Hello lovely readers, it’s most definitely wedding season right now and after my years as a wedding planner, I still can’t get enough of beautiful wedding dresses. I also know that I’m not alone in my adoration, so today I’m taking a look back at Barcelona Bridal Week (which I featured back in May) and showcasing some more designs for 2016 specifically for those of you are looking for your dream dress for next year.

Yolan Cris (above and below) is a name you might not know but should absolutely be on your bridal radar. Whilst I might not recommend a super-sheer gown for a traditional wedding (like above), the design of the gown really is something special and I love that such daring gowns appeared on the catwalk. To me, this is a sign of how far bridal fashion has come of late and how innovative designers are becoming. However, there are plenty of wearable gowns in this collection from hi-low hemmed designs to fabulous separates and amazing halter-necked gowns with pleated skirts. It’s such a treat to see unusual fabrics and patterns gracing the shows and Yolan Cris does this better than anyone.

Barcelona Bridal Week 2016

Barcelona Bridal Week 2016

The always-elegant Pronovias label took things up a notch with their new collection. Yes, the sophistication is still there in abundance but there’s also a bit of an edge to these new designs that make them perfect for the modern, fashion conscious bride. Bridal capes and from-the-waist trains were very much in evidence and I predict these will be incredibly popular over the coming months. There were also plenty of designer touches that also caught my eye in this collection from pocketed skirts and low, jeweled backed gowns to asymmetric sleeves and three-dimensional, botanically inspired necklines.

Barcelona Bridal Week 2016

Justin Alexander has long been known for his Princess Bride style gowns but the new collection dropped a little bit of the sugary sweetness and brought more than a touch of confident sex appeal to the Barcelona catwalk. Those deep, dramatic necklines and illusion backs are so current whilst the column gowns and those with patterned layered skirts also make me sigh with happiness. Of course, the traditional ballgown styles and cute tea length dresses are still in the collection but it’s the new designs that step away from the traditional Justin Alexander look.

Barcelona Bridal Week 2016

Finally, Jesus Peiro is a brand that has become increasingly popular in recent years and with good reason. The newest collection, which debuted in Barcelona, is sure to win this Spanish label even more fans around the world. Richly textured fabrics, full skirts, innovative necklines and stunning detailing were all on show and I loved the delicate, laces that overlaid skirts and bodices. Jesus Peiro isn’t afraid to be a bit different and, in the sometimes cookie-cutter world of bridal, that should be celebrated. Feather-covered bodices, separates in clashing fabrics, sequined covered gowns and some fierce monochrome designs all put Jesus Peiro’s latest collection on a whole new level.

Barcelona Bridal Week 2016

So which one of these are your favourites from Barcelona? I’d love to hear from you!

Hello lovely readers, lace is everywhere right now and barely a day goes by without pics appearing of celebrities wearing gowns and dresses made from this most traditional of fabrics. But what’s so great about lace? Why can’t we get enough of this super delicate material? Well readers, the answer comes from years ago…

Every stylish celeb who has headed up the aisle of late has been working the lace gown. Geri Halliwell’s Phillipa Lepley dress and the Galia design worn by Michelle Keegan are both recent examples of stars who’ve fallen for this exquisite fabric and whilst it’s easy to credit Kate Middleton with rekindling our love of lace, that’s not the whole story.

Firstly, lace is traditional. Now that might sound a little strange but stay with me. You see, in an age of fast fashion and fleeting fame, lace makes a statement of permanence. It’s timeless, it’s elegant and it’s here to stay so no wonder it’s a favourite for wedding dresses. Lace comes with its own pedigree, its own guaranteed ticket to the front row and in a world of fabrics, it’s royalty.

Lace has long been expensive (which is partly why it was used for wedding dresses in years gone by because it said good things about the people who could afford to wear it) and handmade lace still is. It’s synonymous with luxury and sophistication and traditional, couture designers use real lace as a badge of honour.

When you’re working with such a costly and fragile fabric, you really need to know what you’re doing. Pull it a little too much in one direction and the patterning and detailing is ruined and yet if you don’t sew it confidently, it’ll lose shape. Creating beautiful gowns and dresses from lace isn’t something for beginners, it’s for talented designers and makers only.

Lace is also amazingly flexible and I don’t mean just the physical properties of the material itself. Lace can be made in any colour and in any pattern from the most ethereal gossamer-like designs to more robust weaves and it can be used as an embellishment or as the primary fabric in any design. Lace allows designers to really experiment with garment construction while still keeping a classic feel.

It can be whatever you want it to be – fine lace used alone can be revealing and flirtatious and heavier laces or garments with underlayers are more demure. It can be dreamy and overtly feminine or stronger and more confident. Lace is a fabric that has many sides to its personality.

Finally, the eternal appeal of lace rests in the fact that it’s undeniably special day, not every day. Lace is the fabric that you wear for those once-in-a-lifetime occasions because it automatically makes a statement. It’s exceptional in every way and, when you wear it well, so are you.

Credits: Hello Magazine, Daily Mail, People, Glamour

Hello lovely readers with Wimbledon under way and the strawberries, cream and Robinsons flowing. I thought it would be nice to reminisce on our boy Andy Murray and Kim Sears white wedding back in April at Dunblane Cathedral, Scotland.

The groom kept up with Scottish tradition sporting a navy, green and gold kilt with a black waistcoat while the bride chose to wear a bespoke, vintage style gown by Jenny Packham.

Kim’s dress seems to be a mixture of dresses from Jenny Packham’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection as it features a plunging  neckline and a full silk chiffon skirt on top of layers and layers of underskirts, with hand-beaded Swarovski crystals on the sleeves and waistband. The cut is modest with the lace sleeves nodding to the trend set by Kate back in 2011, but the low-cut back and gathered wrap bust makes the look far more modern.

Kim’s hair was pulled back with a crystal Kalmia headdress, topped off with a three metre silk tulle veil. If you are loving her look check out Jenny Packhams Daphne and Molly dresses which are very similar minus the sleeves. For inspiration, see below.

All thats left to say is ‘Come on Murray’ wishing you a successful Wimbledon campaign.

Credits: Alex B Huckle/Getty Images, Jenny Packham

Hello lovely readers, if you have bridesmaids who wouldn’t appreciate identical gowns as they’d wear them once then shove it in back of the closet, then help is at hand. Just consider for the moment you don’t have to go down the traditional route, as there are some great styles that could easily make your bridal party stand out and be easier on their and your pocket.

Take for example, the stripey skirt and off the shoulder outfit which is very on trend and is definitely one that your bridal party will wear over and over again. Known as the Flynn skirt and designed by Anne M Crammer, you could pick up something similar from House of Fraser here.

If you love a fairytail dress but your bridal party aren’t too keen why not mix up their poufy princess tulle skirts with polka dot shirts. Try this one from The Ark or this one from Jolie Moi.

If you want to give your bridesmaids more freedom, why not let them show of their personality by letting them choose their own outfit but give them a colour palette that you are happy with. You’ll probably be surprised to see what happens. What do you think of this?

If like me you have a soft spot for floral dresses, there are so many to choose from you will really be spoilt for choice. For starters why not try this one from Asos.

If you love the glitterati but want something different, why not put your bridesmaids in sequin skirts for an alternative, with a structured camisole. Try this one from Phase Eight.

Finally if you are after something more casual how about some boho dresses and booties. Head to Asos for your first stop boho.

Credits: A Bryan Photo, Dawn Alexander Photogrephy, Our Labor of Love, Stewart Leishman Photography, Charlie Juliet, Jen Rodriguez Photography.

Hello lovely readers, I always try to show you the best of wedding and red carpet fashion and mix it up with everyday ready to wear. Today I want to focus on the brides to be whose budget is limited and reveal that there are some great bridal dresses out there for under £1000 with a little research and yes they do include designer dresses.

First up is the gorgeous dress featured above by Asos known as the Jarlo Lily Bandeau Maxi with exaggerated thrill. Seen on the red carpet a few times you can pick this little number up for just £110. So you will definitely make a statement and be smiling all the way to the bank.

If you like the Jarlo Lily but would like to cover you shoulders, how about the 3.1 Phillip Lim chiffon panelled crepe maxi dress? This gorgeous dress reminds me of Solange Knowles wedding outfits, so you will definitely be on trend with this little number and priced at £755 this is definitely a designer look a like bargain.

If you are looking for something with a little bling, why not try one of these dresses. On the left is  Monsoon’s Elinor dress which features artisan threadwork and sequins, all hand-embellished over 44 hours. Priced at £499. Whilst on the right is Adrianna Papell beaded illusion gown, currently on sale for a mere £123.47. With elaborate embellishments to this gown to create a trendy ombre effect and add a modern dimension to your silhouette.

If you are into backless dresses, how about this Badgeley Mischka cowl back dress? Intricate beading encircles the waist while the draped cowl back reveals an elegant glimpse of skin. Priced at £576.

If you are after simplicity you will like the two gowns above. On the left is Rachel Zoe Elle empire one shoulder dress. Priced at £462. Made from ruched georgette to give it an ethereal feel.Whilst on the right is another Badgley Mischka, a luxurious slinky jersey. Pleated back cutout and fluid skirt with short train. Priced at £455.

Finally if you much prefer shorter dresses how about this Chi Chi London Metallic Lace Midi Prom dress priced at just £67. This is clearly another Asos must have if you are into lace.

So as you can see there are some really nice dresses to be had if you don’t have a limited budget and I hope you found this useful.

Credits: Monsoon, Asos, Rachel Zoe, Adrianna Papell, Phillip Lim, Badgley Mischka

Hello lovely readers, just following on from my post about London Bridal Fashion Week – designers collections, this week I wanted to feature a couple of Bridal collections that stood out for me there too. A year ago I discovered the gorgeous dress featured above from Wendy Makin known as Katelyn and even used it on a shoot see here. The popularity of florals and therefore the success of this dress is clear as it is again been featured, but this time in the 2016 collection. The dress also comes in blue, known as the Marilyn which features a v-neck  if you like the look but want an alternative.

In addition to the floral dresses, as with the New York bridal trends, Wendy Makin also pays homage to the new trend colour nude with the above fuller skirted dress and the slim fit on the opposite side. She also included some 20s touches for those who love a more vintage look.

The other bridal collection that stood out for me was Rembo Styling a belgian company that I believe would  be a great fit for a bride who is after simplicity, but wants with some great touches like the lace poncho on the left and the lace accentuated waist line on the right.

Credits: LBFW, Rembo Styling, Wendy Makin

Hello lovely readers, foreseeing the latest bridal trends has always been  synonymous with New York’s Bridal market, so it was refreshing to find that some UK organisers decided to put together LBFW to help shake up the industry and offer an alternative to The White Gallery, which up until recently was the UK’s only bridal market equivalent.

LBFW was a three day event  held at London’s Old Billingsate and showcased over 80 collections of designer and premium labels from around the world. Today I am featuring some of the 2016 designer collections which stood out for me. First up is Ritva Westenius a designer with over 35 years experience therefore its not surprising that she is known for meticulous construction, skilled craftsmanship, beautiful Italian and French fabrics and lace and exquisite beading.

As you know by now, wedding separates are popular but what I love about these outfits from Ritva is that you can dress them up or down depending on the kind of wedding you are going for. Choose between intricate beading or plain silk, make it formal or more casual the choice is yours.

Next up is Sanyukta Shrestha , what I loved about this collection was the return to the 80s as it featured embroidered leotard tops, ra ra skirts and lace leggings. What I also have to mention is the designer has decided to donate 10% of each Sanyukta Shrestha 2016 collection be it a wedding or flower girl dress to help in aiding the relief for earthquake Nepal. Nice.

Finally if you love dress shirts how about this bridal equivalent from Arga and Arga for the truly alternative bride.

Credits: LBFW

Hello lovely readers, as mentioned in my last post about the Etsy Wedding Fair, the point of my visit was to meet some great new designers and I was really impressed with my next post worthy find Gilly Gray. A mother and daughter team of passionate and friendly seamstresses who create made to measure flower girl dresses and accessories.

With only a few children occasionwear designers that I really love (such as Little Bevan and Nicki Macfarlane) who make amazing little girl occasion dresses I was pleasantly surprised by this new find. At really reasonable price points I think they are definitely one to consider if you are looking for a particular special something for your little one.

The Ivory dress featured above is a sumptuous cotton flower girl dress that has three layers of soft bridal tulle that your little flower girls can swish and twirl about in. Priced at £85.59 this dress is for girls aged 6 months to 12 years.

The Duchess flower girl dress is a classic cotton dress finished with a silk flower detail on the front of the sash and is ideal to bring out the detail of a lace wedding gown. For a really full twirl this gown boasts six layers and is priced at £88.89.

The Honiton dress inspired by the town known for making the most delicate British bobbin lace, features a high quality hand sewn lace bodice and six layers of soft bridal tulle to make a dreamy, floaty satin lined skirt which your little girls will love. Priced at £95.

If you like the dresses featured take a look at the full range here and if you would like to book an appointment head here.

Credits: Gilly Gray courtesy of Etsy.

Hello lovely readers, I’m not one for wedding fairs but when Etsy invited me along to their wedding event I saw this as a great opportunity to meet some new designers, who I’m able to advocate.

Not surprisingly then, there were a couple of designers that really stood out for me and the first is Gibson Bespoke which is a bridal and accessories emporium based in Ireland that makes custom made items designed by Debbie Baillie-Collins. With floral crowns gaining in popularity this year it was lovely to see the above Moonlight flower crown being featured. Delicately put together using pure silk flowers in varying spring hues and woven together with antiqued golden wire, if you are a lover of crowns this may just be for you. Priced at £119.85 there is a current lead time of six weeks.

If you are looking for a floral crown which is more subtle, how about this Theodora crown from the newest Gibson Bespoke collection Byzantine that features original vintage lucite “Jabarosa” flowers. Priced at £117.23 the veil can be purchased separately.

If flowers aren’t your thing how about this Ludjon crystal Art Deco headpiece, made from sheer tulle and embellished with shimmering crystals in an Art Deco sunburst design. Priced at £269.75.

If you like what you see so far there is a full range of headpieces for you to choose from here.

If you have your wedding dress already but want to add a little je nais se quoi to your outfit how about this Lakshmi beaded crystal train? Delicately beaded in sweeping curves with tiny true ivory pearls, glass beads and sparkling crystals on the shoulders this train will definitely add a touch of class to your outfit. Priced at £292.10.

If you are after something warmer, how about this India cape? Made from the softest of ostrich feathers and fully lined with ivory silk satin, you will happily shimmy the night away. Priced at £353.

Again if you love these cover ups check out the full range here.

Finally Gibson Bespoke also do alternative wedding dresses and what could be nicer than this crocheted Meadow Gown. Handmade in it’s entirety, from the smallest crochet lace circlet to the exquisite scalloped lace edged train. You will definitely stand out from the crowd and priced at just over £2000 I think you would steal a real bargain.

For the full range of wedding gowns from Gibson Bespoke take a look here and to book an appointment head here.

Credits: Gibson Bespoke courtesy of Etsy.

Hello lovely readers, with the weather getting warmer I wanted to do a post on those of you having a destination wedding. Tying this in with the fact that it was Barcelona Bridal week (5th to 8th May) I thought this was the perfect opportunity to take a look at more 2016 collections that would work well abroad.

Instead of showcasing a variety of designers I found that the Rosa Clará collection in my mind encompassed a variety of designs which would appeal not only to the fashion conscious bride but would suit a wide variety of tastes. From thick belts that would accentuate your figure to tea-length dresses with high boat necklines, delicate floral motifs and jewel-encrusted waist belts to sheer tulle and transparent tulle dresses, strapless numbers and not forgetting wedding seperates.

So take a look at the main trends below and my tips on destination wedding dresses from a previous post here and if you love what you see check out the full collection on the video.

Credits: Fira de Barcelona