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Designer wedding secrets

What is the style x-factor that takes a wedding from delightful to unforgettable? FashioNZ's wedding specialists share their secrets…

TANYA-CARLSON-Carlson Designer Tanya Carlson
What can a bride-to-be do to ensure she gets the best result from her designer/seamstress?
If you are going to a designer, let them design the dress! That’s what you are paying for – their expertise. If you are using a seamstress, make sure you have seen examples of their prior work.

Any tips for buying off the rack?

If you see a dress in a magazine or on the internet that you love, it’s best to buy it off the rack rather than try to re-create it.

What do you think about the concept of a bridal gown that you can wear again for other purposes?
This starts off as a great idea but is often hard to achieve and you can end up with something that is neither a bridal dress nor an evening dress, and the dress is never worn again. From my experience it is best to create something for the day.


Stylist Jackie O'Fee

Your most stunning bride – what was she wearing?

A gorgeous bold yellow-gold dupion silk dress that had plum underskirts and plum beading on the bodice…sigh!

What can a bride do to ensure her look reflects the version of herself she wants to present?
Try loads of dresses on – the one that is right for you will make you cry – honestly.

What is the one thing besides the dress, that has the most impact on the bride’s appearance?
Make-up and hair – the whole look needs to be cohesive

What do you think about the concept of a bridal gown that you can wear again for other purposes?

Sad! It’s that one chance to live out all of your fantasies, even if you marry again you are unlikely to ever do it like that again.

Designer Liz Mitchell
What can a bride-to-be do to ensure she gets the best result from her designer/seamstress?
Source great undergarments early on so the neckline and line of the dress is perfect.

What is the one thing besides the dress that has the most impact on the bride’s appearance?
Makeup and hair. Being in tune with who you choose is important so you look your best.

What do you think about the concept of a bridal gown that you can wear again for other purposes?
Some brides love to have separates, something from the day that can be enjoyed for other occasions…dresses that could be dyed for future evening wear – just something lovely that can be worn again and again.

“All weddings are beautiful; it is the nature of the occasion, a celebration of love.”

wed2 wed3

“The bride is Charlotte and the fabric that was used for her gown was very unusual. She's wearing a low back matte metal crushed dress”.



Makeup artist Ashlee Kellett
What can a bride do to ensure her look reflects the version of herself she wants to present?
A bride can reflect her personal style by making sure, firstly, that she is comfortable with the makeup applied. If you never wear smokey eyes then don’t try it on your wedding day, or if you don’t usually wear colour, again… don’t try it out on your wedding day. Fet used to wearing your chosen look a few months before hand and your confident persona will shine through.

How can a bride best prepare her skin for her wedding day?
The biggest mistake is having a facial done too close to the wedding date. Have a few facials during the year to get your skin in order. Remember to drink plenty of water, always wash your makeup off every night and try not to stress too much. Team all of that with a great skincare routine – I suggest Dermologica – and you will be fine for your day.

What other prep do you recommend?
Sleep, sleep and more sleep! For your beauty prep don’t forget the below… I’ve listed a couple of my absolute favorites for you!

Manicure, pedicure and acrylic nails Parnell Nail Studio (book now – say that you saw this article and receive a 10% discount!)
Waxing and eyebrow maintenance-Off Wax Bar (they make getting a bikini wax actually bearable!)
Perfume-Marc Jacobs Daisy – very classy and a light fragrance.
Lashes-your make-up artist can provide individual eyelash extensions which are amazing and oh, so natural!
Teeth whitening-the supermarket has a few great options to choose from.
Body cleansing-no junk for at least a few days. For those annoying hunger pains have miso soup or dried fruit.
RESCUE REMEDY – this stuff is faaaabulous – I don’t even need to explain why! Definitely recommended for any bride!

“Every wedding is glamorous and gorgeous in its own way. The smiles are really what I thrive on although, seeing the brides look into the mirror once they’re all glammed up and the huge grin that appears on their faces makes my heart skip a beat.”



Specialist bridal retailer Brides on Thorndon

Your most stunning bride – what was she wearing?

She was wearing one of our designer gowns made from 100% silk. The fitted bodice with full skirt was enhanced by asymmetrical pleating and ruching that draped beautifully down the gown; this was cut away at the front skirt revealing 16 metres of luxurious bias cut legano silk, and finished with a stunning pearl-beaded lace.

Any tips for buying off the rack?
Don’t be afraid to try on a variety of gowns as they look a lot different on. Listen to your bridal consultant; we see a lot of brides every day so are very experienced in determining styles that will suit.

How can a bride personalise a gown bought off the rack?
There are numerous adjustments that can be made to personalise a gown. Talk to your bridal consultant about aspects of the gown you are not 100% content with. Minor adjustments like adding a strap, beadwork and lace, or major changes like modifying the shape of the neckline and skirt can really change the whole look of the gown. It could turn that nice dress into something WOW!

What is the one thing besides the dress, that has the most impact on the bride’s appearance?
The way she holds herself is really important. Walk confidently and smile because it’s your day!

“The best wedding I have ever attended was the most simple wedding with family, good food and lots of love in the room.”

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Liz Mitchell