The National Wedding Show & International Giveaway!

By a stroke of good luck, last Friday I found myself knee-deep in wedding discussion and bridal catwalks at The National Wedding Show, London Olympia (26-28 February)!  It's at this point I should probably point out I'm not actually getting married. However, since launching A Glass Of Ice I've mentioned various times my love for all things bridal-related, and single or otherwise, I'm beginning to realise it's going to be a longterm interest of mine.  Though it was only once I came face-to-face with the mass of floral arrangements and rows upon rows of jewel embellished gowns that it dawned on me just to what extent! 

That awkward moment when you're outdone by everyone in the background thanks to an out-of-focus camera.  Oh. Though having said that, it's probably for the best or else you'd be seeing the heart-shapes in my eyes over the complimentary champagne... which may or may not have been enjoyed before midday.  Hey, listen, I was surrounded by blissful brides-to-be, I'm allowed all the champagne in the world!  Though on a much less bitter note, one of the most beautiful sights of the day was undoubtedly the flamboyant yet tasteful floral display by Amie Bone Flowers.  A team member busied away perfecting the display as visitors looked on admiringly - myself included, because this is the closest I'll ever come to a fairy/nymph.  Ah, such a pretty scene!

Floral display by Amie Bone Flowers

With over 250 wedding specialists and suppliers at hand to advise, brides-to-be truly are spoilt for choice at The National Wedding Show.  However, speaking as someone who was there as an observer rather than a participant, the angelic catwalk show was a breath of fresh air from being approached to discuss my wedding requirements!  The Catwalk Show showcased a selection of dresses and accessories from both top designers and hightstreet names, ranging from bridalwear to lingerie and from bridesmaids dresses to mothers-of-the-brides outfits.  The models really brought the dresses to life with their elegant walks, graceful smiles and flawless makeup by Ariane Poole Cosmetics...      

The above wedding gown was undoubtedly one of my favourites of the day, designed by Finiks London, a mother-and-daughter duo dedicated to turning their clients' dreams into reality.  The above Zhana gown had something undeniably ethereal about it, a sight reminiscent of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake.  Swoon.

So, things got a little 'cheeky' on the catwalk at one point and considering my other love is lingerie, I was in heaven! Funnily enough, I've noticed I've been picking up a fair few white lingerie designs lately, so the all-white display was of particular interest.  And by interest, I mean encouragement to head home and indulge in some online lingerie shopping...

Moving on to slightly more 'getting married in front of your family and friends' attire, the bridal gown shown above featuring the embellished bodice really captured my attention.  If I absolutely had to declare a favourite, it'd be this dazzling beaded net gown.  It featured a fully crystal-beaded natural waist bodice and plunging V-shaped neckline, a combination that worked so well my eyes struggled to leave the gown the entire time it was showcased.  If this Alfred Angelo Bridal design is still around when it's my time to walk down the aisle, I'm wearing it!

After one last rest in the beautiful VIP area - that boasted hair makeovers by Richard Ward, scattered floral displays and a bar for refreshments (and pastries) - it was time to kiss goodbye to all things bridal for the time being.  Though... not entirely!  The fabulous Kerri Ashworth from Bridal Indulgence is very generously offering readers of A Glass Of Ice the chance to win a beautiful Rainbow Club veil from the accessories department of her website!  Not only that, she's also kindly taken the time to answer a few questions for us all... 

1) Which aspect interests you the most about the wedding industry? 

Not many people realise that bridal designers also follow trends on the catwalk and incorporate them into their designs resulting in different trends each season.  So I find it very interesting to see the different inspirations and of course the final designs.  Each wedding dress is completely unique and it is amazing how one small detail can make such a difference to a dress.  I wanted to work in the wedding industry because you spend your time with happy and excited brides-to-be (well most of the time!) and who wouldn’t want to spend their days in such a happy environment?  Helping a bride find her dream dress that she looks and feels amazing in is such a rewarding experience and is of course my absolute favourite part of working in the wedding industry.

   

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2) What do you think makes Bridal Indulgence special? 

Bridal Indulgence is special because we offer a very unique service by coming to the bride’s home.  Wedding dress shopping with Bridal Indulgence means that brides have a personal one-to-one appointment, with no interruptions and at a time to suit them.  It also gives them the opportunity to invite the friends and family that they would like involved in choosing the dress.  We provide brides-to-be with an indulgent experience that makes them feel in safe hands and most importantly, looking and feeling a million dollars!

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3) Have you noticed anything trending right now in the world of bridal gowns and/or veils?

Lace is still a very popular choice for wedding dresses and I think it will continue to be so for the foreseeable future.  Brides also seem to be opting more towards gowns that have straps rather than strapless which was a big trend a while ago.  There is also a big trend with having ‘feature’ backs which I think is great because as the bride walks down the aisle and makes her vows, it’s lovely to show off the back of her dress to her friends and family. Our Stella, Sheila, Angeline and Jullienne dresses tick off all the boxes for having lace, straps and feature backs.

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Whether you're friends with a bride-to-be or are one yourself, a wedding enthusiast or simply fancy the idea of planning ahead and having a veil to your name that's hand-cut from Italian tulle, this is the perfect opportunity to test your luck! Read on to find out how to enter... 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RULES

This is an international giveaway, anyone can enter

After entering your name/email into the Rafflecopter above, there are just two mandatory entries: to follow both Bridal Indulgence and A Glass Of Ice on Twitter

After completing the mandatory entries, entrants have the choice to gain further entries (three options, including a daily tweet)

Prize value is up to £60 to spend on a veil on the Bridal Indulgence website

Winner will be picked at random via Rafflecopter

This giveaway will close at 11.59pm on 31/03/2016

Winner will be contacted via email and have 28 days to respond

Regardless of whether a marriage is on the horizon or not, I hope you've enjoyed this bridal extravaganza and if you've entered the giveaway to win a Rainbow Club veil with Bridal Indulgence... good luck!!

The National Wedding Show
Olympia London
Hammersmith Road
London
W14 8UX

With love,

Gabrielle x

Note: This prize has been kindly provided by Bridal Indulgence.