BRIDE by Aster

29/07/2024

Choosing your suppliers for a destination wedding…

My number one recommendation is to do your research!

Don’t just pick anyone because it’s easier than putting in the hours. Checkout potential venues and suppliers online, on social media, review sites and by sending off emails.

How long do they take to reply?

What is their manner like?

Do they sound invested or do they not seem bothered?

Is it cheaper to bring a team with you or choose your crew locally?

Ask to schedule zoom calls with your shortlist and see who you vibe with – it’s a big deal to not be able to meet
you’re A-Team in person before the big day so make sure you’re not rushing into anything.

I also think it’s a good idea to make sure your suppliers have some sort of experience with the venue or location of your wedding.

You will be going into your wedding, mostly blind so to have a planner who knows the venue and the team, a photographer who knows the grounds and a catering team who knows the kitchen and the setup they need, is a really great place to be. People who know the inside scoop! That’s what you’re looking for!

Married abroad? Drop your best vendors and their locations below! Sharing is caring!

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Booking an appointment at our 5* boutique could not be easier!

Simply head to the contact page on our website and select your preferred date and appointment time.

See you soon beautiful 😍

27/07/2024

BIRTHDAY WEEKEND 🎂

I wanted to share a little reflection post between 35 and 36.

Every year, I encourage you to do the same, take some time for yourself and don't lose sight of your achievements, no matter how seemingly small. Reflect upon them and be proud.

The last 12 months have been a huge learning curve and an emotional roller coaster, both personally and professionally. The effects of brexit had finally settled in, trickling down from the government to our suppliers and eventually, had taken hold of our small business.

I won't lie and say that the last year has been a breeze in this industry.

It hasn't been.

Every week it seems, another boutique is closing down and we had to make some huge financial decisions and totally flip the way we operate, after 5 years in business (and surviving a pandemic in the meantime!)

We had some incredible highs & some incredible lows. We said goodbye to my best friend, Reggie in June. 3 years and 1 day after we adopted him from a shelter, us, his first and last family. This absolutely broke us as a family and although I'm not sure my heart will ever fully heal from saying goodbye to him, I used his passing to make changes of my own.

Fast forward to now, 36.

Our little business is thriving once again! BRIDE BY ASTER is the top rated bridal shop in Surrey on Google and LUSH CURVE is one of the most highly rated plus size bridal shops in the UK!

I feel fresh, light, bright, happy and healthy. I also made the decision to give up alcohol after losing Reggie, for my mental and physical wellbeing. It's coming up 8 weeks and I've never felt so present and filled with so much energy. I have also started cutting out sugar as I find without the alcohol, I no longer crave it and again, I feel so much brighter!

I don't know what is to come in the next 12 months, but unlike last year, I'm excited to find out. I am proud of myself for making it through and equally proud of my husband and business partner, who actually deserves the credit for navigating us through.

Please reflect on your next birthday, good or bad, it's OK. Things will always get better x

25/07/2024

Top 3 Tips for planning your Destination Wedding...

Having a destination wedding for a lot of people is the ultimate dream! But does it come with sacrifices, headaches and muchos problemas?!

Well, it might seem insurmountable but planning a destination wedding can actually be incredibly straight forward. You just have to be organised and prepared for what’s to come.

Here are 3 of my top tips for planning your ultimate destination wedding!

1 – Never put your dress in the hold! Always check in advance your airlines policy on carrying on your wedding dress. On intercontinental flights, or flights with a first class option, 99% of the time, the cabin crew will hang your garments in the 1st class wardrobes.

It’s always best to check in advance so you won’t be caught out though. If you’re flying within Europe on lower cost airlines, choose a dress that will fit in the largest carry-on size luggage option that they offer. In the name of all things sacred, do NOT risk putting your dress in the hold.

You could end up being the unlucky passenger who’s luggage ends up in Tanzania whilst you’re waiting at the carousel in Tenerife!

2 – Hire a wedding planner. It sounds boujie. And it is, a bit. Revel in it. But please hire one. Even if you’re getting married in France and you speak fluent French. Hire a planner. Or at the very least, hire someone to coordinate the suppliers, deal with invoices and payments and who will be there on the day.

Some venues come with planners and some catering companies come with planners. I personally prefer a planner that’s totally separate as they tend to be more tailored and focused to you but as long as you have some form of planner to help you with everything from your flowers to your photographer, they will be worth their weight in gold!

3 – Arrive one week before your wedding, where possible. It might sound like a lot, but as soon as you arrive, your holiday/wedding adrenaline kicks in and the reality hits, that you’re in a foreign country with only 7 days to go.

Give yourself this time, to get into the rhythm of the country, have your hair and makeup trial, meet your planner face to face if you haven’t done so already and have a final run through so you’re fully up to speed with the plans for the day and where everything is!

If you give yourself too little time, you’ll feel like you have to cram everything into a few days instead of enjoying the time.

Did you get married abroad? What are your top tips for future brides?!

Comment below.

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Booking an appointment at our 5* boutique could not be easier! Simply head to the contact page on our website and select your preferred date and appointment time. See you soon beautiful 😊

12/07/2024

❤️ DESTINATION WEDDINGS ❤️

Sometimes the weather doesn't always do what you want it to! 10 years ago, we had a gloriously warm (but not hot), still, peaceful beautiful day....

For our renewal in April, the heavens opened! But hey, that's life! When you're out in nature, particularly in Africa, you don't make the rules! So you just have to play the game!

We had two choices - have photos with the animals or not. You can see what we chose! I'm not going to lie, the champagne in the game vehicle helped 🤣🤌🏼

The point is, have fun no matter what the weather. You won't control it and you can choose to let it make or break your day. Remember, there is never bad weather. There is only weather and how you feel about it 👍🏼

Thank you for my beautiful custom dress
Thank you for my alterations
Thank you for braving the elements for our photos!
Thank you for the laughs, my gorgeous makeup and keeping my curls curling!
Thank you for hosting us 10 years on
Thank you for hosting our renewal 10 years on ❤️

29/06/2024

SUMMER SALE DAY ONE 🔥

Wow wow wow! Blown away by your choices!

Six brides said yes to SEVEN dresses today! I love it when brides make the most of our incredible offers and find their dream dresses at our sale events! 😍

Bring on DAY TWO tomorrow & EIGHT more brides on the hunt for their perfect dresses!

19/06/2024

DRESSES ADDED TO THE SALE! 😱❤️

Book Now - Sat 29th June - Mon 1st July!

We've had such an insane response to our sample sale next weekend, we've added more dresses!

Over 20 appointments spread across just 2 and a half days - WE'RE READY FOR YOU! Are you ready for us!?

EVERY DRESS £499!!!!! (Premium rail of dresses RRP £2200+ selling for only £999)

Sizes range from a UK6 to a UK26 so there really is something for everyone!

Which of these dresses is on your list to try!?

16/06/2024

WHAT, I ask you, is more London than a leg split, stunning colour pop heels and a black cab!? Correct. Absolutely nothing.

Laura, you NAILED your London vibe wedding. Everything about you has been a ray of bloody sunshine and I'm so chuffed to share your gorgeousness on my grid!

Fabulous 📸
Alterations 🧵 It's Sew Vintage

16/06/2024

My number one recommendation for planning an outdoor wedding in the UK or abroad is making sure you have a fabulous backup option, if the weather isn't in your favour on the day.

What will your ceremony look like if you have to move inside? Is the rain plan as beautiful as the sunshine plan? When is the latest you can make a call on moving inside?

Most venues in the UK have a glorious indoor option because let's face it, we have to! But if you're planning a destination wedding and thinking you'll be guaranteed sunshine, you may be caught off guard.

In some countries when it rains, its pours! Passing showers are endemic to our little United Kingdom but you may not be so lucky abroad, so its always good to know your options before signing on the dotted line!

Did you have an outdoor ceremony/reception? What is your number 1 tip for future brides to be?

Comment below 👇

11/06/2024

ESMARALDA ⭐️

This exquisite dropped waist gown with OBNOXIOUSLY large bow, will be joining the fam this summer and I can't wait! We have chosen the full ivory version however, this exquisite mikado gown can also be ordered in black/ivory or indeed full black for added drama! Wear her with or without her sensational bow!

Is she on your list to try!?

09/06/2024

Outdoor Weddings 🤌🏼

With destination weddings becoming ever more accessible and desirable, as well as our very own home-grown venues creating al fresco ceremony & dining spaces, it's never been easier to plan an outdoor wedding than it is right now! Good news for us Brits as we really do love a good soiree under the stars!

This month I'll be focusing on some of my favourite outdoor weddings courtesy of brides like my gorgeous Ami, featuring in this stunning photo from her Tuscan wedding. Ami wore dream dress ELISE by

Are you planning an al fresco wedding and if so, where are you planning it!? Comment below!

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06/06/2024

Saturday worker required!

Awesome, fun, 5-star rated bridal shop in Dorking high street seeks bubbly, sharp and super kind worker for our bridal assistant role that is becoming available from the first weekend in July. Would suit a college student looking for weekend work or a part-time worker looking for extra money in a lovely environment.

Job includes:

Unlimited soft drinks and banter
Awesome work culture
6 days paid holiday annually + days off as required (unpaid)
Extra work on Sunday's and midweek available if desired
Chance to visit bridal shows
Paid work for Wedding Exhibitions
Fun and friendly environment

Job Role:

Assisting the manager throughout appointments
Making drinks for guests
Preparing dresses for our brides to try and keeping them neat on the rails
Cleaning and tidying during between appointments
Joining in with opinions and advice when asked from brides
Generally being a delightful person to add sparkle to the boutique!

If you know anyone who might be looking for weekend work and you think they are lovely enough to be the right fit for our small and charming team, please email Hannah at '[email protected]' with a CV and why you are right for this job!

Hannah x

04/06/2024

DRIZZY 💜

Colour pops are BANG on trend and blending these summer brights with the ever evolving timeless/minimal trend that's still running riot in the bridal world, is right up my street!

I'm so obsessed with this dress, arriving THIS SUMMER, it's actually concerning, but I can't help it! Look how PRETTY! Striking and bold with a total splash of personality! It's giving classic with artistic license to thrill!

Stay tuned for the arrival of DRIZZY 💜

29/05/2024

REAL BRIDE 👰‍♀

My gorgeous bride Andrea wearing dream dress NADIEH with custom bow 😍

Andrea chose our boutique to visit as she works in Dorking too! So visiting us was easy and felt nice to keep things local! Her mum had flown in from Spain for her appointment which was fun for me to get in a little practise! Hola!

It was quite clear as soon as Andrea tried on her dress that she would probably be coming back for her - and she did! A stunning bride, inside and out, photographed by our lovely friend 📸

27/05/2024

NEW DESIGNS from NICOLA ANNE ✨️

We signed up with this fab British designer last autumn and started small with our collection that arrived early in 2024, with the intention of building throughout the year.

Well, I'm delighted to say, the time to build is NOW and we're adding 7 stunning pieces to a carefully curated collection from this British gem.

Nicola is Queen of the Separates and creates bridal dresses, skirts, jackets, boleros and sleeves that are all interchangeable and can be built up, giving you one look for the day and another for the evening!

Take the COCO mini dress for example and add the stunning ADORED high low skirt to create one apparently seamless wedding dress. In the evening, slip the skirt off and step into the party with this gorgeous bridal mini!

If you're looking for a clean and timeless wedding dress, cut to perfection but with a modern edge, come and checkout our full range this summer 2024!

24/05/2024

SUMMER SALE 2024

The £499 sale is BACK and it's bigger, sexier and better than ever before!

Every sample sale dress in store will be available to purchase for only £499 for one weekend only!

Book your space now for Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th June! First come first serve and spaces are limited!

The dresses going into the sale this year are another LEVEL and this will include dresses from both of our boutiques so plus sizes will be available too! Sample sizes will range from a UK6 to a UK28.

To book your spot, head to our contact page on our website and get booked in! Can't wait to have you!

Hannah & Team Bride

BRIDE by Aster is a beautiful & body positive wedding dress shop in Surrey. Our bridal boutique in Dorking focuses on a unique experience for our newly engaged brides looking for something special. Close to surrounding towns such as Ashtead, Reigate, Leatherhead, Epsom, Guildford, and Weybridge

23/05/2024

REAL BRIDE 🌟

My gorgeous girl is giving movie star vibes in dream dress ORLA with custom lace sleeves! This stunning crepe gown has gorgeous sheer cutouts in the waist to really emphasise your curves whilst the fabric hugs in all the right places!

Emily was married at last spring and accessorised her look with a dramatic veil and our petite pearl & crystal tiara.

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01/05/2024

Top 10 Minimal Style, Maximum Impact Wedding Dresses 🌟

Low price tag, high impact wedding dresses for the modern bride looking to keep things minimal but with maximum effect!

It’s no secret that minimal dresses are still on trend and show no signs of slowing down as we look forward to 2025.

Clean and sharp lines in fabrics of mikado, satin and crepe continue to dominate the bridal scene and it’s never been easier to find a super striking, quality, simple gown under £2000 that you can accessorise to have maximum impact, whilst adding a splash of your own personality.

Dramatic sleeves add flair and shape to a sleek and classy gown. Pops of colour and extra veils are the easiest way to add an ultra-modern and individual flair to your look. Choose a savage hair piece instead and go for a full bloom flower crown or something super glitzy and fun.

Which is your favourite dress from our collection!?

Comment below!

Dress 1 – Nadieh
Dress 2 – Grace
Dress 3 – Gretchen
Dress 4 – Chrissy
Dress 5 – Helene
Dress 6 – Raffaela
Dress 7 – Ritzy
Dress 8 – Anvi
Dress 9 – Rae
Dress 10 - Vigo

30/04/2024

REAL BRIDE 👰‍♀

Can we take a moment for Lianne looking absolutely unreal in dream dress KALINDA! 😭♥️

Lianne was a dream to work with; so sweet and lovely and just looked sensational in her dress! We accessorised with a mini pearl veil and a pair of dramatic pearl cascade earrings!

Her hubby looked super sharp in black tie and the venue, - never disappoints!

Stunning photography by

30/04/2024

We always change our make-up looks from season to season. There are times to pull out a smokey-eye & times to pull out a fierce pop of colour for your lips – sometimes they happen at the same time! But is there a ‘best practice’ for Spring makeup? Should we be prepping our skin differently? How can we achieve that quintessentially ‘pretty spring’ bridal look that? I’ve teamed up with airbrush makeup artist Tania Claire to get the low down on creating that perfect bridal look, for your spring wedding.

❓️Should I be doing anything in particular to prepare my skin for bridal makeup as we’re coming out of winter?

One of the most important things for you skin to look lovely & glowing after the harsh winter months is water & plenty of it. Hydrated skin means glowing skin. Moisturising is key & not just your face - your whole body. Don't suddenly change your face products though as you might breakout. Lips need attention as well - wear lip balm every day & if you have dry skin on your lips use a lip scrub a few times a week. Hands need lots of care after winter as you are going to see them in the pictures.

❓️ What colours would you suggest using for a classic spring look?

Natural neutral earthy tones with some soft pinks and a soft shimmer to make your eyes sparkle. Nothing too dark or smokey. If you really can't go without a smokey eye
use greys or browns and add a soft shimmer to brighten it up in the corner of the eye blending back towards the middle in either a neutral tone or a pinky tone. Keep skin
looking radiant by using a primer with illuminating properties add some highlighter on your cheekbones and soft pink blush to complete the look.

❓️ What is your favourite piece of kit this spring?

Too Faced 3 in 1 Hangover primer! It smells of coconut! It feels wonderfully refreshing and hydrates the skin ready for makeup to be applied. It can also be used as a
setting spray & makeup refresher during the day.

❓️Do you have any favourite lip colours for spring brides & what is on trend for this season?

Lips should look luscious so swap out your matte lippy for something with a sheen or gloss. Pinks, neutrals & corals are great. Charlotte Tilbury Dance Floor Princess is a favourite of mine for spring as well as Pillow Talk and
Penelope Pink!

29/04/2024

Throwing it right back to my gorgeous REAL BRIDE Emily, who wore dream dress DYNASTY for her big day! She had a bloody hatric of ace suppliers too (aside from us of course hehe)! behind the camera, on glam patrol and the end destination! Absolutely stunning day for a stunning bride 👰‍♀

28/04/2024

HANNAH'S TOP 3 FAVOURITE SPRING COLOUR PALETTES!

LAVENDER & BLUSH
PINK & YELLOW
POWDER BLUE, PEACH & GOLD

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Spring’? Do you see in colour? Do you imagine with words? Do you experience it as a feeling or a smell? No matter how you interpret the word ‘Spring’ or how it passes through your internal processor, there are few things better than a glorious Spring day in England!

The air is rich with the smell of fresh grass, flowers, blossoms. The landscape is as green as you could ever hope for and the promise of new life is all around. Spring is a fabulous time of year to plan your wedding, if nothing else for the abundance of fabulous florals available. (The food is another big reason but we’ll come onto that later!)

One of my favourite reasons to have a spring wedding, are the colour palette options. Pretty pastels are a given but don’t think you only have to pick one! Imagine a flower bed or a meadow filled with English flora – there are riots of colour all around and it’s easy to incorporate them into a tasteful and picture perfect Spring wedding theme.

(Side note – your colour ‘scheme’ and wedding ‘theme’ are different). Eg. Rustic, earthy & bohemian theme with a blush and burgundy colour palette. I’m big into themes and colour
schemes being kept separate as they do different things. A theme helps you design and style your wedding décor, pick your dress, choose the suits etc whilst the colour brings it all to life in the style you want!

Here are my top 3 Spring Colour Palettes with complimentary dresses available in our boutique!

Let me know in the comments which is your fave!

27/04/2024

REAL BRIDE 👰‍♂

Stunning Casey wearing dream dress LAVENDER - a lightly sparkling tulle gown - at her December wedding! How magical is this photo and shot of the newly married couple!? Absolute perfection!!!!!!

07/04/2024

Happy 10 years baby. Here's to the next 10! X

07/04/2024

Dresses that are simply perfect for a spring wedding in the UK!

BLOG POST - https://www.bridebyaster.com/blog

With a heavy focus on fun florals and soft colour palettes, checkout our latest blog showcasing our favourite spring wedding dresses and accessories to match!

It’s no secret that we love splashes of colour, fabulous florals, delicious fabrics and bold accessories. Wear everything
all at once or pick a stand out dress and keep your additional styling minimal to let your dress do the work.

Alternatively, why not go super plain and chic with your dress and add splashes of colour, 3D floral applique, flower crowns and playful jewellery to put that spring step into your bridal look!?

What is your favourite thing about spring?! Comment below!

14/02/2024

HAPPY VALENTINE'S ❤️

Our 15th Valentines Day shared and coming up to our 10 year anniversary. There is no one else I'd rather do life with than you. My business partner, my best friend and my rock. You and me until the end baba x

31/01/2024

RAFFAELLA ⭐️

Have you tried on our incredible dress RAFFAELLA yet?! Deep cuffs with buttons, plunge neckline, super stunning chiffon bishop sleeves and a relaxed fit chiffon skirt. Definitely one to add to your list!

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30/01/2024

REAL BRIDE 👰‍♀

My stunning bride Sophie wearing dream dress ELEONORA and looking absolute PERFECTION 😭❤️ Sophie accessorised with our pearl & light gold tiara to pick out the pearl beadwork on the belt. This gorgeous wedding at was photographed by the beautiful 📸