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Abigail Neill
Abigail owns award winning Abigail's Collection Bridalwear Consultancy & Menswear Hire. Based in Colchester High Street, the business offers a unique and personal shopping experience across three departments; Bridalwear, Bridesmaids and Menswear.
For more info visit www.abigailscollection.co.uk or for an appointment call 01206 574 575. |
Abigail Neill answers all your Bridal fashion related questions |
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Should I order my dress in a colour I've not seen before?
Q. I tried a dress on the other day, and I have completely fallen in love with it. The trouble is, the sample the shop had was white, and the colour made me look washed out. The shop assistant said the dress is also available in ivory, but I wouldn't be able to see it in that colour before I order it. I'm worried that if I take a risk and buy it, I won't like it when it comes in. Is it safe to assume that it will be the same shade as other dresses in ivory? What should I do?
A. Abigail Neill says: Understandably, ordering a dress in a shade that you haven't seen can feel like a daunting prospect. However, many brides regularly do this and - with our guidance - have always been really happy with the result.
Ivory tones can vary considerably and so there are some steps you could take to set your mind a rest. Sometimes, for a small fee and depending on availability, shops can arrange for a loan sample to be sent from the designer in the colour you require.
If this isn't an option ask your shop if you can see a swatch of the fabric in the exact shade you want and check how it looks against your skin tone. You could also ask if they can show you another dress in the same or similar shade ivory - try it on to see if the shade suits you.
Finally, remember that ivory is a far easier colour to wear than white and that it suits almost everyone. |
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Am I too tall for a princess dress?
Q. I am a very tall bride (5ft 9in) and am struggling to decide what kind of dress to go for. I love the thought of a huge princess gown, but I am frightened this will make me look massive. Am I better off going for a slinkier design?
A. Abigail Neill says: Not necessarily. A well cut princess dress can be very striking on a tall bride. However, you may feel it is safer to go for an A-line style, which will also have impact but without the volume. If you are a fuller figured bride, remember that slinky gowns are often less structured and are made with delicate fabrics -making them less forgiving for curvy ladies.
I suggest that you try on some princess gowns, as well as some A-line options. Then compare these to how you feel in the slinkier styles. Don't be surprised if you end up in love with a dress that didn't jump out at you to start with; this often happens. Have lots of fun trying on various accessories and veils with the dresses, and above all choose the dress that makes you feel amazing. |
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Can a Lace-up back make me look slim?
Q. My friend has recommended a corset-backed wedding dress. What is this exactly, and is it true that it will make me look slimmer?
A. Abigail Neill says: Sometimes referred to as a loop-and-lace back, garments featuring a corset structure have been around for a very long time. It is true that a corset-backed dress can help to enhance the waist, but other shape dresses can also be flattering. Designs that include clever ruching around the waist or under the bust can have a slimming effect, as can a satin sash around the waist. By wearing a hooped petticoat underneath an A-line-style dress, the fabric will skim off the hip and once again, emphasise the smallness of the waist. So, while corset backs and boned bodices are definitely flattering, remember there are other styles that could be equally appealing - and possibly more comfortable during dinner! |
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It's a man's world
Q. I'm actually having a 'bridesman' instead of a maid of honour on my wedding day. I am not sure what suit he should wear to distinguish him from the groomsmen. Any suggestions?
A. Abigail Neill says: I think that the idea of bridesman is brilliant. Like you, I think it's important to distinguish him from the groomsmen but you need to ensure your theme is strongly linked throughout all of the outfits.
For the bridesman I suggest a lounge suit, sometimes described as a short jacket, with a coloured tie and pocket handkerchief in the same colour as the bridesmaids' dresses. He should also wear a buttonhole to match the bridesmaids' flowers.
For the groomsmen I recommend a different suit style but in the same colour and fabric as the bridesman. Jacket options for the groomsmen include Prince Edward, tailcoat or frockcoat. These are longer jacket styles which can be worn with matching trousers or coordinating striped trousers if you prefer. In addition, the groomsmen should also wear waistcoats and either a ruched tie or cravat with matching hanky and buttonhole. Again this formalises their look and visually indicates a different role to the bridesman. |
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To veil or not to veil?
Q. It's my second wedding. I want to wear a veil and white wedding dress, is that okay?
A. Abigail Neill says: There are no set 'rules' regarding veils and the wearing of white wedding dresses.
These traditions stem from ancient times and many agree that over the years they have lost their original associations.
When choosing a dress and accessories consider the style of your wedding, the venue type and your own look including body shape and age. |
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Happy Shopper
Q. I'm having a 2010 wedding but can't wait to start shopping for my dress. Is it too soon to start looking?
A. Abigail Neill says: It's not too soon; you just have to be aware that retailers will change their in-store samples as new collections are launched.
This means that if you do fall in love with a dress your bridal retailer may be unable to guarantee ongoing availability of that particular style until 2010.
To be safe just check with your retailer and better still don't start looking until you know that you can commit to a dress. Have fun and enjoy your dress shopping! |
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No matter how big or small!
Q. I'm having four bridesmaids who are all different sizes, ranging from a size eight to a size 20. I want them all to feel happy but what style should I look for?
A. Abigail Neill says: A floor-length A-line dress with asymmetric ruching at the waist will complement most shapes; It will give waist definition to an apple shape, hide the hips of a pear shape and will help to show off a slim waist too.
Alfred Angelo's style no 6493 is a great example of a well-structured and versatile design that should suit most shapes.
Another option is for the girls to each choose a different dress from the same range and in the same colour. This can work really well but I suggest choosing a similar length for all four dresses. |
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Style Guide
Q. A friend asked if I'm going to bustle my dress. What is it and should I have one?
A. Abigail Neill says: A wedding dress 'bustle' describes the way in which the train is lifted at the back and temporarily attached using either hooks and eyes or a button and loop- that's called an 'over bustle'.
Alternatively, ribbons can be attached underneath the train and tied together for an 'under bustle'.
Both are usually added at the alterations stage. Some brides find dancing in a bustled dress easier for evening celebrations but many like to swish around and show their train off all night; after all, when do you get to wear it again? |
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