Meet the Expert | Sassi Holford

In our first Meet The Expert series, we speak to Sassi Holford, an award-winning British designer who has been creating couture bridal gowns & timeless occasionwear in England for 40 years, on the latest trends and what to look out for when choosing your wedding day dress.  

"When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, I always encourage brides not to put too much pressure on themselves. It’s important to find a shape that makes you feel your best and then allow the details, and accessories, to highlight your personality.

(Left - Abigail Dress, Right - Thea Dress) 

Determine what styles, shapes and fabrics you like and that suit you. It doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll end up with, but it’s a starting point - there is so much choice, it can become overwhelming.

Find a style consultant that you trust and explore their suggestions too. They may show you a gown you had never considered that turns out to be the one. You want to walk up the aisle feeling your most confident and beautiful, and the right dress can achieve that. Finally, remember to trust your gut!

 As for wedding dress trends the possibilities are continually evolving which for any designer is music to our ears. Fabric and embellishment innovation, silhouettes, colours even wedding locations and themes are less defined and more creative, so dress designs and trends are expanding.

(Left - Frances Dress, Right - Rhianna Dress)

One of my favourite trends I have seen coming through from the catwalk, and now into bridal, is the drop waist. Gone are the set rules that have previously defined bridal fashion, which means that the arrival of the drop waist, a silhouette we haven’t seen in some time, is going to offer a new structural but romantic shape for our brides. It’s a trend I can’t wait to explore. It also complements the increase in popularity of full skirts and ball gown silhouettes we have seen growing over the past two years."

Sassi Holford's latest collection 'Let There Be Love' can be viewed online at https://sassiholford.com/collections/bridal/let-there-be-love/

To see Lily & Roo's latest wedding jewellery collection, shop here.

Photographer: Simon Powell

Hair & Make-Up: Sophie Moore

Model: Ivy Watson