What’s the history of the brand?

Mary’s Bridal has been present in the US bridal market for over 30 years. As a multi-award-winning bridal company, we pride ourselves on our collections which promote the best of contemporary fabrics and silhouettes.

Mary’s collections offer a variety of sub-brands that cater to every bride’s budget or bridal theme. Lo’Adoro by Rachel Allan was launched to sit perfectly alongside Marys. Lo’Adoro offers a fashion-forward styling to the modern-day bride who wants her bridal dress to be as individual as she is.

Mary’s Bridal and Lo’Adoro launched successfully in the UK market back in 2018 and has continued to go from strength to strength.

What would you say is your signature style, and what makes you stand out?

Lo’Adoro by Rachel Allan is sophisticated, luxurious and modern. The collection was based on traditional bridal silhouettes and re-inventing them with new fabrications, volumes and modern-day sophistication. Incorporating blush tones, glitters, romantic brocades and sumptuous silk fabrics the entire collection is a revelation on volume, timeless grace and the interpretation of the modern-day bride.

In comparison, Mary’s Bridal collection is based on traditional values and silhouettes with a fresh interpretation of bridal style. While maintaining the classic charm the collection has been known for, the Spring 2019 collection adds depth, new fabrications and a soft colour palette of warm ivories, delicate blushes and romantic champagnes.

Read More: Wonder Woman Wednesday, Kirsty Voce, UK Operations Director at Rachel Allan

How many pieces will you bring to HBS?

There are over 90 bridal designs across the two bridal collections. Mary’s wholesales from £189- £599 and Lo’Adoro from £399- £1699. We will also be showing our incredible bridesmaids, flower girls, prom and junior prom collections.

Tell us a little more about the latest designs

Our collections are driven by demand and what our retailers tell us they are missing or selling well. More of the same is what we are aiming to deliver based on this feedback- cost-effective princess gowns with flattering silhouettes and a point of difference. Simpler and plainer styles are also extremely popular but our emphasis is always on value for money.

As well as the commercial and sellable styles we are becoming known for, we always like to introduce some designer-led and glamourous styles which introduce novelty fabrics and a thought-provoking style.

Read More: Fresh New Talent at The Harrogate Bridal Show 2019

How many stockists do you have in the UK?

80

Any trend forecasts for the year ahead?

Looking forward to the year ahead we predict that combining lace details to create 3D effects will become popular. Simpler styling including satin and Mikado with show-stopping beading and detailing will also be a fashionable trend. A-lines and interesting back and neck details continue to dominate. Every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day and ballgowns with sequin, beadwork and glitter will continue to make a showstopping entrance.

What are you most excited about at Harrogate 2019?

Harrogate Bridal is the biggest bridal trade show of the year. The buzz of driving into the town and up to the Exhibition Centre still excites the entire team. It feels like a home from home! It is a perfect opportunity to network both professionally and socially within the industry. The show combines unrivalled exhibition facilities with a relaxing and incredibly social location.

We have also been nominated for emerging brand of the year and all four members of the UK team have been nominated for employee of the year so the awards night will hopefully be a real celebration for us.

Read More: Rachel Allan and Mary’s bridal shortlisted for Bridal Buyer Award 2019

And finally, what advice do you have for retailers on buying at the show?

Plan your visit. Book your hotel as far in advance as possible so you can take advantage of the best rates. Also, do your homework before you attend the show, particularly if you are looking for a new brand. Make sure the brand is available to you, where are they located, what is your budget, what gaps do you need to fill.

We all know how time runs away when you are enjoying yourself so plan to spread out your buying over a couple of days. Research and prepare before you come to a show. Know what you are looking for and what you want to achieve. Take time to walk around the full show as you never know what exhibition stand or collection might grab your attention and inspire you. The exhibition is full of pretty dresses but look for the brands who will give you best overall package, not just in terms of gowns but support and top customer service.

Mary’s Bridal and Rachel Allan will be exhibiting at Stand B25 at The Harrogate Bridal Show 2019. Make sure you register for the event here, so you don’t miss out.