Clothes express who we are and this is all the more true on your wedding day… Traditional, boho or vintage – what happens when you close your eyes and visualise what you will look like as a bride? Do you see a white or ivory dress, a train, lace, embellishment, veil, bouquet? The vision can change as you start to put together your wedding day look. I often see brides who do not want a veil at the beginning of the design and creation of their wedding dress yet by the end will want to add one.

Weddings are a family event and that can include grandparents in their 80’s, parents who would have married when weddings were restricted to church or a registry office and a white/ivory gown with a spray bouquet. But then there is your friendship group who want to be surprised and wowed by your wedding look. There are no rules for the modern day bride so stand firm because it is your big day and the photos will haunt you forever if you don’t follow your instincts and fulfil your dreams.

Amy’s wedding dress applique detail, Elizabeth Bessant couture

Jessica’s wedding dress lotus flower and vine detail, Elizabeth Bessant couture

Most brides want a nod to wedding day traditions but with a twist and this is something I specialise in. Amy wanted a blush wedding dress and detachable overskirt embellished with ivory hand cut appliqué flowers. Jessica’s ivory lace dress was embellished with handmade 3D lotus flowers and forest green vines, Claire’s ballerina length ivory dress with Chantilly lace sleeves and bodice was embellished with her collection of Royal Dolton china flower brooches and one of the cover buttons that fastened it was blue. All these little touches make your wedding dress your own story.

Some brides though want to make a strong statement. When Carla came to see me to have her wedding dress designed she knew exactly what she wanted. She was having a Pagan wedding outdoors involving pagan rituals. I made her a blood red silk corseted gown with a lace up back and heaving bosom, inspired by period costume. The dress was lined with ivory silk and sprinkled with a few ivory pearls. She wore a crown of red and white flowers entwined with ivy and left her long red hair flowing. She carried her wedding day vision beyond her own look and asked her female and male guests to wear black, this was difficult for her grandmother but Carla was not going to compromise on her wedding day. Her wedding style reflected her everyday Goth style of dress.

Justine also wanted to make her own style statement for her outdoor wedding at Painshill Park. Getting married for the first time in her 30’s she did not want to wear a traditional bridal dress in white or ivory. I made her a gold silk gown with a puddle train and a chocolate silk cleavage panel that was hand beaded with seed beads in shades of gold, coral and brown tying in with the chocolate silk gowns I made for her adult bridesmaids. It was a very hot day and her strappy gown was perfect for her outdoor ceremony.

If you would like to make your own statement on your wedding day I am happy to offer a free no obligation consultation to discuss ideas, email [email protected]