WED’S WISH LIST

wed’s

From dreamy dresses to showstopping shoes, here’s our pick of the latest bridal must-haves

words Hannah May & Rebecca Matthews

wish list

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Located in The House That Moved, a 16th century building in Exeter’s historical West Quarter, Pirouette is packed with atmosphere and beautiful bridal gowns. The quirky setting, its three floors dripping in bridal finery, lends itself to intimate appointments – and the team offers a warm and individual service to each bride.

As a long-standing stockist of some of wedding world’s most celebrated designers, from Maggie Sottero and Rebecca Ingram to Sottero & Midgley, the rails are brimming with high glamour gowns and vintageinspired cuts to whimsical, romantic silhouettes and boho-chic lace. Having taken stock of the latest dresses from Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram and Sottero & Midgley, brides-to-be can feast their eyes on minimalist gowns with luxe fabrics and clean lines, dreamy dresses with illusion lace and full skirts, and super-chic cuts with plunging necklines and statement backs. With finishing touches galore including veils and jewels, you can look forward to picking out a dreamy – and decidedly ‘you’ – ensemble in this memorable setting.

Hot new bridesmaid label alert! Nola London is a sustainable and seriously stylish collection created by best friends Sophia and Abi, who have combined their eye for design, values, and vast fashion industry experience to create chic designs your bridesmaids will want to wear again and again.

Handmade to order in London, a mindful and eco-conscious approach is at the heart of the brand: the beautifully constructed dresses are made from sustainable fabrics and finished with recycled plastic zips and recycled polyester labels. From contemporary midi cuts and separates to floaty, feminine silhouettes and glamorous, floor-sweeping designs, there’s a look for every wedding vibe in colourways ranging from subtle mist grey, sage green, and blush pink to bold mimosa yellow and midnight blue. We love the Romy dress with its angel sleeves and split front maxi skirt and the Emily dress with its off-the-shoulder puff sleeves – a gorgeous choice for fashion-forward and eco-conscious ‘maids. nolalondon.com

HEAD START

From glam vintage jewels and boho-inspired headdresses to contemporary and alternative pieces, Devon-based Janie Wolverson of The Lucky Sixpence can turn her hand to all styles to create a stunning and so-you finishing touch for your big day look. Joining forces with Somerset-based bridal designer Ness Bridal, her latest collection ‘Modern Romance’ marries the trend for statement headbands with delicate jewels.

Available in luxurious black silk dupion, ivory duchess satin and rose duchess satin, the beautiful bands are handmade by Ness and then finished with Janie’s hand-worked beaded detail, comprising Swarovski crystals, Preciosa crystal pearls, beads, and diamanté. Chic, modern and lovingly crafted, these luxurious headbands are guaranteed to bring a head-turning finish to your bridal ensemble. What’s more, bespoke beadwork colours and custom-coloured bands are available for brides seeking a one-off creation.

PRETTY PERFECT

Prepare for a dreamy choice of dresses ranging from pared-back pretty to vintage-inspired frocks and fairytale-esque gowns at Pretty Smithy Bridal. Situated in the heart of Paignton, the boutique is a treasure trove of wedding dresses from designers such as Lilly, Millie May, Millie Grace, True Curve and Brighton Belle.

Soft tulle skirts, romantic lace detailing and modern clean lines are key to Scandinavian designer Lilly’s signature aesthetic, while Millie May’s classic designs incorporate glamorous features such as jewelled embellishments and lace sleeves. For brides seeking a tea-length gown, Brighton Belle’s sassy range are perfect for bringing some showstopping vintage glamour to your W-day look.

Pretty Smithy Bridal also stocks dedicated designers for curvy brides in the form of True Curve, Millie Grace, White Rose Graceful and Angel Curve. With an extensive range of sample dresses available to try in sizes 20-30 – which can be ordered in sizes 14-36 – and an alteration service which means brides can customise their chosen dress to their vision, whether it’s adding sleeves or designing a matching wrap, you’re assured the dress of your dreams, together with a friendly and relaxed service.

What’s more, Pretty Smithy Bridal’s off-the-peg collection offers some rather spectacular savings, from princess-style gowns to elegant lace numbers.

LITTLE MIX

When it comes to styling your mini squad, look no further than the ohso adorable GRACE Mini collection from cult bridal brand Grace Loves Lace. Designed for girls aged two to seven years old, the first children’s collection from the Australian designer is full of easy stretch dresses your mini maids can have fun in. And what’s more, each dress is made from repurposed material offcuts from the brand’s bridal gowns – think pretty silks, French laces and Spanish trims – making the dresses as sustainable as they are super-cute.

graceloveslace.com

PEARLY QUEEN

Set with delicate pearl cabochons, these Bamboo Pearl earrings from Devon-based Cabinet Jewellery are an eye-catching finishing touch to a super-chic bridal ensemble.

Kate Walker Bridal has taken stock of the latest collection from British label Olivia Rose Bridal – and the designs couldn’t be more gorgeous!

Designed and handmade in Devon, Olivia Rose is renowned for its soft feminine shapes, dainty detailing, and high-quality fabrics. The latest collection sees ethereal skirts and laser cut lace meet intricate floral embellishment and soft tones of blush, mink, and ivory. We particularly love Angelica, its plunge neckline, botanical lace, and subtle shimmer marrying boho style with a pretty edge – perfect for a country or festival-chic wedding. And then there’s the illusion lace detailing and full chiffon skirt of Tulsi – a gorgeous look for celebrating on the sands or dancing in meadows of wild flowers.

Renowned for her dedication to ensuring each of her brides feels her absolute best on her wedding day, Kate offers private appointments in her Bridal Rooms in Ilminster. With gowns from Freda Bennet and Kate’s own bespoke collection also available, brides are in for a tantalising choice of romantic and immaculately crafted gowns, as well as a hand-picked collection of bridal accessories for those all-important finishing touches.

katewalkerbridal.co.uk

WINGING IT

Combining butterflies, glitter and sweet detailing, the latest mini shoes from Sophia Webster are a flower girl’s dream – and quite possibly the prettiest shoes we’ve ever seen.

NEW FLAME

After enduring the stress of postponing her wedding and failing to find the perfect candle to help her unwind, Wynne decided to create her own – and luxury candle brand Wynnie Tam Tam is the heavenly result. Her first candle, Bride Calm, is a soothing soy blend of calming French lavender with gorgeous notes of ylang-ylang and geranium. Hand poured in London and specially formulated with the highest quality essential oils, this sustainably sourced candle should be the relaxing scent of every bride’s wedding planning journey.