5 MINUTES WITH...

Gok Wan, 43, who helps brides-to-be find their dream wedding dresses in a special episode of the moving makeover show Say Yes To The Dress UK

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id you speak to D David Emmanuel about the show before stepping into his shoes?

I decided not to. I did debate whether I should call him and say, “Any pointers on doing the show?” But I figured it’d be far more natural for me if I just run out and see what it was like.

Some of the entourages are quite vocal – were you surprised by that?

I was quite surprised, actually. In my normal world, I don’t work with an entourage of family and friends. If I worked with a bride, I would work solely with the bride, or with their best friend – and that’d be it. So, yeah, it was a bit of a shock – you can’t help but want to defend the bride.

What is the biggest mistake that brides make when they go wedding dress shopping?

When a bride doesn’t have a clear idea of what they want the dress to look like, or does too much preparation. I think that dressing for trend instead of body shape is also a massive no-no, because if it’s not going to suit you, it’s not going to suit you. Also, taking on the opinions of your entourage, so they end up dressing you and you don’t end up wearing the dress that you actually want.

Do you ever find it hard to tell someone when a dress doesn’t look good on them?

I think the only time you shouldn’t say that to somebody is when you don’t have another option for them. I would only ever give my opinion if it’s asked for. If they have employed me, then it’s my job to be honest and tell them if something doesn’t look great and I’ll suggest something else. As long as there is a solution at the end of it, then I think that is a positive thing.

Have you ever had friends ask you to help them find their wedding dress?

Quite a few, actually. I’ve done quite a few friends’ weddings, designing the dress or helping out with the dresses. If I have a dear friend of mine getting married, I will quite often offer to make their dress and give that as their wedding gift.