Interview of ShelaghM

How long have you been designing & making bridal gowns?

Help I started in 1978. That makes me ancient and elderly oh dear

How would you describe your designs?

Feminine, elegant, classical, with a hint of Romance

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From my clients. They have an idea in their mind then I expand on that for them. When we come to design the collection shapes spring to mind from all the gowns we have made that year. Therefore we know what the trend is. So rather than set a style we make the sort of gown that the brides are asking for.

What style of dress is the most popular right now?

For the last few years bodices have been strap-less. This year we are seeing skirts becoming more full and romantic, trains getting longer, more bustles, much more interesting skirts.

What colour of dress is the most popular right now?

Always the top colour is Ivory

What considerations should a bride make when choosing the shape of her dress?

The shape of the gown is dictated by the shape of the brides body

What’s the most common mistake made when choosing a wedding dress?
There should be no mistakes if the professional advising the bride does her job well.

What is the average price of your collection?

Anything from £875 to £1600

Where can brides buy a ShelaghM gown from?

Brides can buy a gown from the collection in selected shops up and down the country

Can a bride come and have a bespoke gown designed specifically for her by you?

Yes. Then the gown will be a perfect fit. The style of the dress will match the brides personallity, and the gown will do what is required of it for the day.

How should a wedding dress be stored in order to preserve its beauty?

It should be cleaned straight away by a dry cleaner who specialises in wedding gowns. Then archived in an acid free box, so that no light can get to it.

What’s the one most valuable piece of advice you would give to a bride to be?

When you are walking down the aisle look at your groom. Ignore everyone else, just wait for that magical moment when he turns and sees you for the first time, his bride.

Have you ever designed for anyone famous?

Many moons ago. Princess Beatrice when she was a flower girl about 3 or 4 years old.

You can see more of Shelagh"s designs at www.shelaghm.co.uk