Bunting

Bunting is very traditional, and many of you may be thinking ‘oh no!’, but, believe me, it can look gorgeous and works so well with a handmade wedding theme.

Bunting has been transformed into something kinda kitsch, and is something you can easily make yourself. Or, even better, enlist the help of someone else! If you don’t have the time/energy/patience/sewing skills (delete as appropriate) there are people out there to help! Head on over to Etsy and grab a handmade masterpiece. Here are my top picks:

* JUST MARRIED Vintage Pennant Banner on Kraft Paper by PurplePeonyCouture

By the looks of things I think the item is listed as sold, but get in touch with the designer/maker and they might be able to rustle something up for you

 

* SAMPLE SALE . Love Sweet Love Papel Picado Banners by aymujer

£14.42 for a banner with 9 flags. Beautiful, intricate and delicate. It reminds me of Rob Ryan’s work.

* MR & MRS Glittered Burlap Banner with Tattoos by funkyshique

£17.55 and measures 4.5 feet. The natural hessian is beautiful and I think would work well for a rustic, country-style wedding.

* Lets Make Love Glitter Burlap Banner by funkyshique

£15.05 for bunting stretching approximately 6 feet. Very light and bright, with a distinct handcrafted appeal.

* Paper Lace Garland – 10′ by thePathLessTraveled

£5.96 for 10 feet. A bargain!

* Mini fabric bunting 6 feet 6″ long in duck egg blue, a mini version of True Romance, only sweeter… by BettyandBarclay

£10.03 for 9 flags stretching 6ft 6in. Very cute and floral, reminding me of Cath Kidston prints.

Designer Spotlight on Johanna Johnson

Johanna Johnson is an Australian bridalwear designer, who has a penchant for designing beautiful dresses inspired by the 1930s, channelling old school glamour. Every dress is handcrafted in Sydney, Australia, using the finest fabrics and trims available. Every piece is created as an heirloom which can be passed down through generations. I think the fabulous dresses already look like timeless treasures which have been cherished over many decades, she manages to capture the essence of Art Deco opulence so beautifully.

Due to popular demand here in the UK, you can now purchase your treasure from Luellas Boudoir. Check the collection out online, or drop by the beautiful store in Wimbledon, London. You will not be disappointed!

Below are a pick of my current favourites available from Luellas Boudoir…

Vivenne dress – Reminiscent of the screen icon Vivienne Leigh. £5,400

Lottie gown – French embroidery lace over ivory silk satin. £5,800

And here are my picks of other items in her Templar collection…

And my top picks from her Trousseau collection…

P.S. You may have noticed the fairly hefty price tag, but I think it is worth it…

Summer 2011 Bridal Style Unwrapped

Wedding season is upon us, with couples up and down the country choosing to tie the knot with a summer wedding (fingers crossed for the sun!).

So, if you are planning to get married this summer and haven’t yet bought that all important wedding dress (or suit!) here are my pick of the top styles to opt for to be the centre of attention:

*POLKA DOTS

Above: Dress by Christos

 

Polka dots can be used in a subtle way, as illustrated by the gorgeous, dainty dots on the Christos gown. Or, they can be blown up and used to create a more quirky dress, which I think is perfect of a beach wedding.

* GRECIAN GODDESS

Above: Dress by Coast

Above: Dress by Kenneth Pool

Be a Grecian goddess with a gorgeous slinky number. The styles look beautiful on all shapes and sizes, and are especially flattering on larger women and I think look great with a pregnancy bump. The softly draped fabric suits summer weddings perfectly.

* 1930s

Above: Dress by Isabel Zapardiez

Above: Dress by Johanna Johnson

The 1930s was a period of time where bias cut dresses were in abundance. In all honestly, the style of dresses, in the slinkiest of silks, suit svelte women as they cling to the body. If you have a back to be proud of, these styles will be perfect for you, as many 1930s influenced gowns have the low back detail. However, you don’t have to take the style literally, little details can be taken and utilised in more structured fabrics.

* EMBELLISHMENT

Above: Dress by Amanda Wakeley

Above: Dress by Jenny Packham

Embellishment is a great way to transform a plain and simple wedding gown into something more intricate and unique. It can be introduced in a way to suit you and your personality – you may want the embellishment to be isolated to one area, or perhaps you want it to cover the entire dress. These dresses have a lovely bohemian feel about them

* SUITS

Above: Suit by Armani

Above: All-In-One Tuxedo by Alexander McQueen

If you are after something a little less conventional for your wedding day, how about a sharply tailored suit or all-in-one?  A chic suit is timeless and classic, and can be worn after your big day, if you so wish. If you are opting for a suit it is worth shelling out a bit to make sure it is beautifully cut, and tailored to you, that way you know that it will unbelievably flattering.