TYING THE KNOT

Tie the knot instyle

As wedding season fast approaches, we catch up with one of our favourite seamstresses in the city, Rose Savage, whose alternative, unconventional bridal designs have been the source of inspiration for over a decade...

For the first time in two years, wedding season looks as though it is back for good. Millions of rescheduled celebrations are set to go ahead this summer and weekends will once again be filled with dancing and frivolity. But, what to wear? We hear you say. Whether you’re a guest, a bridesmaid or the star of the show, choosing an outfit can be the most daunting – and exciting – task to check off the list. This season, the runways have been serving heaps of wedding inspo. Think maximalism, big bows, visible corsetry, Bridgerton-inspired gowns and statement oversized sleeves. As for fabrics, lace is back.

If the brides of 2021 taught us anything, though, it’s that people want to celebrate – and they want to celebrate in their own way. Trends and traditions are all very well but they are there to be broken, after all.

With that in mind, we turned to one of our favourite dressmakers in the city, renowned for her alternative, unconventional bridal designs. Rose Savage has been helping people find the ‘perfect’ outfit for their big day for over a decade.

Situated in Stokes Croft, her bespoke service puts you in full control of your dream design. Whether you’re looking for a chic 70s-style bridal jumpsuit; a hand-dyed kimono-influenced silk chiffon gown; or you’re wanting to alter your mum’s own wedding dress, Rose has got you covered. Her website wonderfully explains how she’s been fabricobsessed since she was six-years-old. After gaining a first class honours degree in Fashion Textiles in 2010, she became a freelance seamstress, successfully making her first wedding dress in the same year. Now, having gained experience in costumes design for TV and theatre, Rose is an accomplished designer. Here, we delve into her collection and find out what goes on behind the scenes.

How long does it take to create a bespoke wedding dress?

Depending on the style and how much detail and embellishment is on the dress it can take anywhere from 30-100 hours to create. This is spread over several months. I suggest booking the initial consultation at least six months in advance, especially if your wedding is happening in the peak summer months.

Do brides need to supply their own fabric?

I have lots of fabric sample books in my studio and a huge range of lace swatches so don’t panic about finding your own fabric. I will give detailed advice and what would work best for your design and can suggest fabrics to suit your budget. However if you have found your perfect fabric already, I’m very happy to look at that too!

Image credit: Sarah Storey

How many fittings will brides need to come to before they can take home their bespoke dress?

Most dresses require four to five fittings with one of those being a ‘toile’ fitting, which means fitting a prototype of your design before

Saying ‘I do’

Are you planning on tying the knot? Our little guide to local wedding-based businesses is full of folk who can help get you ready for the big day

PITCH UP AND PLAY

hello@pitchupandplay.co.uk; Pitchupandplay.co.uk

Headed up by Isabella Passafaro, who works as a Private Nanny and has been in the Childcare Industry for 12 years, Pitch Up and Play is made up of highly qualified and highly awesome Pitch Nannies. All of the lovely team are DBS checked, fully referenced and experienced with little ones. From Bell Tent Creches to Mini VIP Corners, they provide a variety of packages that can be tailored to your children’s ages from 0-12 years old. If you think the children at your event deserve to feel like Mini VIPs then do get in touch, the Pitch Up and Play team would love to hear from you!

KAREN LEWIS

HUMANIST CELEBRANT

07952 333211; humanist.org.uk/karenlewis sustainablyeverafter.co.uk

Karen Lewis is a humanist celebrant who offers an exciting and innovative approach to wedding ceremonies. Her expertise in crafting creative, unique and truly memorable ceremonies draws on her extensive experience in higher education as well as her leadership in the arts. Karen works closely with you to hear your story and plan the finer details, so every ceremony reflects the couple’s individuality and personality. She assists you to write your own vows, making the ceremony a truly magical experience. Karen’s environmental focus can also help you keep the planet in mind when planning your special day. She believes a beautiful wedding can be created without having to cost the earth.

Karen’s ceremonies can be formal or informal, at licensed or unlicensed venues, indoors or outdoors - on the beach, in a forest or even up a mountain. Her warm personality enables her to engage with people from all walks of life. She can involve any family, friends or pets of your choosing, as well as creating personal and symbolic rituals to help you tie the knot.

KLOSTERHAUS

The Friary Building, Quakers Friars, Bristol, BS1 3DF Tel: 0117 452 3111; Klosterhaus.co.uk

Celebrate your big day in grand, Grade-I listed surroundings at Klosterhaus, Bristol. With three elegant private rooms to choose from which can host from 6 to 170 guests for drinks, dinner and dancing, Klosterhaus is the ideal venue for your special day. Creating unforgettable memories for you and your guests, you can plan your entire day all under one roof. Located just a 7-minute walk from Bristol’s Registry Office and proud to be a licensed wedding venue, Klosterhaus can host everything from your civil ceremony, wedding breakfast or reception. From the initial enquiry through to the big day itself, your dedicated wedding planner will be on hand to bring your perfect day to life. Your adventure starts here…

33 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5NH 0117 909 0225; dianaporter.co.uk

Diana Porter Jewellery specialises in unique, contemporary wedding and engagement rings as well as bespoke pieces and remodelling of heirloom metals and stones. Each piece is handcrafted in Fairtrade Gold or recycled precious metals in our onsite Jewellery workshop, tucked away behind the Park Street Gallery. Alongside Diana’s extensive collections, the Jewellery gallery stocks over 80 renowned Jewellery Designers from across the world. There are plenty of different styles on offer, from precise floral details created in CAD to sand-cast rings with all the natural textures left in. Commissions and reworking of jewellery is warmly welcomed and an experienced team are on hand to help bring your designs to life. Diana Porter also holds a varied selection of one-of-a-kind diamonds and ethically sourced, coloured gemstones in an array of cuts and colours. All of which are ready to be chosen for your very own bespoke design.

9ct Fairtrade white gold ring set with three white baguette diamonds and four brilliant cut diamonds nestled together to create a shimmering cluster ring, with Diana’s signature textured finish. RRP £1,900

ROSE SAVAGE BRIDAL ATELIER

381-83 Stokes Croft, Bristol BS1 3RD 07708490716; rosesavage.co.uk

Rose Savage is an award winning, alternative bridal brand with an emphasis on amazing fabrics, unusual designs and exceptional finish. Located in Bristol's 'bohemian quarter', nestled between coffee bars and hip restaurants, the moment you walk through the door into our light and airy atelier you know you've entered a place where magic happens!

At the heart of the business is 11 years experience in design and couture dressmaking, creating beautiful garments that will make you look and feel a million dollars. Whether it's a chic silk jumpsuit or a big frothy tulle ball-gown, Rose will work with you to create your perfect outfit. There is also have a small made-to-measure bridal collection featuring silks, sequins and tulle that can be tried on at the atelier. Made-to Measure starts at £1395 and Bespoke prices start from £1700.

SWEET PEACH CAKE STUDIO

Hello@sweetpeach.co.uk; sweetpeach.co.uk

Full of creative flair although anything but fussy, Sweet Peach, lead by cake designer Helen Stewart, delight in designing and making beautifully crafted, artistic, allergy-friendly wedding cakes.

They are a small, personal company who are passionate about helping you and your guests to connect and celebrate together. Their delicious vegan and ‘free-from’ cakes are naturally more inclusive and, with their allergy-friendly focus, it feels amazing to be able to include a wide range of dietary needs without compromising on the taste, texture or style of cake.

Tempt yourself with their year-round menu of delicious flavours. You can enjoy a sample box either delivered to your door or at their in house tasting, where the design and consultation process begins.

Sweet Peach Cake Studio offer simple, relaxed and contemporary styling, a little slice of laidback luxury for your day.

CLARE LLOYD

Silk Mill Studios, Frome, Somerset clarelloyd.co.uk

Clare Lloyd creates beautiful and intricate bridal hair accessories and jewellery inspired by all things floral and botanical. From her studio in Frome Somerset, Clare creates exquisite and luxurious headpieces entirely by hand for modern brides all over the world who are looking for something feminine and romantic to wear on their wedding day. Using recycled precious metals and the finest pearls, crystals and glass seed beads, choose from a gorgeous collection of hair adornments and jewellery or commission Clare to create a bespoke design unique to you.

BERWICK LODGE

Berwick Drive, Bristol BS10 7TD 0117 958 1590; berwicklodge.co.uk

Begin a story to last a lifetime by marrying the one you love in the romantic seclusion of what could well be the South West’s best-kept secret, Berwick Lodge. The magnificent country-house wedding venue on the outskirts of Bristol is set within 18 acres of enchanting gardens and woodland, with a backdrop that reaches across to Wales.

Licensed to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 90 guests, Berwick Lodge offers a beautiful collection of individually designed rooms to entertain any style. Their 14 exquisite bedrooms offer all the finishing touches and luxuries to ensure relaxation for you and your guests. Make their house your home, and together you’ll create everlasting memories of an event that’ll be treasured for years to come.

AZTEC HOTEL & SPA

Aztec West, Bristol, BS32 4TS 01454 201090; Aztechotelbristol.co.uk; events@aztechotelbristol.co.uk

Keeping everything under one roof has lots of advantages, not least no lost guests and no need to worry about the weather outside either. A range of suites at the Aztec Hotel & Spa are licenced which means you can enjoy a seamless transition from the ceremony to celebration, all in one place. When it comes to crafting your special day it’s the small details that make a big difference. If you’ve already got the vision, the Aztec team will be the blank canvas for you to work with, or if you’re still designing your dream day, they can help guide you along the way. And because they know you’ll want to remember your wedding day forever, you’ll find some fabulous indoor and outdoor backdrops so you’re guaranteed a beautiful photographic record you’ll cherish for years to come.

BRISTOL EVENT CATERING

0117 462 1778; bristoleventcatering.com

A fresh and simple approach

Bristol Event Catering combine seasonal produce, beautiful presentation and the finest natural ingredients. Their wedding and event menus feature stunning feasting dishes and British classics with a twist. The team utilise sustainable methods to create seasonal, flavourful dishes, with minimal environmental impact. Ingredients are sourced exclusively from local producers and suppliers and are guaranteed to leave your guests full of happy memories. “We cannot thank you enough you were so brilliant on Saturday! Your whole team were fantastic, you guys were the BEST! We felt looked after, you thought of absolutely everything. The canapés were so gorgeous, the meal was PERFECT” “We’ll be shouting from the rooftops to anyone who will listen” L&C - Wedding