Keep it Simple

I keep hearing that the ‘80s are back in fashion but lets just pray that bridal gowns featuring the huge puff sleeves (think Princess Di), mad headbands & massive tulle bows in the hair don’t come back too!! The ‘80 was bad because there was just too much going on – and everything got way too super-sized! Sleeves, shoulder pads, giant earrings – excess was in.

So warning - whatever is totally hot right now will look dated some day. I am of the opinion that it’s so important to choose something a bit timeless. Maybe include just a touch of current fashion if you don’t want to cringe later.

Eg: right now ruffles are in- they look amazing at the neck – off the shoulder. I think go ahead with this look so long as you don’t go OTT. The skirt should be slimline and sleek – resist the urge to go ruffle mad! If you want the skirt ruffled then keep the bodice quite plain and fitted. (check out pics and our Dec issue!)

When you look at gowns that stand the test of time, it is about simple structure, clean flattering line and gorgeous fabric.

Your gown should suit you - that is it shouldn’t drown you with lots of fussy bits. YOU wear it – it doesn’t wear you!! A gown can still be fashionable – that is “of it’s time” – but possibly best not to embrace any wild fads! Unless of course you just have to be the “cutting edge” gal and that’s exactly what you want. If so fair enough but you may regret it later when you children laugh at your photos instead of saying “you look beautiful Mummy!”.

Kirstie

Fragrant Spring Air!

Spring is traditionally the most romantic wedding season. Flowers bloom, grass is green! So many people love a garden wedding and prefer it to look lush not parched plus the sweet smells of the spring flowers only add to the atmosphere. The Aussie Spring 2009 has so far been a bit testing – red dust storms in NSW (that would turn your white dress rusty!), wild blustery, winds! (hairstyle dramas, bridesmaids holding their skirts down!). Outside weddings in general lead to some fashion challenges let alone mad weather creating havoc. But I am not thinking disasters I am thinking flowers!!

Spring is a gorgeous time to get married – most especially for flowers and the whole born again feeling as we come out of winter. The prettiest and most fragrant of flowers can be found in Spring. I personally just love the smell of Jasmine and love the idea of this fragrance permeating the wedding venue.

Other spring blooms with all the happy promise of new beginnings - tulips (above), which come in a vibrant range of shades. The smooth, waxy ‘U’ shaped flower comes in gorgeous pastels, vivid red, orange, hot pink, rich yellow and dark purple, anemones, bluebells, camellias, crocuses, forget-me-nots, grape hyacinths, hyacinths, lilies of the valley, narcissi, pansies, ranunculuses, violets. Having mentioned all those pretty ones, white roses (below) are hard to go past! They have the special traditional meaning of innocence and I kind of favour them as the base of your bouquet to compliment other flowers, as they are so elegant.

I had them in my own bouquet with lilies and other greenery - so pretty!! I also LOVE them in your hair.

Let’s all go outside now - if it’s sunny - and inhale the sumptuous aroma of Spring!

Kirstie