Head designer shares tips for brides shopping for their wedding dress, more

Head designer of the brand, Ralph Francisco, recently shared his top tips for brides shopping for their wedding dress, the inspiration for his latest collection,Victor Harper Couture, and his favorite bridal trends.

On the inspiration for his latest collection,Victor Harper Couture, Ralph Francisco says:

"I started designing this bridal collection by first analyzing sales from the last collection. Then I glance at current trends, and then go with my gut. I integrate my desire to innovate with the colors and silhouettes that I am inspired by, most recently being the sky at my home near the beach in Florida. I was so inspired by the wispy sheerness and the pale opaque clouds in blush and ivory colors at sunset!"

On designing according to specific body types, Ralph explains:

"When designing for a special client, body and image always come into play. I tend to design softer shapes for women who feel confident about their body, and those dresses need less construction, and allow more freedom to create. A woman with specific body issues will know her weaknesses and strengths, what to accentuate and what to hide. For example, an empire gown will hide any waist or hip issues, also elongating the torso."

He reveals his favorite bridal trend and his favorite fabric saying:

"I am thrilled at the recent surge in interest in lace again. Nothing says, 'Here comes the bride!' more than lace. My favorite fabric is silk shantung, I am just crazy over the weight and exquisite weave of this beautiful cloth, mixed with the raw slub texture — just sublime!"

Ralph had three shopping tips to share with brides;

"My number one shopping tip for brides is to know your budget! If you shop looking for a $10,000 dream dress, but your budget is $2,500, you will be very disappointed! Do your research. It's important to have an idea of what you think you'd like to look like on your wedding day, and you should bring those ideas to your bridal appointment. My third tip is to skip the entourage — don't bring too many friends and family members. It's difficult when brides end up with too many conflicting opinions. Bring two people closest to you who know you just as well (or maybe even better!) as you know yourself."

On how his dream client, he mentioned Jennifer Aniston.

"I would love to dress , she's a modern self-made woman! I would put her in something sexy and sheer; perhaps a leopard pattern beaded bodice, with yards and yards of tulle for the skirt!"

He went on to pick his mother as his favorite bride of all time.

"My favorite bride would have to be my mother. She married at the age of 26, which was late for her generation, and she was a working woman. She paid over $2,000 for a custom lace gown in 1956. That was a huge expense at that time, and for such a classic fashion moment. What an inspiration!"

We certainly love his shopping tips for brides, they are very useful.

See the amazing wedding dresses in the Victor Harper Couture fall 2015 collection here.