Fashion Friday: Elegance with Essense Gowns

Fantastic news for our brides this Fashion Friday! AnneHarding is holding a special Essense Designer Day on Saturday 29^th November! Book now for a chance to preview the brand new 2015 collection from Essense Gowns and get first pick before these gorgeous dresses hit the store in the new year. You’ll be treated to a free glass of bubbly and 10% discount on the day!

Essense is an Australian range of bridalwear which combines superb fitting with couture finishing – each design is made with luxurious fabrics like angel satin, chiffon, embellished with Swarovski crystals.

What is your idea of a dream dress for your wedding day? Tell us on Twitter and Facebook - we promise not to say a word to your groom!

Spaces are limited, so free up your diary, and book your place before it’s too late!  

Anne Harding

90-92 Shirehampton Road, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 2DR

T: 01179683074

W: www.anneharding.com

Fashion Friday: Groom Style

We hope our brides don’t mind us focusing on the grooms this Fashion Friday - after all they need to look smart, too. Grooms-to-be, get ready to discover the latest fashion trends so you can rock your frock on the big day. 

There are plenty of choices for menswear wedding suits ranging in colours, styles and cuts available. If you’re fans of tails or kilts, then you’re probably better off renting one from a wedding specialist – we have a list of local stockists on our website and inside the pages of West Weddings magazine. However, if you’d rather invest in a suit that you can wear long after the wedding, then why not arrange a shopping trip with your best man – large department stores like John Lewis, House of Fraser and Debenhams are a good place to start.

Suit

Invest in a morning suit that fits well and makes you look and feel great. Adding a waistcoat is optional, but wearing one will give you a more polished look once you take off your jacket after the ceremony.

Shirt  

There’s something special about wearing a crisp white shirt fitted to perfection – your wedding day is the best time to let your personality shine, and even channel that James Bond look you’ve always wanted.

Stylish shoes

Make sure the wedding shoes you choose go with the suit and feel comfortable - wear them in before the big day to loosen them. Get ready to impress your bride and guests with your dance moves!

Accessories

Wear a bright tie or dickie bow to jazz up a dark suit and, if your wedding has a theme colour, then your tie could match the bridesmaids’ dresses. When it comes to cufflinks, why not splash out on a personalised pair that will make you stand out from your groomsmen. No wedding day look is complete without a stylish belt and your signature fragrance – perfect for making a statement!   

Before making your decision, take a look at these grooms’ outfits – you’ll recognise them from West Weddings magazine. We’ve also created a Pinterest board dedicated to grooms’ fashion - let us know which ones you prefer on our Twitter and Facebook pages.  

                                                                                              

Follow West Weddings's board Groom Fashion on Pinterest.

Fashion Friday: Vintage Vibes

For a wedding that not only looks amazing, but also reflects your personal style and taste, take inspiration from the pages of West Weddings magazine and blog, and handpick those details that resonate with you the most. From the romance of bygone eras to modern day fairytales, you’ll be spoiled for choice on colour themes, reception styling and bridal fashion – all from a wealth of local suppliers.

Do you dream of being a vintage belle? Still have the Gatsby fever? Then this Fashion Friday is for you! We’ve selected our favourite vintage inspired accessories that add timeless elegance to a slinky or simple bridal gown – enjoy, you can thank us later! For even more ideas and advice check out our inspiration boards on Pinterest and Polyvore. And let us know which ones are your favourites via Facebook and Twitter!

Vintage vibes by westweddings featuring a bride flower bouquet

Clockwise from top left

Rose Wedding bouquet, by Ribbons and Tulle

This beautiful handmade bouquet from Ribbons and Tulle is perfect for a bride who loves flowers and wants to keep her bouquet forever. Made with delicate roses in shades of white, cream and ivory, it works the vintage theme to perfection. The bouquet measures approx 20cm in diameter and is covered in handmade double satin ribbon roses, lovingly created with individual petals. With the option of matching corsages, buttonholes and table decorations, the last thing on your mind will be withering blooms.  

Celeste Headdress, by Etsy

We love the sophisticated charm this vintage inspired bridal headpiece adds to an updo hairstyle. Featuring handmade silk and lace flowers, with a pearl beaded centre, the comb is enough to add a wow-factor to a simple wedding gown. Delicate lace is adorned with intricately beaded tiny silk flowers and Swarovski crystals to create a fabulous hairpiece – simply stunning!

Lilliana Vintage Bow Peeptoe, by Monsoon 
Playful and romantic, these gorgeous bridal shoes from Monsoon are everything we’ve ever wanted for a wedding day look. Inspired by vintage design and with a peeptoe shape, they are made from beautiful crocheted lace laid over delicate netting. The silky statement bow at the ankle adds old-fashioned glamour, while the 9cm heel and padded lining makes them extra-comfy for those swing moves on the dance floor.  

Roses wedding invitations, by Paperchase

Make it impossible for your guests to say no with these gorgeous floral invitation wallets from Paperchase. Printed onto thick textured card, the romantic vintage rose design sets the scene beautifully for the day. A pretty peach coloured ribbon threaded through the message card adds the perfect finishing touch – oh-so-sweet!  

Vintage Tear Drop Earrings, by Krisp

Evoke timeless glamour on your big day with these vintage tear drop dangle earrings from Krisp. With a ladylike feel, the sparkly silver rhinestones set in intricate metalwork are unique gems that will become family heirlooms telling the story of your wedding.    

White Cotton Lace Fan, by Luna Bazaar  

We absolutely adore this vintage-style white cotton lace fan set on a bamboo frame. Having an outdoor summer ceremony? Then fans are perfect wedding favours for your guests and will keeping them cool on sunny days. You can also use them for styling the reception venue – just be creative and have fun with them!   

Fashion Friday: Birds of a feather

Here at West Weddings, we love the idea of going for something a bit different and unique when it comes to wedding fashion. Inspired by Alexander McQueen’s show-stopping gown – the same one Kim Kardashian wore in her Vogue editorial - we created this feathery bridal look for Fashion Friday. Check out our inspiration boards on Pinterest and Polyvore, and let’s flock together on Twitter!

Birds of a feather by westweddings featuring a white dress

Clockwise from centre

Eaddy faux feather gown, by Alice and Olivia

This white dress is ethereal and elegant with its fitted spaghetti strap bodice and feathery skirt. Ok, so our chosen Alice and Olivia dress is not really made out of birds’ feathers, but the overlapping petals mimic the texture creating a graceful effect. Layered ribbons and sequined swirls detail the lace bodice, while silk-organza layers bring soft volume to the skirt – all in all, a gown that will make you feel fashionably fabulous!

Silver diamante feather comb clip, by No.1 by Jenny Packham

This is by far our favourite hair piece for a beautiful bridal look. If you don’t fancy wearing real feathers in your hair, then a delicate diamante design, by top bridal designer Jenny Packham, imitating the shape would make an awe-worthy alternative.  

Bridal bouquet inspiration from Pinterest

Whatever your favourite flowers and colours for the wedding posy, why not add a unique edge with feathers? We’re swooning over this bouquet made with white calla lilies and peonies, pink roses, and white feather accents. 

Rhinestone wedding clutch with ostrich feathers, by Etsy

Soft feather embellishments and sparkling crystals make this bridal clutch a true scene-stealer! A gorgeous white clutch gathered at the top and bottom in soft satin for a stylish bride - perfect for carrying your make-up and tissues- only for happy tears, of course! The focal piece is a beautiful dangle crystal clip brooch, which makes it one-of-a-kind. 

Feather strap sandals, by Ann Taylor

We love a pretty pair of satin sandals to complete a wedding day look and this feminine design by Ann Taylor is exactly what a bride needs! Adorned with wispy feather detail, they can help create a head-to-toe luxurious look – now’s the time to get shopping!

White feather drop earrings, by River Island

Say yes to these delicate white feather drop earrings for a touch of feminine chic on your special day. This pretty pair are a steal at only £3 – hurry before the go!