The Wedding Show – Tatton Park

The Wedding Show at Tatton Park is a fabulous event, set in a luxururious marquee in the grounds of this beautiful National Trust property, near Knutsford in Cheshire. The show has over 150 stands; showcasing the very best of the region’s wedding professionals. Brides-to-be can find inspiration and ideas on absolutely everything wedding: gorgeous gowns, chocolate fountains, fabulous flowers, hand-made invitations, vintage hairpieces, bespoke wedding styling and planning, outstanding musicians, delicious catering, and world-class photography… the list is endless. There are also fantastic choreographed catwalk shows, with the latest trends in bridal gowns, mens’ tailoring, mother-of-the-bride fashions, wedding night lingerie and bikinis for the honeymoon. There’s a champagne bar, live music and demonstrations, and the poshest porta-loos you’ll ever see ;)

I spent a lovely Sunday browsing the stands at the show, taking in one of the breathtaking catwalk shows and sampling some of the delicious treats on offer :) It’s really important for me as a wedding photographer to keep up with trends in the wedding industry; who are the hot new dress designers, what looks are popular, current colours, styles and themes, and specifically in the Cheshire and Manchester region. I want to know who the best suppliers are so I can offer advice to my brides and refer them to wonderful people offering a high level of quality and service.

Trendwise it seems the current love for all things vintage is here to stay for at least another season (yay – I’m loving it!). From florists to dresses, there was an abundance of lace, pearls, blush pinks and dark creams, roses, candelabras and birdcages. The cathedral-length veil is very popular along with gorgeous vintage-inspired hairpieces. Cupcakes are still cool, table-centres are getting more decadent and flamboyant every year, and live music is an absolute must for a truly fabulous evening do.

For anyone who couldn’t make it to this year’s Wedding show, here are my highlights…

The dresses from The Wedding Shop were just divine, from gorgeous backless lace gowns to princess-like full skirts, there was something for every discerning bride-to-be. Opening the catwalk show with their stunning gowns, this lovely boutique in Alderley Edge is definitely worth a visit.

I sampled a heavenly chocolate brownie from Vanilla in AllSeasons catering – delicious – and the cakes at legendary Slattery were out of this world – especially the fairy-princess castle complete with with turrets. Lovely Kelly of Boho Weddings and Events offers wedding planning for the funkier bride – and for those wanting to guarantee the sunshine, she specialises in weddings in Ibiza. The joyful sounds of the Sing Out Gospel Choir would make for an exuberant wedding ceremony or amazing evening entertainment. Out of the numerous wedding photographers Chris Hanley‘s truly fabulous and inspiring work, and outstanding service, stood out from the crowd. For the ultimate in glamour and luxury brides can book a Cherish The Dress shoot after the wedding, a fashion-shoot where the dress is the star, in the stylish surroundings of the Hilton.

One of my absolute favourite stands was without a doubt Sweet Days and Roses. Janey is loveliness personified, and her stand was oh so pretty! Vintage french shabby-chic gorgeousness, the scent of lavender from the pretty favours, and a stunning antique chandelier…

Don’t you just want to move in? The chandelier is for sale, too…
The gorgeous table centre arrangement was supplied by the wonderful Firenza Floral Design.

 

Sweet Days and Roses offers gorgeous wedding planning and styling, beautiful hand-made favours and the prettiest table settings. For a regular dose of vintage loveliness keep in touch with Sweet Days and Roses’ facebook page. 

Be prepared to have your idea of a wedding florist completely blown out of the water by the incredible Red Floral Architecture.  This is lavish, decadent and breathtaking floral art. They have won TV’s celebrity Four Weddings twice. I can see why! The nice thing is, they see every bride as a celebrity, so you can expect service and an experience that is red carpet all the way.

I love this table-plan – an antique suitcase filled with lace and pearls and sparkling brooches. The magnificent floral centrepiece below was the focal point of the incredible stand. There are glass baubles, hearts and other pretty trinkets hanging from the branches.

Anyone looking for statement wedding flowers – look no further!

Lovely Rachel from Love Story Stationery creates beautiful bespoke wedding invitations in a variety of styles, focusing your own love story. You can choose from ‘Couture Designs’, personalised with your photos, colours and themes, or the ‘Ready to Wear’ collections. The themes can be carried through to Orders of Service, table plans and place-names too.

HFCouture create bespoke tiaras, jewellery and hairpieces for the discerning bride. The pieces are just beautiful, many with a vintage feel, and all with an air of luxury and opulence.

The stand was a vision of sparkling gorgeousness, full of the finest crystals, pearls, beads and lace crafted into exquisite pieces, and their creator Jane was delightful.

If your wedding isn’t until 2012 do make sure you plan a day out at The Wedding Show next January. And for 2011 brides, check out Wedding Link‘s smaller boutique wedding fayres this Spring at some lovely Cheshire and Manchester wedding venues.