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I recently attended one of the wedding industry’s most well known events, “Brides The Show” which is organised by Brides Magazine. And what a show it was! Every year over three days the top professionals in the wedding industry descend upon London to exhibit in this fair.

This year it was staged at The Business Design Centre, Islington with headline sponsors Goldsmiths and Hayes and Jarvis. With so much to see and do I highly recommend purchasing the VIP tickets if you want to visit next year. This enables you to escape the crowds, relax and appreciate the experience. The VIP lounge was hosted by The Wedding Shop which I urge any Bride/Groom looking for the ultimate Gift List company to check out – it really does offer everything!

Whilst sipping Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine you can meet experts including fitness influencer Alice Liveing and Debrett’s etiquette specialist Jo Bryant before taking FROW seats at the catwalk show. But don’t forget to collect your limited edition VIP tote bag filled with treats from brands such as Liz Earle, OPI, Michael Van Clarke and Elizabeth Arden.

With such a variety of exhibitors you really can plan your entire day – from the dress to honeymoon! If you’re lucky you might even win your dream luxury trip with exhibitors such as Susie Freeman offering seven nights in Mauritius!

I have found my dress from the incredibly talented Sheila Harding, BOA Boutique Richmond who was among designers such as Ian Stuart, Charlie Brear, Naomi Neoh and Suzanne Neville all displaying diverse collections appealing to all ends of the bridal spectrum.

If it is bridesmaids inspiration you’re after, the well known Maids to Measure and Twobirds are worth visiting or for regal flower girls and, for the boys, try Little Bevan or Nicki Macfarlane. There were plenty of Food and Beverage exhibitors from extraordinary Wedding Cakes by ‘Georgia’s Cakes’ to wedding catering by ‘Stones Events’ available to sample. I particularly enjoyed Pan-n-Ice, Thai inspired ice cream rolls made in front of your eyes. I loved the Strawberry Meringue flavour but owners Rob and Henry said they can incorporate almost anything to fit your wedding theme.
Photobooths are increasingly becoming a must accessory at weddings I was therefore super excited to discover Chilled Events “Magic Mirror Photo Booth”, which is an exciting unique concept enabling guests to not only take a prop decorated snap but they can also leave a message for the Bride and Groom.

The most renowned wedding stationery suppliers have to be Gee Brothers with over 40 years experience and numerous Royal clients they work with over 700 brides a year so really are the best in the business. To add that personal touch Laura Gillingham of Embellishing the Ordinary will ensure your envelopes to favour tags have an elegant finish with handwritten calligraphy.

So if you missed this years show, do consider the above suppliers and also keep an eye on Brides Magazine for the 2017 extravaganza!