THE WORLD’S FIRST WEDDING DEPARTMENT STORE OPENS ITS DOORS IN LONDON
The Wedding Gallery (www.the-weddinggallery.com) has officially announced its opening. Located in the heart of London beneath weddings and events venue One Marylebone, the 20,000sq ft space has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment and is set to become the new epicentre of global wedding planning.
The ultimate wedding retail destination promises to immerse couples in an enchanting 75-minute journey through wedding wonderland, offering an exclusive, year-round showcase of the latest trends, inspiration and ideas across all elements of the planning process.
Accessed on an appointment-only basis, visitors are greeted by a Wedding Gallery Consultant who will guide them through the store. The experience will begin in the Mezzanine Level where the first stop will be the Trends Area, a visual spectacle of up and coming wedding trends created by the world’s leading event stylists. From here visitors will move through Perfumery to discover signature collections from leading brands including Roja Dove and Jo Malone and then to Urban Retreat at The Wedding Gallery, providing a hair, makeup and beauty studio with cutting-edge treatments for men and women overseen by Creative Directors Ruby Hammer and Andrew Barton.
Also found on the Mezzanine Level is The Wedding Shop Gift List Boutique; the Jewellery Department with brands such as Theo Fennell; a library housing the portfolios of venues and event suppliers; a screening room showcasing the work of renowned filmmakers and photographers; a private members club (The Club); tasting rooms to experience the latest immersive food and drink experiences; a bar and a number of private meeting rooms.
From The Mezzanine, visitors are led down a staircase to the Lower Level where capsule collections from some of the world’s most renowned fashion designers are unveiled. Brides can view gowns from the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Elie Saab, Needle & Thread, Temperley London and Bo & Luca alongside an extensive range of accessories, shoes, lingerie, bridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride attire. The decadently designed menswear department brings together the finest tailoring from brands including Gieves & Hawkes, Thom Sweeney and Casely-Hayford. Made-to-measure tailoring is mixed with fashion-forward menswear and accessories to guide gentlemen on achieving a directional look.
Flanking the fashion and accessories department are the florists, cake designers and stationers. A gallery of visual masterpieces, florists including Rob van Helden, Wild At Heart and Pinstripes & Peonies have transformed the space into a floral fantasyland, alongside leading stationers such as Cutture, Armorial and Ruth Kaye Design, while edible works of art are presented from cake designers such as Rosalind Miller, Laduree and Nevie Pie.
Once the journey comes to an end, visitors leave feeling inspired and informed with a copy of the ‘Wedding Edit’ in hand; a beautifully presented keepsake booklet detailing the suppliers and brands that reflect their personal style. The 75-minute experience costs £50 and includes a glass of bubbles for up to four people and complimentary 12-month access to The Club.
For the fashion-focused couple, a 60-minute dedicated fashion styling appointment with a Wedding Gallery Stylist is available for £30 and includes personal advice on a carefully selected range of bridal and menswear designers together with the opportunity to try on collection pieces. Alternatively, for those who would prefer to get a glimpse into the space before committing to a full appointment there is the option of pre-booked complimentary access to browse a limited number of departments.
The unique concept was masterminded by beauty, retail and events entrepreneur, George Hammer. Commenting on the launch, George said: “Today is a monumental day for the wedding industry as we witness the beginning of a seismic shift in the way couples plan their celebration. Over the past 24 months whilst planning this project, I’ve experienced first-hand the passion, dedication and limitless creativity of suppliers within the wedding world and I’m thrilled to be able to provide couples with the opportunity to experience this all under one roof.”
The Wedding Gallery has been curated by Anna McGregor and Lotte Martin of LAMP Productions, who between them have over 30 years of experience in the UK and global weddings and events industry.
For a full list of Brand Partners see www.the-weddinggallery.com.
The Wedding Gallery is available on an appointment-only basis. To book call +44 (0) 207 3801699 or email hello@the-weddinggallery.com. For further information visit www.the-weddinggallery.com.