Traditional or bohemian dress? Tuxedo or sexy? In your image or to please the groom or the bride-to-be?

Who among you hasn’t asked these questions when first thinking about their future wedding dress?

But do you know what a wedding dress means by the way?

For a very long time, women didn’t have a specific dress, they simply wore their most beautiful dress when they got married, no matter what the color. It was called the Sunday dress. It is only from the Renaissance onwards that the white dress made its appearance, a symbol of purity and especially of chastity in the highest classes of society only at the beginning. White also represents light and perfection. If you wish to have more information on the history of the wedding dress, this site is very well done.

White is mostly chosen in Europe and America. In Asia, red predominates in the choice of colors, white being associated with death. In some countries, the tradition wants the bride to change even several times her dress during her wedding day…

Now that the request has been made, it’s time to question… How to make the right choice? Who should I talk to? Is it imperative to take her mother with her during the fittings? How much time before the day-do you take it? What budget should be planned?

We will try to answer some of your questions by having 4 of our fetish stores talk. Let us introduce them to you!

First, we’ll tell you about the boutique Gueule d’Ange in Neuchâtel

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BOUTIQUE?

My bridal salon has been designed like a cocoon, very gently in order to preserve this unique and magical moment. The place is important to me, the bride-to-be must feel listened to and must be able to live her emotions with her loved ones, no other discussions or fittings at the same time. The salon is privatized for the bride and the persons accompanying her.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS? WHAT CHARACTERIZES YOU?

I think my assets are my creativity, my listening skills, the bond I can have with the bride and understanding in a global way. I don’t only focus on the silhouette and the budget. I also think that my long experience allows me to approach questions, problems and emotions with a certain detachment, in order to bring the solution in all serenity. Being a creative woman allows me to understand in a subtle way everything a woman can feel.

I think that creating a personalized dress, made in our workshops, with Swiss, Italian and French fabrics, pleases a lot; enjoying a short circuit, being in contact with the seamstress and the designer is very pleasant. We put our heart into our work and you can feel it!

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING TIMES?

I can be found in Neuchâtel, by appointment, to start a discussion followed by fittings
 We are open from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 13:30 to 18:30.
 Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00.

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN TRADE SHOWS? IF YES, WHICH ONES?

Yes, I participate in wedding workshops.

That’s already what you want, isn’t it? So now, let’s talk a little more about choosing your dress.

WHEN TO START LOOKING FOR YOUR DRESS ?

You start looking for your dress 6 to 8 months before the date.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

You have to be careful not to choose your dress according to others, not to sacrifice your comfort.

MORPHOLOGY ? PERSONALITY ? SEASON AND WEATHER ?

For me a dress is successful when the bride recognizes herself in her dress, when she doesn’t look like she’s wearing a disguise; obviously the morphology gives greater freedom to some people! And I want to say that what counts is not to be able to wear everything, but to find THE dress.

The weather as well as the venue of the wedding are points to be discussed; we do not propose the same spirit for a bucolic country wedding as for a more chic wedding in the city for example. It is true that the choice of the place already gives an indication of the personality and desires of the bride and groom.

WHAT BUDGET SHOULD BE PLANNED?

For the budget, with us, tailor-made, our prices start at CHF 2’300.- / CHF 2’500.
Average price CHF 3’500 and in this price everything is included.

Now that you know everything about the deadlines and costs of your dream dresses, let’s talk a little about what the future holds for us.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR 2021?

Trends are still on lace and halter tops; I would say that they have become classics for the bride.
As for us, we are working on a few wide pants pieces in flowing silk to offer another look, the feminized “masculine” wardrobe pleases me a lot.

DO YOU NEED TO ADD ACCESSORIES? BRIDAL VEIL? HANDBAG? JEWELS ? BRIDAL BOUQUET ?

For the accessories, I recommend choosing when the fitting of the dress is close to the final result; I do not like to bring all these elements before, it confuses the essential. But of course I adapt to the client!

And finally, the question everyone asks: what to do with the dress after the wedding?

For a long time, I always ask the bride-to-be if she wants to transform her dress to reuse it, and we see that we have more requests in this sense: the symbolic side is always strong, but more and more these questions emerge after….

Thanks to Isabelle Melis, who you can find at the boutique Gueule d’Ange, Rue des Moulins 21 in Neuchâtel. You will be inspired by other photos on her website.

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2. Now, let us tell you about the Belle en Blanc boutique in Lausanne

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BOUTIQUE?

It’s a reputable boutique, which has been on the market for 10 years. Brides-to-be can come with their loved ones, as we have a lounge area to welcome them, so that everyone feels as comfortable as possible during the fittings. We offer quality dresses and services. The dresses are made by designers who have a lot of know-how, who are carefully chosen, from various countries (Israel, England, Australia, Poland and USA in particular). Our brides are cosy-chic, they feel comfortable and happy wearing them!

WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS? WHAT MAKES YOU SPECIAL?

Quality above all! Our dresses are very well cut, with a lot of precision. The materials are noble, the dresses are adjusted in the atelir and fall perfectly on the brides. We have a large choice and you can customize your future dress at your convenience: it will be unique and will be YOUR dress (this year, we already have 30 dresses in preparation!). The boutique has its own atelier on the spot, which allows much shorter delivery times. An example: we had to completely redo a dress for a pregnant bride a few weeks ago, and this took only 3 weeks: a challenge!

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING TIMES?

We are located in Lausanne, at avenue du Léman 34 and there are parking spaces available in front of the boutique.

The boutique is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 (weekdays) and 17:00 (Saturdays).

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN TRADE SHOWS? IF YES, WHICH ONES?

At the beginning of our activity, we took part in the fairs of Lausanne and Geneva, but now we prefer the personalized welcome of our customers directly at the boutique.

WHEN TO START LOOKING FOR YOUR DRESS?

Normally, we advise you to order your dress 8 months before your wedding date. The designers take about 6 months to make and deliver the dresses to the boutique. It then takes 6 to 8 weeks to adjust the dress perfectly to the silhouette. 

In our atelier, however, we can create custom dresses with shorter lead times. 2-3 months minimum, depending on the chosen season … get married in winter 😉 … and the work already in progress.

It is important to take your time! The sooner the better! These moments in the choice of the dress are very important and bring a lot of emotion to the bride-to-be and the people accompanying her.

WHAT SHOULD WE PAY ATTENTION TO?

First, look for some images on the Internet for inspiration, but be aware that these photos are often retouched, that models wear those dresses and that a whole film crew is busy for many weeks making these photoshoots.

Come to the fittings with an open mind and let yourself be guided by the advice of professionals. Choose the dress that suits you, that makes you feel the most you!

Pic by Christelle Naville Photographie

MORPHOLOGY ? PERSONALITY ? SEASON AND WEATHER ?

It is our role at the boutique to advise you, we are trained for that and we have the eye! No matter what your silhouette, we will know how to adapt your dress to your personality. With a few starting indications (mermaid or not mermaid, fluid or not fluid,…), we will guide you in the choice of your dress. Our observation and conversations will help us to make magic happen!

It’s not the most beautiful dress that will make us the most beautiful, it’s the one that suits you!

Concerning the season and the weather, it is not difficult to add extra pieces: for example, you can wear a strapless dress, but also a nice bolero just in case! We also see more and more mixes with a jeans jacket or even a perfecto! 

WHAT BUDGET SHOULD BE PLANNED?

For the ranges of our store, the prices vary from CHF 2’500.- to CHF 5’000.-. 

Since November 2020, we will have the chance to offer dresses of the Berta brand (a little bit like the Aston Martin is to the car); there, the budget will be from CHF 6’000.- to CHF 12’000.- each.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR 2021?

A lot of fluidity and transparency. Very light tulle sleeves necklines, in short everything very vaporous.

A mix of trends has been in fashion for 3-4 years too. Classic and minimalist trends (large skirts, slim waists, extended necklines, …), tulle and satin are also very popular, as well as lace, especially since the BoHo has taken the ascendancy over all styles. 

DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE ACCESSORIES? BRIDAL VEIL ? HANDBAG ? JEWELS ? BRIDAL BOUQUET ?

We guide our brides in their choices, whether they are classic or rock&roll, we have something to please them!
This year, earrings are again very trendy. Putting them on brings the eye back to the face (the most important part of every woman…). Currently, we find a lot of silk earrings with floral patterns.

The veils are now rather accessories, rather than the symbol of virginity. More and more women choose to have their hands free for their bouquet (or wreath) of flowers, rather than having a handbag.

Pic by Aria Snaps

And finally, the question everyone asks: what to do with your dress after the wedding?

Half of our clients don’t want to part with it. Some of them think that they don’t even need to have it cleaned, and in some countries, they even reuse the bridal veil to make the cradle of the first born.

The other half of our clients bring us their dress, we have it cleaned at the dry cleaners, then we let the brides sell it online (private sale, Facebook group,…) or in second hand stores.

Thanks to Olga, who you can find at the boutique Belle en Blanc, Avenue du Léman 34, in Lausanne. You will be inspired by other photos on her website.

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3. Here is the boutique For Ever in Echandens

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BOUTIQUE?

A boutique on the first floor, to ensure your privacy, spacious and bright to welcome your accompanying persons. An on-site sewing atelier is available.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS? WHAT CHARACTERIZES YOU?

Without a doubt our irreproachable welcome and our experience for 18 years. Our team is composed of 4 people, including 2 passionate and meticulous dressmakers to personalize your dress for the big day. We offer a choice of collections at very accessible prices and we also dress generous morphologies as well as pregnant women.

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING TIMES?

Since 2016, we are located at route des Toches 3 in Echandens.

We are open from Monday to Friday, from 09h00 to 12h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00. Saturday from 09h00 to 14h00. Fittings are by appointment only.

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN TRADE FAIRS ? IF YES, WHICH ONES ?

Yes 1 year out of 2, we participate in the Wedding Show of Lausanne and Geneva. We also participated in the Salon Dites vous Oui at Portes des Iris.

WHEN TO START LOOKING FOR YOUR DRESS?

About 9 months before the wedding, our order time being about 4 months. It is ideal to have the dress at least 2 months before the wedding.

WHAT SHOULD WE PAY ATTENTION TO?

To transmit a color sample to the future husband so that he avoids choosing a real white shirt when all dresses are sold in ivory …

MORPHOLOGY ? PERSONALITY ? SEASON AND WEATHER ?

The dress must bring out your personality and character without disguising yourself. We dress all morphologies, we have many collections of all styles. For weddings in winter, we propose warm stoles, and for summer we favour models of sleeveless and light dresses.

WHAT BUDGET SHOULD BE PLANNED?

Most of our collections are between CHF 1’000.- and CHF 3’000.-; this is a budget to which you have to add the price of alterations which varies greatly from one client to another and according to the models.

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR 2021?

Dresses with pure volume, necklines a bit sexy at the chest and back or a bit wiser with lace back, closed. A trend for blush, pink or powder colors. The princesses are not outdone with voluptuous volumes, tulle sequins and necklines that will melt the future husband. For adventurous women, the bohemian style is still relevant for a natural bride.

DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE ACCESSORIES? BRIDAL VEIL? HANDBAG ? JEWELS ? BRIDAL BOUQUET ?

It is better to keep your hands free for the bouquet… so no handbag. The veil makes a little comeback for the more romantic. The dresses being relatively elaborate, the necklaces will be very discreet; especially privilege the comfort for the shoes… in order not to end the wedding barefoot…!

And finally, the question that everyone asks: what to do with your dress after the wedding?

We propose a second hand store to our customers who wish to resell it… otherwise you have to keep it and take it out from time to time to remember the beautiful memories of this incredible and memorable day 😉

Thanks to Myriam, who you can find at the Boutique Forever, Route des Toches 3, in Echandens. You will be inspired by other photos on their website.

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4. And to finish the boutique With Love in Bremblens

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BOUTIQUE?

Warm, it feels “like home”, lots of natural light.

We like to take the time to drink a good coffee or tea to get to know each other and talk about your wedding project. We have set up our boutique with love for you and your loved ones, to live quality, unique and unforgettable moments.

Pic by Christelle Naville Photographie

Pic by Christelle Naville Photographie

Pic by Christelle Naville Photographie

WHAT ARE YOUR ASSETS? WHAT CHARACTERIZES YOU?

Joie de vivre, passion, smiles, sharing, complicity, honesty

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR OPENING TIMES?

In Bremblens, a two steps away from Portes des Iris 😉, at the rue de l’église 4, in the former classroom of the Village School, which we have renovated to welcome you.

Pic by Josue Bieri Photographe

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN TRADE SHOWS? IF YES, WHICH ONES?

At the moment we privilege intimate and exclusive shows. We will be present at the Atelier Blanc organized at the Domaine de Collex on November 8th by Saskia from Boutik Weddings and soon we hope to be able to participate in the “Dites vous Oui” show at Portes des Iris, organized by Gianna from the WDay.

WHEN TO START LOOKING FOR YOUR DRESS?

As soon as you say YES!

As soon as a date and a venue are fixed… Ideally 8 to 12 months before the D-day!

WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY ATTENTION TO?

To come accompanied by your close relations, those with whom you want to share these privileged moments.

Pic by Josue Bieri Photographe

MORPHOLOGY ? PERSONALITY ? SEASON AND WEATHER ?

Find the dress that sublimates you today, that enhances your assets and matches the bride you want to be. Romantic, trendy, sexy, glamorous, it must reflect your personality.

It is also important to think about the season of your wedding, you will not wear the same dress in summer as in winter, your accessories will not be the same.

Pic by Alex Dim Photographe

Pic by Alex Dim Photographe

WHAT BUDGET SHOULD BE PLANNED?

At With Love, we’ve chosen to focus on brands that we like, which are family businesses, passionate and with which we have the pleasure of working.  At the moment we represent 6 designers from Brittany in France, England, the United States and Australia.

In the store at the moment the range of our dresses vary between CHF 1’700.- & CHF 4’700.-.

pic by JBieriPhotos

pic by JBieriPhotos

WHAT ARE THE TRENDS FOR 2021?

Silhouettes that are close to the body, feminine and fluid. Lace but often in relief, also called 3D.

Shine but subtle with sequins, transparent flat sequins. Bare backs. V-shaped decolleté but also always pretty rounded or heart, the square decolleté is also trendy.

Nude, pink, powdered, sand, beige or even taupe in the background of the dress to sublimate the complexion and highlight the lace.

Pic by Josue Bieri Photographe

DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE ACCESSORIES? BRIDAL VEIL ? HANDBAG ? JEWELS ? BRIDAL BOUQUET ?

The most important thing is to accessorize your dream dress with accessories that you like and that fit perfectly. We like to dress the hairstyle with a nice comb, jewelry or natural flowers or even dried/stabilized flowers (ultra trendy). The bouquet must be in tune with the atmosphere of your wedding; we like to privilege seasonal flowers. The veil can be matched with the dress (identical lace) or lightly with crystal sparkles for example, for a touch of light. We take the time to advise you with pleasure.

For jewelry, it is beautiful to wear a family jewel, a gift from a loved one, or even from your fiancé.

To complete your look, we have chosen trendy, glamorous or bohemian jewelry to sublimate you that day.

Pic by Josue Bieri Photographe

And finally, the question everyone asks: what to do with your dress after the wedding?

Many women wish to put again their dress but very often, after the wedding, it is more difficult to change it, because one wishes to preserve the dress as it is. We recommend a dry cleaning service to make it look like new again. There are also boxes to keep it, but the pretty cover that we offer to our brides also fits perfectly.

Thanks to Laetitia & Léa, who you can find at the boutique With Love, Rue de l’Eglise 4 in Bremblens . You will be inspired by other photos on their website.

 

So in conclusion, we hope to have your opinion, because we, the Portes des Iris coordinators, can’t agree and we would like to know what YOU are going to do/have done with your beautiful dresses? Send us an e-mail at .

Corinne Salvisberg Perrone, October 2020