Hi everyone

Welcome to our wedding fashion webchat with Claire Pettibone who will share her expertise with you – how to dress for your shape and your budget!

Also on hand is Russell from Blackburn Bridal Couture who will share his expertise with you all!

If you'd like to ask them a question, simply click "post reply" in this thread and type your question into the box. Their reply will appear in the same thread (but please bear with us if we get busy, your question will be answered as soon as we can!)

Enjoy yourselves

Webmaster.

Hi Claire

I am here to give you any help Re prices of dresses and where to find dresses in the UK for all the brides making enquiries today.
Lets hope we can help all these brides find there dream Claire Pettibone dress.
Love
Russell
x

Hi Claire and Russell

I'm about to start looking for my dress - cue much excitement!!! I've been looking through magazines but really don't know what style/cut is going to suit. I'm 5 foot tall with a large bust. I think I want something with straps and am drawn to a lot of the lace dresses I've seen. I have a budget of £1000.

Any advice on what would best suit my shape would be gratefully received!

Hi Russell
We're so pleased with the UK response to the collection...we receive emails every day, and it is wonderful to have you to take great care of our brides!
Claire

Hi
Can you tell me how I can get a beautiful vintage-style dress on a budget? I've seen a lot of things I like but I can't find one that's just right for under about £1500. Please help me! Also, how do you make a beautiful slink 30s-style number (like I'm hoping to find) fit right on a curvy figure?
Thank you in advance CSx

Hi Fairy Pixie,
Congratulations, and by all means, have a great time trying on gowns! Since you are petite and curvy, an empire style can be elongating, just make sure there are not too many gathers under the bust. You want to show your shape, and choose a gown that "you wear" rather than having too much gown, and the dress "wears you"! I do many styles that are wonderful on petite brides. Happy shopping!

Hi Fairy Pixie
What acute name youhave!!
If you are a petite 5ft with a large bust i tend to feel a foft empire line will lengthen you as falls from under bust .
Claire's dresses retail in the UK from approx £1300 and i think you would love a style called larissa which is empire with some lace.
Depending on your shape i would suggest a soft mermaid as well to show off a hour glass figure.
I hope this helps your search.
Best Regards
Russell

Thanks to both of you for the advice - very helpful!
Can't wait to go and try some dresses on.

x

Hi Chic Shropshire

Go on line a google vintage bridal you may find this will help you in your quest to find a vintage style dress.
There are many designers who cater to the vintage style gown at £1000 or less try Vintage Circa on google they may be able to help.
Good Luck.
Love
Russell

Thanks Russell, I'm off to google now! A real vintage one would be lovely... CSx

Hi Chic Shropshire,
30's gowns are cut on the bias making them very slinky and form fitting. The construction must be perfect which is why these gowns may cost a bit more than your budget. As for vintage style which sometimes has lace or embroidery, cotton may be your best option. To avoid any lumps or bumps with a bias gown I recommend a smoothing body shaper be worn underneath.
all the best!
Claire

Hi. I've ordered Ian Stuart Vanilla in Taupe (back in Jan) for my wedding in Oct this year. I keep having major wobbles about it. Basically, I keep wondering if I've chosen the right dress or if I should have changed the back to lace up (rather than the buttons)....would I be too late now to make any changes to my order (given that my dress is due in the shop around mid Aug?)

Hi Claire and Russell

I would love to have a strapless dress but I have a big bust and a tiny waist and worried that all anytbody will see is my chest in a dress all day!
Are there any tips for making me looking less top-heavy, say something that will minimise the look of my chest. Or what other styles do you think will suit?

I have been to loads of dress shops trying on and i just can't find anything that feels and looks completely comfy!

Thanks

DB

Hi Fairyprincess

My advice is go back to the shop and ask the question!
Kind Regards
Russell

Hello Dorsetbride,
I just completed a gown for a bride with a similar figure, and she looked AMAZING...she chose my "Lalique" style for her garden wedding. We did end up customizing the design by ading delicate straps so that her bra could be sewn in. In the end, she just felt more comfortable with the support. We also replaced the flower on the bust with a more understated applique. You must visit Russell! I have no doubt he and his staff will find something perfect for you!
Congratulations!
Claire

Hi Fairyprincess,
Try not to second guess yourself...I know there are so many details to planning a wedding, and it can really get to you, but in the end, lace-up or buttons, I'm sure either one will be beautiful!
Deep breaths!
Claire

Hi Dorset bride

I would suggest you keep away from sweetheart necklines as that will focus to much on bustline.
Look at dresses with little cap sleeves and softer necklines as this will take the emphasis off your bust.
Claire's dresses are stunning and have alot of styles with interesting necklines and sleeves which are truelly delightful and interesting to the eye.
Good Luck
Russell

Hi Claire and Russell

It is possible to have a slinky dress that looks good on a pear shape? I feel huge in dresses with big skirts but don't know what my other options are!

Thank you!

Hi Guys

I am so confused about what I want;

getting married in Jamaica, want something light but long and wedding dressy, I know I want my hair down with flowers in. I am 5.9 size 10. Love Jenny Packham but cannot afford (even 2nd hand)

Really want to keep it under £500 as I am having a trash the dress photoshoot out there

can you suggest anything?

Hi HelsBels,
Oh we dress pear shapes all the time! Clara, which is a 20's style can be fab, also Forget-me-not is beautiful. Both of these gowns show off your figure in a very flattering way. Or, if you want to disguise the hips, you could go with a soft empire style like Larissa, Lalique, or Juliet...don't give up!
All the best,
Claire

Hi Tam 27

You should look at for Designer sample sales as Claire,s dresses start at £1300 .
We have a Sale in Aug go to website www.blackburnbridal.co.uk and email to arrange an appointment we will find you something slinky that works for a beach wedding!
Look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards
Russell