The official signing ceremony was held on 17th October 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The Congress is set to attract over 500 destination wedding planners and suppliers worldwide to discover Qatar’s potential as a luxury wedding destination. Destination weddings continue to be the fastest-growing segment of the US $300 billion global wedding market.

Doha is a city that dreams big. From jaw-dropping opulence and unparallel luxury experiences fit for royalty, celebrity or High Net Worth Individual weddings to glittering skylines offering the perfect backdrop for a romantic setting, Doha has so much to offer for a destination wedding. Be it an intimate beach ceremony or a lavish four-day wedding affair, Doha provides the perfect landscape and infrastructure.

The warm Arabian hospitality, the immersive culturally rich experience, the multicultural society, and the luxurious wedding venues can cater for the needs of any wedding. The region also boasts talented and extravagant destination wedding planners, designers and creative partners who have curated the most luxurious weddings and events worldwide.

Shedding light on why Qatar was chosen to host the prestigious Congress, Mr Ackash Jain, Director of QnA International – the organizers of the DWP Congress, said: “Qatar is one of the fascinating countries in the world to tie the knot with its magnificent palatial resorts and striking oceanic backdrops. Combining old-world hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication seamlessly opens the door to planning some of the most opulent celebrations. We are proud to bring the world’s biggest destination wedding congress to Qatar, which will be perfect timing right after the FIFA World Cup. With the support of Qatar Tourism, we look forward to showcasing the best of Qatar as a wedding destination to leading wedding experts from around the world.” 

Commenting on the occasion, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are thrilled to bring the world’s most prestigious business event in the wedding industry to Qatar and firmly position the country as a leading wedding destination. With destination weddings globally on the rise, Qatar maintains a strong appeal for couples seeking a unique and luxurious wedding experience.” The wedding boom after the pandemic is real.

The need to travel and have a destination wedding in a unique place is noticeable. Qatar, with its seamless connectivity, world-class infrastructure, reliable vendors and creative partners, and a plethora of activities from modern to cultural to explore, along with many five-star luxury properties, checks every box for any wedding festivities.

The three-day event is an exclusive, one-of-a-kind closed-door opportunity featuring top industry leaders and presenting engaging panel discussions, addressing the most cardinal topics, sophisticated networking opportunities, and activities under one roof. Under the theme of ‘Opulent Extravaganza,’ this year’s congress will revolve around showcasing the latest trends in wedding design transformation and luxury experiences in the wedding sphere and highlighting the global trend of love for luxury in this multi-billion dollar industry. 

Known to bring top celebrity wedding planners, influencers, movers and shakers of this niche industry, destination wedding experts alongside an extensive spread of luxury venues and hotels, most inspiring destinations, creative partners and wedding suppliers, the DWP Congress attempts to elevate the industry by showcasing and predicting wedding trends to drive the business forward.

About DWP Congress: The DWP Congress, recognized as the world’s most prominent business platform for the destination wedding industry, is a luxury by-invitation-only platform. Leading the destination wedding industry for almost a decade, the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress has cemented its position as the most important gathering of destination wedding professionals worldwide.

An exclusive, ‘by-invitation-only’ conference focused on luxury destination wedding professionals looking to collaborate with like-minded connoisseurs in the wedding business to glean fresh perspectives, do business and network with some of the top creative partners and suppliers from all over the world.

The Congress has grown rapidly from its first annual in Greece in 2014. It has successfully made its mark in top destinations across the world, from Mauritius to Florence, Phuket to Los Cabos, Dubai to Rhodes and Bali, traversing different continents and bringing this exclusive extravaganza to one of the world’s wealthiest countries, Qatar, in 2023.
 

SAVE THE DATE: 14th – 16th March 2023

Register Your Interest Now 

White Gallery is the exclusive destination for the finest bridal designers to showcase their latest collections to luxury bridal retailers and the press and we are once again delighted to be media partners for this year’s event. Launched in 2009, the show is now in its ninth year and has firmly established itself as one of the highlights of the wedding calendar.

This year the not-to-be-missed 2018 show will take place on the 25th – 27th March at the award-winning exhibition space – Excel London – one of the best exhibition locations in the UK. This exclusive and prestigious event also sees a fabulous new addition for 2018.

For the first time, White Gallery will be exclusively co-located alongside London Bridal Week, meaning retailers and wedding press will experience the intimate and luxurious environment of White Gallery, alongside one of the UK’s largest buying events for British and international retailers. London Bridal Week is set to become the first bridal ‘super-show’ in the UK, and will replace The London Bridal Show, previously held at Olympia. Timed to be the first major event on the international calendar, it is a fusion of large-scale trade fair, fashion show, and educational seminar programme.

Cassandra Roberts, Head of Content and Marketing explains “We are delighted to bring some of the world’s leading designers together to showcase their newest collections to some of the best bridal retailers and wedding press in the UK. Being co-located alongside London Bridal Week really makes this an unmissable event, where retailers can shop at a range of price points and enjoy a unique buying experience all under one roof.”

Synonymous with high end design, prestige and exclusivity, White Gallery offers a trade shopping experience of the highest standard and is like no other buying event in the UK. The show is carefully curated and designers must all pass a rigorous vetting process to be featured at the event, meaning only the best UK and international designs will be taking part. Retailers can explore the best designers in a wonderful luxury shopping environment, making White Gallery a truly unique experience.

The exhibitors at White Gallery will be some of the finest from the UK and around the world – with names such as Eliza Jane Howell, Stephanie Allin, David Fielden, Charlie Brear, Alan Hannah, Sassi Holford and Rachel Simpson all showcasing their latest designs to fabulous retailers and the UK’s most prestigious wedding and lifestyle press.

The White Gallery Fashion Show Theatre will be the destination to view the latest bridal collections. Be amongst the first to see the emerging bridal trends and discover the styles, fabrics and designs tomorrow’s bride will desire. Sassi Holford, Alan Hannah, Savin and Morilee will be hosting private shows to selected members of the press and bridal retailers. Followed by designer previews from Anny Lin, Brian Chen, Catriona Garforth, Charlotte Balbier, Eliza Jane Howell, Hazaar of London, Ivory & Co Bridal and more names to be announced. There will also be exclusive collection previews from Casablanca, Dando London, Diane Legrand, Ellis Bridals, Gino Cerutti, Morilee, Ronald Joyce and many more to be confirmed.

The successful Bridal Retail Success Academy will also be returning, offering thought-provoking and inspiring lessons from the best industry professionals, discussing how to run a thriving bridal business. It is the ideal place to get the support and advice you need to feel confident and ready for the next financial year.

To attend London Bridal Week and White Gallery in March, visit the press page to apply for your pass.

]]> https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/white-gallery-london-leading-destination-luxury-bridal-brands/feed/ 0 https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/london-bridal-week/ https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/london-bridal-week/#respond Wed, 28 Feb 2018 09:00:48 +0000 https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/?p=178962 Exciting news from the bridal fashion world!

London Bridal Week will unite the world’s leading designers and manufacturers under one roof, for the largest bridal trade show to ever be held in the city. Timed to be the first major event on the international calendar, the show is a fusion of large-scale trade fair, fashion show, and educational seminar programme and we are delighted to be media partners for this exciting event.

The newly created event will replace The London Bridal Show, and will be co-located with well established luxury buying event, White Gallery, giving retailers the opportunity to source collections at a variety of styles and price points in just one visit.

Cassandra Roberts, Head of Content and Marketing, says “We are excited to bring retailers a brand new show, with a fresh new look and even more opportunities to develop their business through our excellent line-up of exhibitors, inspiring Bridal Retail Success Academy and fashion-forward runway shows.”

The roster of exhibitors at London Bridal Week will be second to none. This launch event will house new collections from the biggest names in bridal including Mark Lesley, Enzoani, Casablanca, Morilee, Ronald Joyce, Private Label by G, Eternity, Direct Eastern, Ladybird, Jasmine, True Bride and Victoria Kay, plus hundreds more. Retailers can expect to see stunning new collections from the names they know and love alongside a number of exciting new bridal brands in the ‘New Talents’ area.

And it’s not all about buying; the Bridal Retail Success Academy will offer a free educational programme aimed to help retailers with all aspects of their business. Key speakers will take centre stage in the Seminar Theatre at the beginning and end of each day. Following the success of the seminars in 2017, the sessions are expected to be packed out with retailers looking to improve their understanding on social media, marketing and more.

Retailers will also have the opportunity to book one-to-one sessions with our business experts to discuss finance in business, legal issues and PR. New for 2018 we will be running, ‘In Conversation with’ sessions with Bridal Buyer’s Content Editor, Zoë Burke. These sessions will be small, informal Q & As with designers, manufacturers, retailers and press on a range of hot topics.

The newly created event will be co-located with well-established luxury buying event White Gallery – giving retailers the opportunities to freely move between shows and shop from both designers and manufacturers. Leading designers confirmed include Alan Hannah, Sassi Holford, Stephanie Allin, Karen Willis Holmes, Anna Georgina, Rachel Simpson, Olvi’s, Caroline Castigliano and more.

To attend London Bridal Week and White Gallery in March, visit the press page to apply for your pass.

]]> https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/london-bridal-week/feed/ 0 https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/win-tickets-bridelux-2018-shows/ https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/win-tickets-bridelux-2018-shows/#respond Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:30:09 +0000 https://5starweddingdirectory.com/blog/?p=178360 The ultimate wedding shows

We are just so excited about two events that are coming up in the spring. We’re delighted to be teaming up with Bridelux as media partners for their Atelier and Destinations shows and to celebrate we’re giving away five pairs of tickets for each show!

If you’re looking for some luxury destination wedding inspiration, then Bridelux Destinations is the show for you. Taking place from the 2^nd-3^rd March at The Royal Horticultural Halls in London, you’ll find luxury destination planners, luxury hotel groups, stunning venues and many other suppliers under one roof to ensure your dream destination wedding. You’ll be able to pick up advice from the expert planners and a programme of speakers will offer their knowledge and experience of wedding planning around the world. It’s definitely one not to miss!

Following hot on its heels it the Bridelux Atelier, from the 9^th-10^th March at the iconic Rosewood London. This is such an exclusive event, with high-end brands and luxury suppliers giving a little glimpse of what they can offer a fabulous luxury wedding. The most talented designers, florists, jewellers and more from across the elite wedding planning industry will be there to inspire your day.

You can win tickets every day this week to both these events with us! Pop over to our Instagram and tag a friend on one of the Bridelux images to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets.

Competition closes 9^th February.

For more information, head over to the Bridelux site.

The A-list hotspot and playground for the affluent, Los Cabos has long been a preferred hub for grand destination weddings. But over the last few years, the ‘Lands’ End’ of the Baja California peninsula firmly climbed its way to the top of the ultra-luxury market. This very phenomenal upgrade lead to the sunny Baja shore to become the newest host of the foremost event in the destination wedding industry, the Destination Wedding Planners Congress which is set to meet in April 2018.

Think 350 days of pure sunshine, world-class golf courses, high octane nightlife and a plethora of natural wonders lining the stunning Pacific coastline. And with the new stellar additions to the opulent hospitality offerings, Los Cabos is an event planner’s paradise. To explore the bustling luxury landscape of the city, DWP Congress is bringing together more than 600 high end wedding experts, planners, designers, vendors and suppliers from over 70 countries to the glamorous town to scout the best of Los Cabos.

The world’s top celebrity wedding planners, royalty specialists & destination wedding experts have long adored the azure coasts of Los Cabos including the woman behind ace tennis player Serena William’s wedding- Jennifer Zabinski, Football superstar Lionel Messi’s Wedding Planner Duo- Farina Lorenzo and Adrian Pavia and the British Royal family’s go-to planner, Liz Taylor. Lisa Vorce, Hollywood’s favourite wedding planner has worked extensively across Mexico on various elite events and will be joining DWP as a speaker this year along with Roberto Cohen from Brazil, Jung Lee from US and Sumant Jayakrishnan from India to name a few. The event is set to have top planners share their insights with a set of likeminded wedding experts on the current state of destination weddings in Mexico, and the path to its bright future. The Mexico Tourism Board released a statement announcing the collaboration and the important role of the DWP Congress in Los Cabos’s burgeoning luxury section. The statement revealed that, “DWP 2018 will serve as a catalyst for greater collaboration with the destination wedding industry around the world, and further attests Mexico’s position as the leading country for romance tourism.”

Whether you’re dreaming of a sun soaked honeymoon walking amid the lively cobblestone lanes of San José del Cabo, or you’re planning to say, “I Do!” by the pristine beaches of Costa Azul, Los Cabos should be on top of your travel wish list for 2018.

Visit DWP’s website to find out more.

Askham Hall is a beautiful venue, set in a secluded part of the Lake District. The perfect place for a wedding, the Hall offers the most luxurious accommodation, gorgeous local food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. What more could you want for a perfect Cumbrian wedding?!

A charming Grade 1 listed venue, your wedding can be held indoors or out. Their range of rooms will definitely suit your chosen theme, whatever it may be. They boast a pretty barn, ideal for vintage and boho themes, a newly refurbished Medieval hall which would just be divine in the winter with rustic décor, and an outdoor pavilion which lends itself perfectly to a garden wedding or big floral theme.

Askham Hall have a showcase in February, which, if you’re thinking of a wedding in the Lakes, is definitely one not to be missed. Head up there on the 18^th February, 12noon until 4pm to see the picturesque venue whilst enjoying a glass of fizz from their Prosecco bar. They’ll have their staff there to chat to as well as local suppliers, so you can see who might be best placed to provide the best local products and there’ll be a catwalk with the latest bridal designs for you to swoon over! If that wasn’t tempting enough, their chef will be showcasing some gorgeous canapes and you can pore over their menu ideas. Sounds fabulous!

In addition to their wonderful showcase, they’ve got some great offers for a few remaining dates for spring weddings, so it’s worth checking their website if you’re planning a quick spring wedding and haven’t got a venue yet!

Askham Hall won Cumbria Tourism’s ‘Taste’ award last year, and this year have been shortlisted for the 2018 Wedding Industry Awards and the UK Wedding Awards, so they’re definitely a venue to put on your shortlist!

For more information on their wedding showcase on the 18th February, see their website. And to find out more about their weddings, pop over to their dedicated weddings pages.

Askham Hall are a trusted supplier on 5 Star Wedding Directory. See their listing here.