So… you’ve found The One, he’s been down on bended knee and you’ve had that sparkler on your finger for, oh, at least five minutes now. There’s only one thing for it – it’s time to find that dress! Whether your mind drifts off to thoughts of veils and tiaras at every available opportunity, or this is your first real foray into… dare we say it… the mad, crazy and wonderful world of pre-nuptial planning, finding ‘the dress’ has to be one of the most challenging decisions a bride will have to make.
Luckily the UK boasts some of the most talented, illustrious and mind-blowingly creative minds in the fashion world today. And at GoHen we’ve already put in the hard work for you, scouring the country high and low to find the very best names in modern bridal fashion (and maybe squirrel away a few of our own faves at the same time). Timeless, elegant, quirky, fun or playful, they each bring their own fantastically unique ideas to table. From newer names on the block to the labels we already know and love (and wish we could have more of), we’ve compiled a handy list of some of the UK’s leading wedding dress designers, with links to their fabulous collections, to help in the search for that perfect fairytale gown.
Caroline Castigliano
Caroline CastiglianoFishtail gowns, perfect satin corsetry, the finest Chantilly lace… just browsing through Caroline’s sumptuous collections is enough to make us go weak at the knees! With a flagship boutique in London’s exclusive Knightsbridge, Caroline expertly blends classic chic, contemporary style and effortless elegance to bring that extra touch of luxury and glamour to a day you’ll cherish forever.
Ian Stuart
Ian StuartCutting edge, innovative and renowned for his show-stopping designs, Ian truly is the man who knows what women want! Perfectly merging drama, fashion and romance to bring a spectacular collection of gowns, he really is the master of that elegant and beautifully feminine look we’ve all been searching for. And did we mention he also happens to be five times winner of Bridal Designer of the Year?
Stephanie Allin
Stephanie AllinWorld renowned for her exquisite attention to detail and classic yet subtly modern style, we’re pretty sure we’ve fallen a little bit in love with Stephanie’s magical designs. Gorgeously soft lines form the basis of her signature style and with boutiques in Mumbles and her flagship Marylebone store, not to mention stockists worldwide, award winning Stephanie really is one of the best.
Sanyukta Shrestha
Sanyukta ShresthaWhimsically elegant, with a punchy modern twist and fantastic vintage style, Sanyukta’s beautifully hand-crafted gowns saw her scoop the Best Perfect Wedding Newcomer Award in 2011. With a fabulous eco-friendly process sourcing only the finest natural ingredients, the dresses are wonderfully gentle on your skin, guaranteed to leave you looking and feeling like a million dollar bride!
Suzanne Neville
Suzanne NevilleDecadence simply oozes from Suzanne’s iconic multi-award winning gowns, each beautifully hand-crafted from the finest silks and embroideries at her London HQ. From slim fitting cuts to full romantic gowns with their stunningly structured signature bodices flattering each and every bride to perfection, it’s little wonder Suzanne’s client list reads like a who’s who of stage and screen.
Dana Bolton
Dana BoltonIf you’re looking for the art-deco of the thirties, the fab swoosh of the fifties or the bohemian style of the seventies, Dana’s Once Upon A Time boutique in Muswell Hill is bridal heaven! With beautiful French lace, gorgeous floaty fabrics and the delicate finishing touch of a flower or two, Dana’s brilliant era-inspired designs are a must for any fun loving bride!
Elizabeth Stuart
Elizabeth StuartBrowsing through Elizabeth’s website we’re in absolute awe – not only does the Nottingham based designer somehow manage to magically conjure up the very image of a ‘modern fairytale’, but her luxurious silks and soft feminine lines have already left us swooning! Playful yet sophisticated, fashion-forward yet simplistic, her breathtaking array of structured bodices and beautifully rich skirts combine contemporary fashion with an understated elegance… Romance at its very best.
Kula Tsurdiu
Kula TsurdiuWith a passion for the iconic eras and a strong creative family background, Kula’s designs are absolute beauties! Her dresses range from figure-sculpting corsetry all the way through to ethereal and enchanting. And with local handmade Nottingham lace and stunning hand-crafted jewellery to finish, her soft feminine styles are nothing short of inspirational.
Sassi Holford
Sassi HolfordWe have to admit we turned a little green with envy when we discovered that multi-award winning Taunton based Sassi is completely self-taught. Combining exquisite cuts, the most delicate of details and beautifully streamlined silhouettes, her timeless creations really can only be described as ‘perfectly beautiful’. With a huge emphasis on comfort as well as style, we’ve fallen a little bit in love with her designs.
Charlotte Balbier
Charlotte BalbierA third generation designer, Charlotte’s dresses are an utterly fabulous blend of intricate styling, fashion-forward daring and the quintessential feel of the modern English Rose. Exquisite lacework and a world renowned skill for merging vintage and modern puts Charlotte firmly at the forefront of modern bridal design. And creamy satins, classic cuts and an effortless elegance put her dresses firmly at the top of our wedding dress wishlist!
Charlie Brear
Charlie BrearLoved by Vogue, worn by Kate Moss, shortlisted as ‘one to watch’ by WWD and still wowing the crowds since first founding her Vintage Wedding Dress Company in 2005 – is there anything Charlie can’t do?! With accents of bygone eras and hints of Hollywood glamour oozing from her spectacular designs Charlie’s love of vintage silhouettes and astute contemporary eye are a match made in bridal heaven.
Terry Fox
Terry FoxNot many women can boast instant sell-outs at Harrods, be named Best Wedding Dress Designer (2013) by the Wedding Industry Awards and still keep their feet firmly on the ground (albeit brilliantly covered in glitter, shine and sparkles!) but the fabulous Terry Fox does just that at her sumptuous Bury St Edmunds bridal haven. Sophisticated, glamorous, elegant, quirky and vintage designs, Ms Fox is a girl after our own hearts!
Lisa Cochrane
Lisa CochraneWith a strong theatrical background in costume design, Lisa’s cosy quirky Glasgow boutique is an absolute dream come true for fans of the fashion loving fifties. Vintage glamour oozes from the rails lining her Scottish boutique and her inspiring mix of drama and deco earned Lisa not only a legion of fashion savvy fans, but the prestigious Vows Awards Best Bridal Dress Designer title in 2011.
Johanna Hehir
Johanna HehirFirmly established as one of the capital’s leading bridal designers, Johanna’s dresses exude style and grace and have to be some of the most beautifully classic creations we’ve ever laid eyes on. Her gowns range from thirties glamour and fishtails to modern halternecks and a delicate sprinkling of diamante magic. Clean classic cuts meet modern sass for a truly romantic result.
Emma Tindley
Emma TindleyOverseeing not only the design, fitting and alteration but also personally attending to each and every bride who walks into her West Sussex boutique, Emma is the bridal fairy godmother we all wish we had! Winner of the Wedding Industry Awards Designer of the Year, Emma’s incredible skill and vision puts her timeless creations at the very forefront of British bridal design.
David Fielden
David FieldenWith roots in theatre, dance and choreography it’s no surprise that David’s fabulously exciting styles encompass the best of all worlds, with his brilliantly classic yet ultra cool modern style bringing celebs the world over – from Elizabeth Taylor to Julia Roberts to Britain’s own Myleene Klass all clamouring to get their hands on his latest creations. From dramatic tulle gowns to slinky satin numbers, David leads the way in contemporary chic from his Fulham Road flagship HQ.
Jenny Packham
Jenny PackhamWe’re pretty sure you already know everything there is to know when it comes to celeb-land’s favourite designs – contemporary, elegant, sumptuous, silky, beautifully feminine… we could go on all day. With the likes of Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta Jones and Elizabeth Hurley hotfooting it to Harrods and Harvey Nicks to get their hands on her latest creations, Jenny still leads the field as one of the most influential designers in the UK .
Stewart Parvin
Stewart ParvinIt’s official. Not only has royal couturier Stewart received official recognition from the Queen but he’s made us go all misty-eyed at GoHen HQ. Renowned for his astonishing attention to detail, he somehow manages to perfectly balance sex appeal, romance and elegance, and with a truly unique talent for flattering the curves of every blushing bride, this man knows how to make a woman look good! Exquisite cuts, luxurious fabrics, classic designs… Simply breathtaking.
Mette Baillie
Mette BaillieTwice awarded the prestigious VOWS Bridal Dress Designer of the Year, Edinburgh based Mette offers a fantastically unique selection of traditionally feminine, globally inspired designs all lovingly hand-crafted in her Scottish studio. With a fabulous selection of silks, laces, bead pearls and every girl’s favourite – Swarovski sparkles (yes please!), her stunning creations are fast putting Mette on the map as one of Scotland’s leading names in bridal design.
Qiana Bridalwear
Qiana BridalwearQiana Bridal draw inspiration from the romance of the 50’s to create layered dresses with intricate bodices. Each dress is lavished with love to using the finest silks, lace and organza. Two decades of creating bespoke designs has given this London based studio a rich heritage in producing truly intricate designs for the any bride.
Marguerite Hannah
Marguerite HannahMarguerite draws inspiration from nature, most of her Alan Hannah dresses give a hint of floral theme with flowers often intricately twoven into the heart of her designs. The accolades Marguerite has received are a testament to her talent having previously won; British Bridal Association Designer of The Year, Retail Bridal Association Designer of The Year and Bridal Buyer Designer of The Year.
Tobi Hannah
Tobi HannahTobi Hannah is recognised for refreshing short and tea length wedding dresses which seek to embrace the unusual which her website describes as “…far far away from the bridal cheese.” These are truly unique designs that mix 50’s glamour with a hint of modern rock edge yet always remaining flawlessly elegant, innovative and daring.
Nicole Harvey-Rowley
Nicole Harvey-RowleyWith breathtaking designs that would fit any era it is possible to see Nicole’s love of period drama and theatre costume through her unique designs. Her Decadence collection shows a timeless quality while some of her more recent collections speak to brides that have an eye for intricate modern wedding designs which have led to her work featuring on GMTV, Don’t Tell The Bride and It’s Not Easy Being Green.
Naomi Neoh
Naomi NeohInfusing luxurious fabrics with French lace, subtle beading and silk flowers Naomi Neoh’s creations lift more than a touch of glamour from vintage Hollywood. Fine corsetry with nipped waists sit on full skirts while the romance of her Love Letters collection really will melt the groom’s heart as he lays his eyes on his bride for what will surely feel like the first time.
Natalie Gladman
Natalie GladmanNatalie creates contemporary dresses designed to flatter the modern woman with her Madeline Isaac-James label. Beautifully cut gowns that effortlessly bring hints of classic romantic eras to her stunning collections. Did we feel a touch of envy while viewing her incredible catalogue of designs? Just a tad! Viewing her dresses is enough to make soon-to-be bride rethink her style as she dreams of sliding into one of Natalie’s incredible gowns.
Phillipa Lepley
Phillipa LepleyPhillipa was considered by many as the top prospect to design Kate’s dress for that wedding (you know the one) which is a measure of just how highly regarded she is in the world of wedding dress design. Her wedding gowns are viewed in bridal magazines across the globe and seen as a mark of excellence mixing understated timeless elegance with the finest materials.
Madeline Gardner
Madeline GardnerOriginally hailing from New York Madeline creates designs for Mori Lee which can now be found across the UK and Europe. From enchanting gowns that would be fit for a princes to modern designs that give a hint of classic American and European vintage Madeline has created a wide array of wedding gowns to flatter any bride.
Benjamin Roberts
Benjamin RobertsBenjamin Roberts is a design house that has been at the forefront of delivering detailed, elegant, beautifully cut collections time and again. Having a shelf full of industry awards has not lead their designers to rest on their laurels but instead judging by their latest collection merely seems to spur them on to keep creating bridal excellence befitting of any bride’s special day.
