Tell us about your wedding day. We got married at Sandhole Oak Barn , and from the moment we saw it we knew it was the one. It had everything we wanted and felt like the perfect setting for our day. I wore a Stella York A line wedding dress called Sylvia, which felt timeless, elegant, and effortless to wear. The flowers by Flossies  added the most beautiful finishing touches, and every special moment was captured so perfectly by Tracey Copnall Photography . The whole day was filled with love, emotion, and memories we will treasure forever. Which wedding dress did you get married in? Sylvia by Stella York is a satin A line wedding dress with a soft scoop neckline and supportive boning that creates a beautifully structured silhouette. A statement thigh split adds a modern edge, while delicate buttons flowing down to the train bring a timeless, elegant finish. I even added off the shoulder sleeves to make myself feel more confident. How did you feel during your bridal journey with us? Before my appt I was really nervous! Being a curvy girl, I didn’t think I would be able to shop in person or get that ‘wow’ moment of finding the perfect dress. Afterwards, I was just completely full of joy! I was made to feel so beautiful & understood! You heard me, took my ideas & ran with it - I never had to worry about my dress from the moment I stepped into the shop! How was your wedding day? Our wedding day was wonderful- we had a huge storm all day & the rain never stopped but I would change nothing! I’d advise future brides to step away from the crowd & take a breath, watch your people all celebrating you & enjoy it. The day goes so quickly The moment you knew it was the one I knew my dress was the one, the moment I looked in the mirror & just felt beautiful. I remember crying because I just felt so pretty but felt like me at the same time! It’s a moment everyone deserves. Advice to future brides goes by so fast & it’s those silly little moments that you will cherish forever! What Was Your First Dance Song Our first dance was to Come to me - The Goo Goo Dolls. It felt incredibly meaningful and romantic, a song that perfectly captured the love and emotion of the moment and one we will always associate with our wedding day.

Expert styling advice winter bridal dress tips, to help December brides feel warm, confident, and stunning on their wedding day. There’s something truly magical about a December wedding. The crisp winter air, twinkling fairy lights, and festive atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for romance. But when it comes to choosing your wedding dress, December brides have the chance to embrace details that feel both seasonal and stylish. At Wedding Belles Love, we adore helping brides find gowns that not only look breathtaking but also suit the time of year. Here are the best winter bridal dress tips for December brides. 1. Long Sleeves for Elegance & Warmth 🌿 Nothing says winter bride quite like long sleeves. From delicate lace sleeves to sleek crepe designs, this detail adds a touch of sophistication while keeping you a little warmer. 💡 Stylist Tip:  Detachable sleeves are a huge trend for 2026 perfect for brides who want a covered look for the ceremony and something strapless for the party. 2. Luxe Fabrics: Satin, Velvet & Mikado ✨ Winter is the perfect season to embrace heavier, luxurious fabrics. Satin and mikado create clean, structured silhouettes, while velvet accents bring a soft, romantic feel. These fabrics hold their shape beautifully and photograph like a dream. 3. Sparkle & Shine ❄️ December is the season of sparkle! Whether it’s shimmering beadwork, subtle sequins, or crystal details, a little glimmer catches the winter light beautifully. 💡 Stylist Tip:  If you love a minimalist gown, add sparkle through your veil or accessories for just the right amount of festive magic. 4. Overskirts & Layered Drama 👗 For brides who want a dramatic entrance, detachable overskirts are ideal. They create volume and movement during the ceremony, then can be removed later for a sleeker reception look. This layering effect is especially fitting for winter—it feels opulent, romantic, and perfect for a season of celebration. 5. Bridal Capes & Cover-Ups 🕊️ A chic alternative to a veil, bridal capes and cover-ups are taking centre stage this season. Flowing tulle capes, faux fur wraps, and feathered shrugs add instant winter glamour while keeping you cosy. Final Thoughts 💖 Winter weddings are all about romance, texture, and a touch of sparkle. December brides have the chance to embrace details that feel seasonally perfect while still being timeless. Whether it’s long lace sleeves, a satin ballgown, or a dramatic cape, your winter bridal look should feel as magical as the season itself. At Wedding Belles Love, we can’t wait to help our December brides find the perfect gown that captures both their style and the romance of winter.

Tell us about your wedding day. Where you got married and the styling to your day. We got married at Foxtails Barns , and from the moment we saw it we knew it was the one. It had everything we wanted and suited us perfectly. We added such a personal touch by creating our own DIY flowers, which made the day feel even more special. Every moment was captured perfectly by Adam Lowndes Photography , and the whole day was filled with love, emotion, and unforgettable moments from start to finish. Which wedding dress did you get married in? I got married in the Casablanca Samara wedding dress. It featured a beautiful lace bodice paired with a soft tulle skirt and a statement thigh split that added a modern edge. The dress felt romantic yet confident and was the perfect balance of elegance and drama for our wedding day. How did you feel during your bridal journey with us? The process from start to finish with Wedding Belles Love was perfect. The appointment booking process was seamless and myself and my family were welcomed with open arms. When I started looking for my dress I was a UK size 24 and was nervous to start dress shopping for fear shops would not carry plus sizes. The range of plus size dresses available to try on at Wedding Belles was insane. It was nice to go to a store and have several options to try on and not leave depressed that dresses were too small or I was unable to assess how they looked on me. When I was getting changed into each dress Claire made sure I was comfortable and the dressing room is extremely private. She was there to offer advice and allowed me to try multiple dresses on to get a feel for each one.  Once I said yes to the dress, the order process was easy and communication throughout was excellent and I was able to ask questions via WhatsApp. I am in a same-sex couple and my wife was also going to Wedding Belles Love to look at dresses. They made her feel welcome as well and also hid my dress so that we were not able to pick the same dress which I thought was a lovely gesture.  How did you know it was the one? It was nice to go to a store and have several options to try on and not leave depressed that dresses were too small or I was unable to assess how they looked on me. When I was getting changed into each dress Claire made sure I was comfortable and the dressing room is extremely private. She was there to offer advice and allowed me to try multiple dresses on to get a feel for each one.

Tell us about your wedding day. Where you got married and the styling to your day. We got married at Combermere Abbey, and from the moment we saw it we knew it was the one. It had everything we wanted and suited us perfectly. The styling on the day was bright and bold summer colours, which tied everything together so beautifully. Every detail felt so personal as we did so much DIY (including the florals), and the whole day was filled with love, emotion, and unforgettable moments from start to finish! Which song was your first dance? Our first dance was to The Keeper - Blossoms. It felt so meaningful to us and perfectly captured the emotion of the moment. A song we’ll always associate with that first dance and the start of our forever together. Which wedding dress did you get married in? I got married in an A line dress by Stella York called Abby. It was a beautiful satin gown with delicate straps and a square neckline, simple yet timeless and everything I had imagined for my wedding day. How did you feel before starting your bridal journey with us? Before the appointment I was nervous, I hadn’t lost the weight I wanted and I was panicking that I would hate the experience,  but from the get go I felt at ease at wedding belles, you listened to what I wanted and it was an amazing experience.  How did you know it was the one? I knew it was the one When my mum cried and everything else I tried didn’t compare to it.  Some advice for other brides! Have fun, enjoy your day, and don’t get hung up on the little things because people don’t notice!

Our beautiful bride Hollie is the perfect example of how to keep things simple and stress-free on dress day. When she came in for her appointment, she wasn’t sure what to wear but she quickly found out that it’s not about perfection, it’s about comfort and ease. So if you’re wondering what to wear to your bridal appointment, here’s Hollie’s no-fuss, real-talk guide to help you feel calm, confident, and totally yourself when it’s time to try on dresses. “I thought I had to wear the ‘right’ underwear, maybe even shapewear. But you all made it so easy and I realised, it’s not about dressing up for your appointment, it’s about dressing down!” Here’s what Hollie recommends: 👗 Wear something easy to slip on and off! Think leggings and a loose top or a comfy dress. You’ll be changing in and out of gowns, so you don’t want to be wrestling with zips or tight fabrics. 🩲 Underwear doesn’t have to be fancy! Just make sure you’re wearing some ! Nude or light colours are great, but honestly we’ve seen it all, and nothing is going to phase us. Comfort over everything. ❌ No bra? No problem! Most wedding dresses have built-in support (especially ours!), and we often ask brides to take their bra off to get the best idea of how the dress actually fits and sits on the body. 👠 Heels are optional (and not needed at all) You’ll be standing on a podium in our boutique, so no need to bring heels the dresses are always too long anyway, and it’s more about the top half at this stage! 💡 Shapewear? Only if you  want to! Some brides love it, others don’t. We always say don’t wear anything that’s going to distract from how you  feel in the dress. If you’re not planning to wear it on the big day, don’t feel pressure to wear it to your appointment. “You made me feel so relaxed. I came in a bit flustered, but left feeling like a bride. It’s honestly not about what you wear it’s about how the dresses make you feel.” Hollie So if you’re reading this and overthinking what to wear take a breath. Keep it simple. We’ve got you covered (literally). To Hollie thank you for being your gorgeous, down-to-earth self and helping other brides realise that the dress journey doesn’t need to be intimidating. You nailed it. #WeddingBellesLove #BridalAppointmentTips #WhatToWearToTryOnDresses #RealBrideAdvice #2025Bride #StaffordshireBride #WeddingDressShopping #NoBraNoProblem #ComfortIsKey

Tell us about your wedding day. We got married at Breadsall Priory , a venue that felt timeless and romantic from the moment we arrived. The setting created the perfect backdrop for our day and everything came together so beautifully. Our photographer, Photos by Michael , captured every special moment effortlessly, and the flowers by Sarah’s Floral Studio  added the most stunning finishing touch. The whole day felt relaxed, emotional, and unforgettable from start to finish. Which wedding dress did you get married in? I got married in an fit and flare dress by Stella York called Poppy. It was a beautiful lace gown with delicate straps and a plunging neckline, I even added off the shoulder straps to make myself feel more confident and like me! It was everything I had imagined for my wedding day. How was your bridal experience with us? I am really happy with my experience at wedding belles. They are warm and welcoming and make you feel at ease straight away. I was worried from previous experiences at other retailers because they had limited dresses for curvy women like myself which were outdated and for much older brides. At wedding belles they have a wide range of stylish dresses in a range of sizes for all ages, shapes and sizes. I found my dream dress, managed to get it in a different colour as I wanted ivory and also added extra fabric to create a Bardot style as I was anxious about showing my arms. I also had a beautiful cathedral length veil. It all came together beautifully thanks to the help of the lovely ladies at wedding belles. How did you know it was the one? I found my dream dress, managed to get it in a different colour as I wanted ivory and also added extra fabric to create a Bardot style as I was anxious about showing my arms. I also had a beautiful cathedral length veil. It all came together beautifully.

We’re still radiating excitement after being part of the Parr’s Bank Hotel Wedding Fayre, hosted by Bouquet & Bells on Sunday, 2 November 2025! This was one of the most stunning venues we've had the privilege to host a catwalk in and every moment was filled with elegance, charm, and serious bridal inspiration. Hosting the catwalk at Parr’s Bank Hotel was an unforgettable experience, with its stunning Victorian architecture providing the perfect backdrop for bridal fashion. A Venue Rich in Character & Charm Set in the heart of Warrington, Parr’s Bank Hotel is a showstopper of a venue. This Grade II–listed former bank, dating back to 1877, has been masterfully transformed into a boutique hotel and events venue. The building still exudes its original Victorian grandeur with soaring high ceilings, marble pillars, hand-painted silk murals, and intricate crystal chandeliers that made the space feel like a movie set come to life. The Banking Hall provided a breathtaking backdrop for the fayre: opulent, timeless, and utterly unforgettable. With space for up to 325 guests, it was the perfect setting for style, movement, and magical moments. Suppliers Galore From the moment the doors opened at 11 am, there was so much to see and do. Couples were treated to one-on-one chats with an impressive mix of wedding specialists florists, photographers, caterers, stationery designers, hair and makeup artists, entertainers you name it, it was there. It was such a joy to see engaged couples exploring ideas and chatting with experts across the board. Exclusive Offers & VIP Experiences Brides-to-be also enjoyed exclusive, one-off fayre-only offers perfect for securing services and staying on budget. The first 100 couples through the door received luxurious goody bags filled with special discounts and treats. VIP guests, who upgraded for just £5 per person, were treated to a glass of fizz, an upgraded goody bag, the latest Bouquet & Bells  magazine, and prime seating for the catwalk shows. Dazzling Catwalk Hosted by Us The highlight of the day, of course, was the catwalk show and we were thrilled to be hosting it! The runway lit up with show-stopping bridal gowns, all styled to inspire. Against the dramatic backdrop of Parr’s Bank’s architecture, every look had extra impact. We loved feeling the energy of the audience it was truly magical. Prize Giveaway & Festive Fun Adding to the buzz, there was a fabulous giveaway, open to everyone who pre-booked tickets. With refreshed prizes at every event, excitement was high, and the announcement of winners later in the day brought squeals and applause around the room such a joyful vibe! Why We Loved It For us at Wedding Belles Love, the Parr’s Bank Wedding Fayre was more than just an event it was a day of connection, inspiration, and sheer bridal excitement. Hosting the catwalk in such an extraordinary venue was an honour, and it reminded us just how powerful a beautifully curated experience can be. We walked away buzzing with inspiration, grateful to connect with brides and suppliers, and so proud to have been part of this spectacular day.

We’re still buzzing with excitement after the unforgettable day we had at the Cranage Estate Wedding Fayre, hosted by Bouquet & Bells and we were thrilled to be part of it, hosting the elegant catwalk shows! Set amidst the rolling Cheshire countryside, this Grade II–listed estate was the perfect blend of timeless architecture and natural charm. A Venue Like No Other: De Vere Cranage Estate Nestled in acres of stunning Cheshire landscape, De Vere Cranage Estate is a stately former country house designed in the early 19th century by Lewis Wyatt now reimagined as a luxurious hotel and wedding venue With its red-brick Elizabethan facade, stone porch, and elegant interiors, the estate radiates romance and grandeur Inside, the venue boasted multiple beautifully proportioned spaces. The Appleton Suite, drenched in natural light and opening onto the gardens, offered intimate elegance. The Baird Suite, with direct access to a patio, provided freshness and flexibility for both ceremony and reception styling. For larger celebrations, the Stephenson Suite wowed attendees with its scale and sleek functionality. Cranage Estate also offers: Licensed facilities for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies complete with a charming garden pagoda and terrace Ample, convenient parking and versatile accessibility options for all guests A dedicated wedding coordinator to guide planning and ensure seamless experiences On-site accommodations including 152 stylised bedrooms making it ideal for weekend celebrations or full wedding weekends The Day in Full Swing The Fayre doors opened at 11:00am, and from that moment, the grandeur of the venue drew visitors into an enchanting world of wedding inspiration. Meet the Best Suppliers We were surrounded by a curated mix of up to 30 top-tier wedding specialists including florists, photographers, caterers, stationery artisans, hair & makeup pros, musicians, and more ready to offer expert advice and exclusive show-only deals Exclusive Offers & VIP Touches Attendees made the most of Fayre-only discounts, perfect for turning wedding dreams into realities. The first 100 couples received luxurious goody bags filled with special offers. VIP ticket holders enjoyed added perks like a glass of fizz on arrival, premium goody bag, best seats at the catwalk shows, and a copy of Bouquet & Bells  magazine Our Highlight: The Catwalk Shows As hosts, we were honoured to bring the fashion spotlight to the estate. Two breathtaking catwalk shows revealed gorgeous bridal gowns, bridesmaid styles, and chic groomswear—bridging classic elegance and modern trends. The breathtaking surroundings only heightened the inspiration for every couple in attendance. The shows were truly unforgettable Refreshments, Prizes & Goodie Galore The atmosphere was charged with excitement thanks to continuous entertainment and the chance to win fabulous prizes in the refreshed giveaway (available to those who pre-booked!). It was a show full of smiles, excitement, and possibility Why It Was So Memorable From the grandeur of the estate’s architecture to the carefully curated supplier presence and expertly hosted shows, Cranage Estate Wedding Fayre was the perfect celebration of love, style, and inspiration. As Wedding Belles Love, hosting the catwalk in such a breathtaking venue was both an honour and a thrill. We connected with bride-to-be duos, embraced fresh ideas, and delighted in being part of a truly spectacular event in the heart of Cheshire.

Tell us about your wedding day. We got married at Slaters Country Inn  and the day felt relaxed, romantic, and so full of love from start to finish. I wore a beautiful Madi Lane A line wedding dress that felt effortless and timeless, and every special moment was captured perfectly by Ice Dreams Photography . Our flowers were sourced from Etsy , adding a personal touch that made the day feel truly ours. Which song was your first dance? Our first dance was to Fix You . It was such an emotional moment and the lyrics felt incredibly meaningful to us. A song we will always associate with that special part of our day. Which wedding dress did you get married in? I got married in a Madi Lane A line wedding dress with bold lace detailing and a modern square neckline. The structure of the dress was incredible and gave it such a confident, elegant feel, while the train added a real wow moment as I walked down the aisle. It felt timeless yet contemporary and completely perfect for our day. How did you feel before starting your bridal journey with us? I was extremely nervous before trying on any dresses, and this was the first shop I had been to so it was going to be the first time ever in a wedding dress. I don’t usually wear dresses so I didn’t think anything would suit me. My wedding dress was the last dress I tried on, it was a dress that Claire herself picked out. When I looked in the mirror I felt my body just instantly relax and it made me stop picking out my insecurities, and instead I finally felt like a bride! Your I Do Moment! The wedding day was perfect in every way, even the weather! I couldn’t have asked for a better day and I wouldn’t change a thing. I wish I could do it all over again. Some advice for other brides! My advice to future brides would be to just enjoy all of it, even the stressful parts! People are true when they say “it’s over in a flash”.

Tell us about your wedding day. We got married at Springkell , and from the moment we saw it we knew it was the one. It had everything we wanted and felt like the perfect setting for our day. I wore a Stella York A line wedding dress called Altheda, which felt timeless, elegant, and effortless to wear. The flowers by Pampas Box  added the most beautiful, natural finishing touches, and every special moment was captured so perfectly by Bear and Butterfly Photography . The whole day was filled with love, emotion, and memories we will treasure forever. Which wedding dress did you get married in? I got married in Maren by Casablanca Bridal. It’s a beautifully romantic fit and flare wedding dress with a soft, flowing silhouette that felt effortlessly elegant to wear. The delicate detailing gave it a timeless feel while still feeling light and modern, and the structure of the dress made me feel confident and comfortable all day. It struck the perfect balance between classic romance and understated drama for our wedding day. How did you feel during your bridal journey with us? The service in the shop was perfect - no rush and really customised. Thank you Wedding Belles love! How was your wedding day? Our wedding went amazingly - everything went to plan! The moment you knew it was the one I knew he was the one when he learnt of my illness/disability and took it in his stride, was there for every appointment and loved me for it anyway. Advice to future brides My advice to future brides is don’t sweat the small stuff and just focus on each other - you (hopefully!) only have one wedding day What Was Your First Dance Song Our first dance was to Enchanted by Taylor Swift . It felt incredibly meaningful and romantic, a song that perfectly captured the love and emotion of the moment and one we will always associate with our wedding day.

Our gorgeous bride Lucy not only looked stunning on her big day she’s also got some seriously good advice for fellow brides with an hourglass figure. And honestly? We’re here for it. Lucy’s dress journey was all about embracing her curves, boosting her confidence, and finding a silhouette that made her feel like the very best version of herself. Two years on, she’s still glowing and now she’s giving you  the rundown on what worked for her body shape and why. Here’s what Lucy had to say: “The hourglass shape is all about balance. I wanted a dress that showed off my waist, but still felt elegant and comfortable. I was nervous at first, but the team made me feel amazing and the dress I chose gave me shape in all the right places.” Lucy's Hourglass Styling Tips: ✅ Emphasise the waist! “Honestly, a defined waist is the magic. Dresses with boned bodices or cinched waistlines work wonders. I loved how secure I felt in mine it pulled me in without feeling tight.” ✅ Try a fit-and-flare or mermaid! “These shapes highlight curves beautifully without overwhelming your frame. Mine was a soft fit-and-flare with structure through the bodice and gentle movement through the skirt. It made me feel feminine, not restricted.” ✅ Don’t rule out A-line!   “I always thought A-line wouldn’t work for me, but it can be gorgeous if it hugs the waist first, then flows. Perfect if you want to feel more relaxed without losing shape.” ✅ Support is everything!  “I didn’t realise how important built-in support was. I didn’t need to wear a bra on the day (which I never thought would happen) and I still felt totally secure.” ✅ Keep an open mind!   “Try on the unexpected. I nearly ruled out my dress because it wasn’t what I pictured but it ended up being the one.” Lucy was a total knockout in her gown, but what we remember most is how she felt : confident, glowing, and completely herself. Got an hourglass figure and feeling unsure where to start? Come in with an open heart and let us guide you. Like Lucy said it’s all about balance, support, and saying yes to the dress that makes you feel like you. To Lucy: thank you for being the warm, honest, beautiful soul that you are. Your advice is gold, and we know so many brides will feel seen because of you. #WeddingBellesLove #HourglassBride #BodyConfidenceBride #RealBrideAdvice #BridalStylingTips #2025Bride #StaffordshireBride #MidlandsWeddings #BridalSilhouettes #SayYesToTheDress

Tell us about your wedding day. We got married at Checkley Church , followed by celebrations at Moddershall Oaks , and from the very beginning it felt completely right for us. The combination of the ceremony and venue created the most beautiful flow to our day. I wore a Casablanca Bridal wedding dress called Sedona, which felt elegant, romantic, and effortless to wear. The flowers by Quirky Flowers  added such a fun and personality filled touch, and every special moment was captured perfectly by Raven Photography . The entire day was filled with love, emotion, and memories we will cherish forever. Which wedding dress did you get married in? I got married in Sedona by Casablanca . It’s a fit and flare gown featuring a flattering silhouette with a sweetheart neckline and a stunning lace and sequined tulle overlay that flows into a beautiful train, creating a timeless romantic look that felt perfect for our wedding day. How did you feel during your bridal journey with us? I was really worried about the experience of trying on dresses and thought I'd struggle to find something to suit my height and body type. However, I needent of worried. There were so many to choose from and I was encouraged to try dresses on that I wouldn't have usually considered. The dress I chose was totally different to the type I thought I would have gone for but I loved it and felt so special on my wedding day. I'm so glad I trusted the girls and the process.  How was your wedding day? The wedding day went to plan and we and our family and friends enjoyed celebrating. We were lucky to have lovely summer weather but had planned for rain just in case. The moment you knew it was the one Moment I knew it was the one was when my friend cried when she saw me wearing it! Advice to future brides My advice would be to not leave anything until the last minute (we left too much too late and it caused unnecessary stress) and make sure you both take time to be in the moment on the day. It goes by so quickly so it's important you make time to take it all in. What Was Your First Dance Song Our first dance was to Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac . It felt joyful, romantic, and full of meaning for us, a song that instantly takes us back to that special moment on our wedding day.