free) midweek slot might be preferable to scrumming down with the other wild-eyed brides on a more hectic Saturday afternoon.
DRESS THE REST
If you’re choosing the bridesmaids’ dresses, you should foot the bill, but if you’re not set on them matching completely (and budgets are tighter), just suggest a colour and let them choose their own.
The same goes for ushers’ suits: if you’re prescribing a style (i.e. morning suits), you should hire them; but if it’s just a colour, it’s down to them. Either way, giving each of them a tie is a nice way of bringing the bridal party in line without pushing the colour co-ordination too far.
If your man knows his wingtips from his monkstraps, then allow him to take the lead on all male sartorial matters.
This article was first published in Square Meal Weddings, 2015