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!