‘I take one look and know what works’

David Emanuel, 65, shot to fame when, along with ex-wife Elizabeth, he designed Princess Diana’s wedding dress.

What did you love most about this series?

Well, it’s pacey! I was given 24 hours with a bride, including choosing the dress and finding a location. But the nice thing is that I followed it all the way through to the actual wedding.

And haven’t you qualified as an ‘officiant’?

I have and I actually officiated at four of the weddings – including a gay marriage. It was excellent!

Is there a particular style that most brides want?

It used to be that everyone wanted the big princess dresses, and now they want a figurehugging fishtail. I say, ‘Well, darling. Will you be comfortable enough all day in a skintight dress?’ It all depends on the girl and it’s my job to sort it out.

What about second-timearound marriages, do you approach them differently?

Yes. I’d find it a little strange to put a white veil on an older bride, I’d suggest maybe some flowers for their hair. You’ve got to make her stand out because she’s the bride. But when a woman walks in, I take one look and I know what works straight away.

Do you ever get emotionally attached to your clients?

Of course! The one that sticks out most was the armed forces bride. She was in a wheelchair, following an injury. Oh my God, the courage she had. She wanted to walk down the aisle without her sticks, and when she did, everyone started crying! But you should get emotionally

involved, you can’t help it! Every bride has a story.

What’s different about Vegas weddings?

It’s literally 24/7 – you can get married at midnight, if you want to. I did a Scottish girl in the famous Little White Chapel, and she wanted an ‘Elvis’ to walk her down the aisle, but it was stressful because he didn’t arrive on time, and I’m there going, ‘Elvis! Where are you? You’re late.’

What are you doing after this?

Having a rest, darling! I’ve been in Vegas for a month…