What is a Tier?

A ‘tier’ simply means a layer of veiling. Most wedding veils have two tiers, which means that they have two layers of veiling coming down from the comb that sits in your hair. Usually the top tier is shorter than the bottom tier, and is called the blusher. This can be brought down over your face for the traditional blushing bride look. If you want your veil to be a main feature of your bridal outfit then a veil with three or more tiers will make a great statement. We make more modern three-tier veils with a blusher that sits as a small face veil, giving a fantastic shape whether worn with or without the blusher over the face.

The most popular veil size is 72”. This is the length from the bottom of the blusher to the bottom of the back of the veil, meaning that on a two tier veil it will hang around 40-45” from the comb, usually reaching your hips.

What veil sizes are available?

We use the traditional method of giving sizes of wedding veils in inches. The chart below shows standard sizes of two tier veils, and how they are otherwise known.

Most of our veils can be made in any length. Remember the size in inches or centimetres includes the blusher or face veil.

The veiling we use is exclusive to us and is of the finest quality, no other manufacturer can compare to it; Richard Designs wedding veils really are unique and of the highest quality. Our veiling has a very soft, delicate feel to it and hangs beautifully from the comb. It is very fine meaning that it will not cover your dress, but will simply float over it.

Enquire with your local stockist about our full range of wedding veils, as only a taster collection is shown here on our website. Richard Designs veils can only be bought in approved retailers, please call or email us and we will be very happy to provide you with details of your local stockist.

I adore this beautifully elegant dress (FREESIA) from Jenny Packham S/S 2013 range. The asymmetric shoulder and minimal detail is a perfect combination of modern elegance and delicate vintage design. To compliment this dress choose subtle accessories with vintage brooch details. A textured side spray tiara with a sweeping side bun will balance out this asymmetric design beautifully. A statement bracelet will add sparkle without overshadowing the waist and shoulder detail. The drape of this dress suggests an elegant wedding with soft colours and details. Experiment with tones of white, ivory and soft pink to create a tranquil feminine palette.

(click to enlarge)

Centre- Jenny Packham Dress. Jimmy Choo sandals. Top left tiara Richard Designs TR1504A. Bottom left tiara Richard Designs TR1456A. Middle right tiara Richard Designs TR1478A. Bottom right bracelet and earrings Richard Designs P594B. Pink roses image from thisisglamorous.com. Other flower images and sandal image from stylemepretty.com

Many wedding suppliers have donated beautiful gowns, accessories and services, with all proceeds going to support Oxfam.

You will also have the chance to bid on two sets of veil, headdress and jewellery from Richard Designs.

Set one includes…

TR1478A Lace embellished side tiara with sequin beaded flowers. Cream pearl and silver crystal detailing.

P611 Embellished cream sequin and silver beaded floral neckpiece with ivory lace detailing and tie back.

P594B Embellished ivory beaded floral bracelet backed with ivory lace and matching earrings

C388A Ivory 72” veil with cream pearl scatter.

Set two includes…

TR1440A Silver crystal side tiara

P505 Silver crystal necklace with matching bracelet and earrings

C348B Antique White 30” veil with silver crystal chain edging.

We have chosen complementing styles so that you can get every accessory you need for your big day.

We hope that you will support Oxfam by taking part in the auction (and get some goodies as well!). You can find out more at ebay.co.uk/Oxfam

We thought it would be nice to share a little more about our team so that you can get to know them before they come and visit you for the first time, or even if you’ve seen them many times before!

Jennifer

First-up, we have Jennifer who many of you will have spoken to over the phone, and met at Harrogate shows. Jennifer is our Business Development Coordinator and keeps the reps on the road behind the scenes. Here’s a little more about Jennifer:

What is your role at RD?
I work in the sales team as a Business Development Coordinator. This role involves speaking to the customers on a regular basis to check they are happy with everything, and arranging a visit from a sales representative if necessary.

What is your favourite part of the job?
I have really enjoyed working in the bridal wear industry, mostly because the people within it are so nice and friendly. I enjoy speaking to customers every day, especially when they have time for a bit of a chat! Attending the BBEH twice a year is also something I really look forward to, as well as the time afterwards when we have lots of new customers to catch up with.

What is your background – what did you do before joining the RD team?
I studied Economics at university, and spent two years after graduating working as an economist for a consultancy. While working there I came to Harrogate twice a year to help on the Richard Designs stands since my partner, William, worked for the firm. I really enjoyed doing this and never wanted to go back to my regular job afterwards! I therefore jumped at the chance of working for Richard Designs when I was offered this job.

Tell us a little about your upcoming wedding!
William and I are very excited to be getting married in May this year. Our ceremony will be held in Ely Cathedral, followed by a reception at a hotel in Newmarket. I’m looking forward to wearing a beautiful Richard Designs veil and tiara to compliment my dress, although I’ve no idea how I’ll be able to choose..!

Tell us a fun fact about you…
My favourite TV shows include Neighbours, Desperate Housewives, The X Factor and, of course, Don’t Tell the Bride!

Peter

Our newest rep Peter has only been with us for a few months but has already proven very popular with our customers. Peter has been soaking up all the information about wedding accessories and we appreciate you all welcoming him into your shops for the first time. Peter is covering the North of the UK so you should see him around in the coming months.

How long have you been working at RD?
I started mid Jan 2012

What has surprised you most about the wedding industry since you started working for RD?
The pace of changing fashions.

What is your favourite part of the job?
I love meeting new and interesting people.

What is your background?
I have always been in sales, even my childhood was spent on market stalls. My mum and dad had market stalls and my mum used to take me in a carry cot at 6 months old.

Tell us a fun fact about you…
I used to be a dry ski slope instructor!

Chris

Chris has also recently joined the team, and has fallen in love with the job. With a natural ability to show our delicate products, and a friendly smile, Chris has already made an positive impact on his area of the South of the UK.

How long have you been working at RD?
Since the end of December 2011

What has surprised you most about the wedding industry since you started working for RD?
Its focus on providing an excellent personal service to brides, rather than just selling products.

What is your favourite part of the job?
Going to the shops, meeting the owners and seeing the businesses develop and supporting them in this.

What are you hoping to do in the future to improve things for customers?
To better understand their needs and forward feedback to the management team so we can better meet their needs.

What is your background?
Teaching abroad, and local government. In all my roles, dealing with people has been central. Most recently I was working on supporting staff through changes to modernise working practices. I love the focus on people in this new role.

Tell us a fun fact about you…
I spend quite a bit of time in Spain, where my girlfriend lives.

Ben

Last but certainly not least, our Senior Sales Executive Ben who many of you will have met at shows and on the road over the past few years. There’s not much Ben doesn’t know about the product and the industry and he is always happy to help with any questions you have about wedding accessories.

How long have you been working at RD?
Since May 2010, so nearly two years.

What has surprised you most about the wedding industry since you started working for RD?
Everybody is so friendly, it is a happy time when brides come to the shop, so everybody is happy. Also I think I had underestimated how much ladies love sparkly tiaras!

What is your favourite part of the job?
I love being out on the road and seeing customers and their shops. When you have been to a shop a couple of times it is lovely to see things change and develop.

What are you hoping to do in the future to improve things for customers?
My main goal is to continue developing my knowledge and understanding of the business so I can offer better advice!

What is your background?
I have a background in Chemistry, with a degree I studied for in Cambridge, before working in the chemical industry for 11 years.  However I have been involved with the business way back since 2005, when I would take time off from my job to come to Harrogate and help out the family on the stand – Harrogate was my twice yearly holiday!

Tell us a fun fact about you…
I am getting married in July this year.

If you would like to see Peter, Chris or Ben and the new collections, just give Jennifer a call on 01353 661600 or email jennifer@richarddesigns.co.uk and she will arrange an appointment for you. Remember, all appointments have no obligation to buy and no minimum order, and all our reps are happy to help advise you on the best selling styles and latest trends.

Shoe Clips are the perfect way to add a unique touch to your shoes. With shoe clips you can:

1. Save money by choosing inexpensive shoes and adding some glam with shoe clips!
2. Coordinate your gown and other accessories with your shoes by choosing shoe clips that use the same design components.
3. Create a completely unique look – make sure you stand out from the crowd! Our shoe clips mean thousands of combinations are possible!

Designs feature lace styles such as this Shoe Clip 6 (shown here in an antique colour)

Glitzy diamante detailing such as Shoe Clip 7

And delicate lace, pearl and diamante such as on Shoe Clip 8

The clips are easy to add to your shoes and are reusable so you can wear them after your wedding.

See more shoe clips in our gallery.

For details on how to stock these shoe clips in your shop, see becoming a stockist.

We had so many great entries that we found it tricky to choose one! We put the winner’s fate in the hands of a random number generator and the winner is…

Joanne from Glasgow

She said:

Every little girl dreams of being a princess for a day………and that day is her wedding day! Let me share my dream with you…my day begins by stepping carefully down into a small boat, a beautiful decorated gondola, the person sitting next to me holds my hand lovingly and delicately, with a tear in their eye, as we set off down the narrow canals. We arrive at a small set of steps, a red carpet leads the way to the entrance of the church. I stand posed with butterflies and happiness, and turn to the person next to me, they gently give me a look that says everything is perfect, this is what I’ve dreamed a lifetime through!!! They place my veil and as I turn I kiss my Mum and tell how wonderful she is and how proud I am that she is standing beside me, about to walk me down the aisle! The church door opens, the harpist begins to play and I see my future husband standing,he gives me a smile that fills me with excitement. I think “there is nowhere else in the world I’d rather be” this is my dream come true! Now I’ve shared this with you, as though telling it like it were a story well the reality is that I’m arranging my wedding right now, small, intimate, traditional wedding set in Venice, Italy. It hasn’t been long planned as I’ve like every little princess I’ve dress rehearsed this day in my head for many many years. The veil is the last piece of the puzzle…… The princess becomes a bride. X

Congratulations Joanne!

The best thing about this competition was reading everyone’s entries about their dream wedding. The overriding message was that marrying your partner is the most important thing, no matter where your venue is, what your dress looks like, or whether you have pink or white roses – a sentiment we completely agree with! If you are planning your wedding and feel stuck in a rut, go and read the comments, they’re sure to give you a boost and remind you what weddings are all about.

Keep looking out for more competitions in the future!

Last month at the British Bridal Exhibition in Harrogate, Blue Ribbon launched their ribbon pin campaign to raise money for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Stand M30 was home to Blue Ribbon’s beautiful shrugs and petticoats, and bridal retailers could see the ribbon pins themselves for the first time.

Through their campaign and partnership with Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Blue Ribbon hope to increase awareness of breast cancer among young women whilst raising a large sum of money for the charity.

Blue Ribbon have created three styles of brooch pins, each with a pink ribbon to represent Breakthrough Breast Cancer and their signature blue ribbon, embellished with lace or crystal. Each pin is handmade in England and is of the highest quality. The pins are perfect for wearing on your garter or underskirt as your something blue, and yet are beautiful enough to be seen on outer garments too.

Brides can buy the handmade pins in bridal retailers across the UK and Ireland at a price of £5 each. From every sale, Blue Ribbon will give £1 to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Bridal retailers can support this charity by stocking the pins in their bridal shops. For a cost of £4 per pin, retailers will receive a pack of 15 pins, each one boxed, and some promotional leaflets and display.

We do hope that you will support Blue Ribbon’s efforts to raise a significant sum for such an important charity. For more information see the new Blue Ribbon website www.blue-ribbon.co.uk

Today we share with you pictures of bestselling styles from the show. If you missed the show, these are the styles to watch out for as they were the most popular with buyers.

Our stand was transformed into a romantic dream to show off our new Romeo & Juliet inspired designs. The centre of the stand played home to the Masquerade ball inspired pieces such as the TR1505A.

with the inclusion of silver and ivory lace, diamante and pearl this is a dramatic yet pretty piece.

C378C continues this dramatic theme, with gold lace on the bottom of the veil, and elaborate, pleated detailing on the comb.

The provincial Tuscan garden scene displayed beautiful romantic designs such as this TR1510A.

With a trio of roses in a small traditional tiara shape, and finished off with delicate pearls.

The C384B was another design you loved, showing that our design team were right on track with their Juliet cap veils. Easily secured with just two mini-combs, these veils are easy to wear and create a striking bridal look.

The juliet-cap veil C384A also proved very popular.

Our new belts were of course a success, as the new must-have accessory was on the top of everyone’s shopping list! Our bestselling new styles included Belt023 with a decorative clasp.

New shoe clips were also very popular, as they add another option for brides. Bestselling styles included Shoe Clip 7.

And last but not least, we were so pleased that you all loved our dress straps so much. These were new for this show, and are the perfect way for brides to add a unique touch to their gown.

Remember, these are a very small selection of the new styles that were launched at the Harrogate show. If you would like to see more veils, tiaras, jewellery, shrugs, belts, shoe clips or dress straps you can do so in the comfort of your shop. For an appointment with one of our representatives, just call Jennifer on 01353 661600 or email info@richarddesigns.co.uk.

Brides, the new collection will be in your local bridal shop soon. For details of stockists near you, see our How to Buy page.

Romeo & Jewliet Inspired Tiara

All trade visitors are welcome to visit us between now and Tuesday evening. We hope to see you here!

Harrogate International Centre Hall M

As many of you know, we release our two collections at the Harrogate shows each year. Each of our collections has been inspired by theme which is reflected throughout the designs.

Our new collection is entitled

Romeo & Jewliet

and

At a Masquerade Ball

The collection takes its influence from the organic feel of outdoor weddings in Tuscany, with a few pieces taking influence from the Masquerade ball featured in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Richard Designs Romeo and Juliet Inspired Veil

With the rising trend for outdoor weddings, there is a provincial, rustic feel to the collections, which stems from the outdoors in Italy. Features include olive vines with a organic edge.

Richard Designs Vine Tiara

We have incorporated many features in our designs to reflect the romantic, Italian culture. From delicate, detailed lace to lavish aged metal details, with intricate modern upright tiaras and floaty, soft side pieces. Veils include a new incorporation of lace, with lots of detail around the face, and the Juliet cap being the star.

Texture is still key, with dress designers incorporating oversized 3D flowers, tiered skirts, sequins and an abundance of point d’esprit and needlepoint lace. Upright tiaras have texture and detail without being too full, and side pieces incorporate silks and laces for texture without weight. Our designers have stepped outside the usual boundaries, and have incorporated fabrics and components which wouldn’t usually be combined. This results in a beautiful, unique look.

Richard Designs Masquerade Ball Inspired Tiara

We cannot wait to show you the new pieces and take you into a world of luxury Italia on stand M33 this weekend March 11th –13th.

Don’t forget the Classics will also be on Stand M33, with new tiara, veil and jewellery styles (including a lace edge veil!) at great prices.

For more information about the British Bridal Exhibition see their website www.bbeh.co.uk