It's not all about the dress. Take a sprinkle of the glamour of your wedding day into the boudoir, onto the beach and into married life; from luxury loungewear to sumptuous bra sets, selecting some key pieces will ensure you feel beautifully undressed each step of the wedded way.
The modern bride is spoilt for choice where it comes to chic, vintage style lingerie. Inspired by a refined 1930s vintage glamour, Bude-based Shell Belle Couture creates heirloom pieces to cherish from the finest silks and laces.
Director and founder Michelle Blenkinsopp shares her expertise on choosing the perfect lingerie for the pre-wedding celebrations through to those heady days of post-wedded bliss.
What should a bride wear to ensure she feels comfortable and special during the morning of bridal preparations?
This is the most exciting part of the day; the camera is already rolling and the bride needs to feel comfortable, special and luxurious. Our stunning silk pyjamas are perfect for this important time; with the flow of well-wishers, family and the event team, you will be suitably covered to greet your bridal party for the pre-wedding preparations. Silk is gorgeous for luxury lounging, as it is cool and wonderfully soft against the skin. Our 'Breakfast Party' silk pyjamas have intricate placed embroidery and can be worn separately, perfect for your honeymoon.
What lingerie would you recommend for the wedding night?
The most romantic and special event in your own personal 'love story', this is the bride's time to look and feel beautiful, sensual and desired. I would suggest splurging on a truly special piece that makes you feel 'a million dollars'. If the piece makes you feel like you've never felt before, this confidence will shine through, adding to your allure and making this time unforgettable for you both. I would suggest ensuring an air of grace, sophistication and glamour within your choice - not overly revealing but seductive enough to enable you to be unveiled. A combination of silk and touches of lace to tease is recommended; also, if you've never worn a full-length gown, then pull out all the stops for a Hollywood glamour look. This special piece can be kept and cherished.
What advice would you give a groom seeking an heirloom piece for his bride?
Our 'Seduce Me Gown' is a perfect choice. The flattering lines and sweeping fishtail is seductive yet veils the skin in vintage tulle, while the attention to detail in the applique lace is simply exquisite. This luxury piece is a bestseller with grooms and brides alike, and is available in either cr�me for innocence and romance or noire for seduction and passion. The intricate style incorporates vintage trousseau techniques and will become a treasured heirloom.
What are the must-have pieces for your honeymoon lingerie?
At Shell Belle Couture we specialise in pieces that take you effortlessly from bride to beach to boudoir; our coordinated collections incorporate delicate vintage styled separates that are multi-usage; our beautiful slip dresses, silk camisoles, shorties and silk pyjamas are all crossing over into ready to wear.
Our styling is also incorporated in a few select swimwear styles for coordinated beach dressing. The silk, tulle and lace styling make each piece too beautiful to hide, these pieces can be easily incorporated into your honeymoon wardrobe to continue your look of ethereal romance. Scattered in Swarovski crystals, our cocktail cashmere cardigan sits beautifully with your silk separates and slip dresses or to slide over your shoulders Audrey Hepburn-style during your wedding day. A loved cashmere will last a lifetime. Finally, if your budget allows, you can also add the most daring, seductive piece as a mid-honeymoon surprise, especially desirable in stunning French lace with a bow to untie or lacing to unravel.
For brides on a tight budget, what would you suggest is the one piece you shouldn't go on honeymoon without?
If you only invest in one piece I would suggest a silk luxurious kimono; this can be worn on the morning of the wedding, throughout your honeymoon and beyond. A beautiful luxury silk piece will get better when worn and will age beautifully. Silk is very durable and further softens every time it is worn or hand washed. This essential piece will be thrown on at any opportunity enabling maximum glamour throughout your travels. It will also serve as a beautiful reminder of your journey together for years to come. A statement piece, the silk kimono has always had an air of grandeur representing a luxury, languid world of grace and style. If you choose a short piece, this can be worn to and from the beach or pool.
Do you have any tips for ensuring you feel and look as glamorous as you did on your wedding day throughout the post-wedding period?
Choosing the right wardrobe pieces will enable you to continue your bridal theme throughout the coming months. Choose pieces that can be worn for not only lounging but also layered as ready to wear for special occasions, reminding you both of your treasured time. Opt for softly coloured, eye-catching and gorgeous pieces, with timeless lace and vintage details.
www.shellbellecouture.com
photography Griffin Photography
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
