News & Articles
A Bridal Sanctuary
7 Oct 2007
ARTISTS, musicians and fashion designers all have their muse - something or somewhere that inspires creativity, breathing life into their artistic vision.
For brides, that space has emerged as A Lavish Affair's distinctive new showroom at Warehouse 4/60 Langridge St, Collingwood - a glamorous yet welcoming retreat where you can plan and research the most exciting day of your life.
With its vintage chic styling, resplendent in timeless black and white, principal Marisa Welcome has designed a boutique showroom that captures the very essence of her planning ethos - personalised ideas, practical assistance, and lavish attention to detail.
"Weddings are a stylish affair, so we wanted our showroom to capture that elegance. It's an intimate setting for brides to come into and explore ideas. You don't get two shots at doing a wedding, so this is the place to get it right, and really savour the experience," says Marisa.
Behind the frosted glass windows, you'll find an enticing visual display of the planning group's creative services, giving brides inspiration to fashion their own unique affair. On show is a replica of a bridal gown co-designed by Marisa - a Spanish-inspired masterpiece featuring romantic black lace, plus sample vases, candles, wedding favours and handmade accessories that offer brides customised flair.
"No concept is too crazy for us. But that said, we like to do things with finesse. We're here to give people the confidence to pull off anything, like blending contemporary and vintage and really making a fashion statement."
Bridal clients, and their closest confidantes, are invited to settle back with a cappuccino and the dulcet tones of Michael Buble, while they flick through the latest bridal magazines, etiquette books and catalogues of wedding suppliers (including ‘Black Label' honeymoon destinations) personally selected by A Lavish Affair.
The exclusive supplier selection is replicated online with A Lavish Affair's new Members' Club, which connects members to wedding professionals these planners know and trust. From cars and cakes to florists and fashion designers, this is a special network of industry specialists who can offer VIP discounts and special offers. For an initial $49.95 (plus $5.95 a month), the online bridal club offers an invaluable introduction to the who's who of the wedding industry, and is proving to be a convenient contact list for web-savvy brides.
For brides needing up-close-and-personal assistance, that's where a private appointment at the showroom comes in - just minutes from the city, with free parking on site. At your service are affable staff members adorned in uniforms swish enough for the catwalk - Victoria Secret black pencil skirts, champagne satin shirts and black peep toe shoes.
"Once you're a client, this becomes your bridal home, where you can drop in for a coffee and a chat, experiment with mock styling sessions and use our research room and its wedding library to put together your dream day."
A big screen TV helps brides preview the work of photographers and videographers, with plans to also run bridal seminars in the boardroom on topics from budgeting to make-up.
Out back, the "think tank" offices even include a sewing corner, where the planners perfect handmade creations like chair covers, place cards and bridal pomanders - individually crafted in the colours and fabrics of your wedding theme - not the kind of thing you can pick up at Lincraft.
"We take a few risks, and we personalise, and that's how you get the wow factor. Those are the weddings that turn heads for all the right reasons. They're the weddings that people remember."
