Author: Amanda Kerrison

Suffering from dress overwhelm? Preoccupied with calculus and no idea where to start? Fear not – we’ve whipped up a short guide to help you find your dream dress for your school prom…

Check school rules

Before you hit the shops, you better check the rules. Because while some rules are made to broken, these ones aren’t. You do not want to turn up in a dress that gets you barred from your own prom. It would be a night to remember – but probably not in the way you had hoped for!

Agree on a budget

Are you buying your own dress with money you’ve saved up from a part-time job or squirreled away birthday money? If so, think about how much you’re willing to spend on your prom dress. If your parents or guardian are buying your dress for you, you’ll need to agree on a budget together. Again, not the most thrilling part of finding your dream dress – but an altogether necessary one.

Start compiling inspiration

Ah, some fun at last! Now it’s time to decide how you want to look at your prom. Perhaps you’re after classic Hollywood glamour or maybe you’re more into quirky bohemian vibes? Either way you’ll find a good amount of inspiration online on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.

You might also like to scour through celebrity red carpet events or even online prom albums and see if any particular style jumps out at you. Keep a record of everything that makes you tick and after a while you should see a pattern emerge. Perhaps you like floaty pastel numbers or bold, daring colours. This is a great sign – you now you know what you’re looking for!

Be wary of the internet

Unfortunately, some things are too good to be true. And a lace couture gown for less than the price of a monthly Netflix subscription is ones of those things! Not convinced? Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Hit the shops

Once you’ve got an idea in mind, it’s time to hit the shops. If looking totally unique is important to you, be careful where you shop. Not all boutiques keep a registry scheme, meaning you could end up wearing the same thing as someone else. Not to toot our own horn, but we take all that business very seriously and are proud to have our own prom registry scheme to ensure you’re the only one at your school rocking that exact dress.

Limit your entourage

While it’s tempting to head out in a big crowd, the truth is it’s not always conducive to the best shopping experience. We suggest shopping with just one or two close friends or family members. That way you’ll have some fun and get proper feedback. Plus, you’ll get your moment to shine when you find the one!

Bring the right gear

If you’ve already found your shoes, bring them along with you so you can try them on with your potential dresses. You’ll also want to wear neutral underwear. A nude strapless bra and nude pants are an ideal choice if you have them.

Would you like some help picking out your perfect prom dress? Nothing would make us happier! Simply give us a call on 01872 859778 or book an appointment and let the search begin…

Most of us don’t get our clothes tailored, so feeling bewildered when it comes to the world of bridal alterations is completely normal.

We spoke with one of our seamstresses, Claire, to find out exactly what the alterations process looks like and she also took us through some of the most common alterations as well as her best alteration advice for brides-to-be.

Who knows, once you’ve sashayed down the aisle in the best fitting outfit of your life perhaps you’ll insist on having your entire wardrobe tailored!

Bridal alterations: From start to finish

1. You’ve found the dress of your dreams – hurrah! – but, as is the case with nearly every other bride-to-be, your dress will probably require a few alterations. So off the dress will pop to one of our lovely seamstresses.
2. You’ll visit the seamstress and it will be the first time you’ve seen your dress in a while. You might get all the feelings! You’ll try your dress on again and chat through the alterations. Our alterations team will be able to spot what needs doing, whether that’s taking the shoulders up a bit or a spot of hemming.
3. While our seamstresses know their stuff, they won’t be privy to your exact preferences. So please be vocal about what you want. For example, if you’re after a very structured and fitted look then share that.
4. After you’ve both agreed what needs doing, it’s time for your seamstress to get to work.
5. This process will usually take place a couple of times until you’re completely happy with how your dress looks and feels.

Common bridal alterations

1. Sizing up and down

Lots of dresses can be made both bigger or smaller, but to keep the alterations as straightforward as possible it’s best to buy as close to your actual size as possible. Whatever you do, don’t go over two or three dress sizes as that will alter the actual shape of the dress even if it is resized to fit you.

Some dresses don’t lend themselves well to size alterations, so our team would need to take a look at the dress. For example, you could have a lace up back put in certain dresses which can help create the perfect fit.

2. Shortening or lengthening

Good news petite brides – shortening a dress is always doable. Tall brides will also be glad to know that most dresses can be lengthened too, but as it involves adding extra material you might want to check the materials with your seamstress beforehand.

3. Neckline alterations

If you’ve fallen in love with a dress but the neckline isn’t doing it for you, it’s worth having a chat with our seamstresses to see if it can be adjusted to suit you.  For example, one common request is to make plunging necklines look a little more demure, which can usually be done.

4. Sleeve additions

If you’ve found the dress of your dreams if only it had sleeves, don’t give up hope yet! Some dresses, like those with a wide shoulder, can have sleeves added. You just need to consider what fabric you’d use for the sleeves and whether it should match or compliment the dress. However, if you’ve gone for a dress with a really narrow shoulder you might have more of a problem adding sleeves.

Alteration advice

1. Leave enough time

Not getting your dress in on time is one of the biggest causes of wedding dress alteration stress – so avoid it with Claire’s advice below!

In the summer months you need to allow for four months and in the winter you need to allow for two. You’ll also need to be prepared to attend between two and three fittings. If you’re having major changes made then it’ll like take around four fittings.

2. Wear the right underwear and shoes

Treat your fittings as if they are your actual wedding day by making sure you bring everything you plan to wear on the big day. That means underwear, as your undergarments can change the size and shape of the dress. You also need to bring your wedding day shoes, as heel height will make a huge difference.

3. Be vocal and honest

Many brides plan to lose weight for their wedding day, however this can be challenging when planning for alterations. This is particularly true if you buy a dress and then drop multiple dress sizes, as it changes the whole look. Claire’s advice? Be really honest about your plans and keep the alterations team in the loop.

4. Don’t stress

A lot of brides struggle with the first fitting because the dress doesn’t look quite right. But guess what? Most dresses won’t fit perfectly because everybody has a different body shape. Claire has worked with Amanda K for two years and in that time she’s only had two brides who have barely had any alterations made to their dresses.

Nearly every dress will need altering because even if it’s the right size there is always a tweak here or there to be made. Don’t worry that it isn’t going to look right on the day and instead trust your seamstress. This is their job and they are committed to making sure you walk down the aisle feeling fabulous.

Again, this means making sure you are vocal about your likes and dislikes. Claire says the most stressful scenario is when the bride is worried but doesn’t say anything until a few weeks before the big day! It’s far better to be honest and open from day one, our seamstresses can handle anything if you give them enough time.

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Of course, before you start your alterations you have to find your dream dress! Give us a call on 01872 859778 or book an appointment with us and we’d be over the moon to help you find the on

For some brides wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience at the best of times, but shopping for plus size dresses can be even more challenging. You might have heard horror stories of unfriendly consultants and limited available sizing. It makes us shudder as we’re dedicated to finding the perfect dress for every single bride-to-be we meet.

If you’re currently feeling a bit daunted about shopping for a plus size wedding dress, fear not! We spoke with recent bride Eliana about her experience and she was kind enough to share her top tips with us.

1. Call ahead

“I think my biggest advice is to call ahead of time and ask if they have plus sample sizes. There’s nothing more disheartening than realising you don’t actually get to see what your dream dress will look like on you because the salon only carries up to a size 10,” says Eliana. We couldn’t agree more with this advice and here at Amanda K we have sample sizes ranging from a size 6 to a size 26.

2. Ignore the numbers

Most bridal designers use couture sizing, which is usually much smaller than what you’d find at typical high-street retailers. So the chances are your bridal size will be a few sizes bigger than what you’re used to. “I’m a UK size 18 in trousers and dresses, and a size 22 in wedding dresses,” says Eliana. Our advice? Don’t focus on the number, focus on the look and fit of the gown. Ultimately, that’s what really matters.

3. Keep an open mind

“Go into shopping with an open mind. I know, personally, I thought I’d want a very different dress than the one I walked out with. My simple, unembellished empire waist dress quickly changed to beaded, lace, pink A-line with some poof,” says Eliana.

We’re delighted Eliana brought this point up (and that dress sounds fabulous)! While you might be fiercely committed to a particular silhouette or style, we urge you to be bold and bravely delve into different designs. Your Amanda K consultant has dressed hundreds – if not thousands – of brides before, so it’s worth listening to her suggestions.

4. See the same consultant

“If you end up working with a consultant you really like, but aren’t ready to purchase the first time you go shopping, make sure to ask for that same consultant again when you make your next appointment. They’re usually pretty great at remembering clients and if you’ve already established a rapport with them, they’ll be better able to help you when you go back in to try on more dresses,” says Eliana. If you’ve made a connection with one of our consultants, and feel more comfortable dealing with them, that’s no problem at all. Simply request them when you book your next appointment.

5. Don’t overlook an almost perfect dress

And one more bonus tip from the team here at Amanda K! Keep an open mind even if the dress is perfect minus one or two points. Say you try on a gown you fall in love with, but the neckline is a touch too low for your liking, or you love everything about it but you wish it had sleeves – hold tight! Our seamstresses are actual magicians and can adapt dresses to suit your specific needs (find out more about alterations at Amanda K). Plus, the dresses in our Amanda K Signature Collection and our Ivory & Co dresses have been created with bespoke alterations in mind.

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If you’d like our help finding the dress of your dreams – and nothing would delight us more! – book an appointment or give us a call on 01872 859778.

Happy dress shopping, beautiful bride-to-be!

Calling all Cornish brides! If you’ve been industriously searching for the perfect wedding venue for your big day and still haven’t found the one that ticks all the boxes, don’t fret – we’re here to help.

We’re firm believers that your wedding day should be just as unique as you are. With this in mind, a venue that allows you the creative freedom to put your own unique stamp on your special day is key. The last thing you want is to feel tied to a venues décor restrictions or limiting supplier lists.

For these reasons, we have done the hard work for you and compiled a fabulous list of beautiful Cornish wedding venues that provide the perfect backdrop for your bespoke wedding. From beautiful coastal barn spaces to tipi and beach venues, we feel confident that you’ll find your dream venue amongst our carefully selected list.

Keep reading to discover the perfect DIY wedding venue for your unique fairy tale.

1. Lusty Gaze Beach

The first to kick things off is Cornwall’s only ceremony licenced beach space, Lusty Gaze Beach . The only place you can tie the knot on a beach in Cornwall, this exclusive use gem is the ultimate unique venue and is nestled in a striking Newquay cove, providing breath-taking sea views and surrounded by stunning Cornish coastline.

This venue offers numerous spaces to host your celebrations from The Top Deck, a romantic and airy viewpoint overlooking the beach, to The Beach Lounge, a covered outdoor area with squishy sofas and sand underfoot.

Promising that they are completely flexible, this venue can turn your dream of a wedding day adorned with sandy toes, Cornish skies and beach barbecues into a reality.

2. Cornish Tipi Weddings

Dreaming on an alfresco wedding? Cornish Tipi Weddings offer the perfect rural and peaceful space for your tailored DIY wedding. With a range of tipi styles to choose from, you can say ‘I do’ under a canopy of oak and ash at this this wildly romantic outdoor venue.

Choose from Pop-Up Tents, a Moroccan Marquee or Capri Tent (just to name a few!) and decorate them exactly as you wish. Bring in your own caterers and suppliers and make the most of the ample accommodation facilities to extend celebrations if you desire – I mean, who wouldn’t?

With beautiful woods and stunning lake, this is a great option for couples who have their heart set on a green wedding.

3. Trevenna

An ideal venue for couples seeking tranquillity and seclusion in a fabulous natural setting, Trevenna , provides a range of exclusive use barns and flexible spaces to suit you.

Imagine getting married in a beautiful rustic barn featuring natural stone, exposed wood and glass log burner whilst the whole space is decorated to reflect you – dreamy! If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about the exquisite Garden Venue; a fabulous glass room providing beautiful views of the outside along with romantic draping and warm atmosphere – we’re in love.

With flexible catering and approachable style, this Cornish barn wedding venue is one of a kind.

4. Launcells Barton

Located near Bude, this gorgeous Grade II-listed manor house is a charming blank canvas for your bespoke countryside wedding. Launcells Barton offers endless possibilities, from indoor and outdoor ceremony options, to a beautiful stone built barn, the historic main house, picturesque grounds and even the option for a marquee or tipi wedding.

Couples are encouraged to decorate this fabulous venue exactly as they desire and can bring in their own catering team, enabling total freedom for the entire wedding to be designed and coordinated by you.

Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony on a balmy summer’s day with a classic three course wedding breakfast in rustic barn followed by lawn games or a stately ceremony in the Main House with celebrations in fabulously British marquee, this option caters for all. Create your unique fairy tale.

5. The Green

Boasting 20-acre grounds, orchards, meadows and lakes, The Green provides a range of versatile spaces for your bespoke wedding.  Embrace your individuality with this private estate that offers stunning skylines of Cornwall’s iconic mining heritage.

With four converted function barns to choose from, this fantastically rustic venue has a range of characterful options such as the Really Rustic Barn, perfect for your special DIY day offering plenty of opportunity for personal styling.  Alternatively, say ‘I do’ under the Oak Arbour, nestled on the hillside and framed by two majestic English oak trees, this unique option is great for lovers of the great outdoors.

So, we hope you’ve gained a little inspo if nothing else from these fantastic venues! We think that either one of these unique options would provide a beautiful backdrop for your bespoke DIY wedding. For lots more Cornwall venues visit www.theweddingsecret.co.uk.