Bellissimo Cakes Top Tips

We welcome Helen with open arms at Amaryllis. A true expert in her field of wedding cakes and we are thrilled to have Helen on the blog today, offering you some top tips!

Helen studied fashion design at art college before embarking on a culinary career and becoming a professional chef. Now a wedding cake designer, she is able to combine her training in design with her professional expertise gained from 10 years working in the catering industry.

Last year Helen completed a Royal Icing course in Cake Artistry taught by Eddie Spence MBE. She utilises the traditional techniques she has learnt to produce exquisite, contemporary cake designs.

Recently Helen was shortlisted as a finalist in the Hitched.co.uk Breakthrough Awards 2012 for Best New Wedding Cake Designer.

My top tips for choosing their cake design would be to consider all the other elements of their wedding including flowers, wedding  dress, bridesmaid colours and stationary to name but a few. 

All of these or just one can be used to create a design. For instance the lace from their dress can be translated onto the cake using brush embroidery. My other tip would be to research lots of different cakes in Bridal magazines, Wedding Flowers and Accessorises is a good one. This will help them decide the style they like.



http://www.bellissimocakes.com

#weddingcakes #bridalcake #bellissimocakes #amaryllisbridal #amaryllis

Bridal Top Tips - Hair

Style advice from Annette at Elegance Bridal Coiffure 

www.elegancebridalcoiffure.co.uk

When the bride first visits me we will discuss style of dress first. As the stylist I need to know if the bride has a strapless, halter neck. Straps, or high neck. This helps me suggest styles. 

I also like the bride to have an idea of what she would like. Then we start combining my suggestions to the the brides ideas. Usually with high neck dresses hair is best dressed in an up style, be it a low bun in the nape, a side bun, high on top or even a simple pleat for sophistication 

The strapless dress is usually better with a little hair cascading over the shoulder or If not long enough just dressed so as hair can be seen around the face and neck. 

The shape of face plays a big part of the style too. A hairstyle should compliment the brides face, as well as complimenting the dress. 

Old Thorns Fashion Show - November 2013

Sunday November 10th 2013 we had the pleasure of showcasing our bridal collections at Old Thorns in Liphook.  There were many exhibitors on hand throughout the day to assist brides in their wedding planning. 

We were thrilled to have Lorraine Claire Photography on hand to photograph the models whist having their hair & makeup designed by Annette Bradford at Elegance Bridal Coiffure and later for the fashion show.

Each of the models are friends / brides of Amaryllis and they do a fantastic job of showing off our beautiful gowns.  From 9am in the morning they sit down with Annette and go through different styles, and then it's show time!

Behind the scenes at Old Thorns it is quite manic!  There is a stair case that the models have to run up and down in each dress and by the end of the first show they are exhausted!  We have around 25 minutes to show 26 plus bridal gowns , with a stair case in the middle we have to dress the girls rather quickly!

It was an amazing day and were thrilled with the amount of brides that came to see us on the day & can't wait for the Spring show.

x

https://www.facebook.com/LorraineClairePhotography?fref=ts
http://www.elegancebridalcoiffure.co.uk/
http://www.oldthorns.com/wedding-venues-in-hampshire/
www.amaryllis-bridal.co.uk

#weddings in Hampshire #bridalhair #amaryllis #bridalgowns #weddingphotography

Customer Feedback - Wedding Industry Awards

This year we entered The Wedding Industry Awards.  Unlike other awards within the industry this award is specifically voted for by brides to your shop.  Brides are asked numerous questions and give the company they are nominating a score out of 10.

The scores are averaged out over the region.  Amaryllis Bridalwear received just over 9 out of 10 for each question asked. With the highest score received of 9.857 for  Quality of customer service and communications received from your bridal retailer.

We were absolutely thrilled to receive such high scores from all of our brides.  Obviously we were disappointed with not being regionally selected however the comments that have been passed on to us are truly amazing.

Please see a selection of the comments that we received from our brides below......

The staff at Amaryllis were very welcoming and helpful. On my first visit, the assistant was patient and honest and  on all my visits appointment time was long enough for me to take my time and not feel rushed. Great experience all round!! Amaryllis is a hidden gem. Excellent service throughout. I felt that they really cared that I looked my best on my special day and that I was happy with my choice. The service was caring and professional with the personal touch from the initial appointment through the fitting and alterations and the final prep of the dress for collection. First class. Lovely shop and lovely ladies. They make you feel welcome and do all that they can to help. I travelled 80 miles to get my dress from here as unlike other shops they are not pushing for a sale and know their stuff. I could of got my dress from a closer shop but they had awful service, unlike Amaryllis. A cut above the many other bridal shops I visited I was treated warmly, generously with a sense of humour; no stuck up  pretentiousness but real advice you could trust. Importantly a wide range of dresses for size 14 plus without the  snootiness prevalent in many bridal shops.

Having gone into most of the shops in the area, I felt pretty disheartened when choosing my wedding dress. I was on a budget and felt everyone was being very pushy - so I looked at shops that were further afield. Thank god I did, otherwise I wouldn't have found the gem that is Amaryllis Bridal!

Looking for my wedding dress was a magical experience. The ladies in the shop were extremely helpful - giving advice about styles and what would suit me. This made it a very personal experience.  I was kept up to date with when the dress would arrive in store with no chasing on my part. They were ever so helpful and friendly and I couldn't recommend them enough The staff in Amaryllis are so helpful and professional. They made me feel totally at ease, gave amazing advise and no question was too much trouble.  I would highly recommend them to anyone who is getting married for both bridesmaid and wedding dresses. My experience with Amaryllis was wonderful from start to finish. Every member of staff who dealt with me was polite, friendly and engaging. I felt welcomed and comfortable in the shop, and the staff looked after me through the whole process of selecting and tailoring my dress. Having been to quite a few wedding dress shops I can honestly say that they were the best - both of the women who helped serve me where very helpful, honest, and really lovely - even when I took a while to make a decision!  They were just so friendly! Amaryllis is a friendly, relaxed shop and always displays beautiful range of dresses. Charlotte is not a pushy sales woman. She has a genuine desire to meet the Brides needs.  Nothing is too much trouble. Amaryllis was the only shop I visited. I have nothing but praise for Charlotte and her team. Amaryllis Bridalwear stock a huge range of beautiful wedding dresses. The store assistants offer first class service and made me feel at ease.

Thank you to all my brides that took the trouble to write such lovely comments about my shop.  Charlotte x

#Amaryllis Bridalwear, #Amaryllis Reviews, #Bridal reviews #Wedding Industry Awards #Bridal Shop Hampshire

Bridal Top Tips - Wedding Dress Shopping & Photography Tips

Every brides search for a wedding dress is sometimes a daunting one.  What style will suit me?  Who should I bring with me to find "The One"?  Well we have enlisted the help of our recommended suppliers to help you all with your to do list.

At Amaryllis we understand that you want to bring as many people as possible with you.  Brides often don't want to leave any of their friends & family out, but please do bear in mind that the more people that you show your dress to, the less of a surprise it will be on the day!

There has been many a time in Amaryllis that a bride hints to us in the changing room that she loves the dress that she is in, only to pull back the curtain and one of the bridesmaids or friends gives there opinion.  Before you know it the bride is in tears and now regrets bringing that all important friend. 

So our very top tip is this, for your own peace of mind, stress loves, and wedding dresses shopping, think very carefully when deciding who to bring with you.  This is your day and it should be as enjoyable as possible.
x


www.amaryllis-bridal.co.uk

Photography Top Tip  - Charles at Galileo Photography

G for the best photographer you can afford. Someone who you get on well with, as he or she will be with you all day on your wedding day, and you will want to feel assured that you and your guests will feel comfortable with them.
Budgeting too severely for your photography often ends up with inferior results, and a record of your wedding day that is ultimately disappointing.

You are only planning to get married once in your life, so be prepared to spend wisely when selecting your photographer, so you end up with a record of your wedding day that everyone loves!

http://www.galileophotography.co.uk/


More top tips including hair & make up, and Florists next week!







#bridal #weddings #amaryllisbridalwear #weddingsalton # weddingshampshire

Justin Alexander & Sincerity 2014 Elegant Illusion Necklines

Beaded and corded lace appliques over a sequined lining on this A-line gown that features a sweetheart neckline. Gown is finished with corded hem lace and chapel length train. Style has regal satin buttons over the back zipper

 

Justin Alexander 8701 RRP £1695.00

 

Beaded metallic Venice lace appliques layered over embroidered lace to create a trumpet silhouette with a Queen Anne neckline. Gown has a delicate beaded illusion back with regal satin buttons over the zipper and features a sweep train

Justin Alexander 8725 RRP £1435.00

Circular satin ball gown features sabrina illusion neckline with satin trim and drop waistline. Gown has an asymmetrical pleated bodice with a beaded motif at the waist. Style is finished with a V-back, satin buttons over the back zipper and continue to the end of the chapel length train.

Sincerity 3787 RRP £830.00

                                  

Corded lace ball gown with sweetheart neckline features an asymmetrical waist with a tulle pick up skirt and lace appliques. Style includes a Mandarin illusion and lace cap sleeve pop-in. Pop-in and back zipper features satin buttons. Style has a chapel length train

Sincerity 3797 RRP £910.00

www.justinalexander.com
www.sinceritybridal.com
#illusion # bridal # lacebridalgown # lace #justinalexander #sinceritybridal

END OF SEASON BRIDAL GOWN CLEARANCE #justinalexander #sinceritybridal #maggiesottero #ronaldjoyce #bridalsale

IT'S SALE TIME!!

From Thursday 24th October to Saturday 26th October Amaryllis is holding its end of season bridal gown sale.

The following gowns pictured are just a few of the stunning gowns that will be offered at a HUGE reduction.  With prices from £150 you really can't afford to miss this 3 days spectacular.

To book your appointment, please call us on 01420 80552 or www.amaryllis-bridal.co.uk/contact-us


Sale gowns will include designers Justin Alexander, Sincerity, Maggie Sottero, Ronald Joyce & Victoria Jane

www.justinalexanderbridal.com
www.sinceritybridal.com
www.maggiesottero.com
www.ronaldjoyce.com

www.amaryllis-bridal.co.uk

Amaryllis Bridesmaids #Dessy #Bridesmaids #Amaryllis

Bridesmaids Style Goes Beyond the Wedding Day

More than ever before, bridesmaid dresses mirror the best trends from the fashion runways and red carpets. The dress, in fact, is one of the season's most appealing fashion statements, and both the bride and her attendants will delight in the selection. Whether sleeveless, off-the-shoulder, slip dress or two-piece dress, there's a look to suit every taste and to highlight the best features of each member of the bridal party.

Post-wedding perfect. "The key for bridesmaids is to keep it simple and easy to wear," says Vivian Diamond, designer of the Dessy Collection. Today's bridesmaid's dresses are a modern wear-again part of a wardrobe and have a post-wedding life perfect for a number of future dressed-up events.

Tea-length. The tea-length dress, one of the season's most graceful looks, is featured prominently in the Alfred Sung collection in contemporary, dupioni and peau de soie fabrics. Also alluring are the After Six dresses with fluttery hemlines and double-tier layers, which bring a certain charm to the aisle and to the dance floor.

Strapless. Dessy Collection offers elegant, formal dress styles while, more casual, strapless A-line dresses take the lead in the After Six collection. All collections are available in a variety of flattering lengths, rich fabrics and stunning tones.

Mix and match styles. Versatility and individuality are major considerations. Many brides are opting to have their attendants wear styles in the same fabrics, colours or various shades of a certain colour. This allows each maid to wear a dress that is flattering to her.

Infinite colour options. Colour is another standout fashion statement, with the palette ranging from luscious pales to vibrant hues. Dessy's Vivian Diamond explains, "We're seeing lots of pink, both pale and vivid, pink is a definite choice." Satin, the most popular fabric, shows colour beautifully, especially the citrus colour's - orange, greens, yellows. "Although claret is the all-year-round most preferred shade," adds Diamond, "with destination weddings, there are infinite colour options."

Bridesmaids are very much in style. While the bride, naturally, takes centre stage and is the star of that special day, elegant bridesmaids dresses complement the bride's gown, as well as enhance the unique wedding décor. There are no set rules for bridesmaid's dresses - just a great variety of choices and styles. 

Call us to arrange an appointment to view the Dessy Collection with Amaryllis Bridalwear

Taylored Beauty #wedding #bridal #beauty #spa #nails

Taylored Beauty specialise in all things wedding! From preparation facials, to beautiful nails and lash extensions. All at very competitive prices. At  our modern friendly salon we will happily "Taylor" any treatment to suit your needs or requirements.

 

Taylored beauty offers treatments and products that are unique yet ‘taylored’ to the individual needs of our clients in the welcoming surroundings of Energique Health Club and Spa.

Taylored Beauty began in order to provide Alton with an innovative, funky, boutique salon offering high end, niche treatments. Not only do we offer HD Brows which has taken the industry by storm, we have also partnered with Pevonia Botanica, the exclusive spa range only available from the top salons and spas in the world.
Our newly refurbished treatment rooms have been greatly received by our clients and have been described as the most glamorous and luxurious in the area. With flexible opening hours, we will be able to accommodate a wide variety of clients wanting to pamper themselves and take pride in their appearance, whilst fitting in around their busy work, social and family lives.

Contact Laura & Katie http://www.tayloredbeautytreatments.co.uk


www.tayloredbeautytreatments.co.uk