Here are some ways to make sure conflict doesn’t happen when dress shopping:

We all have those pieces at the back of the wardrobe, bought for yet another wedding/party/job interview but then not worn more than a couple of times. Girl Meets Dress.com reconciles such fashion conundrums perfectly.

The Concept

Girl Meets Dress allows you to hire from over 150 of the best international designers for as little as 90% off their retail price. Hiring a dress allows women to very easily wear more trend led, time-sensitive fashions, while continuing to invest only in those classic pieces which will stand the test of time.

The History

Launched in 2009 by Co-Founders Anna Bance and Xavier de Lecaros-Aquise. Anna had the idea for Girl Meets Dress after leaving Hermes where she was UK PR Manager for 3 years, inspired by the constant lending and borrowing which goes on within the fashion industry. After graduating from the London College of Fashion, she worked in the fashion editorial teams for InStyle, Wallpaper, The Telegraph, Harpers Bazaar etc before joining Hermes PR.

Why I adore it

Whether a bridesmaid, mother of the bride or wedding guest I think there are some fabulous dresses to choose from at a fraction of the cost. I spent far too long browsing the website, especially at the ‘meeting’ category, this could be very useful when attending UKAWP events as I invariably get photographed so its always embarrassing if I wear the same dress twice!

Some of my favourites

BRIDESMAID

HALSTON HERITAGE – Red Gathered Dress

HIRE : £59 – RRP: £585

MARCHESA NOTTE – Silk Frill Detail Gown

HIRE : £189 – RRP: £1,169

WEDDING GUEST

MARCHESA NOTTE – Floral Applique Dress

HIRE : £69 – RRP: £759

VELVET – Turquoise Ruched Dress

HIRE : £39 – RRP: £145

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

YVES SAINT LAURENT – Red Shimmering Silk Dress

HIRE : £129 – RRP: £835

ROBERTO CAVALLI – Jewel Floral Dress

HIRE : £129 – RRP: £640

Mothers Day is fast approaching us (3^rd April) so I thought it’s the ideal time to talk ‘Mother of the Bride’, brides print out my advice or position your Mum in front of the computer!

When your daughter announces she is getting married, emotion and excitement can set in, your little girl is asking for your advice on her wedding. Together you embark on a shopping trip to choose that all important dress, you delight at how your beautiful daughter is transformed into a stunning bride. You sigh with relief knowing the dress has been chosen but then everyone asks about the organization, wanting to know every little detail. You want to help your daughter but at the same time you want her to enjoy the planning, where is the line between assisting your daughter and taking over? Many of my brides are planning the wedding with their Mum which is lovely and over the planning process I become close to both of them. But is there tension? Well yes of course, but isn’t that the relationship of Mother – Daughter? My job as the planner is not to take over; my job is to work with you to create the wedding your daughter wants. I especially find my ‘marquee Mums’ are thankful to have me on board to relieve the pressure from them.

Every bride is different, your daughter may want you to literally organise EVERYTHING (particularly brides working long hours or living away from wedding area), But some will want to organize everything themselves but for most brides there is a middle ground!

Lisa & Kate

Surely planning a wedding can’t be that difficult? In the beginning when you help choose a venue for your daughter it probably all seems like a breeze. You help with decisions on which supplier to book but try desperately not to ‘interfere’, being involved but also talking a step back can be hard.  ‘At times I felt I was not in control, not always knowing what was happening as I wasn’t making the decisions. But, at the same time I didn’t want more to do, very strange feeling‘ explains Janet

To start with why not buy her a beautiful wedding planner folder to keep all clippings, swatches and receipts in? If you are computer literate start a spreadsheet to keep track of the budget both approx. and actual, guest list, supplier payments and contacts of all suppliers. By just taking over the payments or reminders of payments will help immensely.

Then go through the timeline with your daughter and assign tasks, what can you do on her behalf? Perhaps you can manage the invitations, RSVP’s and seeing to all guest needs like transport and accommodation? Every month just catch up with who she has booked, talk about the design. Be there to help take over any tasks that are worrying her.

Remember, times have changed, gone are the days of holding the reception in a local hotel and being happy with Bucks Fizz, roast dinner, disco and finger buffet in evening! Mention this to your daughter and she might display a look of horror on her face. Today it’s all about blogs, escort cards, cocktails and bowl food.

Finally I want to remind you to include your future son in law in any planning, sound obvious? Have a read on staggered to see their view….

Photo Credit Kerry Morgan & Harvey Collard

If you are a Mother of the Bride and think you need help planning your daughters wedding give me a call on 01376 561 544 to discuss how I can help.