The team have homed in on some of their current favourite bridal brands and why they deserve to be recognised. From sister brands to global icons and Bridal Week alums, the team have covered all the bases with their report!

Alex Butler, Event Director - Catherine Deane

With the brand’s return to Bridal Week Harrogate this September, the team’s Event Director is incredibly excited. ’Catherine Deane has pioneered the idea of modern bridal separates since 2015 and the timeless designs are as relevant today as they were then. I love the idea that women are empowered to mix, match and personalise their wedding look, creating semi-custom designs without the investment in bespoke’. When asked to describe the brand’s aesthetic in three words, Alex did not hesitate: ’timeless, refined and effortless’. A popular choice amongst sustainably-conscious brides, ’Catherine Deane is championing design integrity and thoughtful production, with 40% of the collection crafted from their signature eco materials’.

Hot pick: Wide leg Aurelia trousers in the ivory satin with French pockets. ’Who doesn’t like pockets?!’. 

Ella O’Keefe, Head of Marketing - Trish Peng and Ricca Sposa

When asked which bridal brands she found most exciting right now, Ella found it impossible to just choose just one, with Trish Peng and Ricca Sposa taking joint first place. Although different in aesthetic, both brands have built a powerful identity in today’s bridal market - something Ella believes is key to their success.

‘I love the personal storytelling and brand marketing from Trish Peng. The team have brought the retailers along on their journey and taken a modern approach to bridal’. Describing the brand’s aesthetic as ‘chic, minimal and cool’, Ella sees Trish Peng as the perfect choice for the contemporary bride who wants understated elegance with fashion credibility. ‘Trish Peng was also one of the very first to bring that chic and simple look to the UK from Australasia and is continuing to innovate within that space.’ 

Whilst Trish Peng champions modern simplicity, Ricca Sposa celebrates statement bridal. ‘This is bold bridal and I love it’, Ella says. ‘They have such a distinct look and I feel like you can tell when their designer, Yulia, has designed a dress. It’s so strong and proud.’ Ella describes the brand’s aesthetic as ‘strong, recognisable and intricate’, making it particularly appealing to fashion-forward brides looking for standout details and couture-inspired design. ‘We’re seeing lots of details on the bodices at the moment, with pearl draping, exposed boning and lace’, she explains. ‘This is a Ricca Sposa signature look’.

Hot pick: Celeste by Trish Peng. ’She is so classy and cool.’

Chloe Monro, Senior Marketing Executive - Sept Bridal

For the team’s Senior Marketing Executive, it’s the balance of modernity and emotion within Sept Bridal’s designs that make the brand so exciting. An extension of the Sarah Seven brand, ‘Sept Bridal stands out for its restraint and clean approach that still feels feminine and luxurious’, Chloe explains. ‘Their designs feel modern without taking away from the emotion and romance that brides search for in their bridal looks.’ Sarah Seven (and both of her brands) are ’contributing to the rise of minimalist bridal’ but helping it push toward a more editorial space. We’re seeing more and more personality bleeding into what brides want in their look and ’Sept Bridal caters to that - mixing those sleek, ‘clean-girl’ dresses with bold construction, dramatic proportion play, unexpected textures and intricate details.’ As the future of bridal fashion points towards a more personalised approach, Sept Bridal appears perfectly positioned to lead the way.

Hot pick: No. 13. ’Strong and sensual without trying too hard. It feels like wearable art!’.

Amelia Dill-Russell, Marketing Assistant - Clio Peppiatt

Whilst not a dedicated bridal brand, Clio Peppiatt has become an exciting name in the industry with her bridal collection of fashion-forward pieces, especially with the new Knightsbridge store opening. ‘Known for her intricate hand embellishment, whimsical storytelling and fashion-led approach, her growing bridal offering has definitely captured my attention!’. Amelia shares ‘for me, the brand’s ability to blur the lines rather than following traditional bridal conversations make the designs feel deeply expressive.’ Although bridal is only one part of the wider Clio Peppiatt universe, the collection speaks directly to a new generation of brides who are looking beyond the classic styles. ‘Whether worn for a ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner or after-party, each piece feels celebratory and unique in a way that few traditional bridal brands can replicate. Clio Peppiatt is contributing to the growing trend for personality-led dressing and the growing demand for bridal wardrobes.’ The designer’s signature beadwork and embroidery create looks that are instantly recognisable and unique, whilst reflecting impeccable craftmanship. ‘As the industry moves away from one-size-fits-all styles, brands like Clio Peppiatt are proving that bridal fashion doesn’t have to fit neatly into traditional categories.’

Hot pick: Snowdrop Mini Dress. ’The beading, the details, the celebratory style: it’s a bridal dream’.

In a world of instant gratification and fashion dupes, it’s brands like these that amaze us with their sustainable craftmanship, personal storytelling and intricate, expressive designs. With the countdown to Bridal Week almost on, the team are looking forward to seeing what the next season of buying holds and which trends will push the industry forward.