What is your most memorable wedding?
I have been completely obsessed with weddings and bridalwear ever since I was 7 and a bridesmaid for my cousin. It was on this day that I realised just what a wedding meant and what a special occasion it is, so I am now really honoured to be helping brides find their dream gowns for their wedding day!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
The style in our boutique is glitzy and glamourous, while our staff are friendly, helpful and always laughing!
What about your business are you most proud of?
I am most proud of #TeamVEB. When setting up my boutique, I knew we would always focus on bridal experience, but didn't expect to find a team of women who felt as passionate about it as I do. We work hard to make sure you find the dress for you without pressure or stress.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Have your wedding dress ordered a year before the wedding! This will give the designer plenty of time to get the dress to the boutique and you can have your fittings without rushing or worrying. This also means that you can plan details, such as bridesmaids dresses, hair and decorations with the details of your bridal gown in mind.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
My best friend wrote each guest a personalised note to say how much she appreciated our presence at her wedding. It contained memories she remembered of when we were at school and doubled up as a place card.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We typically meet our brides at wedding fairs or when they call to book in. We always try and have an informal chat about the gown they are looking for at this point, but also advise they have an open mind during our appointment as brides often find a dress different to the original idea. When a bride comes in for her appointment, she will receive a friendly welcome from her stylist and offered drinks. Appointments last 90 minutes and we use that time to find the bride her dream dress. We listen carefully to the bride and may even suggest some wildcards dresses to try on. When a bride has said the big 'YES', we take measurements and complete the paperwork. The gowns typically take 6 months to arrive and as soon as they do, we call to discuss when you would like alterations. Our seamstress is spectacular and will do the fittings in the boutique. She is very attentive and will look after both you and your gown until it is time to collect it for your wedding day!
What do you love most about your job?
It is an honour to help a bride to be find her wedding dress, to be part of that memory that you will remember forever. knowing that we do our job well and make lots of happy memories is what we all love at Victoria Elaine Bridal.
What is your favourite style of wedding dress?
We love all styles here at Victoria Elaine Bridal but our personal favourite is when a designer takes a modern twist on a classic style. For example, Hayley Paige inventing her caviar fabric for a modern way to add sparkle, or how Ellis and Eddy K use nude tones on classic silhouettes.
What is the best way to incorporate "Something Blue" into the wedding outfit?
I think it's a great idea to incorporate your something blue in your bridal shoes. Unless you are wearing a tea-length dress, people will not see much of your shoes and by going for a shade of blue that's in fashion at the time, you will wear them after your wedding!
What is your favourite wedding dress of all time?
Impossible to pick just one! I really loved Kate Middleton's dress when she got married. It was chic and elegant, whilst conforming to the rules the Royals have. Kate is the reason lace became popular in bridal again. Of the dresses we have the in the boutique, it will take a lot to beat Markle. She is magnificent and suits every body shape!