This has been on my mind since the announcement of the Covid 19 restrictions and I didn’t want to go in to too much detail on it as I wasn’t sure how impacted brides would be in terms of getting their dresses. I caught up with one of the most wise in bridal, Carole from Pearls and Lace in Donegal. I asked her some tough questions on what this means and of course, Carole being such a pro and calm operator, settled my nerves and will no doubt settle yours!
So Carole, Thank you so much for chatting with me today. I have a few questions that brides have been asking me but I want to get an expert view and the right information from someone working in the industry.
Bride To Be 1:
I have my new date, what do I need to do now in relation to my dress?
Carole: We’d recommend as soon as you secure your new date, call or email your bridal store and update them of this. Bridal shops are now closed as part of Covid 19 closures however most stores are working remotely and managing queries and questions via email. They will best be able to advise you on their particular policies and implications but there are a few things you need to consider and discuss with them.
- If your dress hasn’t yet arrived in store, check what stage your dress is at and when it’s expected to arrive into the boutique. Are deliveries running normally or can you expect delays with your gown due to Coronavirus. This is particularly important for brides that have postponed but rebooked for July & August of this year. Be sure there are no delays that may affect your new date.
- If your dress is already in the boutique, are they able to offer storage for it for you until your new date? And is it covered by insurance?
- Does the store offer a delivery option for your gown? This is useful for those brides whose dresses haven’t arrived in store and those that might need access to their gown for alterations/ purchasing accessories needed for alterations before the store reopens.
Bride to-be 2:
My wedding is postponed- what should I do about alterations?
Carole: Depending on how close you were to your wedding, your alterations may already have commenced or be complete. If this is the case, we recommend that you leave any further alterations for now, book a provisional alterations slot with a dressmaker for 4 weeks before your new date. You can then try it back on and ensure you get any final tweaks for the perfect fit. It can then be pressed and steamed in preparation for the day as normal then.
If you haven’t completed any alterations- we recommend you book a dressmaker for your new date and leave starting any alterations until 4-6 weeks before.
If your new date is soon, for example July/ August, we recommend that you ensure you have everything you need to begin alterations- the right underwear, cups/ bra and shoes so that once the dressmakers reopen, you are ready to start your alterations without any delays.
Bride to-be 3
My wedding is postponed for a year, I am worried now that my dress will go out of fashion.
Carole: Good taste never goes out of fashion! Wedding dress trends are subtle and don’t change as quick so your dress definitely won’t go out of fashion.
We recommend that you don’t look at it too much, delete any pictures you have of it and if you need to store it yourself, could you do this at your mums/ sisters/ bridesmaids house so you aren’t tempted to be peeking at it? This will keep the magic alive when you see it again. In our experience- the pictures cause lots of nerves but these disappear once you step back into it.
Book a styling appointment with the boutique to try it on again closer to your new date. This will be a fun experience to look forward to after all this craziness is over! It also gives you the opportunity to choose some fun and on-trend accessories to complete your look.
Bride to-be 4:
My wedding was due to happen in May but we are now having a winter wedding and I am worried my wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses were picked to suit a summer wedding.
Carole: Our personal experience is that wedding dresses don’t vary greatly by season. We have summer brides that get married in long sleeves or winter brides that get married with deep low cut backs- because they love them and that’s much more important than anything in our opinion. For practical reasons you may want to make some small changes- like adding a beautiful cape if changing to winter or maybe lowering that back if moving to summer. Start the conversation with your boutique/ dressmaker and they will be have lots more ideas and suggestions.
If changing to winter, you may want to get an additional cover up for your bridesmaids like a shawl or cape. Adding an extra colour into your wedding colour palette can totally transform the overall look and theme. For example, if you have blush bridesmaids- what about adding burgundy as a secondary colour. Add some burgundy into your invites, bridesmaids accessories, a burgundy coloured flower girl or junior and beautiful rich berry bouquet. Not only is this unexpected, it makes blush bridesmaids not just perfect but absolutely gorgeous for a winter wedding!
We have some further colour combinations and recommendations for some of the most popular summer colours below- get on Pinterest, search for them and you can thank us later!
- Blush & Gold- perfect for New Years Weddings
- Lavender- check out dusty lavender palettes- perfect for Autumn.
- Peach- add gold and sage- gorgeous for Autumn Weddings
- Pale Blue- add greenery for Autumn and with silver tones also for a Winter wedding.
Me: Thank you so much Carole for such amazing knowledge and I know that many will take great comfort in your advice. Where can people hear more from you?
Carole: Thank you for having me! Hopefully that has helped. If anyone has any specific questions that your boutique isn’t able to help you with, get in touch with all of us here at Pearls and Lace, we’re happy to help with any of your wedding dress questions, particularly if you have had to postpone to due to Covid 19.
Thanks xxx
You can read more about Pearls and Lace here and see the most recent bridal piece I did with RTE Today!
Comments are closed
