Most brides seem to fit fairly well into one of seven categories.There’s the minimalist, the sensualist, the sophisiticate, the romantic bride, the glamorous bride, the contemporary bride, the destination bride and the organic bride. One of SA’s top designers, Jozi-based Spero Villioti, conjures up magical gowns that cater for almost every bridal fantasy.

Spero Villioti

Villiotti, the child of Greek and Italian parents, was brought up in South Africa. At the age of 17, he relocated to Greece to pursue fashion design studies. Three years later he moved to London, where he graduated from the the London School of Fashion with distinction.

After working at fashion house Frank Usher for five years, and with numerous awards to his name, Villioti decided to return to SA to start his own label. The rest, as they say, is history ...

Today, Villioti operates from a plush Hyde Park design studio in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs. His studio walls, plastered with photos, bear testimony to the many local and international celebrities who are fans of his glamorous style. He has become a regular highlight of Audi Fashion Week and is instrumental in moulding young design talent through his Elite Design Academy.

Villioti sums up the unique appeal of South African haute couture: “The fact is that these women know that one can buy a Versace gown or a Gucci dress anywhere in the world, but if you get a couture dress in South Africa it will be one of a kind.”

On the subject of bridal style, Villioti is emphatic that “a wedding gown represents far more than a dress”.

“It’s the personification of a dream, the tangible evidence coming to fruition. Needless to say, choosing a wedding dress is no small feat. A bride should consider wearing something that reflects who she is, a dress that embodies her individuality. The right dress will convey a distinct message of elegance, beauty and poise. The right dress will nurture the beauty already found in a bride, and bring it to conclusion. The right dress will say: ‘This is the true beauty of my bride.’ ”

Bridal styles

The Minimalist

Simplicity is your middle name – from the sleek lines of an iPod to the pleasures of a perfectly cut white shirt, your personal style is easy and unadorned. Detail-oriented and down-to-earth, you bring order to all around you. The sounding board for friends and the go-to-girl at work, you’re capable, rational, and precise. But don’t sell yourself short – you radiate true beauty through straightforward communication and a soothing demeanour. There’s nothing pared-down about your passion for detail or your love of real honest living.
Avoid: Oversized baubles, multi-course meals, vanity plates.
Crave: A class in Zen flower arrangement, a stack of plain silver bracelets, an iPhone.

The Sensualist

Sexy and seductive, you’re governed by the five senses, which you shamelessly indulge with extravagant sights, luscious textures, and romantic meals. You’re at your peak when indulging in a decadent meal, sharing a passionate embrace, or blissing out in a tub spiked with exotic oils. More champagne and truffles than tea and scones, you bring a sense of luxury and passion to everything you do. From your fabulously overdone signature to your penchant for drama, you don’t believe in half measures.
Avoid: Stainless steel, low-fat anything, torturous spin classes.
Crave: A Mediterranean wine cruise, a full-body massage, a seductive flacon of hand-mixed perfume.

The Organic

Your home is the true centre of your life, and you decorate it with a flea-market sensibility and sustainable style. Obsessed with comfort and ease, you’re more likely to opt for a midnight hike than a crowded bar. You’re the person who brings incredible homemade cookies to a friend in distress and serves the perfect cup of tea in a fabulous vintage mug. From your eclectic personal style to your open, giving nature, you’re the personification of honest ease.
Avoid: Stinky subways, traffic, uncomfortable high heels.
Crave: Fair-trade dark chocolate, a weekend in the mountains, a treasure-finding trip to your favourite vintage boutique.

The Sophisticate

Fashion is your middle name, and urbane luxury is your game. A world traveller, you can hold your own in a boardroom or a boutique. Your fresh, fun approach to life means that you infuse some oomph in everything you pursue. From updating a classic cashmere sweater with a modern piece of jewellery to surprising a friend with a perfectly arranged bouquet of her favourite flowers, you’re classy and sassy.
Avoid: Boring take-out dinners, sports bars, people who don’t write thank-you notes.
Crave: Sophisticated style and glamour.

The Romantic

Have you been waiting all your life for your knight in shining armour to arrive on a white horse to sweep you off your feet? Have you finally found your Prince Charming? Have you been daydreaming about your wedding day and all the details since you were a little girl? Do you want your day to be dreamy and soft? While you want your day to be silently beautiful, you still would love to have the grand entrance down an aisle of rose petals. You are The Romantic Bride.
Avoid: Bright colours that leave a strong statement!
Crave: Anything with old-world charm will work wonders for your overall look. Think medieval.

The Glamorous Bride

How can you tell if you are a glamour bride? Do you read People magazine each week to find out what your favourite movie stars are currently up to? Were you on Jen’s side when Brad left her? When you envision your wedding do you see thousands of roses, crisp white linens, and high ceilings all in an elegant hotel? If this sounds like you, then you are The Glamorous Bride.
Avoid: Having a small bouquet.
Crave: Glitzy jewellery.

The Contemporary Bride

Do you envisage your wedding in a hip new location? Do you frequent the trendy nightclubs? Does vibrant colour make its way into your home? You must be the social butterfly within your group who knows what is going on with everyone else! When you got engaged did you envision yourself with a wedding that is like no other? You are the Modern Bride.
Avoid: Traditional norms
Crave: Geometric shapes and monochromatic colour scheme.

The Destination Bride

Have you visited somewhere tropical with sugar-white sand that you just loved? Does the sun beating on your back make you smile? Do you enjoy lying out on the beach sipping a margarita while watching the sunset? When you are walking barefoot through the sand with the waves crashing at your feet do you feel at peace? Do you picture your wedding day to have breathtaking ocean views, sand under your guests' feet and a comfortable flowing dress?
If you can relate to these things, then you are definitely The Destination Bride!
Avoid: High heels
Crave: Barefoot to really feel that relaxing vibe