Having exhibited for the eighth time at The National Wedding Show, held at Earls Court in London, and thanks to Cape Town Tourism, we were able to have a larger stand and our eye-catching display attracted a lot of attention, with the result that we were rushed off our feet the entire weekend.

We handed out thousands of copies of our publication, Under African Skies ? a guide to weddings and honeymoons in South Africa, an essential publication that will inform any bride-to-be and her partner of the gorgeous wedding possibilities in South Africa.

As always, one of the highlights was the fashion show, held four times a day over the course of the three-day event. I find that the show usually gives a clear indication of the direction bridal fashion will be taking for the next year.

This year's show ? described as being all about glamour, glitz and loads of romance, with a return to the 1920s and 1940s eras ? was by far the most exciting one I've seen. Clever choreography transformed it from being just a succession of bored models in wedding dresses, to a most visually entertaining event. Indeed, this year the models ? especially the good-looking males taking part ? actually looked as though they were having fun!

So what's in this season?

 

  • The vintage/glamour look.
  • Slimline dresses.
  • Bias cut with diagonal beading.
  • Net overlays with trains attached from bottom of front bodice.
  • Fabric flowers

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    ...and what's not?

     

  • Bling is definitely on the decrease.
  • Over-the-top, full skirted gowns.
  • Lace-up corset tops.
  • The Jane Austen look.
  • Fewer colour additions (like bows and sashes) to dresses.

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    Made fashionable in the movie Sex and the City, the addition of fabric flowers to wedding dresses was used by several designers and featured quite prominently. Many of the gowns were cut on the diagonal, a very flattering style for most figures.

    Signs of cutting back on costs were evident in the clever use of netting, instead of lace, as overlays. More cream-coloured dresses, as opposed to the usual white, were also in evidence.

    Keeping ahead

    What was very noticeable this year, considering that the Show takes place in the land of royalty, was the absence of a single tiara on any of the models! What they were all wearing, though, were 'fascinators'. These glamorous, slightly frivolous head adornments were all the rage and were worn alike by brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride. Made from feathers, net, fabric flowers, beads etc., these most attractive headpieces are, in our opinion, set to be the next big thing on the wedding scene.

    Wedding flowers

    A new addition to the show this year was the Designer Flower Zone, where one could view attractive and inspiring floral displays by the UK's top florists. Perhaps because of the trend towards vintage themes, flowers like pastel-coloured hydrangeas and roses featured prominently.

    Throughout the day, when the fashion shows weren't taking place, Kate Smallwood interviewed several of these florists. Among those I heard interviewed were Bloomsbury Flowers, Simon Lycett and Hayford & Rhodes, and I picked up the following tips from them:

    Floral hints & tips

     

  • When planning the floral table arrangements for your reception, bear in mind that they need not be identical. Add more interest by varying them.

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  • Think about the 'wow' factor, in other words, it is better to spend money on one big arrangement rather than lots of little ones. Guests won?t notice little bowls of flowers on windowsills.

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  • Likewise, if your budget is limited, rather spend money on one large arrangement at the altar, than on one at the entrance. Remember, your guests will be looking forward throughout the ceremony ? not backwards!

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  • Avoid using scented candles in your arrangements. Some flowers (like lilies) are very pungent and the combination could be unpleasant for your guests.

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  • With the vintage look now the in-thing, along with the swing towards simplicity, beauty and romance, a good way to bring romance back is to use pastel colours and include scented herbs like sage and rosemary.

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    Proudly South African

    This year's show was the busiest ever and the very positive interest in our stand proved that, despite the recession, a wedding in South Africa still offers those from abroad lots of good value. It was once again most heartening to hear the wonderful things visitors to the Show had to say about our country.

    I often wish that more South Africans could attend the Show, if only to hear all the compliments our country and its people receive at these international events. Although it is a lot of hard work, for me the highlight of the show is always the many 'proudly South African moments' experienced during the course of the weekend.

    Celebration House is a free, permanent wedding exhibition centre, filled with beautiful displays, where you can get all the wedding advice and information you need ? totally free of charge! They won?t offer to plan your wedding for you, but will give you the tools you need to do it all successfully yourself.

    Celebration House can be found at 14 Protea Road, Claremont (close to Cavendish Square).

    Tel: 021-674-7350

    www.celebrationhouse.co.za