The key trend coming through is fun. Gowns are moving away from simplicity. The one-shoulder with full skirts can have a sense of fun. Lace details as well as lace gowns are a trend and we are seeing diamante embellishments returning, with a move away from the pearl. Tulle is on the way back in, and there is a nod to Hollywood with gowns made of gorgeous fabrics with sheen. The one strap down the back is also coming back into style. Big ballgowns are the latest runway style we are seeing from the overseas designers, with lots of drama.
Readymade gowns today are available with variations, be it colour, optional straps, lace-up or zip-up, coloured beading, choices of ribbon contrast. Be true to your figure and get the base gown that makes you look the best. Then use options to make the gown individual. As well as those mentioned already, girls can go with veils and other accessories to dress up or simplify a look. Brooches are "in" and a bride will often source something herself or use a family heirloom to add to a gown. A veil can change a gown completely and put a bride's signature on her own look. Think about the kind of wedding "image" you want to give with your gown. Is it romantic, sexy, formal, fun, contemporary, princess, traditional? Being clear on what your look is will give you great direction in finding the right gown. We can find many gowns to make someone look amazing but it needs to suit their personality, location and wedding style.
Choosing a gown is a collaboration between the bride, her consultant and any advisers she brings. But the final decision belongs to the bride.
Astra Bridal, 205 Symonds St, Eden Tce, ph (09) 303 3960 or astrabridal.co.nz
SUSAN TASKER
Over recent years, I have noticed a huge increase in the number of brides choosing to marry while prince will come pregnant, post-baby or following a major weight-loss campaign. Often the bride is under huge stress because she cannot buy a readymade outfit as her body is changing, but she wants to make decisions about her gown so wedding plans can proceed. She doesn't want to have to wait until her body weight is stable.
I am seriously passionate about helping the bride with a changing body shape.
I focus on creating dresses for people who have individual body shapes and aren't standard sizes. I look at each bride, analyse her body shape, design to accentuate her best features, while minimising the accent on any less flattering ones. We discuss designs, desires and dreams for the big day.
I set up a timeline for the making process, follow her weight - gain or loss, meet regularly to check up on it and give emotional support. We start with the calico design trials and then start the dress once the weight has begun to stabilise. We can leave this as close to the wedding as necessary to ensure the perfect fit.
Susan Tasker Wedding Dress Design, Epsom, ph 021 864 086.
JANE YEH
My designs for the next season are beautiful, with soft romantic feminine lines. I always make sure the bodices of my gowns are perfectly fitted to flatter the bust and waistline.
I love a clean crisp look, uncluttered and not fussy. A mermaid-shaped skirt is always stunning, showing off the feminine form to the best advantage.
My inspirations are derived from movies, stage shows and productions. I love Broadway shows - Las Vegas productions etc, where the glitz and glamour of the costumes give me many ideas - and also paintings.
My current collection evokes dreams of romantic French ballets, inspired by the paintings of French artist Edgar Degas. Other cultures fascinate me and I get many ideas from them as well.
It is most important for the bride to choose the design of her gown before starting to plan other aspects of her wedding because everything else is dependent on their details, bridesmaids' dresses, flowers, station etc. The bridal gown is the main focus.
A consultation is absolutely necessary for a bride-to-be.
Some brides think they know what they want for their dress, but choosing a wedding gown is totally different from buying any other fashion item, so, they need professional advice from someone qualified to help them choose their dream dress.
