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From Tel Aviv to the World: Celebrating 40 Years of Galia Lahav

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Galia Lahav has long been one of THE most beloved bridal designers here on STG. A proudly female-founded brand with deep Jewish and Israeli roots (did you know that to this day each and every gown is handcrafted in Israel?!), Galia Lahav is known for creating some of the most exquisite, fashion-forward wedding gowns out there – just browse through some of the many Galia Lahav brides we’ve featured over the years.

These are dresses for the bride who knows who she is and isn’t afraid to be unapologetically herself – in other words, the kind of bride who absolutely embodies “your Jewish wedding your way.”

And we’re so thrilled that this year marks the brand’s 40th anniversary! While Israeli bridal fashion is de rigeur these days, back then designers from Tel Aviv were pretty much unheard of on the international scene. But from a tiny Tel Aviv Studio, Galia Lahav was born from the eponymous founder’s unwavering belief that Israeli design could stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading fashion houses. This was a bold idea at the time, and in some ways it feels even bolder now – but against all odds, Galia Lahav set the stage for the unlikely (but totally fabulous!) rise of international Israeli couture, in the wedding world and beyond. 

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The Top 5 Ways to Cover Your Shoulders Under the Chuppah in 2026

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Tonic bolero by Galia Lahav

From pearl-dusted couture boleros to barely-there detachable details, shoulder coverage for the chuppah has officially entered its fashion-forward era. Today’s Jewish brides are embracing clever, removable layers that honor tradition and personal style – without compromising on the dress of their dreams.

Ben and Lauren, Kin House, Wiltshire, UK

Lauren‘s shrug | Photo by Natalie J Weddings

Whether you’re drawn to timeless elegance, modern minimalism, or a touch of drama, there are more beautiful options than ever before for ceremony-ready coverage that feels intentional, elevated, and unmistakably bridal. Here are our top five chic, modern ways to cover your shoulders under the chuppah in 2026 – and look effortlessly stylish while doing it.

Sydney-and-Chaim-The-Estate-at-Florentine-Gardens-River-Vale-New-Jersey-USA
Sydney‘s bolero | Photo by Alex Knight Studio 

1. Brilliant Boleros 

A timeless and elegant choice for brides who want to keep their shoulders covered under the chuppah, boleros add structure and sophistication without overwhelming your gown – and there are so many options, whether you’re going for a classic princess look or something sleek and modern. 

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From Tel Aviv to Mayfair: Galia Lahav’s London Flagship Brings Israeli Bridal Style to the UK

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Smashing The Glass brides have long been enamored with Israeli bridal fashion – and over the past nearly two years, we’ve been seeing more and more couples looking to bring a little Israeli flair into the big day by incorporating Israeli style and supporting Israeli businesses.

If that’s you – and you’re based in the UK – we’ve got some exciting news: Israeli luxury bridal brand Galia Lahav, beloved by the many STG brides who’ve chosen the mega-talented designer for their own weddings and global icons alike (think Beyoncé, Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Simone Biles), has opened its first-ever UK flagship store right in the heart of London’s iconic Mayfair.

London’s Most Luxurious Bridal Destination

Located in a historic Mayfair building that was once home to none other than Audrey Hepburn, Galia Lahav’s London flagship brings the most luxurious bridal shopping experience to the heart of the UK.

A 3,800 square foot haven of elegance and intimacy, it offers unparalleled service, exclusive in-store events, and bespoke gown customization options, all within a lavish and intimate setting designed to make brides feel truly special.

With its sleek, modern aesthetic and swoon-worthy collection of gowns, the store offers an extraordinary experience that blends Galia Lahav‘s signature craftsmanship with cutting-edge luxury.

Team STG had the chance to visit the store in person, and even as bridal fashion shopping connoisseurs who’ve seen a lot over the years, we were truly blown away by just how impeccably curated every single detail is. This really is the luxury bridal shopping experience of your dreams.

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Find the Dress of Your Dreams for Less at Mirror Mirror London’s Exclusive Sample Sale Salon

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Photo by Voyteck Photography

London’s Mirror Mirror has long been a favourite destination for Jewish brides. From their exquisitely curated selection of gowns to their above-and-beyond customer service, we hear so many rave reviews from STG brides – and we couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce you to Mirror Mirror’s exclusive Sample Sale Salon, a unique offering that ensures you can walk down the aisle in a stunning designer dress without stretching your budget.

The Sample Sale Salon is the go-to destination for dreamy dresses from the likes of Pronovias, Sassi Holford, Millanova, and more – for a fraction of full price. And it’s open all year round, Monday through Friday, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on a sample sale due to a tighter wedding planning schedule.

Discover Unmatched Elegance

Mirror Mirror’s Sample Sale Salon is not your typical sample sale. Instead, it’s a dedicated room, open every week Monday through Friday, brimming with the latest reduced gowns, all in impeccable condition. These dresses offer the exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious fabrics you expect from top designers like Pronovias, Sassi Holford, Millanova, Gemy Maalouf, Eliza Jane Howell, and Nicole Milano – all for 20-70% less than full price.

The Perfect Fit

Most of Mirror Mirror’s sample gowns are a generous UK size, with a few in size 16, and they can usually be sized down by up to two sizes. And with Mirror Mirror’s onsite atelier, customizations and alterations couldn’t be easier. Whether you need adjustments for a perfect fit or wish to add personalized touches, their expert team is on hand to help you create a gown that feels uniquely yours.

Ideal for Short Lead Times

The Sample Sale Salon is perfect for Jewish brides planning their weddings with shorter lead times, offering a range of beautiful gowns that are ready to go. Plus, because these dresses are significantly reduced – often at half price or less – you’ll have extra room in your budget to invest in any special customizations or additions required.

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What Happened When I Spent a Day at a Top London Bridal Boutique

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Photo by Voyteck Photography

Mirror Mirror has long been one of my very favourite London bridal boutiques – from their fabulous range of handpicked designs to their bespoke service to their familiarity with all the ins and outs of Jewish weddings, there’s really no place like it. And it isn’t just me who thinks so – Mirror Mirror is a fan favourite with Smashing The Glass’s UK brides, and we’ve been privileged to feature many of their weddings right here on the blog. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a day at Mirror Mirror living out the dream wedding dress shopping experience myself and filming some fun Reels about it – and everything was so fabulous, I truly wish I had occasion to get married all over again (to Mr. STG, of course!) just so I could take home one of their exquisite gowns for my very own. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to wedding dress shop at THE go-to destination for London’s Jewish brides, I’m so thrilled to take you along with me – read on to check out the fab Reels I created with the Mirror Mirror team and to hear why Mirror Mirror’s truly got it all!

A Day in the Life

With an exceptional range of 8 international designers, showcasing styles from classic minimalism to soft boho vibes to super-glam opulent gowns, plus in-house alterations, accessories, stunning chuppah cover-ups and 34 years of excellence dressing brides and celebrities, Mirror Mirror is one of the very best boutiques for Jewish brides. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

I’ve visited Mirror Mirror many times since founding Smashing The Glass, but this was the first time I’d had a chance to try on one of their lovely gowns.  From the warm welcome I received the moment I walked in, I couldn’t have felt more at home. 

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