Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

Home > Advice + Planning > Bridal style

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

by

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.

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

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

by

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. 

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

My Favourite Jewish Wedding Dresses from The Wedding Club X Berta FW23 Runway Show

by

I’m so excited to report back from THE wedding event of the season: the Wedding Club X Berta FW23 Runway Show at the Bvlgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. 

Israeli bridal designer Berta is so popular with STG readers – you can see past Berta brides’ weddings we’ve featured here – as is beloved #STGvendor The Wedding Club, one of London’s top bridal boutiques.

The Wedding Club also happens to be Berta’s exclusive stockist here in London, so if you’re as smitten with this fabulous new collection as I am, reach out to The Wedding Club ASAP to book your appointment. 

Berta’s dresses are truly the epitome of luxury, each one handmade from the finest fabrics in Berta’s studio.

I was absolutely blown away by the elegance and sophistication of the designs I saw.

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

How to Find the Perfect Dress for Your Jewish Wedding

by

Photo by Varna Studios

Wedding dress shopping… it’s one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning, yet it can also be one of the most overwhelming. For those of us who aren’t in a position to buy couture on the regular, wedding dress shopping will likely be a whole new world. There’s lots to learn – and, potentially, lots of pressures to navigate, too.

That’s why I’ve chatted with Maria Yiannikaris, cofounder of beloved London bridal boutique Mirror Mirror London, about some of her top tips for making your shopping experience as smooth as it can be. Mirror Mirror is one of the very best options for finding your dream dress in London – or even, dare I say it, the entire world!

And with over 30 years of experience running Mirror Mirror, Maria knows more about the ins and outs of wedding dress shopping than just about anyone. Plus, her ethos of helping each bride to look and feel her most beautiful, confident self on her wedding day couldn’t be any more aligned with ours here at Smashing The Glass!

Photo by Voyteck Photography

Do Your Research

Get a Sense of Your Preferred Styles

Figuring out what looks you like best -and which brands design them- will make it easier to decide which bridal salons to hit up. You can find inspo on Pinterest, in bridal magazines, in past real wedding features on Smashing The Glass, and on boutiques’ websites. And be sure to note any designers (and even style numbers) you’re particularly smitten with.

Knowing which designers you like and which don’t speak to you as much will also make it easier to figure out which shops to visit. A lot of boutiques will carry the full spectrum of styles – Mirror Mirror carries a fabulous range of 8 international designers, showcasing styles from classic minimalism to soft boho vibes or a truly opulent gow – but some have a more narrow focus. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

Shop Your Closet

Well, not exactly. But taking a look at the clothes you already own can be helpful in trying to decide what silhouettes will work best for you. If there are certain similarities in a lot of the items you already own, let those elements guide you. It can also be helpful to think about physical features you’d like your dress to highlight.

Photo by Varna Studios

Brush Up on Dress Terminology

It’ll be easier communicating your preferences at appointments if you know a mermaid from an A line.

Photo by Varna Studios

Know Your Wedding Theme and Venue

Knowing your venue and vibe before you start shopping will make it easier to choose the right dress.

Photo by Varna Studios

Find Out about Religious Restrictions

If you’re having a religious ceremony, check with your rabbi to find out if there are any attire guidelines you’re required to follow, such as covering your shoulders for the chuppah. 

If you do find yourself in need of a chuppah coverup to add to your bridal ensemble, it’s smart to shop someplace where the team is experienced working with Jewish brides. Mirror Mirror, for example, has a wonderful, longstanding relationship with London’s Jewish community, and all of their stylists are well-versed in the needs of brides from Orthodox to Jew-ish.

Photo by Varna Studios

Figure Out Your Budget 

Before your first appointment, figure out how much you’re able to spend on your gown – and choose where to shop accordingly. For instance, Mirror Mirror offers gowns ranging in price from £1850 – £8000.

Photo by Varna Studios

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Instagram Live Recap: Handbags to Hold Your Jewish Life {with Designer Sharon Wilkes}

by

I’m delighted to share with you my latest Instagram Live with the wonderful Sharon Wilkes, an incredibly talented handbag designer with awesome new line of bridal handbags – plus some truly fabulous Jewish-themed bags!

https://sharonwilkes.com/collections/allbagsview/products/jerusalem-marilyn

Jerusalem Marilyn Bag | Photo © Tony Powell

She’s filling a much-needed gap with her show-stopping bags with a personal touch.

Tel Aviv Tote (email or DM Sharon to order) | Photo © Tony Powell

A committed Zionist, Sharon’s a longtime supporter of Shenkar College in Israel, and she’s worked with some up-and-coming young talents from Shenkar on some of her designs.

Gold Brocade Marian Bag | Photo © Andrew Werner

A Smashing Beginning

Sharon and I first connected when we featured her daughter Micaela’s wedding on Smashing The Glass – Sharon designed and sewed Micaela’s beautiful gown, and also crafted this adorable custom bridal bag for her featuring the couple’s beloved beagle Loki recreated in sequins! Though Sharon’s long worked in fashion, it was that Loki bag that inspired her to get into bridal bags in a big way – and I’m so in awe of what she’s accomplished! 

Destination-Jewish-Wedding-at-the-Great-Synagogue-of-Rome-and-the-St-Regis-Rome-Italy

Micaela and Zac’s Jewish wedding | Photo © David Bastianoni

All in the Family

We chatted about Sharon’s incredible family story working in couture in Vienna before the war – and how her grandparents’ Italian fashion contacts helped them escape Austria in 1939. 

 Tel Aviv Marilyn Bag | © Tony Powell

Quality Construction

Then we got to see some bags! I’m absolutely obsessed with Sharon’s sparkly Tel Aviv evening bag – and the quality and craftsmanship is absolutely exquisite. All of Sharon’s bags are manufactured ethically in Italy, and the level of workmanship is just beyond. 

Jerusalem Tote (email or DM Sharon to order) | Photo © Tony Powell

Sharon showed us some of the details that really show the quality of her bags, and it’s just incredible. I also love her commitment to working with factories that treat their employees well and pay them fairly – such a rare thing in today’s world, but so important.

Continue ReadingContinue Reading