By Nora Höfler/Bridal Times Editor, Photo: Rene Pferner
It is summer! And weddings during this time of year are especially beautiful! Sun-kissed skin, the widest smile on a bride’s face, perfectly manicured nails and … beads of sweat on her forehead! This is probably the case for many brides who marry on hot summer days, but it doesn’t have to be if she chooses her wedding dress wisely!
Emanuel Hendrik, bridal designer from Dusseldorf, shares his favorite summer wedding dress materials that are particularly senseful and beautiful. “French Lace is my favorite! Also, a very, very light chiffon silk. We get ours from England, which comes from Indian fair trade conditions. Generally, it should be a breathable material that does not shine too much in the sun, but rather shimmers in a silky matt. ”
Photo by Anna Gewelding
Christina Delchmann is also in agreement. She is the owner of Diamore Brautmoden in Brühl, Germany and often advises brides who decide to marry in very hot regions, such as Greece, Spain or Croatia. “I definitely recommend for these brides a flowing, light fabric. Beautiful is chiffon, silk chiffon or silk muslin. Of course, this is always a question of price. However, synthetic chiffon is also a great material to avoid sweat,” says Christina.
“It’s important to wear a lightweight material so that brides can easily move around in it. Our bodysuits and some skirts weigh less than a kilo, so the bride only carries 1.5 kilograms of fabric on her body. For example, I would forgo a princess skirt that keeps you warm like a down jacket. Corsets are also not optimal since the material is pressed firmly against the body, and long trains can be very heavy, “advises Emanuel Hendrik.
But if she really wants the princess look, Christina Delchmann advises, “A removable skirt would be a great solution. For the first few hours a bride wears the tulle layers and if it gets too warm she can simply clip off the skirt. With a light dress underneath, you’re more mobile and ready for the party. ”
Photo by Matthias Holst
For the perfect beach wedding, less fabric is more! Brides can show more leg and the transluscence of the material with the sun falling on the skin looks beautiful. Even a light silk train dancing in the wind with the sun shining through is a stunning sight.
Emanuel advises, “A silk train is very sensitive and therefore can usually only be worn once. A more sustainable version is a train of viscose. This is washable and you can also style it to a cool festival look,” says designer Emanuel.
And what are the personal summer favorites of our experts?
“I really like a dress with an A-line skirt. The fit is not so close to the body and air can circulate enough through it. I also like a long skirt with a high slit, which is incredibly practical for very hot days and looks great,” says Christina Delchmann.
Photo by Krolop & Gerst
Emanuel thinks a two-piece wedding dress is a good choice. Also the jumpsuit, “Claudia” from his current collection: “Spanish lace on skin-colored top and a pair of pants made of wide chiffon, which transports the warmth to the outside. In addition a train to clip on and off. And if it gets cooler in the evening, our train can also be used as a cape. ”
If you need a tip to stay cool on a big day, Christina Delchmann advises you to take a hand held fan, “It looks classy and can be used as an additional accessory.” Both agree on water sprays, whether for the face or legs.
“You do not even have to go to the drugstore. Fill an empty spray bottle with water and ice cubes and occasionally refresh the bride. By the way, the guests are also looking forward to refreshments. For example, with washcloths from the freezer, which you can put on your neck,” says Emanuel Hendrik.
And of course the most effective trick Emanuel advises us, is to “Drink a Prosecco!”
With this summer spirit, brides and guests alike will have a wonderful wedding celebration where everyone stays cool.
The editorial team would like to thank the designer Emanuel Hendrik (www.emanuelhendrik.de) and Christina Delchmann, owner of Brautmode Diamore (www.brautmode- diamore.de) for the interview.