FOR SERIOUS SMOOTH
I’ve always been a little baffled by shapewear: big knickers that roll down mid-wear and complicated pieces I can’t fathom how to squeeze into. Thankfully, however, designs have changed. While there are still tummy-taming big knickers, fabrics and cuts have evolved, bringing a plethora of wonderful products for different figures, body concerns and skin colours. I’ve been test driving the styles below and love the results.
…SHAPE UP
IN AN INSTANT. FASHION DIRECTOR SHELLY VELLA SHOWS YOU HOW
Perfect for going under dresses, this flattens and sculpts your middle and you can wear it with your favourite bra
of aunts, uncles and cousins. Write your guest list out together and make sure you’re both comfortable with everyone who is attending. If it’s a big wedding, the ones you hope won’t attend will be the first people to say yes.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
I wish someone had told me this! I definitely had set ideas about what I wanted for a rustic summer wedding and chose certain elements to ‘tie in’ with that aesthetic. You’ll inevitably choose things to suit the venue/ style/weather but make sure they feel right and be open-minded to changes Your decisions should be driven by taste and gut instinct, not Pinterest images – whether that’s your dress and shoes or the finer details.
AT THE HEART OF ALL THE FUSS IS A HAPPY COUPLE CELEBRATING THEIR LOVE STORY SURROUNDED BY THEIR FAVOURITE PEOPLE
STICK TO (OR IN AND AROUND) YOUR DRESS BUDGET
Probably my biggest regret. I spent a fortune on a custom-made dress that I never tried on and subsequently felt no emotional attachment to. Bridal gowns are expensive so weigh up how much you can really spend (think of any surplus money as honeymoon cashflow and you’ll be less tempted by a 15ft chenille lace veil). Throwing loads of money at a dress you’ll wear for one day is pretty senseless in an era where good as new second-hand dresses and directional high street bridal styles are hot property (Rixo, Phase Eight, Whistles and BHLDN are all favorites). With the right styling and accessories, you can turn a simple number into the dress of your dreams
SOAK IT ALL IN
...from the moment you wake up. Every bride will tell you the day flies by so try enjoy the mayhem and madness of it all. There is no set plan or secret formula to a perfect wedding day.