1 real bride's MARBELLA MOMENT
We chatted to Real Bride Olivia about her Marbella Hen. Hear about her sisters MOH triumph and theme planning.
1. Tell us about YOU; who are you, where do you live and what do you do?
Iâm Olivia! Iâm a Social Strategist working at Vogue Magazine and currently living between London and Somerset - the best of both worlds!
2. When and where did you get married?
Weâre getting married on the 29th July 2025 at The Rectory, in the Cotswolds. Weâre so excited to host our nearest and dearest for an intimate 2 day celebration where weâll have a Summer Florals welcome party by the pool and our dreamy English Countryside wedding on the 29th, followed by a lot of dancing and celebrating!
3. Tell us about your Bachelorette? Where did you go? Who did you go with?
My bachelorette took place in May 2025 where my absolute dream of a sister (also my maid of honour) alongside my best friend (head bridesmaid) planned an extra long weekend to Marbella for myself and my closest friends. We left on Friday afternoon and by 10pm were dressed ready for our right night in Puerto Banus, and from then everything was planned to perfection, from poolside yoga by our infinity pool overlooking the harbour to a butler in the buff accompanied by cocktail making an paella - each day was amazing.
4. Did you have a theme, what was the vibe, how did you choose the aesthetic?
My maid of honour and head bridesmaid chose all the themes, popping below:
Friday: Travel in all black, bride in white
Friday night: Margaritas and Matrimony
Saturday day: Till death to us party (black) bride in white
Saturday night: Vivia Las Marbella (red) bride in white
Sunday: Something blue (blue) bride in white
Sunday night: Denim and diamonds - bride in white
Monday: Once upon a hen (pink) bride in white
Monday night: Champagne and shimmers (sparkles) bride in white
5. What did you wear? Give us all the details?
Friday travel: Noughts and Kisses blazer set, bride hat
Friday night: Bow dress by Meshki, YSL heels
Saturday day: Gigi and Olive personalised sarong âMrs Harper-Lowerâ with Sueur Chaleur Swimsuit in white
Saturday night: Calabasas dress by Melrose Haus
Sunday morning: Gigi and Olive personalised tank âMrs Harper-Lowerâ, Gigi and Olive âMarrige Materialâ hat and shorts for yoga.
Sunday day: Oh Polly Pearl Bikini, Pearl Bralette by Blubella, Chanel sunglasses, White train skirt by Festigirl
Sunday night: White Casablanca dress by Eliya The Label
Monday day: Melissa Phair Backless Maxi dress with âI Doâ onepiece by Lovers and Friends
Monday night: Adoria sequin dress by Meshki
Tuesday morning: Gigi and Olive x Away That Day Sardinia Bikini âMrs H-Lâ
Tuesday travel: Six Stories Destination Bride Tracksuit
6. How involved were you in the organisation? (Type A Bride or did you let your MOH take
charge?)
I always had my heart set on Marbella, so I asked my MOH that my Bach would take place here, then she took it away with planning my MOH and HB. Back when my sister and I were younger and would holiday with our family in Marbella, we would walk along the seafront and look into the boujee beach clubs, we would always say to eachother, when were older we need to do our Bach parties here - and she remembered this and ran with it to the max! I was so blown away! They both really planned everything else on their own from each
beachclub to the finer details and merch! It was perfect!
7. What was your most expensive purchase? Was it worth it?
Probably my cream YSL opium heels, these were a bridal purchase I plan on wearing for a lot of occasions, but I really wanted them for Marbella as they were the cherry on the cake for some of my evening looks! Alongside this, I wanted to invest in my cover ups and swimwear so took to Revolve and Melissa Phair to invest in some pieces that would last the Bach but also into the future! It was all worth the investment!
My wedges!! My head bridesmaid will laugh because we formed an emotional bond to our pairs of wedges on my Harper-Lower Bach! But they came through and elevated every outfit, so PSA to brides, pack those wedges if youâre heading to pool and beachclubs! They donât need to be expensive but theyâre such a confidence boost and elevate a swim look!
9. Did you do anything special for your group that you would recommend to other Brides?
We organised to have blow-dries before we took to the airport to catch our flight! This was a game changer and bought the vibes and got us all excited. Would really recommend this as not only does it bring you all together and pamper you all before a fun weekend but it made us all feel great having
I also made sure I packed cans of margaritas and our custom Gigi and Olive fans in my case that were easily accessible for a quick drink whilst we waited for our transfer!
our hair done for everything we had in store!
I also made sure I packed cans of margaritas and our custom Gigi and Olive fans in my case that were easily accessible for a quick drink whilst we waited for our transfer!
10. Anything you would change?
Absolutely nothing!
11. What are your 3 top tips to other brides planning their Bach?
Have trust in your bridal party, give them all the information you want them to have but
Plan! Those! Fits! Get a powerpoint split out day by day and activity by activity, youâll find
Let loose! This is your time, get on the table, dance on the beds, pool or wherever you are! I
theyâre your besties and know you inside out. Iâm so thankful to mine for everything they did
from big moments to tiny decor details - if they know you, theyâll get it right!
Plan! Those! Fits! Get a powerpoint split out day by day and activity by activity, youâll find
yourself wanting to buy so many outfits for your Bach but youâll be limited to days so want to make sure you have the best refined list and get everything worn! Pre planning everything day by day made sure I was able to wear all my looks and get everything in!
Let loose! This is your time, get on the table, dance on the beds, pool or wherever you are! I
had the time of my life letting loose with those that mean the world to me and when you get
home youâll want to do it all over again so just remember to live in the moment!
12. 3 things from G&O on your Wishlist?
1. Gigi and Olive x Away That Day Cannes One Piece for my Santorini Honeymoon (plus, using any opportunity to personlise my new last name!)
3. âJust Marriedâ Fan! If thereâs one thing iâve learnt from my Bach it was that a fan is THE moment, so any excuse to keep using fans into the wedding and honeymoon! Get that fan shot girls!
2. âThe Brideâ phonecase for my wedding week - in case it wasnât obvious that itâs my wedding!
3. âJust Marriedâ Fan! If thereâs one thing iâve learnt from my Bach it was that a fan is THE moment, so any excuse to keep using fans into the wedding and honeymoon! Get that fan shot girls!
Follow Bride Olivia on Instagram (@livlower)
