The UK’s biggest South Asian bridal extravaganza, the Aashni + Co Wedding Show 2019 took place on 13th January for its 5th edition at The Dorchester in London. Participating designers included leading fashion and bridal brands: Manish Malhotra, Anita Dongre, Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta, Shyamal & Bhumika, Abhinav Mishra, Amit Aggarwal, Anjul Bhandari, Astha Narang, Gaurang, Jayanti Reddy, Punit Balana, Ridhi Mehra and Mrunalini Rao.

We asked one of India’s celebrated designer’s Manish Malhotra his advice for brides to be. “I think the most important thing that I noticed a big change in today, is that when brides came (to choose their outfit) they came with their mother-in-law, sister-in-law, fiance and the mother who all spoke. Today they (brides) come with and all of them, but it’s just the bride who speaks. She knows what she wants, of course, she knows who she is getting married to. She knows which designer to go for, for which event and what she wants to look like and who she wants to be. More power to your girls! You girls are amazing and so continue to be yourself and experiment in colours and cut.”

Anita Dongre said, “It’s just begun and it’s hectic already. There’s been a lot of people, clients of mine who I would normally otherwise not get to see. I think this is wonderful, Aashni puts a great show together with some great talent.”

Gaurav Gupta shared “It’s always so exciting to meet such excited clients from all over the UK and some parts of Europe as well, people who have actually come down to the show. Everyone is coming here with dreams of beautiful outfits for their weddings and it’s such a great experience.”

Jewellery and accessory brands exhibiting at Aashni + Co Wedding Show 2019 were: Ahujasons, Emmy London, Jaipur Gems and Khanna Jewellers. Wedding Service exhibitors comprised: Ambreen, Chakra, RWS London, Shaan MU, Emmy London and The Wedding Design Company. The backdrop of The Dorchester was further transformed through floral styling and production design by the renowned Zita Elze.

Style council was provided during the day through a series of masterclasses with Sabyasachi, Bollywood celebrity makeup artist Shaan Mu, and influencer Diipa Khosla, Vandana Mohan from The Wedding Design Company who were the wedding planners behind the recent celebrity wedding of Bollywood couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh; and a panel discussion with fashion influencers Shraddha, FashionForRoyals and Kavita Cola.

Event organiser Aashni Shah Doshi described that “Every year we try to up the ante and this time being the 5^th year running was reason enough! I think this has been one of our best ever show. The installation put up by Zita Elze is so stunning, so simple and so beautiful. It’s been amazing to have our old exhibitors back and a few of the new ones introduced. The addition of masterclass was particularly exciting to put together.  it’s a total package for the brides and visitors in attendance.” Aashni & Co did it again and set a new benchmark this year! We look forward to the rest of their journey for 2019 which includes the below…bring on the rest of 2019!

Photo Credits: Dash Photography and Apurva Gondalia