2012 Trends for a Blush-ing Bride

Kirsty Doyle SS12

Well a very Happy (semi belated) New Year to you all!  Dreams HQ has been ever so busy over the festive season, and I'm now rearing to go with gusto for 2012.  Looking back on the first Blog Post of 2011, I'd made some ever-so-silly resolutions that I was never going to keep (it is an unwritten rule that those in the wedding industry must indulge in sugary goodies and fizz frequently) so this year, I've changed tact.  And so far so good!  Aqua Running three times per week (I'm in my second week, #sofarsogood), my energy levels are nearly soaring and my wobbly knees will soon be a distant...wobble (knees crossed).

And so a new year brings us new beginnings; new brides, and new trends.  So how different are the trends from last year?  Well, the suppliers I met at the Liverpool Wedding Show at the weekend were still the same shiny happy people, some new contacts, some old, but all noticeably excited at the new ideas emerging for 2012 and also the good old faithful trends, but with perhaps a little twist.

In a time of tight waistlines, and tighter belts, it's amazed me at how on each post-Chrsitmas visit to a shop, cafe, restaurant, or bar, everywhere is buzzing.  In a raging recession, in a blue, bleak month, Liverpool, in true spirit, is fighting it in its own little manner.  Which brings me nicely onto my 2012 bridal trends.  From lust to not fussed, check them out here...

Ostentatious is so 2011.  2012 is all about less is more.  Not that brides are compromising on style, oh no.  2012 is all about less haste, more taste.

Cakes
Gone are the towering tiers a la Kim Kardashian.  Cake designers are paying homage to the iconic wedding dresses of designers such as Alexander McQueen with their meticulous attention to detail.  Embellishments, sugar lace, beading and embroidery on three, four, five tier cakes accompanied with dessert towers are the order of the big day.

Edible Magic at The Wedding House, Liverpool

Edible Magic at The Wedding House, Liverpool

 Terry Tang Designer Cakes

 Terry Tang Designer Cakes

 Terry Tang Designer Cakes

Terry Tang Designer Cakes

Allure in Demure

2012 Brides are looking for coy coverage meaning necklines are creeping up.  And thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge, sleeves and lace are big.  Illusion necklines, high necklines, low back or sheer backs mean brides can select a look that’s individual and ‘their’ own.  2012 will see an introduction of blush and nude colours, not only reserved for bridesmaids, for the blushing bride too.

All images supplied by the Bridal Gallery Group

Flowers are going green

Textural, leafy bouquets with different hues are in.  Mixed greenery bouquets with super creamy neutrals, soft and romantic designs are interesting and not too busy.  Who can forget Kate Moss and her family of flower fairies wearing lush, green head wreaths?  Stunning.  Centrepieces will follow suit, less symmetry, and won’t necessarily have to match.  Colour palettes for spring and summer will differ from this with pops of bright jewel colours; red, orange, lime green and pink.

Reception styling

2012 is waving goodbye to the overdone vintage and DIY theme.  Couples are now going for relaxed refinery.  Long communal tables with low floral designs allow guests to engage less formally, without the obstructed view.  Couples want to give their guests the party of all parties, with surprise entertainment elements of dancers and favourite bands.

And finally, one for the boys.  Jenny from Groom Hire at the Wedding House tells us 

In the last 12 months Groom Hire has seen a move towards more traditional morning tails in black, silver, grey and brown. Black tie is also popular. Unique to Groom is our bespoke tie and waistcoat, making service in a choice of over 500 shades of silk.  So brides and grooms really can match any colour scheme! 
Swoooon! 

Keeping Up With the Paper Doll - An Inspiring Invite Insight...

Hot on the (Giuseppe Zannoti wedding) heels of Kim Kardashian is Sarah Cluney of the Paper Doll, local lovely and wedding stationer extraodinaire.

Always  keeping up with the ever changing trends to whet her bride's amorous appetites, Sarah's most recent design is the Oh-So-Cool-Old-Hollywood-Glamour-Old-School, a replica of Kim Kardashian's beau-ti-ful wedding invitation, and of course, at a kimth of the price!

Bespoken Dreams caught up with Sarah and her sparkly world of crafty creations to find out more...

"I accidentally ‘fell’ into the wedding business!  I have always be crafty and loved to create various bits and bobs which led me to having part time jobs in both Craft Central and The Paper Mill.  I was at these shops while completing my degree in Psychology.  I took on the role of wedding co-ordinator at The Paper Mill and it all started from there.  I began to develop my passion for wedding stationery running appointments and teaching brides how to create their own wedding stationery, giving tips and advice on materials and tools required.  It was at this point that I decided to put one of my table plans on Ebay - the classic bow design that has now become my biggest seller. I remember selling one three days after the item had been listed and I was so excited to create the item, then the next day I sold another, and another and it all took off from there!  In June 2010 I completed my degree and when I started to develop an order book for wedding stationery I realised there was no looking back. 

I've not long celebrated The Paper Doll’s official birthday and I would never in a million years have thought that something like this would have been possible.  One of the most exciting things to happen was when one of my brides went on Four Weddings.  I didn’t actually know when her episode would be shown; it was just lucky that one night while I was watching the camera suddenly zoomed into the stationery and I screamed the house down when I realised it was mine, then to top it off... she won!


Every day I get excited about designing and creating items. I don’t really think of this as a job, its more like a life style as I really do eat, breath, sleep weddings and wedding stationery.

SO!  Firstly I just want to say that I am a huge Kardashian fan. While I’m designing and creating I am usually watching (with my ears) E! and the Kardshians tend to dominate this channel.

So when I found out that Kim Kardashian was getting married I had to know every little detail including the most important of all - the stationery!

I managed to find out the company designing K&K's stationery was Invitationers to the Stars  Lehr and Black. Their celebrity client list is endless, including invitations for Gweneth Paltrow & Chris Martin, Seal & Heidi Klum and now Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries. Sadly many of these celebrity couples are no longer married but I guess thats Hollywood for you! My favourite design in fact is Britney Spears and Kevin Fedderline’s, I love that its vintage, girly and romantic all in one, so I would definitely like to create something inspired by this in the future.

Although we haven’t really seen most of the wedding footage, from short clips that I have seen the logo/embelum is followed right the way through the theme, its even on the carpet as Kim swished down the aisle! It's a really classic, elegant and effective way of tying all items of stationery together. And it doesn’t just have to be done with identical initials, any two letters can fit together to create a unique personalised image.
I also LOVE how this style of invitation comes in its own box. This is such a simple way to really make an impression for your wedding - its like a little present for each guest to open.

I’m certainly looking forward to seeing all the extras to match this theme! x

Us too Sarah!  Thank you for the inspiring invite insight,

Much love and Happy Planning x

Liverpool's Gothic Wedding House Relaunch Party

Where the Heart Is

Home Sweet Home for the North West’s Bridal Best

Liverpool’s iconic gothic building the Wedding House  relaunched last week over a two day event in true celebratory style.  And keeping in with the essence of any fabulous wedding knees up, guests were indulged with fun, fizz and festivities.  Special guest Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast officially opened the event by cutting an aptly coloured pink ribbon before stepping inside the beautiful grade II listed building to sample an array of the thirty elite suppliers now housed there.  Wow!

From its original detailed Victorian tiled floor to the inviting rich red staircase, it’s clear to see how the Gothic Revival inspired a genre of romantic poetry in the literary world.  And within the wedding world, it seems the Wedding House has stirred many a romantic too.  Brides and their entourages came in droves to sample the four floors of top design inspiration and personal style advice to help plan their special occasion. 

Hot band on the circuit, Kikosi set the party atmosphere as guests were wowed by a first dance routine choreographed by Danielle Norman from Butterfly Wedding Choreography.  Also wowing the guests were the easy-on-the-eye semi naked hunks courtesy of My Sexy Butler.

The Wedding House is the brainchild of husband and wife proprietors Neil and Jennifer Shaw of Knutsford.  Neil purchased the building eight years ago to house his Liverpool Groom formal hire store.  He approached several other businesses at a Liverpool Echo wedding show and invited them to join, several of who are still there now. In 2011, Jennifer, a business improvement consultant working predominantly for global PLCs, took a sabbatical to help out in the family business.  

Jennifer says “I started by approaching some of the best wedding and special occasion related businesses within the North West; my vision to bring in some younger, funkier and more bang on trend businesses who would widen the appeal to any stylish customer looking for something a little bit different for their special occasion.”  

Like any blushing bride-to-be, the Wedding House is now at her most beautiful.  Nestled in the heart of the city centre and open seven days a week, the cream of the wedding crop exclusively provide an all year round wedding show experience to guide brides through the exciting planning process.  A wedding treat retreat! 

“We are still very much aimed at the wedding market, however, I equally see it as a destination of choice for a fashionista visiting for that special outfit to make them stand out from the crowd at the races or something to give their party the WOW factor, whatever the occasion.”

For a detailed guide of all suppliers at the House please visit www.theweddinghouse.co.uk

Much Love & Happy Planning....xxx

Introducing Pepe Botella Bridal Designer - Me Gusta!

Adding to my LOVE of all things Spanish and going back to my roots, mi abuela Emiline!  Senorita Swooning aqui...x

'Pepe is one of the leading players in the international bridal industry following Pronovias and Rosa Clara'

Pepe Botella  opened his first shop selling ceremonial and bridal wear in Alicante 36 years ago. From the outset, he sought to depart from the austerity of the traditional bridal gown, focusing on freedom of expression with bold styles and innovative fabrics. In 1980 he presented his first collection and went on to achieve wide critical acclaim. After 20 years at the helm, it was time for his daughter to show she had inherited her father's talent. Lucia Botella spent her childhood surrounded by dresses at the family's studio. After honing her skills and completing an apprenticeship observing her father, she presented her first collection in 2000. Drawing on endless sources of inspiration from 1950's glamour to haute couture to beach life, Lucia has proved herself a fearless innovator, continuously moving the brand forward. Now positioned at the avant-garde of bridal design this Spanish powerhouse produces 2 bridal collections per year: the Gaudi collection for press and the Mainline collection. With over 150 stockists and 3 stores in Spain alone, Pepe is one of the leading players in the international bridal industry following Pronovias and Rosa Clara. In recent years their designs have travelled far beyond the catwalk in Barcelona to Latin and North America, Japan and all over Europe. In 2011, Pepe Botella joined other top names for the second time to present their collection to UK buyers at the White Gallery in London. The new 2012 collection 'Despertar' (meaning 'Dawn') represents a return to its Latin roots with dramatic and romantic reinterpretations of classic Spanish influences alongside refreshingly modern crisp clean lines and body hugging silhouettes. Muy muy bonita xxx STOCKISTS MORGAN DAVIES LONDON  25 AGDON STREET   LONDON  EC1 V 0AZ   Phone 020 7354 3414       www.morgandavieslondon.co.uk  JULIA TASKER BRIDAL COUTURE  SHOP 3 NORTH TERRACE   BOWNESS-ON WINDERMERE, CUMBRIA LA23 3AU  Phone 015394 46900  www.juliataskerbridalcouture.co.uk  THE WEDDING SHOP   36 LONDON ROAD  CHESHIRE SK9 7DZ  Phone 01625584674      www.the-wedding-shop.co.uk  ABIGAIL´S  COLLECTION      64a HIGH STREET  COLCHESTER,  ESSEX CO1 1DN  Phone 01206574575   www.abigailscollection.co.uk  BRIDES AND GOWNS  26 THE STRAND    DERBY DE1 1HZ  Phone 01332267000   www.bridesandgowns.co.uk  LONDON BRIDE COUTURE  17 CHURTON STREET  LONDON  SW1V 2LY  Phone 020 7821 0404      www.londonbridecouture.com      BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL BOUTIQUE  61B SEAMOOR ROAD  WESTBOURNE, DORSET BH4 9AE  Phone 01202 765532   www.beautifulbridalboutique.co.uk

Kate Moss and her Bonpoint Boho Bridesmaids...

...Try saying that after a 3 day MossStock bender!

Mrs H looked gorgeous in Galliano, whilst her bevy of bridesmaids looked beautiful in

Home to the pretty cherries so favoured by children, this famous name has always built its legend on grace and happiness....

The poetic and lovely dresses, ivory chiffon embroidered with rosebuds, were designed by Christine Innamorato, Bonpoint Artistic Designer.

With more than 100 addresses worldwide (Paris, NY, Tokyo, Bejing, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Shanghai, Hong Kong, San Paolo...) Bonpoint is the French Fashion and Couture House for children. Its spot-on style, poetic universe tinged with humour and magic, inspired window displays and the warm atmosphere of its boutiques and flagship stores in the heart of Saint Germain des Près in Paris, and on Madison Avenue In New York, makes Bonpoint a unique fashion destination.

Rich in the savoir faire of a Maison de Couture house, thanks to its artisan studios in Paris, Bonpoint cultivates the précision of beauty, the passion for quality and a meticulous attention to detail and finishing.

Show stealing or what?  A la Moss stikes again...

Congratulations Kate & Jamie x

Much Love x

Matthew Williamson Bridal Collection Fall 2011

Matthew Willamson's first range of bridal wear is inspired by iconic styles within their ready to wear collections from the past twelve years. Occasion wear pieces have always been a staple category within their ready to wear collections and have often been worn by customers for weddings in the past, so a full bridal range for them was a natural extension. Signature styles have been reworked and translate into perfect bridal gowns that will appeal to both the classic and contemporary bride. "The starting point for the collection has been to capture the essence of the brand and all its signature elements demonstrating a feeling of luxury and opulence. Each garment features a high level of craftsmanship evident in the gentle forms of the silhouettes, the use of fine embroidery, ornate beading and luxurious natural fabrics. Long and short corset column gowns give a lean silhouette and structure and are then softened with an artfully draped overlay of soft ivory tulle. Hand sewn ivory feathers strewn across the tulle creates an enchanting ethereal effect. Elsewhere buttermilk silk satin has been printed with a burn out technique of a hand painted abstract winter wonderland design providing a modern, softly textured fabric draped into a classical strapless gown. To compliment, bridesmaid dresses in the same fabric are cut into softly draping one shoulder dresses, fitted at the waist. For a modern take, a knee length silk chiffon shift dress has been embroidered by hand with a floral design. Dense beading and embroidery techniques trail across the fabric creating high impact couture like effect. Jewel embedded mink and rabbit fur cropped shrugs have been designed with the collection in mind to lengthen the silhouette and add a real sense of luxury to such an opulent occasion. Relaxed beach style weddings are considered with sheer ivory silk chiffon maxi dresses, plunging necklines and waterfall ruffled skirts embedded with Swarovski crystals." www.matthewwilliamson.co.uk

Hen Parties: A Load of Cobblers?

I received an email from a lovely Liverpool bridesmaid-to-be this week, searching for a different and discerning hen-do for her ‘very refined’ friend.  I read this as ‘classy’ and loved her straight away!  #Mykindagal.  Now, I’m ALWAYS on the look-out for exciting new ways for ladies to celebrate-singledom-sophisticatedly one last time.  Immediately I thought of a brand new service offered by those gorgeous creatives, Clare and Nina at Nook & Willow. 

Nook & Willow are an Accesoristas Online Dream.  Fact.  All their goods are handmade in England using only the finest leathers. Finished to perfection, any piece from a Nook & Willow collection is instantly recognisable. A favourite within the fashion world and sold across the globe via fashion powerhouse ASOS.com, unsurprisingly they have gained many celebrity fans and count Sienna Miller, Elle Macpherson and Coleen McLoughlin among their customers.

So, when my bridesmaid-to-be exasperatedly exclaimed ‘all hen do’s are just so tacky’, I thought – What….

 A LOAD OF COBBLERS!

Ladies, take it away...

“Ever thought about putting your own creative stamp on a pair of wonderful shoes?

“I’d like a bow here….. I want the straps this colour.” 

Stop right there, as now it’s your chance to!

Nook & Willow are opening their studio doors for their up and coming shoe making courses. You will get the chance to design, make and keep your very own footwear!

Spend the afternoon creating your own bespoke sandals with array of quality leather samples and expert advice off creative duo Clare Wilson and Nina Halliwell. In just one productive afternoon, you will figure how to mould materials of your own choice over a traditional shoe maker’s last. Next, you will learn how to embellish your footwear – be it fringed tassels, bows and more!  Not to mention devouring some fabulous home-made cake within the process.  Yum!

Each workshop holds up to five people, so you can come along and meet new people or book as a group, with friends or family.

The workshops are running from June 2011 costing £80 per person.

To enquire further about the workshop, contact  creative directors, Clare Wilson and Nina Halliwell.

Nook & Willow

Studio 2c, 36 Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BE

                   

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0151 708 5576

studio@nookandwillow.com

The Greatest Flight of Your Lives...

“Fly me to the moon, let me sing among those stars; let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars, in other words…”

In other words: Picture this. You’ve said your ‘I do’s’, glowed and smiled as you walked up the aisle arm-in-arm, and kissed under a shower of freeze dried confetti. A uniformed captain greets you at the door and escorts you to your chartered luxury helicopter flight, ready to whisk you off to your reception, to party the day away. Only happens in the movies, right?

Wrong! Adding a special touch of a bespoke helicopter flight to your wedding day is easy with Helicentre

“Helicentre is based at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Caernarfon Airport, and also provides regular helicopter services at Manchester Barton Airport. At Helicentre we have been involved in aviation for over 15 year. We provide commercial and private helicopter training as well as charter, surveying, helicopter sales and management.  This makes Helicentre the leading training provider in the North West.

Our wedding day packages start from as little as £639.  We can take the couple to the ceremony, and after the ceremony, to the reception. If the wedding and reception are at the same place we can take the bride and groom on a pleasure flight around the area. We don’t just depart from Liverpool Airport, we can also collect the Bride or Groom from a private landing site, be it their back garden a nearby field or a local golf course. Many hotels and stately homes allow us to land so there is not normally and issue with the landing sites. We can also land at the church if there is a suitable landing site, and we can get the land owner’s permission. Every wedding is unique and different so we can tailor it to whatever the client requests”.

And it doesn’t just stop there! How about a romantic VIP Helicopter Lunch & Spa Package, perfect for a proposal or thank you to your loved one?

“Treat yourself and others to the ultimate VIP helicopter lunch and spa package at Carden Park Golf Course and Luxury Spa. Whether you would like to have a special meal and relax and get pampered in the luxury spa, a helicopter is the ultimate way to travel.
Departing from the business aviation centre at Liverpool Airport the helicopter will fly towards the Cheshire plains. En-route you will view historic land marks from the air such as Eaton Hall, Cholmondley Castle, Peckforton Castle and Beeston Castle. After arriving at Carden Park the helicopter will wait for you to return. This is a fantastic VIP helicopter experience. Whether it is relaxing with friends, a romantic dinner or even a proposal in style, this will defiantly not be forgotten!

When this package is bought you will have the helicopter and commercial pilot under you own private charter. Price is for helicopter charter only.

There are a maximum of three passenger seats available for the flight.

Capt Ben Worstencroft
Commercial Pilot / Flight Instructor

Soooooo…..Chocks Away! x