Today I am delighted to share the new "Kismet" collection from Tantrums & Tiaras, which is perfect to add that grand final touch to your special day’s ensemble. All of their gorgeous pieces are designed and entirely handmade by Designer/Director Kelly Scully using wire weaving and hand stitching.


The Kismet collection has a slightly different feel from previous collections as it does not follow a set era or style but is more of a concept that encompasses a vision of a secret garden and the magical world hidden within. Inspired by the current bridal fashion of lace, flowers and feminine shapes the new Kismet collection holds a perfect piece for any bride.

                                     
           
    
Imagine luscious foliage, spiralling vines, sumptuous florals and of course, a butterfly or two all made with a beautiful mix of diamantes and Swarovski pearls and crystals. The new collection also features the Molly range based on sparkling silver stars.

                                           

You can view the collection soon here or pop into local stockist Bridezillas Boutique in Keynsham.

Most women look forward to wedding dress shopping as one of the most fun parts of planning a wedding. You may dream of the moment when you step out of the changing room in the perfect white gown, met by tears and sighs of admiration from your Mum and bridesmaids.

                                             

For some lucky brides this magical moment happens with the first dress they try on. However, many brides can be left feeling slightly overwhelmed by the choices available as well as the cost of the dresses and numerous accessories. It's such an important dress and the pressure to get it right can make decisions difficult.

For any of you about to start wedding dress shopping, here are a few top tips:

• Make appointments well in advance as most wedding dress shops are very busy, especially on Saturdays
• Take a couple of people with you who will be honest with you like your Mum, Sister of best friend
• Don't leave dress shopping too late as many dresses take 6 months to arrive in the store and may require several fittings and alterations.
• Wear good smooth and neutral underwear as you will need to be helped into the dresses by the shop staff and don't want a black bra under a white dress.
• Do your hair and makeup and try on veils and tiaras to get the whole bridal look. The pretty jewellery featured below is by Bridezillas

                                         

• Try on lots of different dress shapes and listen to the shop staff as some dresses will look nothing special on the hanger but can be amazing on.
• If you are curvy, a dress built on a lace up corset will give you a great hourglass shape
• Choose boutiques that will give you a private appointment so you have time to try things on
• Never feel pressurised by sales assistants into buying something that you don't totally love
• Don't feel you have to go strapless as there are dresses available now with sleeves or illusion necklines offering more coverage.

There are some great wedding dress and accessory boutiques in Bristol. For beautiful designer dresses, try The Mews of Clifton Village (shown above), who offer a stunning range including Amanda Wakely and Temperley. A Class Brides is regularly nominated by brides for numerous industry awards and Bridezillas in Keynsham is the place to go for veils, jewellery and gorgeous accessories.

Will it ever stop raining? I do hope so as these persistent downpours are really not good for the start of the spring wedding season (or my poor hair). Getting married in the UK is always unpredictable and apparently this early rain means we're in for a long hot summer (I'll believe it when I see it) but if you are planning your I Dos, don't get caught out as frizzy hair, runny mascara and muddy hems are never a good look.

Today we look at ways to work with the rain and not let it spoil your big day. You just need to forward plan and you can guarantee as soon as you buy a few brollies and some wellies, then the sun will shine all day long.

In fact I bought an ivory wedding umbrella "just in case" for my own May wedding in 2008 as forecasts had been mixed and it ended up being glorious all day. I thought it might have been a lucky charm so I lent it to each of my friends as their "something borrowed" and it's magic worked for all of them too!

Local Bridal Accessory Boutique, Bridezillas has a great range or umbrellas, parasols and "weddingtons" to keep dry and stylish on your big day. This Anna umbrella comes in white or cream and only costs £13.00

                                        


These "Catherine" weddingtons are so gorgeous with their heels, pearlescent finish, pink lining and bow and at £49.99 are a good investment, as you could hitch up your dress and head outdoors for photos even on the wettest of days.
 

                 



     


        

















Here's some handy tips to ensure that even the dampest of days can't dampen your spirits...

10 Top Tips for Wet Weddings

• Have a pretty bridal umbrella to hand
• Buy or hire golf umbrellas for the bridal party or guests
• Have a backup indoor drinks reception location planned in advance
• Speak to your photographer in advance about indoor or sheltered photo locations
• Get ready at the venue if there is a room available to avoid getting wet before the ceremony
• Have bridal wellies or weddingtons for outdoor pictures
• It's unlikely the whole day will be wet so be ready to head outside for pictures if the weather breaks for a while
• Plan ahead and inform your guests if the grounds will be muddy so they can plan too
• If you are planning a marquee check that walkways are carpeted or covered
• Don't let it worry you...there are some fantastic wedding photos taken under big umbrellas

Words by Bristol Wedding Planner Steph Allison of How 2 I Do Wedding and Event Planning

Image Credits: Bridezillas

Clifton Pavilion was alive with chatter and laughter on Sunday as many couples visited the Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair. The early spring sunshine added to the warm and friendly atmosphere inside, as did the smooth sounds of the sublime trio the Tender Trap who performed upstairs.




Models sauntered around the stalls in stunning lace and satin vintage wedding gowns while enthusiastic brides has their hair transformed into vintage styles. There were many different vintage stands to choose from such as stunning wedding jewellery from Bridezillas (below) to delicious cake from Chocolate Delores (shown above).



Organisers Bristol Vintage had a pretty display of china and glassware available for hire and local designer Rachel Goodchild (shown below) was showcasing her vintage wrapping paper, stationery and wedding blogs. Fun knicker making parties for vintage hens were also showcased from Flo-Jo Boutique as seen below.






Award winning local wedding stylist the Little Wedding Helper had brought a vintage bureau, heaving with gorgeous props that she can use to transform your wedding venue. Next to her Fishee Designs Photo Booth who are mobile photo studio, who can provide fabulous vintage props for your guests to pose with.

With some of the largest Wedding Industry Awards coming up shortly there has been a lot of discussion about outfits and particularly what shoes people are wearing. Inspired by this, here's a post on gorgeous sparkly Wedding shoes.

Benjamin Adams does a gorgeous range of Wedding shoes though they are at the higher price range. I love these beauties called Charlize.

                                          

This pair called Gaga are also stunning. Both are available at Bridezillas Boutique in Keynsham.

                                              

Paradox offers a great range of shoes at more affordable prices, their Pink range has some great ivory Bridal shoes like this pair called Girly. Check out their full range here


                                         


Emmy shoes has a truly stunning range for those with a larger shoes budget and the brilliant thing about Emmy Shoes is that you can buy from the ready to wear collection or choose bespoke shoes where you can choose your heel height, colours and fabrics.

                                                



So many shoes are sky high so this gives you the option to go for a more wearable heel, whilst staying stylish. The Alicia shoes (above) can be bought in heel heights of 5cm, 8cm and 9.5cm.

BHS actually do a very good range of affordable Wedding shoes. This Jewel Knot pair cost from £55.



                                                 


Whichever shoes you go for, remember to wear them in at home first. A good tip is to wear some white socks over the top to protect them from spills and stains. You can also invest in gel insoles and padded inserts to make them more comfy. Make sure to have your shoes in time for your final dress fittings to ensure the length is correct with your heel height.

If you do decide to tie the knot in the Winter you will probably want a way to keep warm and stylish if you do venture outside for any photos. Here's a few stylish ideas to keep warm and dry on a wet or snowy Winters day.



                                         


How about a shrug to keep you cosy. The Fifi Ostrich Shrug above is from the Bridezillas website and costs £120. Visit the Bridezillas store for these great Catherine "weddingtons" to keep your feet warm and dry if you end up ankle deep in snow or puddles. They even have a little heel and a bow.



                                                 

This Ivory Connie Shrug below from Monsoon costs just £45.00 and would make a great Winter cover up.

                                               
 This scallop cape from Phase Eight is really pretty and would look lovely to cover chilly shoulders. It costs £99 and can be ordered online here.

  

The gorgeous Bridezillas Bridal Accessory Boutique opened it's doors on Tuesday on Keynsham High Street and last night many of Bristol's top Wedding suppliers helped Bridezillas owner Amanda celebrate.

                                   

Bridezillas stocks everything a Bride to be could want and need for her perfect big day from tiaras and jewellery to sparkly shoes, veils and umbrellas. The shop displays and windows had been beautifully arranged and styled by venue stylist, the Little Wedding Helper to really show off the sparkly pieces. There's even a shabby chic dressing table transformed by Creative Chic where brides can sit and try things on.







Guests were treated to some yummy sweeties in pretty glass and crystal jars from Bristol Candy Buffet as well as cupcakes by Cupcake Cabaret including a delicious cherry cola flavour.





Amanda said "We aim to offer you a top class & friendly service that you cannot get when shopping online. Being able to touch, see and try on your accessory is vital when wanting everything to be perfect for your special day."






Bridezillas can be found on Keynsham High Street and is already expecting a busy first Saturday with lots of Brides visiting to choose their perfect accessories. You can also buy accessories online and find out more about the shop here.

Here's what's happening in the world of Bristol weddings this November.

Bridezillas Store Opening A brand new bridal accessory boutique is opening in Keynsham on the 1st November at 10am where excellent customer service and gorgeous products are all part of the fantastic shopping experience.