made-to-measure

I think the temptation when trying on dresses can sometimes be so pressured (time, money, sales assistants!) that you could find yourself thinking 'this will do' as 'The" dress can sometimes be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Have you often flicked through magazines thinking, hmm, well I like the back of that dress, I like the detail on this dress, the neckline of that other one and the material of this one but why can't they all be combined in one dress to fall in love with? Then I think it's time to consider a bespoke (or couture) dress. A very well known, and reputable designer is Gert Van De Merwe. A consultation with the Cape Town designer discusses your ideas, themes, venue as well as taking you through some inspirational dresses at his studio in Mayfair. No doubt with his twenty years experience he will guide you to the most suitable shape for you, to suit your style and for your wedding. A friend of the family had the most elegant dress designed by him and from all the comments I heard her getting on the day, I think it was well worth every penny.

peyton it

I always walk past the Peyton and Byrne shop on Tottenham Court Road and as well as admiring the lovely interior and tiles, their cakes and goodies are totally divine and packaged in such an adorable way. So when I heard that they also have a catering company I had to look into it. Petyon Events caters for some of London's most beautiful venues, such as the ICA, British Library and The National Gallery so clearly, they offer an exceptional service. Their Create and Manage service allows them to assist and advise you on food (of course), flowers, cocktails, wedding cake and even photographers as well as attending on the day to ensure the smooth running. Well, if there food is presented that well, chances are your wedding will be to.

i want candy

After my shopping trip last week, I just had to feature Candy Anthony on here. Her wedding dresses are just so gorgeous and some of the most flattering I've seen. The style is typically 50's and 60's style short prom dresses which aren't just for those having a retro theme but also for those looking for something different and not so typically 'bridal' and more funky. The fitting was so helpful; you choose your style of dress (ie plain, with lace, spots etc) then you can add elements such as the underskirt where you can choose how pouffe you want it, how much you want showing at the hem and of course what colour! Then you can choose the neckline, add or take away sleeves or straps and even add other details such as beading and sashes. I just love the idea of 'creating' my own dress, and in a sense designing it just for me. For a bride who wants a patterned dress, they also have some amazing materials (including leopard print and floral) and some of the cutest veils and fascinators that I've seen. Proof that Candy is irresistible indeed.

shop till you drop

Last week I had the pleasure of organising and attending a day of dress shopping for my friend who is due to marry in December, and although far from being the perfect bride (her brief to the shop assistants is I don't do dresses, I don't do frill, I don't do pouf and I don't do detail) it turned out to be a fun and successful day! Our first stop was at Morgan Davies in Islington, who stock designers such as Stephanie Allin, Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham and Jesus Peiro. Lovely little boutique with helpful and unfaised staff so would definitely reccommend even for fussy brides! Our second stop was at Candy Anthony (see feature above). Amazing 50's and 60's style prom and retro wedding dresses. Based in Oxo Tower the session was great fun and the fact that the dresses are customised and tailored for you, makes them even more special. We then whisked ourselves over to Marble Arch for a fitting at Ritva Westenius. I was plesasantly surprised with their large selection of dresses, easily laid out for you to have a look through and worth knowing that unlike other designers, they don't have a 'current collection' as such, they just continue to roll out new designs all the time. This means that their website doesn't always reflect what they have in stock so it is well worth a visit. Our final stop was at a boutique in Wimbledon, however it wasn't a great experience so I'll umm...just stop there. My final advice is 4 fittings in a day was rather ambitious and fairly tiring, but if you are short for time - it's the way to do it as by the end of the day we had a shortlist of 3 stunning dresses. Decisions decisions....

fair hands

Wondering around Islington yesterday, I spotted The Make Lounge and discovered it's the perfect idea for a hen party for creatives (and even the not-so-creative!). A welcoming studio, where you attend workshops to learn how to create your own items including knickers, tiara's, bath products and even fascinators. I'm embarrassed to say that even though I did textiles at school my skills at taking up a simple hem or sewing on a button are very limited and these useful techniques will also be taught to you here. Contact them for more details on planning your hen party and from £55 each for a four hour session and with the option for cakes (and bring your own bubbles) you can come away with a skill and maybe even a fascinator to wear to the wedding in question! I've booked myself in on one of their courses to try it out and I can't wait!

strapline

Pronovias are currently previewing their 2010 collection (very exciting) which will be available in October and one of the trends portrayed throughout the collections seems to be dresses with one shoulder or strap. I've always loved this look and think it lends itself particularly well to the popular Grecian style floaty dresses (as above in Gabriela), where some have additional corsage or beading detailing on the strap. Other one shoulder structures seen are fishtail (Gaudi) and A-line, where the strap adds a bit more of a style statement to a simple cut. Oh so flattering.

peony perfection

Loving Peonies? Then get the bridesmaid dress to match. This pink perfection is the Marianne (in Peony Pink) from Reiss. Also available in Golden Stone, but for a 'blush' themed summer wedding this has got to be the one. I'm in love.

get shorty

I think the recent gorgeously hot weather has pondered me to think about get married in the heat (UK or abroad). If you've yet to find out, wedding dresses, can be extremely weighty and quite frankly in this kind of heat I'm not sure I could cope! The choice is therefore a nice floaty dress (see Amanda Wakeley or Jenny Packham for fantastic examples) or you go short, so above is my shortlist (pardon the pun). The Short Antoinette from Suzanne Neville's Bourgeois collection, Tattiana from the Topaz collection at Alan Hannah and from Stewart Parvin's Black Label Collection, Pillow Talk. All very different styles, but that just goes to show there's something for everyone.