You remember the famous line from Pretty Woman right? Well Julia Roberts certainly got her “fairytale” ending….. and you know what? you gorgeous lot are too – marrying your Richard Gere, your Prince Charming, your whisk-you-off-your-feet-with-the-romance-of -it-all Mr Right.

And I figured that after the selection of slinky, sexy and sophisticated gowns we show cased on Rock My Wedding a few weeks back it was high time we kept the sexy and sophisticated part but exchanged the slinky for well….the bigger, pouffier and more princess-inspired type of dress.

Yup that’s right folks, we’re gonna have a good old go at showing you lovelies a whole bunch of our favourite Cinder-Freakin-Rella worthy frockage.

Hoorah!

Jenny Packham

Thought Madam Packham only designed glamorous evening gown type shapes ? Well think again folks, JP also has a talent for the more traditional silhouette combining clever layering, vintage style embellishment and a whole bunch of uber flattering and unique necklines, who said a bigger dress had to always be strapless anyway?

Clockwise from top left: Seraphina, Sophie, Tiara and Starstruck.

Ian Stuart

Perhaps the “King” of the fairytale frock, Ian Stuart knows a thing or two about creating a show-stopping bridal gown and we know a lot of you readers are big fans of his design skills already.

Biba is deliciously pouffy whilst allowing the opportunity for maximum pin-flashing where as Florentina and Premiere although perhaps a little less unique in shape are certainly no less worthy on the WOW front.

Pronovias

Are you after a more fitted bodice but a huge make-an-impact train? well then, look no further than Pronovias who have managed to combine contemporary design with bring-out-your-inner-storybook-goddess ruffles and frills.

I would have been as happy as Larry wafting down the ailse in either Formentina ( top) or Frenesi. Just beautiful.

Suzanne Neville

Infamous for creating the most amazing corsetry and fitting-you-like-a-glove gowns Suzanne Neville knows how to do big statement classic shapes that are timeless, elegant and stylish.

From top, Chabrais ( love the lace detail), Etienne and Fontaines.

Stephanie Allin

We met Stephanie Allin at the Designer Wedding Show and she was a lovely lady, her dresses are beautifully cut and the material quality is second-to-none. And if you fancy something more subtle than full on fairytale then either Fantasia, Kelly or Maria could fit the bill

Do tell us what out of the selection you have taken a shine to and what made you chose your happy-ever-after gown.

We adore a fashion love story so we do.

Big BIG DRESS Love

Charlotte xxx

Okay, so I’m a big fat fraud and wore a massively huge dress on my wedding day. But I look back now and think… WHY? Why oh Why did I let my well dressed (usually,) stylish self, obsessed with fashion and design, fall into the princess bride category?

I like to credit every one of our readers with certain attributes. I sit here writing for a bunch of educated, smart, witty, intelligent and creative women, who normally (and lets face it, we all have a sweats day – more often than we probably care to admit,) make the best of ourselves for work, never mind a party. So the biggest day of your life looms, the biggest party and suddenly up pops the biggest dress you’ve ever seen in your life and we think it’s a great idea?!

Now some of you might be thinking, ‘It’s easier for her to say, she got her big white dress’, which is all well and good. With the benefit of hindsight, it’s always easy to make difficult-at-the-time decisions. But when I look back, I remember being totally turned off by all the big and frothy creations. I went looking for fish tail lace and was seduced by the princess look, the ‘you’ll only get to do it once’ line only because I managed to find one that was virtually unembellished. But I’m not sure it was really ‘me’.

So I’m here to tell you… Step away from the dress!

It might be controversial (but we love a bit of that at RMW!), and there might be some of you desperate to reach your Wedding day and swish that big full skirt, and to those of you I say, you Rock it. If it’s for you then thats what you should have, we’re all about doing it your way, here at Rock My Wedding. But for those of you feeling a little out of your stylish depth, a little lost, a little, ‘not you‘ anymore, I’m here to say it’s ok. And boy have we got some stylish alternatives. I know that amongst our readers there are style savvy ladies looking for something different and if you always thought designer meant disaster where your wallet was concerned, then think again, as despite every one of these beauties coming from Net-a-Porter – the online designer shopping haven, the most expensive is less than the average Ian Stuart dress at £2300 and the cheapest – less than £500 smackers. Bring it on.

We were lucky enough to be invited to the Net a Porter Bridal launch at Claridges last February and if you’re not already familiar with our RMW videos – you have to go over and check this one out . I’m happy to say their stocked collection has gone from strength to strength and whilst I intended to write this about Matthew Williamson’s recent Bridal collection I just couldnt help including a few more fabulous finds. Maybe more than a few….

Matthew does Bridal

I’m loving both of these gowns, but perhaps the first a little more. With the metallic embellishment, it’s super chic for summer and I love the style. My friend has a different colourway of the waterfall gown and it is stunning on, with the sexy cutaway back and feminine drop waist keeping a fashion forward cut sexy.

Matthew Williamson Beaded Silk Chiffon Gown £2395
Matthew Williamson Waterfall Silk Chiffon Gown £1795

Temperley-tastic

It’s no secret that here at RMW we totally heart Temperley. Thought you might be able to wear Temperley for less than £500? No, me either, but this diffusion line dress echos the main collection in both style and detail, without the hefty price tag.

Alice by Temperley, Alma Silk-Georgette dress. £495

The Work of a Master

Alexander McQueen was a master of fashion, cutting edge and sadly missed, this dress is a fitting tribute. Feminine and floaty, it cuts a sensual dash and would look amazing teamed with a statement waist belt.

Alexander McQueen Crepe Bustier dress £1,895

English Heritage

Queen of Cool and a style icon the world over, Vivienne Westwood knows how to work those curves with her signature draping. This is the perfect Gown with a capital G, for working the room at a super chic city reception or winter affair.

Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Opuntia Corseted Gown £1,490

Best of the Rest…

Didn’t think you’d find a designer gown less than £1000? Well, We have! A Darn sight less actually, in a subtly beaded bustier, fifties referenced chiffon skirted dress by Rachel Gilbert. Always wanted a DVF? Why not rock this one on your wedding day – a chic shape with simple ruching. Last but not least, this corsican lace number by American wonder brand J.Crew is sweet and simple without sacrificing any style.

Rachel Gilbert Annaliese Beaded silk gown. £795
Diane Von Furstenburg Delphina Ruched Bridal Gown £2,055
J.Crew Corsican lace and silk gown £1,960

So if you’re a lover of fashion why not celebrate your love with a new love in your life, a tribute to your coming of age and starting in the way you mean to go on. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be stylish. Be your best come Wedding Day and check out the style savvy offerings from Net-A-Porter by clicking the link.

Did you love rocking your ballgown dress or are you looking forward to wearing one soon? Or has this article reminded you to stay true to your own personal style? Do tell…

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

PS, if you haven’t ever seen a RMW video and want to see more of Charlotte and I on very official fancy RMW business, make sure you check out the links above for the Net-a-Porter video and links to more after the video finishes. Enjoy!

It’s been a while since I saw this gorgeous frilly floaty pure silk cream Sakura Maxi Dress in French Connection and thought, ‘That would be so perfect for a wedding dress, on the right Bride’. Inspired by Aisling’s unique take on Bridal and spurred on by your positive comments I decided to mock up an inspiration board based around this dress and a relaxed boho vibe.

This is just one of a series I hope to bring you as the inspiration comes to me, to help you bring your unique take to Bridal in a very RMW way. Think out of the box, pick and mix my suggestions with your own hierloom jewellery or vintage shoes and keep it chic in high street, staying budget savvy.

Am seriously having a fashion moment over those shoes…

Sakura Maxi Dress, French Connection. £130

Brown Peeptoe Pearl Platform, House of Harlow, MyWardrobe.com £100.

Kenneth Jay Lane Cocktail Ring, MyWardrobe.com £64.00

Forest Shower Necklace, Anthropologie £44.00

Lizzie Earrings, Orelia at Topshop £10.00

Total Price: £348

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

If you loved Rachael’s dress from our Gentle Wild Gothic wedding earlier in the week you might have noticed that it was a Cymbeline creation. I have no idea how we have not mentioned their gorgeous gowns before as the collection is breathtaking… with subtly detailed dresses and super cool accessories the range is perfect for a bride wanting to rock her own particular brand of quirky individual style, just like Rachael.

It’s a Frill-fest

Cymbeline excels in the frothy multi layered net frill fest that I am having a bit of a moment with right now… and somehow they seem to make it modern, chic and fashionable. No meringue faux-pas here ladies, feast your eyes on this…

*L-R, Top to bottom: Daylice and Doucer, Dulcinee and Domingo.

Simple and Sweet

That’s not to say however that we haven’t got some serious contenders for a simpler, sweet and pretty look, from Cymbeline.

*L-R, Top to bottom: Dolly and Doa, Disco and Diep

Slimmer shapes, lace lovers and sweetheart necklines… check, check, and check.

Origami Originals

For those who are a fan of fabric folding and a different kind of simplicity, Cymbeline have a few tricks up their sleeve too with bold shapes and fashionable folds.

*L-R, Top to bottom: Dynastie and Duras, Dionne and Dumas.

I see you Baby…

There are also shorter options for the modern bride wanting to shake their thang with a bit of leg If you’re that Bride and reading… you rock it! I might just be a little obsessed with the shorter front/long back option here…

The Final Touches

Honestly, I might have a little bit of a problem here.. not only do I need a Cymbeline dress in my life, I also am practically dribbling over my keyboard perusing the super quirky and uber pretty accessory range… check ‘em out.

So it’s time to get voting… which one’s your favourite, and if that happens to be something you would never normally wear, then include one you would. (Then think long and hard about rocking the one you LOVE!)

Yours Truly,

Rebecca
xoxo

Fancy maximising your shape and adding a touch of glitzy bling? Well then make like Emma in a figure hugging feminine gown and sparkly accessories.

This RMW Bride sure knows how to work those curves.

Glamourama

I wanted a real glamorous, vintage look for my wedding gown. I also wanted it figure hugging with a real glossy ivory satin gown and a little bit of sparkle. I tried on loads of different dresses and found that this Benjamin Roberts dress was just perfect! I didn’t want to go too over the top with accessories so chose this simple but beautiful fresh water pearl necklace, bracelet, and earrings from www.ayedo.co.uk.

Rock That Red

I wasn’t going to wear a veil or tiara but just felt drawn to the antique look of this veil that I found at the wedding show and was so glad I chose it. On the day it was quite bulky and blew all over the place but it actually made for some lovely pictures.

I had clip in hair extensions added to give my updo a real boost for the big day, they were such a perfect match and were so expertly blended into my own hair that most people thought they were my own hair! I, like Charlotte am not a french manicure type of person so was inspired by her original blog to go for something different so chose bold red gel nails and toes on the wedding day.

The Perfect Venue

We got married on 28th August 2009 at Blithfield Hall, Rugeley, Staffs.I wanted my overall theme to be chic and glamorous but with a relaxed feel. The venue is a privately owned manor house that sadly no longer do weddings. At the time we approached them they only offered day time ceremonies and receptions and wouldn’t allow evening receptions, so we had a bit of a dilemma about what to do about an evening do.

We knew it would be difficult to plan but didn’t want anywhere else but Blithfield Hall with its stunning Great Hall. We knew we wanted our guests to relax and have a drink and not have to worry about driving to an evening reception. So we decided to make a feature of this by hiring a vintage London Routemaster Bus to transport us and our guests through the Countryside to our evening reception venue. The evening reception was held at The George Hotel in Lichfield.

Silver and Rhinestones

As I mentioned we love the stunning Great Hall at Blithfield and didn’t think it needed much in the way of decoration. We decided to have flowers at the evening reception only, and keep it simple in the day by hiring chic silver candelabras as table centre pieces. We had glam looking rhinestone frames from www.poshbetty.com for the name places, and guest could take these home as a memento of the day.

Our favours were champagne truffles from Thorntons inside little ivory boxes which I personalised with ivory satin bows and vintage look buttons which I sewed on one by one! We had a harpist, Jessica Sutton, play for the ceremony and drinks reception.

High Street Chic

The beautiful adult bridesmaids wore Champagne coloured dresses from BHS, and silver jewellery from the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham. My little neice who was also a Bridesmaid, wore a dress designed by me and made by my very talented mom. It was inspired by a dress seen at the National Wedding Show.

The boys wore suits hired from Formal Affair, and they did wear Top hats despite having to have their arms twisted.

All images are courtesy of David Paul at www.davidpaulphotography.co.uk

Anyone else swapping simplicity for sexy stylish all out glamour?

Whichever you chose we love it ALL here at Rock My Wedding.

Big Celebrating ALL types Of Fashion Love

Charlotte xxx

And so ladies, onto our first Real RMW bride fashion feature!

Anna is a teeny tiny weeny little pot of lovely and chose the perfect dress and styling for W-day as we’ll think you’ll agree. Not afraid to make a floral statement Anna topped her gorgeous outfit off with a HUGE bouquet and the prettiest daintiest shoes.

Petite Perfection.

Accessorize Me

I think I devoted more time to thinking about what to have for breakfast on the day (a boiled egg and soldiers…) that I did to selecting my accessories. Please don’t think I didn’t care, I am in fact quite detail-obsessed. But with so much going on on my dress, I didn’t want to overdo it. I knew from the start that I wanted to wear a veil, and chose a long one to complement my dress and give me height. At 4’10”, you take any opportunity to add height!

A necklace would be overkill with the high halter-neckline of my dress. This just left earrings. I bought some beautiful sparkly danglers at my final dress fitting to tie in with the diamonds in my dress. They are still in the box. As I was being pampered to the max an hour or so before heading down the aisle, a friend appeared in my hotel room with some perfect shoulder-ticklers. The stones in these earrings matched those in my dress as though they were made to be worn together. Perfect.

Twinkle Toes

With size 2 feet, shoe shopping can be hard work. Finding chic wedding shoes seemed like impossibility. Then I discovered Emmy Shoes, conveniently located half a mile from my house. It was a girl’s heaven. I lounged on the chaise longue and eeny meeny miny moe’d their stunning collection of foot attire. Two months later, I untied the pink bow around my exquisitely wrapped silver pointy toe delights. They peeped shyly out from under my dress on the day and were just so comfortable. Hmm, I could easily become accustomed to bespoke shoes.

Pleasing That Inner Princess

There were two things on which I was adamant from the start: I was not going to have a strapless Cinderella-style dress. I have nothing against them, I just wanted to wear something a bit, well, different
I was going to have a dress that suited and flattered me, all 4’10”of me.

And the glitz, ah, yes, that just made me feel glam and satisfied that inner princess. Jenny Packham’s Petra was bought from Silk Brides, Lichfield.

Back to Black

As soon as the cork had popped on the celebratory champagne, and before being asked, my sister had decided she would do me the honour of being my bridesmaid. I was happy enough with this arrangement, and with only one bridesmaid I thought it would be easy to find a nice dress to complement mine. What I had failed to consider was that my sister is a nightmare to dress.

Priceless.

All in One Place

With only 7 months “I will” and “I do” the venue decision had to made pretty sharpish. We wanted the wedding to be a big party, not a big chore, so it had to be guest friendly. Having the ceremony, the meal and the party all in one location seemed like a nice way of doing that. Despite living in and loving London, it didn’t feel like the right location. Craig grew up in a bustling market town with a lovely old (and wedding licensed!) inn at its heart. After visiting the Feathers in Ledbury it felt like the right place for an elegant but informal wedding.

Traipsing through the town centre past the old market house with all the locals going about their Saturday business appealed to our sense of humour. Our photographers were delighted by the idea too and came up with some really fun pictures.

A little bit of London wherever we go

Wanting to acknowledge the city we have made our home, I had the idea of a London Underground-themed seating plan. A very talented artist friend printed a huge copy of the tube map with each underground line representing a table and replaced the stops with our guests’ names. Needless to say, our London-based, underground-using friends were the first to be seated!
All images courtesy of Blue Expanse

How many other petite princesses do we have out there? and are you celebrating your cuteness or thinking tall?

Big I’m Small And I’m Proud Love

Charlotte xxx