Kiwi designer Trish Peng knows a thing or two about weddings.
The Auckland-born couture evening and bridal gown designer has made wedding dresses for the stars, including Sweet Valley High star Brittany Daniel and OC alum Kristin Cavallari.
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But she didn't always intend to go that way. While studying at Whitecliffe College, Peng was making custom evening and ball dresses, and started getting requests for wedding gowns.
"I thought, 'it's just a white version right'?" she told Newshub.
"I realised there was a lot more to it with the workmanship and detail involved. I fell in love with the industry and decided to focus on designing custom wedding dresses for clients."
Peng splits her time between Los Angeles and New Zealand, and says the "Beverly Hills clients can be hard work".
"I love working with New Zealand brides as they are so relaxed and respectful," she added.
"LA brides like the drama whether [its] big poofy dress or more embellishments. New Zealand brides are more classic, modern and understated."
For those planning their own upcoming weddings, (or just daydreaming about 'someday') Peng has some tips for choosing your dream dress:
- Start early: We usually recommend starting your dress search at least 8 months before your wedding.
- Helpers: Bring maximum three guests or you'll be overwhelmed with opinions. Take a trusted family member and/or friend to help, but then have confidence in your choice. Your gut instinct is usually correct.
- Keep an open mind: Be open-minded and try every style at least once. Many of my brides end up with a gown that is very different than what they initially thought they would have chosen.
- Get inspired: Hop on Pinterest, Instagram and look through wedding magazines so you have an idea of what you like and what you don't.
- Go bespoke: Custom is always a great option as the dress is made unique to you, to fit you.
And if you're thinking about asking Peng, she has one thing she hates:
"Black wedding dresses! I'm all about making different coloured dresses but I find black wedding dresses a bit too gothic for a wedding dress."
You've been warned. Maybe go red instead, like this record breaking number of Peng's:
Newshub.
