Article written by Pam Black of Celebration House, Cape Town’s unique wedding information centre. First published in Die Burger Leefstyle newspaper October 2008.
Wow, what an exciting time we have just had exhibiting for the seventh time at The National Wedding Show held at Earls Court in London! Unlike the dreary London weather, the Show this year was incredibly vibrant, and during the three-day period we handed out thousands of copies of our publication, Under African Skies - a guide to wedding and honeymoons in South Africa, to couples keen to marry on our shores.
We were delighted to find that there is still a huge amount of interest in our country as a wedding destination, and we were also thrilled by the many glowing comments we received about South Africa, and Cape Town in particular. Those who had visited our country had only enthusiastic words of praise for all we had to offer.
It was also great to speak to many ‘ex-pats’ who are planning their weddings back home, and to be able to offer them advice not only for their planning, but also regarding the legal implications to be taken into consideration.
CATWALK SHOW TRENDS
As always, the main Show attraction was the Catwalk Show, which was held four times a day. In my opinion, the September show offered the audience far more inspiration than the February show earlier this year. The popular wedding dress design trend this year has been towards gowns cut on the diagonal, and designers at the London Show added a new twist, with the tasteful addition of a bit of ‘bling’ in the form of iridescent pearls and crystals, which were added to shoulders, waistlines and bodice tops. I rather liked the way some designers used of a bit of sparkle diagonally across the back of the dress, or at an angle on the hips. Skirts tended to be more slimline, with a slight flare at the hemline, and short, attached trains featured quite prominently.
Bows on the bustline, empire lines, corset-style tops and vintage touches were also evident. South African designer Shane Rosanne displayed a collection of bridesmaids’ dresses, and also used the opportunity to launch a new Bridesmaids’ Maternity Collection, an interesting assortment of dresses in soft pastel shades to flatter the preggie bridesmaid.
Mothers of the bride were not forgotten, with Ian Stuart showcasing his new range of garments for mothers wanting something fashionable and trendy that was also suitable for the occasion.
WEDDING THEATRE
Our stand was opposite the Wedding Theatre, where, throughout the day, Inspiration Sessions were held, offering hints and tips on planning a wedding. Those wanting to have environmentally-friendly weddings were given lots of good advice by Katie Fewings of Ethical Weddings, an expert on the subject. At question time, I was intrigued to note how many brides in the audience asked questions about growing their own flowers for their weddings.
Eric Lanlard of Savoir Design, who has made wedding cakes for many celebrities (including Madonna), provided lots of good advice on choosing a wedding cake. One of the highlights at the Wedding Theatre is always the ‘How to look good on your wedding day’ make over shows, held three times a day, when British TV style guru Caryn Franklin and her team of experts give a complete make-over to a bride picked from the audience. After witnessing the amazing changes to the brides, the shows always bring home to me the importance of choosing a professional make-up artist and hairdresser for your wedding day.
What I enjoy most about the London Shows (besides the nice things everyone says about SA!), is not only the continual buzz, but also the incredible assortment of services offered every year – ranging from exhibits by countries like Trinidad and St Lucia, to those of wedding cake designers, photographers, dress designers and stationery experts. You can literally plan your whole wedding in a day. Those wanting something different can even hire the Blush Hospitality pink double-decker bus! I also love the way in which the many musicians exhibiting at the Show vie with each other for attention. Throughout the three days of the Show, wherever you were in the vast exhibition centre, you could hear the sound of saxophones, jazz singers, trumpets and string quartets.
Our stand was close to one occupied by Souls of Prophecy Gospel Choir, who were very entertaining and much loved by the crowds. I have to confess that by the end of the weekend, we knew their repertoire off by heart!
Copies of Under African Skies are available in London at SA Tourism offices in Wimbledon, Africa Travel Centre, and branches of Savanna, a business specialising in South African products.
Celebration House is a resource centre situated in Claremont (near Cavendish Square), where we offer free advice on all aspects of planning a wedding. There is no need to make an appointment. Celebration House, 14 Protea Road, Claremont. Tel: 021 674 7350
