It's come to my attention that aside from the festive season and Valentine's Day, summer holidays appear to be one other time of year for new engagements. My very own bestie/ex-housemate/wifey for lifey (or so I thought...) was indeed proposed to on an Italian beach at sunset this weekend (albeit by her boyfriend poking her with the ring box and saying, in his romantic Irish lilt, 'marry me, stupid'), meaning the Pinterest boards we've been so carefully curating over the last three years can finally be made public.
Autumn is rife with wedding shows, making the most of those newly be-ringed brides-to-be, still glowing from a combination of holiday tan and straight up euphoria. With three big ones hitting London over the next two months, it's worth getting the dates in your diary early.
The National Wedding Show
The UK's biggest wedding show returns to Olympia from 22nd-24th September and Excel from 21st-22nd October. With over 300 wedding specialists, thousands of dresses and tickets from £8, it's worth getting there early - there's a LOT to see. If you're looking for The Dress there are usually great deals to be had, with a lot of boutiques stocking past samples or older collections with big savings and new for this season is the Inspiration Lab, hosting a wealth of workshops across the weekend.
www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk
The Luxury Wedding Fair
The same weekend and also at Olympia, The Luxury Wedding Fair brings together 50 of the most coveted designers, location specialists, planners, artisans and more for an intimate luxury wedding experience. The ticket promises prosecco and canapés on arrival as well as exclusive access to the salon catwalks, showcasing the latest collections from the likes of Caroline Castigliano, Nicki Macfarlane, Sassi Holford and Emmy London, amongst others, with a chance to meet the designers face to face. A limited number of tickets are available, starting at £50 which includes entry to The Luxury Wedding Fair, a selection of canapés, prosecco, a beautiful complimentary take home gift worth £250, plus access to The National Wedding Show also taking place at Olympia London from 22nd - 24th September. Visitors can also snap up a VIP ticket for £90, which includes a 30 minute private consultation with By Terry or Kérastase experts as well as an Urban Retreat goody bag. For tickets and information. www.theluxuryweddingfair.co.uk
Brides The Show
Last up, opening its door's at Islington's Business Design Centre from September 29th - October 1st, Brides the Show will showcase over 150 luxury suppliers, bringing the stylish pages of Brides magazine to life. Confirmed opening Friday night highlights so far include an exclusive exhibition of couture gowns by award-winning British fashion designer-of-the- moment, Giles Deacon; Giles will also be taking part in a Q&A session with Brides Editor, Jade Beer; a chance to network with Matt Porteous, official photographer at Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ wedding; and appearances from bloggers Lydia Elsie Millen, Alessandra Steinherr and Natasha Corrett. Expect the freshest ideas, the highest quality craftsmanship and the very latest trends, complete with a daily 'Paris in Love' themed catwalk show, styled by the Brides fashion team. Tickets from £15 available at www.bridestheshow.co.uk
Image: Jenny Packham at Brides the Show
Love Laurel x
