I'm not actually getting married until 2014 so there shouldn't really be any need for me to start looking for a dress...just yet. The reason I've started early is because the choice of designers in London is a million times better than Australia, and I'll save money too.
Australians correct me if I'm wrong, but last time I checked there was only ONE stockist of Vera Wang, Jenny Packham and Oscar de la Renta in the country at Helen Rodrigues? I read an article last week that claimed Aussie girls were now travelling to New York or London just to buy their dress. Crazy. Lucky I happen to live here!
I have my eye on wearing either a Cymbeline Paris or a Pronovias from Barcelona dress. Both are reasonably priced for the quality and workmanship that goes into creating the dress, and even though they are not bespoke, they take around six months to order.
A Cymbeline Paris dress is literally created from scratch - they even create their own lace on a loom! Apparently the loom in Calais broke recently and it caused a bit backlog...they are still quite an old fashion company at heart and nothing is mass-produced, which is so lovely in my opinion.
I haven't made a decision (the two below aren't quite right) so I'm going back for a second appointment in one month's time.
If you are married, how did you know when you found THE dress? NHG x
Australians correct me if I'm wrong, but last time I checked there was only ONE stockist of Vera Wang, Jenny Packham and Oscar de la Renta in the country at Helen Rodrigues? I read an article last week that claimed Aussie girls were now travelling to New York or London just to buy their dress. Crazy. Lucky I happen to live here!
I have my eye on wearing either a Cymbeline Paris or a Pronovias from Barcelona dress. Both are reasonably priced for the quality and workmanship that goes into creating the dress, and even though they are not bespoke, they take around six months to order.
A Cymbeline Paris dress is literally created from scratch - they even create their own lace on a loom! Apparently the loom in Calais broke recently and it caused a bit backlog...they are still quite an old fashion company at heart and nothing is mass-produced, which is so lovely in my opinion.
I haven't made a decision (the two below aren't quite right) so I'm going back for a second appointment in one month's time.
If you are married, how did you know when you found THE dress? NHG x
I am a pronovias bride to be!! The quality is beautiful so I would fully recommend them! The dress I have chosen just made me feel amazing....!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your hunt, and enjoy :)
Thank you! I think I might make an appointment at their Knightsbridge store to see the full range :)
DeleteIt was the first dress in the first shop I went in...I just knew...I tried two others on to be sure and the second would have been my back up...I think you will just know when you see it...something magical will happen :)
ReplyDeleteI have tried on around 8 dresses now. Last Saturday made me realise what 'shape' I want in a dress, it definitely wasn't what I originally had in mind...but suited my body shape perfectly!
DeleteI chose 'the one' last weekend, it sounds cheesy but when I put it on, it felt like me, only a bridal me! It's an Ian Stuart design so quite out there, but when I tried the more simple designs it just didn't feel like it reflected my personality or the venue we've chosen. It was very hard to take it off and I've kept an image in my mind all week. My future sister in law actually got goosebumps when she put hers on. Strange but true! Good luck! x
ReplyDeleteWell... I ordered the most spectacular dress from a dressmaker on etsy, it arrived after my wedding. My wedding was Jan 2nd. Jan 1st was a public holiday. I wore an ill-fitting dress my mother-in-law kindly whipped up 24 hours before my wedding. Crushed doesn't comne near to describing how I felt. :(
DeleteOh my gosh, how awful! This makes me glad I'm being "too early" in some people's opinion! I'd rather not even think about it during the lead up to the wedding. NHG x
DeleteI guess it's like when you know you've found the man. You just know. :-)
ReplyDeleteI struggled and actually gave up! Being an Australian girl living in Newcastle upon Tyne, I didn't have a huge choice and I really struggled to find anything that didn't make me look like I stepped out of geordie shore/my big fat gypsy wedding.
I tried on some beautiful Jenny Packham, Collette Dinnagan, Ian Stuart and Suzzane Neville dresses, but never quite found what I liked. Trips to London were nigh on impossible due to work commitments. I actually bought a Collette Dinnigan dress over the net, but it was about 10cm too short!
I stopped looking and resigned myself to wearing a beautiful cobalt blue long Wayne Cooper dress I already owned. We arrived back in Aus 5 days before the wedding with a fabulous suit for my husband (to be) and me sans dress! However a trip to Lisa Ho two days before the wedding and I found my perfect dress. It fit perfectly, didn't require any alteration at all. (Length or width!)
A nod to my ballet background, and perfect for a hot December wedding! (In natural)
http://www.lisaho.com/shop/bridal/all-bridal/C44/p22402/colour/BALLET
Don't listen to what others say, if you like to plan and want lots of time to find your dress start looking now! I also found a beautiful Cymbeline Paris dress, but didn't have enough time to have it made for me.
Meg, that dress is beautiful! Love the colour...I have toyed with the idea of a ballet pink too (I danced for 18yrs so still love anything that has a ballerina feel to it too).
DeleteI tried on a few Lisa Ho dresses when I was home over Christmas and unfortunately I'm in between sizes, so they really didn't fit right. I have a friend who wore a one-shoulder Lisa Ho dress and it was one of the most stylish dresses I've seen in a long time!
I also tried on a Collette Dinnigan and it was stunning, but I looked like I should be getting married in a chateau in France - not a modern art museum in Australia! It was also way over budget...
I actually think by the time I make a decision, the timings will be perfect. I may just own my dress 6mths before most women do!
I loved the whole wedding dress shopping experience... I think you just know when you find the one, by the way it feels on you, the way it makes you feel and how you feel about wearing it for 10 hours! My mum almost crying was a bit of a give away too!
ReplyDeleteOnto your question - Le Louvre in South Yarra stocks a limited range of stunning Packham dresses... you would definitely have a better selection in London. Happy wedding dress dreaming!
I am a Pronovias bride....the customer service and attention to detail is second to none. I have always been a Bridal cynic but I truly thrived on this experience. There isn't a dress in their collection that isn't beautiful ....it all depends on style and preference!!! Good Luck!!
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