WED’S WISH LIST

wed’s

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

words Hannah May & Rebecca Matthews

wish list

FIND THE ONE

A flurry of fresh-from-the-catwalk bridal collections have landed at Pirouette. Nestled in Exeter’s historic West Quarter, the charming 16th century Merchants House is as packed with dresses as it is with charm – and its latest arrivals from designers Maggie Sottero, Sottero & Midgley and Rebecca Ingram are seriously special.

And, for brides seeking a bargain, Pirouette is currently selling some dazzling discontinued frocks at a fraction of their usual price, with most retailing for less than £1,000.

From glamorous ballgowns in exquisite satin to figure-sculpting fishtails and exquisite sheaths, expect dazzling details including deep plunge V-necks, floral lace, intricate beading, and jewel-encrusted bodices for the most magnificent of bridal looks. The only hitch will be narrowing it down to just one.

pirouettethecollection.com

A luxurious bridal experience awaits in the heart of Plymouth. From the sumptuous interiors to the finely crafted dresses gracing the rails, The Ivory Lounge offers wow-worthy style, attentive service and special moments to savour with your nearest and dearest. What’s more, the boutique specialises in gowns from British designers, meaning many styles are in stock or can be ordered in as little as two weeks.

Suzanne Neville is one of Europe’s leading designers of bridal and evening wear, her breathtakingly beautiful gowns earning her multiple awards and a loyal celebrity clientele. As the exclusive stockist in the south-west, The Ivory Lounge houses a hand-picked collection of gowns where classic lines meet contemporary styling, fine fabrics and exceptional craftsmanship. Think minimalist chic, dreamy full skirts and exquisite lace with a keen focus on cut, structure and fit for a truly oncein-a-lifetime gown.

Established in London in 1912, Ellis Bridals has been dressing brides in gorgeously made gowns for over a century. Amongst the dreamlike selection in-store, you’ll find stunning ballgowns through to sleek fit and flare cuts finished with dazzling beadwork, delicate lace and sculptural bows. And, for those seeking a relaxed, modern dress, Kelsey Rose has a dreamy range of silhouettes with light, playful skirts made for dancing, delicate beaded detailing and a touch of sparkle.

As well as an extensive collection of gowns, the boutique also offers a range of fashion-forward headpieces and veils to complement your bridal ensemble, as well as shoe samples from Emmy London and Diane Hassall.

With gowns ranging from £400 to £4,000, The Ivory Lounge offers a five-star service to every bride, regardless of budget or style, so you can look forward to an experience to remember in incredibly stylish surrounds.

theivorylounge.co.uk

Although the dress is the single most important item of W-day clothing, there’s a close runner (literally!): your lingerie. In order to look and feel your absolute best, the role of your underwear shouldn’t be underestimated. The layer between skin and dress should be as seamless and comfortable as humanly possible, which is where Bloomin’ Sexy comes in.

Made in Devon, the luxury range of anti-chafe satin and lace shorts are designed for maximum comfort and come in an assortment of sizes and patterns in either black or white. So whether you fancy slipping into something from the Vintage collection made from soft stretch Italian satin and French lace, or a pair of floral stretch lace shorts (minus the VPL) from the Romantic range, Bloomin’ Sexy’s snug and stylish lingerie promises to seduce both you and your beloved on your “I do” day.

bloominsexy.com

LOVELY BUBBLY

Looking for a fun and memorable way to pop the question to your bridesmaids? Filled with peach Bellinis, organic bubbly and a ‘will you be my bridesmaid?’ note card, Sipful’s bridesmaids gift box promises to delight your besties with its sweet combination of style and flavour.

Complete with recycled and recyclable packaging, each delicious drink is made using the most sustainable practices, so you can sup on their organic and vegan wine and cocktails (created using 100% natural fruit juices) in the knowledge that your impact will be minimal, but your gesture will be mouth-wateringly maximal.

sipful-drinks.com

CROWNING GLORY

Don’t leave those final flourishes until the last minute, ladies. Instead, complete your bridal and bridal party’s outfits with something special – and maybe even custom-made – to suit the look of your day while also ensuring the bespoke factor is in beautiful force. La Lune Alice Store handcrafts a range of hair accessories guaranteed to provide you with a bedazzling finishing touch. Ranging from boho-style floral crowns and hair vines to vintage combs, glitzy pins and timeless tiaras, every piece will add that certain something, whatever your individual look or sense of style.

We’re especially enamoured with the Nell vine – a gorgeous vine available in gold and silver with delicate clay flowers and cream rose pearls – which would make the perfect addition to a bohemian or botanical-themed wedding. Then there’s the understated beauty of the Nell hairpins and the Millie earrings, crafted with dainty pearlised clay flowers, antique effect leaves and freshwater pearls.

It’s time to find your inner bridal goddess, and Evolved Bridal in Barnstaple is just the place to begin your search. Step from the seaside and into its elegant interiors to be greeted with rail upon rail of hand-picked confections from some of the world’s finest designers. Home to the exquisite Spanish label Rosa Clara alongside Israel’s Rish Bridal, and Zavana Bridal and White April from Australia, expect an eclectic and exotic collection of gowns guaranteed to satisfy your every sartorial whim.

Let’s start with Rosa Clara, the Spanish designer renowned for light-as-air fabrics and delicate designs with ethereal edge: think scallop lace fringing and cap sleeves, dotted tulle and floral embellishment in feminine, form sculpting cuts. Then there’s Rish Bridal and its modern reimagining of romance, where bold patterns and boho features meet striking silhouettes such as seductive fishtails and sultry fit and flares. Its current collection, Northern Star, combines the label’s signature intricate embroidery with Norwegian folk art and customised diagonal cuts for seriously statement-making fashion.

That’s not to forget the boutique’s other-side-of-the-world offerings, where Zavana’s glamorous gowns are a canvas of breathtaking beadwork, embellished lace, extravagant floral detailing and achingly demure shapes. White April’s modern boho collection is awash with unique textural lace and rich layers of design woven into gloriously figure-hugging and skin baring styles for a look replete with free-spirited allure.

And there’s more. Evolved Bridal will be bringing gowns from iconic designer Vera Wang to the southwest this November! The visionary designer’s unique and utterly captivating creations are quite simply a must for fashion-loving brides. Head to the website for details of upcoming trunk shows - a bridal event not to be missed! evolvedbridal.co.uk