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CHOOSING THE PERFECT PROM DRESS

Your school prom is one of only a few times in your life when you get to pamper yourself and look glamorous. For the perfect prom look your dress should be at the top of your list of priorities - follow our top tips and find your perfect dream dress.

1—START EARLY!

You should start looking for your dress about three months before your prom, start by looking through magazines and then head to prom and bridal shops, high street stores and boutiques. Once inside the shop don’t be afraid to ask for help, a knowledgeable sales consultant will be able to point you in the right direction towards the best dresses for you.

2—CREATE A BUDGET

Your prom will probably be the most expensive event in your teens, while some parents may help put with the cost, if you contribute a small amount you will feel so much better. Before deciding on a designer dress outline your priorities to decide how much you can realistically spend, remember to consider the cost of shoes, accessories, hair and beauty treatments and your limo on the night. If you desperately want a particular designer dress that is a little more than you have budgeted for, cut the costs by borrowing accessories and by doing your own hair and make-up.

3—TRY ON DRESSES

Even if you have a particular style in mind try on different styles, try different fabrics: Satins, organzas, chiffons, taffetas, and tulles, wear a strapless bra so there are no straps on show to distract you. Choose a dress that reflects you and your own unique style.

4—DON’T FOLLOW THE TREND

Be aware of what is chic and popular but remember that style popularity shouldn’t be a deciding factor. If your friends are all wearing strapless but the style doesn’t suit your body shape or your comfort factor you will be much happier and prettier in a different style. Always remember the number one factor-it’s how you feel in the dress. It’s nice to look trendy and fashionable but it’s even better to look and feel beautiful in a dress style that you are comfortable with.

5—KNOW ABOUT STYLES

A little bit of knowledge about dress styles can really help when choosing a flattering dress. Learn about different styles such as short and sweet, handkerchief hems to show of legs and shoes, elegant knee length provides a vintage prom look – classic 50’s. Long and elegant, corseted and laced, two piece or halter neck, plunging necklines, low backs, ruching, are all styles that create confidence and make a statement. Or you could be a belle of the ball in a Cinderella type fantasy ball gown. Feel like a princess, this shape suits most body types and is a timeless trend.

6—A FANTASTIC FIT

Check the shops delivery schedules if your dress needs to be ordered, ask about fittings and alterations. When will the dress be fitted? How much will the alterations cost? Can they do it in time for you Prom? Don’t be fitted to early for your dress because your body shape may change. Also don’t forget to take your shoes and underwear to the fitting these make huge difference to your finished look.

7—HAIR, MAKE-UP AND ACCESSORIES

You will have chosen the colour of your dress to compliment your skin tone, remember that hair colour and style has a large impact on the final look. For example does your face shape and the neckline of your dress suit a hair-up or hair-down style?. Choose the right shaped tiara and take advice from the sales consultant and your hairdresser on how to wear it correctly. Beautiful make-up and nails are so important, as are accessories such as having the perfect shoes and handbag, not forgetting a corsage for your wrist. It might be worth letting your partner know the sort of colours you’d like it to be. That way it ensures that it will compliment your dress and not clash with it.

REMEMBER!

A perfect prom dress is the first step to a memorable prom-keep the above tips in mind when shopping for your dress to ensure a magical evening in a dress that was made for you

Always the Bridesmaid bridal and Prom Dress specialist—Chester

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Prom sparkle—Having your jewellery and hair decoration tailor-made.

THE DESIGNER Discuss with them what you want and view their previous work. Thinking about what you would like before contacting them will then help them to understand your style and personality.

STYLE If you are unsure about whether you would suit a tiara or a different type of adornment then ask your designer to bring samples so you can try them on and get a feel for how they look on you.

COLOUR Most jewellery and head wear is made using crystals in colours to compliment your dress but, you will be able to choose from gold or silver metal. Bear in mind your own colouring when choosing. For example, gold may stand out better on dark hair but silver jewellery may be a better compliment for very fair skin.

HAIR Your hair style should be chosen after you have decided on either a tiara or hair decoration. The hair style can then be determined to suit the accessory and complete the overall look.

And then….forget about the prom queen, and become the prom goddess!

Angela Evans B A Hons, Bespoke Jewellery and accessory designer

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