the national wedding show – LUXURY WEDDING BLOG

5 Star Wedding Directory’s 2015 highlights! | July to December

5 Star Weddings — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 19:55:56 +0000

2015 Weddings: Luxury, style, and more than a bit of daring! Here is part 2 of our highlights…

What a year 2015 has been for the luxury wedding industry. We’ve seen so many of our brilliant suppliers take their luxury products to the next level, whether it’s dress design, event planning, or weaving floral masterpieces. We’re looking back on 2015 – a year in which we expanded our writing team and launched our slicker, faster, and more beautiful website and logo – and have chosen some of our highlights from the year. In the final part of our rundown of 2015, we’re remembering highlights from July to December – read about January to June, here.

July – Berta Bridal gets pulses racing with the launch of the fall collection

We had to include a dress range on our yearly highlights, and while we had so many to choose from we just loved this Berta Bridal Fall collection we featured in July. The range, launched at a catwalk show at the magnificent Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London, is all about daring necklines and intricate embellishments. See the whole beautiful range, read more.

August – Finding the best photographers worldwide… using Instagram!

What better way to find the world’s best wedding photographers than via the premier photography social network, Instagram? In August we trawled the Insta-verse, using the hashtag #weddingphotographer, to see what gems we could find by professional photographers from the USA to Europe to New Zealand. See the stunning array of wedding photos (from real weddings, no less) that we found via Instagram in part 1, part 2, and part 3 of our in-depth blog on wedding photographers.

September – A brilliant day at the UK’s biggest wedding showcase

In a tremendous display of glamour, glitz, music, and fizz, September saw Kensington Olympia open its doors for the National Wedding Show once again! We were proud media sponsors of the event, and so we were there for the moment the doors opened on the first day. There was so much to see and sample this year, as well as a really well choreographed catwalk featuring the most beautiful gowns. Read all about our day at the show, in September’s blog ‘A day at the National Wedding Show’.

October – GC Couture’s culinary fairyland inside the Lanesborough Hotel

A showcase of a new line – be it dresses, shoes, or cakes – is always a delight, but when it’s hosted in one of London’s most fabulous hotels and photographed by premier photographer John Nassari, you know it’s going to be completely breathtaking. We were invited by GC Couture Cakes to view their new line, Seasons of Sugar, in the perfect setting; a glittering wonderland of trees and lights, where the cakes were displayed in the season that inspired their creation. The photos from this one are a must see, all of which we were proud to feature in this blog, back in October.

November – 5 Star Weddings writer Abbie escapes to Bali, to find out how Alila Hotels do weddings

Unfortunately, the whole 5 Star Weddings team couldn’t pack their bags and jet off with Abbie to Bali last November, but the luscious photos she was sending our way were almost as good as being there… sort of. Abbie was the guest of Alila Hotels & Resorts, a leading hospitality company in Bali, where she got the chance to stay at several of their resorts, and find out why Bali is such a desirable destinations for weddings… read the first of Abbie’s blog series, here.

December – Looking forward to exciting things to come in 2016… starting with a fairytale

Finally, we rounded off our totally brilliant year by announcing our involvement in a gorgeous new showcase by Scarlet Events. We can’t wait for February 2016 now, when we will be sponsoring the invitation-only showcase at the Four Seasons Hotel. Designed for Brides to meet high-end suppliers over cocktails and canapés, the dazzling showcase – aptly named ‘Once Upon A Fairytale’ – will feature a number of high-profile luxury British and International brands, including Suzie Turner, Freya Rose, GC Couture, and many more… And, of course, we have some invitations to give away to lucky readers! Visit our blog post from December to find out more.

And lastly…

A few more events and highlights we can’t resist adding into our round up of 2015; there was the completely whacky and wonderful ‘Come to bed at the Savoy‘, hosted by the inimitable Bruce Russell. There was photographer John Nassari’s workshop, Back Stage Project – Life Through The Lens, to which 5 Star Weddings’ Tai was invited for a day of seeing life through Nassari’s venerable lens. Brides the Show was a lovely day, with some of the best suppliers in the UK under the beautiful glass roof at Islington Design Centre, featuring a one-off catwalk by Jenny Packham. All in all, the past year has been a whirlwind of white lace and champagne – and we’ve loved every second! Happy new year, dear readers… and here’s to 2016!

Win Tickets To The UK’s Biggest Wedding Show This Autumn

5 Star Weddings — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 10:04:55 +0000

The National Wedding Show: 25 – 27 September London Olympia

Immerse yourself in inspiration heaven and shop ‘til you drop at the UK’s biggest wedding show this autumn. From exquisite wedding gowns to fabulous flowers, striking stationery to mouth-watering cakes and honeymoon hideaways to show-stopping entertainment, you can try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day, under one roof – and, 5 Star Wedding Directory is giving you and a lucky ‘plus one’, a chance to win tickets to the London show in September!

Take a seat at the spectacular Catwalk Show, where the latest bridal trends are brought to life by the nation’s finest designers, boutiques and retailers including Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Ian Stuart, Jenny Packham, Maggie Sottero, Eliza Jane Howell, Enzoani, Berketex Bride, Debenhams and many more.

With beautiful bridesmaid dresses from the likes of Maids to Measure and Ghost, elegant mother-of-the-bride attire from Nigel Rayment, and suave groomswear from names including Jeff Banks Savile Row, Moss Bros, and Cad & the Dandy – as well as bridal beauty and hair trends from bareMinerals and Fudge Professional – the Catwalk Show provides style inspiration for the entire bridal party.

Browse an unrivalled selection of wedding dresses under one roof in the Bridal Boutique and Designer Area.

The Bridal Boutique brings together the nation’s leading bridal boutiques and retailers, while the Designer Area showcases couture creations and offers bespoke opportunities from the finest designers including Katya Katya Shehurina, Qiana Bridal, Ivory & Co, Hazaar of London, Zaeem Jamal and many more. From short and sweet tea-length dresses and vintage designs, to glamorous ballgowns fit for a princess, there is something to suit every style, shape and budget.

What NOT to miss at The National Wedding Show

Head to the Wedding Theatre, exclusively at our London and Birmingham shows, to discover all you need to know about big day beauty, hair and style. The National Wedding Show’s glam squad will share their Top 10 Tips for achieving your perfect wedding day look, with demonstrations, tips and tricks for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom. During each session, one lucky bride will be selected for a makeover live on stage and presented to the audience in a breath-taking ‘big reveal’.

Discover breathtaking blooms in the Designer Flower Market, where you can find fabulous floral displays in a plethora of colours together with expert advice from a host of top florists. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional fairytale wedding or planning your very own winter wonderland, there are stylish solutions for all themes and colour schemes.

If you need help transforming your venue in to a spectacular backdrop for your big day, seek inspiration from The National Wedding Show’s host of wedding planners and stylists. Discover everything from dazzling lighting to stylish tableware and signage to create your perfect setting. And if you’re ready to register for a gift list or book the honeymoon of your dreams, your high-street favourites will be on hand to help, including John Lewis, Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Sandals and Turquoise Holidays.

Round off an exciting day of shopping in the Afternoon Tea Room, where you can treat your bridal party to tea and cake, or head to the Champagne Bar – with a glass of bubbly in hand, you can kick back, relax and raise a toast to your future happiness!

Tickets: How to book, and how to win!

Get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the show in style with VIP tickets. The exclusive package includes fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, a complimentary glass of Freixenet, a mini make-under from bareMinerals, the latest issues of You & Your Wedding and Perfect Wedding magazines and a goody box full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.

Here at 5 Star Wedding Directory, we have teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer five lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free! Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today! Simply send an email to ya@5starweddingdirectory.com with the subject line “Pick me!”

Alternatively, if you’d rather not leave your tickets up to fate, you can buy two tickets for £25 with the promotional code 5STARWED. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486. You can also buy tickets on the door, but by booking in advance you could save up to £5 off the door price*.

The National Wedding Show takes place on 25 – 27 September at London Olympia, 2 – 4 October at Birmingham NEC and 24 – 25 October at Manchester Central.

*Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 (London and Birmingham) and £18 (Manchester) at midnight the day before opening.

Terms & Conditions

Only available on standard advance adult tickets. Offer valid on any one day. Offer valid on tickets purchased via telephone or internet. Offer subject to availabilityO. ffer only valid on Autumn 2015 National Wedding Shows at Olympia, the NEC and Manchester Central. Ocean Media reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Transaction fees apply. Ticket price includes a free show guide

VENUE & DATES: 25 – 27 September London Olympia | 2 – 4 October 2015 Birmingham NEC | 24 – 25 October Manchester Central

MEDIA PARTNERS: Brides, Confetti, Love My Wedding, Perfect Wedding, UK Bride, Wedding, Wedding Ideas, Wedding Venues & Services, You & Your Wedding, 5 Star Wedding Directory

ORGANISERS: The National Wedding Show is part of the Ocean Media Group’s Fashion portfolio. Ocean Media Group has been established as the leading event organiser and publisher in the European and UK bridal sector with more than 20 years of expertise. Its full wedding portfolio includes The Harrogate Bridal Show, The London Bridal Show, White Gallery London, bridalbuyer.com, Bridal Buyer, The National Wedding Show and The UK Wedding Shows.

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Facebook – www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow

Twitter – @nationalwedding / #TNWS
Instagram – thenationalweddingshow

The National Wedding Show Autumn 2015 Press Preview

5 Star Weddings — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 08:59:51 +0000

As The National Wedding Show prepares to open its doors for autumn 2015, press were given an exclusive preview of some of the hottest wedding trends to look out for this season. The prestigious Lansdowne Club in Mayfair, former home of Mr Selfridge, once again played host to the press preview.

Stunning table settings by Royalties Events provided a glamorous finishing touch the Ballroom, which was filled by the sounds of talented musician Brendan Mills as he serenaded the crowds.

Royalties Events dressed tables to reflect three popular wedding trends; a traditional White Wedding, with stationery provided by Ivy Ellen; a Vintage Affair, with stationery provided by Figtree Invitations; and a third table which combined silver and grey tones with a touch of sparkle, resulting in pure understated elegance.

Bridal Designer Eloise Alice, who is taking part in The National Wedding Show for the first time this season, presented three exquisite gowns from her collection, while Mode Bridal showcased styles from Italian designer Anna Tumas.

Also representing bridalwear was Allure Bridals, with their iconic show-stopping bridal gowns, and Ruth Milliam Bridal Couture, who displayed key pieces from her collection of beaded silk and lace gowns, ostrich feather, lace, beaded cover ups, hand embellished hair adornment and tulle and silk veils, all intricate in their design and finish.

Completing the bridal look, Adrienne Shoes showcased a selection of styles from their iconic ready to wear bridal collection, which can be customised by fabric, heel and accessories to create a shoe to for all styles.

High street favourites Debenhams showcased a selection of pieces from their Mother of the Bride and bridesmaid collections, together with Maids to Measure who presented styles from their new Modern Maids collection.

Jeff Banks Savile Row gave press a sneak peek of what will be on offer at their Gentleman’s Lounge at London Olympia this season, from bespoke tailored suits to cravats and accessories in an array of colours and designs, while Moss Bros presented a selection of styles from their collection of ready-to-wear designs.

Guests previewed the ultimate modern wedding gift list service from Prezola and discovered the latest in wedding cake trends, including the popular celebration cheese cake towers from Godminster a beautiful selection of luxury wedding cakes from The Whitty Cake Company. Royalties Events also showcased some of the latest cake and stationery designs available through their exclusive wedding planning services.

The National Wedding Show’s VIP sponsor Freixenet provided guests with glasses of bubbly, while Blow Ltd carried out complimentary hair styling and makeovers, ensuring all guests were left looking and feeling glamorous! The evening was captured by wedding photographer Nadine Van Biljon and videography dream team R7 Production.

Brides can meet these exhibitors together with 250 wedding experts at The National Wedding Show this autumn. Dates for your Diary: Manchester Central: 24th-25th October/ London Olympia: 25th-27th September/ Birmingham NEC: 2nd-4th October.

For more information visit the National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk