“But what about the rest of us Princesses?” I hear you cry! How can you achieve your very own Princess Bride Perfection? What should you wear on your Big Day, and how do you go about choosing the most glamorous Princess Bridal gown without it becoming a right royal pain?
You’ve asked the right man. I have been making Brides look and feel fabulous beyond their wildest expectations for the past 18 years. And Princesses are my specialty! I have dressed all manner of Princesses, from all walks of life, and created all sorts of gowns for Princesses on their big day.
Bridal Gowns: Top Tips
1. Princesses Wear Big Frocks
I am a firm believer that a ‘big’ wedding calls for an even bigger gown. I’m a sucker for a big frock. Size matters. Nothing says drama to me like a full skirted bon-bon confection of royal gala proportions cascading down the aisle. Royal splendour.
2. Princesses Get Corseted [and don’t complain]
There’s nothing like a cinched in waistline to take the breath away and give a Princess a giddy bridal rush! If you feel comfortable then it’s not tight enough [you think I’m kidding, but I’m so not!]. A good corseted gown will shrink 2 inches off your waistline and instantly improve your posture to a regal standard.
3. Princesses Wear Demure Necklines That Flatter Their Shape
A suggested swell of cleavage is much more Princess-like than the whole enchilada thrust forth on a plate. Have a good look in the mirror and analyse your torso shape to choose the most flattering neckline shape for you … voluptuous busts or broad shoulders are minimised with a V-Neckline and diagonal lines. Square up sloping shoulders with a wide cut Portrait Neckline and tailored sleeves. Thick set arms can be disguised with a sheer or lace sleeve. A long neck and creamy décolletage is best showcased by an off-the-shoulder or sweetheart shape. A small bustline can be enhanced by a straight-across neckline, adding oomph with pleating or ruffles.
4. Princesses Choose Glamorous Fabrics And Textured Detailing
The luxurious sheen of duchesse silk satins, light frothy explosions of delicate tulle, tiered skirts of sheer organza ruffles and super fine layers of frills. Feminine draped ruching and pleating in gossamer georgette and waves of circular cut silk gazar.
5. Princesses Love The Timeless Romance Of Lace …
And there has never been such a wide variety to choose from. Go for a fine, delicate and sheer embroidery with a generous border scallop; either finely worked with beads and sequins, or more heavily encrusted; either moulded all over the gown, or hand appliquéd around feature areas such as necklines or hemlines. For an opulent Princess moment, trim veil edges with border lace.
6. Princesses Know Pretty Embellishments
Adorn aplenty with hand loomed lace appliqué, shimmering fine crystal work, delicate ribbon detailing, bespoke crafted bows or expertly tied sashes, clasped with overblown silk roses, camellias or gardenias.
7. Princesses Wear Tiaras
What Princess’s big day is complete without a Tiara? Duh. Again, size counts. If you’re going to do it – THEN DO IT! Don’t dribble in with an apologetic speck on your head that could be mistaken for a tiny piece of glitter fallen from an insignificant disco ball. Take inspiration from the royal archives and bask in your Princess moment with a gilded glittering crown.
8. Princesses Wear Fabulous Veils
A Princess Bride somehow looks nude without her crowning glory, and I always feel a bit jipped when a Bride makes her entrance without one. I love the drama of a veil that cascades on forever down a long aisle … go for a circular cut style, slightly gathered from the crown of the head, with a long train and blusher [that’s the bit that covers the face] that tips your flowers. Ornate veils can be really gorgeous, and a full lush haze of pristine tulle always delivers ‘Princess’ in my books.
9. Diamonds Are A Princesses Best Friend
Something borrowed? Jewels of course. Beg or borrow [Princesses don’t steal] a couple of carats for each ear – diamond studs or drop earrings are a Princess Bride’s Big Day ‘must have’ accessory. Don’t over clutter bijoux jewels and leave décolletage bare … unless of course it’s a super fabulous statement piece or family heirloom. Then, by all means – raid the vault and pile it high!
10. Princesses Wear High Heels And Don’t Care About The Pain
Find the highest [and alright – the most comfortable, It’s a long day] shoe you can manage. If you are on the vertically challenged side, go for a platform. Brides often worry about being taller than their Groom, but Princesses do not … whatever you do, just don’t change into slippers at the reception. It’s not in the Princess protocol handbook.
11. Princesses Have Glamorous Hair And Makeup
Go for a chic ‘up do’, like a low chignon twist or a sleek high full bun. Think modern red carpet royalty J-Lo; rather than Princess Anne’s bouffant French Rolls of olde. Dewy Princess faces glow with a dusting of luminescent shimmer, shaded eyes are framed by a flutter of false lashes, and finished with a glossy rosebud lip. Oh, and don’t forget the waterproof.
I’m sure Kate has this all down pat by now, and I for one am praying to the frock gods that she gets it right on the biggest of all big days.
By Alex Perry
www.alexperry.com.au
@AlexPerry007
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