Last weekend I got the train to Brighton to have a look round Belle’s Bridal Bazaar which had set up shop in the Unitarian Church on New Road. This fair is for all those couples that are anti ‘been there done that’ weddings! Weddings that are off the beaten track are what are catered for here and Kelly, the organiser from Belle’s Events, is determined to bring something new and unique to the normal fare.

Kelly of Belle’s Events!

The atmosphere here was fantastic, all the suppliers are so welcoming and friendly rather than sales orientated which is so refreshing! When I was a bride to be I found the almost ‘cattle market’ feel to some bridal fairs really off putting. The best thing about wedding fairs that ban the bog standard mainstream products (posed formal photo’s, chocolate fountains, limo’s etc) is that you will almost definitely find at least one thing that you never would have thought of for your own wedding and the skies the limit! There is no ‘option A, B or C’ here…all the wares on sale are either handmade by individuals or small businesses who have lovingly created and developed their talents to make your day so special. Having direct contact with these makers and suppliers and their mainly bespoke products is that you can work with them to create the perfect addition to your wedding day.

As I approached the venue for the fair I could hear the unmistakable sound of Mark Vis aka Rockin’ Mark Vis tinkling the ivories while the lovely ladies from Vintage Scoops served ice-cream from Betty the 1950s styled  ice-cream van made popular by Mrs Scoops aka Hayley Southwood who earlier this year passed Betty on to her new owners, Vic and Jo!

Serving delicious ices such as Bloody Mary sorbets and Rhubarb Crumble with Custard ice-cream they were kept company outside by Sussex Love Bug the VW Beetle that I have featured on my blog before and the lovely Lauren, owner of Little White Car, the fab 1968 MG! Both available to hire for your wedding transport.

Stepping inside I was introduced to Salina of  Lady Loves Beauty who offers wonderful bridal pamper packages, choose from the Hen Party Package which starts from only £15 per person or the Pre-wedding Package for the ultimate in bridal beauty! Wandering around I got to talk to some wonderful people and although I didn’t get round to chatting with everyone as my dreaded cold got the better of me, I managed to get round a fair few! I will have to wait for the next one to catch up with the rest!

One of the vendors who I loved speaking to was Jo of the Big Bead Boutique, I had met her before earlier in the year at a networking event but didn’t get to talk to her much. She told me of her forthcoming exciting plans for her shop and of all the new suppliers that she will be stocking soon, some of which were at this fair! The bridal side of her shop will be getting a make-over and a much bigger portion of the shop will be dedicated to this so if you want to see all the changes that have been made head down to the launch party on Saturday 27th October!

Tess from Chatter Cakes who was a finalist in this years National Cupcake Championships shared her styling and cake display secrets with me, although I’m very upset I didn’t get to try one!!

It was also lovely to catch up with Helen from Doily Days, Louise from Oh My Honey! and meet some new people too, Clive Sefton creates bespoke word searches made using words and phrases best conveying the married couple collected from wedding guests, a great alternative to the guest book! The couple then get a high quality silkscreen print to keep as a memento, Fat Boy Slim is one of his famous clients! Another new vendor for me was Bella Cupcakes aka the lovely Louise Hanly, she creates beautiful handmade cakes, sweets and treats for you to have served with speciality teas in her hand selected vintage china. Louise can set up your special tea party in a venue of your choice and will come and do the washing up afterwards! What could be finer!?

One of the prettiest stalls to my mind was Hearts And Buttons run by Emma who was forced into having her picture taken by me! Hearts and Buttons offer superb venue styling, bespoke wedding stationary, table plans and loads more so have a look at their website!

I’ll leave you with more images of the fair and to remind you that the next Belle’s Bridal Bazaar is on Saturday 27th April 2013! To find more of Belle’s Events including the Christmas Fair and Bridal Boot Sale check out the website!

P.s On my way home I ended up in the middle of Brighton’s Zombie Walk…and yes, there was a zombie bride!

Other suppliers at the event included: Vintage Events, Faff Handmade, Definately-Different, Miss Mole’s Flower Emporium, Tino & Pip Photography, Threaded With Love, B Millinery, The O Zone, Little Ruby Red…if I have missed some of you out (I know I must have) please put your details in the comments section!!