After new seasons of The Buccaneers and The Gilded Age once again spotlighted Anglo-American weddings, it felt like we've been in what we like to call an American Duchess Summer. Which made us think back to one of our favorite cities. Taylor Swift may have gone from "London Boy" to "So Long, London," but we'll always look across the pond for wedding inspiration. With so much wedding-focused fashion coming out of the U.K. capital—think Vivienne Westwood, Jenny Packham, and Emilia Wickstead—we created a bridal guide to the city, and are back to highlight one of our favorite wedding venues and share things that everyone in a wedding party can enjoy.
Notting hill; Secrets & Spies afternoon tea at Raffles London; the view from The Guards Bar.
When to Go
London is one of those cities that can be enjoyed all year, but—like New York—its best seasons are in the spring and fall. However, if a winter wedding is what's wanted, don't rule out the coldest season. England does cozy cottage-core like no other, and the holiday decorations are always next-level.
The Granville Suite.
Where to Stay
For a modern-feeling yet historic venue that hasn't been overly seen and has an ultra-luxe clientele, look at Raffles London at The OWO. Located in the former Old War Office in Whitehall, this hotel is a history buff and Anglophile’s dream—and featuring 120 rooms and 39 suites, it has the option to be bought out for full weddings. One of its many claims to fame is that it includes Winston Churchill's office, where he decided the exact date of D Day. It's been turned into a suite, so it can easily be used as a groom's getting ready space or reserved for a wedding night.
We tested out a corner suite, which was named after two female spies who aided the British government. Each luxury suite comes with a butler, which can be accessed nearly 24/7 via WhatsApp.
The Grand Staircase.
When looking at wedding spaces, The Whitehall Ballroom is a truly blank canvas that is well-prepped for large nuptials. And The Lawrence is the perfect renovated cocktail hour or sleek ceremony space. However, we would really love to see a wedding on the historic staircase that anchors the hotel. It's where everyone would listen to Churchill's addresses, and today, a marvelous Italian chandelier hangs above. And when it comes to the after-party, start at The Spy Bar, housed in rooms once used by MI5. This could also be an epic getting ready spot for the groom and couple’s portraits.
Mauro Colagreco.
Where to Eat
With 85 Michelin-starred restaurants in London, it's an ideal city for foodies to wed in. And if festivities are hosted at Raffles London at The OWO, be sure to treat guests to Mauro Colagreco, awarded with one star. The tasting menu offerings (which change often) with wine and non-alcoholic wine pairings available, will amaze loved ones with inventive presentation and unique flavor combinations. Mauro's Table—a private room that can seat up to 20—is the ideal choice for intimate parties and has a window looking into the open show kitchen. In either room, be sure not to snack and leave a lot of room for dessert—no one will complain about feeling hungry after the last course.
Not into fancy fine dining? Host a seated meal at Saison by Mauro Colagreco, which features an elevated menu with a Mediterranean flair—we personally recommend the lobster bolognese. It's also said that Ian Fleming often wrote in this room—when it was the Old War Office—so it's no stretch to imagine that Bond's adventures were penned here.
Raffles pool.
Things to Do
"Do not miss the pool," is not something we thought we'd be saying about a city hotel, but this time it's true. With double story ceilings and a luxe-spa feel, the 20m indoor pool at Raffles London at The OWO is a must. With Pillar Wellbeing behind the wellness activations of the hotel, book private exercise classes for wedding parties or refuel at Pillar Kitchen.
The beauty-obsessed have to try the Guerlain Spa and Atelier, where one can prep for a wedding in a professional-grade salon with exquisite lighting. Think of the selfies and the getting ready photos! The spa itself spans four floors and will leave even the most stressed bridesmaid feeling invincible. We recommend the Tailor-Made Treatments, so the experiences are personalized to everyone's needs.
Different corners of the Annina store in London.
What to Pack
As we head into autumn, we recommend layers like those found in our Fall Fashion Edit. And if we're really sticking with a theme, shop England-based brands like Annina Dirndl, Emilia Wickstead, Sharland England, Wedgwood, and more on Over The Moon.
