We get up close and personal with this interview with Toronto-based leading Canadian bridal fashion designer Christopher Paunil. Here, Paunil shares his favourite tips for brides.

Christopher Paunil’s gowns are available at Kleinfeld at Hudson’s Bay Queen Street in Toronto

Do you have some tips for the 2015 Summer Bride?

My number one tip for any bride any year is this:

When shopping for a wedding gown, take ONE close friend or someone who knows you really well and whose opinion you value. Leave the entourage at home, because all it takes is 1 negative opinion out of a sea of positive ones to sway your decision. The bride needs to love her dress more than anyone else.

Should brides buy from sample sales?

Brides should definitely buy from sample sales. Not all brides have a budget of a Hollywood A-lister, but when a designer gown goes on sale for sometimes up to 80 per cent off retail or more, one can never go wrong!

What advice do you have for a bride with a train?

Make sure when you purchase your gown that there is an option to bustle the train, or have one put in. Or have someone stand behind you guarding your train all night at your wedding.

Which shade of white is the most flattering for a wedding dress?

Off-white looks great on most skin tones. Too white (which I like to call “radioactive” white) can sometimes be too harsh, in my opinion.

Any question you wish more brides would ask?

“If I pay you $10,000 to zip me into my dress on my wedding day, would you?”  My response would obviously be “What time should I be there?”

NOTE:  A gown by Christopher Paunil will be featured at this year’s White Cashmere event, to be held in September of this year.

Image courtesy of Christopher Paunil