We truly have the most amazing customers!

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Beautiful Bride

We’ve always proudly looked after Brides irrespective of their wedding day budget, shape and size and over the years we’ve received some really amazing (and emotional letters/reviews) from our Curvier Brides who have always said that we have really made a difference to how they felt about their wedding day. It’s the phenomenal feedback and encouragement from our curvier customers which urged us to expand our department of plus size wedding dresses, accessories, shoes, lingerie and underskirts.

We recently received an amazing Facebook review from a gorgeous plus size bride, it reminded us what a difference we as bridal consultants can really make to a bride when shopping for a wedding gown.  It also made us all feel very lucky indeed to do what we do and to have the chance to be of service to so many amazing ladies, this is what she wrote and we thought we would share it with you all…

‘I’m a plus size lady and the thought of standing in my underwear in front of a total stranger trying on dresses was my worst nightmare. In fact going wedding dress shopping was the last thing on my mind. However Nicola put me at complete ease and explained that I’d get a private room, glass of wine/tea ect and get to try on as many dresses as I wanted which sounded perfect and I booked straight away.

In the lead up to my appointment I was extremely nervous and if I’m honest was thinking of excuses I could call up with to get out of my appointment as I was absolutely dreading it.

I wish I’d have saved myself all the worry & stress though, as from the minute I met SJ she was extremely welcoming and settled my nerves instantly. She made me a cup of fruit tea and we began trying on dresses, I had that much fun that I didn’t even get to drink my tea haha. SJ has that aura about her that makes you warm to her instantly. It was like I already knew her rather than having just met her.

I didn’t question the way I looked once whilst stood in front of her in my underwear as she didn’t judge me whatsoever and made me feel so comfortable. I honestly cannot recommend her enough. She made my first wedding dress experience such an amazing one and if it wasn’t for her, I honestly believe that I wouldn’t have found my dream dress. She made it such an enjoyable experience and I love how honest she is and how she joins in with the whole excitement of it all.

I knew I had found ‘the one’ as soon as I put it on simply from the look on SJ’s face, that and the fact my mum was crying before I even came out from behind the curtain haha I enjoyed it that much that I can’t wait to come back with my bridesmaids and I’m looking forward to my accessories appointment.

I cannot recommend Abigail’s collection enough! It was the first wedding dress shop that I had made an appointment with and I walked away with my dream wedding dress. How many other brides can say that?! Thank you so much I absolutely love my princess dress and cannot wait to wear it again xxxx’

As you can imagine, we all needed tissues!  This review made our day and we are really proud that customers feel really special when they visit us and that is exactly as it should be!

We are often told we have one of the best plus size collection in Essex, we are based in Colchester town centre on the high street which is half way between Ipswich and Chelmsford. Our collection are sized between 20 and 38 and they are totally gorgeous and utterly flattering for our plus size brides!  So if you are a fuller figure Bride with curves, are concerned about trying on wedding dresses or are worried that wedding dresses in the usual wedding dress shops may not fit you then come to see us and worry no more – we’ll take great care of you and treat you to the VIP service that you deserve! Click here for more information.

Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

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Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week

One of the highlights for Abi and the team throughout the year is travelling to trade shows to select new gowns for the forth coming season. Lillian West is a fantastic designer who recently launched their latest collection at Barcelona Bridal Fashion week so Abi and shop manager Joanna headed out to check out the catwalks and see what Lillian West had to offer (tough job especially in Barcelona, but someone had to do it)…

Our boho beauties and vintage brides are going to love the easy glamour of the gowns that have been chosen to grace our rails! From a cute lace two-piece for a bride that dares to bare to effortlessly elegant beaded slinky gowns we are so excited about the Lillian West gowns that we have chosen and cannot wait to show them off to our brides.

How to get the most out of bridesmaids shopping…

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So the date is set! Your amazing wedding gown is on order! Now is the time to kit out your gorgeous bridesmaids with a fabulous look that they’ll love. It sounds easy but in truth this is one area that can go a little Pete Tong for the bride. Picture this; three bridesmaids with different body shapes, all different heights and each with VERY different style ideas. Here’s a few tips to ensure that all of your girls enjoy bridesmaids dress shopping with you.

  1. Arrange a pre shopping get together

Suggest a time for you to get together BEFORE hitting the shops so that you can share and chat through your vision of your wedding and discuss style ideas together. In truth this is really so that you (the bride) have the opportunity to really express your style and colour ideas whilst obtaining feedback from your girls on their preferences too. Hopefully by doing this when you do hit the shops you’ll be a bit clearer on what it is you’re looking for together.

  1. If colour is in important

At the start of your bridesmaids shopping appointment make sure that you study swatches of available bridesmaid’s gowns first, there is nothing worse than finding a gown you love but realising it cannot be made in your specific shade of aqua!

  1. Mix & match

If your bridesmaids really do vary in terms of their own style preferences (or body shape) you could consider same colour, different dress. Hopefully a win win for everyone, this option shows styling confidence and expresses your bridesmaids individual personalities too.

  1. Time is of the essence

Most bridal shops need at least 4 months to get your bridesmaids gowns made, ideally you’ll be shopping for your bridesmaids gowns at least 6 -12 months before the wedding. It is a plus to get your gowns ordered ASAP because menswear can then be chosen which often directly relates to the colours selected for bridesmaids.

  1. Beware of high street and online purchases

Our bridesmaids gowns start at £110 and are made especially for your bridesmaids on that bases you can be confident that nobody else will be wearing the same dress. Buy on the high street however and you do risk guests attending in the same dress (it happens, its mortifying) Be very careful with online overseas cheap gowns very often the sizing is inaccurate and the quality is poor plus once you’ve added shipping you’re not saving a huge amount. We are often asked to come to the rescue when dresses have been exceptionally disappointing

We are often told we have one of the best selection of bridesmaid’s dresses in Essex, we are based in Colchester town centre on the high street which is half way between Ipswich and Chelmsford. All of our appointments are entirely private with the whole department dedicated to you! … Be sure to book on 01206 574575 and click here for more information on your gorgeous collection of bridesmaids gowns.

The London Bridal Show 2016…

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Over the last couple days Olympia Exhibition Hall in Kensington played host to The 2016 London Bridal Show. It’s been a brilliantly fun couple of days and some of the Abigail’s Collection team headed there in style in a stretch limousine to view the latest bridal trends on the catwalks, socialise with industry friends and buy some gorgeous new gowns for our future brides… Eeek, it was so exciting and is one of the highlights of the year for us.

During the weekend we kept our eyes peeled for some new bridal beauties. We walked (and dashed) around the halls checking out all of the latest that the best in bridal has to offer! We were looking for some gorgeous slinky, chiffon and satin numbers and of course some stunning new lace designs. We were more than blown away by some of the gorgeous new collections that our designers had to offer. We’ve totally fallen in love with some of the new gowns we’ve ordered and we can’t wait to get them in-store to try on our future brides.

The catwalk was fab! We dashed to grab front row seats and see the latest trends. The runway featured some fabulous designers who showcased their finest new styles. We spotted a few key 2016 trends; vintage glamour, boho and princess.

There were lots of ooo’s and arrr’s from us during the show; Lace fabrics are still prevalent throughout and was combined with slinky chiffon, soft bodied tulle and pretty crepe. The princess look is wow with full ball gown skirts cut with twinkly sequin bodices. Boho brides will be in seventh heaven in easy draped chiffon and unstructured tulle featuring pretty floor 3D appliqué and flowers. And our vintage brides can still enjoy glamorous beaded lace with feature cut out backs, drapey jewels, illusion sleeves and high necklines. The Audrey look is well and truly in with designers delivering statement pieces; styles include strikingly plain, clean lined, structural ballgowns, a-line ad fishtail cuts in smooth mikado satin and duchess satin, less is more in terms of embellishment, these gowns are all about plain striking dress shapes.

We have a very strong collection of bridal and bridesmaids gowns on their way to us. From Lillian West’s new boho bridal look to Modeca’s vintage collection. We’ve selected some strikingly plain and elegant gowns from Eglantine and Private Label featured some gorgeous lace and beaded dresses. Bridesmaids dresses that we selected from Mark Lesley included stunning chiffon, high necklines and twinkly beaded embroidery. The White Rose collection was as gorgeous as ever, we have an incredible collection already and have added some very pretty new designs to our rails …. We’ve just got to make sure we keep the team out of them lol! Check out some of the show images here.

Gorgeous new gowns hit our rails…

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Receiving new samples in-store is SO exciting and we have had a tonne of new gorgeous gowns arrive through our Abigail’s Collection’s doors this month. Beautiful new bridesmaid’s designs by Mark Lesley … Eek exciting! These gowns combine stunning chiffon and lace for a really elegant and vintage look, available in a multitude of colours and sizes and all made to order.

We’ve also had some new show stopping bridal gowns delivered from our fabulous designers Private Label, Mon Cheri and Modeca… Lovely soft silk, chiffon and tulle have been used to create these beautiful dresses which feature some stunning embellishment. The lace combined within some of our new designs gives a real vintage look and the stunning illusion and open backs add a sexy feel! All of the team are simply in LOVE with these dreamy dresses.

Click here to check out all theses and more!

Belchamp Hall Photoshoot

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Belchamp Shoot 2

We were delighted to have been involved in a photoshoot yesterday at the stunning venue Belchamp Hall in Sudbury; built in 1720 this estate oozes vintage glamour providing the perfect backdrop for your wedding day.

Belchamp Hall is a spectacular venue which combines stunning grounds and a beautiful house, catering to up to 50 people – perfect for a small intimate wedding. We were privileged to meet the Estate Manager and owners who were extremely friendly and welcoming; we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Belchamp Hall as an amazing venue for a special wedding.

Shoot wise; firstly, we created a gorgeous boho look for a model who wore the amazing Modeca Stacey gown which we complemented with a pretty floaty Mark Lesley lavender bridesmaid gown. We also created a glamourous vintage bride with the elegant Modeca Savanna bridal gown and an exquisite gold bridesmaid’s gown to complement. We even had a handsome Labrador called Mongo who joined the shoot looking very fetching in his co-ordinating floral neckpiece; how adorable he was

We worked with some incredible suppliers on this photo shoot; Award winning make-up artist Emma Brooks and Tina Crossley of Beautiful Hair ensured our models looked even more beautiful! Sam French of Wild Poppies Flowers For You created several wonderful displays and a fabulous statement floral hair piece.  Helen of Amelie’s Kitchen created a spectacular wedding cake and Dee Neicho Jewellery Designs made some fab hair accessories. Huge thanks to David of Humble Productions and Gavin of Gavin Conlan Photography – we are really excited to see the film and pictures and can’t wait to share them. Thank you to all involved it was a really fun day!