Charlotte Balbier Wedding Diary.... 'THE DRESS'

Charlotte with one of her designs

Shock horror! - I still don't have a dress. Yes, you read correctly, the wedding dress designer who's getting married in 8 months still hasn't found The One. Well, when I say found, I mean finished, because I'm creating my frock from scratch.

Since I first put pencil to sketchbook, I've designed four gowns that were in the running to be my wedding dress, but in the end they didn't feel quite right for me. That's not to say they weren't beautiful dresses, in fact I've included two of the styles in my 2014 collection because I adore them so much and know they'll look perfect on the right bride.

Although I haven't finalised my creation just yet, there are some things that, as a designer, it was helpful for me to decide early on. First things first was the shape of the dress, which was based on the shape of my body. I’m a cross between an apple and triangular shape, so I look good in a classic A-line style, with a slight drop waist. That's not to say I'm unlike most brides in hankering after other styles (fishtail, slinky, backless, anyone?) but after 15 years of bridal experience I know that the right wedding dress has to be a shape that flatters and suits your figure. I keep trying different styles but I have to accept that no matter how much exercise or dieting I do, my body shape will never change and I am what I am so I must embrace this. If you're not sure what kind of shape you are or what styles flatter you the most, buying from a specialist bridal boutique is key. The ladies who work at these shops have dealt with so many brides and dresses, they'll know your perfect style the moment you walk in (brides - please no internet buying, it’s just not right when making one of the most important purchases of your life).

Another challenge that I've faced in making my own W-day dress has been choosing what fabrics I want to work into the design. I'm practically obsessive when it comes to lace, so it will come as no surprise to learn that my dress will feature some lace, although I still don't know whether it will be a completely lace affair. I also love soft silk tulle, it's so luxurious and romantic, so perhaps this will make an appearance along with some French lace. Even while writing this my mind is buzzing with ideas. What about spotted tulle, oh fun, kitsch spotted tulle (look out for my ‘Sarah’ dress in the new collection…). Then there's the beading, detailing and embellishments to think about. Am I a bling bride? Or more of a subtle beading bride?

Fabrics and detail in the mix

So, to the task at hand. I've sketched several new designs, new fabrics are arriving daily from my suppliers and I think I 'm getting closer to finalising what will be my perfect dress. It’s been a long and difficult process, and I admit I'm feeling huge pressure to create something totally unique and amazing (as everyone expects my dress to be spectacular!). But as long as I love it and feel amazing in it, that's all that matters.

All this to-ing and fro-ing reminds me to pass on one piece of advice to any brides reading this. DO NOT wait until eight months before your wedding to find your dress! I'm super lucky that I can design and make dresses very quickly but, brides, you should give yourselves at least 8-12 months before the wedding to order your gown, to allow time for alterations and avoid any last-minute panics. If I was to be buying my dress from a bridal boutique, I'd be one very lastminute.com bride right now!

Oh, and before I go, a declaration of sorts. A lot of people within the wedding industry and brides that I work with have predicted that I'll be wearing pink for my wedding, given my love of the colour. But it's time to put this rumour to bed. I won't confirm or deny what shade I will be wearing on the big day, but I can tell you that I will not be wearing pink! That's your last clue, before I spill the beans entirely.

Until next time, happy dress-hunting fellow brides-to-be! Keep me posted….

With love,
Charlotte xxx

Charlotte Balbier Wedding Diary.... Flower Girl Keepsakes

With all the major things ticked off my wedding to-do list, now it's time to turn my attention to the finer details. Often it's the smaller touches that make a lasting impression on wedding guests so it's equally important to get them just right. With a bridal party of eight adult bridesmaids, two flowergirls, two best men and six ushers – not to mention mothers of the bride and groom – I need to start thinking about my wedding day gifts for them as early as possible to give me enough time. As a self-prescribed professional shopper I'm looking forward to one wedding task I know I'll find easy, and enjoyable too. It's also an excuse to find the odd thing for myself, as a stressed bride-to-be you understand…

For the ladies, I already know jewellery is the way to go. I love good quality, simple jewellery because it can be worn and loved forever, so it makes the perfect keepsake for bridesmaids and flowergirls alike. If you ask me, the beauty of jewellery is that it can hold our memories for as long as we wear it – I have so many delicate pieces that each tell their own story and some of them are as old as me (no comments please!). I really think a love for jewellery can be inspired at any age and indulged for a lifetime; us brides-to-be certainly know the importance of our engagement rings anyway.

I have been a great admirer and fan of Molly Brown London for some time, ever since I first saw their cute pendants in Harrods. For those of you who haven't heard of the brand, they offer luxury designer jewellery akin to Tiffany but for younger girls. With collections in Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason as well as Harrods, the pieces are just dreamy and something I as a little girl would have absolutely loved.

Having recently had the pleasure of meeting with Molly Brown designer Erica and being treated to a sneaky preview of the new collections (trust me, they're divine), I knew my two favourite girls would love a set of real pearls to call their own, and Aunty Charlotte and Uncle Teddy are just the people to give it to them! I can't think of a better way for a bride to thank her mini chums than a gift to accessorise their wedding outfit and a precious keepsake that they can wear for a lifetime. So, being an organisation queen, and thanks to Molly Brown, little Liv and Georgia have the most gorgeous delicate pearl and silver bracelets - how lucky are they? I was 20 before I got my first set of real pearls! They will be the envy of little girls everywhere.
So that's two down and another 18 gifts to go! For my adult bridesmaids, I'm thinking Tiffany or Links of London. Both so gorgeous. I think it's time to hit the shops to see what's out there for my lovely ladies.

Until next time,
much love Charlotte xx

Charlotte Balbier Wedding Diary.... Stationary

Working with fabric all day every day, it's not surprising that I'd describe myself as a touchy-feely kind of person. It's not just dresses though, I can't resist fabulous stationery either - I love the texture, feel, look and even smell of a good luxury print, so it was probably a bigger deal for me than the average bride!

Before I even started my search for wedding stationery, I already knew the kind of thing I was looking for. I wanted something utterly feminine and super romantic but which still felt chic and classic, with a modern edge - a lot to ask I know, and a tough challenge for any stationery designer! Sure, I was open to ideas but being a creative person myself, I admit I had very set ideas about what I liked and more importantly, what I didn't.

When I first started thinking about my Save The Dates and invitations a few months ago, I was initially drawn to some designs from Hello Lucky, as their pink invites are gorgeous and felt very 'me' - I really did love so much of their work but I felt myself thinking 'I wish it had something more like this…' or 'I love this but perhaps with a different…' so it was back to the drawing board for me.
At this point I started to worry that my 'stationery wishlist' just wasn't compatible with the designs out there. I fell in love with the idea of having gold glitter incorporated into our print, but after chatting with Teddy about the delicacy of it, I had visions of the glitter falling off in transit and guests receiving bald invites - so that was the end of that. Another problem came when deciding on the background colour. Pink is my favourite hue but our wedding (shock horror) is only having subtle hints of pink and I don't want to give guests the wrong idea about our colour theme. To cut a long story short, I just didn't know where I could find a design to match the kind I'd been dreaming up in my head and was pretty much convinced I would have to commission a bespoke design which would be a lot more work and a bigger chunk of budget.

Happily, which I'm sure you B2Bs are discovering too, suppliers in the wedding industry usually have the best knowledge of other great businesses catering for brides, and so when I explained my stationery woes to my wedding photographer Polly Alexandre, she instantly had a person in mind who might be able to help…

How right she was! Polly recommended Rose and Ruby Paper Co and as soon as I set eyes on Rose’s new portfolio of designs, it was love at first sight. As I looked through the different options, I found the design, colour and style I'd been forever dreaming of. How's that for luck? If I'm completely honest, I was still drawn to the idea of a bespoke design from Rose, as I love the idea of our wedding being completely unique, but I have always said don’t mess with perfection, so we decided on one of Rose's existing designs with no changes at all.

Soon after I confirmed my chosen design with Rose, a gorgeous pastel-pink box arrived at Balbier HQ, delicately wrapped in sweet spotty paper and gold ribbon. Since it was the week of Valentine's Day, there was much excitement that it might be a romantic present for one of our employees, but I was actually the lucky one! I opened the box and there was Rose's stationery design mocked up with our wedding date and details. There was invitations, envelopes, Save The Dates and a few other surprises. Rose’s attention to detail and obvious love of all things creative, feminine and luxurious was apparent and I knew I had made the right decision with Rose and Ruby Paper Co.

Now that we've sent the confirmed names and addresses of our guest list through to Ruby, I can officially say our save the dates are in production, and it all feels very real now!

As I'm writing this blog post, I can't help thinking of something Rose said to me as we discussed my stationery for the first time. She was so right when she gushed that stationery is often the first glimpse of your impending big day that the wedding guests see, and is crucial in building the excitement, for both the couple and their friends and family. It was so lovely to hear that she was as excited as I was about setting the flavour of my wedding and thinking up special touches to help Teddy and I tell our love story on our big day. I can't wait!

Until next time,
Love Charlotte xxx
Check out Rose's designs for yourself at roseandrubypaperco.com

An Etta Bride!

It's always nice when I get to meet my brides face to face, I love hearing about their experience and every detail of their big day!

When I met Hannah, a month or so ago at the launch of my latest collection for 2014 'A Decade of Style' it was as always amazing to hear her story - Hannah works for a beautiful stockist of mine Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique in Newbury and so she was super spoilt for dresses!! Yet... she chose a Charlotte Balbier favourite of mine and looked stunning even if I do say so myself!

Hannah married her sweetheart Lee Gibson in a small and intimate ceremony in Gretna Green and celebrated with a family party a few days later on the 6th - One dress with 3 different looks!!

When we asked Hannah how she felt about her choice of gown for the big day Hannah said; "Working at Mrs Jones Bridal Boutique meant I was really spoilt for choice but I knew I wanted something quite understated. As soon as I tried Etta, I knew she was the one as I loved the lace jacket (so elegant) and I was really drawn by the fact I could dress it differently for the evening! For the day I teamed her with a simple ribbon sash and birdcage veil,  for the evening, I took off the jacket and wore a fab sparkly belt! And then I got to wear her all over again a few days later- she was perfect!"

A Decade of Style.... The Story!

With only days to go until the launch of my new 2014 collection 'A Decade Of Style' at the White Gallery London this weekend, things have got a little hectic to say the least around here at Balbier HQ!!

So we took the time out to re read the hand written love stories that go with each of my campaign images and all was rosy again!

So if your in need of a little love injection on this gloomy Wednesday then grab a morning cup of coffee and a biscuit and enjoy;

 

View my online 'A Decade of Style' magazine here

Libby.... The Runaway Bride!

You've seen her in one light..... but there's always 2 sides to every story!! Introducing 'Libby' #ADecadeOfStyle #CharlotteBalbier2014

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun”

 

Caught in a whirlwind, a breeze of lust, but love? ...Is this love? Day dreams of escape, a circus of thoughts, Libby’s mind wanders through the life she needs to pick up and run from. A run-away bride caught up in the fairy tale show of seemingly precious time, she craves an existence of soul capturing love that oozes the pleasures of intelligence and wit. Elusive she may be, Fugitive she is, monotonous she is not.

 

 

Molly Brown Exclusive!

I have been a great admirer and fan of Molly Brown London for some time, ever since I first saw their cute pendants in Harrods. For those of you who haven't heard of the brand, they offer luxury designer jewellery similar to Tiffany but for younger girls. With collections in Selfridges and Fortnum & Mason as well as Harrods, the pieces are just dreamy and something I as a little girl would have absolutely loved. Having invested in some super special keepsakes from the brand for my 2 little flower girls, I couldn't help but notice their adult range has something delicate and unusual for brides to be!!

So.... As a special treat Molly B Couture and the Charlotte Balbier team have rallied up to bring you this exclusive accessories giveaway!

The ultimate accessories prize includes a beautiful Cultured Pearl Necklace and matching Bracelet from the sophisticated and timeless PR77 collection from Molly Brown, a sumptuous fur wrap “Flossie” and a luxe feather headpiece from Charlotte Balbier’s A Decade of Style collection.

So go on? Why not capture the femininity and delicate details of the bygone era; simply add your details on the link HERE for the chance to win this elegant and super exclusive prize.

Finger and toes crossed.....Good luck!

Introducing Beaullea

Just because everyone has been so nice about my new 'A Decade of Style' collection, I just havent been able to contain my excitement and this week have given my brides to be another sneak peek of the 2014 collection!!

 

Proving so popular already over on my facebook page, please say hello to .....

 

 'Beaullea'

"Adornment, what a science. Beauty, what a weapon. Modesty, what elegance!"

 

 

 Embellished with a wealth of achingly deep affection, she is encased in an air of admiration from her love, radiating through her she shines a silver brighter than a star of clear night. Confident in her sweetheart, Beaullea is poised and self assured as she dreamt of a love like this, a profound love, and now in the midst of a fantasy like daze she is creating her own story, with a an ending more than perfect and with feelings no words can describe.

 

 

The wedding of a true hero!

For any groom his wedding day is a momentous occasion but war hero Johnson Beharry VC had so many reasons to feel proud when he married his gorgeous bride Mallissa Noel (wearing Charlotte Balbier!! Eeek!) last week!

Not only had the hero got the girl of his dreams, he recently was promoted from the rank of corporal to sergeant and was wearing his real Victoria Cross on the couples big day!!

I was delighted to welcome Mallissa and her bridesmaid to our showroom and assist her in finding her 'one' and what a lovely day we had! Filled with lots of smiles and oohs and ahhs (and a cake or two of course) Mallissa chose 2 of my gowns to wear on her special day;

'Ellie' was the gown chosen for their vows, an intimate ceremony of family only held at Londons Marylebone hall. A soft lace strapless gown with fishtail skirt 'Ellie' has a small train and is detailed with beautiful pearl buttons. The lace is vintage inspired with a silver pewter thread and I must admit is a popular choice for brides to be.

View 'Ellie' and the rest of my 'Candy Kisses' collection on my website here.



 

'Ellie' as seen in Hello! Magazine

 

'Lula' was the 2nd of my gowns chosen for the couples big day and the one Mallissa wore for her evening reception to dance the night away!! Lula is a beautiful french lace Aline gown with a delicate flower pattern and looked super stunning on Mallissa.

View 'Lula' and the 'Romantic Decadence' collection on my website here.



 

 'Lula' as seen in Hello! Magazine

 

 

I couldn't be more thrilled to see the pictures of how happy the couple looked whilst flicking through the latest issue of Hello! over my morning coffee. Mallissa looked divine and myself and the team wish them every happiness for the future!

 

Love Charlotte

xx

 



 



Charlotte Balbier's wedding diary: now for the entertainment

Gorgeous Charlotte Balbier bride Naiomi in 'Natasha' at her 'sparkler send off'

What makes good wedding entertainment? It's the question that haunts my dreams at the moment, as we still haven't booked it! Teddy and I have spent countless hours trawling the Internet for clips of bands, DJs, you name it, for our special day but we still haven't confirmed anything. I'm starting to think it's because there's too much choice out there.
Over the past few years, attending weddings as a guest and a bridal designer, I've noticed a huge change in wedding entertainment – the traditional local DJ is out it would seem, and the other possibilities seem endless. The opportunities to provide entertainment throughout the course of the wedding day are growing too.
For me, there are two parts of the wedding day excluding the actual evening reception where I think it's great to give guests that extra something; the drinks reception, while the bride, groom and wedding party are off having their official photos taken, and between the end of the wedding breakfast and the beginning of the evening reception, when everyone is letting their food digest and the speeches sink in. For the former (while Teddy and I try to look our best for the cameras), my plan is to keep my guests busy drinking lots of lovely champagne and enjoying yummy canapes, but I want to make sure there's something to grab their attention too - I don't want anyone to be bored on my big day! I love the idea of a magician so I called Dynamo but surprisingly he is out of our budget (shocker!). However, there are so many amazing magic acts out there that I'm sure we can find the next up-and-coming Dynamo. But then I have another worry. If the focus for this part of the wedding is the magician, do we need some background music? And if so, what are my options? Do we go traditional with a beautiful classical singer and acoustic band? Or more modern and have contemporary music played?

Moving on to the time following the wedding breakfast, I want to take this hour to make a few changes to our venue so we're ready for the arrival of our evening guests. It's obviously important that this isn't dead time for the day guests though, so back to my list we go… For those who want to take it easy (don’t forget, there are always older family members to think about) there is the option to retire to the drawing room for tea or coffee and a sit on the sofa. For those hardcore party animals, I'm thinking more along the lines of a mini casino/burlesque show/cocktail bar where they can have a masterclass and make their own cocktails…or do I just leave them to prop the bar up and socialise amongst themselves?

Now to the biggie - the evening reception. I have no doubt I'll find a band and a DJ I love, but it wouldn't be my wedding if I didn't add something extra to make the party all the more memorable. Everyone loves a photo booth and it seems this is a trend that just keeps running; I have to admit I do love them at a wedding or any event for that matter. Add your own personalised props to make it extra fun, like cute and quirky signs or fancy dress items. Another idea I like is fireworks (naturally romantic) but sadly our venue doesn't permit fireworks so an alternative might have to be a ‘sparkler send-off’ (where all the guests gather outside after the dancing ends, making an arch of sparklers as the bride and groom run through and off into the night).
Before I go, one piece of advice – always run your entertainment ideas past your venue. Teddy and I have found a band we love which would fit perfectly with the evening reception, but there's the small (or big?!) problem that the whole shebang, including singers, trombone player, drums, saxophone, guitarist etc. takes up a lot of space, and after consulting our venue we think there's a high possibility they simply won't fit in. With an optimistic attitude we are off to the wedding venue armed with our tape measure to see if we can make it work, but it just shows it's always worth touching base with your venue before you book!
Until next time,
Love Charlotte xx