Registry groomswear: Austin Reed

I realise the current trend for groomswear is enough to make a peacock blush - heavy embellishments, nostalgic Rajasthani embroideries and morning suits - but I have a feeling come Autumn/Winter, the look is going to be a lot more pared down. At least it is if Austin Reed's AW collection is anything to go by. I think you get a very good suit for the price - this one features a £265 jacket and the trousers are £110 - check out the sharp tailoring. Better still, it can be worn after the wedding day rather than sitting in his wardrobe as a pretty but expensive memento. They're currently running great deals in the sale, including 3 for 2 shirt offers - perfect for the groomsmen.

Super cute snap

In my line of work I've been lucky enough to meet some fantastic photographers. I've also learned a few valuable tricks, which is that you must make sure your photographer consistently produces good work, and will actually turn up on time. And I'm sorry, but it doesn't matter if your photographer is in the league of Annie Leibovitz, if they act like an arse, it is going to put a dampener on your day. What you're looking for is someone who can take good snaps, do good post-production work and is generally pleasant yet directive. I thought I had pretty much settled on booking my photographer, but I came across the work of Sanjay Jogia, who runs Eye Jogia Photography. I LOVE this picture of Viyona and Dipen, first for the quality, the way he's captured the light, that beautiful sky in the background and the sense of humour that accompanies the piece. Once wedding season calms down and I can book an appointment, watch this space.

BEATRIX ONG: Bespoke bridal shoes

Beatrix Ong has always been a shoe designer I've admired, but until I interviewed her the other day, I never knew just how nice she is. She's in the same league as Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, but what underlines her style are aesthetically beautiful yet comfortable shoes. She says: "For me it's always about comfort. I take care to make sure the shoe is balanced and that the interior is properly padded."

When I asked her about her about the high heels Vs flat debate for wedding shoes, she added: "There is nothing worse than painful feet when you've got a big day ahead of you, and your wedding day should be about comfort. Platforms are most popular for weddings, but it will depend on the style of your dress. Try and keep your foot supported, perhaps opt for a strap across the foot. Low slingbacks are harder to stand in, so be careful if you choose these for dancing."

The website has some stunning styles on there, but for a proper consultation, head down to the boutique. You can also enquire about bespoke shoes, which means you can even bring your own fabric, but ask Beatrix Ong to fashion it into a shoe. My tip is to have a look at the sale which is great for buying honeymoon-appropriate sandals, and make an appointment to discuss your requirements for your bridal shoes. The accessories are extremely adorable too.

DESIGNER PROFILE: Arinder Bhullar

Leicester-based designer Arinder Bhullar reaped a over a decade of hard work, as she scooped the Best Wedding Designer award at the International Asian Fashion Awards. It's a deserved achievement, and inspiring to other designers who didn't necessarily start out in the trade - she used to work in publishing. The Asian Wedding Editor's Guide caught up with the busy designer for a quick catch-up. 

What sets your collection apart?

I only do bespoke outfits, which means they are unique and tailored to the bride. Style-wise, it's a mixed fusion. I tend to add traditional palettes and patterns to English bridal designs. 

How many collections do you do a year?

I do two collections - spring/summer and autumn/winter. I've noticed that there are a lot more autumn/winter brides these days as venues tend to get booked up a lot faster than they used to. My winter collection this year features a lot of velvets, brocades and antique-looks, using darker shades. 

Not every bride has the figure of a magazine model. What advice would you give to brides who are worried about finding the right shape to suit their frame? 

The beauty of bespoke is that you work with the designer to find something that will suit you exactly. I've had clients of all sizes; some might have a small waist but wider hips. It really depends. Empire lines are great for cinching waists, and even though some women are worried about pulling off fish tails, if something is made to your figure, you'd be surprised how amazing it can look. 

Ultra cool bags: bridesmaid or wife-to-be presents

Look fellas, I know some of you read the blog. And if you are, take a leaf out of my fiance Rob's book and buy your other half one of these ultra-cool bags designed by South African-based bag aficionado Sian Louise Levieux. I already own Emily's Momo Tote (picture above) but Rob gave me Poo's Toile Toile (pictured below) as a present. Made from 80% reclaimed material and leather, they are beautifully designed, with incredible attention-to-detail and durable straps. Every time I take one out with me as an accessory, someone always comments on it and ends with: "where can I get one?" The perfect 'thank you for being my bridesmaid and forbidding me from wearing that meringue dress' present, or from your groom, a great 'thank you for organising the whole wedding and running around like a bat out of hell.' SA prices might be different, but when ordering from England they are £36 incl, postage and packaging. I can arrange the orders through Rob, or you can visit her page directly on Facebook.

Honeymoon hotel: Singapore

 The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Singapore isn't exactly a destination break for honeymooners, but for those stopping over in the city for a couple of nights, there's a brand new hotel on the block. The Fullerton Bay Hotel, which overlooks the marina, is an absolute beauty with vast ceilings, modern decor and spaces that incorporate the older, scenic parts of the city. Designed by Andre Fu, a big draw is the rooftop bar that catches Singapore's skyline in its gaze. Deluxe rooms start from £378 excluding taxes.

20% saving on Hen Do farmhouse

La Vinya Gran, Mallorca

Hen do or Hag do, Mallorca Farmhouses are offering 20 per cent off their self-catering properties. A favourite includes La Vinya Gran, a five-bedroom property, which has its own gym, 4 bathrooms, private pool and tennis court. It's also near Puerto Pollenca, which is non-cheesy bars and brilliant beaches. For a week (group size: 10 people) it costs £240 per person, and considering flights to Mallorca are cheap as chips, it's great for a mates holiday.  My favourite bit is that the company can arrange for a private chef for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.