The Bijou Bride is proud to present a Wedding Wonderland on Sunday 6th November 2011. 11.30am – 4.30pm

Housed in the prestigious St Albans Old Town Hall, a neo-classical Grade II listed building designed by George Smith in 1830, it is set to be Hertfordshire’s most unique wedding fair.

Conceived by wedding event and fashion stylist Alexandra at The Bijou Bride to offer brides and grooms a one of a kind wedding fair experience. For one day only Alexandra will be converting this iconic landmark building in the centre of bustling St Albans into a true Wedding Wonderland, expect touches of Narnia and Wonderland magic.

The fair will showcase only the most extraordinary and stylish wedding suppliers as well as the Old Town Hall itself, an exceptional Hertfordshire wedding venue.

I am absolutely loving new online retailer Kitty & Dulcie, they stock a fantastic range of wedding dresses ant amazing prices!! Launched by Kirstie Taylor (the creative designer behind Flo & Percy) and beauty writer Shelley Carter-Bright. The girls have teamed up to create the most gorgeous collection of vintage inspired wedding dresses at prices that the majority of us can actually afford!

As they are an online boutique they have no costly overheads of running a retail store therefore being able to pass on the savings to their customers. Any alterations that are necessary can simply be made by a recommended local seamstress.

The girls are very happy to answer any questions you may have about the dresses or give you advice on picking the right dress for you.

All their dresses are beautifully packaged in a pink box with acid free tissue paper, a padded satin hanger and a secure mailing bag.

Dresses start from £250, view all 5 gorgeous designs on their website www.kittyanddulcie.com

Creating an aspirational world of delicate sentiment, youthful sophistication and exquisite craftsmanship, Vera Wang has brought bridal wear into the forefront of style with her artisanal creations. Learning her art at multiple academies, Wang (the youngest ever fashion editor in the history of American Vogue) moved to direct Ralph Lauren before opening her first Madison Avenue store and in 2005 won ‘Womenswear Designer of the Year’. Poetic drapery, eloquent details and a pronounced silhouette mark Vera Wang’s wedding dresses with that undeniable allure. Vera Wang is undoubtedly the worlds most renowned Bridal designer.

There is £30 charge for all trunk show appointments – redeemable against the purchase of a gown

To book an appointment email verawang@brownsfashion.com or call 0207 514 0090

Vivienne Westwood’s latest Couture and Bridal collections will be presented at the premium-wedding event “The Luxury Wedding Show London”, hosted at the Saatchi Gallery on 22-23 October 2011.

For this latest bespoke Couture and Bridal Collection, Vivienne Westwood has extended the collection up to 20 styles, whilst remaining faithful to her strong belief that femininity ought to be celebrated. The tailoring, corsetry, crinoline, and soft lines of this collection all enhance the feminine silhouette. There are silk satins, georgette and chiffon for the draped and slinky styles, silk duchess and taffetas for the gowns, and embroidery, lace, tulle and sequins all to enhance the couture styles. The collection is romantic yet strong with the colour palette ranging from white, soft ivories, champagne, dusty pinks, gold, to a sumptuous red. The Westwood bride is an independent woman and this is reflected in the collection.

Within her couture flagship store, 6 Davies Street, London, Vivienne Westwood’s world renowned Couture Team provide a bespoke service to all clients varying demands. Signature pieces such as the iconic corsets, as well as items from her latest Gold Label collections are all available to buy and made to measure. Each individual design reflects the original tailoring of signature Westwood designs.

Belle & Bunty’s debut Bridal collection, which launched at the end of 2010, was met with a tremendous response. In keeping with the vintage-style elegance and effortless glamour of the collection, the new styles comprise four brand new silhouettes and two variations on the bestselling Willow and Primrose styles.

These new pieces are key additions to the collection, offering brides a wider selection and variety of looks while upholding the quality and craftsmanship at the heart of the collection; made in pure silk, exclusively in the UK with handmade detailing.

The Elsie Dress holds an easy elegance with its Silk Georgette draped cowl neck, centre front and back godet inserts, finished with two delicate silk roses drawing attention to the waist and a subtle keyhole back with self rouleau ties. In Silk Morrocain, the Petal Dress offers a sexy take on the column dress, the understated fitted lines of the front are offset with layered petal detailing at the shoulders leading to a low scooped back. The Steeple Dress features a cut-out back and slim fitting a-line skirt, the contrast between Silk Satin and Silk Crepe accentuates the bust and neckline, finished with a double ruffle detail at the shoulder. In slinky and luxurious Silk Jersey, the empire line style of The Rubies sits as a stunning destination dress, with twisted rope detailing along the neckline and straps, the fit and flare paneled skirt creates long sculptural lines flowing to a long train at the back. The Beaded Primrose Dress is an embellished alternative to the plain silk version, in Silk Crepe and with Crinkle Silk Chiffon sleeves, this style has delicate hand beading over the bust and back. The Lace Willow adds a striking half French Lace overlay to the classic Willow style, with delicate sheer lace flutter sleeves, pearl beaded detailing at the neckline and a lace keyhole back.
Read on…

Luellas Boudoir have announced their exciting collaboration with New York based wedding dress designer Jessica Fontaine. Her stunning gowns will now form one of the designer ranges in their boudoir, as they become her exclusive UK stockist.

Jessica Fontaine originally hails from New Zealand and having trained in London for five years, then worked at the forefront of Australian and New Zealand bridal design for five years, she now lives and works in New York. Her Spring 2012 collection debuted at New York International Bridal Week in April and is going to be available in store from the 25th October 2011.

Jessica Fontaine’s designs are intertwined lace and flowing silk pieces with intricate diamante detailing and needlework. A series of bows and crystal inlaid belts accentuate the figure, whilst the flowing silk provides length and elegance. At points Jessica uses lace as an enchanting overlay to the silk; creating a series of intricate and individual pieces. With both empire and waist line designs, strapless to covered necklines, and many different material combinations these designs provide the range and fluidity to collaborate with any brides imagination and create your perfect dress

Luellas Boudoir will be showcasing her latest designs at the Luxury Wedding Show

This October, Ice the Cake are doing it again! After the enormous success of their Charity Wedding Fayre at the Thame Barns Centre in June they are now running another fabulous event this time at The Spread Eagle Hotel, Cornmarket, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 2BW. The date for your diary is Sunday 9th October and the doors will open at 10.30am and close at 3pm.

Something Old’ – lovingly donated items from previous weddings for you to purchase on the day. ‘Something New’ – they have a wonderful variety of carefully selected friendly, local wedding suppliers exhibiting. ‘Something Borrowed’ – an area for you to share ideas as well as items for hire. Finally ‘Something Blue’ – you’ll find inspiration for your something blue throughout the fayre. With a wide variety of exhibitors and many interactive elements to the event including ‘live’ demonstrations from Xcelerate Fitness & Make-up Artist Caroline Delmonte we aim to create a fabulous experience for the entire Wedding Party. Read on…

An exclusive range of brand new designs from leading luxury bridal designer Caroline Castigliano will be available from the beginning of October.

A selection of gowns from the exquisite 2012 collection will be delivered into Caroline Castigliano boutiques next week, giving brides the chance to be the very first to wear exclusive Caroline Castigliano designs.

A number of independent bridal boutiques in areas across the UK, including Cheshire, Hampshire and Staffordshire, will also stock a selection of the new designs. This is the first time ever that the highly coveted designer has been available outside of her own boutiques, giving more brides the exciting opportunity to wear a dream Castigliano gown.

The new designs all reflect Caroline Castigliano’s signature of a silhouette, which is unquestionably feminine and effortlessly elegant. All of the gowns are silk and are meticulously handcrafted in the UK for a flawless result. Read on…