Recognised as ’The Oscars’ of the bridal industry, The Bridal Buyer Awards are widely-acknowledged as the most important and authoritative awards in the industry today: not only offering the opportunity to celebrate the success of all the finalists and winners, but provides an unrivalled networking opportunity as well as being a fun-filled evening with dinner, dancing and the all-important awards ceremony. 

The Bridal Buyer awards programme is made possible through the involvement of our sponsors who are proud to be associated with excellence in the field. Attracting top-name sponsors who are committed to supporting the industry and recognising design, production and retailing excellence, we are so excited to bring back the awards once again, to reunite the industry and celebrate its successes. The 2024 ceremony sponsors include Allure Bridals, Casablanca, Dando London, Hitched, Mon Cheri, Morilee, Ronald Joyce, Romantica and Studio Ellis, who sat down to discuss why they are excited to sponsor the Bridal Buyer Awards this year, and talk about their best memories of the event:

Tim Dunbar, Allure Bridals

Why is it important to be involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards?

We are so thrilled to be attending the Bridal Buyer Awards again this year after an amazing experience at the 2022 edition. We believe that the Bridal Buyer Awards is such an important part of the UK bridal industry, giving us the opportunity to recognise excellence. As we know, the UK bridal market is a crowded one, with so many retailers doing excellent work, so the Bridal Buyer Awards gives us the opportunity to, once a year, highlight and commend those who are the best of the best in these categories.

What you looking forward to the most about the Bridal Buyer Awards?

Being back at Bridal Buyer Awards last year for the first time in several years was such a wonderful experience, and we are so looking forward to having the full Bridal Week Harrogate experience again in March 2024! We are thrilled that Bridal Week will be taking place in Harrogate both in September and March, and we are looking forward to seeing so many retailers in once place again as we celebrate the accomplishments of UK retailers and industry friends. It is such an amazing night, and we cannot wait to be back! 

If you have previously attended the awards, do you have a favourite memory of them?

To see retailers succeed after putting so much of themselves into their work is an amazing memory for me. Whether it be their website or social media, the design of their boutique, their customer service, or their team as a whole, these retailers work tirelessly to create experiences and life moments for their brides, and the Bridal Buyer Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate and honour their work; I’m looking forward to doing this again this year!

Crystal Lu, Casablanca

Why is it important to be involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards?
The Bridal Buyer Awards offer the opportunity to celebrate our amazing community in the bridal industry. This event highlights the importance of creating lasting connections with our stockists. Unlike the trade show portion of Bridal Week, the Bridal Buyer Awards fosters a more personal environment, allowing us to expand our relationships as business partners who all share a similar passion.

What you looking forward to the most about the Bridal Buyer Awards?
Besides the fact that the Bridal Buyer Awards provides the perfect excuse to dress up, we’re looking forward to strengthening our current relationships with local stockists and industry friends, as well as expanding our network and meeting new people! Each year we gain insight about wedding trends from everyone we talk too. The more information we can learn about predicted or highly requested trends, the better we can serve our community!

If you have previously attended the awards, do you have a favourite memory of them?
One of my favourite memories is from the first Bridal Buyer Awards I attended. The evening started with an opportunity to connect with our stockists over dinner. We learned about their humble beginnings, challenges they have overcome, and all the great success they achieved over the years. It was an honour to network in this setting because it created a comfortable space for everyone to share their stories. I remember there was a lively band playing which helped set the ambiance for the evening. The music was incredible and as a result the energy in the room was positive and inspiring. My first Bridal Buyer Awards was so wholesome! It started with meaningful conversations and ended on the dance floor with all of our new friends.

Christine Dando, Dando London

Why is it important to be involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards?

The Bridal Buyer Awards are synonymous for recognising people and businesses that strive for success on every level. Dando London supply exceptional products, deliver an excellent service and consistently go above and beyond, to be able to support other companies sharing our dedication and vision allows us to demonstrate our commitment to the success, innovation and longevity of the bridalwear industry.

What you looking forward to the most about the Bridal Buyer Awards?

Dando London are looking forward to connecting with industry leading peers and celebrating success with businesses who have made exceptional and valuable contributions to our industry. It’s also a perfect night for relaxing with team and our industry friends, wearing a glitzy dress and having fun on the dance floor!

If you have previously attended the awards, do you have a favourite memory of them?

I have so many fabulous memories remembering many a glamorous Awards night! A few of my favourites were the James Bond themed evening at Rudding House and the Winter Wonderland awards with the whole room transformed into a scene from Narnia complete with snow and icicles! At the forefront of all my memories are the people who have passionately given so much to our bridal industry, people who have literally been a part of shaping who I am as a person today. The Awards evening allows us all to join together and creatively embrace our passion for the industry we are so lucky to be working in.

Zoe Burke, Hitched

Why is it important to be involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards?

I’ve spent 12 years now working in weddings, and I love how unique the wedding industry is. For me, one of the most special components of this exciting trade is the British bridal industry - there is nothing in the world like it. It’s predominantly powered by strong women with an incredible command of their specialist skills, and a clear passion and drive. Being able to celebrate that, and reward those who continuously go above and beyond, driven by their commitment to helping nearlyweds look and feel their very best on their wedding days is so special to me. We need to be shouting about this as much as we can!

What are you looking forward to the most about the Bridal Buyer Awards?

I can’t wait to see who the winners are - I read so many wonderful and truly deserving entries, it was a real challenge to narrow them down! Sadly I won’t be at the awards this year, but if I was I’d also be looking forward to the dancefloor!

If you have previously attended the awards, do you have a favourite memory of them?

I’m so lucky to have attended them several times over the years, and each time I’d leave with great memories. I remember laughing until my face hurt with the former MD of Ocean, Matt Miller, the first time I attended the awards as staff - and I’d been so nervous about sitting by the boss! I also love how every single event ends with everyone really just going for it on the dance floor. The entertainment is always on point! It’s a strange one, but I also always really enjoyed the vibe of the show the next morning - everyone is a bit fragile and nursing extra strong coffee, but you’re all in it together.

James Waddington, Mon Cheri / Romantica

Why is it important to be involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards? 
Being involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards is great as it provides a platform to showcase our bridal gowns and brand to a wider audience within the bridal industry. Winning an award or even being nominated elevates our reputation among bridal stores, brides-to-be, and industry professionals. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain recognition for the team’s hard work, innovation, and dedication to providing exceptional bridal gowns. 

What are you looking forward to the most about the Bridal Buyer Awards? 
One of the aspects I’m most excited about regarding the Bridal Buyer Awards is the chance to celebrate the achievements of our industry peers and colleagues. It’s a night dedicated to honouring excellence and innovation in bridal fashion, and I look forward to seeing the creativity and talent showcased by fellow designers and brands. I’m always keen to connect with other professionals in the industry to exchange ideas and forge new partnerships that can propel our business forward. 

If you have previously attended the awards, do you have a favourite memory of them? 
A few years ago we won dress of the year for one of our top selling gowns at the time, Symphony. To be presented the award by David Emmanuel was certainly not something I will forget - or the party the team all had afterwards!

James Ellis, Studio Ellis

Why is it important to be involved in the Bridal Buyer Awards?

The Bridal Buyer Awards are important to us because they bring our lovely industry together to lift each other up and celebrate all the achievements.

What you looking forward to the most about the Bridal Buyer Awards?

This year will be the first Bridal Buyer awards since taking over as Studio Ellis, a new era for the brands and an opportunity for the new team to be a part of the full experience of Bridal Week.

If you have previously attended the awards, do you have a favourite memory of them?

In 2010, Ellis Bridals won the Hall of Fame award in recognition for winning Best Supplier for a number of years. This was a huge achievement for the brand and one that we will always remember and feel very honoured to have received! 

The Bridal Buyer team would like to extend a huge thanks to each of our 2024 sponsors.