Kuoni to sponsor V&A’s flagship Wedding Dresses exhibition

Kuoni has formed a prestigious new partnership with the V&A to become a main sponsor of its flagship Wedding Dresses 1775-2014 exhibition, opening on May 3.

Pictured is a satin wedding dress by Catherine Rayner, 1996. Photography Nik Hartley

The exhibition, which runs from May 3 – March 15, 2015 at the V&A, Kensington, London, will trace the development of the fashionable wedding dress over the last two centuries with interpretations from leading designers including Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang and Dior.

It will feature 80 of the most romantic, glamorous and extravagant wedding outfits from the V&A’s collection. Dresses worn by celebrities and royalty from Gwen Staffani to the Duchess of Cornwall will be on display.

Wedding Dresses 1775-2014 will also explore the growth of the wedding industry and the effect of increasing media focus on wedding fashions.

Derek Jones, Kuoni managing director, said: “A partnership of this scale is designed to assert our position as the UK’s leading worldwide travel company – and keep us front of mind for anyone planning a honeymoon, wedding abroad or special occasion holiday.”

“The V&A is a perfect fit for our brand and the wedding dresses exhibition is being backed by a high-profile marketing and publicity campaign which will give us high visibility throughout the UK.”

“It’s not just people getting married that love looking at wedding dresses. From society to celebrity, people have been fascinated by weddings for centuries and this is a celebration of the whole story of a wedding. The natural extension to any wedding is, of course, the honeymoon which is why this is a perfect partnership for us.”

Kuoni will use the exhibition to highlight changing honeymoon trends over the years and the rise of special occasion travel.

Wedding Dresses 1775-2014, takes place at the V&A, Kensington from May 3 – March 15, 2015. The V&A is open daily from 10am to 5.45pm and until 10pm every Friday. Tickets cost £12 (concessions available). For bookings call 0207 420 9736 or visit www.vam.ac.uk