courtesy of Alex Bray Photography
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courtesy of Chez Bec
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essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
Chic & Natural courtesy of Sandals
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courtesy of Jaine Briscoe-Price
It’s the biggest day of your life and you want it to be perfect and memorable. At first glance hiring a wedding planner may seem a little extravagant but in the long term it will save you time, money and of course stress! So what should you look for? What questions should you ask? Firstly, do a little research and select the best 2 or 3 that appeal to you. Look at their website; does it have testimonials and photographs? Take a look at their ‘About Us’ tab, this should give you an idea of how long they’ve been a wedding planner and what their previous experience has been. Once you’re happy with what you’ve seen, arrange to meet them for coffee or invite them round to meet you and your fiancé at home. This is incredibly important, as this person is planning the most important day of your life, so you have to get on and feel a synergy between you. The best wedding planners will listen to what you want your day to be and be able to advise you on a timeline of what should be done and when. They’ll work within your budget and will have the best suppliers already on board, giving you peace of mind that you are getting first class value for money. As you head closer to the main event all you need to do as the bride-to-be is sit back, relax and let your wedding planner do what they do best – plan weddings!
Julie Julie Tooby - Award Winning Wedding Planner
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Using a wedding planner
Essentially You www.essentially-you.net t. 0208 123 8740 | 07976 645 480 e. Julie.tooby@essentially-you.net
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Our supplier’s top tip:
‘When hiring a planner or any other supplier, make sure you are at ease with them. Remember they are there for you in one of the biggest events of your life… NOT the other way round.’ Julie Tooby - Wedding Planner Welcome to Essentially You - Wedding planning throughout the UK, but centred around you. . . Our one aim, our one goal and our one reason for existing is to ensure the couples that we work with have amazing, memorable and enjoyable wedding days. Whether we are setting up venues or planning the entire event, we are professional and committed. Our knowledge and expertise means that everyone we work with can rely on us for excellent advice and knowledgeable opinions. Our nationwide team works closely with clients, going the extra mile and taking responsibility, but never taking over. Essentially You was founded in 2005 by Julie Tooby, as the natural progression to the success and reputation for excellence gained at one of Berkshire’s premier wedding venues. Since inception we have worked tirelessly to be able to offer prospective brides the best of care and attention to every detail of their special day, and the testimonials received from past clients provide a glowing accolade to our success in achieving that aim. The Essentially You team now covers the majority of England and Wales. Our coordinators have been carefully selected and trained and by working with someone who is based in your area you get the benefit of their local knowledge. When you ask a wedding planner a question you want to be certain that you will be given the correct answer, and with us you can be certain you are. We treat our clients as our friends and we use our best endeavours to ensure, not only that your wedding day runs smoothly, but that you are treated as our most important client, because you are!
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centred around you images courtesy of Design House Photography
Special Days Events www.planningmyspecialday.co.uk t. 0161 408 4110 | 07967 700 537 | 07834 719 382 e. hi@planningmyspecialday.co.uk
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Think White membership gives you:
10% discount when you spend over £500 on any of our services. (Login to the ‘Member Privileges Section’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve your privilege code)
Our supplier’s top tip:
‘When turning your dreams into reality you need to choose a company who understands and knows exactly what you want and can exceed your expectations in what they deliver.’ Emma & Kirsty - Event Designers When only the best will do… Planning for one of the most important days of your life is never easy. That is why at Special Days Events we are here to take the pressure and stress away from you. Offering high quality, bespoke wedding and event planning, we pride ourselves in delivering a first class service with every little detail taken care of from start to finish. With over 12 years experience, we have extensive creative backgrounds in all aspects of design, planning, management and the installation of large scale events & promotions, including floral design, venue styling and dressing. Whether you want our help and assistance right from the beginning of your planning stage, through to the dressing of your venue and overall coordination of your special day, or you just want to use our services to hire your chair covers or floral table centres from us, we can work with you at any stage. We pride ourselves on attention to detail every step of the way and at Special Days Events we ensure that you will have the stress free wedding of your dreams.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
make the magic happen...
Mitton hall www.mittonhall.co.uk
Selecting the right venue for your wedding is probably one of the most important and time-consuming decisions you will be making. Think about the style of wedding you would like. City, country or coastal? Modern or traditional? By answering these questions, it will help you in considering venues and help you to style and theme your dream day. When you have made a short list of venues or have selected one in particular, arrange to visit and meet with the venue’s wedding coordinator. Ask them to show you around the venue and explain the various options available to you. Don’t be afraid to ask them as many questions as you feel necessary. Your assessment of their response will tell you how flexible and helpful they will be if you go ahead with a booking. You will need to check the availability of dates with the venue, registrar and close family before making a booking and paying your deposit. It is worth asking the wedding coordinator if your selected date can be put on hold for a few days whilst you make these arrangements. When confirming your provisional booking, always ask for a contract and check the terms carefully. Top Tip: Staying a night at your shortlisted venue will allow you to see at first hand the level of service and the quality of the food before booking. This is a small price to pay in relation to the cost of the venue and will allow you to assess what you and your guests will experience on the day. Some venues may even offer this at a reduced rate. Once your venue is booked, you can then begin to put the rest of your wedding plans in place. Close liaison with your wedding coordinator throughout the planning process, especially during the weeks leading up to the wedding, is very important to ensure that everything is properly planned between you and the venue. It is always advisable to take out wedding insurance to cover your costs in case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances. Without a doubt, feeling comfortable with the venue’s team, and having confidence that they are prepared to go that extra mile, ensures that everything will run smoothly for your special day. Above all, finding your venue should be one of the most enjoyable experiences of planning your wedding. Remember, it will always be a place that you will treasure forever!
David David Reeve - Venue Director
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Choosing a wedding venue
Bae Abermaw Hotel www.baeabermaw.com t. 01341 280 550 e. enquiries@baeabermaw.com
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hotel & restaurant
Bae Abermaw
Think White membership gives you:
Free use of bridal suite the night before the wedding for the bride and groom only & free use of chair covers with bows in a choice of 6 colours*. *Subject to availability
(Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
'Finding the right wedding venue can be very time consuming. Try to look for venues that suit the style of wedding you would like and staff that you feel comfortable with. The right wedding coordinator at your venue will help bring your dream day alive.' David Reeve - Managing Director
Stunning boutique hotel with spectacular coastal views The Bae Abermaw is a stunning boutique hotel and the perfect venue for your wedding day celebrations as we provide an excellent service in unique surroundings. The friendly and relaxed atmosphere of our hotel will make you feel at home on your special day. The Bae Abermaw Hotel offers a wide and flexible range of wedding celebration packages. We can offer ceremonies, wedding breakfasts, evening functions and exclusive use of the hotel for your special day or even for a full weekend! We have two fantastic suites available, the Bay View Restaurant and the Garden Suite. We also offer a full range of options that will add that little extra sparkle to your special day. For example, we can arrange a magnificent firework display. What about a fabulous chocolate fountain or an ice sculpture as a centre piece for your buffet. In fact, there’s a whole list of sparkles to choose from!
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elegant & modern
Augill Castle www.stayinacastle.com t. 01768 341 937 e. enquiries@stayinacastle.com
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Think White membership gives you:
A complimentary nights stay for every wedding couple to be taken as they wish after the big day. (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
‘Keep your wedding simple and personal and remember whose day it is.’ Simon and Wendy Bennett - Augill Castle
Stunning wedding venue in the Lake District Augill Castle is the Lake District’s only residential castle wedding venue giving you the unique opportunity of a whole castle all to yourselves for your celebrations. The castle sleeps up to 28 people with room for a maximum of 46 for a formal wedding celebration, making it big enough to be grand yet still small enough to remain intimate. The castle can be exclusively yours and is licensed to hold civil marriages and has been described as one of the country’s top ten most romantic houses. Weddings for up to 40 can dine banquet style along two eighteen foot oak refectory tables and smaller groups (up to 22) eat together around one huge dining table. In any event, with eleven bedrooms, there is space for twenty-eight overnight guests. There is no formula; no set packages. Each event at Augill Castle is as unique as the setting itself. You plan your day, plan your menu, decide on timings and it happens.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions images courtesy of Derwent Photography
unique stay in a castle
The Black Swan www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk t. 01439 770 466 e. weddings@blackswan-helmsley.co.uk
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Think White membership gives you:
Celebrate your first wedding anniversary with a complimentary return visit to the Black Swan Hotel including dinner, bed and breakfast and a bottle of chilled champagne in your room. (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
'It’s your day, so don’t worry about trying to please everyone...just enjoy every single moment, you only get one chance!’ The Black Swan
Beautiful country hotel perfect for a country wedding! Do you dream of a romantic country wedding day? A picturesque, historic setting, blending with understated elegance and timeless style? There is always a sense of occasion at The Black Swan Hotel. Whether you are looking for somewhere to tie the knot, or to celebrate your nuptials, the emphasis is on quality, first class service, attention to detail and warm hospitality. Beyond the bustling atmosphere of the pretty marketplace, in which the Black Swan is located, there is a choice of private reception areas, each within their own distinct character, including our tranquil walled garden. Whether you plan an intimate wedding or large exclusive use house party style celebration, we will work with you to complement the ambience and style of your event perfectly. In addition to your choice of wedding package, your dedicated wedding planner will create those special touches for you, ensuring that your wedding day is unique. At The Black Swan in Helmsley, you can relax and enjoy a wonderful day, which will delight your guests and stay in your hearts forever.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
romantic country weddings
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Notley Abbey www.bijouweddingvenues.co.uk
Botleys Mansion www.bijouweddingvenues.co.uk
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Bijou Wedding Venues www.bijouweddingvenues.co.uk t. 0845 130 9966 e. marry@bijouweddingvenues.co.uk
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Think White membership gives you:
One weeks free Honeymoon in one of the cottages at the Chateau du Bijou when booking a wedding with Bijou. (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
'People often think through the logistics of their day with sunshine in mind. When booking your venue, always think through all the possible weather combinations and make sure the venue works whatever the elements throw at you.’ Bijou Wedding Team Bijou owns and manages five stunning historical properties and delivers the ultimate wedding experience. Not hotels, but dream homes for the day, Bijou Venues are available on an exclusive basis so you can enjoy the most important day of your lives in complete privacy. Botleys Mansion (Chertsey), Notley Abbey (Thame), Cain Manor (Farnham) and Silchester House (Reading) are all within an hour of London and have been specifically designed for the perfect wedding. They boast breathtaking ceremony, reception and banqueting rooms, luxury bridal suites and sumptuous accommodation – all set in the most idyllic surroundings. Every venue has a splendid combination of rooms, offering an ideal atmosphere for every guest whether they prefer to dance, ‘mix and mingle’ or simply relax in a comfortable sitting room. All the Bijou Venues are registered for civil ceremonies and three of them offer the rare opportunity to tie the knot outside in immaculately presented grounds. The specialist Bijou team help you through every aspect of your planning and support you on the day, from the moment you arrive (perhaps in a Bijou classic car) right through to breakfast the following morning. Unique to Bijou, you also enjoy complete control of your plans 24/7 with an interactive online wedding planner. State of the art technology continues with the live web cam facilities - for friends and relatives to witness your ceremony from around the world. The latest luxury hotel-style catering facilities and professional waiting staff help deliver a celebration that totally exceeds a five star rating. Every Bijou bride, groom and guest enjoys impeccable service and attention to detail throughout. As you relive your day over a nightcap with close family and friends before retiring to a truly spectacular bridal suite, you’ll know you trusted the right specialist to deliver the perfect day.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
dream venues for your day
Clearwell Castle Country House Weddings
BEST WEDDING VENUE
www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk t. 01594 832 320 e. info@clearwell-castle.co.uk
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Think White membership gives you:
A fantastic 10% off your venue fee and any optional extras for your special day. (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
'Book a venue which offers exclusive use - you’ll be guaranteed to feel like a princess in your very own country house for the day.' Emily Bramer - Country House Weddings
Exclusively weddings, exclusively yours Winner of Wedding Ideas Magazine ‘Best Wedding Venue’ 2010, this magnificent castle is offered to you exclusively and provides the perfect fairytale setting for wedding day dreams to come true. The magnificent ballroom is licensed for civil ceremonies and has a 75ft aisle and leaded glass windows, offering a unique and serene setting usually only found in churches. The ballroom can also seat up to 160 people for the wedding breakfast and the elegant reception rooms and vaulted cellar can easily accommodate 250 guests for evening dancing. There are also 15 beautiful bedrooms within the castle and grounds which are reserved exclusively for you on your wedding night ensuring the perfect end to a perfect day, as well as a beautiful cottage within the grounds for the bride and bridesmaids to stay in the night before the big day. Clearwell Castle is located 20 minutes from the Severn Crossing and 45 minutes from Bristol, Cheltenham and Gloucester.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
just beautiful
Gosfield Hall www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk t. 01787 472 914 e. info@gosfield-hall.co.uk
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Think White membership gives you:
£250 off any full price wedding booking (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
'Exclusively Weddings, Exclusively Yours: the way forward is to hire your own venue exclusively for the whole day of the wedding to create a magical house party feel that your guests will remember and you will cherish forever!’ Set in picturesque rural Essex, Gosfield Hall is a stunning Georgian manor house offered exclusively to you for your wedding day. Gosfield Hall was built in 1545 by Sir John Wentworth - a member of Cardinal Wolsey’s household - and hosted Royal visits by Queen Elizabeth I and her grand retinue throughout the middle of the 16th century. The house was then remodelled during the 18th century, the magnificent Ballroom was added and the deer park landscaped, to become a family home for the Marquis of Buckingham. The magnificent interiors and elegant historic facades of the building remain today and Queen Charlotte's Oak panelled gallery with a 120 ft long aisle is perfect for wedding ceremonies and the newly licensed carriageway is a stunning location for outdoor ceremonies on sunny days. The Marquis of Buckingham's former ballroom provides an exquisite setting for the reception meal for up to 116 guests and there are also several grand and ornate reception rooms for you and your guests to enjoy. As we offer exclusive use of the entire house you can also invite up to 250 guests for the evening reception and party. There are also 21 newly refurbished bedroom suites offered to you exclusively for your wedding night providing the perfect end to your special day at Gosfield Hall. Gosfield Hall is located in the heart of rural Essex, yet is only 30 minutes from Stansted Airport and the M11 to London.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
exclusively weddings, exclusively yours
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Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons www.manoir.com
Tre-Ysgawen Hall www.treysgawen-hall.co.uk
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Discovery Bay, Barbados www.rexresorts.com
With more and more people choosing to get married abroad, the accessibility of destinations and locations, as well as the options once you make your choice, seem to be endless. From stunning backdrops, such as a simple white-sand beach to the more dramatic waterfall, or high-adrenalin nuptials whilst sky-diving or deep-sea diving, there seems to be any number of ways to make the day undeniably yours. Why do people choose to go away? Again, there seem to be a host of reasons. No longer are couples necessarily doing it by themselves. Weddings abroad regularly consist of 30 or more guests. Some people opt for the almost guaranteed good weather, or at least the knowledge that it should be warm, and your photos will be amazing! However, the most compelling argument of them all seems to be cost. With the average UK wedding hovering around the £20,000 mark, many couples are choosing not to begin married life in debt by heading overseas. The hotels or other venues take care of everything with many elements, such as cake, flowers and all the legal requirements, often included in your wedding package price. Guests are still welcome, but tend to pay for their own travel and accommodation, ensuring couples still only have the food and drink on the wedding day to cover. If an all-inclusive hotel has been chosen, then even the food and drink may only consist of a few supplements to the price already paid by everyone. When getting married abroad, don’t forget: To check how many days you need to be in the country prior to your wedding. Ensure you have all the necessary documentation; this can differ from country to country. Some may also request copies in advance of your arrival. Plan your outfits to suit your destination, considering the temperature or whether you may get sandy or wet. Take your dress on board a plane as hand luggage. Many airlines will allow this as an extra item. Have a fantastic time!
Karen Karen Francis - Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, Rex Resorts
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Destination weddings
Rex Resorts www.rexresorts.com t. 020 8741 5333 e. sales.mriuk@rexresorts.com
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privilege
Our supplier’s top tip:
'Download our free Beach Bride Guide for loads of tips when planning your wedding abroad! www.rexresorts.com/beachbride’ Rex Resorts - Wedding Team Wedding and honeymoon paradise destinations! With beautiful beaches and landscaped gardens, all rex resorts' properties offer a Wedding & Honeymoon package to ensure your dream day, or special stay, are memories you will cherish forever. Our Wedding package includes bouquets and buttonholes, your cake and all documentation, not forgetting the invaluable assistance of a wedding coordinator to make your day in paradise smooth and stress-free. The same package is on offer for those looking to renew their vows in the Caribbean sunshine. Honeymoons are your ultimate, unforgettable holiday and with a choice of romantic treats on offer, rex resorts create the perfect atmosphere for you and your partner to start married life in a relaxed, laid-back and hassle-free environment. With added extras, such as private transfers, sunset cruises, champagne breakfasts and private butler dinners, to name a few, you can rely on rex resorts to make your honeymoon everything you hoped it could be.
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
paradise destinations
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Royal, St Lucia www.rexresorts.com
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essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions Royal, St Lucia www.rexresorts.com
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Chateau du Bijou www.bijouweddingvenues.co.uk t. 0845 130 9966 e. marry@bijouweddingvenues.co.uk
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privilege
Think White membership gives you:
1 weeks free Honeymoon in one of the cottages at the Chateau du Bijou. (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.Think White Review.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
'People often think through the logistics of their day with sunshine in mind. When booking your venue, always think through all the possible weather combinations and make sure the venue works whatever the elements throw at you.' Bijou Wedding Team
The Chateau du Bijou The Chateau du Bijou, originally built by the Duke of Privas for his mistress, nestles in 63 acres of wooded hillside in the foothills of the Alps. Hidden from view until the very last minute and located in one of the most rural and beautiful parts of the South of France, it combines Provençal weather with romance, tranquillity and total seclusion – the recipe for a perfect day. The Chateau has a total of 25 bedrooms on site (including those in the three cottages in the grounds) and two swimming pools to complement the ballroom (seats 90) and the main hall (seats 50). Any size of wedding party fits – use just the 13 bedrooms in the Chateau itself for a smaller party or expand into local Chambres d’Hôtes and Hotels if you have more guests than the Bijou can handle. Enjoy local favourites such as kayaking and horse-riding; even spend a day visiting local vineyards in search of that perfect rosé. Le Bijou provides a perfect location for wedding celebrations – take your guest list with you and spend a truly unique weekend celebrating together. Make as much (or as little) noise as you want – perhaps even attempt the local favourite – La Nuit Blanche….
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
chic french chateau
Sandals www.sandals.co.uk t. 0800 742 742 e. sales@sandals.co.uk
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Think White membership gives you:
Exclusive £100 discount off Sandals holidays for all Think White members. (Login to ‘Member Privileges’ at www.thinkwhitereview.com to retrieve the privilege code for this offer)
Our supplier’s top tip:
Book a Concierge room or higher and your Beautiful Beginnings wedding theme is FREE!* *Terms and Conditions apply Luxury and quality Scattered amongst the dreamlike tropical islands of Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas, are 13 incomparable Luxury Included® Sandals resorts, each offering more luxury, quality and choice than any other resorts on the planet. Designed exclusively for couples in love, Sandals resorts have been named the ‘World’s Best All-Inclusive Holiday’ for the past 14 years. Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart Sandals has partnered with Martha Stewart to offer the bride and groom six customisable wedding themes each inspired by the colour and ambience of the Caribbean. Choose from the simple yet elegant Beautiful Beginnings; the whimsical Flutter of Romance; Classic Vision in White; romantic Seaside Serenade; serene Chic and Natural; or the vibrant Island Paradise theme – there’s something for every modern bride. Honeymoon Heaven Now you’ve had the most special day of your life, relax and enjoy the honeymoon of a lifetime. Whether relaxing in your sumptuous suite in the Bahamas, going on a romantic Sunset Cruise in Jamaica, or enjoying a beachside Red Lane® Spa treatment in Saint Lucia, at Sandals you will find the honeymoon experience tailored to your particular interest and needs. Sandals also includes a FREE VIP Honeymoon Package, meaning you can begin your new life together in style.
Flutter of Romance
Island Paradise
designed exclusively for couples in love
Beautiful Beginnings
Seaside Serenade
Vision in white
essential planning capture the day inspiration ideas style suggestions
Chic & Natural