Meet Kristina – The Styling Expert Who Helps Transform Your Wedding Dress
Kristina brings a lovely balance to the styling suites at Pearls & Lace — super organised, upbeat and full of positive energy, while also being incredibly caring and attentive to every bride she works with.
Kristina is what we affectionately call our “technical girly.” When it comes to understanding how a wedding dress is constructed and how it can be adapted to suit a bride’s vision, she is our absolute go-to.
Before joining the styling team, Kristina worked as an alterations assistant, which means she has a fantastic knowledge of wedding dress structure and the many ways a dress can be modified or styled.
For brides, this expertise is invaluable. Kristina loves working through a bride’s ideas, exploring the possibilities and helping bring their vision to life. Whether it’s discussing neckline adjustments, adding sleeves, reshaping a silhouette or suggesting subtle styling changes, she understands exactly what can be done to transform a wedding dress.
But alongside her technical knowledge, Kristina is also incredibly warm and supportive with her brides. She has a natural way of making appointments feel relaxed and fun, while still being focused on finding the perfect wedding dress.
Brides often comment on how comfortable and confident they feel in her care. One recent Pearls & lace bride shared:
“I cannot recommend Pearls and Lace enough! Kristina helped me find my dream dress back in October. She knew exactly what I wanted and what suited me even when I didn’t.”
Another bride said:
“I went here for my first ever dress fitting and me and my group had a great time. Thank you Kristina for making me feel comfortable and beautiful.”
Kristina genuinely loves working closely with brides to make their dream wedding dress a reality. With her mix of technical knowledge, organisation, positivity and care, she helps brides see the full potential of every gown — and ensures they leave feeling excited, confident and completely themselves.
It’s exactly why she was the perfect person to share her advice in this blog about the little styling fixes that can make a big impact.
Small Styling Changes That Can Transform Your Wedding Dress
One of the things brides often say during their appointment is,
“I love it… but I’m not sure about this part.”
The good news is that when it comes to your wedding dress, small changes can make a huge difference. Many gowns can be styled, adjusted or accessorised in ways that completely transform the overall look.
Many brides ask us, “Can you change parts of a wedding dress?” — and the answer is almost always yes.
As bridal stylists, we look beyond the dress exactly as it is on the hanger. We’re always thinking about how your wedding dress will look on your wedding day, once it’s been fitted to your body and styled with the right finishing touches.
Here are some of the little styling fixes we often suggest to brides that create a surprisingly big impact.
The Power of Straps on a Wedding Dress
Straps can completely change the look and feel of a wedding dress.
If a bride loves the dress but feels slightly unsure about a strapless neckline, adding delicate straps can make the wedding dress feel more comfortable and secure. Straps can also soften the look of a structured bodice and create beautiful balance across the shoulders.
Some popular options include:
- Fine spaghetti straps
- Pearl or beaded straps
- Lace straps
- Soft off-the-shoulder sleeves
It’s a small change, but it can make a bride feel instantly more confident in her wedding dress.
Defining the Waist of Your Wedding Dress
Sometimes a bride loves the fabric and shape of a wedding dress but wants a little more definition at the waist.
A simple styling trick is adding a delicate belt or subtle waist detail. This can highlight the waistline, create shape and add a beautiful focal point.
Even a very subtle detail – such as a fine pearl belt or delicate embellishment – can help bring the whole wedding dress look together.
Wedding Dress Alterations That Refine the Fit
One of the biggest things brides forget is that your wedding dress will be tailored to you.
During your appointment, dresses are often clipped or pinned to give an idea of how they will fit once altered. After alterations, your wedding dress will sit perfectly to your shape.
Small tailoring adjustments can include:
- Raising or lowering a neckline
- Adjusting straps
- Refining the waist fit
- Shortening a train or hemline
These little refinements can make a wedding dress feel completely custom and designed just for you.
The Right Accessories Complete Your Wedding Dress
Accessories are often the final piece of the puzzle.
A wedding dress can feel very different once it’s styled with the right veil, jewellery or hair accessories. Sometimes a bride isn’t completely sure about a dress until she sees the full bridal look come together.
A dramatic cathedral veil, delicate pearl earrings or a soft hairpiece can elevate the entire wedding dress without changing the dress itself.
Trust the Process When Choosing Your Wedding Dress
Finding your wedding dress is a journey, and sometimes it takes a little imagination.
In the boutique, we’re always thinking about how small styling changes could elevate a gown. A tiny adjustment, a thoughtful accessory or a clever styling idea can completely transform how a wedding dress feels.
So if you fall in love with a dress but feel unsure about a small detail, don’t worry — sometimes the smallest changes create the biggest impact.
And that’s where your bridal stylist comes in. Book your 90min bridal appointment complete with your own stylist here.
