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A note from ‘The Best of the Blog’ team Be inspired on Instagram Hi brides-to-be! Our first issue of ‘The Best of the Blog’ went down a storm at the Autumn bridal shows, and we’re so excited to be bringing you issue number two ready for spring! We’ve been carefully picking our most popular articles from our online wedding planning blog (www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/blog) and putting them together in this gorgeous glossy magazine to help brides-to-be kick start their wedding planning. We’ve packed it full of useful info and included our fabulous Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist (page 42) ready for you to start ticking things off! We’ve been busy researching bridal trends for 2017 (page 10), checking out the new Hygge wedding trend (page 4) and as always, sourcing beautiful Real Weddings to get you inspired. If you’re at the beginning of your wedding planning journey, don’t forget to sign up for our amazing online wedding planner or download our free App, and search for all your wedding needs on: www.guidesforbrides.co.uk. We’ve even got a great competition to offer you, where you could win a luxury mini-break escape for you and your fiancé (the perfect pre-wedding treat!) so head to page 24 for all the details on how to enter. Happy wedding planning! Katie and Niamh x
Marketing Executive
Graphic Designer
Guides for Brides Ltd Larkhill Farm, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8PJ Tel: 01235 770078 info@guidesforbrides.co.uk With special thanks to David Bostock for editorial images
© Guides for Brides 2017
WHO ARE GUIDES FOR BRIDES? Guides for Brides is an online wedding directory and planner: It’s the perfect tool to help you plan your wedding, your way. Search for everything you need to plan your wedding; whether it’s your venue, stationery or flowers you name it, you’ll find it on guidesforbrides.co.uk. We also have an inspirational wedding planner, packed with all the tools to help you plan your wedding on the go. Create supplier shortlists, keep track of your RSVPs and organise your table plans, all at the click of a button. Sign in at guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-planner or download the App. Our popular wedding planning blog provides you with everything you need to know in the lead up to your wedding - the latest trends, gossip and plenty of inspiration. Head to guidesforbrides.co.uk/blog. For real life wedding inspiration, look no further than our Real Weddings section! Here, we feature real weddings with pictures and stories from the day, the perfect inspiration for your wedding! guidesforbrides.co.uk/real-weddings. If you’re looking for wedding fairs in your area, check out our wedding fair diary. Get all the info on local fairs and look out for discounts for the bigger national shows, too. guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-fairs. Sign up to our newsletter for all the latest Guides for Brides news, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for daily wedding inspiration!
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CONTENTS P4 TREND ALERT: Hygge Weddings
P30 Secrets of a wedding planner
P6 Getting your groom looking sharp
P34 Social media wedding etiquette
P9 How to find your perfect wedding dress
P37 Your wedding hashtag
P10 Wedding dress trends to watch in 2017
P38 Maid of Honour or Maid of Stressing Out?
P12 Real Wedding
P40 Is your wedding bankrupting your
P15 5 tips for choosing your venue
bridesmaids?
P16 Getting married in a golf club
P42 The ultimate wedding planning checklist
P18 Woodland Weddings
P44 Finally! The unrestricted wedding
P20 Real Wedding
P48 10 things to consider before you say
P22 Eco-friendly weddings
P24 Competition
P50 Real Wedding
P26 Real Wedding
P54 Honeymoons
“I do� to a destination wedding
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TREND ALERT: Hygge Weddings Everyone is going crazy for hygge, warm cosy fires, big knitted socks and flattering candlelight… what’s not to love? Hygge is a Danish word that has no translation into English, although if you mix familiarity with cosiness and kinship, you might get close. The Danes live by hygge, they enjoy the simple things in life, turning a quick afternoon coffee into a meaningful meeting with a friend, buying fresh flowers for the home or taking the time to relax and enjoy life’s simpler things. If hygge is all about appreciating friends and being kind to one another – a hygge wedding has got to be the most warm and fuzzy notion that anyone has ever come up with. So if you (like us) are crazy for hygge, you’ll love our hygge wedding ideas.
1. Lighting
3. Your bridal look
Candlelight is hygge, and it also happens to be very flattering. Try to limit the artificial light at your reception and replacing it with candles will not only make your wedding more hygge, but it’ll make for some pretty beautiful photos, too.
Over the top bridal hair and makeup is definitely not hygge. Go for a low-key, natural look (letting your guests appreciate your natural beauty) and use fresh flowers in your hair for a hygge bridal look.
2. Simple table settings We love a good tablescape at Guides for Brides (just check out our Instagram for the proof), and a hygge wedding is the perfect excuse for a stunning, simple table. Think fresh fruit, flowers, and of course, candles.
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4. The venue Choose the perfect hygge wedding venue – a wood cabin or a barn full of rustic features would be perfect. Stay away from stately homes and modern properties, being hygge is all about appreciating the simpler things in life.
5. Have a winter wedding There’s no denying that the most hygge time of year is winter. Have your guests wrap themselves in blankets (thick wool, obviously) if it gets chilly, and a roaring fire will certainly have everyone feeling warm and hygge.
6. No gift lists or favours A hygge wedding is all about love and friendship, not material presents. A hygge guest would never expect a wedding favour, and a hygge bride and groom would just be happy that their guests were there to celebrate their day with them.
7. Serve comfort food Being hygge is all about feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and what better way to do that than by serving up hearty comfort food for your wedding breakfast? Think soups and stews and, of course, plenty of hot drinks throughout the day.
8. Grey tones Grey is the most hygge colour of them all, so if you’re planning a hygge wedding, you’ll need a grey colour scheme. Incorporate this through your linens, decorations and table, and mix with lots of wood (obviously) and you’ve got yourself a totally hygge wedding theme.
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TOP TIPS Getting your groom looking sharp Getting the perfect outfit for the groom is just as important as the bride (well, almost). A range of styles and tailoring exist in menswear and getting the right fit can take time and care. Whether a lounge suit, dinner jacket, tailcoat or beyond, it’s as much a question of confidence and comfort - which comes down to personal preference and ideas. On the big day, you should be putting on a suit which makes you feel comfortable and has you looking sharp. We know that the bride’s dress is usually the focal point of wedding photography, but the groom is standing by her side, so make sure that you are both looking and feeling your best (your mum will be getting those photographs out for the rest of your lives). On that note, it’s important to think about whether you want to go for a classic, timeless look, or whether you’d rather opt for an on-trend look which is bound to give your kids a good laugh in twenty years’ time… When in doubt, follow tradition - it never ages for a reason. To avoid getting lost in a sea of suits (groomsmen, the father of the bride, ushers), colour schemes which are unique to the bride and groom can be the perfect solution. Wearing a bow tie or
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waistcoat that is different from the rest of your party can be the perfect way to stand out from the crowd with your look. We recommend talking through your options well ahead of the wedding. As with any planning, deciding what you want early on is a great way to avoid last-minute changes of mind and added stress closer to the big day. Visiting a Men’s Formalwear specialist outlet is probably the quickest and most painless way to find exactly what you’re looking for. Here you can talk through style, colour schemes and any questions you have about how you’ll look on the day, you’ll come out with a clear head and a new suit - exactly what you need. Thank you to Mia Sposa Central London and Mia Sposa Cockfosters for their help with this article.
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STUNNING 2017 BRIDAL COLLECTION
NOW IN STORE
Mia Sposa Cockfosters
10 – 11 Heddon Court Parade Cockfosters Road Cockfosters EN4 0DB Bridal 020 8440 5333 Mens 020 8440 2333 Email: info@miasposa-cockfosters.co.uk Website: www.miasposa-cockfosters.co.uk
Mia Sposa Central London
95 Hatton Garden London EC1N 8NX Bridal 020 7419 9014 Mens 020 7419 9013 Email: info@miasposa-centrallondon.co.uk Website: www.miasposa-centrallondon.co.uk
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Extensive Menswear Collection for both Hire & Retail
How to find your perfect wedding dress Finding your perfect wedding dress is one of the first things to tick off your list as a bride to be. It can often take a long time to order your dress, and you’ll need to leave plenty of time for fittings. It is the most important dress that you will ever wear, and it’s so important that you feel comfortable and happy with your choice on your big day. Many brides find the task overwhelming, having no idea where to start - but don’t worry because we’re here with our top five ways to find your perfect wedding dress:
2. Use a Directory 1. Work out your budget Your wedding dress is one of your first wedding planning purchases, so make sure you’ve got a clear budget worked out. There is no doubt that the better quality gowns are more flattering as they will have more support and structure built in, so think about how much you’re prepared to pay for this. You’ll typically be able to find a budget gown for £300-600, but for £800-£1500 you’ll have a great choice, and designer dresses can start anywhere from £1200.
Using a Wedding Directory helps narrow down your search so that you can see what is available in your local area. Simply type in what you’re looking for and the directory will provide you with a list of all the suppliers in your area. You should also be able to find information on the site on wedding dress designers, with some even allowing you to browse their designs. Check out www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/find/weddingbridal-wear to help you find your perfect dress.
3. Browse bridal stores 5. Pinterest Pinterest is the ultimate tool for brides to be. You can create a board for each part of your wedding and keep all your inspiration in one place that’s easy to reach. Begin by creating a board with all the dresses that have caught your eye, and then narrow down your research with boards for specific designers and styles. It’s a great tool that you can use in your bridal wear appointments to give your consultant an idea of what you’re looking for.
A great way to get inspiration for dresses is heading straight to bridal boutiques and having a look around. You can get an idea of the kind of styles you like and get advice from those working there. If you’ve already browsed online, you’re much more likely to go into your wedding dress appointment with a clearer idea of what you’re looking for, and your consultant will be one step closer to finding you your dream dress.
4. Wedding shows and fairs If you’re looking for inspiration for the kind of dress you would like to wear on your big day, a great way to get inspired is by going to wedding shows and fairs. You’ll have the opportunity to get the first look at emerging trends and check out various designers while you’re there. This is a great idea for fashion-forward brides who are looking for an on-trend look for their big day.
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TOP TRENDS Wedding dress trends to watch in 2017 1. Embroidery, applique & florals It’s time to blossom and bloom with the floral: Combined with embroidery and appliqué, this trend has grown to new heights. Embroidery and appliqué once belonged to the world of denim, iron-ons and throwbacks. Former brownies would recognise the sheer joy of adding a patch to their sash, but, as seen recently across the high street, a grown up twist has been added by using embroidery or appliqué floral elements on otherwise unassuming outfits and staples. Carry this over to the wedding dress and the possibilities are endless: Whether it be an all-over embroidered floral on satin and silk, appliqué flowers on a sheer skirt or climbing appliqué, you can’t help but notice this stunning look.
2. Toppers, capelets & the demure cover-up The bolero, poncho, bomber jacket and cape element are all on top, literally, in 2017. Ideal if you are a fan of the statement piece over a simple
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ensemble, the topper can transform a wedding dress, or, complement it to detailed perfection. Perfectly pretty or beautifully bold, these add-ons have come into their own and prove that an extra layer can be especially stylish.
3. Sheer elements & the deep plunge Dare to bear? Go ahead and boost the va-va-voom with a flash of skin for the coming seasons. Sexy Hollywood starlets have recognised the glamour and appeal of bold tailoring, which, in wedding white is truly stunning. Keep an eye out for panels, peek-a-boo dresses and a deep, dropping neckline to add some drama to your day.
4. The statement train & veil The question is: How long can you go? Sweeping down the aisle this year come beautifully long trains and veils, bound to make for a memorable occasion, you’ll feel like utter royalty with trailing lines and spectacular hemline detailing. Let’s all
agree: This is the perfect way to make an entrance that nobody will forget.
5. The Boudoir Think french lingerie and luxury: exude confidence with an emphasis on corsets, the bustier and 90s slip. All of these have appeared down the runway in wedding dress form, taking your bridal look of the day effortlessly into the evening. Try these fun, feminine touches down the aisle for a timeless, classy twist.
6. Off the shoulder, Yellow & Blue Who could forget Belle’s stunning princess moment in Beauty and the Beast? With the upcoming live action Disney movie starring Emma Watson, Bridal fashion is taking plenty of cues from Belle’s iconic wardrobe. Look out for off the shoulder styles and dresses in shades of yellow or blue for an on-trend look in 2017.
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REAL WEDDING
A Cricket Wedding
After meeting Ben as a Student Teacher at the school where Ben worked, Alice completed a charity bike ride from London to Paris, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of her late Grandad. Ben was there to meet her at the Eiffel Tower when she finished, and proposed to her in Paris later that evening - a double celebration! After being let down by their first venue, Silver Pear Weddings at Friars Court saved the day. They were incredibly welcoming and supportive of their situation and really summed up their quintessentially British theme. The venue’s wedding coordinator, Jeffrey, was outstanding, and went above and beyond to ensure not only that their day was perfect, but also that it was a reflection of Alice and Ben as a couple. Ben is a big cricket fan, so they decided to include this in their big day. Alice’s brother made amazing mini cricket bats as table settings, which were a lovely memento of the day for family and friends to keep afterwards.
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Alice loved the shepherd’s crook decorations with hanging jars and flowers, and her mum made reams of bunting with Alice’s favourite toile de joie patterned material. For their wedding favours, the couple infused gin with different flavours and made hand-stamped labels for all of the bottles. Rather than going for the traditional guest book, Alice and Ben decided to ask their guests to take polaroid photos and write a message on them, which they then pinned onto wicker heart frames which are now hanging in their home. Alice and Ben advise always remembering to make your wedding about you and your partner, by doing things your way and making it a reflection of you as a couple and the things that you love. Your guests will show nothing but love on your big day - embrace it! Alice and Ben’s wedding was captured seamlessly by Dale Stephens Photography.
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Silver Pear Weddings at
Ceremony and Reception Venue 19th Century Barn and choice of Three Marquee Sites set within the grounds of a 17th Century Cotswold Stone House From 4 -150 Guests Experienced and Friendly Advice Exclusive Use preview visits by arrangement only Contact Jeffrey Cleaver 01367 810206 www.silverpearweddings.co.uk or www.friarscourt.com ‘follow silver pear weddings on facebook’
Friars Court, Clanfield, Oxon OX18 2SU
5
Tips for choosing your
Venue
When choosing and booking your dream wedding venue, there are many things to think about; here are the top ten points you should consider before making the big decision.
Checklist 1 . Where?
Countryside or City? Home or abroad? Deciding a location means that you will know where to start looking.
2 . License to marry.
If you’re planning a civil ceremony then check whether the venue holds the appropriate license.
3. Catering options.
If you are looking to hire independent caterers then this is something that should be checked with your prospective venue, as you may be obliged to use in-house caterers.
4. Dressing the venue.
If you’re keen to add your personal touch to the decor then remember to ask your venue what they include. You can then plan any additional extras.
5. Room at the inn?
Many guests will be keen to stay overnight. Ask the venue about accommodation options and discounts for wedding guests.
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TOP TIPS Get your wedding off to a tee by getting married in a golf club Country Club weddings have long been popular in the states, and British golf club weddings can be the perfect way to get that executive feel for your big day. We chatted to Crown Golf to get all the benefits and inside info on why you should consider getting married in a golf club.
1. Picturesque photo settings and stunning, undulating views Who else puts so much effort into ensuring perfect green grass all year round and an interesting landscape with a mix of different trees and shrubs?
2. All the facilities you need are already in place Car parking for your guests, professionally run kitchens, licenced bar, dance floor, sun terraces and lawns. Some of the Crown Golf venues come complete with garden games & croquet to entertain your guests.
3. Overnight accommodation Crown Golf’s flagship international resort also has luxurious guest rooms and suites, and extensive leisure facilities.
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4. Big wedding? No problem Most clubs have more than one function room as well as lawns for a marquee, so can cater for every size of wedding, and have a professional events team to ensure that your wedding will go smoothly.
5. The golf buggy photo Because who doesn’t love a wedding golf buggy snap?
The beautiful golf clubs featured in these images are all part of the Crown Golf group, who have a range of wedding venues in Hampshire, Surrey, Essex, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Cornwall, Avon and Merseyside.
www.crown-golf.co.uk/weddings.
Choose from one of our 18 venues across the UK
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HOW TO Create your perfect woodland wedding We’re just crazy about woodland weddings at Guides for Brides - wildflowers and foliage, rustic details and outdoor ceremonies, we can’t get enough. If you’re planning a woodland day, we’ve come up with some stunning ideas to get you inspired.
1. Get creative and go DIY A woodland themed wedding is the perfect opportunity to include some homemade, personal, touches in your big day. Whether you go for handmade decorations or something more low-key such as homemade place cards, a more rustic feel is a great opportunity to get creative with your wedding.
2. Make flowers and foliage your focus When you think woodland you immediately imagine beautiful wildflowers and greenery – so make this your wedding reality. Fill your reception room with your favourite blooms, but make sure to discuss with your florist that you want a more rustic look, as opposed to the classic, manicured wedding florals that we’re traditionally used to seeing at weddings. If your ceremony venue allows it, there’s nothing more beautiful than being surrounded by fresh flowers while you exchange your vows, too.
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3. Choose an outdoor venue space We know that an outdoor wedding venue is a risky business (so make sure you have an alternative in case those rain clouds do come in!) but there really is nothing better than exchanging your vows or celebrating your reception outdoors for your woodland-themed day. We love the idea of having a wooden arch decorated with wild flowers, and fairy lights hanging from the trees.
4. Include woodland touches in your bridal look We’ve mentioned adding woodland florals to your venue, but what about your bridal look? Think about ways that you can add fresh flowers or green foliage to your hair, whether with a flower crown or weaving them into the style. Your bouquet is your perfect opportunity to really show off your theme – choose wildflowers and whimsical foliage.
5. Use wooden signage to organise your guests Signage is often something that is overlooked when wedding planning, but don’t forget that your guests will need direction about where they’re headed next (especially if you have a lot of guests or a large venue). Not only are wooden signs a practical solution, but they are a great opportunity to get DIY and make your wedding a little more personal to you and your partner.
6. Take some enchanted forest photographs A woodland wedding is the perfect excuse to get some really beautiful enchanted forest style photos. Discuss this with your photographer beforehand and think about how and where you’ll be able to shoot these; after the wedding they’ll act as the perfect memento for your woodland themed day.
7. Go for a woodland wedding cake Woodland cakes are hot for 2017, we love the simple design and they are often a little kinder on the budget than other more traditional cakes. Explain to your cake maker that you want to incorporate wild flowers and foliage – we love the contrast between the white icing and green leaves.
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REAL WEDDING
a UK “destination wedding” Daisy and Will wanted to get everyone together for more than just a day to celebrate their wedding. After deciding that the cost of a destination wedding was too high, they decided on their very own “UK destination wedding”, as they knew that one day would fly by far too quickly. Their venue, The Copse, offered the wedding weekend that they were looking for - they were given the keys on Friday and the beautiful nine bedroom house was completely theirs for three nights. On Saturday, Daisy and Will were married in the covered courtyard on site and showered with petal confetti! For the evening celebrations, their cousin’s band played on the terrace and Ruff Wood Pizza set up an oven on the grass for a lovely relaxed meal. They loved the informal tables and chairs and the children had picnic blankets on the grass. The venue was so easy to work with and left everything up to them, meaning that their special day was entirely personal to them.
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Their stunning, relaxed wedding day was captured beautifully by Craig Williams Photography.
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HOW TO Plan your eco-friendly wedding Ethical and environmentally friendly weddings are becoming more and more popular as people consider the huge impact that a wedding has on the environment, and how this impact could become more positive. If you’re concerned about the environmental footprint that your wedding could leave but (understandably) can’t see yourself walking down the aisle in a biodegradable dress, don’t worry: having an eco-friendly wedding doesn’t mean you have to forsake the glamour. We’ve come up with some simple and stylish tips to make your wedding that little bit greener.
1. Choose eco-friendly suppliers When deciding which wedding suppliers to use, find out whether they are ethical and eco-friendly. By using and promoting greener businesses, you will reduce the overall footprint of your wedding, and support business that are trying to make positive changes to our environment. To search suppliers in your area, head to guidesforbrides. co.uk.
2. Go vintage There are some stunning vintage dresses out there just waiting for a second chance to walk down the aisle. If you’ve got your heart set on a new dress, a beautiful way to honour a family member is by using the fabric from their old dress to create
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your wedding gown. Not only will you have a completely unique dress, but your “something old” and “something borrowed” will be covered, too.
3. Use recycled stationery A great way to make your wedding a little greener is by searching for eco-friendly stationery suppliers, or you could even have a go at getting creative and making them yourselves using recycled paper. Alternatively, you could always send out e-invitations and cut out paper from your wedding completely.
4. Don’t hire a wedding car There are so many alternative ways to arrive at
your venue than hiring a gas-guzzling vehicle. The traditional horse and carriage is a perfect, or if you really want to make an eco-friendly wedding statement, why not walk to your venue or hire a tandem bicycle? Head to www.guidesforbrides. co.uk to search for wedding transport options in your area.
5. Choose caterers that use organic ingredients It’s important to consider whether your wedding suppliers are eco-friendly. Try to find caterers that use organic ingredients, and a bakery that will use organic ingredients to make your cake. We reckon that your wedding food will even taste better knowing that it has come from an environmentally friendly source!
6. Staycation Honeymoon We know that the UK isn’t exactly the number one honeymoon destination, but if you’re conscious of your carbon footprint, there really is no better way to go green that by staying put for your honeymoon. The UK has some wonderful holiday destinations, and you can rest easy in the knowledge that your honeymoon isn’t having such a harmful impact on the environment.
7. Use local flowers The vast majority of wedding flowers are imported from abroad, this not only gives them a hefty carbon footprint, but they are often covered in harmful pesticides, too. By choosing organic, seasonal blooms from a local business, you will reduce travel, chemicals and help support small business in your area. You could even go one step further by using homegrown flowers from the garden for your venue decoration and bridal look a budget and eco friendly alternative.
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COMPETITION TIME!
WIN A luxury mini-break escape at the beautiful Jesmond Dene House... Jesmond Dene House is an independent, boutique wedding venue offering style, a sense of history and beautiful green setting in the heart of Newcastle. Bordered by a large garden, the house overlooks the stunning wooded valley of Jesmond Dene. Weddings at Jesmond House are an elegant affair, with a choice of both grand and intimate spaces. The venue boasts a range of creative dining options, meaning that you can personalise and create your truly individual wedding day.
To enter this fabulous competition, head to
www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/win P24 www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/win
This stunning hotel which lies in the heart of Newcastle, is the perfect pre-wedding getaway for you and your fiancé. This amazing prize includes two nights accommodation in a luxury suite with breakfast and a one three course dinner for two in the hotel’s 3 AA Rosette Restaurant with a glass of champagne and canapés.
To contact the hotel: Tel: 0191 212 3000 www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk @jesmonddenehouse Enter the competition online www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/win www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/win
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REAL WEDDING
A Barn Wedding
During a weekend away on the South coast, Tim told Tegwen he was popping out to get some lunch, when in reality he was sneaking off to bury a bottle of champagne and plastic cups on the beach. Later that day, while strolling along the beach, with no one else around, Tim popped the question. They then found the champagne (on first attempt!) and spent the rest of the day together talking about everything and nothing and toasting to their engagement. Tegwen and Tim decided on beautiful Tythe Barn for their wedding, it was everything they were looking for and deciding so quickly really helped out with the rest of the wedding planning. The couple had a whole weekend of celebrations - a drinks reception on Friday night, the wedding on Saturday and a hog roast at Tegwen’s parents’ village on the Sunday. They loved having a whole weekend to celebrate, it really took the pressure off making sure that the couple spoke to everyone on the actual day. Their wedding ceremony was exactly how they had hoped - relaxed, informal and personal.
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Tegwen walked down the aisle to “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding, which set everyone off in tears from the outset! The stand out moment of the day for both Tim and Tegwen was the aisle moment - nothing prepares you for the overwhelming rush of emotions, it is something that neither of them will ever forget. Their guests loved the fabulous wedding food provided by The Tythe Barn’s caterers: Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts, and their brilliant band, Soul Grooves kept the dancefloor full all night long. After the hog roast on the Sunday, Tim and Tegwen jetted off to Bali and Lombok for a luxurious and relaxing two week honeymoon. Their wedding was photographed beautifully by Mark Lord Photography.
www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/real-weddings
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THE TYTHE BARN
A BEAUTIFUL 14TH CENTURY THATCHED BARN IN A PRIVATE LOCATION
Breathtaking outdoor civil ceremonies Personal, Professional and Flexible Approach Intimate candlelit indoor weddings and receptions Wood Fired Oven Superior Quality Sound and Lighting Introducing the brand new Bridal Preparation Area and The Bride and Groom Crash Pad Attention to detail, unrivalled and unlimited support and guidance, chilled and relaxed Come and experience the freedom of The Tythe Barn
WWW.THETYTHEBARN.CO.UK
TEL: 01869 321442
Distinctly Different Eynsham Hall is a magnificent Grade II listed mansion nestled in the heart of a 3000 acre estate. Located just 12 miles from Oxford, this stunning Jacobean-style house set within beautiful landscaped gardens with fountains and terraces will present an idyllic backdrop for your big day. Whether you are arranging a wedding in the spring, summer, autumn or winter for a large, small, formal or more intimate event, our dedicated Wedding Specialist can tailor a package to suit you and your guests.
01993 885200 I weddings@eynshamhall.com I www.eynshamhall.com I North Leigh, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 6PN
WHAT OUR BRIDES THINK of Eynsham Hall “Thank you so much for all the work you put in to Laura’s wedding to make it a fantastic day. Everyone keeps saying it was one of the best weddings they have ever been too. The food was gorgeous also.”
“Wow, what an amazing day we all had at Eynsham Hall. The attention to detail and help we received from all the staff was fantastic and all of our guests were very, very impressed.”
- Carol Wheen
- Mrs & Mrs Baldwin
Get reviewing your favourite venues Just head to the venue’s listing on www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/reviews and let everyone know how great they are. www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/reviews P29
TOP TIPS
Secrets of a wedding planner The world of wedding planning is an elusive one, with tough competition between planners and an air of secrecy, it’s certainly intriguing. Hiring a wedding planner can take a lot of stress out of the wedding planning process, they know which suppliers to work with, which venues might be best suited to you, and most important of all, how to deal with any on the day disasters. We chatted to top wedding planner Lulu Douglas, to find out her top tips for planning your wedding (and of course, her best bridezilla story, too!) Naturally, we wanted to know all the gory details, so we’ll start with her top bridezilla moment: the bride and the elephant. Lulu was working at a wedding where the bride wanted to hire an elephant for her wedding photographs (yep, that’s a thing). While trying to get a group shot with the elephant and the guests, some friends and family understandably weren’t so thrilled at the idea of getting up close and personal with an enormous elephant, but the bride had other ideas. As she deteriorated into hysterics, screaming and barking orders and waving her arms up and down, the elephant was so distressed that his handler had to return him to the trailer - without photographs. Moral of the story? Go with the flow on your wedding day, just sit back and enjoy it, and if something
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doesn’t go your way, just let it go. On a similar note, we love a good wedding disaster story - what’s a wedding without at least one crisis moment? Now mothers and weddings are a great mix, they’re full of helpful tips and support when the planning gets tough. When they are not so good, however, is when they open a bottle of red as you’re getting ready. A few glasses and one stained wedding dress later, you’ve got yourself a full scale wedding disaster. But here’s where having a wedding planner comes in handy. Luckily, this particular bride had two wedding dresses, so she quickly stepped into dress number two for the ceremony and Lulu rushed off to see what she could do with dress number one. She found a fantastic dry cleaners and by the evening, you’d never have known about the red wine…
So we’ve covered the fun bit, but how do we try and avoid these disasters on our own wedding day? Well, aside from hiring a planner and letting them take on all the stress, give certain tasks to your bridesmaids, family and groomsmen, so that you don’t have everything on your plate on the big day. In the planning process, Lulu recommends leaving yourself a 10-15% contingency fund on your budget. Be clear on what is most important to you - are you a foodie? Have you got your heart set on that particular gown? Will the photography be the essential key to your day? Know where to spend your budget and where to cut back according to what is most important to you and your partner. Once you’ve decided on the core elements of your wedding day, sticking to these will make those big planning decisions a whole lot easier. In the interest of keeping your stress levels low, think about the time of year that you want to get married. Consider things like whether your favourite flowers are in bloom at that time of year (these will cost you a small fortune if not!) and never bank on the weather not letting you down. Choose two or three dates that are perfect for you and then go from there. Research is also key: narrow your list down to three venues (remembering to save them on your Guides for Brides wedding planner) and make sure you visit each of them before deciding on “the one”.
And our top tip after talking to Lulu? Never have red wine anywhere near your wedding dress.
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TOP TIPS To unplug or not to unplug: social media wedding etiquette Like it or not, we live in a time where you may well hear your childhood vicar announce “please refrain from taking photographs and posting on social media during the ceremony”. It’s not typically in their job description, but that is just one of the ways that couples are trying to take back control of social media on their wedding day. But what is the social media etiquette for weddings? Is there a rule-book that we should all be adhering to? The truth is it all depends, but whichever way you go, un-plugged or firmly plugged in - just make sure you and your guests are all on the same page (or in the same wedding WhatsApp group).
Unplugging your wedding Don’t want the first photo shared on Social Media to be that one of you and the best man’s latest girlfriend where you look like you’ve got five chins? Avoid all photo faux-pas by opting out of social media completely and going for an unplugged wedding. Your guests will live in the moment with you without thinking about how many likes their Instagram post has and which filter best shows off their new outfit, and you won’t have to say your vows to a sea of smartphone flashes. Now an unplugged wedding is no small feat in 2017, and your guests are bound to experience some withdrawal symptoms, so it’s a good idea to let them know well in advance that the wedding will only take off once all phones are safely in
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airplane mode. Whether you decide to let them know on the invitations, or with a board outside the ceremony venue, explaining that you want your guests to enjoy the moment rather than happy snapping (after all, you’ve forked out a small fortune for a photographer to do that) should help them come to terms with being unplugged for the duration of the wedding.
Plugged-in (most of the time) Find a way to avoid the five chins photograph but also share some aspects of your special day by unplugging some, but not all of your wedding day. Photographers often complain that their photos of the ceremony are ruined by guests leaning into the aisle to get a good snap or by the flashes of various smartphones. The ceremony is the most symbolic part of the day, and of course
you want your guests to pay their full attention to you and your dearly beloved, so you will be totally forgiven for asking guests not to take photographs during the ceremony. A quirky blackboard outside the venue should do the trick, or you could even go all PE teacher on your friends and family and ask them to leave their phones in a bucket before entering the ceremony venue. Another top tip for a partially unplugged wedding is asking your guests to let you post the first image of your big day. The first wedding post is usually the one that creates the biggest buzz and gets the most engagement, so make sure it’s not the five chins photo by politely asking everyone to refrain from posting until you do - can’t say fairer than that. As a secondary precaution, set your Facebook privacy settings so that you must accept any tagging requests so that you’re always on top social media form.
And if you really want to go all out, you need to livestream. Ask one of your bridesmaids to live stream you walking down the aisle, live stream the speeches, and live stream the party! There’s no better way to let everyone know how great your wedding day is. If you want to make sure that your wedding day is totally optimised for social media, a great way to do that is by appointing someone to post throughout the day. Make sure they’re snapping away and posting to all your channels, and everyone will know all about your beautiful day.
A good way to keep an eye on any social media activity is by appointing one of your bridesmaids the “chief social media manager”. Ask her to keep an eye on social media throughout the day so that any complete nightmares can be quickly dealt with.
Plugged-in wedding We live in a social media world, and your wedding can 100% reflect that. One of the easiest and most popular ways to do that is a simple wedding hashtag. Have all of your guests hashtag all their posts and you’ll be able to find them quickly and easily, and it’ll avoid you missing out on any great photos that your guests have taken. It’s also a great way to publicise your wedding throughout the day, and let everyone know what’s happening. Another popular way to share your guests’ wedding photographs is by using a wedding website that has a photo gallery option. This way, your guests can upload all their snaps after the big day and you’ll simply be able to log in and have a look at them all! Similarly, there are a number of photo sharing Apps, where you can set up a group and have all of your friends and family send their snaps over that way. If you want to get serious about optimising your big day for social media, you need a geo filter. You can design your very own Snapchat filter that is only available in the specific location of your wedding, and your guests will be able to add your filter to their Snapchat. Not only is this a fun and modern way to update your wedding, but it’s a great way to encourage people to Snapchat your day and make sure everyone knows how much fun everyone is having.
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#WEDDINGWEDNESDAY #WEDDINGWEDNESDAY Every Wednesday, Guides Guides Every Wednesday, Every Wednesday, for Brides are are proud proudGuides to host Brides for for Brides are proudtotohost host #WeddingWednesday on #WeddingWednesday on Twitter! #WeddingWednesday onTwitter! Twitter! SoSohead headon onover overand andjoin jointhe the So head on over and join the conversation, tweeting us about conversation,tweeting tweetingus usabout aboutall conversation, allallthings wedding by tagging @@ things wedding by tagging things wedding by tagging guidesforbrides guidesforbridesand andhashtagging hashtagging #WeddingWednesday! @guidesforbrides and #WeddingWednesday!hashtagging #WeddingWednesday
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TOP TIPS Choosing your wedding #hashtag We live in a world that is totally obsessed with social media (don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), and weddings completely reflect that. And it all started with the wedding hashtag… Your guests will be snapping away all day long, getting some great shots of you and your groom as well as all your family and friends. The best way to keep track of all these photos and find them all in one place is by creating your very own wedding hashtag. This is something that couples often struggle with, so we’ve come up with three handy tips to make sure everyone will be using your personalised wedding hashtag.
1. Don’t spend a long time thinking about it.
3. Use it in the lead up to your wedding.
Pick the first thing that comes into your head, the last thing you want is no one remembering it on the big day and people not using it properly.
By using the wedding hashtag before the day arrives it means you’ll have some lovely pre-wedding photographs stored under it.
2. Make sure people actually use it.
And just to make it eeeeven easier, we’ve put together some of our favourite popular wedding hashtags to get you inspired: #TheSmithWedding, #MrandMrsThompson, #MattMarriesHannah, #HappilyEverHanwell, #ForeverJohnson, #TheMacphersonsWed #MurphyWedding2016, #JamesKateWedFest, #SamAndHarry2015.
Write it on the invitations, write it on the order of ceremony, have signs with it, talk about it, have the DJ announce it – there’s no point having a wedding hashtag unless people actually use it.
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TOP TIPS
Maid of Honour or Maid of Stressing Out? Your bestie is getting married and you’re over the moon for her, you’re pretty sure you’re going to be a bridesmaid so you’re just waiting for the proposal, when she hits you with Maid of Honour. Happy? Terrified? Stressed? We chatted to recent Maid of Honour survivor Rebecca, to see whether being Maid of Honour really is as touching as it sounds, or whether it’s actually a super stressful experience. If organising an event makes your heart beat a little quicker and you start to feel your temperature rising at the thought, being Maid of Honour could be your worst nightmare, but if you’re an organiser like Rebecca, you could be the perfect MOH. Rebecca was really touched to have been asked; it was the perfect outlet for her organisational skills, and she loved getting the opportunity to help a great friend out with her wedding. So everyone knows that the real MOH task is the hen party – so let’s get down to business. The bride was very traditional and very English so Rebecca arranged a weekend in Cambridge complete with afternoon tea, punting and… a stripper. The hens didn’t know each other before the weekend which did add an element of stress: trying to organise a fun weekend for eight total strangers is no small feat.
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So aside from the eight total strangers bit, let’s get down to what else was stressful about the weekend: the stripper. He turned up an hour and a half late, messing up their taxi and restaurant reservations, but the bride thought the whole thing was hysterical so it was definitely worth it. The other weekend activities all went down without a hitch though, punting was the highlight – the hens took a few bottles of prosecco to break the ice and they headed back to solid ground the best of friends. However, Rebecca’s responsibilities as MOH did not stop there. The bride was perhaps unique in the sense that she was super laid back and didn’t have concrete ideas that she wanted to stick to. This definitely made everything easier as there were no bridezilla style meltdowns because the right kind of tulip wasn’t in season, but on the other hand, it made it more stressful because
there was very little to guide the wedding planning. The bride took a complete back seat with choosing the bridesmaid dresses, leaving it totally up to them (never a good idea for quick decisionmaking). This actually turned into the most stressful part of the process for Rebecca, as each bridesmaid was, naturally, looking for something that suited them best. With three completely different body shapes, this became a very long and stressful process. With distance also being a factor, much of the bridesmaid dress shopping was done via WhatsApp and ASOS deliveries (21st century bridal party problems), resulting in months of trying on and disagreements. No outfit was firmly decided until a few days before the wedding and Rebecca didn’t even try on the chosen outfit until the morning of the wedding! Luckily it fitted, but she would have been walking down that aisle regardless. So it all came together in the end, but it wasn’t without its stressful moments. Each of the bridesmaids left the experience with new friends, and it was even a little sad once the wedding was over and there was no need to message each other every day. And most importantly, the bride was thrilled with how everything turned out, the day was perfect.
Are you a Maid of Honour survivor? We’d love to know your thoughts! Tag @guidesforbrides with the hashtag #MOHsurvivor
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TOP TIPS Is your wedding bankrupting your bridesmaids? Weddings are expensive. For you, for your parents, for your guests, and also for your bridesmaids. But is your bridal party struggling to keep up with the costs? When you’re getting married it’s hard not to get caught up in your bridal bubble, and the budget often goes out of the window. You may have come to terms with the cost and are going all out to get your perfect day, and that’s a great situation to be in. However, it’s often difficult to remember that it’s actually only you that’s getting married, and all of your besties might not be quite so excited about the cost of your wedding. The bridesmaids especially can incur huge costs for your wedding, and most of that comes from the hen party. You might be super excited for your all out weekend in Ibiza, but your Maid of Honour’s bank account may not be quite bikini ready… Now a girls weekend away is always a great idea, but imagine if you’ve been invited to four next summer? That means serious saving for your girls. According to a Guides for Brides Twitter Poll, an overwhelming majority would prefer to stay in the UK for their friend’s hen party, because the cost is just too much. So if you’re planning on
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an overseas hen party, be understanding if some of your friends can’t make it, or to search for close to home hen party suppliers, head to www.guidesforbrides.co.uk. Then we’ve also got the tricky subject of whether your bridesmaids pay for their own dresses. Although this is becoming a more acceptable ask, this definitely causes some bitterness between friends. According to our research the majority do believe that the bride should pay for their maids’ dresses, though those that thought it was totally okay to ask bridesmaids to pay weren’t far behind. Perhaps if they’re each choosing their own dresses (and therefore would definitely wear them again) it’s more acceptable to ask them to fit the bill, but if you’re asking your girls to cough up for a dress that they have no say over and wouldn’t wear again, it’s got to be on the bride. The most important thing is to listen to your girls and be honest with them – you’ll be able to tell if
they’re concerned about where the money is coming from. All weddings incur costs for the guests, travel can be a huge expense, and if they need accommodation, things can get really pricey. But before you get caught inside the wedding bubble, spare a thought for your girls – they might not be fortunate enough to throw the budget out of the window.
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TOP TIPS Finally: The unrestricted wedding Weddings have long been a very formal affair with rules and regulations, especially where ceremonies are concerned. Couples designing their own personal wedding day face brick walls when it comes to the ceremony, finding that there is little flexibility with the traditional approach. Church or Registrar run weddings usually mean getting married at a certain time in a specific place (namely one surrounded by four walls and a roof), and strict rules on wording and phrases. However, anyone planning a destination wedding knows that the legal ceremony and your wedding ceremony are rarely the same thing, and it is becoming the norm for UK weddings, too - that is where celebrants come in. With a celebrant-led wedding, you can design your personal ceremony wherever and whenever you want, without the rules and regulations. If a unique, personal ceremony appeals to you, check out these top tips for making the most of your unrestricted wedding:
1. Dare to be different
Every wedding is special, but why not take a risk or two to make your big day stand out from the crowd? Celebrant ceremonies are the perfect excuse to completely personalise your ceremony without having to worry about traditions and regulations. The sky really is the limit - want your dog to act as your witness? Not a problem for a celebrant wedding (we meant it when we said there were no rules).
2. Cut out the boring bits Sick of wedding ceremonies that seem to last forever? With a celebrant led ceremony, you can personalise the day so that your ceremony is exactly how you want it. Your celebrant will work with you to design the perfect ceremony that reflects you as a couple, and the best bit? Your ceremony can be as long, or short, as you want.
3. Don’t forget the legal stuff One important thing to consider is that a celebrant-led wedding is not legally binding, so make sure you get yourself down to the registry office to officially tie the knot before the big day. Then you can sit back, relax and enjoy your personalised, unrestricted wedding day.
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4. Make the most of unlimited venues Dreaming of a barefoot, beach wedding? Done. An outdoor woodland wedding? No problem. Celebrant weddings can take place anywhere you choose. So, whether you want to tie the knot on a beach, in a castle, in your garden… you can, the only limit is your imagination.
5. Remember: it’s all about YOU! When it comes to celebrant weddings, there’s plenty of room for customisation. It is the perfect opportunity to get that “this is so them” reaction from your guests. From unique readings to nontraditional songs, personalise your ceremony so that it completely reflects you and your partner.
Hi, I’m Tonyedding W r ou y e b m Let t s o H & t n a Celebr
T
ake an unconventional wedding celebrant and mix with an accomplished MC. What do you get? Me; Tony Winyard, the Wedding Maker. Being a certified Wedding celebrant I can guide you through your whole day from the ceremony all the way through to the goodbyes at the end of the night. My job is to entertain you and your guests, organise the events making sure your day runs flawlessly, all the while keeping it unique to you. Amongst other things I’ll be telling your personal Love Story, sharing both sentimental moments and hilarious highlights to create a touching connection with your guests. Based in London, I’ve performed at over 2,000 weddings around the world. Being a storyteller, a comedian and public speaker I can bring something really special to your day.
Get in touch t a h c ee r f a for MARKING MEMORABLE MOMENTS
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THINKING OF GETTING MARRIED OVERSEAS? LET US HELP YOU FIND A WEDDING DESTINATION BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION.
Our new destination wedding finder is the ultimate resource of exclusive and exciting wedding venues worldwide. Inspiration, legal information, fabulous wedding venues, planners and suppliers for all the top wedding destinations from around the world. www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/destination-weddings And don’t miss Wedaway, the Destination Wedding Show, 10-11th March 2017 in London. Register for your free tickets on www.wedaway.com
TOP TIPS 10 things to consider before you say “I do” to a destination wedding More and more couples are deciding to travel to sunnier lands and tie the knot abroad - and who can blame them? Destination weddings can be a great way to make your big day even more special and get that beach wedding you’ve always dreamed of. However, opting to get married abroad is a big decision, so make sure you’re clued up before you say “I do” to a destination wedding by checking out our top tips:
1. Go to the venue before the wedding
3. Let your guests know in advance
This may seem like an obvious one, but you would be surprised by how many couples secure venues without even seeing them. It’s so important to scout out the venue, area and suppliers to avoid big disappointments. If you can afford to go more than once, you won’t regret it.
Your destination may be a dream holiday for you, but bear in mind that not everyone will be able to attend. Make sure you give your guests plenty of time to save up.
2. Do your homework
It’s not as easy as just turning up and getting married. Many countries have strict laws and residency requirements, others require professional translation of the marriage documents. Make sure that you’re 100% sure of all the legal proceedings.
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4. Destination weddings are not cheap There is no reason why your long distance wedding can’t work out the same price, or even cheaper, than a UK wedding, but this is not a good reason to decide on a destination wedding. They can get enormously expensive and certainly shouldn’t be considered a “cheap” alternative.
5. Make sure you book on those extra suitcases Think about how much stuff you need to take on a normal holiday, and then add all your wedding paraphernalia onto that... That is a lot of stuff. Make sure you’ve got enough room to bring all your mementos home with you.
6. Finding wedding suppliers will be a challenge If you’re not going for an all-in package type wedding, be prepared to get seriously stressed finding your suppliers. We would recommend seeking professional help and advice to avoid going grey before your big day.
7. Match your bridal look to the climate
Bear in mind that your princess dress and long flowing locks may not mix well with 30 degree heat… Don’t ruin your day by worrying about foundation slipping down your cheek and sweat patches, choose a bridal look that you’ll feel comfortable with.
8. Arrive in advance of the big day Make sure you arrive at your destination at least a few days in advance. There will be loads of last minute checks and things to do that you won’t want to be concerned with the night before the wedding.
9. You can never count on the weather, no matter where you are Just because you’ve picked a tropical location does not mean that you’re guaranteed to have glorious sunshine. Always have a backup plan.
10. Think about what you want It’s really difficult not to upset someone on your wedding day, but it’s so important to remember that that’s exactly what it is, yours. There are bound to be people that aren’t thrilled about your choice to have a destination wedding, but don’t let them change your mind - it’s your big day and as long as it’s perfect for you and your partner, that’s all that really matters.
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REAL WEDDING
A Safari Wedding
When Kristen saw pictures of Steve feeding cute squirrels in the park on his online profile, she knew she had to send him a message. They instantly hit it off, connecting over their love of animals from the beginning. Steve surprised Kristen with a proposal after a quiet night in at home. He gave her a flat folding ring box, which flung the ring into her chest when she opened it, and asked her to marry him. When they began to plan their wedding, it was clear that it was going to become overwhelming very quickly, so Kristen started thinking about a destination wedding. She had always wanted to go to Africa because of her love of animals, so it seemed like the perfect choice. Although she had convinced herself that Steve would talk her out of the idea, he was all for it and really excited about the idea. The couple agreed that their special day would be just the two of them, and that they would have another reception for friends and family once they were back home. When they saw Makanyi Lodge
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Their ceremony took place in a beautiful spot in the bush, overlooking a mountain at sunset. The staff at Makanyi Lodge surprised them with a stunning arch covered in flowers and rose petals on the ground leading to the altar. They decided on a vintage, rustic theme with lots of gold accents and white linen for their big day. After the ceremony, Kristen and Steve went on a private safari drive before heading back to their room for a private candlelit dinner. They ate outside on the porch, listening to the mesmerising sounds of the African bush. Kristen’s advice to other brides is to celebrate your wedding in a way that is special and meaningful to you both (and not to drag your wedding dress around with you at the airport - much better to pack it or send it in advance!) If you’re considering a safari wedding, Luxury Safari Weddings work with a variety of venues, including The Makanyi Lodge. Their beautiful safari wedding day was captured seamlessly by Louise Meyer Photographers.
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YOU’VE PLANNED THE WEDDING, SO NOW COMES THE FUN PART; PLANNING THE PERFECT HONEYMOON.
Our new honeymoon finder is the best way to plan that perfect trip. We’re not tied to one tour operator, one hotel group or one region. Our website brings you the very best options for each honeymoon destinations so you can choose what is right for YOU. Browse by destination, flight time, month, honeymoon type, or be inspired by the top ten destinations.
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Top tips: Don’t hire a car - driving in the Naples area is not for the fainthearted and the public transport links are so good that it really isn’t necessary. Get yourself an arte card - the arte card is perfect for those wishing to do lots of cultural visits, not only does it give you free entry or discounts to many of the museums and tourist attractions, it entitles you to free travel in and around Naples including trains, the underground, the funicular and bus services. Available from tourist information centres.
HONEYMOONS Nearby Honeymoons: Naples and The Amalfi Coast Located in the sunny mediterranean, Italy is an enormously popular wedding and honeymoon destination, and it’s easy to see why. Blessed with gorgeous coastline and packed with culture, it really does have something for everyone. Just two and a half hours away by plane, Naples and the Amalfi Coast is the perfect closeby honeymoon destination, and we have created the perfect itinerary, leaving plenty of time for relaxing and ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.
Day One: Naples
Day Three: Naples
Arrive in Naples after a short flight from the UK and make your way to Hotel Romeo. This seafront hotel is situated just ten minutes walking from the old city and boasts panoramic views of the bay of Naples and towering Mount Vesuvius. Once you’re settled in, head into the town for a look around the narrow streets before heading back to the hotel in the evening for a romantic dinner.
Spend the day going back to visit your favourite places from the walking tour and indulging in some retail therapy on Via Toledo, the main shopping street. The underground tour of Naples is certainly worthwhile, and if you’re a theatre lover don’t miss the San Carlos theatre tour.
Day Two: Naples
Take the train or a taxi (20-40 minutes) to Pompeii to visit the incredible ruins. The train drops you off at Pompeii di Scavi, which is just a five minute walk from the entrance; don’t be fooled into buying your tickets for the ruins at the station wait until you get to the entrance. The ruins are vast so leave enough time to properly explore. After your visit continue on to Sorrento and stay at the amazing Bellevue Syrene.
Book yourself onto one of Naples’ various free walking tours for a real insight into the city. You’ll get a general overview and it’s the perfect opportunity to decide what you want to go back and spend more time visiting. Ease your aching feet later into the afternoon back at the hotel’s luxurious spa.
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Day Four: Pompeii
Day Five: Sorrento Spend the day wandering the gorgeous streets of Sorrento and stopping for coffee in authentic little cafés with spectacular views. If you’re all shopped out after Naples, book yourselves onto a trip up Mount Vesuvius for an exhilarating hike and spectacular views, before heading back to the hotel to relax in the spa.
Day Six: The Island of Capri Take one of the regular ferries from Sorrento to the Capri, a beautiful limestone island located in the bay of Naples. Spend the day wandering around the island and relaxing on one of the many stunning beaches that Capri has to offer, before spending the night at the stunning J.K. Place don’t miss the wonderful terrace restaurant.
Day Seven: The Island of Capri Capri is blessed with beautiful coastline so spend the day enjoying it - we recommend hiring a boat and stopping in the numerous little caves and grottos, not to mention the secret coves you’ll happen upon.
Day Eight: Positano Catch the ferry from Capri over to Positano, where you’ll find brightly coloured houses cascading down the mountainside into the bay below, this is easily The Amalfi Coast’s most picture-perfect town. Stay at the Palazzo Murat or Punta Regina, both are stunning hotels boasting incredible gardens and luxurious rooms.
Day Nine: Positano Spend the day enjoying this charming town; wander through the steep, narrow streets and stop in the small boutiques and cafés that the city is famed for. If you have time, make the 3km trip to the town of Montepertuso for hiking and more breathtaking views.
Day Ten: Ravello The easiest way to get from Positano to Ravello is by bus. You’ll enjoy the spectacular views of the Amalfi Coast as you go. Once you arrive in Ravello, there is no better accomodation option than Palazzo Avino. This spectacular hotel was voted one of the most romantic in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. Built into the mountainside, the hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Amalfi coast. For absolute honeymoon luxury, stay in their Infinito Suite and spend your evening relaxing in your private rooftop jacuzzi.
Day Eleven: Ravello Spend the day relaxing at Palazzo Avino’s incredible Clubhouse, which sits right on the Mediterranean Coast. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus down to this little slice of heaven, where you’ll want to spend the day relaxing by the sea or kayaking. Don’t miss the delicious Italian cuisine served either in the terraced restaurant or straight to your lounger.
Day Twelve: Ravello Head into Ravello, hugely popular with both tourists and destination weddings. The town is known for its stunning views and impressive gardens, you’ll love wandering the narrow streets taking in the romantic atmosphere that the town boasts. Visit on a Tuesday morning for a chance to grab some authentic goodies to take home from the charming street market.
Day Thirteen: Naples Head back to Naples for a chance to catch anything that you missed at the beginning of the holiday and relax before the flight home. We recommend staying at Hotel San Francesco, where the recent renovation mixes the ancient history of the monastery with modern luxury. Have dinner on the gorgeous terrace and enjoy the panoramic views of Naples below.
Day Fourteen: Get up early in time for a quick swim in the rooftop pool, before heading to Naples airport to catch the short flight home.
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NATIONAL WEDDING FAIR DIARY 14th-15th January - Excel London 21st-22nd January - Exhibition Centre Liverpool 28th-29th January - Metro Radio Arena 17th-19th February - Olympia London 3rd-5th March - NEC Birmingham 11th-12th March - Eventcity Manchester For more wedding shows and ticket discounts head to www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/wedding-fairs www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk
For more wedding shows and local fairs head to www.guidesforbrides.co.uk/fairs
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