Brides from around the country are preparing to descend upon London, Manchester and Birmingham as The National Wedding Show opens for this year. Kicking off the event in the English capital just a week after Valentine's Day, the UK's largest wedding show is the perfect way to plan the day of your dreams.
With over 250 wedding names housed under one roof – as well as a catwalk show, live demonstrations and an afternoon tea room among other features – the annual show can't be missed.
HELLO! Online attended the preview at The Lansdowne Club in Mayfair, and can safely round up the top 10 things not to miss at this year's show...
The Catwalk Show and Bridal Boutique
Still looking for the perfect dress? The unmissable Catwalk Show will see model after model flaunt the latest trends and more traditional staples, from wedding dresses to grooms' suits to bridesmaid gowns and mother-of-the bride outfits. Guests can then head from the runway to the Bridal Boutique, where they can try on dresses from Ivory & Co, Zaeem Jamal, Pure Couture, Mode Bridal, Charlotte Simpson, Mojgan Designs and many more – while grooms can get suited and booted with the likes of Cad & The Dandy, Moss Bros, Young's Hire and Slaters.
The Beauty Looks
When the dress is sorted, the bride's next priority will be her hair and make-up. bareMinerals, the official show sponsor, can re-create the latest beauty looks, while Fudge will complement dresses with hairstyles. Essie will be offering manicures at the Nail Bar, which will have a selection of 70 shades on offer including hues from the 2015 Bridal Collection.
The Wedding Theatre
Make way for the Glam Squad who will be hosting regular 'Top 10 Tips' sessions – focused on hair, make-up and style advice as well as reveal the latest bridal trends. On top of this, live demonstrations will take place, where one lucky visitor will be selected for a complete makeover and transformed from head to toe.
The Flower Market
Admire and take in the spectacular floral displays from the nation's finest florists, including Amie Bone Flowers, Flowers by Roxanne, Lily Jones Flowers, GD Flowers and Firenza Floral Design. From bold and bright to pretty pastel hues, visitors can seek inspiration for every wedding theme and colour scheme.
Relax at the Champagne Bar or Afternoon Tea Room
Take a break from all the shopping and wedding planning at the Afternoon Tea Room for a spot of tea and cake, or venture to the champagne bar to toast to future happiness with a glass of bubbly.
Go the extra step with the VIP experience
Those with VIP Tickets can take advantage of exclusive benefits including fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, fast track catering areas and a complimentary glass of bubbly. VIP ticket holders will also receive a goody box full of beauty products and a copy of Be A Beautiful Bride, an essential guide which is packed full of useful style and beauty advice. Plus, visitors will also have the option to book themselves in for a mini makeunder in the bareMinerals pop-up salon, subject to availability.
The Rings and Accessories
Complete your bridal look with a host of accessories, ranging from belts, tiaras, jewellery and shoes – choosing from the stellar line-up including Crystal Heirlooms, Rachel Simpson and Daphne Rosa. Moving on to the most important accessories, wedding bands and engagement rings can be found at Alba Rose or Aurus Diamonds among other stands.
Wedding Venues and Honeymoon Destinations
Apart from The Lansdowne Club in London, a host of wedding venues will be showcasing their fine properties in the UK and abroad. And when it comes to planning the honeymoon, Sandals, Thomas Cook and Turquoise Holidays are just some of the providers setting up shop.
The Cakes
Keep your energy up walking around the show by indulging in a bit of cake tasting. Exhibitors including Faith Jones, Genuine Cakes, Jessica Lauren Cakes and Ann's Designer Cakes will be providing the sweet treats and flaunting their on-trend, elaborate wedding cakes.
The Finishing Touches
The small details make all the difference, and absolutely everything wedding related is catered for in the show. Confetti company will be presenting wedding decor, gifts and favours, alongside Treasure on the Wall who will be displaying their personalised picture art. Invites and thank-you cards can be found at Appleberry Press and Kathryn Deeley Wedding Stationery, while The Wedding Lounge can create mesmerising table displays.
Discover all this and more at the UK's biggest wedding show this spring. The National Wedding Show will take place at London Olympia from 20 to 22 February, Birmingham NEC from 27 February to 1 March and Manchester Central from 7 to 8 February.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486. Tickets start from £15 in advance.
Photography by Catherine Pound.
