Every bride wants the opportunity to have a fairytale entrance to her wedding, but if you are like most, you also want to be able to kick up your heels and celebrate! If your dream wedding dress doesn’t give you the practicality of dancing the night away you might just want to look into the idea of having a different reception dress.

While it can be a great way to make two fashion statements, there are some things you should keep in mind when choosing the right dress for your wedding reception. Here’s our guide to creating the perfect second entrance to your wedding.

Fabrics

Don’t be afraid to use the same fabric as your wedding dress, if you wish to keep your theme carrying through.  Otherwise, you can go for alternative fabric options such as chiffon, georgette, lace, voile, cady, charmeuse and satin.  You can add touches of beads, diamantes and ruffles to add to the elegance.

Colours

You may be a traditional bride that wants to carry your dress colour through the evening, if so colours like white, cream and champagne are ideal.

However, if you are a bride that wishes to change the tempo at your reception with some bold statement colours, you might want to look at black, red, silver, blue or emerald green.

Lengths

For the formal wedding reception, keep with the long flowing gown.  But if you are planning to dance the night away, then mid-calf or cocktail length are the way to go.  Mid-calf and cocktail dresses provide ease of movement on the dance floor. The added advantage is you won’t need your wedding entourage to help you go to the toilet.

Style of dress

Depending on your body shape, there are some dress styles that will be more flattering to you and accentuate your best features.

For a Pear body shape – Wear a dress style that emphasises your waist and arms, along with adding volume to your upper body to minimise your hips.

For a Wedge body shape – Wear a dress that accentuates your lower body while giving a softer look to your upper body.

Rectangle body shape – Wear a dress that gives your body curves along while showing off your arms and legs.

Apple body shape – Wear a dress that shows off your legs, and elongates your torso.  Don’t be afraid to use fashion statement pieces to create illusions of your waist.

Hourglass body shape – Wear a dress that accentuates your curvy shape without going too overboard.

You want your guests talking about you for all the right reasons, so avoid dresses that are too short, see-through, overly revealing or that make you feel uncomfortable. When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding reception dress, it comes down to what makes you look and feel a million dollars.

Need some wedding reception dress inspiration? Browse our full collection.

Copyright © 2016 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

The wedding invitation is pinned to the fridge and you can feel the excitement building.  There’s just one problem – what are you meant to wear?

When it comes to choosing the right outfit to wear to a wedding there are a number of questions you should ask. For example, are you attending a day or evening wedding? Is the bride going all out traditional or opting for a more casual beach or garden party wedding?

What about the venue? Is it more upmarket and do they have a dress code on their website? To help you further we’ve put together the guest’s guide of what to wear to a wedding to ensure you don’t experience any last minute wardrobe regrets.

What to wear to a traditional wedding

A traditional wedding is formal. A long formal dress with black tie attire for your partner is appropriate for this occasion. You can expect a more elegant affair, which may begin with an afternoon church wedding and end at a sit down formal evening reception.

Go all out and spoil yourself, but be careful not to out shine the bridal couple. If you have chosen a block colour dress with a simple design you can dress it up with statement jewellery, shoes and a clutch.  If your dress is more vibrant, patterned or more intricate in design, opt for more simple accessories to keep your dress the focus.

What to wear to a beach wedding

An elegant lightweight outfit, like a shorter cocktail dress or elegant sundress will be your best option for a beach wedding. Keep in mind that some beach weddings can be quite dressy, so it is safer to opt for a more elegant design.

Be mindful that standing on the sand in the heat with a long lined formal outfit and high shoes will be uncomfortable. If you are going to wear a long dress, opt for a hemline on or above your ankles to avoid stepping on your dress or tripping.

A beach wedding really is the perfect opportunity to accessorise. Add a gorgeous wide brimmed hat, statement jewellery and elegant ballet flats to show your own unique style.

India Gown

What to wear to a contemporary wedding

A contemporary wedding is often more classified as a Semi-Formal, After Five affair, making a formal dress or cocktail dress with a shorter hemline ideal.   A block colour dress with bolder accessories tends to be favoured on these occasions.

Again though, make sure you don’t detract from the bridal couple and where possible try to find out the colour of the bridesmaid dresses in order to avoid looking the same. Also keep in mind that you will most likely be in air conditioning, so finding a light jacket or shawl that would complement your outfit will be a wise idea.

If you are still unsure on what to wear, ask the bride. You will at the very least bring a smile to her face that you want to make sure her day is special.

Copyright © 2016 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

Pantone has just released their Spring/Summer 2015 colour collection with the inspiration of this season’s colours coming straight from Mother Nature herself – and we love it! Soft cool hues blended together with subtle warm tones that inspire us to take a step back, breath in and just relax from the bustle and business of life.

Gone are the bright and bold and in its place are the dreamy colours of Aquamarine, Lavender Herb, Toasted Almond, Glacier Grey and Strawberry Ice, just to name a few!

It is the perfect summer colour palette bringing to mind images of picnics in the woods, surf, sand and ice cream cones – and just like ice cream flavours there’s a colour to suit every taste and every skin tone.

Wondering how to incorporate this seasons colours into your summer wardrobe for upcoming parties and weddings? We’ve looked through our Collection to give you a few ideas.

A Dreamy Occasion

The lead colour in this gorgeous array is the dreamy Aquamarine.  Cool and calming it conjures up a vision of the wide expansive cooling ocean – ideal for our summer days.

It is a stunning colour choice for a summer beach wedding, or any wedding for that matter, and perfect for a feminine design like our Mozelle Hanni. The flattering sweetheart neckline and long floating skirt is ideal for different body shapes and both long and short hairstyles, also giving you the opportunity to accentuate the dress further with statement jewellery accessories.

Prefer the Classics?

Looking for a classic formal look? Whether it is for a bridesmaid dress or other formal occasion nothing beats the timeless beauty of classic grey. Quietly confident this colour stands alone for a formal occasion or it can be the beautiful backdrop for a pure white bride.

Our Diva Hanni is the perfect outfit if you’re a fan of Pantone’s Glacier Gray. The wider straps on the neckline give great support for the bustier figure yet the detailing also serves to draw attention away from the smaller bust.

Love your Colours!

If you secretly love your bright colours but don’t want to stand out with something too bright, a concession may be to combine this seasons colours in one dress. Our Swains Reef design is ideal. While it incorporates cool shades, it is vibrant enough to make a splash of colour without screaming out too loudly.

Short and Sweet

If you have a preference for the shorter style our Nude Champagne silk chiffon dress is ideal. This gorgeous floaty dress incorporates the colours Sandstone with a touch of Roasted Almond. This versatile dress, ideal for any occasion, has the added benefit of half-length sleeves allowing you to get more wear out of it in between seasons.

Southern Aurora Dress

A Vintage Creation

If your planning a vintage style wedding or beach resort style wedding, may we suggest the Southern Aurora design for your special occasion. It combines the new seasons colour tones of Lavender Herb and Toasted Almond. This silk dupion creation has sequined details at the bodice with a silk georgette draped bow at the front. Not in the wedding party?  Don’t worry; this dress will suit as a wedding guest outfit too.

With one of the above outfits, you wont go wrong incorporating this seasons gorgeous colours and tones.  So get out there ladies, spring into summer and enjoy yourself with the calming beauty of nature’s wonderful hues!

Copyright © 2015 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

The wedding of a son or daughter is a major event for parents, particularly the mother of the bride and mother of the groom. Though as exciting as it can be, it can also cause of much apprehension, particularly over what to wear.

To help you make the day a memorable one here are five tips to consider when choosing your mother of the bride or mother of the groom outfit.

1. Consult the bride

It goes without saying that the big day belongs to the bride, so be sure to discuss with her the theme, location and colours she has chosen. This will greatly influence the style and colour you will need to keep in mind.

Also clarify if it will be a formal or more informal wedding as this too will impact on your choice and can affect the style of your dress, particularly in the neck and hemline. The last thing a mother or mother-in-law-to-be would want to do is to outshine her daughter or daughter-in-law.

2. Choose the right colour

Once you know what the colour the bridesmaids will be, it’s quite within the bounds of etiquette to choose a similar colour, though it must be a different shade.

If you decide to go for a totally different colour then make sure you won’t clash and choose celebratory colours or solids particularly if it’s a formal wedding. You might want to keep away from white, black and some reds.

If you go for ivory, you may want to include a splash of colour that matches or compliments the theme. Colours that work well are lavender, silver, burgundy, blue and shades of green. When all else fails talk to the bride to see if she is happy with the colour and style.

3. Consult and complement mother of the groom

These days you don’t have to be a stickler for tradition, although it does pay to have an idea of what is considered proper etiquette. If you are the mother of the bride, it is considered a good idea to let the mother of the groom know what you will be wearing so you can both complement each other. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but it’s a good idea that the length of your dress is similar.

4. Dress for comfort as well as style

There is a long time between the getting ready photographs and saying goodbye to the bride and groom at the end of the reception. With this in mind you want to be comfortable as well as look great. So the material you wear, and the hemline and shoes you choose need to all be factored in.

5. It’s not all about the dress

Although the dress you choose will be a prominent feature, the accessories you choose, also play an important role. If you opt for a more simple dress design, then bring out your personality with your jewellery, shoes, and handbag. You could even add gloves or a hat or headpiece if the occasion calls for it.

Need a little outfit inspiration? Browse our full collection.

Copyright © 2015 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

There is no greater excuse to organise your wardrobe and buy new clothes than a New Year, don’t you agree? So to help you make 2015 your most fashionable year yet, here are six New Year’s Resolutions for your wardrobe.

1. Clear out your cupboards

If you are like most women, then chances are you have a massive collection of clothes, but you aren’t wearing half of them. It could be because they don’t fit, are “so last season”, have been worn too many times, or they are those purchases that seemed like a good idea at the time, but in hindsight were anything but!

Whatever the reason the New Year is a great opportunity to clear out the old and make way for the new!

2. Organise a clothes-swapping party

Have some great fashionable items in good condition but just don’t want them any more? Get your friends together for a clothes-swapping party and exchange clothes and accessories. It’s a great girls night in and a cheap way to ‘mix up’ your wardrobe.

Have different tastes and sizes to friends? Why not try your hand at selling your items online on sites like eBay or Gumtree.

3. Make sure you have the right wardrobe foundations

When it comes to building a timeless wardrobe there are some essential items you must have. Among them should be black pants, a crisp white buttoned shirt, a good suit, a dressy jacket, a little black dress and a cocktail dress to name a few (see our full list of the 10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Have)

Once you’ve gone through your wardrobe, identify which essentials you already have, and make a list of the ones you need to buy to complete your wardrobe.

4. Get the right underwear

It’s easy to neglect your underwear when it remains hidden underneath your outfit, but an ill fitted bra or pants can ruin the shape and line of even the most beautiful outfit. While you are going through your wardrobe also go through your underwear draw to see what you need to buy and replace.

5. Map out your plans

The beginning of the year is always a good time to look at what events you may attend throughout the year so you can be prepared and organised. For example, do you have a friend or family member getting married this year? Are you planning to go to the races? Will you be attending a formal, awards ceremony or gala ball?

By planning what you need, you can keep an eye out for potential outfits and get them on sale instead of last minute at full price.

6. Work out what investment pieces you want and need to buy

Investment pieces are those items of clothing that while expensive, provide you with extended use. Think leather jackets, a good black dress, ball gown, cocktail dress and a designer handbag or shoes.

Now that you know what is (and isn’t) in your wardrobe and what events you will potentially be attending, look at what investment pieces you may need to add to your wardrobe. Buying one to two investment pieces per year helps you spread out the cost, while still making steps towards a more fashionable wardrobe.

Do you have any wardrobe New Year’s Resolutions?

Copyright © 2015 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

You’re getting married and you’ve chosen your bridesmaids – but what about their dresses? With no two bridesmaids the same, how do you choose the right dress for them while still getting the look you want for your wedding?

Here are six tips for choosing the right bridesmaid dresses so there are smiles and excitement all round.

There’s no such thing as one size fits all

The likelihood of your bridal party all being the same size, shape and taste is highly unlikely. And that’s not a bad thing; you would have chosen them for their different traits that have supported you over the years of your friendship.

When looking at dresses, if you are electing to have your bridesmaids in the same style of dress, consider styles that would look amazing on the majority. For example, halter neck dresses are great for many body shapes and sizes. So too are A-line skirts.

It’s all about material

Choosing your bridesmaid dresses isn’t just about the style of the dress, it’s also about the fabric. Flowing light material such as Chiffon tends to be a more suitable for many body types, rather than a satin, which can be clingy and unforgiving.

Oh no, not that colour!

Let’s face it, not every colour suits every person. When considering your bridesmaids dress colour, select a colour palette that works well with various skin tones. Avoid very pale and neutral colours like white or beige, as they can make a light skin tone person look sick or extremely pale. In the same way, also watch bold colours as some can also clash with your bridesmaids’ skin tones.

Consider going with colours that are more classic such as pastels, or for stronger tones navy, red or charcoal, that are more likely to suit all of your bridesmaids.

One for the colour, two for the tone

Be open to letting bridesmaids try on various styles of dresses even those with two tones. Remember what a dress looks like on a hanger is different to what it looks like on a person. If you do like the two-tone style, be sure to get all of your bridesmaids to try on the dresses to ensure it suits all of them too.

Pick your own style

You may also like to consider choosing the fabric and colour, but allowing your bridesmaids to choose dresses to suit their own style and shape. This allows the bridesmaids to maintain some individuality, without taking the shine away from you.

Where does the dress start and finish?

One thing you don’t want on your wedding day is your guests to be focusing on the shortness of you bridesmaid dresses, when they should be focusing on you, the gorgeous bride and groom. With this in mind be conscious on how short your bridesmaid dresses are. At the same time though, you don’t want the dresses too long that bridesmaids are tripping over themselves either.

Location, location, location!

Keep in mind the location when choosing bridesmaid dresses. If your wedding is spring or summer, or you are going to a tropical location, you don’t want to choose dresses that are heavy and impractical – no one wants a fainting bridesmaid!

If you are having your wedding in autumn or winter, or at a cooler location, you also don’t want your bridesmaids freezing, so consider add accessories such as a shawl or bolero jacket.

Don’t neglect comfort

Finally, while it is only for one day, you want to make sure your bridesmaids are comfortable and feeling confident in their outfit. Remember it’s hard to smile when you feel uncomfortable on the inside!

Need a little bridesmaid dress inspiration? Take a peek through our collection.

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…

With the fresh salty sea breeze drifting through the air, the warmth of the sun radiating on your face, the endless reflections in the water and the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore, beach weddings certainly make for a romantic occasion.

But as beautiful as they are, you do need to consider what you wear a little more carefully. To ensure you, the breathtaking bride, beautiful bridesmaid or stylish wedding guest, are looking and feeling your best, here are eight elements to consider when selecting your outfit for a beach wedding.

Dress style

Beach weddings tend to be a more ‘relaxed’ style of wedding, so for a beach wedding feel look for dresses that flow over your bodylines giving a soft and smooth silhouette.

Material

Ensure your fabric is light and breathable. Most beach weddings take place in a warm climate where the weather can get very hot, so you don’t want to find yourself overheating.

Chiffon is a very lightweight and flowing material, which means it won’t cling to your body. Another similar fabric is georgette, which is only slightly heavier than chiffon and slightly less sheer. Other fabrics you may also like to consider are Voile, Cady, Satin, Charmeuse or Peau De Soie (known as Duchess Satin).

To lace or not to lace

Lace is a beautiful lightweight fabric that is enhancing to any design. When selecting lace though it is important to be mindful that there isn’t an excessive amount at the base of your dress as it can act like a net collecting sticks and beach debris.

Length

The length of your dress should be just on the top of your foot or shorter. This will prevent your dress from being damaged by water or sand. It also reduces the risk of looking dirty in wedding photos.

Undergarments

What you are wearing underneath your dress is just as important as the dress itself. You want to make sure your undergarments are breathable particularly if you’re wearing assistant gear to hold in a little bit here or there. Undergarments can be great heat generators and cause your dress to cling or ride up if static builds up.

Veil

If you are the beautiful bride and your dream is to wear a veil, consider wearing a shorter veil to avoid being caught in a strong breeze or becoming a beach debris collector. You don’t want to be dragged away, covered or caught up by your veil, particularly for photos so the shorter, the better.

Hat

A beach wedding is a great opportunity to choose a gorgeous hat to accompany your outfit, but be kind and make sure you’re not upstaging the bride. Also, be cautious that it won’t get blown away easily if the wind picks up.

Footwear

As tempting as it can be to go bare feet on the sand, you can run the risk of sinking. To avoid this, consider wearing a nice pair of ballet flats, sandals or dressy thongs (if the occasion allows).

What are your fashion tips for attending beach wedding?

Looking for a little inspiration? Take a peek through our full collection.

Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…