CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ELEUSIS GOWN?

My gown was an original design by Celine atEleusis. I had wanted a mermaid cut dress with lace to complement my figure and Celine designed a beautiful gown made with Italian lace. The gown had a long detachable train, a fitted mermaid cut with a “v” neckline and lace straps.  Under the bust, there was lovely Swarovski crystal detailing.

WHAT WAS THE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR GOWN THAT STOOD OUT?

I loved the Italian lace detailing on my dress, particularly on the train. It really looked beautiful as I was walking down the aisle.

DESCRIBE YOUR ELEUSIS WEDDING GOWN IN THREE WORDS:

Elegant, lacey and perfectly-fitting.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ELEUSIS GOWN?

I had actually had two Eleusis gowns. The first gown was a white cheongsam which was done with full silver French lace. It was backless and had very pretty Swarovski crystal buttons.

The second gown was a mermaid cut dress with a heart shaped neckline. It was covered with tulle and was shiny from the top of the gown till the bottom of the train. The bust area was covered in big Swarovski stones and the whole skirt had a lining of sequins.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR ELEUSIS GOWN?

What was wonderful about my gowns was that it could make me stand out amongst the other guests. It also made my body shape seem perfect. And  I think what was most important about  these two gowns was that they were really comfortable, so I could present the best of myself on my wedding day, and still look beautiful.

DESCRIBE YOUR ELEUSIS WEDDING GOWN IN THREE WORDS:

Shiny, unique and elegant.

A veteran but never on her own label until recent, the launch of Celest Thoi  is an exciting news for the bridal industry and very quickly, the buzz had many brides-to-be visiting her from around the region. It was at her own wedding that started her in the bridal industry when she could not find something quite her style -  simple, elegant, chic and timeless. That is the beginning of her journey as a designer for her brides in her niche.

Read her interview below and her latest collection unveiled at recent Malaysia International Fashion Week.

Congratulations on your recent MIFW show, tell us  a little about your label Celest Thoi and the recent collection.Thank you, it means a lot to me. The collection is titled The Celestial Spark Collection inspired by my mom’s treasure troves of pretty trims and ribbons. The spark also represents the enlightenment and words from my clients and partners who have been super encouraging and supportive throughout. They were the ones who sparked the launch of my very own label, Celest Thoi.

What does the label, Celest Thoi represent?
Every Celest Thoi gown is beautifully hand-crafted with luxurious fabrics, ethereal detailing with a modern interpretation of classic lines. Just like falling in love, I aspire for my brides to still love the gown many years down memory lane for I work on the philosophy of timeless, simplicity and elegance.

How did you begin on your journey of being a bridal gown designer?
It all started when I was shopping for my wedding 8 years back. I wanted a simple dress in timeless design but I could not find anything that fitted my requirements, I then decided to design my own. I loved the whole process so much that I opened a bridal boutique in New Zealand shortly after. In 2009, my little family and I relocated to Kuala Lumpur where I would like to bring in a little of those classy influence from the land of the long white clouds.

What do you love most about your work?
Like all little girls, I loved playing dress-ups and love all things pretty. I would be transported to my own fairytale world when I visit any haberdashery shops that sell trimmings, ribbons, buttons and etc. I love playing around with these pretty knick-knacks together with beautiful fabrics. Plus the fact that I am always interacting with very happy and excited people…it makes me feel happy and fulfilled at the same time.

Celest Thoi is fast gaining popularity as a sought-after bridal gown designer, what’s your aspiration for every bride wearing Celest Thoi collection?
Wow, Thank you. It is just the beginning, my gratitude and thanks to all for the support. I would like every bride who is wearing my design to be like she has just walked out from a magazine shoot.

I designed each gown with the bride’s personality in mind as well as the practicality for the venue, be it a church wedding, a garden wedding or a beach wedding, there is that special dress for each bride.

Should a bride go for ready-to-wear or made-to-measure?
It really all depends on what the bride wants. Whether she is adamant on what she wants or she is happy to find something that suits her from ready-to-wear. From my experience, I believe most girls will have a dream dress that she would like to have for her big day. At times, it is not easy to find something that will fulfill your dream and at the same time flatter your body shape. For this, I would definitely recommend made-to-measure.

What are the common mistakes by bride-to-be and your advice?
Do not bring too many people with you when you go dress shopping. Bring only people whom you trust and value their views most. More importantly, trust your instinct for you’ll know when it’s the one! It’s pretty much like when you met your hubby-to-be for the very first time.

You have two beautiful daughters, do you style them? Do you have flower girls collection?
I will style them every now and then. It’s really fun playing dress-up with them. As you can see from the MIFW finale walk, my kids were wearing dresses similar to mine. I reckon it’s really cool if your bridal party can dress in that direction, it will look awesome in pictures. I would love to design a range of bridesmaids and flower girl dresses in pretty hues in the near future.

How did you feel when you dressed a bride for the very first time?
I can still remember I was amazed and a sense of fulfillment was felt in my heart.

View more of Celest Thoi’s exquisite collection of bridal gown here.

Celest Thoi
B2-1-1, Publika,
Solaris Dutamas,
No.1, Jalan dutamas 1,
50480, Kuala Lumpur.

Mobile: +6013 524 0026

Tune in for more Signature Wedding’s Vendor snapshots and feature. Follow us @signatureweds or facebook

Now this is an absolute stunner, took our breath away!

And then there was another stunning picture of Ange at the 84th Annual Academy Award Red Carpet

and there was this….

and this…….

I guess ya’all got the picture….oh trust me when I say there were a whole lots more of those same pose, same arms-on-waist, same stand to flaunt the gown. I mean, it’s perfectly ok to flaunt that body when you’ve got that body but didn’t Ange just over did it this time? We love you, but dearest Ms Angelina Jolie, I think you got carried away this time.

Psst, heard Jim Rash pulled out a mock on Angelina right on stage as he and his team was accepting the award from Angelina Jolie by mimicking the pose. It must have felt a little awkward.

So lesson #11 to brides out there: When you’ve got it, don’t overdo it. Oh yes, we can tell!

Ange, we still love you. Hugs from the cupids kay?

Note: Bride’s Lesson #101 is a series of weddings tips, etiquette and ideas, compiled and presented through lighthearted,  funny, outrageous, silly, demure, satirical or simply straight forward snippets to share with our readers – folks planning to walk down the aisle.

The above images were sourced from Getty Images

For the elegant bride-to-be, the lines carry voluminous gown of spectacular skirts that flows out from waist in satin panel. For the chic and I-don’t-care-much-about-princess-Catherine bride, be entralled with the silhouttes of eye-catching necklines, bejewelled straps on the back: paying a little homage to subtle sex appeal.

Don’t wait up gals, get your exclusive view with appointment-only Designer Bridal Room in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong  for that most important dress of yours.

Designer Bridal Room is located at

Lot 9.10.00, Level 9 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Tel +603 2141 6003

FT 205, 2nd Floor, Grand Milennium Plaze, Central Hong Kong, Tel: +852 2167 8708

Time really flies and now it is already April!

Well, we can’t wait to share with you our latest blog entry of the month! =)

This April, Signature Weddings will be featuring interesting information and inspiring ideas about wedding gowns that gets you, a bride-to-be, thinking about ‘the’ perfect gown for your Big Day.

Most brides dream of wearing beautiful couture dresses from her favourite designers on her wedding day. Now, from one of our favourite and hottest bridal designer in town, you needn’t break the bank to get one of his stunning couture collections! Need some inspirations? Well, here are some of our favourite picks from Eric Choong Bridal that are below RM 10,000!  Enjoy! =)

Be the first to witness Thread’s new, Spring 2010 collection at The Wedding Library this Friday and Saturday, February 12-13th in the Big Apple. Come and meet Thread designers, Beth Blake and Melissa Akey as well as enjoy a special discount when you place your order by February 19th.

Interested? Head on to The Wedding Library this weekend in New York City at 43 East 78th Street between Madison and Park. Do not miss this fabulous event!

For more information, please contact The Wedding Library at kristen@theweddinglibrary.com or 212.327.0100

To that I say “Whatever, fool.” Maternity wedding dresses should be as lovely and as flattering as standard wedding dresses, which is why I’m loving Maternity Bride by Jessica Iverson Couture. The fit, construction, and quality of the gowns is just as good as those in the regular bridal market. The prices are easy on the wallet, at least as far as wedding dresses go. And amazingly, these maternity wedding dresses are available for rental… the hope being that you won’t need to wear yours twice.

They say: Light chiffon maternity wedding dress with draping, features pearl edged neckline and sleeves. Sweep train. Perfect for brides seeking a little bit of coverage and a hint of modesty.

They say: Pure silk charmeuse scoopneck maternity wedding gown with intricate and luxurious beading across waistline, front and back. Slightly gathered waist, bubble hem.

They say: A sexy, strapless maternity wedding gown with an intricately beaded bust and layered skirt with crisp pleating. Features a sweep train and detachable beaded straps.

They say: Taffeta maternity bridal gown with shirred waistline and v-neck. Corset back. A sophisticated and classically styled maternity wedding gown that looks flattering on every shape and size.

The best part is that these maternity wedding dresses aren’t just for itty-bitty mommas-to-be! Maternity Bride’s standard collection goes up to size XXXL and they can custom create gowns in even larger sizes, so plus size brides with buns in the oven aren’t left wanting.

Go to Source

See more great bridal collections for the 2010 season here.

Go to Source

Go to Source

Today I am very excited to get to share about a woman that I find truly talented: Nancy Liu Chin is a floral designing superstar! Nancy Liu Chin Designs is one of San Francisco Bay Area’s most sought after wedding floral and event designers. It is no surprise that she has been featured in countless magazines and on many of the industry’s best blogs. What you may not know is how Nancy got started in floral design and what serves as her inspiration in the designing process. To unearth those topics we got Nancy to tell us in her own words. Nancy told us:

“Believe it or not, my mother, my husband, and my retail career led me to a career in floral and event design.  Growing up my mother entertained quite a bit.  Her 13 course Chinese dinners are legendary.  Before Martha Stewart became mainstream, my mother was that domestic diva who paid attention to small details like where a plate should be placed and how a napkin should be folded.  Watching her spend a week planning out a menu, setting a dining room table, and “primping” our modest house ruined me forever.    She taught me the essence of being a good hostess and for having an eye for small but important details which is so key in being a wedding floral and event designer.

My husband. Kevin “KC” Chin, whom I met while I was co-producing a wedding was in the wedding industry.  Though I was working in retail merchandising for bebe and later for Banana Republic, I was envious of his ability to create art through the medium of photography.  Being surrounded by creativity and loving all things beautiful, you can imagine that I had no better inspiration.Working in retail gave me the appreciation for all things fashion, art, beauty, pop culture, and interior design. If it had not been for my many jobs in store line management, buying, planning, I don’t know if I would have that sense for floral and event design. In many ways, merchandising a store or a collection uses many of the same skills as installing a big wedding.  Creating store displays or styling helps me in design space more effectively.  Selecting flowers and sourcing are fundamental skills in being a good floral buyer. You could say that if my mother and husband inspired me than my career in retail gave me the creative outlet to explore the practical side of floral art.”

Nancy refers to her  signature creations as “embodying a flirty, yet refined charm bursting with luxurious colors and breathtaking beauty. The weddings that I strive to create reflects my personal belief that weddings echo a couple’s personality, style and modern sensibilities.” I call them fabulous! Here are some images of her beautiful work couple with some of the inspiration for it all.

Nancy’s Inspiration

“the before”Images from Martha Stewart and Internet search

“the after”

Real Wedding Nancy designed of Nishka and Carl images by Lisa Lefkowitz

Nancy’s vintage ballerina inspiration

“the before”“Bouquet by artfool,invite and cake from About details and all others from internet search

“the after”

Real Wedding Nancy designed of Biana’s beautiful wedding photographed by Richard Wood

My favorite bouquet and boutonniere I’ve seen that Nancy created! photographed by Nancy Liu Chin

Some of Nancy’s Amazing real weddingsAdorable bird themed wedding photographed  a friend of the bride and groom

Modern white opulence photographed by Brunk Photography

Uptown plum chic photographed by Andrew Weeks Photography

May You Be Inspired,

Go to Source

One of Malaysia’s pioneer fashion stalwarts, Eric Choong, has long established himself as a designer extraordinaire and is a member of the country’s fashion elite known as the ‘KL Six’. His stunning creations are testament to his creative prowess and astute understanding of fabric, drape, movement and a full comprehension of how to dress the feminine frame.

With a host of awards and accolades under his belt, Eric offers specific lines of clothing to his discerning clientele. His design ingenuity is well represented in his haute couture line, while the prêt-a-porter line leaves lasting impressions in pieces that are simply alluring. He also carries a line especially for the sartorially inclined male with masculine styles that are accented with a touch of drama.

For amazing wedding gowns, Eric Choong Brides is a made-to-measure line exclusively created to help brides-to-be choose stunning creations that are a cut above the rest in bridalwear. From clean and elegantly simple gowns to show stopping extravagant and flamboyant pieces, Eric’s bridal line caters for all tastes and temperaments. Extensive and artful use of luxurious chiffons, silks and laces accented with crystals, beads, appliqué and embroidery, the gowns will cast a spell not only on the bride and groom, but also on every guest at the gathering.

Eric has also branched into other services that take care of the bride’s special needs such as flowers and wedding planning. Wedding Treasures is a natural progression of Eric’s talent and passion in creating happy moments. Wedding Treasures offers wedding consultation services, such as floral arrangement, jewellery design, personalised wedding stationery, makeovers, hair and make-up, wedding cake, gift registry, and honeymoon packages. It is quite literally a one-stop-centre in ensuring you a classy affair courtesy of a master designer.

When shopping for wedding gowns, if you feel completely out of your depth – find a bridal consultant at a wedding dress shop and put them to work for you. Pick up copies of wedding magazines and flip through them. Look for ideas that you like and ideas that you don’t. Your wedding gowns may look nothing like what is in those wedding magazines, but by going through them and cutting out pictures, you may very well discover what you don’t want – and that’s a great place to start.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t find the wedding gown you like on the first trip. Once you know what your wedding dress is going to be itwill be time to start looking into bridesmaid dresses; once again -take your time and remember, this is your day. If you decide to special order the wedding gowns, be prepared to put down a significant deposit to begin the process. It’s also worth mentioning that special orders are generally non-refundable or returnable so be sure that it’s the dress you want when you make your order.

Did you know?
White has remain an all time favourites for brides since Queen Victoria of England marriage to Albert in year 1840, interesting to note too that prior to her historic wedding gown choice, there weren´t any wedding gown preferred colour.

Not all brides prefer to marry in a white or pale princess ball gown, Brides from all over the world, originating each from their strong rich cultures opt to marry in vibrant, colourful dresses that also signifies well meaning, blessings and wishes on their wedding day, sort of like a silent prayer for blessed unions.

Here are the meanings behind their choice of colours to wear on their wedding day and who knows, your designer may be inspire to create something for you.

CHINESE BRIDES
Chinese brides opt for red for good luck and joy and details of gold for fortunes and prosperities.

MALAY BRIDES
Any vibrant colours depending on the brides taste and favourites, they may opt to wear different colours for different celebrations throughout their wedding process. White, Black and Red is generally frown upon.

INDIAN BRIDES
Bright yellow and gold is mostly preferred by young Indian brides that symbolizes wealth and blessings to herself, her husband and his families. Yellow and gold too bring out their wedding well­known for their rich celebrations.

MORROCAN BRIDES
Like Indian Brides, the Moroccan brides choose bright yellow but they mean to ward of evil and green is another of their favourites because it brings good lucks and symbolizes greens and plants.

ISREALIS OR JEWISH BRIDES
Jewish brides prefer to wear a white wedding gown to symbolise purity and clarity. Blues represents mystical and spiritual powers.

JAPANESE BRIDES
A lavish white Kimono detail or lined with red symbolises happiness and a new beginning.

SPANISH BRIDES
To represent and display their love and devotion to their husband until death, Spanish brides wears lacy mantillas gown.

KOREAN BRIDES
Lime-green wonsam is worn over the traditional wedding dress, the hanbok. Wonsam is embroided with flowers and butterflies with the colour red representing heaven, indigo for earth and yellow colour for humanity. For respect to the elders and her husband, her hands are covered in white.

“The principal lines of the new Pronovias 2012 collection are based on four female prototypes, offering a perfect and unique gown for every woman.

This year, the spotlight is on the purity and elegance of the couture brides, the fantasy of the ever-glamorous women, the practicality and city spirit of cosmopolitan women and, lastly, the amazing, astonishing designs that the dreamiest brides could wish for.
Pronovias creative director, Manuel Mota, was inspired by these women when creating this season’s designs. “You always have to be ready to adapt to each bride’s individual personality and style, playing with very different elements such as a certain bodice, some chiffon trousers or a Jackie O-style shift dress combined with a coat or stole,” he explained.

One of the greatest innovations has been the evolution of the gown’s waistlines, which may be below the bust, at the waist or hip, on the lower hip or pre-mermaid.
“We have given a lot of attention to necklines, which are now more flattering than ever. Whilst strapless necklines are the undisputed favourite, there are also halter necks, boat necks open at the front, and asymmetrical necklines”, added Mota.


Pronovias has also developed new systems, such as manual draping, sheer fabrics with tattoo-effect embroidery and hand-cut lace appliqués with a torn and frayed appearance.

Thanks to research into fabrics, the volume of the gowns has become extremely light and even ball gowns have this soft appearance, puffed out with tulle supported by organza. Sheath dresses with trains are another of the surprises for 2012 which, with minimum weight, give brides a majestic air without sacrificing comfort. At the same time special emphasis is given to the overall look by adding veils, gemstones, mother-of-pearl headdresses and scissor-cut embroidered tulle jackets.

The most cosmopolitan line in the collection features Roman-inspired tunics worthy of the red carpet. Chiffon drapes billow out from beneath corsets that sculpt the female form, emphasizing the waist and hip area for a more sinuous effect. Dreamy brides will find fantastic skirts in chiffon, with petticoats, large gathers and frills in tulle and lace. In the couture version, skirts are sumptuously fashioned from fine fabrics like Mikado silk, satin and organza.” - Designer Bridal Room

Hold your keys! This collection will be available begining January 2012 but its just the right time to book an appointment with Designer Bridal Room for viewing now!

It can’s be wrong fromVera, she is after all a trend setter, an influential and legendary bridal gown designer, whose’s brand is every bride’s dream (at least at one time or another)

befitting the rock chic princess

our favs :)

magical ain't it?

Love it, hate it, love it but won’t wear it..whatever it is, we cupids say Vera got us falling in love all over again.

Je t’aime Vera!

Stefanie Sun
The popular Mandarin singer from Singapore dressed in a classic and simple white gown and a heavily embroided Kwa on right. Designers unknown.

Fish Leung
This sweet local artist looked breathtaking in a regal Vera Wang dress.

Marion Caunter
The former 8TV Quickie and Biggest Loser Asia 2 host walked down the floral filled staircase in a sparkly number by Rizalman Ibrahim at her solemnization.

The beautiful bride later stunned the guests further as she shows up in an exquisite Vera Wang design at her reception.
A dainty off-shoulder at her Maldives ceremony.

Erra Fazira
Looking absolutely gorgeous in her beautifully beaded dress!

Stacy Ferguson
Fergie’s mermaid dress was custom made by Dolce & Gabbana.

Grace Kelly
This classic beauty was designed by Helen Rose of MGM.


Nicole Kidman
The actress was dressed in an uberly sweet design by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga.

Kate Moss
Kate Moss whispered vows in a gorgeous John Galliano wedding dress with a fashionable veil.


Eva Longoria
A stunning long and layered trained dress by Angel Sanchez.


Khloe Kardashian
Sashes and a dash of sparkle with brooches, Khloe rocked her wedding in none other than a Vera Wang.

Avril Lavigne
A rock princess in her Vera Wang gown.


Chelsea Clinton
One of our favourite Vera Wang design filled with layers of ruffles, so dream-like!

Qun Kwa – Traditional Chinese Wedding Dress
The ‘Qun Kwa’, or more commonly known as ‘Kwa’, is a traditional two-piece Chinese Wedding dress embroidered heavily with the dragon and the phoenix motifs. Like in every Chinese tradition, the striking red color of the ‘Kwa’ symbolizes luck and prosperity and also warding off evil. It typically takes about 1-2 months for the embroidering to be done, having said that, the gold and silver ‘Kwa’ or ones that are heavily embroidered would take half a year or more to be completed.

Traditionally, only the first wife can wear the red colour ‘Kwa’. The elderly such as mothers or mother in laws wore all black or the black and red ‘Kwa’.

When do we wear the ‘Kwa’

The ‘Qun Kwa’ is worn nowadays during the tea ceremony as it blends well with the traditional ceremony. As an alternative to an evening gown, the ‘Kwa’ can be worn as the second dress after your Western wedding gown.

Red or cream colored heels are most suitable to match with your ‘Kwa. Or else, embroidered traditional shoes would tie your whole look together nicely.

Safekeeping

To clean your ‘Kwa’, turn it inside out and soak it in water and use mild detergent to clean it.  Use a soft bristle toothbrush to brush the collar, cuff and the hems. After washing it, press a dry cloth against the ‘Kwa’ until it is half dry and put it out in a shady place to dry while it is still inside out.

A BIG thank you to Ms. Kam of Elegante Wedding for sharing your profound knowledge with us. Time to hop on over to their boutique and choose a quality Kwa that suits you, girls ;) Be sure to look stunning and cultured at your tea ceremony!

Who doesn’t love all things Vera? She never fails to take our breath away with her exquisite contemporary bridal gown designs. Now out with her Spring 2012 Bridal Collection, the talented designer who cleverly combines extravagance with simplicity played with chic hues and has proved to the world once again that we can never, ever go wrong with Vera Wang.

Scroll down and start screamin’! ;)

phew!

Before we say farewell to 2010, here is a continuation of where we left off yesterday… More fabulous gowns of 2011 coming your way!

Gowns by Lusan Mandongus

Gowns by Marchesa

Gowns by Reem Acra

Gowns by Vera Wang

(Image Credit Martha Stewart Weddings)

[box] What is Bridal Market? It is essentially a trade show where the couture bridal designers showcase their new collection to sell to bridal shops and boutiques as well as to get press and publicity for the new lines and within wedding industry. [/box]

This year’s collection is definitely better than the last and there is a lot of everything! From laces to ruffles, long to short, the gowns definitely are for any brides out there who wants nothing more than having their one-of-a-kind gown! Enjoy while you can folks! =)

Gowns from Rivini
Rivini ushers in a refreshing new era of simple luxury

(Image Credit Rivini)

[box]Delicate classical gowns paying homeage to the most sumptuous fabrics. [/box]

[box]Silk taffeta, embroidered lace and silk organza mixed in passionate games of layers, overlays, and transparencies, giving rise to silhouettes of impeccable finishings, majestic skirts and magic volumes. The neckline is revealed through gemstone inlaying, as the essential jewel of every woman.[/box]

Still can’t get enough? Well, you can check out more on Elie Saab’s gown at Designer Bridal Room in Kuala Lumpur today!

(Image Credit Pronovias)

Every woman’s natural beauty is born of love and happiness. Embroidered with serenity and edged with tender care, the heart of the new collection from Pronovias has been fashioned with genuine enchantment. A varied range of bridal trends which, with both tempting and harmonious, envelop the bride in femininity. Scroll down as we will take you through some of Pronovias stunning gowns for your viewing pleasure (Who knows? You might even bump into your dream wedding gown!).

If you are in Malaysia and would like to take a glimpse on the actual Pronovias bridal gowns, drop by at Designer Bridal Room today as they have many irresistible gowns to offer you!

(Image Credit Pronovias)

On her wedding day, Nicole Richie wore a spectacular wedding gown! A custom-designed Marchesa wedding dress inspired by fashion icon Grace Kelly from her 1956 lace wedding dress to Prince Rainier. According to People.com, Richie’s stunning ball-gown skirt was crafted from more than 100 yards of hand-draped silk organza and tulle petals!

Richie’s stunning tulle-skirted Marchesa gown was actually removable, and reveals a full-length dancefloor-friendly fitted lace dress as she and Madden took to the dance floor. The most creative part of the dress will be the sleeves as the couple had their names embroidered into the sleeve of the beautiful bride’s dress – how charming is that?

A big congratulations to the Nicole and Joel! Wishing you both the best of life today and in the days to come! =)

(Image Credits 1, 2 ,3 &4)

Picking your wedding dress is probably fairly high on your priority list. Once the date and venue have been selected and you have a basic idea of the theme of your wedding the next question for any bride is “What type of gown shall I wear?” it is important that your prepare your self for what’s in store before you go shopping.

Shopping for a wedding dress is different from your usual shopping spree. There are some tips to follow if you want to feel confident and in control, not hassled and frazzled.

• Buy a few wedding magazines (if you haven’t already done so) to get a general view of the styles gowns available.
• Most key designers and stores advertise in the first few pages of a magazine but check out the back pages too as there could be some stores closer to home an more affordable.
• Try and decide on the style of gown you want before shopping. Read up on what styles will enhance your best features while hiding your flaws. This will narrow down your selection and save you time.
• Shop with only one or two people as too many opinions will make you even more confused. Your mother, best friend or sister have your best interests at heart and will be able to give you an honest opinion.
• Wear your best underwear on the day you decided to try on dresses. Don’t just wear and old bra or underwear as you will be embarrassed if you need the shop assistant’s help to do up a corset. Wear a bra that fits well in neutral colours or white to get a feel of how the dress will look.
• Call the stores in advance to see if you need to make an appointment. Most stores like to offer personal services and have a consultant to take you through the range of dresses available. Do not be intimidated if the boutique requires you to make an appointment as this means they will attend to you personally and help you make the right choice.
• If you have a bigger budget or if your husband-to-be is willing to splash on your wedding dress, get your gown custom-made by a well-known wedding couturier.

• Be adventurous and try on as many gowns as you can since they won’t charge you for trying. On the rack, some gowns may not be what you’re looking for or something you wouldn’t be seen dead in, but it could look absolutely gorgeous once you put it on.
• Know your options: made-to-measure, off-the-rack or rent?
• Always keep in mind your wedding theme, venue and style.
• Check your timeline. Order your gown at least 6-8 months (up to 12 months) in advance and schedule a fitting two weeks to a month before your wedding.

Top tips

+ Bring your wedding scrapbook along with you when you go for your appointment. This saves time as the assistant can direct you to the right section.
+ Be prepared to try on a number of different styles that you wouldn’t normally choose. Most gowns do not have hanger appeal and need to be seen on the body to appreciate the cut and styling.

+ Do not expect to find a dress on the first day of shopping. Look at your adventure as a process of elimination. Each time you try something on, remember why you don’t like it: neckline, design, fabric, etc. and avoid trying on dresses with the same problems later. This will help speed up your final decision.

(Image Credit Valerie Fan Wedding Gallery, 2, 3)

Anyways, this week, we will be bringing you some of the latest 2011 bridal gown collections for your viewing pleasure. It’s a great way to kick start the new year, especially to those brides who have not found their dream wedding gown yet! Do stay tuned for some breathtaking and stunning gowns! (Here’s a sneak peek)

Gowns by Reem Acra

Gowns by Vera Wang

(Image Credit Martha Stewart Weddings)