Exhibitors share changes they have witnessed over the last 15 years
Weddings will never go out of fashion - but the trends and traditions are forever changing. From dress styles and venue choices, to room decor and invitations, new ideas pop-up all the time and the options are endless.
Bride: The Wedding Show exhibits over 150 North-West suppliers, showcasing the latest crazes and styles, making it easier for brides-to-be to make those big decisions. As the show is returning to Tatton Park to celebrate its 15th anniversary, the exhibitors have given an exclusive insight into the changes they’ve noticed appear and develop over the last 15 years in the wedding industry.
The Dress
Starting with styling, bespoke bridal studio Atelier-5 have witnessed many changes in their 20-years of designing. Specialising in silk dresses for modern brides, they work closely with clients to design the perfect outfit.
Their experience has seen that wives-to-be are getting more specific about what they want, and that the percentage of brides that want something different to express their individuality is ever increasing.
Observing many un-sure moments and women trying on ten different styles of dresses over two decades, the team decided it was time to introduce a new concept - the Silhouette Styling System.
Unique to Atelier-5, the process allows ladies to visualise which silhouette and style works best for them, without the hassle of trying on a number of designs. Offering different necklines, skirt shapes and lengths, brides then pick their preferred combination which becomes the basis of their dress.
Capturing the Day
New online platform, Scripin, was introduced to create a simple and stress free process for newly-weds to collect all imagery from their special day.
Noticing that photo-booths were becoming a new wedding staple alongside an official photographer, Scripin also spotted that after a wedding, guests upload their pictures across mass social media sites – making it impossible for brides to see all photos.
Scripin is a manifesto for event attendees to easily (and freely) log in and upload their photos, allowing the bride and groom to collect all guest imagery without trawling through several sites and albums.
This new development allows guests to play an interactive part in the wedding, plus gives the newly-weds a photographic record of the day, something that would have been impossible a couple of years ago!
The Centrepiece
Glacial Art have seen their business establish and progress, as they have carved their way into the world of weddings. Creating beautiful ice sculptures for all sorts of occasions, their work has gone from being an added extra, to a compulsory centre piece.
This is a trend Glacial Art has evolved since starting out in 2006, as most modern-day weddings now incorporate something made of ice, from table centres and ice buckets, to ice bars and frozen floor plans.
Confetti
Confetti company Shropshire Petals have seen massive developments, as the history of
confetti and even the traditions of what people throw has changed over the years.
Natural Petal Confetti has been introduced and has become extremely popular in the past 15 years, as most venues and churches only allow natural products that are 100% biodegradable.
Another huge change they’ve spotted – is who supplies the confetti; originally, guests would bring their own little box, but modern weddings see the couple supplying confetti to guests to ensure it matches the colour scheme and theme.
The Wedding Breakfast
Horseradish Hospitality have catered for weddings for over 8 years and have noticed a significant change in wedding banqueting. The business has witnessed a huge rise in alternative and stand-out dining options, in addition to the typical sit down meal.
For a long time, caterers dictated menus but it seems the tables have now turned as the expectations from clients is to work together to deliver their vision. Couples like to design their own dishes and ensure guests receive memorable service and presentation, Horseradish Hospitality keep this in mind and never rule out an idea from a bride or groom.
The company enjoys collaborating with creative pairs, to ensure they deliver an indulgent catering experience for guest, whether it’s a buffet, wedding breakfast, hog-roast or even a Bloody Mary bar.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours and bridal party gifts have also developed over the years, becoming a staple part of the big day. Bespoke brass coaster makers, Abbey England, have seen an increase in orders of their products specifically for decoration on the big day, and gifts for the bridesmaid and groomsmen.
The unique keep-sakes have been developed in Abbey England’s Foundry since 1862, but the traditional keep-sakes have only sparked the interest of those planning to wed in recent years.
Hair Styling
The last 15 years have seen drastic changes in bridal hair, but the ‘do’ is still just as important as the day. Great Lengths have been established for over 25 years, styling and aiding for hundreds of big days.
They have noticed an increase in a more simple look, with lots of emphasis on natural blends, waves and highlights – in comparison to the backcombing and smoothing style which was a huge trend over a decade ago.
The show is on the 4th - 5th February and tickets are £10 in advance and £15 on the door www.theweddingshow.co.uk/buy-tickets
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