FASHION Oooh-la-lingerie!

It has to be the perfect lingerie - and no compromises. Katy Bensley (formerly of Playtex Wonderbra) gives some style and shopping advice.

We all want to look fantastic on the big day and finding the perfect fitting lingerie is key to looking good. With a huge range to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right style to flatter your figure and make the most of your wedding dress.

Katy says, ‘You need to get professionally measured, there are too many women wearing the wrong bra size! Having found the bra size that suits and fits you with no red strap marks in sight, you need to decide what lingerie style complements your figure - and your dress’.

Balconette Bras are generally half or quarter cup style bras and create a flattering look, best suited to A-D cups. Triangle Bras are becoming more popular and are soft cup bras which are great for A-C cups. Full cup bras provide maximum support and coverage and are great for larger sizes with a D cup and above.

‘Lingerie Designers are finally offering a greater range of bigger sizes, including those for smaller backs - which is a growing size trend' says Katy.

Now to the bottom half. Men are still buying thongs as gifts, while women are generally opting to buy the brief or French knickers. Either way, ladies want a flattering look for their 'derrieres'! French knickers suit most figures and give a flattering fit with their short style cut, suited to most style dresses. Full or bikini brief gives more coverage at the back and again provides a flattering fit. Thongs need no introduction and provide a cheeky, minimum coverage!

'The golden rule is to avoid the VPL. Your choice of pant should flatter the style of your dress while the perfect bra set should complement your silhouette', says Katy.

‘Finally, accessorise with suspenders and stockings - follow your dress size for a good suspender fit. And remember to pack a 'baby doll' for the first night!'

All that’s left is to choose the colour of your lingerie!

Photo © Knickerbox, Panache, Chantelle

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FASHION Dress Tips & Trends

Michelle Hinds, bridal stylist and founder of destination bridal boutique, Timeless Bride, unveils the styles to walk down the aisle in this season.

Belting Up

Brides with their finger on the fashion pulse this summer are making an impact with buckles and belts.

Mirroring mainstream fashion trends, belts are sitting higher on the body to create a stunning, cinched-in silhouette. Simple, structured gowns are given a flash of interest with sleek belts, fastening with vintage style brooches or clasps.

Modern Bows

Set at quirky angles to cover zips and buttons, this is a perfect look for brides who want to make an impact. Add a bow to the bust of a dress if you’re petite, giving the illusion of volume to your décolletage and adding stature.

Pretty Simple

There are some perfectly simple, divinely cut wedding gowns available at the moment.

Sumptuous, heavy fabric and a real nod to tailoring allow the gown’s silhouette to shine, without the need for lots of detailing. To add individuality to this look, brides are playing with accessories, from gloves, to veils, tiaras and jewellery and pretty shoes that peek out from under the hem of the gown.

Glamorous Bride

A sensational new silhouette giving a kick to bridal fashion is the fishtail.

Sleek, tailored and body skimming gowns, flare out in a burst of volume below the knee for a show-stopping look. Ideal if you’re a curvy girl, the wider hemline, pooling into a train, creates real body balance. Audrey Hepburn-inspired brides are accessorising the fishtail look with longer length gloves, pearls and a tiara – pure wedding day glamour!

Kiss the Bride!

Romantic veils are gracing the aisle in a big way this season.

For a face flattering look, take a tip from the bridal catwalks and wear your veil lower on the crown of your head, rather than covering your face. Cathedral length veils are adding drama to simpler style dresses and provide interest to the back of your gown, for guests to admire as you say your vows. And vintage style veils are a beautiful trend. Lace edging on an otherwise simple veil helps to tie together a pretty look.

Loving Length

Modern brides are playing with dress length!

Shorter, 50s style dresses, or ankle length ballerina looks are set to become a big trend, especially with those opting for intimate, boutique style weddings - or maybe brides taking the plunge for the second time.

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© Mikaella, Paloma Blanca, Luci DiBella, Rainbow Club

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FASHION Let's Fly Away

WeddingPath brides will love the dresses in this week's gallery, perfect for a wedding abroad or a sizzling hot summer celebration.

→Milano (from £975) is a princess line gown lined in silk satin with an assymetric bodice and pretty applique work with embroidered flowers and orchids scattered all over.
Joyce Young Collections (0141 946 0660 joyceyoungcollections.com).

←Style 1010 (from £120) is ideal for long-haul packing. One of the new Sandals Destination Wedding Gowns, it features cotton lace over a strapless dress with a trumpet skirt, sweep train and renaissance sash. Dessy Collection (sandalsdresses.com).

→Valetta (from £1300) is a romantic strapless empire lace gown with a beaded bodice and delicate floral detailing (01903 813382 augustajones.com).

Click to read what WP brides are saying about getting married abroad..

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