The Bridal Buyer Awards 2009 – a great night

May/Jun 2009 issue

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The glittering prize

There was much to celebrate at the annual Bridal Buyer Awards, held in Harrogate during the March British Bridal Exhibition as close to 600 guests gathered together to toast the very best in bridal

Amidst the speeches, the big screens, the razzamatazz and the after-show celebrations at the Bridal Buyer Awards 2009, 14 winners walked away with a coveted title and a gleaming trophy. The glittering event, hosted this year by TV and radio personality Fred Macaulay, saw the introduction of two new categories, Best Bridal Innovation, sponsored by CRYSTALLIZEDTM – Swarovski Elements, and the hotly-contended Wedding Dress of the Year, voted for by many thousands of visitors at the National Wedding Shows in London and Birmingham.

The 2009 awards programme saw the highest rate of entries yet, especially in the Student Designer category where more than 300 hopefuls, under the guidance of their college tutors, followed the brief set by multi-award winner Ian Stuart, under the ‘futuristic’ banner. Ian, who not only sponsored the award but gave freely of his time to advise the students and also supplied them with fabric to make their designs, has always been a staunch supporter of young talent. “As an industry we must nuture those who are just starting. They are our future,” he said. And, judging from the creativity and innovative thinking behind the submissions of the 16 finalists whose work was on display in the main exhibition halls during BBEH, there are some rare talents out there. “Take them on,” Ian urged his industry colleagues at the awards dinner, “give them work experience, give them advice, give them the benefit of your experience and they’ll repay you with a passion for bridal that you in turn will benefit from.”

Here’s how the judging worked this year:

Three Awards, Best Bridal Retailer, Best Mens Formalwear Retailer and Best British Designer were voted for by consumers via the websites of You & Your Wedding and the National Wedding Show. The shortlisted contenders in each category were then studied by an independent team representing different areas of the industry none of whom were aware of who their fellow arbitrators were. The Best New Retailer was selected by the RBA after submissions were studied and a number of spot checks conducted.

Entrants in the Best Retail Website category were analysed by a team of top web design experts. The points they awarded each finalist were computed to arrive at the establish the winner. Likewise, the Best Retail Display award went to the shop scoring the highest number of points from a panel that included a specialist window dresser.

The same scoring system was used for the following categories: Best Bridal Manufacturer, Best Groomswear Supplier, Best Occasionwear Collection, Best Bridesmaid Collection and Best Headdress Designer. Of the five-strong judging panel, four came from the retail sector and one from the consumer press.

Sponsor Ian Stuart and Bridal Buyer’s Susi Rogol selected the 16 finalists in the Best Student Design category. The winner was selected by Ian and a team of designers and journalists, from the finished submissions on display at BBEH.

The quality of entries in the Best Bridal Innovation category was overwhelming. Swarovski’s Lucinda Brock commented that all the finalists were worthy of the title of winner. Their work was on show at BBEH.

And the Wedding Dress of the Year? The shortlisted gowns were picked by the fashion editors of the leading wedding magazines from the collection of the finalists in the 2008 Best Bridalwear Manufacturer category. Thousands of visitors at the National Wedding Show cast their votes.

Who said what…

… the best and most moving part for me was a few days later when we returned to work and upteen members of staff were all there in the foyer of the factory, clutching the award, clapping, cheering and then there was a round of hugs and kisses. We returned the compliment with champagne that lunchtime and a toast to them.
Karen Taft of Benjamin Roberts
Best Bridalwear Manufacturer 2009

…I felt all the hard work put into the business was justified when Tux ‘n’ Tails was announced the winner. And I felt elated.
Laurence Swerner, Tux ‘n’ Tails
Best Mens’ Formalwear Retailer 2009

… Winning the award for ‘Best Wedding Dress’ and knowing that this inaugural award was voted for by the brides, is a testament to the quality, design and fit of a Maggie Sottero gown and the high esteem that brides hold the label in.
Lyn Musselle of Maggie Sottero
Wedding Dress of the Year 2009

…We couldn’t believe it when we heard them say Mamfii – we weren’t expecting it at all! It makes all the work we put into it worthwhile and we couldn’t have been happier. Winning meant everything to us, and knowing that our brides had made such kind comments made it all the more meaningful. We will continue to strive to live up to our title!
Samantha Neville, Mamfii Bridal
Best Bridalwear Retailer 2009

… Being nominated for two awards at this prestigious event and winning one was overwhelming. What a great evening! Winming has also helped lift the profile of my business not only locally but nationally too.
Maria Kelly,Confetti Box
Best Retail Display 2009

…Being a small boutique and new to the business, I was really nervous listening to all of the support for the other finalists when they came up on the screen. When our name was called as the winner, I was completely stunned as I really didn’t expect to scoop the award, it was an amazing feeling and I was proud that our hard work had paid off!
Clare Crabtree, Quello
Best Retail Website 2009

… This was the culmination for me of many years of hard work to make John Charles the leading occasionwear brand and I felt so humble and overwhelmed at the confidence our customers have placed in us but even prouder for my wonderful team whom must share this award because without them this could not have been achieved.
Regine Waterman, John Charles
Best Occasionwear Collection 2009