Ask an Expert: Fashion

My mother is a larger lady, and doesn't know whether a hat or a fascinator is the way to go. What do you think will be more flattering?

Hats are definitely the way forward for anyone who is a little larger - they're much more flattering and stylish than a fascinator. Read more

My man has a rather round belly (to put it politely!) - do you have any tips on how to slim him down visually?

Waistcoats are your man's best friend - they slim down large stomachs. Avoid at all costs cumberbands - they'll only make him look bigger. Read more

I've got a long face - is there anything I should know about what type of hairpiece I should pick?

Basically, you'll want to try and balance out a long face, so I'd recommend you go for something that is fairly short, rather than a tall tiara or poufy veil that adds more height to your faceshape. Read more

I'm thinking of changing my hair colour before my wedding back to blond as that's my natural colour. However, I'm a bit worried that my hair accessories won't look as good.

The one thing to think about with hair accessories is that bridal ones tend to stand out more against dark hair than blond, so blonder brides can get away with larger accessories than brunettes. My advice is simply to try them on with your blond hair (or... Read more

My fiancee wants to have mismatched groomsmen. While I'm aware of mismatched bridesmaids, would it work for groomsmen?

Absolutely! Just follow the rules as per the mismatched bridesmaids (there's a blog post on Getwed.com about it - have a search). Basically, you'll need to have some element that is a common theme to tie everything together. Read more

I think I've found 'the one' on the dress front, but I haven't bought it as (silly as it sounds) I didn't cry when I tried it on. Is that an unrealistic expectation on my part?

I can assure you that crying is not necessary - a big smile and a knowing nod will also fit the bill! Read more

I'm normally a size 10 and was really shocked when I went to try on wedding dresses and couldn't get into a size 10! What's with that?

Try not to get too worried about what the label says - it's a well known fact that bridal gown sizing is considerably smaller than a regular high street sizing. Be guided by what the people in the shop recommend you try on. Read more

I've really struggled to my perfect wedding dress and assistants in shops keep putting me in dresses I really don't like! Any advice?

I would recommend you be as vocal as possible about the things you don't like about dresses you try on - that way, the assistants in shops get more of a steer on what you do and don't like. As a designer, I know how hard it is to design for clients who... Read more

I'm a bride on a budget and have bought a cheap sample gown which I love. However I've lost weight and need to get it altered. What could I expect to pay for alterations?

It will depend on the dress and what needs taking in. I would strongly encourage you to shop around for prices - there can be quite a variation in pricing (climbing into the several hundreds), but make sure you absolutely trust the person you choose as... Read more

I've chosen a lace-up gown for my wedding dress, but am a bit worried about how I'll get into it on my wedding day. What would you recommend?

I'd recommend that you get help to get dressed on your wedding day - getting into a lace-up dress is a nigh impossible task on your own! Decide who you're going to ask to help and take them along to your wedding dress fitting so they can be shown how to... Read more