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Johanna Hehir
Top London bridal designer, specialising in made to measure bridal gowns. Contact: 020 7486 2760 or visit www.johanna-hehir.co.uk. |
Johanna Hehir answers all your Bridalwear related questions |
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Hire or buy?
Q. A lot of my friends have packed their wedding dresses away in boxes, never to be seen again. Will I make a big saving if I hire a dress instead of buying one? And would I still be able to have it altered?
A. Johanna Hehir says: Hiring a wedding dress is not a very big thing in the UK. Most brides want their own dress, which they can have altered to fit their exact dimensions. Alterations are not usually offered on hire gowns as they would have to be altered each time they're hired out. For this reason it may be more difficult to find that perfect fit, which you can be sure of from a made-to-measure service.
If you are strongly considering hiring a dress, shop around first. If you're not concerned about brand names you may find a dress to buy at a similar price to the cost of hiring one. |
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Dress Dilemmas
Q. I recently got engaged and I'm a bit nervous about choosing my wedding dress. What if I order one and then see something that I like better, can I change my mind? I don't want to make the wrong decision. Do you have any tips for finding the one?
A. Johanna Hehir says: It's natural for brides to be anxious about choosing the right dress. There is an incredible choice of gowns available - some brides know straight away, others will have to try on quite a few before they find the one. Here are my tips on finding the right dress for you:
First decide on a budget. There is no point in trying on £3,000 dresses when your maximum is £1,500.
Look on the internet and flick through bridal magazines to help you decide which styles and designers you like. Next find out where they are stocked and make some appointments to try them on.
Try on as many styles as you need to and take advice from the sales staff - they see lots of brides and will often know what will suit you and your body type.
Don't be pressured into making a hasty decision as it will be hard to change your mind and you may lose your deposit.
Finally, make a shortlist of your favourite three dresses and try them all on the same day. Once you have decided on a dress stop looking at others.
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Hourglass Figure
Q. I'm a size 14 and want to wear a corset as part of my wedding dress to make the most of my shape and pull me in at the waist. However, I'm worried I'll be uncomfortable. What do you think?
A. Johanna Hehir says: There are several different types of corsets, some with or without bust cups. They are usually boned for strength and support and often laced-up to make them adjustable. More expensive made-to-measure dresses will often have a corset built in. Dresses that do not have the structure built in will require the bride to provide a separate boned corset and the dress will be fitted around it. Therefore, comfort really depends on how well the corset fits and how tightly you do it up. Avoid heavily boned corsets as they tend to be quite rigid and push everything up when you sit down. Laced up corsets are more adjustable, just be careful if you let them out as your dress may not do up again so easily! |
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What to Wear?
Q. I am getting married for the second time and am really struggling to choose my dress as my husband-to-be is wearing highland wear and I don't think I want to wear an ivory gown. I'm 45 years old and a size 16. I'm also wondering how to tie in the bridesmaids with the highland wear? Please help!
A. Johanna Hehir says: I am not sure if you are having a civil or a church wedding as this would colour my advice. I am not particularly big on tradition myself and can appreciate why you may not want to wear ivory, but if your husband-to-be is going for traditional attire and you are having bridesmaids, then there are certain advantages to wearing white or ivory.
Firstly, you will be easily identifiable as the bride (very important!) If you wear a colour there is always the danger that you will look like one of the guests.
My advice would be to seriously consider a traditional ivory bridal A-line dress, as it will probably flatter your figure and more importantly this will ensure that you will be the primary focus for all your family and friends.
As far as the bridesmaids are concerned, I would pick up one of the colours in your husband's tartan as the dress colour for the bridesmaids or a selection of the colours a la S.A.T.C bridesmaids at Carrie Bradshaw's wedding. |
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Fairytale Bride
Q. I've always dreamt of wearing a fairytale wedding dress but now I've started to plan my day I'm worried I'll look silly. What kind of dress could I choose that will look stylish but not meringue-like?
A. Johanna Hehir says: Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her big day but that doesn't mean you have to look like you've just stepped out of a fairytale.
There are traditional A-line dresses available that will give you a stylish look without resorting to a meringue-style gown. To avoid this look stay away from full tulle skirts.
Try different dresses on and get some advice on what styles suit you best. If you don't feel you can trust your girlfriends for a straight answer get a man's opinion - they will certainly tell you if you look silly!
Keep an open mind but be assured that when you try dresses on you will know which one gives you the look you want and makes you feel special. |
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Bridal Buys
Q. I'm thinking about buying my wedding dress on-line to save money. Is this safe?
A. Johanna Hehir says: Many brides are tempted by the hundreds of websites offering wedding dresses for sale on-line but there are things to be aware of.
Although prices are generally much lower than retail it is almost impossible to know if the dress shown on the website will be the same as the dress you receive. Some factories have been known to lift images from designers sites and pass them off as their own. If you are tempted to buy on-line find testimonials and only deal with reputable companies.
If at all possible, try the dress on first to check the style and size, as returns can be difficult. Most websites sell standard dress sizes and the dress will probably need to be altered to fit you perfectly, so ensure you leave enough time for alterations and remember it is always easier to take a dress in than let it out. |
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