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Wedding dress details we would love you to consider when selecting your gown.

When it comes to shopping for your perfect gown, it is very much about the actual wedding dress details. At Hannah Elizabeth Bridal we will support you in the realisation there’s more to it than picking something off pinterest, or deciding off a blog post. Oh, and there is definately more to it than picking a dress off the body of a celeb or watching a bride on TV as she says “yes to the dress” to form your gown wishes and hopes.

There are beautiful details to consider, your body shape to take into consideration and your wedding style to compliment. Alongside these there are the elegant details like the dress neckline, the gown length, the fabric, the train, the fit and the shaping! Every designer has their own style, their own way of shaping, designing and creating a gown. Understanding these are a significant part of our passion for all things bridal, and something we take pride in.

So with the help of one of our designers – Nostalgia by Amber He, we are rounding up what to consider and how to ensure understanding this results in you finding a gown you adore.

A gown that gives your shape the ultimate hug, one that both yourself and your partner to be will be in complete awe of.

So let’s start with the train… then at the end why not head over to Hannah’s “Look Book” dedicated to Nostalgia by Amber He to start shopping!

Let’s talk wedding dress details shall we?

Sweeping magic

Not all trains are the same, and not all of them will work on your wedding day! No matter how gorgeous, trust us you wouldn’t want a 6-foot train for a beach wedding, or a heavy silk gown for a treehouse safari wedding in 90 degree full sun. A brilliant way to work in this concept as part of your selection criteria is to be mindful of how the fabric feels as it sweeps behind you. Then be mindful of matching it to your wedding theme and setting. Our hearts are set on ‘Scarlett’ for its exquisite, voluminous train – perfection for both inside and outside ceremonies, and of course micro weddings deserving an extra element of glam.

Derriere darling!

Your face, smile, and bridal radiance will be the first thing people will see of course. Remember, however the derriere of the gown also provides a bridal impression being one of the details your guests will see through ninety percent of your ceremony. From the top of the aisle your guests will see your confident shoulders and all of the stunning details of the back of your gown. If you dream of a modern yet delicate vibe with your selection, go for something with a stunning scoop shape to the back of your gown. Our pick, Alice of course?

Heels or flats darling?

Planning on flaunting flats, or embracing the heels on your Big Day? While we’re all for switching into something comfortable on the dancefloor, we always advise you to consider how your chosen gown will look without the extra height. Being aware of this difference may help you make your gown decision immediately. We have found a number of our brides over the last 6-9 months are opting for a glam block heel by Harlo or a chic statement  forever heel by Jimmy Choo or of course our very own idyllic Venus by the gorgeous Rachel Simpson, now available in our online store on social media. This stunning gown is called Raven.

Neckline darling

Where do we start on this one? Off-the-Shoulder, exactly as it sounds, this neckline sits just below the shoulders to showcase the décolletage and is flattering on most body types. Then there is strapless, one of the most popular styles, and sweetheart, a great option for brides with a fuller bust because it accentuates the décolletage. Now portrait characterised by a wide, soft scoop from the tip of one shoulder to the tip of the other a dazzling way to frame the face. One of our favourites however is a V-Neck. This neckline dips down in the front into the shape of a “V.” Drawing the eye downward it creates a beautiful illusion of length and is very flattering on petite and narrow frames, but also on a larger bust when altered properly. This is the gorgeous Claire by Chic Nostalgia – the epitome of a graceful on trend V.

Add a little extra with embellishments, after all it’s all about the wedding dress details

When we first viewed Chic Nostalgia we fell in serious bridal love. Firstly because of her attention to detail and then secondly with the designers use of some of the most beautifully created appliqués we have ever seen. They add an instant wow factor and an iconic sparkle seldom achieved in bridal these days. So if you’re looking for something effortlessly glamorous with incredible details we know you will adore Nissa. This gown radiates an “I am glamorous” statement, incorporating playful dotted tulle over stunning lace appliques, her full skirt provides a carefree bridal look. She has a flirty bodice, which is covered with the beautiful textures of luxe lace and hand beading. This gown has fine lace straps and a sheer illusion back accented with more hand placed lace appliques. What is more Nissa has removable draped sleeves. What do you think?

Material sets the tone

Having a good idea of your favourite fabrics is a great start when looking for a gown. Tulle, is a structured transparent netting found in fuller and more formal ball gown dresses. Next there is crepe, a draped silk fabric creating a flawless look for curvy and minimalist modern bridal looks. For diaphanous overlays and embroidery, organza creates an effortless almost see through look, light as air gowns created using organza are almost ethereal. Finally lace… It can be timeless, modern, lasered, traditional, heirloom and of course made using some of the most complex and iconic fabric creation techniques in fashion. All laces create different gown characteristics, and all laces make different statements. Lace has been used to create another one of our favourite gowns Scarlett. She has a soft and intricate lace pattern, with a tiny graceful sparkle. The design of this gown creates a timeless look for any bride. She has a beautiful flowing train and gorgeous off the shoulder lace sleeves

Keep it at arms length

Let’s talk sleeves! Many girls love to show off a little shoulder with a plunge neckline, or a spaghetti strap gown. However, others appreciate the support and perhaps prefer a low-maintenance fit of a cap sleeve gown. For those of you who would like a little extra coverage, especially if you are marrying in a more conservative venue, sleeves may work for you. This is Tessa, she has delicate puffed sleeves, droplets of sparkle over tulle, a stunning corset waist and a unique double peekaboo back with crystal buttons. What do you think?

Contemplate colour

Looking to break away from an all-white look? We love it when a bride does, and there are many bespoke options provided by our designers, you just have to ask. We’d always loved the idea of having a slight hint of nude or blush in a skirt, bodice or underlay to create a fresh, whimsical, and unique gown. Then we saw beautiful Penelope and we had to bring her into Hannah Elizabeth. She is most definitely a perfect gown to place in a colour category and she is utterly sublime. She is oh so soft, femininely delicate, and utterly beautiful, she is also grey. This gown was an inspired choice for our collection, with her detachable sheer sleeves, she provides an iconic look for any seriously modern bride, looking for a statement wedding gown.

Comfort is key

We know bridal fashion can sometimes mean sacrificing comfort. We also know however, that when it comes to your wedding day, this should not be the case. As you slip into gowns at your ideal wedding boutique, be sure to pay attention to fabrics and styles allowing you to breathe, move, feel like yourself, walk, glide, dance, and laugh. Remember you will be in this for a whole day – from nervously leaving your room, walking to your reception, exchanging your vows, laughing through the speeches to dancing the night away. Your gown needs to work for you, and it’s as much about looking good as it is about feeling good.

Wedding dress details we would love you to consider when selecting your gown.

We adore our Nostalgia gowns, they are luxuriously romantic one-of-a-kind dresses oozing extraordinary craftsmanship. They are timelessly finished and meticulously beaded, and are perfect for a stylish bride with contemporary tastes. Amber the designer is heralded from New York to London, Barcelona to Milano, as a modern designer with impeccable taste. We promise there’s an unforgettable moment waiting for you if you consider Amber as the designer for you. We have recently launched an at home service for brides affected by Covid-19, providing them a unique chance to have a pre booked set of gowns delivered to their home after an initial virtual appointment with Hannah over Zoom. Feel free to contact us to find out more, and until we hear from you don’t forget the details darlings…

About

Hannah Elizabeth Bridal is an award-winning luxury bridal boutique with a reputation for carefully curating a collection of beautiful, elegant gowns. It celebrates a journey, empowering your individuality and aims to give modern, bold and fashion-forward women the chance to let their personality and style shine through on their wedding day. Other designers stocked include, Catherine Deane, Nostalgia by Amber He, Rosa Clara, Rosa Clara Boheme, Hayley Paige and Tara Keely.

For more information about our exclusive events, or to simply find out more about our gorgeous boutique contact Hannah or Kelly on appointments@hannahelizabethbridal.com or 0238 1781911.

@hannahelizabethbridal

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