Structural integrity

Bridalwear is going to be all about the silhouette this year, according to those in the know. ‘Girls want to make a statement with dresses that are big, bold and powerful,’ explains bespoke bridalwear designer Caroline Castigliano. ‘These dresses feature classic shapes created with corsets, big sleeves and long trains, which means we are working with a lot of very structural fabrics, such as mikado, organza and satin, which ensure the silhouette is absolutely immaculate.’ Detailing comes with the accessories. ‘Everything from the veil to a shrug or a beautiful little jacket can be embellished to add to the interest,’ Mrs Castigliano explains (www.carolinecastigliano.com).

Life’s a beach

Honeymooning couples are returning to beaches and island locations with an emphasis on luxury and relaxation, according to travel expert The Turquoise Holiday Company (TTHC). ‘Pre-pandemic, the big trend in honeymoons was to combine multiple destinations and/or regions within an adventurous two-to-three-week itinerary,’ explains Lizzie Jones from TTHC. ‘Now, we are seeing a shift back towards islands and beaches, with couples choosing to upgrade flights and rooms, rather than spending extra time away.’ Multi-centre trips combining safari and beach destinations are still popular, adds Miss Jones, whereas the most requested island locations this year include Tahiti, Fiji, the Seychelles, Thailand and Indonesia (www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk).

Joint effort

THE traditions around proposals may be changing, it seems, as couples are increasingly designing the engagement ring together. According to diamond and emerald specialist London DE, fewer men are choosing the ring alone, particularly when it’s a bespoke commission ‘It doesn’t have to take the romance out of the occasion,’ explains Philip Spencer, m anaging d irector of London DE. ‘Often, the man has proposed with something else very beautiful and then the couple comes in together to design the ring.

‘ There can still be an element of surprise. E ven when the girl’s been involved in the process, seeing the finished piece for the first time in real life is a hugely exciting moment’ (www.londonde.com).

A paw-fect day

Move over brides—a new star of the show will be stealing the limelight at weddings across the country this year, as the canine family members get involved. According to the latest findings from Guide Dogs, 94% of dog owners currently planning a wedding said they intended to assign a lead role in the celebrations to their hound. The report found the most common roles for dogs are starring in the first dance (42%), walking a bride down the aisle (39%), being the dog of honour or best man (37%) and taking ring-bearer responsibilities (30%).

Perfect fit

Two iconic British womenowned brands, Phillipa Lepley and Emmy London, have announced a new collaboration offering brides the chance to order exquisite handmade wedding shoes that exactly match their dress. The Emmy London shoes take three months to make and are all hand-embroidered onto fine tulle, then stretched and mounted over ivory suede. According to Mrs Lepley, the shoes ‘talk to the dresses’. as the dress blends into the shoes to create a complete bridal look (www.phillipalepley.com; www.emmylondon.com).

Inviting prospect

The bridal collaboration between Temperley London and Papier goes from strength to strength. One of the latest designs to launch is Toledo, a vibrant floral design inspired by the iconic Temperley Toledo dress, which allows brides to match their stationery to their dress. Each suite in the collaboration includes save the dates, invitations and RSVP cards, on-the-day essentials and post-wedding stationery (www.papier. com/collaborations/ temperley-london).

Mix it up

COCKTAIL carts continue to be wildly popular for weddings and a cocktail- class hen can be a fun place to get some ideas for the drinks menu.

Mixology Events in Shoreditch has built up a reputation for fun, hands-on evenings in which guests all learn to make four seasonal cocktails as well as inventing their own bespoke drink at the end.

‘We specialise in twists on classics, which is perfect for weddings,’ says Mixology’s Stephen Thompson. ‘Our classes are a great activity for a hen; our dedicated mixology rooms are an ideal place for everyone to bond and have a good time, as well as learning something new’ (www.mixologyevents.co.uk) .

Get personal

A welcome addition to every honeymoon wardrobe, beautiful silk pyjamas make for a marvellous wedding present. Olivia von Halle is the go-to designer for elegant nightwear; her silk bridal PJs are classic, and absolutely everything the company makes can be monogrammed. Her latest Costumier collection is an 18-piece edit, which renews the brand’s partnership with embroidery artist Jenny King to create amped-up, hand-finished pieces featuring exquisite beading and handsewn sequins, whereas the joyous faux fur-trimmed Queenie Equus is easily their most opulent robe to date (www.oliviavonhalle.com).

Smart style

As well as celebrating 35 years in the business in 2023, Surrey-based bridalwear boutique Miss Bush is offering a new line in store by Australian designer Toni Maticevski. Known for his attention to detail, architectural-inspired ruffles and modern fabric choices, Maticevski’s bridal collections can often be reworn after the big day is over. ‘There is an increasing demand for wedding dresses that work for a city wedding, or a legal ceremony and can also find a place in a wardrobe post wedding,’ says Miss Bush managing director Emma Meek. ‘I love this collection because it’s sharp, smart and flexible’ (www.missbush.co.uk).