Get married in SW1X

Modern or antique? Minimalist or full-on bling? When it comes to wedding bands and engagement rings – for both men and women – we’re spoiled for choice. Traditionally, the ring is presented at the proposal, but many couples are choosing to shop together after the question is popped. According to a survey by Aspire Diamonds, 37 per cent of women questioned stated that they had chosen their own engagement ring. But whether you’re shopping with your significant other in mind or as a recently betrothed couple, Knightsbridge is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind finds.

The jewellery department at Harrods is the stuff of legend; home to fine jewellery from wedding favourites such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Boucheron and Chopard. For vintage versions from brands like these, try family-owned independent jewellers Theodore’s Collection on Brompton Road. For wallet-friendly alternatives – ideal for brides who are after something more sculptural and contemporary – Harvey Nichols stocks a range of bling from hip young designers such as Roxanne First, Laura Vann and Dinny Hall. Some of these unique pieces clock in at less than £100, so you can splash the cash on other must-haves. But if money is no object, then head over to Samer Halimeh New York. The Lebanese-American designer is one of the industry’s most sought-after diamond specialists, who sources some truly spectacular stones. So, if you’re after rare, coloured stones, multiple carats in a flawless setting and diamonds the size of baubles, Samer Halimeh is your man.

Choosing the dress is one of the biggest and most important decisions in the run-up to your wedding. Some women have been dreaming of their fairytale dress since primary school, while others take a more laissez-faire approach. We’ve never been blessed with so much choice, from high end to high street, but with so many options to choose from, it can be a daunting task – and that’s even before your mother-in-law wades in with her opinions.

If you want to go traditional, one of the country’s most acclaimed independent wedding dress designers is on our doorstep. Caroline Castigliano has been based on Brompton Road for over 30 years and the award-winning designer specialises in feminine gowns with luxurious accents, handcrafted in the UK. If you’re on a budget or are planning a low-key affair, try Reiss, Ted Baker or AllSaints. These high street favourites have beautiful occasionwear that could easily tick the bridal box. Even a Zara trouser suit can look effortlessly stylish for a registry office service (if it’s good enough for Emily Ratajkowski, after all…)

Bridging the gap between high end and high street are Harrods and Harvey Nichols. The former has a dedicated online Wedding Boutique, encompassing everything a bride or groom could possibly need: from fragrance to dresses, handbags and shoes to lingerie. Harvey Nichols has a similar offering for men and women, including alternative bridal styles such as slinky satin jumpsuits from Galvan and playful feather-trimmed dresses by 16 Arlington. Finally, they say you can tell a lot about a man from his shoes, and never more so than on his wedding day. Shop timeless, beautifully crafted dress shoes from Church’s and Crockett & Jones, both found on Brompton Road.

It’s no easy feat settling on a wedding venue that ticks all the boxes. But so long as you and your partner are on the same page – barefoot beach or rustic barn? church or registry office? – then visiting potential venues is all part of the fun. In Knightsbridge, the majority of wedding venues come in the form of the area’s many splendid five-star hotels (more on those later), but did you know that you can also get married in spectacular style at the V&A? There are four spaces within the Grade I-listed building licensed to host weddings and civil partnerships. What’s more, your booking will directly support the museum’s invaluable research – but the bad news is that you may be upstaged by your surroundings.

For Catholic couples, the London Oratory on Brompton Road is a beautiful and timeless venue, but enquiries to wed here must be made in person. Trendy private members club Pavilion also offers one of the coolest venues in town with its indoor-outdoor terrace and cocktail bar.

Evoking old-school glamour with a touch of A-list magic is the London hotel wedding. It’s easy to see why five-star hotels make a desirable option as they guarantee a luxurious setting, excellent food and drink menus and the presence of a dedicated hospitality team. Plus, you’ll have somewhere beautiful (and close by) to crash at the end of the night. Hotel venues in Knightsbridge include The Berkeley – where you’ve got the option of having a custom cake made by acclaimed pastry chef Cédric Grolet – and the Bulgari Hotel, surely one of the chicest addresses in London. Similarly, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London is one of the most prestigious options for both small and large-scale ceremonies. If you are pushing the boat out (it is your big day, after all), then book the stunning ballroom, which has hosted royalty and high-profile society events. Couples who choose this option can now use the private Royal Entrance from Hyde Park, which is normally the preserve of members of the Royal Family. The Hyde Park Terrace is also a stunning alfresco option that feels a world away from the bustling city – just keep your fingers crossed for good weather. Finally, The Lanesborough offers the quintessential English Regency manor experience with seven venues ranging from the intimate wine cellar to the resplendent Great Hall. The hotel even offers the services of an exclusive in-house couturier to design your dream gown; the legendary bridal designer Bruce Oldfield OBE, who has created bespoke dresses for everyone from Diana, Princess of Wales to Kim Kardashian. So, you know you’re in safe hands from day one.