This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on August 10, 2016 with David Emanuel from TLC’s Say Yes To The Dress. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

David Emanuel

David Emanuel creations are worn by: Madonna; H.R.H. The Princess Royal; Mrs Michael Caine; Joan Collins; Faye Dunaway; Jane Seymour; H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent; Lady Lloyd Webber; Ivana Trump and Elizabeth Taylor, to name but a few….

In 1981 came the privileged commission of a lifetime. That of co-designing the wedding gown for H.R.H. The Princess of Wales, watched by an estimated 750 million people worldwide and entering him into the history books for eternity and instantly making him a household name.

See more information at www.davidemanuel.com .

 

Q1: How did you get involved with designing dresses? 

Answer:

David Emanuel: I loved art from a young age and my sketching led me to college, which led to placements at a design house.

 

Q2: How did you meet Lady Diana Spencer?

Answer:

David Emanuel: Initially through Vogue. They were doing a shoot with her in preparation for her engagement photos. We met after she wore a pink silk blouse I’d designed – it became one of the official engagement pics.

 

Q3: What did Lady Diana want in a wedding dress?

Answer:

David Emanuel: It was a combination of the three of us (myself, Elizabeth my ex-wife and Diana) trying on bodices. Then working out a silhouette and realizing the gown had to be grand but young. She was a young bride!

 

Q4: What is your favorite memory of Princess Diana’s wedding day?

Answer:

David Emanuel: The moment she walked down the red carpet of St. Paul’s and her train rippled over the stairs like water.

 

Q5: How did Say Yes To The Dress UK come about?

Answer:

David Emanuel: TLC called – I was huge fan of the American #SYTTD already, so I said YES to the UK version immediately.

 

Q6: What’s it like to be part of the British version of Say Yes To The Dress?

Answer:

David Emanuel: Wonderful. I get to offer advice and expertise, and help a bride find the dress of her dreams on Say Yes To The Dress.  What’s exciting is that you never know who is going to come through the door next and every bride has a story.

 

Q7: What should we see in the first episode of Say Yes To The Dress this Friday?

Answer:

David Emanuel: Say Yes To The Dress promises drama and fun! Everyone has an opinion, but the bride is and should be the star. We’ve had cruel comments and a bride reduced to tears. Honestly, you will watch one and be hooked! You’ll see us doing our job and helping a bride get the right dress – for her – not anyone else.

 

Q8: Is there a certain style of gown that brides are really into this year?

Answer:

David Emanuel: Fishtail is hot, but isn’t for every shape/size.I believe in wearing the gown, not the gown wearing you

 

Q9: Will you be singing to any brides in Say Yes To The Dress?

Answer:

David Emanuel:  I love to sing! After selecting dress after dress, you sometimes feel like ‘I Will Survive’ is appropriate.

@JulieAlbaugh LOL Is there a certain type of music that you like to sing?

David Emanuel:  I mostly sing easy listening numbers, Matt Monroe and Andy Williams, I do charity events in the US.

@JulieAlbaugh What types of charity events do you do in the US?

David Emanuel:  I’ve supported black-tie events for the Red Cross and for the Richmond ballet and museum (too many to mention).

 

Q10: Is there a big price difference between gowns sold in the US compared to the UK?

Answer:

David Emanuel:  I think the gowns on the UK show are more affordable. Brides seem keen to make it more about the look, not price.

 

Q11: How can brides be considered to be in the show?

Answer:

David Emanuel:  TLC did a big recruitment drive and cast at The Wedding Fair, brides could also apply online. It was great to get out and meet some brides-to-be and hear their stories.

 

Q12: How can they watch Say Yes To The Dress in the UK?

Answer:

David Emanuel: Say Yes To The Dress starts this Friday, 9pm on TLC in the UK and we’re hopeful you can enjoy in the US soon. I’m excited.

 

Q13: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat?

Answer:

David Emanuel: There’s a dress out there for everyone. Don’t be afraid of looking at styles you wouldn’t normally consider. Have confidence and don’t doubt yourself. You are wearing the dress, so make sure it’s right for you.

 

Questions From #WeddingMarket Audience 

@VSIEvents: Any tips planners can give brides?

Answer:

David Emanuel:  Plan a good timetable, get ready to make decisions and stick to your budget.

 

@TLCUK What’s next in bridal fashion? Will the puff sleeves make a comeback?

Answer:

David Emanuel: Who knows!? Fashion always repeats itself. Bring back romance I say.

 

@WIGInsurance What is your favorite wedding venue in the UK? (Apart from Westminster of course!)

Answer:

David Emanuel:  I’ve just done a bride who is getting married in Windsor castle (weekend home of Home Of The Queen).