My Wedding Planner 2011

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Wedding MY

PLANNER

Your guide to local wedding services and facilities everything you need to make your special day perfect!

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Wedding

West lancashire’s Premier

and Function Venue

Hold your fabulous wedding event for under £3000 Price based on 40 guests attending your wedding breakfast and 80 guests attending evening buffet for Friday or Saturday weddings Also midweek wedding pAckAges available from £25per person

your CoMPlete PaCKage inCludes: a drink on arrival for all your guests 3 course meal to include coffee 2 glasses of wine with your meal a glass of sparkling wine for the toast an evening buffet for your guests a master of ceremonies for your entire day Hire of the function room for the day Chair covers with colour co-ordinated organza for your wedding breakfast the honeymoon suite for the bride & groom The ideal venue centrally located in the historic village of Lathom with perfect country setting, only 15 minutes drive from Switch Island and Southport town centre

1091773

Briars Hall Hotel Briars lane, Nr ormskirk lancs l40 5tH

tel: 01704 892368 www.briarshallhotel.co.uk

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Introduction

So you’ve taken the plunge and decided to get married … congratulations!

Editor Louisa Austin Advertising Paul Palmer Design Mike Rose PUBLISHED BY

Champion Media Group

Clare House, 166 Lord Street, Southport, PR9 0QA Telephone : 01704 392 392

www.champnews.com © 2010 CMG. All rights reserved.

Information contained herein believed correct at time of going to press but subject to change without notice. E&OE.

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Planning your wedding to the one you love and want to spend the rest of your life with is an extremely exciting time, if not slightly daunting.

After the engagement celebrations the bride-and-groomto-be face months of research, decisions and spending to ensure the big day does not disappoint.

My Wedding Planner will guide you through the most important elements of your wedding to consider – the cake, the venue, the dress, the reception, through to the hair and makeup, photography and reception – and everything in between.

Wedding plans can sometime cause stress and tension in the family, with everyone having their own ideas of how it should be done. Remember to include your family and friends in your plans – they may even have some good ideas – but do not let them take over.

It is your day so everything should be just as you want it. Take a deep breath and make the most of all the expert services available to you. This guide will ease you through the decision-making process, provide you with a wealth of tips, advice and information and hopefully make your wedding planning as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

If in doubt, ask one of the experts featured in this guide.

They all have a wealth of experience and will be able to answer all your burning questions.

You will remember your wedding day for the rest of your lives, so make sure it is for the right reasons.

It is worth all the fuss and effort – and all the cash.

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Planning a wedding?

Look no further‌

Meols Hall is Southport's historical manor house dating back to the early 12th Century. Set in one hundred acres of private park land close to the picturesque village of Churchtown, this is one of the oldest settlements on the Lancashire coast.

The Tithe Barn is one of the finest examples of it's kind in the country, this beautiful 400 year old barn has been meticulously restored by local craftsmen and retains all its original and authentic features combined with every facility for your comfort.

Situated within the grounds of Meols Hall you will find the Tithe Barn which provides one of the most beautiful settings for a wedding anywhere in England.

The candlelit Tithe Barn is available for wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 120 with additional evening guests.

1090848

Annual Wedding Evening - 6th July 2011 TITHE BARN I MEOLS HALL I CHURCHTOWN I SOUTHPORT Telephone: 01704 228326 I www.meolshall.com 4

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Planning

It is hard work planning a wedding - the flowers, the photography, the venue, the outfits, the invitations...the list of tasks goes on and on.

It has been reported that the time it takes to organise the average wedding equates to a full-time job for six months.

Each bride and groom-to-be wants every detail of their day to be perfect - from the colour of the ribbon in the bridesmaid’s hair to the colour of the flowers in the bride’s bouquet.

It is the most important day of a couple’s life, so everything has to be just so.

No matter if you’re planning a big white wedding or a ‘no-nonsense’ ceremony, there is still plenty to organise and at times it can seem overwhelming.

Many couples choose to employ a wedding planner to take away some of the stress. They will be able to advise you on the choices available, and point out ideas you may not have considered.

Wedding planners may also have exclusive access to some venues or services.

They will also take on the donkey work of making your dream wedding a reality.

The first, most important, step is to set your budget. It is hard to make any decisions without knowing how much you have to spend.

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Also decide early on if your wedding will have a theme. It is normal to have a colour theme for flowers and bridesmaids, but sometimes guests are requested to dress in keeping with the theme. You could also choose a historical theme, such as medieval or 1920s, or a country theme.

Wedding planner Anna Jackson of A Touch of Klass says: “My job is wonderful, I have made some great friends as I really bond with the bride, although grooms are fast becoming more and more involved in arrangements in recent times.

“The biggest hurdle is often the dress. In the bridal wear world the dresses are always bigger sizes - so if you’re a size 12 the dress that fits you will probably be a size 16. It’s sometimes difficult to explain to bride-to-be’s that they are still the same size, the dresses are just very, very small sizes. I’ve had to cut out so many labels on dresses for the bride once it’s been ordered. They don’t want anyone to see the size.”

Even something as seemingly straightforward as the invitations involves a lot of decisions. Will you send out save the date cards first? Will you send a menu or information sheet with the invitations?

Will you send a reply card or stamped addressed envelope?

Also decide who will be invited to the ceremony, the wedding breakfast, and the evening event if you have one.

Ensure you include a deadline date for people to reply – and the method of how they should reply. It is not unreasonable to ask for replies within a week.

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A truly unique venue...

Whether you are looking for a romantic, intimate wedding or a large grand affair; we offer a choice of three elegant and stylish function suites each with their own individual style, perfect for your special day!

Lakeside Suite Elegantly decorated suite perfect for smaller, intimate weddings with stunning views overlooking the Marine Lake.

~

Waterfront Suite The cool contemporary colours and stylish design of this suite provide the perfect setting.

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Floral Hall Ballroom

The Promenade, Southport, PR9 ODZ

A dedicated wedding co-ordinator will assist with all the planning, from the early stages right through to the big day, ensuring you can relax and enjoy every single moment.

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Tel: 01704 514770

All of our function suites are licensed for Civil Weddings and Civil Partnerships.

Email: janemarriott@theambassadors.com

We welcome all Multi-Cultural weddings.

www.southporttheatre.org.uk 6

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1090620

The magnificent surroundings of this beautiful suite will add a touch of glamour to your day!

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Venue

The venue is the single most important detail of the wedding day a couple will decide upon together.

These days choosing a wedding venue is no longer limited to a church or registry office.

It’s not unusual to hear of a ceremony taking place whilst the bride and groom bungee jump - in fact it brings a much more literal meaning to tying the knot.

Bizarre ideas aside, classic formal weddings are still the most popular.

The perfect wedding location is the part of the day that will go down in history. For years to come, guests will tell people about the wedding venue - and they will hold nothing back.

What the food was like, how the tables were set, what the service was like and most of all - was it was a disaster or a dream venue.

Other than the traditional church, castles, stately homes and country clubs are all romantic alternatives.

Hotels are also a very popular choice, because it is simple to hold the reception in the same location.

Nowadays, British weather allowing, many couples are choosing to tie the knot outdoors. The increasing number of locations becoming registered to hold weddings has broadened choice enormously.

Picturesque parks or botanical gardens make for an opulent backdrop to the ceremony.

Your local town hall or registry office is a popular choice for people who have been married before, or those wanting a fussfree service.

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Plan your

Hotel & Spa With a selection of luxurious banqueting rooms, we cater for 20 to 250 guests.

The hotel is fully licensed to hold Civil Ceremonies and with the beautiful Kings Gardens directly in front, you have a fantastic backdrop for photographs.

We really are the ideal location for any wedding or celebration.

Call now for a Brochure: Telephone 01704 533771 Email sales@royalclifton.co.uk Website www.royalclifton.co.uk

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1091792

SPECIAL OFFERS available for 2011 Call for Details

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Scarisbrick Hotel Lord Street · Southport · 01704 543000

The Scarisbrick Hotel in Southport is your ideal wedding venue and you will receive our renowned personal and friendly service. Everyone wants their wedding day to be perfect and our wedding receptions are the icing on the cake.

We can offer you complete Wedding reception packages from small intimate weddings to lavish receptions, offering you excellent value for money.

Alternatively, you can choose from our A La Carte Selection and • A Superb 3 course meal with coffee put your own package • A welcome drinks reception for all your guests together. We will happily • A fabulous finger buffet for evening guests cater for small & large • Red carpet and champagne greeting for the bride and groom numbers, from 10 to 160 • Glass of sparkling wine for all your guests for the toast and wine guests. We will arrange with your meal the evening celebration • Chair covers for wedding breakfast for you and your guests, • Resident DJ for evening entertainment offering a superb choice • One of our four poster honeymoon suite’s includes of buffets and arranging breakfast for both the bride and groom one of our resident DJ’S to provide music suitable All this for under for all ages attending your wedding reception in Southport. All guests staying overnight can enjoy a 20% discount from our usual *Based on 50 daytime Bed and Breakfast tariff. guests and 100 The Scarisbrick Hotel is registered to hold evening guests Civil Wedding Ceremonies on the premises

All Inclusive

Wedding Packages

£2,800*

For further information or request a wedding brochure Tel: 01704 543000 or Email weddings@scarisbrickhotel.com www.scarisbrickhotel.com

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THE

ROYAL HOTEL

Our Historic Grade 2 Listed Building Has Welcomed Happy Couples Since 1815.

A great setting with the Marine Gardens to the front of the hotel, views to the welsh hills.

The Royal Hotel Offers: A Friendly & Quality Approach To All Couples Catering For The More Intimate Weddings Up To 80 Persons, We Offer A Wide Range Of Food & Drink Options

25 Ensuite Bedrooms Lounge Bar & Restaurant

So Call Us Today Or Have A Look At Our Brochure Online Everyone Deserves A ROYAL WEDDING

Conference, Meeting & Function Facilities Available The Royal Hotel, Marine Terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 5PR 0151 928 2332. www.liverpool-royalhotel.co.uk

We Offer A Range Of Wedding Packages For Both Daytime & Evening Receptions With Full Catering Provided In House

By Our Experienced Team Of Chefs Up to 150 persons daytime 200 persons evening Evening buffets selection 5 stars sefton food hygiene Best bar none winner for Sefton

Your Wedding Day Full wedding brochure WITH PRICES on our website

1091793

Fully installed sound & lighting systems • Licensed for live bands • Fully air conditioned

47 - 51 Merseyview, Waterloo, L22 6QA 0151-924-0445 www.labarbacoa.co.uk Bar Restaurant ~ Function Suite ~ Live Music Venue

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Reception

Your wedding reception can be anything from a short ceremony to a party lasting many hours, but the important thing is that you enjoy it.

Make sure your venue has room for all of your guests, and make sure there’s plenty of music to hand to ensure that first dance goes smoothly!

If your beloved has grown up in another country, why not try to include some of their customs into the ceremony to give your reception a truly international flavour? Groom’s cakes, often chocolate or liquor-flavoured, are a popular reception dish from the southern USA, while the custom of paying the bride or groom a small amount of money to dance with them is a tradition popular in countries such as Italy and Poland.

And don’t forget to toast your guests, particularly if one of them introduced you and your partner to each other. Chances are, they may even return a few good-natured jokes in the speeches they make!

Also think about your outfit for the reception. Will you stay in your wedding clothes (it is nice for guests who did not attend the ceremony to be able to see you in your finery) or change into something more comfortable?

Your wedding day is one of the best of your life, and a great reception should play a part of it.

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COMPLETE L IA YOUR SPECH IT W DAY ONY ’S PAUL ANTHRV IC E S D IS C O S E

124 01704 563 388 1 07879 08

1091794

1091754

t.com @btconnec ie g o d o c is pd

1091156

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MY WEDDING PLANNER

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PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL The Prince of Wales has long been established as a premier venue for weddings in Southport.

Licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 200 guests we can cater for your whole wedding from start to finish.

The Prince is a beautifully restored hotel with a private lawned garden and arbour to the

front, ideal for photographs and drinks on arrival. Each function room has been lovingly restored to reflect their Victorian heritage. The intimate International & Cocktail Bar is ideal for weddings from 40 up to 70, the Windsor is comfortable from 40 to 110 guests, whilst our magnificent Bamber Ballroom is ideal from 80 to 200 daytime guests.

£ 1 4 9 9 W E D D IN G

PAC K AG E DAYTIME WEDDING

SATURDAY PACKAG E Available April – Sep tember Red carpet welcome Lawn available for pho tographs Welcome glass of Buc ks Fizz for 50 guests Set 3 course menu for Linen cloths on each50 guests Evening buffet for 100 table Function suite roo guests Private cash bar unt m hire il 12.30am Including VAT

£1499 - 2011/12

1090651

Lord Street, Southport • tel: 01704 536688 • fax: 01704 543932

BREAKFAST MENU

Tomato Soup Or Vegetable Soup ✿✿✿ Traditional Roast Bee Yorkshire Pudding, seasonal vegetabf,les & potatoes Or Traditional Roast Chic ken traditional trimmin seasonal vegetab,les gs, & potatoes ✿✿✿ Apple Pie served with cream Or Gateau served with cream Additional guests cha rged

£1 5.9 5 (2011 Rate onl y) Per Adu lt £1 7.9 5 (2012 Rate onl y)

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Per Adu lt ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... .....

EVENING BUFFET ME NU

SAT UR DAY PAC KA GE Ava ilab le Oct obe r – Ma rch SUN DAY – FRI DA Y PAC KAGE Ava ilab le all yea r Red carpet welcome Lawn available for pho tographs Welcome glass of Buc Glass of wine with Wed ks Fizz for 50 guests ding breakfast for 50 guests Sparkling wine toas t for 50 guests Set 3 course menu for Linen cloths on each50 guests table White linen nap Printing of menus, kins for each guest Candelabra with choseating plan & placecards ice of candles on eac h table Evening buffet for 100 Function suite roo guests Private cash bar unt m hire il 12.30am Inc lud ing VAT

£1499 - 2011/12

Please choose 2 from the following Hot Pot, pickled red cabbage, crusty brea d Chicken curry & rice Chilli & rice Vegetable Lasagne Additional guests cha rged

£5 .95 (2011 Rate onl y) Per Adu lt £6 .95 (2012 Rate onl y) Per

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Adu lt ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... .....

CIVIL CEREMONY CHA RGES FROM £500 Room upgrade charges The Windsor Room @ £500 The Ballroom @ £75 0

Additional food or liqu or items, along with room upgrades & any other aspects for your special day are available.

Please ask your Wed ding Co-ordinator.

PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL, Lord Street, Southport, PR8 1JS.

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Tel: 01704 536 688

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The Cake Studio of

Celebration cakes baked to perfection, then hand decorated by our cake artists...

For further details contact Emma at our studio

145 Roe Lane, Southport

Tel: 01704 227040 Visit our website at

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1091888

www.chlathambaker.co.uk

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Cake

A wedding cake is as much a part of the wedding as confetti, so choosing and making sure you have the right one is essential.

The cake is important and guests remember what it was like.

There are all types of wedding cakes, from large traditional ones to just a single layered cake, there are lots of different decisions to be made. Couples should decide how big their cake is by how many guests they have coming.

The flavour of the cake is also important. If you have chosen to have a large layered cake then each tier could be different.

Flavours may include anything from vanilla, to chocolate fudge to the traditional fruit mix with soft icing on top.

Sometimes couples decide to keep one of the tiers from the wedding cake for a christening.

Icing is normally white or light cream colour. But in modern weddings couples are deciding to have the same colour for the wedding cake icing as the wedding theme. Sugar and flour, or rich cream cheese can be used as the icing recipe.

When decorating a cake you are free to use your imagination. You can choose to have a cake linked with the dĂŠcor or theme of the wedding, or you might want to give it a different look with unusual decorations to suit your individual preference. Bakers design cakes with drapes, lace and embroidery appliquĂŠ.

The wedding cake should reflect the characteristics of the couple.

Start planning your wedding cake months before the big day.

And make sure the cake is right for the season you are getting married in, as an ice cream cake will melt in hot weather.

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There are a number of choices to be made when planning food for a wedding reception and you must try and meet your guests’ varying tastes.

If you are having a wedding breakfast as well as an evening reception, you will need to plan separate menus.

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The wedding breakfast is attended by an invited number of guests who have been to the church service.

The origin of the term ‘wedding breakfast’ is debated – some say it comes from the tradition of the bride and groom fasting before the ceremony, others believe it comes from being the first meal of married life, as breakfast is the first meal of the day.

If you are planning an evening do as well – normally for a larger number of guests who have not all attended the breakfast – don’t forget that while you may still be full from the earlier dinner, your new guests will be hungry and will expect a good spread.

As always, finance comes into play and first of all people must decide when they are to hold their reception, and must choose whether it will be in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

After you have decided on the time of the reception you can start thinking about the type of menu you want.

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Food

For those couples who want to tie the knot at 12pm there is the lunchtime option.

This allows you to have drinks, then a sit down meal with a set menu, with starters of either soup, melon, or pate for example.

The main meal could be hot and include chicken, or beef or lamb with vegetables.

You may also want a vegetarian option and to provide salad.

For dessert, people can decide between meringues, fruit salads and cheese and biscuits.

There is also the option of a buffet where a hot or cold table of food can be offered, with meats, fish and salad or sandwiches.

A lunch menu allows for a certain degree of flexibility.

For those couples who want to have a morning reception there is the choice of a breakfast or brunch option.

Here you can give guests a selection of morning foods such as pastries, pancakes, bagels, fresh fruit and cheeses.

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Morning receptions allow you an early start to your celebrations and mean you can leave for your honeymoon the same day, but some guests who have had to travel a long way may have difficulty getting there on time.

There is also the dinner reception choice. As with the lunch reception there is the choice of a sit down meal or buffet.

At an evening affair guests are more likely to dance.

Finally if you don’t want a full meal as part of your do, you could have a tea reception.

This is an economical idea and guests are still able to enjoy sandwiches and cake.

Once you have decided on the time of the reception and the menu, you must get a quote for the cost of the food per head.

Venues may charge extra for cutlery and table linen, so make sure you know what is included in your price.

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•Small Weddings •Hen Parties

FREE Room HiRE

for any function

Sit doWn mEal oR buFFEt

Cinnamon can provide you with the perfect venue and our team will help you create the perfect party 13 - 17 Scarisbrick Avenue Southport PR8 1NN Telephone 01704 536926 1090526

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MY WEDDING PLANNER

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Flowers

Flowers can set the theme for your wedding and, if you get them right, they can provide the perfect backdrop to the day.

You should first examine how much you are willing to spend on flowers as they vary from a few hundred pounds right up to thousands of pounds.

The bride and bridesmaids can have bouquets and the groom and ushers normally wear buttonholes. Traditionally the couple’s mothers wear corsages.

You then need to make the decision to have flowers in the church or the venue where you are to be married. In the church people often have pedestals of flowers and they also finish the pews off with flowers.

Flowers are often also put in the wedding car as a decoration.

At the reception you can also find flowers as table decorations or on pedestals.

When finding a florist, people should enquire at the venue where the reception is held, or ask for a recommendation from a friend.

You should then make a decision on the type of flowers you want. Popular wedding blooms include lilies, roses, freesias and carnations.

The flowers should not clash with your dress, and they should fit in with the venue MY WEDDING PLANNER

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for the wedding and reception.

You may want to choose your favourite flower and this idea would add your personality to the day.

Brides may want to base their choice of flowers on the season the wedding is held in, with tulips in the spring and roses in the summer.

The quantity of flowers is also important.

Some decide for a few which can provide understated elegance, while others go for busy arrangements with many flowers.

Flowers have their own significance and traditions that vary across the globe and through the ages.

The Victorians were fascinated by the meanings of different blooms and popularised the wedding rose, which represents true love.

In Tudor England, brides carried marigolds dipped in rosewater and ate them afterward, since they were thought to be aphrodisiacs.

Ancient Greek brides often carried ivy as a symbol of never-ending love and in Indian tradition both the bride and groom wear a floral headpiece.

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Fantasy weddings

Fantasy weddings is a unique business, ideally situated within the bridal Quarter of bold Street, next door to Cake Creations and opposite lucy briars bridal wear... at Fantasy weddings we have many years experience of dressing venues for weddings and Special occasions. we provide hire Cover hire in Southport and surrounding areas. our Chair Covers and Table Cloths are all made in the UK from hotel quality linen and we have sizes to fit most types of chairs and tables. our organza and satin sashes, swags and table runners are available in a vast array of colours. also available is Candelabra hire, Mirror hire and vase hire, all in a wide range of sizes and styles.

These can be hired and decorated by yourself or our qualified florists can design something special of you. we also have a wide range of beautiful hand made wedding stationary, and new for 2010 we also now stock a range of wedding guest books, albums and bridesmaid & best man gifts

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1091710

browse through our website for more ideas, or call in to the showroom for more information.

Telephone: 01704 541 525 Mobile: 07547819979 eMail: jenny@fantasyweddings.biz

opening TiMeS: Mon to Fri 10:30am - 5pm Sat 11.00 - 4pm

ShowrooM addreSS: 4a bold Street, Southport pr9 0dd

Please make an appointment to avoid disappointment.

Out of hours bookings available on request.

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Seating Plan

This may seem like the easy part, but there are many factors to consider when arranging your reception seating plan.

You will need to wait first until you have all the replies as to which guests will be attending.

Chase up people who have not replied by your deadline with a phone call.

While it is not strictly necessary to assign seats to guests, it is normally expected and helps the day run more smoothly. It also avoids families being split up or people being seated along with others they may not know.

A seating chart is generally posted on a board or table near the entrance to the reception, or escort cards can be printed and given to each guest with their name and table and seat number. The advantage of these is they can be changed up to the last minute, whereas a seating chart will need to be printed in advance.

It is a nice idea to give ‘names’ to your tables instead of numbers. These can have a theme, for example gemstones or cartoon characters.

Generally it is best to sit families or work colleagues together, but avoid having a table of ‘leftovers’ who don’t know anyone else – it is best to distribute these guests evenly.

Some couples like to have a male-femaleMY WEDDING PLANNER

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male-female seating arrangement for variety, but this is not always practical.

The wedding party sit at the top table, which generally takes the form of a long table with seats along one side. Sometimes it is on a raised platform.

Traditionally the groom sits to the right of the bride, and places alternate male-female.

Partners of the best man and chief bridesmaid sit at other tables.

A typical line-up could be chief bridesmaid, groom’s father, bride’s mother, groom, bride, bride’s father, groom’s mother, best man.

If it is a second marriage, children from previous relationships may also sit at the top table.

If the parents of the bride or groom have divorced and remarried, it probably isn’t a good idea to put them and their new partners together on the top table.

One solution is to invite some family of the step-parent and put them together on a separate table near the top table.

It is also becoming more fashionable for the bride and groom to sit at their own table, known as the sweetheart table. This avoids anyone feeling ‘left out’ from the top table.

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Traditionally the husbandto-be’s only jobs include the marriage proposal, selecting his best man and paying for the honeymoon - but things have changed and men are becoming more hands-on in planning their big day.

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It used to the bride’s mother who would go along with her to view flowers, look at venues, pick out stationery and organise the reception seating plan.

But tradition has faded somewhat over the decades, and the husband-to-be is becoming much more involved with the organisation of the big day.

With many couples now paying for weddings themselves rather than turning to their parents, and many setting up home together before the wedding, it’s easy to see why the men are so much more involved.

Wedding planner Anna Jackson says: “It’s amazing how many grooms come to all the meetings with the bride now - we even find the men are grooming themselves more.

“I have them booked in to get their hair and nails done, teeth whitening, diet club you name it.”

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Groom

Part owner of Emersons Menswear in Southport, Steve Emerson says: “Lots of men are happy to wear what they are told to wear and go with the flow - but more grooms than ever are insisting on what they like and what they don’t.

“Highland wear has been very popular this year - but the amount of times men have walked into the shop saying ‘I’m not wearing a skirt’ - I’ve explained the theory behind a kilt so often, then most people try it on and look and feel a million dollars.”

Steve agrees that men are becoming much more involved and do tend to pamper themselves more.

“We get so many suits back with makeup or fake tan on the collar - but why shouldn’t the groom make sure he looks and feels his best? Why should all the emphasis be on how the bride looks? It’s really great to see that men are making such an effort with their appearance.”

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The most popular suits in the shop are the three-quarter length jackets. “They are a kind of compromise between tails and a regular dinner suit.

“Tails are really smart, but lots of men just don’t feel comfortable wearing them, so the three-quarter length suit is great. It will carry on any size, shape or age - from children to granddads.”

As with the bride, grooms should pick an outfit to flatter their figure and make sure they feel comfortable on the day. For example, men with larger waistlines should avoid drawing attention to them with a cummerbund and opt for a more slimming vest.

Shorter men should avoid doublebreasted suits and long jackets, as these will not be flattering.

So there you have it gents - groom yourselves for your wedding day - take some spotlight off the dress.

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SUIT HIRE

Southport Dress Agency Fabulous selection of mother of the bride and wedding guest outfits at amazing prices!

We also stock shoes, bags, hats, and fascinators - new stock arriving every day!

1090815

82 Bispham Road, Southport Telephone: 01704 214128

Monday: Closed • Tuesday - Friday: 10.00am - 4.30pm Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm

1091312

Jacques Vert, Ronald Joyce, Condici, Medici, Coast and many more!

• Nationwide measuring service • Wide range to choose from • Competitive prices Grooms Room. The Mews 15a Off Liverpool Rd Birkdale PR8 4AS. Tel: 01704 553951

Menswear Hire Service FOR WEDDING & EVENING WEAR PERSONAL ADVICE & ATTENTION Special Rates For SCHOOL PROMS

EASY FREE PARKING

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& SON

1091681

Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm

132 Church Rd (opp The Grapes), Freshfield, Formby L37 3NH. Tel: 01704 873983

Email: byrneandson@hotmail.com www.byrneandson.co.uk MY WEDDING PLANNER

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Best Man

The tradition of having a best man has somewhat unpleasant roots – a throwback to ancient European times when a groom would kidnap his potential bride and would need to choose the ‘best man’ to help him with the task.

Today, choosing a best man is a tactful process. It is a great honour to bestow on someone, normally a close friend of the groom, but also comes with great responsibility.

The person chosen must be trustworthy and also get on well with the bride.

He will stand to the right of the groom during the ceremony and carry the rings until they are needed. But probably the greatest pressure is the best man’s speech at the reception, which is traditionally witty and jocular, and the chosen person must be confident enough to carry this off.

A wealth of books and websites are available to give tips on best man speeches, but the best are always original and heartfelt.

The best man also acts as chief usher and will be responsible for helping the groom keep appointments and organising the wedding outfits (although the bride has the final say on matters such as the colour of waistcoats).

He will organise the stag party and distribute buttonholes and orders of service.

The best man must be willing to give a lot of his own time, be well organised and good at remembering names and faces.

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For many brides-to-be the most important and stressful element of the big day is the wedding dress.

From an elegant figure-hugging gown to a full-on meringue - the possibilities are endless, and, of course, are all a matter of taste.

A bride needs the perfect gown that will ensure she looks her best, reflect her personality and will still look stunning when looking back on wedding photos in years to come.

Many women spend years searching for their wedding dress, but as soon as they see it they will know it is ‘the one’. Bridal shops, wedding fayres and magazines are a great starting point.

Dawn Keijzer, director of The Bridal Gallery Group Limited, Tarleton, says brides-to-be should keep an open mind when searching for the ideal dress.

“It’s great to have some direction, but trying on a wedding dress is an experience unlike any other and it often turns out that the initial thoughts do not replicate the gown that the bride falls in love with,” she says.

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“Bring maybe one or two trusted family members or friends with you, but not too many as often opinions can conflict and cause confusion! Also don’t try on too many gowns in one go as it can be overwhelming.”

Bridal shop assistants are used to the fitting process and can give un-biased advice on what silhouettes and colours will suit you.

As with any dress, certain styles will enhance particular body shapes. For example, an A-line dress can hide broad hips and a ‘mermaid’ shape creates height for petite brides.

And if you’re struggling to find your ideal dress, there is always the option to have your own bespoke style created – if you can afford it.

Celebrity weddings can often influence popular choices (perhaps with the exception of Jordan’s pink loo-roll-cover creation), but classic looks never go out of fashion.

“Strapless gowns have definitely been the style of choice over recent years, however there has now been a slight shift towards gowns with straps as brides want to be different to other family members or MY WEDDING PLANNER

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The Dress

friends who have all recently been married in strapless gowns,” Dawn says.

“Romance is definitely back as veils are also extremely popular at the moment, with the train length being most popular and many girls are also liking the addition of pearls along with crystals either on their gown, veil or tiara.”

Coloured gowns have increased in popularity recently as attitudes towards the traditional marriage ceremony become more relaxed.

Red, gold and black gowns do not even raise an eyebrow these days, but the classic white or ivory dress still reigns supreme.

Dawn recently produced dresses for a set of seven bridesmaids who had the same style dress in each of the colours of the rainbow.

“The end result was striking,” she says.

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The cost of a gown should not be offputting, because a beautiful dress can be found to suit most budgets.

There is also more of a trend these days to wear vintage dresses or family heirlooms. It is not uncommon for brides to find their dream dress in a charity shop.

A mother’s or grandmother’s wedding dress can be altered or embellished to suit a modern day bride. With a good eye and some flare a bride can create her own stunning creation that is truly unique.

Also keep in mind bridal lingerie and ensure that this will suit the dress. For example, a lacy bra may appear lumpy under a sheer silk dress.

A beautiful, well suited dress will ensure you exude confidence on your wedding day and all the stress of finding it will be worth it to see your husband-to-be’s jaw hit the floor.

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the bridal lounge

Captivating Brides & SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Stunning Collection of Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids Dresses and Evening Wear

FREE

Formal Suit Hire Extensive range of Accessories - Tiaras - Veils - Jewellery - Shoes Bespoke Design Service to suit individual needs

BRIDESMAID

DRESS WITH BRIDAL GOWN OVER £500

Bridal and bridesmaid gowns from top international and local designers.

Also stocking Communion & Christening Wear, Prom Dresses, Menswear Hire, Special Occasion Outfits & Accessories.

Friendly and personal service assured. Out of hours appointments available

NEwly REFuRBiSHED SHowRoom

1091313

Open: 10.30am - 5pm Tues - Sat www.captivatingbrides.co.uk

B R

1091372

Telephone: 0151 949 1913

0151 922 4444 www.thebridallounge.co.uk

145 Linacre Road, Liverpool, L21 8JP

1091975

opening Times - Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm Closed on monday’s

71 Crosby Road North Liverpool L22 4QD

Brides Room of Birkdale 01704 550991 With over 11 years of experience, we deliver the very highest of standards in a professional, friendly and unpressurised atmosphere.

No matter what your taste on budget, we have the perfect gown for you. Gowns from £300 to £4500.

Designers include Jenny Packham, Mori Lee, Augusta Jones, Nicola Anne, Phil Collins, Venus, Enzoani by Benjamin Roberts etc. Extensive range of bridesmaid dresses and accessories.

15 Liverpool Road, Birkdale, Southport, PR8 4AR

www.bridesroomofbirkdale.co.uk

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Bridesmaids

Originally bridesmaids were used in the wedding ceremony as a ‘decoy’, to confuse evil spirits intent on destroying the bride’s happiness. Often they were servants of the couple.

Modern bridesmaids are seen as an integral part of the ceremony and help her in a similar way to the best man helping the groom.

Bridesmaids can be of any age. Many couples like to choose young family members to make them feel involved in the day. An older bridesmaid who is married is known as a matron of honour.

It is acceptable to have any number of bridesmaids, although the more chosen, the more cost is involved. Bridesmaids’ dresses are traditionally paid for by the groom, but today these customs are often ignored for practical reasons.

The bride has the final say on what the bridesmaids wear.

One of their duties is to carry the bride’s train if it is long, but they also help with practical issues and traditionally plan the hen party.

Superstition says that if a bridesmaid trips down the aisle, she will never be a bride herself.

Page boys and flower girls can also be incorporated into the ceremony. Flower girls walk in front of the bride, scattering flower petals, while page boys may help carry the train or carry the rings to the altar on a cushion.

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Parents

The bride’s parents traditionally were responsible for paying for the majority of wedding expenses, but this is no longer closely observed.

Other customs that they are expected to perform include hosting the engagement party, assisting the bride in her duties, witnessing the signing of the register and acting as host and hostess at the reception as well as greeting them at their arrival.

The bride’s father travels to the wedding with his daughter and escorts her down the aisle before ‘giving her away’.

He makes the first speech at the reception, toasts the bride and groom and is traditionally the last person to leave the reception.

The bride’s mother should help her daughter and respect her wishes at every stage, even if they do not match her own.

The groom’s parents have no traditional roles to fulfil, but nowadays they often make a financial contribution to the wedding and it is good practice for them to be consulted throughout the wedding plans.

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MY WEDDING PLANNER

14/09/2010 5:32PM

Have that brilliant whiter smile with the revolutionary, professional, pioneering Laser Teeth BEAUTY OFFERS • 8 WEEK FALSE EYELASHES £55 FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY Whitening System 50 Off All Hair Services For New Clients (Level 4 stylists)

• SPRAY TAN £15 or 2 for £25 FOR LIMITED TIME ONLY • WE WILL BEAT ANY SALON DEAL HAIR/BEAUTY

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Full Set OPI Nails & Cut & Finish £40 (Saving £13) level 4 stylist

This is not bleach or gel, it’s a non evasive laser (as used by the rich & famous)

now only £99* *A £25 deposit is required upon booking.

The remaining balance will be payable upon the day of your procedure.

OPENING HOURS

10–4 9–5 9–5 9–8 9–7 9–5

Please remember we are now open on Mondays for hair & beauty

Find us on 1091962

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

CLOSED

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1090774

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Hair & Make-up

Hair and make-up is a very important aspect of the wedding day. Every bride wants to look stunning on her big day, but should remember it’s not just about finding the perfect dress.

There are so many options to choose from when deciding on the right wedding hairstyle; be it pinned up or left down, curly or straight, so it’s a good idea to look for inspiration in magazines and on the internet beforehand.

The style must complement your outfit, reflect your personality and fit in with how you will wear your chosen veil or tiara.

Jewels, beads or flowers can also be added to French pleats or curls for a unique look or a touch of sparkle.

Once you’ve decided on your ideal style, don’t wait until the wedding and hope for the best. Always have a trial run well in advance to make sure it will work out as planned.

Make-up must also complement the rest of your look.

To help achieve a flawless complexion, take care of your skin ahead of the big day.

Try to take time out and relax during the build-up.

Pre-wedding nerves and stress over the preparations can lead to the appearance of pimples.

As with hair, it is advisable to have a make-up trial in advance. Trials work best in daylight to find the perfect tones and colours to suit your complexion and wedding theme.

On the day, leave the make-up until your hairstyle is complete, so that your face looks as fresh as possible when you walk down the aisle.

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A Wonderful Day and Evening Awaits you at A N D

E

ndeavouring to make your special day just that and more, Hurlston Hall provides an idyllic setting for your wedding occasion. We hold a full civil license, allowing us to accommodate not only your wedding breakfast and evening celebrations but the all important ceremony itself.

Set amongst a backdrop of picturesque rolling countryside, the atmosphere is perfectly balanced. A stunning location and excellent service combine to make your day memorable and stress free.

Our team of expert wedding planners will capably handle your every request and are on hand to advise you at any

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C O U N T R Y

C L U B

stage of the planning process. From the menu to room dressing, flowers to transport, our team and well developed network of suppliers can deliver to your exact requirements.

For more information view our website www.hurlstonhall.co.uk, or telephone 01704 842825 to speak to one of our wedding advisors.

1092024

G O L F

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Rings & Jewellery

Choosing the right wedding ring is very important as you will be wearing it every day for the rest of your married life.

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The band symbolises everlasting love and is traditionally worn on the third finger of the left hand.

Ancient Egyptians believed that this finger contained the “vena amoris�, the vein of love, that runs directly to the heart.

Many couples choose a wedding set of matching engagement ring, wedding band and eternity ring, but it is more common, with people choosing to have longer engagements, to buy separate rings.

Start the search by deciding what will go well with the engagement ring.

The gold colours should match and the carat weights should be the same, otherwise a purer gold ring would wear down a less pure one worn next to it.

Simple gold bands are the classic choice, but many variations on this style are now available.

White gold has soared in popularity over recent years and is now the colour of choice for many younger couples because of its versatility when wearing other colours.

Diamond studded bands are becoming popular, but ensure they do not clash or detract from the engagement ring.

Patterned and Celtic style bands are also widely available.

Dual-coloured bands are also a fashionable choice, with a smaller band of white gold on a yellow base being a popular current style.

Couples often decide to have a personal message, or initials, engraved on the inside of their wedding band. This gives a personal and romantic individual twist, but if you choose this option it is better to go for a wider wedding band.

For the big day itself, decide whether to buy or hire bridal jewellery.

To make a real statement without breaking the bank, hire some stunning diamond earrings and a necklace.

But many brides like to keep their wedding jewellery, and often a simple, elegant solitaire diamond necklace is all that is needed to set off the beautiful dress.

If the bride’s hair is worn up, some beautiful earrings will complement the style well.

Choose the hairstyle well in advance so you can decide what hair jewellery, such as tiaras or elegant slides, will be needed.

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1090849

1091956

Your Wedding Video isn’t just for one day, it’s for life…

With over 25 years experience we have surpassed the expectation’s of Brides and Grooms and created a colourful and lasting memory to be treasured forever.

Can you afford not to have Impressions film & produce a lasting memory of the greatest day of your life?

Dominic, the DVD blew us away. We are so glad we decided to have a video. I couldn’t imagine not being able to re-live the day. You captured the atmosphere perfectly. Thank you so much for all your help.

Claire & Joel, July 2010

Two camera coverage quietly captured produced with style and flair. Packages to suit all budgets with reduced rates for winter weddings. Call Dominic for a friendly no obligation consultation and to arrange a viewing of our work.

We take one special day and create one lasting memory.

www.impressionsvideography.co.uk enquiries@impressionsvideography.co.uk 01704 873847 36

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Photography Capturing the day on camera is vital to any wedding. The pictures will keep the memories alive and will stay with you forever.

Professional photographers bring exceptional organisation skills to your big day, together with that all-important “eye” for detail - but just how much goes into taking wedding pictures?

Traditionally, wedding photography was frowned on by professional photographers, but in recent years it’s become more of a respected profession. Wedding photography is now up there with high fashion photography.

There’s so much more room for creativity that a professional will bring with him in his bag of tricks. They’ll picture the bride and groom naturally enjoying themselves, making really special images to grace your album.

Using their imagination and utilising different locations, your photographs are going to uniquely record your day, to provide you with a timeless source of great pleasure.

For inexperienced photographers it can be a difficult job keeping people relaxed in front of a camera but professionals consider it the best job in the world.

The current fashion is for artistic shots, but you need to ensure that your chosen photographer is both comfortable and competent taking traditional shots too – such as close-ups of the bride and groom holding hands, or a motion shot of confetti raining down on the newlyweds.

You also need to consider whether to have your wedding memorialised on video. A DVD is a fantastic way of reliving your wedding day in years to come and it is an ideal gift for friends and family to treasure or even pass on to your children. What better way to describe your big day to future generations than letting them watch it for themselves?

It’s best to get a professional in for the job, because an amateurish wedding video can look really dated, very quickly.

With expert editing and maybe a soundtrack added, you can relive your wedding whenever you like without worrying about any ‘You’ve Been Framed’ style blunders.

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Elegant Carriages

Horse Drawn Carriages for all occasions

ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS

At Elegant Carriages we provide superior carriages with matching pairs of horses for weddings and special occasions including birthdays, anniversaries, school proms, commercial promotions, village fetes etc...

With over 30 years experience we provide white grey horses (the traditional colour for weddings) which are all very experienced and can work in all conditions. All our open carriages have hoods and aprons to ensure all the occupants are kept dry in case of inclement weather. Elegant Carriages is a fully insured working carriage company.

Our Wedding Carriages THE GLASS LANDAU This is our most exclusive carriage. The Glass Landau can seat up to six people & can be OPEN or FULLY CLOSED in bad weather.

THE LARGE GLASS LANDAU

This carriage is usually drawn by a four-in-hand team of white horses, with two or three attendants to make the most impressive wedding transport.

THE POLISH VICTORIA This carriage is a modern reproduction and is finished to a very high standard. This is a very popular carriage with our brides

THE VICTORIA

Built in London in 1890, this is a fine open carriage (with hood and apron for bad weather) seating up to four people. This carriage is usually drawn by a pair of high-stepping horses.

197 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, Preston, Lancashire PR4 6AT. TEL: 01772 812 304 www.elegant-carriages.co.uk 38

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1091404

ALL OUR CARRIAGES ARE FINISHED IN ‘MIDNIGHT BLUE’ COACH PAINT WITH BLACK LEATHER UPHOLSTERY AND HOODS

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1090654

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Birkdale Classics Special occasion car hire

Relax.

Look no further.

We are the only company who have these rare and exclusive cars, all in superb condition and with our legendary dedication to detail that comes from many years of experience.

From traditional to outrageous, the choice is yours!

Seven seater limousines to match all cars, These cars get booked early, so phone or Email now to book for your special day.

1090522

FREE COLOUR BROCHURE

Southport (01704) 567554 www.birkdaleclassics.co.uk 40

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Transport

When you’re travelling to your wedding, you want to not only get to the church on time, but in style too.

There’s a wealth of ways of getting to your special day and ensuring both you and your guests arrive unruffled and ready for the big event. It’s easy to overlook your choice of carriage in the whirlwind rush to the wedding itself, but it’s well worth taking a look at just what’s on offer.

Wedding car firms across Sefton and West Lancashire are ready to help you get that special journey arranged, and have an array of some of the most beautiful and luxurious machines on hand to make the trip to the church an enjoyable and comfortable one.

Anything from the latest Rolls-Royces, Daimlers, Mercedes and Bentleys are available to make your day extra special, but if you’re feeling adventurous, why not go for a classic car to give your ceremony some added style?

The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and Silver Cloud models are still wedding favourites today but you could also go for a Stateside feel with a Cadillac, a period feel with a MY WEDDING PLANNER

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vintage or veteran car or feel like a head of state with a Daimler limousine. There’s no shortage of stylish wheels to whisk you to your wedding!

Happy couples could even drop four wheels altogether in favour of four legs.

Horse and carriages were the staple transport of wedding ceremonies for centuries before the car was invented, and it still makes a charming way to get to the venue.

A number of companies based in the region are more than willing to help you arrange a horse-drawn carriage trip, which will help give the wedding ceremony a traditional feel.

For real high flyers there’s always the option of arranging a high-adrenaline way of getting to the ceremony; if it’s suitable for the venue, why not drop in by helicopter, or drift up gently by boat? These are undoubtedly expensive options, but if you’re looking to make a memorable entrance on the big day they are definitely worth considering.

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Classic Wedding Cars A Family Run Business with over 20 years experience providing classic vintage wedding cars for your special day.

After your Special Day is over, what will you have to help you recall those precious hours? Your ring, your dress and some photos.

1091738

For further information Telephone: 01772 816407 01704 892320 Mobile: 07803 601877 66 Moss Lane, Hesketh Bank, PR4 6AB

And what else will you spend which will provide a lasting memory? The cars, the cake, the bar bill?

The ONLY way of fully preserving your wedding memories … to include the vows, the movement and the music … is by a Wedding Film expertly captured, edited and recorded to DVD by FormbySoft Films.

FormbySoft Films will provide exactly the service tailored to YOUR needs at prices from £400 to £900.

Does that sound like good value to you?

How much would you have loved to see your Grandmother’s wedding on film?

Now imagine showing your Wedding Film to your children and to your grandchildren.

The question really is – can you afford not to book FormbySoft Films to produce your Wedding Day Film?

It’s once in a lifetime and you can’t change your mind and re-run your wedding, so be sure to phone or visit our website to reserve your date now.

Visit us at

1090874

www.classicweddingcars.org

Churchtown Wedding Car Hire

e are a family run business founded in 1993 with an W excellent reputation and renowned for our friendly and helpful approach.

We are located in Churchtown, three miles from Southport town centre, therefore making us very

convenient for Liverpool through to Preston and surrounding areas.

Our fleet of cars, including our prize winning convertibles and our uniformed chauffeurs will do all they can to make your special day run smoothly and add that touch of class.

Our Cars

Tel: 01704 226362 www.churchtowncars.co.uk

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1090416

Churchtown Wedding Cars, 146 Preston Road, Southport PR9 8PP

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Gifts

It’s now tradition for guests to shower the bride and groom with gifts on their wedding day, but it can be tricky choosing presents for the happy couple.

Don’t be embarrassed about setting up a gift list and asking for things you need. You don’t want to end up with 10 kettles and five toasters, and guests will probably appreciate a point in the right direction.

Using a gift list is only considered to be bad taste if it is forced onto guests, and is not thought to be cheeky or presumptuous.

You can either compile a list yourself, including the colour, model and manufacturer’s name for the items you want, or use the wedding list services on offer at various shops and websites.

It is tradition that the host, usually the bride’s mother, takes charge of circulating the list.

On the big day, the bride and groom are also expected to give presents to their guests.

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Known as ‘favours’, the gifts can double-up as a token of thanks and an attractive table decoration.

They may be as simple as small boxes filled with sweets or sugared almonds and goody bags for children, to more unusual or personalised gifts like alcohol miniatures, small accessories or lottery tickets.

Special gifts are also given to the bridesmaids, ushers and best man by way of thanks for their hard work.

A keepsake to remind them of the day will often make a nice gift.

Traditionally, the gifts for the best man and the maid of honour will be similar but slightly more expensive than those given to the bridesmaids and ushers.

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1092087

44 Botanic Road, Churchtown

PLANNER

1091955

01704 505077

MY

Christmas Garden 09/08/2010 15:29

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1091801

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Honeymoon

When it comes to working out your honeymoon the world is your oyster as the choice of locations for your romantic break is practically endless.

Whether you and your beloved are hoping to head for the sun, experience the glamour of the globe’s most beautiful cities, or escape to a country retreat to enjoy your break in a peaceful and secluded place, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

There’s a romantic break on offer from every corner of the globe, offering almost every flavour of exciting getaway for you and your partner. You could sip cocktails and see the sunset from any number of perfect island beaches, including ones in the Caribbean, the Seychelles, or in the warm and secluded seas in the Far East, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach.

Closer to home are the charms of Europe’s beautiful cities, which have long provided happy couples with the honeymoon of their dreams. Paris and Venice remain popular choices, but why not try Rome, Prague, or Barcelona? Moscow is also becoming a honeymoon favourite for more adventurous couples.

You don’t even need to stray beyond the British Isles to enjoy a truly romantic time away, with country breaks and city stops alike on offer. The sights and sounds of London, Edinburgh and Dublin are an exciting stop for any couple, while a secluded break in the Lake District, Scottish Highlands or North Wales offer a chance to get away from it all.

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1090621

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Wedding Fayres A relatively new concept, wedding fayres are a fantastic way to have a look around possible venues but also to look at other providers while you are there.

Anyone who produces anything for weddings can book a table and show their wares to prospective brides and grooms.

On some occasions there is even a fashion show showcasing the latest wedding dresses, morning wear and mother of the bride fashions.

Cake makers, stationers, florists, photographers, beauticians and hairdressers will all be there to talk to you and help you make decisions on the main aspects of your wedding.

You can go to as many as you like and going to fayres held in several different venues will give you the chance to look at different locations and speak to a number of different people.

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Hens & Stags

Thirty years ago stag and hen do’s consisted of a few drinks down the local pub the night before the wedding.

Now, they can range from a night out to a week away in some far flung exotic location. It is not unusual for the stag, along with his close friends and perhaps family to jump on a plane and enjoy a weekend away in the sun. The hen may do exactly the same with her friends in a similar location.

Traditionally the Best Man will take responsibility for the stag do, he will decide what is going to happen and arrange it from start to finish.

The Maid of Honour or Chief Bridesmaid does the same for the bride. This rule has been slightly relaxed in recent years with the bride and groom, possibly wisely so, wanting a say in the plans.

Some couples do still opt to have a less extravagant hen and stag do and will keep it to a night out in their local area.

Although tradition it is considered less than sensible to have it the night before the wedding these days.

Getting through a twelve-hour day with a hangover is not nice, and definitely not enjoyable.

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The tradition of the bride wearing “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” dates from Victorian times.

The custom of the bride throwing her bouquet over her shoulder originally involved her throwing one of her shoes.

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Tradition Something old refers to an item that represents a link with the bride’s ‘old’ life. Often this will be a piece of family jewellery or a dress worn by a mother or grandmother.

Something new is said to bring good luck, happiness and success. This could be the wedding dress, if bought new.

Something borrowed, normally something that has been worn by another bride at a happy wedding, ensures good luck, this could be a trinket, hankie, or item of clothing.

The something blue dates from ancient Israel, where the bride wore a blue ribbon to symbolise fidelity. Nowadays a bride will often wear a blue-trimmed garter.

There are a wealth of old wives’ tales and superstitions associated with weddings. It used to be considered unlucky for a woman to marry a man whose surname began with the same letter as hers, as set out in the rhyme: “To change the name and not the letter, is to change for the worst and not the better.”

It is thought unlucky for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony and it is also unlucky for the bride to make her own wedding dress.

The bride should not wear her entire outfit before the wedding day. Some brides leave a final stitch on the dress undone until it is time to leave for the ceremony so as not to jinx the wedding.

When the bride is ready to leave for the wedding, a final look in the mirror is said to bring good luck. However returning to the mirror once the journey has begun, will result in bad luck.

Seeing a chimney sweep on the way to a wedding is thought to bring good luck and many couples still hire one to attend marriage ceremonies. Other good luck omens when seen on the way to a wedding include lambs, toads, spiders, black cats and rainbows.

Several wedding traditions involve shoes. The best known, which is still carried out today, is to tie shoes to the back of the married couple’s car. This has evolved from a Tudor custom where guests would throw shoes at the newlywed couple. It was considered lucky if they or their carriage were hit.

Another lesser-known tradition is for the father of the bride to give the groom a pair of the bride’s shoes to symbolise the passing of responsibility for the daughter to her new husband.

A variation of the custom is for the groom to tap the bride on the forehead with one of the shoes to assert his dominance.

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Checklist Appoint Bridesmaids and Best Man Commence a wedding planning diary Book church or wedding venue Book and organise reception Arrange caterers if necessary Make out guest list Order printed wedding invitations and other stationery Buy rings Compile gift list Plan and select bride’s gown Plan and choose bridesmaids’ clothes Choose a going-away outfit Choose/hire suit for groom Choose bride’s mother’s outfit Choose groom’s mother’s outfit Order flowers for reception and ceremony Order flowers for bride and bridesmaids Order corsages for the two mothers Order buttonholes for groom, Best Man, ushers and guests Book photographer and/or video Organise the cake Arrange transport for bride to the ceremony (to the reception is the groom’s responsibility) Arrange transport for main wedding party and other guests Record replies to wedding invitations Update gift list as gifts are received The honeymoon booking (groom again) 50

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Tree Tops

Country House Restaurant & Hotel

We at Tree Tops would like to make it a very special day for you. Did you know that we are the only country house hotel in the area and that we have five acres of beautiful grounds? A photographers paradise. And, of course, while those lovely photographs are being taken, your guests can mingle on the lawns with their pre-drinks.

There are various options available at Tree Tops for you to choose from.

We are licensed for civil weddings and civil partnership ceremonies. These take place in our beautifully appointed conservatory. We can also arrange blessings and wedding parties for those couples who have had a wedding abroad. A further option then, according to numbers, is whether you wish to hold your wedding breakfast in our delightful restaurant or our renowned marquee suite. The decor in the restaurant is such that you can introduce your own colour scheme in the cloths, flowers etc. and the restaurant will accommodate up to 75. Our heated (for all those winter weddings) marquee will hold up to 250 and, as well as choosing your own colour, cloths, flowers etc., we can arrange to even change the colour of the wall and ceiling! And also if necessary extend it to hold even more guests.

Whichever is your choice, you can be confident that our professional and caring staff will be working together to make your day a day to remember.

www.treetopsformby.co.uk 路 email: sales@treetopsformby.fsnet.co.uk MY WEDDING PLANNER

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1091782

Tree TOps COUNTrY HOUse HOTeL & resTAUrANT sOUTHpOrT OLD rOAD, FOrmbY 路 01704 572430

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The Grand Marquee Knowsley Safari Park

1090622

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