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this month’s party was held last week at Abacus Bar in the City, www.abacusbar.co.uk. We enjoyed this lively venue and even had a couple of walk-ins, though some of the gentlemen who offered to help out towards the end of the party were perhaps not looking to get married just yet…

The fantastic Cornecopia and Plume produced some lovely ideas on the theme of sunflowers and daisies; check out our website and sign up for the newsletter for details on how to acheive the look.

The Real Princess Company and Designed to Impress brought along veils and headpieces, which hairdresser Amanda used to embellish updos. Photographer Jill Carter took before and after shots. Diana from The Light Rooms photography studio brought along the lovely Bunny for free makeovers. Skin Specialist Fiona offered sage advice on nutrition.

We were pleased to welcome Jeanne from Talking Tables who brought along a selection of favours and other goodies - bridal-parties will soon be retailing these and other products to make your life easier - watch out for details on the website.

Mai Pearls brought along beautiful jewellery - the perfect gift for bride, bridesmaid or anyone else, and KatieMosa displayed some of her original clutchbags.

And not forgetting Elizabeth’s Emporium, whose delicious cupckes are a hit with everyone who tastes them!

We hope to see you again soon - check out the website for details of the next event…

Did you remember Father’s Day last week? That started me thinking about the role of parents in a wedding. In olden days, when daughters and wives were viewed as property, the bride’s father gave away his daughter to seal a merger between two families. Nowaday, brides choose their father’s arm as support as they move into a new phase of their lives, which can be a source of tremendous pride for many fahters. Mothers, historically almost sidelined in a daughter’s wedding, now play a more prominent role in the organisation. When I married my husband, my mother managed most of the arrangements on site, as I was in London and she was on the spot. Of course, the fact that she’s a florist was also useful! Why not acknowledge both parents role in your life by having them both walk you down the aisle? Check with your celebrant first, of course. 

Can’t decide whether your biological father or your stepfather should walk you down the aisle? Why not have one have that honour, and give the other the father-daughter dance? And on that note (no pun intended), check out the advice page for some (hopefully not too cheesy) suggestions for tunes..

And what happens when your parents are divorced and won’t speak to one another, or have partners who don’t mix? Plume’s Etiquette queen Lara can advise on the wording of invitations etc. Rather than have one feuding top table, seat yourself and your attendants at one table, and have each set of parents host their own table.

Have you created new traditions that reflect your parent’s importance to you?

What do you love about your body? Look for a style that shows off your best bits.  

Think about what’s suitable for the type of day you’re having. A castle would suit a full gown, whereas an urban venue calls for a chic, slim dress.

Consider your skin tone. White is a difficult colour for English complexions: ivory, champagne, gold and pale pink are more flattering.

Look through magazines and make a portfolio of dresses that catch your eye, then go and try some on. Be open-minded – it’s often the dress you don’t expect that turns out to be “the one”. Take a friend with you who will give you an honest opinion. 

If you can, wear the right underwear when shopping – a strapless bra and sensible pants in a neutral colour – so you can get the best idea of what you will feel and look like on the big day.

 Don’t put on a persona for your wedding day – choose something you’re comfortable wearing. You don’t want to spend the whole day constantly adjusting yourself if you feel exposed or restricted. .

 Try not to get too obsessed! After all, your husband and guests aren’t going to be looking at a dress in isolation. They’ll be looking at the whole you – your face, personality and unique happy radiance.

What it is it about hen parties that sends good taste out of the window? A certain WAG, celebrating her last days as a single girl last month, may have started in a chic cocktail dress, but she still ended the evening in a pink dressing gown. Why not break the mould and have a stylish party… look at my sex and the city weekend from myhotels, or let The Cheek of It School for Girls theme a burlesque party around your favourite song.

Or, what about letting us bring the party to you? For a small booking fee, redeemable against purchases on the night, you can choose up to six bridal-parties.net members to come to your home or venue of your choice. We’ll bring wine and nibbles…

Plastic tiaras and pitchforks strictly optional!