Chosen by Kyha "Alter Ego" collection

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We are very excited that the new collection from Chosen by Kyha has been launched. This collection is called “Alter Ego” and the dresses are out of this world.

“Alter Ego explores the concept of inner duality and self-acceptance. It is designed to offer the opportunity for women to express their individuality in sartorial form.

Alter Ego is a study in the symphony of contrasts. Artfully blending softness with hardness, signature draping contrasts with highly structured, drop waist bodices. Avant-garde new colourway, a rich midnight blue reminiscent of the depth of night skies, acts in duality to bright ivory, which emulates sunshine and light. The indulgence of luxe new silhouettes is countered by a pared back minimalist aesthetic.”

Chosn by Kyha MILES

The collection features 13 new pieces, including separates, minis and the ultimate drop waists. In true Kyha style, they have used the softest tulles and slinkiest triacetates. Each is expertly draped to ensure brides feel and look their best.

Chosen by Kyha Pearson Corset & twilight skirt

CHosen by kyha kennedy

These dresses should arrive in Autumn, maybe before, so keep your eyes peeled to see which ones we have selected for the boutique. I’m not going to lie, I want them all!

CHOSEn by kyha thomas

chosen by kyha orleans

Chosen by kyha beau

Mariana Hardwick is coming to Colchester

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Earlier this month we made the exciting announcement that we are becoming one of the first boutiques in the UK to stock the amazing Australian Designer - Mariana Hardwick.

ODette

If like us, you spend your time scrolling through instagram for dress inspiration, you are sure to have come across these dresses. They are Australia’s go to designer if you are looking for luxury, modern designs.

Up until now, you have only been able to purchase one of these special gowns from their boutique in Australia. They kept receiving requests for the dresses worldwide so have been working hard behind the scenes to make this happen.

Mariana Hardwick pride themselves on creating gowns with intent. Their design process focuses on crafting feminine, sultry silhouettes that guarantees brides feel confident and radiant on their special day.

Every design line is delivered with purpose, the gowns feature cinched waists, soft, carved out shapes and feminine necklines to flatter every female form. When you put a Mariana Hardwick gown on you will instantly love the incredible fit and feel of the luxurious fabrics these dresses are made with.

This combined with unique construction techniques and contemporary design elements define that distinctive Mariana Hardwick look that is unique to them.

Chantelle

Our sample dresses should arrive in the boutique in July, but if you cannot wait that long we will have the full collection of dresses available to the UK from 24th-26th May 2024. Click here to book an appointment to try these gorgeous gowns, you won’t regret it!

How do I know its "The One"? When to say Yes to the Dress!

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Should I be crying? Should my friends and family be crying? Is it really possible to find my dress at the first boutique? These are all questions we regularly hear from our brides, many who are often surprised that is has been so easy to find their dress.

Brides who come to MiliMili have usually done their research. They have looked at our website, followed our instagram and checked out the dresses/designers we carry. Our brides know they are in the boutique that caters for their tastes so it really shouldn’t be a surprise when you find your dress. There is always another dress, stop worrying you might be missing out and enjoy the feeling of finding you dress.

If you find yourself saying/thinking the following when in a dress, then you have found your one:

  • I love it

  • I can see myself getting married in this

  • I feel amazing in this dress

  • I don’t want to take it off

  • I feel like me in this dress

  • This is different to what I thought I would go for but I love it

  • I feel so excited in this dress

But what if you or your family or not crying? I hate to say it, but most people don’t cry. They might do so on TV programmes but that is not reality. Obviously if you want to cry then please feel free, we will have hugs and tissues to hand!

If you are feeling good, happy, confident and comfortable then you have succeeded in finding your dress, Easy!

We have been dressing brides for over 13 years, have the most amazing dresses and talented stylists. We will find you your dream dress and cannot wait to celebrate with you over a glass of Prosecco.

Lauren xx

The Bridal Edit Event

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When we moved to the new boutique, one of the things we were excited about is having enough space to hold special events. On the 27th March we held our first event - The Bridal Edit. What an amazing night!


Our friends from Charlotte Tilbury and Jo Malone came to do a make up and scent your wedding demonstrations. There was opportunities after the demonstrations to sample and purchase products.


We has dresses from our Guest Designer, Stephanie Allin. She is one of the UK’s top fashion wedding dress designers and renowned for her exquisite use of the most luxurious fabrics which she individually hand picks every season.

As you would expect with any MiliMili event, the Prosecco was flowing. Along with the Prosecco, we had delicious food cones from Pixie Platters. Music and Singing from the very talented Yasmin Wood.


We cannot wait to hold another event, so keep your eyes peeled for more details!


Senior Bridal Sales Consultant Vacancy

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Are you chatty? Confident? Love fashion? Can provide the best customer service? If so. this could be the job for you.

If you would like to join us, please email your CV and cover letter to enquiries@milimili.co.uk.

  • Part-time Senior Sales Consultant

  • No previous bridal experience is necessary

  • Must be willing to work Saturdays and 1 Sunday a month

  • Experience in retail management and sales is an advantage

  • Organised with great attention to detail

  • Able to work on your own as required.

In return, you will be working in perhaps one of the best jobs ever, with a competitive salary/commission.

Hours:

Monday 10am - 2pm

Wednesday 10am - 2pm

Saturdays 9am - 5pm (one Saturday off a month)

Sunday 10am - 2pm (working one Sunday a month).

End Of Season Sale - Sunday 21st August 2022

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We are excited to announce the date of this year’s End of Season Sale. This year, it will be taking place on 21st August 2022.

Olenka Size 14 Was £2110 Sample £1300

Each year we need to make space for new dresses on the rails. The sale dresses are ex samples so have only been used for trying on purposes in the boutique. We have over 40 dresses available in the sale, starting from £500. This is a fantastic opportunity to grab yourself a bargain.

Olivetti Size 10 Was £1865 Sample £800

To book, head to our appointment booking page and select “Sale appointment” on the 21st of August. The appointment will be for 1 hour so each bride can only try 3-4 dresses.

Things to remember:

  • Only one of each dress is available and is sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Come ready to purchase as we cannot hold dresses.

  • Full payment is required for sale dresses.

  • We will arrange for the dress to be cleaned for you. Once the dress has been cleaned you can take the dress away or pay £15 for us to store the dress for you.

  • Due to the time limit of the appointments, we will not be providing refreshments. We need to spend as much time as possible helping you find your dress!

If you would like to see the list of sale dresses in advance, please contact us and we can email them to you.

Louveciennes Size 14 Was £3030 Sample £1800


Bridal Consultant Vacancy

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About us

Founded in 2012, MiliMili has become well known as a modern, luxury bridal boutique.  We welcome brides from all over the UK who have come to see our dress edit and experience the MiliMili welcome. At MiliMili, exceptional customer service is paramount. We provide a luxury experience and require our brides to be treated with the upmost care.

This is a Maternity Cover role with the possibility of a permanent contract.

As a bridal consultant you will helping our brides choose the dress for one of the most important days of their lives.  The primary responsibility is to provide outstanding customer service to each customer and to deliver on service goals. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, maintaining the boutique environment, steaming dresses, stock control and housekeeping duties. The Stylist will understand their individual sales and service goals.

Responsibilities and tasks

  • Deliver exceptional customer service

  • Maximise sales performance and productivity

  • Support the execution of in store events

  • Awareness of stock and inventory

  • Adhere to MiliMili grooming guidelines

  • Maintain the high standard of housekeeping

  • Learn new systems as well as basic knowledge of Word/Excel

Days of work:

Tuesday: 10am-2pm

Wednesday: 10am-2pm

Thursday: 10am-2pm

Saturdays: 9am-5pm (one Saturday a month off)

One Sunday a month 10am-2pm.

Bridal experience not necessary as full training provided, but applicants must have a proven sales and customer service background.

If you would like to join us please send your CV and covering letter to enquiries@milimili.co.uk

Please note, due to the number of applications we cannot respond to everyone.  If you have not received a reply within 2 weeks then your application has been unsuccessful.

MiliMili Real bride Robyn marries in her Enzoani ‘Neville’ dress

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Robyn and Graham transformed their planned day with 130 guests into an intimate, relaxed and super stylish micro wedding. The wedding took place on 24th September at Islington Town Hall with 12 guests in attendance. Eclectic, urban and fun are just a few words to describe their day!

Robyn was kind enough to share her experience of planning a micro wedding due to the restrictions of the current pandemic and her experience of finding her dress at Mili Mili. 

THE LOVE STORY

“Graham and I have a typically modern tale of romance - we met on Tinder!  But in reality, Graham is an old school romantic, who opens doors, is always looking out for me, holding my hand to ensure I don't trip up or down the stairs and generally always on alert to ensure I am happy.  His warmth and sweetness were evident from the very first day we met. Graham reminded me in his speech on our wedding day, within a few hours of us meeting, I had my head resting on his shoulders, an early sign of the bond, closeness and trust that has been there from the very beginning.

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Graham however, was a little slower with a proposal, mostly whilst he tried to figure out the "perfect proposal". After 4 years and lots of hints from me, he finally got down on one knee (on my birthday) on Bondi beach in Australia, last year whilst we were visiting my family.  With a small stroke of luck, just after he proposed, a plane flew overhead and wrote in the sky "marry me?", to which Graham very wisely admitted was not his doing, especially given it was followed by another girl's name! We had a good laugh about it and made sure to snap a few shots so we could use them to announce our engagement and have a little bit of fun with it!”

THE DRESS

“After some pretty un-inspiring dress shopping experiences in London, my girlfriend Heather convinced me to come out to Colchester to find my dress. I chose MiliMili as they seemed to have some lovely unique choices. It was so lovely to be treated so warmly by the staff at MiliMili, it was finally the exciting and happy experience that I had been hoping for. There was no rush and no pressure and the dresses are really very special.

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I could have easily been swayed into buying a big princess style dress, as they tend to suit me, but I also like fitted dresses, so I was fairly open with regards to what I wanted.  Ultimately, I just wanted to "feel beautiful" on my big day.  I was instantly drawn to the beautiful vintage peacock feather like lace on the Enzoani, Neville.  I remember saying to my girlfriends when I put it on, that it made me "feel like a grown up". It is elegant, yet it still had that slightly quirky edge to it, that is very much me. It was definitely love at first sight. 

With the beautiful train on the dress, I instantly knew I wanted to create even more drama with a cathedral length custom veil - even though we were getting married in a registry office! Surely a girl still needs to make an entrance?!”

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2020 A MEMORABLE YEAR

“We decided very early on that we wanted to have a big day that had all the grandeur of a wedding, with everyone suitably suited and booted, but with a relaxed, happy and fun vibe. 

Then COVID happened...

They say planning a wedding is stressful, well, I had actually been quite chilled out about it all. Despite the event being 130+ people, travelling from across the globe, the logistics didn't feel that challenging for me, I am an Executive Assistant, so organising is what I do for a living!  

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We realised pretty early on in lockdown, with my family and bridesmaids being in Australia and America, we were going to have to change our plans.  With little possibility on the horizon of borders being open in the foreseeable future, we made the difficult choice to go ahead with our wedding. Changing to just the government regulated 30 guests (this was the guideline at the time) and with all my family and friends joining via zoom.  

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In the end, almost every element of our wedding had to be re-arranged at least once, sometimes twice!  Though this was not the most stressful part, it was the not knowing. The day before, the government announced changes to rules for weddings, lowering the number allowed to 15 . Fortunately they gave a few days grace for the changes and we were able to go ahead with our event with 12 guests at our ceremony and 30 at our reception. I felt elated, but also gutted for those whose weddings were coming the following week. Though, saying that, we still would have gone ahead if we had to cut our numbers to 15.”

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THE DAY

Just waking up on our wedding day was a sense of pure relief and elation that we had made it to our big day without COVID cancelling it!  Some might think I am crazy, but I started the day with a Pilates class at 07.00am over zoom, to calm my nerves and give my body a little endorphin hit!

I was so excited to finally put my dress on, it felt like such a big deal just to get to our big day, to be able to dress up and put on the most beautiful dress I am ever likely to wear. 

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One of my favourite moments of the day, was when my friend Heather (who was filming our ceremony on Zoom) handed over the iPad while she signed the registry. Graham and I were able to turn the camera around and wave to all our "virtual guests", which Jodi (our photographer) managed to capture for us. A moment of happiness that we were still able to share our day despite the distance!

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As we couldn't have the big event we had planned, we spent quite a bit of time talking to our photographer about making sure we created as much fun and adventure as possible. I managed to arrange for a fabulous London Taxi driver, to chauffeur us around for the day. Following the ceremony, we jumped in a taxi from Islington Town Hall to The Renaissance St Pancras, where we were staying for the night. We had as much fun as we could taking photos on the fabulous grand staircase, our amazing hotel room and on the station forecourt, ensuring we stopped for some champagne a the Champagne bar of course! After that, we travelled down to Camden (where we live) and had a wander through the market and along the canal to our reception venue. It was definitely lots of fun and seemed to create much delight and lots of smiles from those who were just going about their business.

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Advice I would give to brides planning a wedding with COVID regulations, is be upfront and honest with your suppliers, negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. We pretty much had to say to suppliers, how are we going to handle this if it all gets cancelled at the last minute? We stayed away from anyone who wasn't flexible, whilst at the same time, making sure we were fair and reassured suppliers that we wouldn't leave them out of pocket too.  I think it helped greatly that our reception venue was a pub, rather than a traditional wedding venue. We were lucky, all our suppliers were amazing and really went above and beyond to make things happen for us.

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Was it the day we planned? No? Would I change a thing? Absolutely not!

Jodi (our photographer) and I are already plotting the Australian sequel whenever the borders finally open! Graham, well, he just wants me to be happy, so I am sure he will be onboard when the time comes! 

CREDITS & THANKS

Photographer: Jodi Hanagan

https://www.instagram.com/jodihanaganphotography/

www.jodihanaganphotography.com

Florist: https://fitzroysflowers.com/

Cake: https://www.instagram.com/xtinescakery/ 

Hair: https://www.theonesalon.co.uk/ Nadia Rasool and Megan Ryan

Make up: https://www.theonesalon.co.uk/ Katy Rooney

MiliMili's Lockdown Glow Up

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Well…that was a crazy few months, wasn’t it?

We don’t know about you, but since March we feel like life has totally changed. Never in a million years did we expect to see a pandemic that would turn the world - and the wedding industry - completely upside down. With the idea of ‘normal’ Spring/Summer 2020 nuptials a distant memory; we’re slowly starting to pick up the pieces of a fairly disastrous start to the wedding season.

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One thing we can say is how wowed we have been by our awesome customers: even with postponements and cancellations, the positivity of our gorgeous brides-to-be has been inspiring, and we just want you to know that we are on hand to do whatever we can to make the process of re-planning your wedding easier, so you can look even more forward to your big day - whenever it may be.

And to the brides who are newly engaged, or just hadn’t had the chance to start searching for your dream dress yet, you’re in for a treat now that we have reopened!

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MiliMili Makeover

For quite a while, Lauren had been talking about giving the shop a bit of an upgrade. Initially, it started off as a fresh coat of paint and an updated window display…but we all know what happens once you end up down a Pinterest rabbit hole!

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When it was announced that all non-essential shops would be closing from 23rd March, many boutiques shut their doors and went home, waiting with bated breath for when they could reopen. But not us! Then began Operation: MiliMili Makeover. With time on our side (and no excuses to put it off!) we set upon transforming our boujee boutique into a modern bridal haven.

The Inspiration

The aim was to keep the luxury boutique experience that our brides have come to know and love, whilst maintaining the MiliMili identity.

We wanted to create a soft, warm and airy space, with plenty of dress-friendly lighting. We said goodbye to the famous flamingo decor, and hello to muted lilacs and greys with some industrial-style accents. Cutting down on clutter and creating a more streamlined look, allowed our rails of dresses to become the pure focal point against a simple, elegant background.

All Change

We pulled out the seating area from the changing suite to the shop floor; our soft, luxurious velvet armchairs and stools providing the perfect vantage point for the bride’s guests to await the big reveal!

Meanwhile, the changing suite itself now feels more spacious; with the addition of more mirrors, brighter curtains and a new display unit for our stunning Victoria Percival accessories - ready to try on to complete your look. (We left some pieces on the shop floor for your bridal party to look at too - you never know who has the best eye for detail!)

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The most anticipated change of all is the beautiful hardwood flooring - and we’ve even had a custom desk built with the same wood, to carry the theme through the boutique. Sat atop the desk is our bespoke pampas arrangement, courtesy of our favourite local florist Dilly’s, which compliments the huge feathery feature they made for our window, too!

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Something Old, Something New

We’ve kept some of the original aspects of our previous look: including the gorgeous Italian marble flooring, which has had a polish and shine - you can almost see your face in it.

Our team remains our biggest strength at MiliMili - after a few months away, the girls are itching to get back to consultations to help you find the perfect bridal look. And of course - you’ll find all the incredible designer gowns we are renowned for from Enzoani, Blue by Enzoani, Élysée, Élysée Atelier (coming soon) and Eliza Jane Howell. We’ll soon be receiving gowns from the 2021 collections, so now is the time to pay us a visit!

We can’t wait to welcome you to our new and improved boutique - to make an appointment, click here.

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ÉLYSÉE Trunk Show

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Earlier this year, we announced the newest line to be added to our boutique: the Parisian-inspired ÉLYSÉE from the same incredible design family that brought you Enzoani and Blue by Enzoani.

We’re really pleased to announce that we will be holding a trunk show on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April to showcase ÉLYSÉE’s offering. We currently stock four of their 2020 collection gowns, but for one weekend only, this will be your chance to see them all in person!

The highlight of the collection is the ability to pair most of the gowns with a variety of sleeves, veils, capes and skirts: creating a look that is uniquely ‘you’. Here are just some of our favourite combinations - why not book an appointment for our trunk show and find yours?

View the entire collection here

Dress: Athénaïs, Sleeves: Claudine

Dress: Athénaïs, Cape: Marguerite

Dress: Françoise, Sleeves: Jeanne

Dress: Françoise, Veil: Arsine

Part-Time Bridal Consultant Required

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Ever fancied working in the happiest job in the world? Helping brides say ‘yes’ to their dream dress is one of the most satisfying roles you could imagine; and now we’re recruiting!

If you love bridal fashion, are looking for a role where every day is different, and want to join an award-winning boutique in the heart of Colchester; we’d love to hear from you.

This role is initially on a 1 year fixed term maternity cover contract, with the potential to become permanent.


About Us
MiliMili is a fashion forward bridal boutique which caters for modern, fashion loving brides who are looking for that little something different for their wedding day.

Our team is renowned for our personalised and friendly service that we provide every customer from start to finish. There is extensive product knowledge, company policies and procedures to learn, so your commitment and passion for the role is essential. You must have a natural ability to make customers feel welcome, relaxed and stress-free throughout their special journey.

About You

We require someone who loves fashion, loves meeting people and who is confident to provide styling advice. You will be required to complete bridal consultations so must be able to build a rapport with people and provide the highest level of customer service. In addition to completing appointments, you will also be completing back office duties which must be completed accurately.

About the Role

Your day will include - but won’t be limited to -:

  • Completing private consultations - demonstrate bridal and fabric knowledge, pinning, styling and accessory options.

  • Achieve monthly sales targets and company KPI’s.

  • Ability to work in a team environment but also to be able to work on an individual basis.

  • Adhere to MiliMili policies and clearly convey terms and conditions to customers, complete paperwork accurately and data entry to completed in a timely manner.

  • Answering customer enquiries via telephone, email, social media and our own booking system within required time frame.

  • Booking customer appointments and maintaining the diary efficiently.

  • Completing required paperwork, records and managing schedules of customer items and updating relevant documents when deliveries have been received within the required time frame in a clear and organised manner.

  • Processing orders, sales transactions and handling cash.

  • Pressing and steaming bridal items ready for fitting consultations and collections.

  • Carrying out quality control checks on items received and reporting any defects on dresses to Manager so it can be reported in a timely manner.

  • Showcasing the brand (image/products/merchandise) and ensuring visual merchandising, displays, stock and the boutique are always presentable to meet high standards.


Requirements:

We’re looking for someone who can meet the following criteria:

  • Part-time working hours (Tuesday 10-4 Saturday 9-5) with additional holiday and sickness cover.

  • Previous fashion experience and sales is essential.

  • Bridal experience is welcomed, but not essential.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced sales environment.

  • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally.

  • Can demonstrate excellent high end customer service.

  • Maintain a professional and well-groomed appearance.

  • Competent IT skills, with the ability to quickly learn new systems and computing procedures.

Pay is in excess of National Minimum Wage, plus uncapped on-target commission.

If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please send a covering letter and CV to enquiries@milimili.co.uk for the attention of Lauren Wade.

MiliMili's January Sale Starts NOW!

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Are you a bride on a budget, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind dress at a one-off price? You’re in the right place…

At MiliMili, Christmas has come early. We’ve decided to buck the trend (as we always do!) and start our January sales NOW. This means we have reduced a huge amount of dresses from up to 90% off their RRP.

Take a look at the range of dresses available to take away today, at just a fraction of their original cost. But hurry - we only have ONE of each dress available in ONE size, so if you’ve got your eye on something now is the time to buy!

For further details on any of our designs, including sizes and prices, please contact us on 01206 616368 or visit our Facebook page.


2020 Brides: Roll Call!

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Getting married next year, and still wondering when’s the best time to start looking for your dress? There really is no time like the present…

If your big day is less than a year away, now is the time to get focused on finding that dream dress. We usually suggest our brides start their search 10-12 months prior to their wedding, but this timescale can fluctuate depending on your plans!

Destination weddings are particularly important: if you plan on travelling days or even weeks before the day, you need to take the extra time into account. Fittings and alterations usually require a minimum of six weeks to be completed; so you could be adding an extra month onto your timeline if you’re a busy bee in the lead-up!

Enzoani ‘lavender’

The majority of our designers’ production times are approximately 6 months from the point you order your dress, to the moment it is delivered to the boutique ready for you to try on. Adding 6-8 weeks for fittings, and the average 7 weeks it takes a bride to find ‘the one’, and you’re looking at an 8-10-month overall process. Allowing yourself contingency time is always advisable too; especially if you’re planning on having a lot of bridal appointments at different shops!

If your wedding is early 2020 and you’re now reading this and panicking: don’t worry! Our designers can also process a ‘rush order’ - meaning they put your dress ahead of the queue to ensure it arrives on time. This does incur an extra cost, but for the sake of being able to wear your dream dress without stress, it’s minimal!

Don’t forget, you can also purchase a sample dress - meaning the dress has been tried on by others - for a fraction of the cost of a new dress, which you can also take home the same day ready for alterations. This is a great option if you are on a tight timescale or a strict budget, but does mean you are more restricted in choice, and samples usually only come in one size.

And for 2021 brides? It’s never too early to start looking! The more time you give yourself to sort your dress, the more time you have to focus on the more stressful aspects of planning - knowing that your dress is patiently waiting for you at the boutique, ready for fittings closer to the day!

To make an appointment to find your dream wedding dress with us, head to our appointments page and get yourself and your bride tribe booked in.


Emma & Richard: 3rd August 2019

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Every bride deserves to feel more beautiful than she ever has on her big day; and even more so when her health has had an impact on her body.

This sentiment couldn’t resonate more with bride Emma: who - after having scoliosis - had put the idea of wearing a backless dress, to the back of her mind. That was until she came into the boutique and was swept away by a Charlie Brear design.

“My dress was very simple,” Emma says. “I loved the way it hung at the back. After having surgery, I never thought I would be able to wear a dress that showed my back. I think that’s why I fell in love with it so much.” The gown - ‘CHARTRES’ from the Iconics bridal collection - features bias cut silk crepe, gathered into a halter neck before twisting down into the low back.

Emma paired her elegant dress with a beaded cathedral-length veil, a Pandora back necklace, and a pair of earrings that her mum wore on her own wedding day. The overall look perfectly complimented her rustic venue, Dove Barn, and the down-to-earth decor she and new husband Richard opted for.

“We went for gypsophila and lavender with the flowers, and the bridesmaid dresses were a silver grey that had a hint of purple. The men were in navy blue and the colours all went together really well.”

Emma describes her wedding day as ‘really special’; being able to share the occasion with the couple’s family and closest friends. But the best part of the day? “Walking down the aisle with my husband after we got married!”

Her parting advice for brides-to-be: “It’s true what they say…when you find the right dress, you just know!”

Photography Sophie Oldhamstead Photography
Flowers Rachel Howarth
Hair & Make Up Cosmetology

Enzoani Designer Weekends: November

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If, like us, you’re just itching to get your hands on the 2020 Enzoani collections…we have great news.

On 15th/16th and 29th/30th November, we’ll be hosting a huge selection of gowns from the Blue by Enzoani and Enzoani main collection 2020 lines. And while we’ll be stocking selected designs in the coming months, this will be the ONLY chance to see all the gowns up close and personal, in one place!

The 2020 dresses see many of Enzoani’s signature features given an annual update: dramatic trains, plunging necklines and off-shoulder details help to secure the designer’s place in the popularity stakes for another year.

Here’s a sneak peek of just a few of the designs that will be available to try on at our weekends! (Samples are shown in standard designer choice, but are available in other combinations.)

Blue by Enzoani - 15th & 16th November - 10am - 4pm Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday
Enzoani - 29th & 30th November - 10am - 4pm Friday, 9am - 5pm Saturday

A Line

Fitted at the waist and flowing over the hips, A-line dresses suit most frames and give a perfect combination of sultry and sweet. Exquisite floral motifs and soft tulle feature highly in Enzoani’s 2020 designs.

Off-Shoulder

An ever-growing trend in modern brides; off-shoulder looks compliment those with broad shoulders and balance pear shapes. Pair delicate lace and a soft flare for a truly alluring image.

Showstoppers

These dresses are the definition of ‘business in the front, party in the back’. Extravagant trains, beautiful backs, detachable accessories and matching veils take you from ‘wedding’ to ‘WOW’.

Jumpsuits

Not a dress-lover or fancy something that instantly takes you from day to night? Enzoani has you covered (or your legs, at least). Jumpsuits remain a popular dress alternative, and with these combinations you can even have your cake and eat it too.

We have limited availability for our trunk shows, so please book early to avoid disappointment!

Charlotte & Matthew: 27th July 2019

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As a petite bride, the thought of finding the right dress for your big day can fill you with dread. Teeny brides can feel limited in the styles they can pull off - but, like Charlotte, you may just be surprised!

“When I came in I was full of anxiety!” Charlotte says. “I had tried on four dresses when I came to my dress, and I just knew it was the one! Due to my short frame, a fishtail dress was perfect. It elongated my body and gave me curves in all the right places. I am very conscious of my tummy, yet I have a small bottom and no hips, but this dress flattered every curve and I felt flawless.”

The dress that captured Charlotte’s heart, was JIN by Enzoani. A strapless sweetheart neckline is just one classically elegant highlight of this romantic lace gown. But there was another element that Charlotte was head over heels for: “I always dreamt of pearls and buttons all the way down the back of the dress, and lace is also a favourite of mine. This dress combined both elements beautifully!” Charlotte finished her look with a chapel-length, plain ivory veil that swept the tips of her dress’ train perfectly. She wore her hair half down, and gave a nod to her ‘wildflower’ theme with floral accessories.

Charlotte and Matthew’s wedding was one that incorporated an abundance of personal attachment; not least, the church that Charlotte had been christened in, and attended Sunday school! Their vicar had seen Charlotte through the celebration of birth, schooling days, and now her wedding day, which meant a lot to both her and her family.

“We got ready at my mums house - my childhood home. Everybody locally knew us and waved us in. It was full of love and happiness!” Charlotte explains. And it’s no wonder everyone in her childhood village was out in their swarms to see off the future Mrs Chicken - she looked a vision, with a chapel length plain ivory veil completing her bridal look. Even the reception was poignant - taking place in a marquee on her tree surgeon father’s land.

Farm and nature elements created the foundations for the countryside-themed day - flower arches adorned the entrance to the marquee, while floral displays dressed the trailer attached to the unique transport - a tractor! And her dad’s profession certainly didn’t go unmissed: with a wooden post box, centre pieces and table plan featuring in the decor.

Even a little rain didn’t dampen the proceedings - the bride and groom embraced the ever-changing weather for some fun umbrella shots during a downpour. Charlotte braved the fields in flip flops, hitching up her gown’s train between locations…that’s our girl!

Photography EPS Photography
Flowers Passionflowers by Emma Spowage
Hair Kutz (Paige Clarke)
Make Up Alice Wotton
Cake Bob’s Beautiful Bakes

10 Popular Wedding Traditions...And Where They Came From!

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You’ll probably notice during the hectic times of planning your wedding, that there are so many aspects of the big day that stem from centuries of tradition. But do you know their meaning?

1) White Wedding Dress…and ‘Something Blue’

Let’s start with the basics…why is a white wedding dress considered the bridal colour of choice? Back in the middle ages, blue was considered the colour of ‘purity’ and brides used to wear blue gowns to demonstrate their virginity. Some brides clearly didn’t think blue was their colour though, and so opted for an alternative; just adding a blue ribbon or similar accessory in place of the blue gown. Hence today’s tradition of ‘something blue’!

White gowns didn’t become truly fashionable until the wedding of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840 - so you could say Queen Vic was probably the biggest trendsetter!

2) Bridal Bouquet

Aside from being one of the largest expenses of a 21st century wedding (brides spend, on average, 1/10th of their total budget on flowers!), the bridal bouquet has a slightly less flowery meaning behind it. Traditionally, a woman would carry herbs, grains and even garlic down the aisle in a bid to ward off evil spirits! Thankfully, the lingering smell of pizza was left behind as the years passed, leading to flowers symbolising fertility and everlasting love.

3) Positioning of the Groom

Not a custom that is adopted by every bridal party, but traditionally the groom stands to the right of his bride during the marriage ceremony. A well-meaning tradition that probably isn’t quite as relevant these days - this deliberate standpoint is so that the groom could draw his sword using his right hand, should any danger descend upon the proceedings!

4) Father Giving Away The Bride

It’s hard to believe these days that a woman was ever considered less important than a man…thank God things have moved on! The custom of the bride’s father ‘giving her’ to the groom was symbolic that she was no longer in her father’s possession, but now belonged to her new husband. Today, it’s more of a nod to the passing over of the bride’s reliability on her father for guidance and support through life, to her spouse.

Photo: axl photography

5) Best Man

Probably better referred to as ‘wing man’ nowadays! Once the supply of local women had run dry, in German villages the groom would select a male companion to help him search for a suitor in another community. The ‘best man’ for the job would then stand guard with the groom at the wedding; ensuring that the bride wasn’t recaptured by her family!

6) Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

The groomsmen served a similar role to the best man, in fighting off the bride’s family if they attempted to claim her back! Bridesmaids - and the maid or matron of honour - posed a much less violent role: helping the bride dress, decorating the ceremony location and ensuring the bride’s bouquet was ready.

Both sides of the bridal party dressed in a very similar way to the bride and groom - with the bridesmaids wearing white - so that any disruptor to the wedding would be confused as to who was getting married!

7) The Bride’s Garter

Not something many brides would be keen on these days…the bride and groom used to have their guests follow them to their bedroom in order to put them to bed! Guests would fight over the bride’s dress, and so the garter was introduced in order for them to have something else to take! Imagine a rabble fighting over your Enzoani gown - no thanks!

8) The Ring Finger

Have you ever considered why the ring finger is actually the finger we wear our wedding rings on? Out of all bridal traditions, it probably has the sweetest meaning - the Ancient Romans believed that the vein in this finger lead directly to the heart, thus linking the importance of the ring with the couple’s undying love. Aww!

9) Confetti

Confetti as we know it isn’t the confetti of old! Traditionally, it was rice and grains that were thrown over the newly married couple to promote good health and fertility. Perhaps some eye-related injuries prompted a change to paper- or flower-based options?!

10) Over The Threshold

Far from being a lazy or tired bride (we know the struggle!), carrying over the threshold stemmed from when the brides were physically taken away to be married, so the groom was required to pick them up! This diversified over the years, and it then became a symbol of demureness to hesitate before entering the bridal suite - the husband then being forced to carry his new bride into the room to ‘seal the deal’!

Everything but the Dress: Let Your Shoes Shine

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One of the most common questions we are asked is “what type of shoes am I best to wear with my wedding dress?” The truth is, it’s completely up to you!

If you’re rarely seen out of stilettos, it’s unlikely you’re going to swap your style for a relaxed pair of flats or trainers on your big day: so go with your typical look, and build on it!

The beauty of YOUR wedding day is that you can wear whatever the hell you like, and nobody can bat an eyelid. Bright pink platforms with diamanté ankle straps? Go for it. Beachy vibe rattan wedges? Bring ‘em on.

Similarly, if the thought of slipping into a pair of sky-high Jimmy Choos fills you with more pre-wedding stress than you need, don’t sweat it. The rising popularity of laid-back, boho style weddings has made heel-less brides breathe a sigh of relief. Customised Converse, personalised flip flops and even pretty barefoot looks have been sweeping their way down aisles worldwide; meaning the realm of bridal footwear has never been more diverse.

The only major thing to take into consideration when choosing your footwear is ensuring your dress still sits comfortably when you’re wearing them - or not wearing them! Deciding to wear 6-inchers, and then swapping at the last minute to kitten heels could mean your altered length is now too long, so try and decide well before your dress alterations - or make sure you’re happy lifting your dress to walk around once they come off!

Take a look at some of our favourite shoes for brides, no matter your style (or budget!).

The Shiny One

Rosalind Iridescent - Sophia Webster £325

 
 

The Block Heeled One

Kianni - Carvela at Kurt Geiger £79

 
 

The Customisable One

Frilly Thrills - Wedding Converse £105

The Gold One

Halo Champagne - Freya Rose £197.50 (half price!)

The One Under £50

Raid Avalyn - Zalando £37.99

 
 

The Cinderella One

Anilla 100 - Jimmy Choo £2,995

The Dyeable One

Ella - Lace and Favour £99

The Ridiculously Sparkly on a Budget One

#190325 - JJs House £58

Prices correct at 29/08/19

Hot Off The Dress!

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“2020 is ages away,” we said. “We have to wait sooooo long for the new dresses to come in!” we said. How wrong were we?!

Twice in the past few weeks, you may have heard faint squeals of delight coming from the streets of Colchester. That was us; opening our latest deliveries from Enzoani and realising that the 2020 Collection is arriving sooner than we anticipated!

Mai

First up is the show-stopper ‘Mai’ - if you fancy having two dresses for your big day, but can’t justify the expense (or having to explain to your future husband why an outfit change definitely isn’t ‘too Mariah Carey’), this could be the perfect solution.

Gorgeous 3D floral motifs and the most exquisite sequined tulle take centre stage in this mermaid turned A-line gown. This two-in-one gown features a detachable train to go from ceremony to reception ready within seconds. A low V-back and crystal buttons finish this look for final feminine touches. Mai has been flying off the rails since Billie Faiers’ wedding to Greg Shepherd earlier this year, where she wore a similar design.

A sultry mermaid gown AND a princessy A-line, all in one dress? Thank you, Enzoani gods.

Marquise

If you’re looking for something with the right mix of elegance and extravagance, Marquise may be the one.

Alluring lace illusion panels on the sides are sure to highlight your figure. Lace is carefully placed on the sweetheart neckline as it trails to the thigh. An alluring, low illusion back finishes the look with covered buttons cascading to the train's hem.

If you’re torn between sleeves or no sleeves, this illusion design with off-shoulder appliqués could be the decider.

Monika

We love our unusual dresses here at MiliMili, and whilst you could be forgiven for thinking Monika may be one of the most simple dresses available from Enzoani’s usually eclectic designs; think again.

Sweet and elegant, this crepe mermaid gown stands on its own. But add a modern touch with its gorgeous lace-trimmed cape, and you’ll find yourself the perfect dose of dramatic flair. Dress this look up or down, either way guests are sure to be wowed.

Not keen on a veil, but love the added romance and length of the accessory? Monika and her cape give that traditional bridal look a 21st century update.

Click here to be one of the first to try on these three beautiful designs, or any of our other stunning gowns in the boutique.

Everything but the Dress: All in the Detail

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Picture this: you’ve tried on in excess of 30 dresses, and not a single one feels like ‘the one’: with every gown being ‘perfect, if only it had more detail/the front was higher/the train was longer’… Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever seen an episode of Say Yes to The Dress, you’ll spot the moment they add delicate lace sleeves, a sash, or glitzy belt to a bride-to-be’s look, in order to sway her (or more often, her mother!) from a ‘maybe’, to a definitive ‘YES’.

Many brides aren’t aware of the vast amount of changes or adaptations that can be made to a dress to make it perfect. As a very basic start, almost all of the dresses from our most popular designer Enzoani can be ordered in various colour ways - so whether you want ivory tulle over sand lining, or a classic ivory/ivory combination, you can customise the colour to suit your style.

Here’s a selection of the alterations that can be made in-house here at MiliMili*; leaving you safe in the knowledge that any of our dresses can be your ‘one’.

katerina with added sleeves. photo: stillwhite

Sleeves

As exampled by this gorgeous bride, wearing a Blue by Enzoani ‘Katerina’, sleeves can completely change the upper half of a dress. If you’re top-heavy, or broad shouldered, a strapless dress might be your dream, but may not be the most flattering silhouette - adding some delicate material to create Bardot-style sleeves can add give you the balance you need to pull it off!

If you’re getting married in a cooler climate, how about opting for long, lace sleeves for an extra touch of elegance? The beautiful ‘Nicolette’ can be ordered both without or without these full-length sleeves (the design alters very slightly between the two) - and this type of look can be created with any almost any of our dresses by our seamstress Alina, so you can always decide at a later date.

We can also remove or shorten existing sleeves (dependent on dress design). So whatever the weather, you can rest assured we’ve got your arms covered! (Or not.)

nicolette a (without sleeves)

nicolette B (with sleeves)

Lining

Many dresses come with an unlined or lined option - but it’s hard to envisage what an unlined dress looks like with the lining already in place! That’s why we tend to have unlined versions for our samples - giving you the flexibility to explore lining, if you feel that’s what you would prefer.

Lining colour can be chosen to match or contrast the outer layer of the dress - a darker lining can really make lace detail pop!

Embellishment

If you’ve found your dream dress, but it lacks that tiny bit of ‘wow’ factor, there is a world of options at your disposal. Diamanté, pearl, button, bead…you name it, it can probably be added! Perhaps a scattering of crystals down the train, or some soft floral appliqués on the bust, will complete your ideal bridal look.

Belt

We have a gorgeous selection of belts in store, designed and made by Alina and starting from £115. She can also create bespoke designs - so if your dress has pearl or floral embellishments that you want to build on, Alina can design something perfectly unique.

A belt can really accentuate an hourglass figure; drawing the eye to the waist, and also adds a glamorous finish to a simple dress - as shown by the rose gold Charlie Brear ‘Corello’ belt (£275 - styled with Camise dress and Voulaire overskirt)

charlie brear

belts by alina

Standard alterations

And of course, we can alter your dress in any way you need. Whether it’s shortening the train, nipping in the waist, or adding a bustle hook so you can dance the night away with ease; you can count on us to tailor your dress to perfection.

To book your bridal appointment at our boutique, click here or call us on 01206 616368.

*most alterations are made by our incredibly talented seamstress Alina, however they are dependent on the material. design and structure of the dress. Some larger alterations or adaptations to design are undertaken by the designer themselves whilst your dress is being created.

Prices correct at 8th August 2019.