Today we’re joined by stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick who is sharing some useful style tips now that wedding season is upon us! Whether you’re a bride about to embark on the hunt for your dream wedding dress or you’ve a handful of weddings to attend but haven’t a breeze what to wear, Lisa’s 10 top style tips will help make your shopping experience that little bit easier…
For Brides
1. You will always find the dress of your dreams so don’t panic if your search doesn’t yield results straight away. If you can’t find ‘the one’ in the bridal shops, then hire a seamstress to make it for you.
2. Know your budget and stick to it! You will only be wearing this dress for one day so don’t obsess over labels. No one will know if it’s not designer. When you meet with the sales assistant, let them know your price range. If they keep showing you items that are out of your range, go elsewhere.
3. When you find your dream dress, take down the relevant information such as the name of the designer and the serial number. Search for the dress online and see if there are stockists who are selling it at a cheaper price. If you don’t shop around it will cost you dearly.
4. Think about the jewellery that will best suit your shade of gown. Diamanté is beautiful with a white dress, while pearls are stunning with an ivory dress. Simplicity is the key to wedding beauty. If you are wearing a tiara, then avoid wearing a blingy necklace and earrings. Have one key piece but make sure your other pieces are toned down considerably.
5. Don’t feel limited to wearing white on your wedding day. Try on champagne, ivory and gold wedding dresses as they may be more flattering against your skin tone.
For Wedding Guests
6. Accessorise: Weddings can be expensive, especially if they all come at once and you need to have a different outfit for each one. I think a great way to avoid breaking the bank is to choose a couple of versatile dresses and update them for each wedding by wearing a different bag, hat, shoes and jewellery.
7. Get the Colour right: Definitely don’t wear white!! This rule may seem outdated, but it’s actually just good etiquette to not compete with the bride on her special day. Sometimes black isn’t considered a popular colour for weddings but never underestimate a Little Black Dress for the special occasion. Also consider the weather, time of day, and time of year. In general, weddings that take place at night and in the winter are more formal than those that take place during the day in summer or spring.
8. Mother of the Bride/Groom: Choosing what to wear as the mother-of-the-bride is a difficult task, it’s best to start with a dress that’s in keeping with the colour scheme of the wedding, doesn’t clash with the groom’s mother’s outfit and most importantly is comfortable. After all it’s a long day and you need to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed.
9. Black-Tie: For ladies attending a black tie wedding, opt for a formal dress, usually floor length but not necessarily. It’s time to bring out those beaded purses, fancy wraps and formal jewellery you’ve been waiting to find an occasion to wear them to. And for himself, a tuxedo is the only appropriate thing to wear. If it says creative black tie, he should still wear a tuxedo, perhaps with a black shirt or collarless white shirt.
10. Comfort Zone: A wedding is all about celebrating people you care about, and if you’re wearing something that restricts your movement or your shoes are too high you might not be able to celebrate as much as you’d like. Feeling comfortable is very important especially if you want to stay on the dance floor all night and maybe even well into the morning! And of course know your audience! Weddings are family events so make sure that your outfit is appropriate, nothing too sexy or revealing.
Psst… Lisa will be visiting counties around the country with her roadshow Lisa Fitzpatrick’s Fashion Fix throughout the months of April and May. The fun filled day will include Style Workshops, Hair and Make-up Masterclasses, Fashion Shows, Surprise Celebrity Guests and Much Much More. For more information or to buy tickets click here!
Main image: Dresses by Amoursans Anguish via elizabethannedesigns.com
