The Theme's The Thing
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday July 17, 2001
WHEN it comes to carrying a theme through your entire wedding, it is often best to consult with professionals who network well with each other.
Sebastian Gowns Bridal Coutre and Sebastian Gowns Venue Designs, run by sisters Irene Ibasco and Ivy Gueco, are designed to do just that.
Ms Ibasco impressed guests at the 14th Illawarra Mercury Bridal Expo in May with her stunning designs, developed from years of working in the fashion industry.
And now, to the advantage of women in the Illawarra, the designer has opened her own business, exclusively for brides.
``I have been in the fashion industry ever since I left school," Ms Ibasco said.
``But after seven years I have decided to come back to Wollongong."
Ms Ibasco said it had been a lifelong ambition to dedicate her skills to making brides look beautiful.
``While many brides are moving away from white and leaning more towards directional colours like champagne and oyster, traditional white will always be here," she said.
It was just as difficult to say that there was a strong fashion in gowns.
``It depends on the individual customer," she said.
``Some like to go all out and have a full-beaded gown. Others like simplicity."
How the theme develops from the colours chosen by the bride for her attendants is based on consultation.
``We meet with the customer, ask them what they want and talk through ideas," she said.
The sisters believe that it is essential not to impose their ideas on the bride, but ensure it is the bride's character and personality that take precedence at the wedding.
While they have hundreds of ideas and suggestions, they prefer to consult extensively with the bride to ensure she can achieve her dream wedding.
The two sisters working together also means that decisions made regarding the gown, bridesmaids and flowergirls can be teamed with the colours for the mothers of the bride and groom as well as the ceremony and reception.
``This is a really complementary service," Ms Gueco said.
```We can do everything a bride would like to create her theme."
Flowers, reception decoration, draping and other concepts for decorating a venue are included in a catalogue, or clients can meet Ms Gueco and Ms Ibasco seven days a week.
``We want a bride's personality and style to shine," Ms Gueco said.
``Brides also want value for money and quality workmanship."
This can be done through the floral arrangements, urns and pedestals, backdrops and draping.
The service also coordinates theme weddings, venue quotations, musicians and disc jockeys, entertainers, master of ceremonies, catering, hair and beauty, jewellery and tiaras, car hire, balloons, fireworks, honeymoon arrangements and engagement parties.
Brides who have their gowns designed by Ms Ibasco are also given a discount on their venue design.
© 2001 Illawarra Mercury
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