Wasing Park is a centuries-old farming hamlet that has been carefully converted into an incomparable storybook wedding venue. There is magic in every corner of the verdant 4,000-acre Wasing Estate, one of the most diverse rural estates in England, and Wasing Park is its stunning crowning jewel.

Wasing can be exclusively enjoyed by the wedding party, who will find a unique space to celebrate and connect, from an unforgettable welcome evening—think acoustic musicians serenading guests in the moonlight—to the final ‘Estate to Plate’ wedding breakfast. And with a peerless offering of activities—from forest bathing to Haka classes—Wasing is best experienced over an action-packed two-or three-day wedding.

There are hundreds of years of character and stories built into the fabric of the buildings, from saying your vows in the postcard-pretty 15th-century Parish Church of St. Nicholas to resting your head at the end of the day in the enchanting old Granary. Wasing uniquely fuses continuity (and a commitment to sustainability) with luxury; and modern polish brings the space bang-up to date. Wasing’s elevated rustic feel makes it an ideal sanctuary to take over with loved ones and celebrate in style. 

Venue Style

For the couple who wants to be immersed in nature throughout their celebrations while not compromising on luxury, Wasing Park is wrapped up in the bucolic vibrancy of the Berkshire countryside while being but an hour from London. It is guaranteed to be all-the-more picturesque in the spring, where blossom rules and emerald dragonflies zip through the magical gardens.

Synthesising a relaxed, farmhouse vibe with clever and stylish renovations, Wasing provides that much-sought-after home-from-home feel. Expect classic countryside comforts and mooing cows, but also luxuries (like a freestanding claw tub in your room) and second-to-none service, making every request an easy reality. 

Wasing is an ideal choice for a couple who prioritise their peace of mind on the big day. From the very start of the planning process, careful attention is paid to every detail. Wasing’s unique commitment to excellence is evident at every step, executed by an expert team with a distinct ability to put people at ease. The discrete and cheerful staff remain ten steps ahead, ensuring celebrations are stress-free with maximum space and time for fun, while keeping an eye on the clock to make sure everyone is in the right place at the right time. 

Set The Scene

Wasing Park can be found ensconced in Berkshire’s green pastures at the end of an epic winding drive. There is an immediate feel of privacy and seclusion—one that encourages you to exhale and relax. Although self-evidently embodying a long and dignified history, Wasing is, without stuffy pretension, a place that can be exclusively yours to have fun with loved ones. 

And there is plenty to do. For the ultimate decompression before the big day, head down to the lake to make use of Wasing’s unique Scandi-style Sauna and ice bath for the ever-invigorating hot-cold-hot trifecta. If you need some encouragement before taking a dip, know there will be a dedicated Wellbeing Host on hand to guide you through and offer a soothing herbal tea as a reward. Surrounded by panoramic views of picturesque woodland, here you can relax and unwind in a singularly peaceful setting. 

To make full use of all of the fun to be had, extend your stay to a third day and host garden games and activities: perhaps a morning yoga class, a Pimm’s picnic in the woodlands for lunch, followed by an afternoon of activity. Get stuck into all manner of games—there is axe throwing, simulated clay shooting, or target archery instruction on the lawn. Then the day could be topped off with a cricket match at Wasing’s Cricket Pavilion, a post-match barbeque, and toasted marshmallows at Twilight by the fire pit. 

Event Spaces

For an utterly charming white-turreted church ceremony of 100 people, look to the Parish Church of St. Nicholas that sits at the heart of Wasing Park. The church has features that date to AD 1200, and a 14th-century cast iron bell that will ring you into the future with the utmost jubilation. On a sunny day, it is singularly idyllic, with streams of light filtering through the stained glass windows.

Or— for a proclamation of love not dissimilar from Pride and Prejudice’s very own— look to the Outdoor Victorian Summerhouse. Surrounded by blossom trees, the Summerhouse features a breathtaking hand-painted mural of wildlife, flora, and fauna that reflects the natural abundance of the estate. It is a thoroughly romantic option that can accommodate up to 160 guests.

With the same guest capacity but a light, breezy, and modern feel, choose The Garden Room. It is a blank canvas to be decorated in your image, wrapped up with views of the surrounding greenery. There are also handy bi-fold glass doors that provide all-important flexibility to enjoy the best of the weather. 

The festivities can continue at the Grade II-listed Castle Barn, which can accommodate up to 250 partygoers. To ensure the momentum of the evening is maintained, the dining room will be transformed into a dance floor in under 30 minutes. On the terrace, there is a weatherproof al fresco space, with the protection of an expansive floating stretch tent. Here is a perfect spot for a casual bite to eat, with the theatrical addition of Wasing Chef’s firing up pizzas for hungry guests in the wood oven. The very embodiment of cosy magic at all times of year, lookers-on can wrap up with sheepskins and sit under twinkling fairy lights, soaking up the best of the atmosphere.

Food & Drink

All prospective bridal parties will be invited to a tasting event, where they will sample a set menu (with paired wines) that spotlights the flavour and flair of Wasing’s rich produce. This extra step gives the bride and groom unique insight into the guest experience of the wedding, ensuring everything goes beautifully on the big day. 

Continuing an estate-wide commitment to sustainability, Wasing’s food vision is ‘Nose to Tail’. By prioritising the quality of the meat, the resulting menu authentically maximises deliciousness with succulent local lamb and beef from native red Sussex cattle. And in keeping with their ‘Estate to Plate Ethos’, you can expect to taste Wasing’s seasonal organic produce, from orchard grown fruit down to hedge-row herbs.

Outside of the estate, there are a plethora of local artisan suppliers who offer delights, from award-winning Barkham Blue cheese to chalk stream smoked trout from the River Test. And as for your tipple, there are real ales and lagers from local breweries, Rebellion and Renegade, or Wasing’s own gin, infused with a mixture of lemons, rosemary, thyme, and blackcurrant leaves from the garden, sweetened with wildflower honey from Wasing hedgerows. You can also choose local Langham sparkling wines for your toast, who were recently named Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year.

Accommodation

There are 26 bespoke-designed bedrooms at Wasing Park, sleeping 64 people in total. Much of the accommodation brings the historical integrity of the estate to the fore. A lucky duo will stay at The Dovecote, the former home of hundreds of doves that has been renovated into a magical two-floor mezzanine with a custom-made triangular bed at the top of a spiral staircase. There is also the Smithy, a secluded suite away from the main house, formerly the site of the blacksmiths forge. The space boasts the original fireplace, but has been updated with a clean modern finish and a luxurious emperor bed to get lost in. Or opt for The Granary, originally built to store grain but now a cosy two-floor wood-panelled suite, complete with two bedrooms on split floors, ideal for families. 

But for the bride and groom, there is a dedicated Honeymoon Suite. Home to the biggest bed in Berkshire, the spacious and light-filled former Hayloft boasts charming original features and every indulgence, from a roll-top bath to a private breakfast area and sun terrace overlooking the estate. 

For larger parties, there are additional properties in other areas of the estate, though this is subject to availability. At Kitts Cottage (that sleeps seven) and Home Farmhouse (that sleeps 12 and has self-catering options), guests can enjoy flexibility with space to unwind.

A final top tip: if The Old Estate Rooms are booked, the bridal party will be given private access to Kitt’s cottage for pre-wedding pampering the evening before and then will move to the main venue on the big day. And on the morning of the wedding, there is dedicated space for the grooms to get suited and booted, with use of The Grooms Room from 10:30am. 

The Story

Wasing has a 500-year history that can be traced back to 1535, when The Knights Hospitallers settled at Wasing’s Shalford Farm. Beyond this, when John Mount purchased the Estate in 1759, the Estate was brought into the tradition of wayfaring due to its new owner’s successful map and sea chart publishing company— Mount and Page— that produced an array of publications including the English Pilot, which helped Captain Cook’s Endeavour navigate to Australia. This wayfaring DNA is essential to Wasing, and is the spirit upon which new adventures and journeys can be embarked upon and discovered throughout your wedding.

Eco-Friendly

Sustainability and longevity are at the forefront of Wasing’s operations. In 2018, Wasing Farm went organic in order to prioritise the proper regeneration of local soil and ecosystems into the future. Alongside this, there is deliberate attention paid to conservation matters, enhancing biodiversity across the estate and improving water quality. Over 200 acres are dedicated to chosen flower and seed crops that specifically sustain pollinators throughout the year and red-list birds from skylarks to linnets. You will also notice that throughout Wasing’s 26 bedrooms, there is a sustainable heating system with a biomass boiler that uses wood from the land. 

The Need-To-Know

Budget: Prices start at £3,150.

Capacity: Maximum of 160 for ceremony & up to 250 for evening celebrations; sleeps 64.

Location: Wasing Park, Wasing Lane, RG7 4NG

Website: www.wasing.co.uk/weddings

Contact Details: wasingpark@wedding-venues.co.uk; 0118 907 0199

Instagram: @wasingweddings

Facebook: Wasing Weddings

READ NEXT: The Questions Every Couple Should Ask On Wedding Venue Visits

The post Venue Review: Wasing Park, Berkshire  appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

The Penn is a neo-Gothic estate so epic, it inspired one of the great literary love stories: Thomas Hardy’s The Well Beloved. Set against the rugged UNESCO-heritage Dorset coast, The Penn estate sits dramatically on the cliffs atop crashing waves. The romance of Pennsylvania Castle is of the old world—light, airy, and effortlessly elegant. The Penn has recently expanded to include newly developed luxury modern residences, The Clifftops, that increase the accommodation offering to 40 guests. 

Although the estate is steeped in great history, The Penn’s events team makes sure that the personalities of the couple in question remain front and centre of all operations. There is charm, thoughtful accommodation, and champagne top-ups at every step, ensuring the most seamless and joyous of wedding weekends. 

Venue Style

There is something to wow everyone at The Penn, from the effortlessly awe-inspiring dignity of the castle— which has hosted royalty— to the more relaxed feel of The Clifftops residences. The entirety of the estate will be yours to play with, leaving you and your loved ones to enjoy the secluded tranquillity of the bucolic surroundings without interruption.

And with an events team committed to excellence by your side, a wedding at The Penn is sure to be a flawlessly executed affair. Here, you have a team at your disposal that can do a lavish spectacle for 100 just as easily as they can do a low-key, intimate gathering for 10. There is a guarantee of end-to-end communication between you and the team, who will look after you with thoughtful consideration right up until your departure. Guests are also uniquely taken into account; they are given a bespoke micro-site with all of the event details in one place, from updates on the weather to travel arrangements. This system ensures that any 11th-hour timetable changes can be communicated to guests with ease and celebrations go off without a hitch. 

Set The Scene

From first glance, there is the presence and drama that only a grand estate of yesteryear can offer: from the sweeping driveway to the helipad on the north lawn, accommodating arrivals by air, should you so desire. 

The Penn boasts a picture-perfect fusion of a sublime coastal setting and a cinematic, fairytale location. The mesmerizing, panoramic sea views are truly unparalleled— and if you’re lucky, you may even get to see dolphins splashing around in the summer. That said, there is truly no more magical time to visit The Penn than Christmas, when you can absorb the majesty of stormy seas from the comfort and cosiness of The Drawing Room beneath a twinkling tree, hot chocolate in hand.

There are corners of the castle for every moment of the day, from a toast with Dorset sparkling wine on the terrace of the Clifftops, to jolly afternoon garden games on the manicured lawn. If you are looking to occupy your guests outside of the estate (and steal away some alone time), send them off to do any number of activities on the Isle of Portland, from fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and sailing, to climbing, walking, and off-road cycling.

Event Spaces

For a spectacular first-night impression, make full use of the Clifftops entertaining space, which— while only mere steps from the castle— feel a world away. The Clifftops have an entirely independent, pared-back atmosphere, ideal for giving guests the space to relax into the festivities, aside from the spectacle and high-octane theatre of the castle on the big day. Guests can wander out onto the patio of Lodge Ope with a welcome drink in hand and take in the easy romance of the coastal scene, or step down to the photo op-ready roof garden deck to enjoy the sea breeze and riviera feel. And for those with a flair for the dramatic, both areas are equipped with their very own secret entrance to ensure any surprises are executed with maximum shock value. 

For the ceremony, The Penn offers a range of different indoor and outdoor locations, showcasing the best of what each season has to offer. In the summer, The Orangery transforms from a tranquil space for swimming into an unrecognisable but wholly resplendent location for 100 guests. Perhaps most special, though, are the near-panoramic views of the sea, which peek out through large French windows. 

Otherwise, choose from one of several evergreen gardens, such as the secluded Italian Garden, which conjures quiet magnificence and an intimate atmosphere. There is also a verdant tropical option, boasting exotic plants, palm trees, and waterfalls for a true escapist fantasy. Then there is the newly-launched Olive Garden, which offers a more pared-back feel, combining the sensory pleasures of an overlooking olive tree with expansive views over the bay. Or for a quintessentially English summer ceremony, opt for The Pagoda on the lawn, which can be filled with flowers, or kept minimal in your image. And, in the event of any weather-related hiccups, Hannah and the team will be ready at your side with 100 brollies. But, in the event of a truly biblical rainstorm, they will be sure to formulate an inside backup plan. 

If you are getting married on a crisp winter’s day, you can enjoy the castle at its most magical: cloaked in snow. For an intimate affair, say your “I dos” basked in the fireside ambience of the Library. Here, you can achieve relaxed romance, particularly if you make full use of the Library’s baby grand piano. You can expect scents of pepper and thyme to waft through the celebrations, as a flickering Autumn candle from the Penn Creative Collection will be the finishing touch to the ultimate hygge set-up.

Whichever space you choose, all floristry and styling requests can be taken care of in-house by The Penn Creative Collection, removing any unnecessary logistical stress from the equation. Styling & Events Manager Tessa is the brains behind the collection, combining dependable ease with expertise to look after all floral arrangements, from large-scale installations to more intimate tablescapes. With a wealth of knowledge working on the estate, Tessa and the team uniquely understand how to fuse your unique vision with the character and styling needs of the estate. Be it abundant green in The Orangery or bold brights in the English Rose Garden, the team will hand-select blooms to create a truly immersive experience for all. Couples will enjoy creative freedom at every corner, as the venue will be exclusively used for the festivities.

Food & Drink

For your wedding feast, look to local supplier Ginger Catering Company. Armed with a team of food obsessives, they artfully create memorable dining experiences on a bedrock of simple, elegant, locally-sourced ingredients. The team endeavours to provoke joy in all they do, creating entirely bespoke experiences that will delight, entertain, and satisfy all. Ginger Catering are also known for their exacting standards, checking each plate for the holy trifecta of taste, flavour, and presentation before it goes out to hungry guests.

For all snacks, coffees, and cakes in between, make sure to call on The Penn’s on-site Hayloft Coffee Shop & Bar. All produce is delicious and healthy, supplied by local producers such as Brace of Butchers (part of HRH King Charles III’s idealised vision for an English town), the family-run Peppina Bakery, which brings savoury Sicilian fare to Dorset, and Rolly’s Brownies, where free-range eggs and organic flour are used for the heartiest, gooiest brownies. 

The wedding party will be well-oiled with the curated delights of The Penn Estate Cellar. The Penn work closely to design wine lists with Jonathan Charles at The Dorset Wine Company, and can source vintage bottlings for bespoke storytelling. Look out in particular for special mentions from the Southern Hemisphere (a nod to the owner’s Australian roots) or excellent wines closer to home; of particular note is the late great Steven Spurrier’s 2019 Chardonnay and 2018 Pinot Noir from the Bride Valley. 

Drinks can be independently supplied if you would prefer, or a fully licensed bar will be at your disposal. And if any bottles capture your imagination, pop to the Hayloft Coffee Shop and Bar to buy a memento bottle (or two) to take home. 

Accommodation

Half the party will stay in one of the nine airy en-suite rooms inside the castle— with the Orpheus bedroom, sitting in an actual turret— as a wise choice for a wedding suite. Featuring an epic emperor bed, an opulent chandelier overhead, and a freestanding claw bathtub, this is a lavish choice, befitting the happy couple.

Guests will enjoy rooms with expansive views over the estate. From Raffles, which boasts a gorgeous marble bathroom and showcases the upper gardens, to Botanical, an ideal option for a family as it sleeps four and has views over the Italian Garden. Wherever your guests end up, they can expect a bottle of locally brewed Fordington Gin as a welcome treat on arrival. 

Twenty lucky guests will be housed at five residences at the Clifftops (each with two bedrooms): Blue, Stone, Copper, Silva, and Ope, a more recent addition to The Penn. Designed by Morrow + Lorraine Architects to fuse modernity and continuity (and built in the island’s famed Portland stone), The Clifftops have been respectfully integrated into the wider estate. The purpose-built luxury lodges are nestled just above the sea and just below the castle, showcasing a show-stopping view without interrupting the view from the castle’s perch.

While building the history of the estate into the walls (literally, with fossils embedded into the stone), these stylish modern residences have been kitted out with Samsung Smart TVs and a Bose sound system. Luxurious cosiness is also ever-present, with bespoke fires and underfloor heating throughout. The Clifftops would make the perfect location for a bride to seclude herself, and make an all-the-more magnificent first impression as she enters the castle grounds on the big day.

The Story

The Penn estate has an illustrious history; Pennsylvania Castle was first commissioned in 1797 by John Penn, the then-governor of the Isle of Portland and grandson of the founder of the US state of Pennsylvania. Penn instructed famed neo-Gothic architect John Wyatt to design the castle, using the island’s famed limestone to build it. The castle was opened in 1800 by the then-Princess Elizabeth, whose father, King George III, celebrated many happy wedding anniversaries as an esteemed guest.

Rumour has it that Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, and General Eisenhower even plotted the D-Day invasion inside the walls of the castle. 

Such rich history is respected with intention by the team, who work with the local museum and Dorset Garden Trust on all matters of historical protection and preservation.

Eco-Friendly

The Penn estate is deliberate and conscious about maintaining an environmental strategy throughout its operations. There is a sustainable through-line from the cellar, which has carbon-neutral and organic wines in its selection, to The Event’s Team’s paper and plastic-free communication, and The Creative Collection’s commitment to repurpose materials where possible. No detail is too small, down to the herbs used in the collection’s ‘sage’ styling palette, which can be gifted, planted, or re-used.

Moreover, the estate consults with Dorset County Council to develop a bespoke ecology strategy that protects trees and flora wherever possible. The recent Clifftops development saw this strategy in action, with clifftop flora recreated above the five cliffside residences to attract local butterflies.

The Need-To-Know

Budget: From £18,000 (including two nights accommodation)

Capacity: Capacity for 150 guests and accommodation available for 40.

Location: Pennsylvania Castle Estate, Pennsylvania Road, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1HZ

Website: www.thepennestate.co.uk 

Contact info: +44 (0)1305 820918; office@thepennestate.co.uk 

Instagram: thepennestate

Facebook: Pennsylvania Castle Estate

READ NEXT: The Questions Every Couple Should Ask On Wedding Venue Visits

The post Venue Review: Pennsylvania Castle, Dorset appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

The room was alive and buzzing in a sea of vibrant hues with the sunshine-filled River Thames in the background. Guests were immersed in the most beautiful of backdrops with a tablescape styled by Cleo Alexiou, who expertly matched the rose, cherry, and burgundy hues of Estée Lauder lipsticks to the colourful candles. There were bursts of bright patterned joy from the eternally elegant Addison Ross table details. Fiona Fleur’s bespoke florals immersed the space with a rich, vivid ambience, achieved through the delicate placement of small bud vases, adding a final touch of understated charm.

Guests old and new dressed in vibrant hues; Aimée Kelly, Fran Newman-Young, Flavia Blenko, Aarti Pal, Tanjia Sayed, Yasmine Naghdi, Tabitha Willett, Phoebe Torrance, Ambar Miraaj Driscoll and more.

A masterclass in blending the colour of a jet-set travel wardrobe with your Estée Lauder lipstick was hosted by star presenter and undisputed queen of colour, Zeena Shah. Our resident expert advised our guests on how to adopt a ‘dopamine dressing’ approach to your makeup bag, finding your colour confidence by applying a swoosh of bright lipstick to lift the mood and zhoosh up a simple outfit in seconds. Zeena masterfully demonstrated to our guests how to find their colour season and use the colour wheel for maximum impact.

The menu boasted all of the colour and vibrancy that comes with true seasonality. It was an abundance of riches: First, a summer vegetable salad with whipped Golden Cross goat’s cheese and tempura courgette flower, followed by a light main of Cornish chicken breast with confit wing, and best-of-season strawberry pavlova for dessert. Paired beautifully with Magnums of Lady A Rose and Silent Pool cocktails, the highlight being the After Hours: Silent Pool Rose Expression Gin, Tawny Port, Orange Bitters, Orange & Raspberry Soda, giving a special nod to the hottest lipstick shade of the season.

As carriages were drawn, guests received parting gifts that ensured they will have a joyful summer of technicolour, from stunning shell bags from Fable England and chic travel accessories from Aspinal of London.

It was a day of vibrant colours, delightful flavours, and unforgettable memories, perfectly embodying the spirit of Estée Lauder.

With special thanks to: 

#EsteeLauder #theweddingedition #EXPLORETHEWORLDTHROUGHCOLOR

Magazine: @theweddingedition_ 

Brand Partner: Estee Lauder @esteelauderuk | World Duty Free @worlddutyfreeuk

Venue: Scotts Richmond @scottsrichmond 

Host: Zeena Shah @heartzeena

Stylist: Cleo Alexiou @cleoalexiouluxuryevents

Table details: Addison Ross @addisonrosshome  

Florist: Fiona Fleur @fionafleurstudio

Rosé: Lady A @drinkladya

Cocktails: Silent Pool @silentpoolgin

Bags: @fableengland

Gifting: @aspinaloflondon 

Napkins: Napkins: @thelostgirls_uk

Photos by James Mason @jamesmasonphotography

READ NEXT: 5 Pre Flight Beauty Tips With Estée Lauder

The post Inside: An Exuberant Riverside Luncheon, Celebrating The World In Colour With Estée Lauder appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

But back to the present day, more and more brides are veering from the traditional single-use approach to the ultimate sartorial choice and renting their wedding dress. Digital marketplaces HURR and By Rotation have democratised lending and show no signs of slowing down; bridal listings on By Rotation have increased by 130% ahead of 2024’s peak wedding season. 

It has never been easier to opt for this ethical and cost-effective approach to your ‘something borrowed’. If you are interested in renting your wedding dress but unsure of how to go about taking the plunge, read forth.

Why rent?

Sustainability

When thinking about the environmental footprint of your wedding, ‘the dress’ is inevitably a hot topic. Wedding dresses are designed to be worn once (often only for a handful of hours) and tend to be composed of non-biodegradable synthetic materials such as chiffon. By going down the rental route, you mindfully extend the lifetime of a garment that would otherwise live a lifetime of loneliness, gathering dust. 

It is for this reason that Arma Muksinovic, a “passionate advocate for the circular economy and a hater of waste,” wore a jacket from By Rotation on her wedding day. Arma later stepped over to the ‘lender’ side and decided to lend the main event, her Galvan Jumpsuit below.  The jumpsuit that brought her such joy on her wedding day will “dazzle once more on the dance floor” for new brides and new love stories. In doing so, you may even make your money back on the original item. Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of By Rotation and high priestess of sustainable style did exactly that. 

Enhanced choice

Renting your wedding dress is the most prudent financial choice you can make when thinking about a wedding. It will free up more of your budget to put towards an extra-special honeymoon or shoes you may be more likely to wear again. It may also give you access to aspirational designers previously out of your budget. Perhaps this silver GANNI dress with puff sleeves, which retails for £525 but is available to rent from £16 on By Rotation. Or this Magda Butrym strapless gown, which can be yours for £60—a far cry from its £1376 retail price. 

Renting your wedding dress does not mean compromising your aesthetic perspective. Make life easy and start with By Rotation’s ‘Something Borrowed’ edit or HURR’s ‘The Bride Edit’. From there, there is plenty to play with. Consider a romantic and lacy option like ‘The Lola Wedding Dress’ from Temperley London. Or for the effortlessly cool among us, something more paired back and 90s sleek, such as THE OWN STUDIO HALTER MIDI DRESS.

Maintaining sentimentality

For those who want to enjoy the sentimentality of a specific garment that can be kept forever, why not combine your rented dress with a bought accessory you can keep forever? My mum went down this route, accessorising her rented dress with a pearl-encrusted headband that still hangs on my dressing table today. 

Or, vice versa, buy and keep the dress but build in a small piece of rented joy. Take this Simone Rocha Pearl Bag, for example, which received a “ridiculous amount of compliments” on By Rotation bride Emma Cripps’ wedding day. 

Things To Consider 

Who are you renting from? 

By Rotation’s peer-to-peer communication gives you immediate access to your lender. So you can get up to speed on everything from sizing to styling via a direct messaging channel. By keeping in regular contact with her lender, Sofia Gamio quelled any anxieties she had about renting her veil. She says, “Ema [her lender] was brilliant; sent me lots of pictures and answered a million and one questions for me before I decided to go for it. It arrived plenty of time before the wedding, I loved it”.

Or at HURR, select a ‘top lender’, they are “the most trusted and best performing members of the HURR marketplace”. Or even better, choose a ‘managed account’, looked after in-house by the HURR team who oversee the ‘end-to-end rental process’. This includes everything from communication to dry cleaning. 

And if you have a last-minute change of heart and decide to throw your feathers in the bin in favour of high minimalism, HURR can help. They offer last-minute rentals; all you need to do is drop them a message on their ‘Live Chat’ function. 

Will the item arrive in time? 

Never fear; most bridal rental services have built-in protections to help you avoid a logistical disaster with delivery. It is generally advisable to opt for an extended rental period to ensure peace of mind. For HURR this can be up to 30 days, and for By Rotation, the limit does not exist. You and the lender can agree the rental period.

If the possibility of lost post continues to make you feel nervous, choose HURR’s ‘managed accounts’ as they are guaranteed to be sent by ‘24-hour service with DPD, Packfleet, or FedEx’. Or utilise By Rotation’s new locations feature and arrange a mutually convenient day to pick up from a local lender. 

Will the item look like the pictures? 

It is always advisable to scout out the dress in person. It is worth paying a visit to your brand of choice’s dedicated store. Although being able to shop via HURR or By Rotation’s dedicated apps is a major pull for those who enjoy the convenience of avoiding the spiky elbows of Oxford Street crowds, nowhere else can you feel the dress, hold it up to the light, and maybe even twirl around in it. This way you can see how you feel before taking the plunge. You will leave inspired, but at the very least more informed.

Or utilise By Rotation’s new ‘locations’ feature to contact a local prospective lender. That way, you can ask to try the item on before taking the plunge to rent it. 

An extended rental period will also allow for any hiccups to do with the condition of the item. If an item does unfortunately arrive in poor condition, By Rotation gives you the option to request a refund if you inform the lender and return the item within 24 hours. At HURR, the process is similarly a communication between you and the lender. 

Will the item fit?

As with all online shopping, it is good practice to come equipped with your measurements. Then, if you are unsure about fit, you can ask the lender for the dimensions of the item and compare notes. Also, understand what brands fit you well; we know that sizing can vary greatly. If you are not yet sure, refer back to the last point and have an in-person inspection. 

In the worst case scenario, you may need a refund due to fit. By Rotation leaves this down to the individual lender, so make sure to check their policy before proceeding. Elsewhere, HURR offers fit guarantees—a 100% refund (minus dry-cleaning and postage costs). And as a special treat, HURR deposits the dry cleaning fee into your account as credit. 

An Overview

1. Identifying what you want
2. Perusing By Rotation and HURR, making full use of filter settings
3. Renting your wedding dress in good time 
4. Saying “I do” and dance the night away
5. Popping your item in the post 
6. Le fin

If you are interested in sharing the pre-loved joy with the rest of your party, By Rotation is offering a discount code that brides can offer to their guests (and, of course, use themselves). If you would like to set up the code, reach out press@ByRotation.com.

Related article: The Best Summer Wedding Guest Dresses

The post A Guide To Renting Your Wedding Dress appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

The beach wedding has long been the realm of the bohemian. Expect looser silhouettes, dropped waists, and any notion of prim and proper sartorial rules out the window.

There is much to think about with new, sandy terrain. Particularly when it comes to shoes. They are instinctively best to avoid, indulging in the laissez-faire aspects of beach life. The same could be said for over-the-top accessories: leave behind the statement earrings or bracelet stacks; let the dress do the talking with goddess-like draping or a shorter hemline. But, failing all else, embody your environment and opt for an aquatic-inspired mermaid dress. 

There is evidently much to discuss. Read on for our favourite beach wedding dresses that embody these sacred principles.

Grecian Goddess

First and foremost, nothing says ‘beach’ more than a dress in the spirit of a Greek goddess. For a modern spin —think cool-girl-meets-greek-goddess—there is but one option: Bonnie Young’s “understated showstopper,” the ‘Ruffle-Trimmed Pleated Silk Gown’ with a plunging neckline from The Loop. Simultaneously completely covered up and completely sheer, this dress embodies ethereal sexy. It is the bridal equivalent of the billowy white shirt period piece man; classic romance with a Grecian twist. Embrace the windy reality of a beachfront wedding and let the delicate pleats of this Bonnie Young gown flow effortlessly behind you in the wind. 

Then there is Jesus Peiro’s 2402 draped crêpe bodycon dress with a Dolce Vita top in silk tulle. This dress is simple, befitting its surroundings, but no less theatrical and beautiful. It embodies a quintessential feminine silhouette, but adds an unexpected contemporary element with barely-there wafer-thin sleeves. And lest we forget the cape, which will create a heavenly frame around you, blowing gently in the sea breeze. La dolce vita, indeed.

Relaxed Romance

As you leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city, also leave behind stuffy pretension and formality. Keep the fit relaxed as you get married on your terms. The perfect dress to execute this vision is Unbridled Studio’s MILA DOUBLE SATIN BRIDAL GOWN + MARTA PUFF SLEEVES. The gathered tiered skirt, puffy ‘MARTA’ sleeves, and high neck cut a thoroughly contemporary line. And there is plenty of room to play: wear the MILA gown with a necktie arranged on the side or back of the neck. Or go for a simpler look and detach the ‘MARTA’ sleeves. Unbridled Studio thinks about the wearer with their design-led pieces, providing easy versatility. And, for those getting married abroad, extremely efficient packing.

Embrace Narrow Silhouettes

Perhaps counterintuitive given the cosmopolitan minimalism usually associated with narrow 90s silhouettes, but there is something about a paired back flowy slip dress that lends itself to the unfussy simplicity of a beach wedding. There is Savannah Miller’s ‘Estelle’ dress, which creates a glorious shape with an off-the-shoulder cowl sash sweeping over one shoulder and an asymmetric hem pointing in the other direction. It cuts a flattering figure and will move beautifully, with Italian satin cut on the bias. 

Or opt for Justin Alexander’s Lace A-Line Scoop Neck Wedding Dress, a similarly narrow a-line silhouette that introduces deeply feminine drama through an embellished sheer bodice and sparkle throughout. The barely-there straps and tulle skirt are quite simply classic romance.

Bohemian Sparkle

Let us bring some glamour to the beach, some sparkles to the sand. Yes, the beach is a more relaxed setting, but that does not mean you need to leave all of the theatrics at home. By integrating embellishment into the dress while keeping a narrow silhouette and a simple V neckline, you will find a perfect equilibrium.  

See Eliza Jane Howell’s heavenly ‘Amelia’ dress in cream that brings vintage decadence and romantic softness to the fore. With pearl floral embellishments embroidered by hand to trail down the dress (and gather at the waist for maximum flattery), this dress combines high intricacy and craftsmanship without fuss. And don’t forget the feather-light tiered skirt; it will waft with you as you walk. 

Otherwise, take Temperley London’s ‘Elfie’ dress, a contemporary twist on old-world Art Nouveau elegance. The dress is in a column shape and features Italian tulle with panels of sequins broken up by silk chiffon godets, creating long lines. On this canvas, floral embroidery clusters around the neckline, and intricate hand-stitched embellishments follow from the straps down the bodice of the dress, creating flattering geometric shapes.

Shorter Hemlines

At the beach, there is no need for a show-stopping train. Instead, play with proportions. Shock and wow with the ‘Erin’ feathered dress from Eliza Jane Howell. This is a dress full of delightful contradictions: a short skirt but long sleeves, a high neckline but a plunging v-shaped back. The sequined underlayer of the dress has been lovingly embroidered with delicate feathers to create an all-over, three-dimensional fringe-like effect. Wind would be particularly useful to help the feathers flutter. 

Or the ‘LYRA DAISY’ dress from Unbridaled Studio offers a thoroughly contemporary take on the dropped waist trend. It combines a mini hemline with a two-tiered a-line shape that, in the house style, gently puffs out at the bottom. Daisies are sweetly sprinkled throughout the bodice of the dress with a light touch, a nod to understated romance that perfectly mirrors the beach setting. Leaving your shoes on the boardwalk and hiking up the hemline will emphasise the long lines of your legs and (hopefully) your tan too.

READ NEXT: Inside: A Chic Beach Wedding In Barbados

The post The Best Beach Wedding Dresses appeared first on The Wedding Edition.

From the minimalist simplicity of monochrome to the intricate girlishness of bows, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week had a trend for every aesthetic perspective. Throughout the week, designers seemed to keep one eye on the past, with some finding inspiration to hike up the hemlines from the effortless chic of 1960s mini-dresses, and others looking to the maximalism of the 1980s puffy shapes and frills. Whether you are a romantic, a maximalist, or even a bit rock ‘n’ roll, there was something you’d fall in love with at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week.

This year was abuzz with anticipation ahead of Giambattista Valli’s first ever bridal runway show at Barcelona Bridal Night (and we can confirm: it did not disappoint), and attendees also raised a glass to celebrate sixty years of Atelier Pronovias, the OG of Spanish Bridal. 

Without further ado, flick through the six trends we love from Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week.

1. An Updated Take On 60’s Minis

In one of two nods to the past, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week saw multiple iterations of a ’60s-style mini dress. A fabulously functional addition, perfect for dancing the night away à la Swinging Sixties.  

First up, Atelier Pronovias opened with a thoroughly modern and structurally strict capped-sleeve mini, featuring white embellishments around the collar. The look evokes a contemporary and — as accessorised with fishnet tights— slightly more rock-n-roll Audrey Hepburn.

At Jesús Pieró, the ’60s were also referenced through a classic a-line shape, with a sheen that makes the dress move like a liquid on the model. 

Elsewhere, free-spirited modernizer Yolancris provided a more avant-garde look—hemlines got shorter, and we saw an ultra-teeny high-neck tunic adorned with delicate teardrop embellishments.

And lest we forget the high priestesses of minimalism, Sophie et Voilà, who presented a thoroughly modern feminine offering of a strapless white tunic paired with sheer white trousers. 

2. Appliqué Flowers

Floral motifs are certainly not new to the bridal sphere, but this year, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week offered a refreshed take. 

The collections were peppered with flowers, from the playful architectural contributions of Yolancris to the more traditionally feminine perspective of Allure Brides. The latter scattered appliqué flowers down the bodice of a deep, plunging v-neck dress, highlighting the long, sheer sleeves of the dress with clustered flowers at the wrist.

By contrast, the former, Yolancris, put graphic flowers central to the architecture of the men’s looks, creating a textural 3D effect on the waistcoat, which could also be repurposed for a thoroughly modern bride. The concept of flowers as an architectural offering was also particularly beautiful at Isabel Sancis, where sumptuous flowers, descending in size, were asymmetrically positioned down the back of the dress. 

Caroline Castigliano opted for a lighter-handed, more delicate approach, sprinkling flowers onto a sheer veil to create the impression of flowers ‘raining down’ onto the model. Castigliano used flowers to emphasise the delicateness of the wearer, both in the barely-there straps of the dress pictured. and in the wafer-thin appliqué flowers that have been asymmetrically applied down the bodice of a halter-neck dress, giving the etheral appearance of hundreds of butterflies settled over the bride.

3. Emphasise The Décolletage

This season, no one can deny that your décolletage is your greatest accessory. This year, simplicity seems to be a priority, and adding a necklace would therefore represent unnecessary clutter. But if you want to bare your neck without sacrificing romance, look no further than Caroline Castigliano. Castigliano’s unique corsetry techniques are highlighted when presented most simply with pared-back accessories, presenting the wearer as uniquely confident and sexy.

Giambattista Valli similarly draws attention to the model’s écolletage, but uses dropped shoulders and soft draping to a more whimsical end to give the wearer the appearance of gliding across the catwalk. And if sculptural drama is more your thing, Atelier Pronivas also emphasises bare and uninterrupted shoulders, but instead employs sculptural shapes at the collar to create a dramatic, geometric effect.

4. Beautiful Bows

Bows have been ever-present for coquette brides for a few years, and at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, they showed no signs of going anywhere. 

Sophie et Voilà punctuated the pared-back simplicity of their otherwise-streamlined collection with dominant rosette-style bows on the necklines of several dresses. Pictured is a particularly gorgeous chiffon bow that, by asymmetrically emphasising the collarbone, reinforces the simple effectiveness of the non-necklace trend mentioned earlier.

We saw statement bows similarly used at Isabel Sanchis, but instead to draw your eye to the back of the model, either as they were positioned to highlight a back cut-out or as the crowning jewel on a long, white cape. There were other more subtle nods to the bow trend, as we saw at Giambattista Valli, where models had bows tied into their hair, creating a simple but ultra-feminine ballet-inspired look.

5. ’80s Inspiration

We took stock of the off-the-shoulder opera-style puffy sleeves at Demetrios—the ’80s are back. At Atelier Pronovias, 80s shoulders made a statement, from the use of shoulder pads to create an unapologetically powerful horizontal line to a simple mini-dress paired with eye-catching and dramatic candy-floss puffy sleeves. Jesús Peiró seemed to be similarly inspired by shoulder pads, creating structural volume at the shoulder that contrasts the strict, narrow silhouette of the dress. 

Giambattista Valli adopted a different, softly romantic perspective on the ’80s, presenting a flowing long-sleeved dress with all the frills and ruffles of one of Princess Diana’s girly Catherine Walker dresses. If this conjures an image of fussiness, never fear; Valli has employed this ’80s maximalism with the lightest of touches, using barely-there tulle to create an ethereal, dreamy effect.

6. Black Accents

One of the most unlikely and rebellious trends to come out of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week was the use of black accents. Could this be another iteration of the 1960s trend? Monochrome employed to the power of Sharon Tate?

Casting our eye over the clean lines of Sophie et Voilà, it is clear that a classically employed touch of black is the key to subversive contemporary elegance—from black strappy sandals ,to a bolder and more visually striking look with black gloves.

And then we saw an unexpected slash of black on the belt of a model wearing a draped sheer goddess-style tunic at Atelier Pronovias. Monochrome was made even more central at Global Bridal House, where a full black skirt was contrasted by a white bodice, drawing attention to a huge bow detail at the back of the dress. High drama!

READ NEXT: The Most Stylish Wedding Dresses For 2024

The post Six Trends We Love From Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week appeared first on The Wedding Edition.