What is your most memorable wedding?
We don't normally attend the weddings of our brides, but when we receive photos from their day, where they look so happy, we feel proud to have helped our bride find the perfect gown.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Curvy, Stunning, Fashionable, Designer, Inclusive
What about your business are you most proud of?
Staying true to why we set up the business - focusing on curvy brides and not faltering even though many told us we should cater for all sizes in bridal. Yes we can order smaller sizes, but we want our curvier girls to have the pick of the bunch when it comes to trying on all of our styles.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't feel like you have to have everything on display at wedding shows. It's your day, so don't be told what your guests expect. Stay within a budget you are comfortable with as it can soon snowball.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Anything rustic or a bit different. Venues like barns with exposed beams and soft lighting are a favourite.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Generally the Groom is not invited, but on occasion he makes an appearance.
Normally our brides come to the boutique either for a pre-arranged appointment or just pop in for a look. Either way, they are told to look around and get a feel for what we have.
We always offer refreshments and if they would like to try anything on, they are given plenty of time to do so.
We encourage our brides to try on lots of different styles before making up her mind, but we will never be pushy.
If our bride decides she loves one of our gowns and wants to go ahead, a deposit needs to be paid before we place the order. Her own gown arrives between 4 and 6 months later and she returns to the boutique for her first fitting. The final balance is paid and she is then referred to our amazing seamstress for any alterations required.
What do you love most about your job?
A bride comes in who never wears dresses and is self-conscious because of her size, often so nervous you can see her physically shaking, but by chatting with her and telling her all about the reason for our business, you gradually see her relax. We take our time and start with a few gowns so she doesn't feel overwhelmed. The best part of our job is when you see that very same bride hold herself differently in a gown that flatters her shape and makes her feel prettier than she ever believed possible. It's priceless!
What is your favourite style of wedding dress?
Too many to mention really, which makes choosing stock a pain each season, but for our curvy brides, the dropped waist works well and also the sweetheart neckline.
What is the best way to incorporate "Something Blue" into the wedding outfit?
Lots of our brides have blue shoes. We don't find garters are that popular these days, which often have a little blue on them. We've noticed some brides are going for blues in their bouquets. As I've not been married myself, I can't really say what's best as each bride is different.
What is your favourite wedding dress of all time?
London by Callista - it's stunning with a matching lace three-quarter sleeve jacket, pearl belt and stunning appliques. Finished perfectly with a satin edge finger-tip veil and Zaramama tiara by Halo & Co.
Absolutely gorgeous!