Hot Brands Cool Places - The Wedding Issue 2018

HOT BRANDS

Cool Places

WEDDING

AUGUST 2018

ISSUE NOËš61

Wedding

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to our Wedding Magazine, our annual gathering of everything gorgeous to celebrate your Wedding!

As well as some of the most beautiful ways to celebrate your wedding we also have: An interview with Megan Ziems, Founder of Grace Loves Lace.

Miss Modern Calligraphy shares how to plan for on the day stationery.

We have features on Your Wedding Day - Creating a memory - an A-Z of how to create those special moments that you will remember forever.

If you are a new couple just setting out we have ideas about how you can Create Your Happy Place.

We also have a wonderful selection of wedding venues and honeymoon choices And finally we share some ideas how to pamper yourself before the big day.

We wish you every happiness on your special day www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Front Cover and Inside cover Image courtesy of Grace Loves Lace https://graceloveslace.com.au Photographer is Jeremy Choh.

Other images throughout the magazine supplied by the various companies, or publishers featured.

Kaye

Kaye Thorne // Editor in Chief

All information about products and services are supplied to us by the individual organizations, or agencies acting on their behalf. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, it may be subject to change. Please check with individual organizations for the latest information about all events, products, or news items. Inclusion in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Hot Brands Cool Places. Hot Brands Cool Places does not accept responsibility for the content of any external site.

IN THIS ISSUE...

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Interview Megan Ziems Founder of Grace Loves Lace

Feature: Your Wedding Day Creating a memory

Feature: Finishing Touches for your special day

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Feature: Creating Your Happy Place

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Features

Special Feature: Venues and Honeymoons

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Beauty Feature: Get ready for the big day

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS The history of Van Cleef & Arpels began with a love story: in 1895, Estelle Arpels – the daughter of a dealer in precious stones – married Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a lapidary and diamond broker. Since then, the Maison’s creations have always remained faithful to a highly distinctive style, characterized by poetry, refinement, creativity and artistic sensibility.

Van Cleef & Arpels blends the excellence of its High Jewellery savoir-faire with great delicacy to imbue the most precious materials with lightness and movement.

www.vancleefarpels.com

FIONA CAIRNS LTD Fiona Cairns Ltd designs and creates luxury cakes. From celebration and bespoke wedding cakes to tea time treats, there is a cake for everyone. Classically designed with contemporary twists, each and every cake is lovingly hand-made and hand-decorated using only the best ingredients, ensuring that each one tastes as good as it looks. In 2011, the company became known worldwide after being commissioned to make the Royal Wedding Cake for TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The eight-tiered cake, made with seventeen fruitcakes, was baked and decorated in the Leicestershire bakery, and took the team two months to make.

www.fionacairns.com

FINE ART CALLIGRAPHY Create an amazing first impression with your wedding stationery and on the day from Fine Art Calligraphy, your wedding will be uniquely yours from the minute your guests receive their invitations to calligraphy services for on the day details such as place cards, bespoke signage, table numbers, seating plans and so much more.

www.fineartcalligraphy.co.uk

HARRIET WILDE A British luxury bridal footwear brand renowned for statement heels, floral embellishment, luxurious materials and a high level of craftsmanship, Harriet Wilde has created a feminine, and elegant collection for a fashion forward client, with both modern and bohemian elements.

www.harrietwilde.com

Megan Ziems

Founder of Grace Loves Lace Can you tell us about the ancestry of Grace Loves Lace?

In 2010 while searching for my own wedding dress I wasn't satisfied with the wedding 'uniform'.

I wanted more. I couldn't do a gown with a corset, boning, structure or restriction, it just wasn't for me. I needed a gown that was authentically me. A gown that had personality, that told MY story and was designed with passion, movement and luxury in mind.

My great grandmother passed on her passion for design and french lace to my mother who grew up between Wales and France.

Mum had her own luxurious lingerie label and her success was underpinned by high quality production which inspired me from a young age.

Interview What is the inspiration behind the ICON collection?

The main focus and inspiration was women that have a really strong sense of self. The message "Beauty is entertaining, depth is impressive" really resonates with the brand as everything we have always done has been for the woman of substance.

This is a broad brief which is part of the appeal; Frida Kahlo, Virginia Woolf, Claudia Cardinale, Monica Bellucci, Beyonce, Margot Robbie, the iconic 90's supermodels that represented confidence and independence, and of course the quote “Well behaved women seldom make history�.

You create designs using the most exquisite fabrics, can you tell us a little about how the process works from design concept to finished dress?

From the very beginning of launching Grace Loves Lace, the design, fabrication and fit of our gowns has been optimised for online shopping.

We are an e-commerce business first and foremost, so offering Made-to-Order gowns in luxurious stretch laces means buying a wedding dress online is a lot easier than you’d think.

Traditional gowns which feature rigid fabrics, boning, structure and no stretch are a high risk online purchase, so more than anything, we ensure the fits are versatile, comfortable and allow you to move!

What are your hopes for the future? What would you like to have achieved by 2020?

There are many many things in the pipeline for the next 12-36 months for GLL. Of course the primary goal is to keep making lots of women very happy brides! The International brand presence is a big focus point along with creating beautiful exciting product and creative content. GLL is quickly becoming the go-to for a wide range of brides worldwide and that won't slow down for us, we are really passionate about growing the brand.

As a guest what makes a perfect wedding for you?

Happy relaxed people, dancing, great food and wine. And good lighting! Lighting is so important for the mood.

Interview www.graceloveslace.com.au

What advice do you have for brides wanting to order a Grace Loves Lace dress?

Whilst it is important to know what silhouettes make you feel your best, it's even more important to have an open mind and have confidence that our in-house Online Stylist team are experts. We are a really close-knit team of women that genuinely care about each bride we speak to so it's very natural for my team to have quite honest and deep conversations with customers - to the point that we’ve had lots of wedding invites!

Woman to woman, there really isn't any limit to what you can tell us when it comes to how you feel about your body.

It means our Stylists can really focus on what is going to suit you best. So many women begin with sending a photo which is really useful. We also encourage you to send us your Pinterest boards so we can get a better understanding of what you love and we can help make that happen.

Our dedicated Online Stylist team are online all day, every day and Live Chat is a really easy, casual and quick way to get answers to any question you might have. No matter how our brides reach out to us (email, social media DM, Live Chat, phone) they will always speak to the same person so it’s easy to build relationships with your stylist. The more they know you the better they can help. Never hesitate to flick us that first message!

PEPA & CO. After three exciting years living in London, in 2013 Pepa Gonzalez decided to create Pepa & Co., to bring back classic and quality clothes to a new generation of children. From her years working as a nanny for international families in London, Pepa spotted a gap in the market for high-quality children’s clothing with a traditional and smart design.Since then Pepa & Co. has become a recognised worldwide brand, known for its beautifully designed, clothing collections for newborns, babies, and children, up to 8 years old. Pepa & Co. is a London based brand, whose clothing is made in Spain using the highest quality materials. Their manufacturing processes are closely monitored to ensure all clothing is being produced in a fair and ethical way.

www.pepaandcompany.com

THE REAL FLOWER COMPANY We are flower farmers, who specialise in growing highly scented roses, flowers, herbs & foliage on our sustainable, Fairtrade farms in the UK & Kenya. Our wedding collections feature our favourite scented roses, including David Austin varieties, which are picked fresh from the farm, specifically for your big day.

www.realflowers.co.uk/wedding-flowers.html

BELLA BRIDAL ACCESSORIES For all your wedding hair accessories and jewellery choose Bella Bridal Accessories with our extensive collection of Swarovski wedding hair vines, tiara, pins and combs and beautiful jewellery you will look stunning on your special day.

www.bellabridalaccessories.co.uk

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Your Wedding DayCreating a memory One of the most wonderful rules about today’s weddings is that there are no rules! There are of course still traditions, and there are also legal requirements, but in terms of how you style or theme your wedding, or even where the ceremony is held there is so much more choice.

100 years ago this year the First World War ended and as we remember those brides who got married after the war they had so little choice in their wedding preparations and yet their happiness on their wedding day was not diminished by the lack of the options afforded to the brides of today. Also in terms of longevity, many of the post war couples have marriages that have celebrated golden, diamond and even platinum wedding anniversaries.

One of the most special things about a wedding is that you are creating a memory, a series of moments for you, your partner, your friends and family that you can return to in years to come and celebrate.

And it is these moments that often cost nothing at all, the look on each other’s faces as you make your vows, the smiles on the faces of others and you walk down the aisle, the heartfelt words in your speeches, the evocative notes of your first dance, the time spent with each other after everyone has left. This is where memories are created and this is what is important.

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So when you are planning you wedding take time to focus on the memories, and how they can be created, and without sounding too commercial, planning a wedding is a little bit like developing a branding campaign, think about all the key stages and ask yourself the question, ‘Does this reflect our brand?’ Is this what we would like people to remember from our wedding?

If you are a couple planning your wedding this issue has some wonderful suggestions of how you can make your wedding a more informal and natural celebration. We have some suggestions later in this issue from Miss Modern Calligraphy.

We are becoming so much more environmentally conscious and so in planning your wedding think about how you can incorporate this into your wedding.

This will impact on each stage of the wedding and its associated costs, you set the tone from the moment you send out your Save the Date invitations to the moment you leave the reception.

To help you record these memories, why not buy a special notepad to create a journal that you can keep as a reminder of all the little things that happened along the way.

Think about what is really important to you and your partner, and plan the day around the special moments: Invitations This is your very first opportunity to celebrate your special day, take the time to think about how you want people to feel when they open the envelope, the texture of the paper, the uniqueness of the design, even if you use modern technology to send it, think about the words and the information that you need from them, their food choices, perhaps their favourite music for the dance choices. Above all think about whom you really want at your wedding, would you prefer an intimate family ceremony followed later by a celebratory party? If you invite less people can you spend more on making it really special?

Venue

a great deal of logistical organization. However if you think about planning it far enough ahead this can create a very special event for close family and friends.

The Ceremony The ceremony should be one of the most important parts of the day, choosing what you say to each other, how long it lasts, the music, will all impact on your memory of the day. As a couple think about what is really important for you and plan around this. Increasingly couples are suggesting an ‘unplugged’ ceremony when guests are requested not to take photographs, or post on social media.

What to Wear

Traditional, or modern, with so many choices today about where you can get married take the time to think through some of the more logistical issues, time of day, parking, travelling from the ceremony to the reception, how many guests can be accommodated, sometimes using an exclusive use venue can solve many of these problems.

This is one area when convention can be challenged, there are no set rules about what to wear, tradition and convention have created an expectation, but your wedding should allow you to choose to wear what most reflects your personality and what makes you most comfortable. More and more brides are choosing dresses that allow them freedom, which can be worn after the event; see our interview with Megan Ziems, founder of Grace Loves Lace in this issue.

While it may be exciting to think about a destination wedding abroad, this can have a huge impact on the costs for guests, and will involve

If you are planning an informal wedding do let your guests know the dress code.

The Reception Again, if you are focusing on creating wonderful memories it is important to really plan the reception. The reception should be like the best party, and if it is to be the best party, then the focus should be on the guests. So now think about what would make the guests comfortable, and plan accordingly.

Seating Traditionally this can be one area fraught with difficulties, who to sit next to each other, who should be on the top table etc. The most successful weddings usually plan for this, either with a carefully thought out seating plan, or having a more informal buffet arrangement.

Food Today more than ever before there is a need to plan for the variety in people’s dietary choices. When planning your wedding menu, think about being creative with your options, instead of a sit-down meal, allow guests choices in smaller more manageable buffet style arrangements focusing on in season, locally grown and ethically sourced good food and incorporate vegan and vegetarian dishes as part of the main choices rather than as an add-on.

Apply this to your wedding cake too, include choices suitable for everyone,

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from perhaps a single tier traditional cake that can be cut, to more dessert choices, that allow for individual food preferences including fruit or cheese.

romantic evening together, or make a start on their honeymoon.

Importantly with our climate becoming hotter, be aware of the impact of this on where and how food is served.

Equally when planning the drinks allow your guests plenty of choice in rehydration, as well as alcohol, serve fruit drinks, have a tea or coffee bar.

Speeches can be nerve-wracking for those presenting them and often embarrassing for those on the receiving end of them. Is it really necessary for the best man to totally embarrass the groom, does the father’s speech need to be a slide presentation of his daughter’s most sweet moments growing up?

Schedule of Events When planning your wedding day, think realistically about the time frame, because this will have a huge impact on the success of the day.

Traditionally wedding days can be a long drawn out affair, with both the bride and groom exhausted at the end and many of the guests feeling worse for wear. However with careful planning the day can be shorter but more memorable. In terms of the reception, it’s important to make guests feel welcome and prior to the event let them know the timings. Like all good hosts the bridal party need to circulate and more informal seating can allow for this.

When you are planning the schedule of your day, think creatively about different options, e.g. with a lunchtime wedding, the reception could be over by early evening, allowing both the bridal party and the guests easier travel arrangements and the opportunity for the couple to spend a

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Speeches

Speeches need to be short and again meaningful, a bit like the advice given to the recipients at the awards ceremonies, thank the right people, be humble, raise a smile, and focus on the two people who have chosen you to help them celebrate their special day.

Favours / Gifts for Guests If you want your wedding day to be remembered with fondness think carefully about wedding favours and gifts for the special people at the event. If you are giving special gifts for the close family, bridesmaids, or groomsmen choose private moments either before, or after the event.

Think to about including special notes that give you chance to express your feelings for them. With wedding favours try and find original or personalized little gifts for your guests that will be a special keepsake.

HOT BRANDS COOL PLACES WEDDING ISSUE

Music

Honeymoon

Some people invite their guests to choose their favourite music for the playlist by including it on the invitation, “I will dance if you play….” Whatever type of music you decide, it is important that you include music that you like and reflects the different stages of the event, you may want a guitarist to play while food is eaten, a small live band for the main dancing or a DJ.

So many couples spend so much on their wedding that when it comes to their honeymoon, they are either don’t have enough money, or time to plan something special. But this feature is about creating memories, and even a weekend with someone you love can create a wonderful memory.

If you are nervous about the first dance keep it short and start inviting your guests to join you.

At the End of the Event However many people you invite, you want to be able to get to the end of the event, relaxed and reassured that people had a good time.

Plan the day so that as the evening winds down people are able to make their way home safely, ensure that transport arrives on time, and that people are assigned with the task of making sure that any gifts are gathered, and that the venue is handed back to care of the organizers.

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As well as going abroad there are amazing destinations in this country. Choosing a honeymoon destination is one of the special parts of planning your wedding. Think about what would make it a special experience for both of you.

Whatever choice you make, think carefully about the travel arrangements both to your destination and the return journey. No one can plan for unexpected events, but it is possible to be prepared and to think through the timing of the travel, which is really important if you want to arrive ready to enjoy your honeymoon.

honeymoon couples. So either mention it when booking, or share the knowledge to upgrade.

After the Event – Creating a Memory Box With today’s focus on technology it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of keeping tangible memories of the day, but as well as a wedding album, create a memory box with all the little things that we were important on the day.

If you kept a journal this is something to include, try and note down special moments from the day, as well as the invitations, place cards, menus, copy of the speeches, maps, souvenirs from your honeymoon, playlist of your music. Instead of drying a whole wedding bouquet why not just save one of your favourite flowers and perhaps a buttonhole.

We wish you joy and happiness and above all wonderful memories on your special day.

It’s also the time to recognize that most places will make special arrangements for

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ELLA JAMES Shop at www.ellajames.co.uk for pretty gifts and inspiration - a gorgeous selection of delightful gifts and items for your wedding.

www.ellajames.co.uk

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LOAF Dive into Loaf’s brand spanking new spring collection! The British brand have gone back to the drawing board with oodles of exciting new designs. Classic pieces have been revamped with a fresh lick of paint and they’ve even added a whopping 25 new fabrics.

Discover more at Loaf.com

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JOHN LEWIS OF HUNGERFORD John Lewis of Hungerford is the original painted kitchen company, starting back in 1972, creating high quality, tailored kitchens and now including bedrooms and furniture. Our team of talented and dedicated designers can turn your dream into a realisation and our highly skilled craftsmen will bring your designs to life in our Oxfordshire factory.

www.john-lewis.co.uk

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GARDEN TRADING The Garden Trading collection embraces a clean, practical and uncluttered lifestyle. Combining classic materials with innovative designs; the range of contemporary lighting and timeless furniture for the home and garden adds distinctive style in any setting.

www.gardentrading.co.uk

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THE PAPER PARTNERSHIP Wallpaper designer and artist Elizabeth Ockford’s new Highbrook collection for international brand, The Paper Partnership, reflects surface texture effect, one of the latest trends for wallpaper. Metallics continue to prove popular in interior design and these appear in the new collection with subtle, warm metal motifs or lines and curves in a colour, such as gold, helping to reflect light around a space. Retro designs are also high in demand and Highbrook has been influenced by a selection of key styles from 50s and 70s geometrics to full-blown 70s and 80s prints.

www.thepaperpartnership.co.uk

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TREASURE TROVE Here at the Treasure Trove, we have a passion for antiques, homes and interiors and all things vintage. We hate seeing good things go to waste, which is why we breathe new life into pre-loved items. With Free UK Delivery, explore our shop to see what unique treasures you can find for your home.

www.thetreasuretrove.co.uk

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Feature Creating

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Your Happy Place

As the economy continues to be challenging, many couples are living in rented accommodation, or smaller properties than previous generations, and so while their ambitions may be hopeful, the realities of day to day living may offer limited opportunities to create the style of living that they would really like.

Given this restriction, however it is still possible to create spaces that bring comfort and relaxation and can become your happy place.

For many of us struggling with maintaining a work/ life balance, or if you are working from home, when you do finish work, you want spaces that allow you to enjoy your free time.

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If you are setting up home for the first time, and choosing a bed, or lounge furniture our recommendation is always try for size, and always pay the most you can afford for comfort.

Never ever underestimate the importance of being able to sink into something comfortable at the end of your working day.

Everyone has individual preferences in the way they sleep and lounge, don’t be embarrassed, go and try the furniture out. But also look carefully at the descriptions of the composition, read reviews, go back and try it out again!

Also think practically about the furniture and where you will be putting it, if you are living in rented accommodation and know that it is likely that you may be moving more frequently wait before you invest in something that is going to be moved from place to place.

However if you are in more longerterm accommodation you can buy something that has the potential to last. Always measure the furniture and where you plan to put it, some of today’s lounge furniture in particular can be quite large, if you are in a flat make sure that the delivery team can access the property and get the particular item inside.

When you are first starting out as a married couple and setting up home together we always mention the importance of recognizing what is important for both of you and how to accommodate those needs.

At different stages in our lives we accumulate different things, and

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when moving in together there is often a realization of how much space this can take up. If and when you have children this can create another collection of items and if either of you work from home this can also take up further space. Trying to sell unwanted items often results in a greatly reduced return in the sale price, therefore one lesson to take to heart in the early stages is to really question what you invest in buying.

While it can be very tempting to buy cheap items, the reality is that investing in less but better quality items pays off in the long term. This can also apply to your wedding gift list, if you adopt a minimalist approach you can ask for contributions to things that you will really need.

If you are living in rented accommodation or a smaller house you may have limited outside space, but this is something that has been recognized by gardening experts and now there is much more information about creating tiny havens of joy. In even the smallest garden or balcony you can grow delightful plants and flowers all year round. Always check that your balcony can withstand the weight of pots and earth, particularly if you use terracotta pots as the combined weight can be quite heavy.

In rented properties with larger gardens it is also work checking your responsibilities and factoring in these costs. While it may be lovely to have a large lawn or garden attached to your property, it is likely that you will be responsible for its upkeep during your tenancy and particularly during the summer months this can prove to be quite expensive in terms of time

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for yourself, or money if you have to pay someone to do it.

Finally location, today more than ever before more and more people are working for themselves, and this creates a freedom that never existed for previous generations.

With technological solutions you can literally be based anywhere from the Scottish Highlands and Islands to Land’s End, or even globally, the choices are endless.

If you are really looking to find your happy place, think very carefully about where you would like to live, not just for now, but when you have a family. If your work gives you the freedom to choose where you live, take full advantage of this, particularly before you commit to a mortgage, or long-term rental. It’s expensive to move, and if you do have children its much harder to persuade them to move once they have established friendship groups.

Our climate seems to be changing, with hotter summers, explore different parts of the country, would you prefer to be nearer the coast; think about being slightly inland, but still within reasonable access to the sea. Don’t necessarily choose highly populated cities, choose areas that have access to the sort of amenities you want, but which perhaps give you more opportunity to enjoy your free time.

Take time as a couple to sit down and agree what would make your own perfect happy place and work together to try and accommodate what you both need for now and in the future.

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GROHE GROHE is the world’s leading provider of sanitary fittings and a global brand, dedicated to providing innovative water products. For many decades, GROHE has been committed to the brand values of technology, quality, design and sustainability.

www.grohe.com/uk

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GLAZEBROOK & CO. Glazebrook & Co. Classic Cutlery for modern living. Finest Stainless Steel designs with alternative dishwasher safe Cream and Black Handle Knives. For more information visit: www.glazebrook.com Email: sales@glazebrook.com or Tel: 020 7731 7135 Free Sample Service. Delivery Worldwide

www.glazebrook.com

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GO MODERN Welcome to our garden furniture ranges from Europe’s leading specialists in outdoor design. Go Modern works with many award-winning brands to offer the very best in contemporary furniture for the bedroom, living and dining room. We also specialise in freestanding and fitted Italian wardrobes and clever storage ideas for any space. Share our passion for modern design.

www.gomodern.co.uk

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LSA INTERNATIONAL Founded in 1960s London, LSA International is a contemporary design brand specialising in handmade glass. For over 50 years the company has created collections for bar, table and decoration and continues to launch brand new products each season. Materials are carefully selected to ensure the brand’s signature quality and complex artisan techniques are translated into distinctive products.

www.lsa-international.com

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THE NATURAL RUG COMPANY The Natural Rug Company is a small family business specialising in the sale of made to measure bordered rugs made from Sisal, Seagrass, Coir and/or Wool. Contact Val for more information or to obtain samples from our free sampling service.

www.naturalrugcompany.co.uk

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Finishing Touches for your special day

Feature

by Louise Sinclair, Miss Modern Calligraphy

When you are planning a wedding one of the first decisions you make is the design of your wedding stationery.

Your wedding invitation sends out the statement style, whether it is classic elegance, bright colours, gold foil, watercolour paintings, rustic chic or minimalist, when your guests see your stationery it sets the tone for the day.

The invitations go out and then you work your way through the wedding planning list, the dress, venue, flowers, photographer, catering, shoes, make up and so on. It is not until the wedding is getting closer, the guests have RSVP'd and suddenly you realise you need stationery for the day: place cards, a seating chart, order of service, menus, special messages or cards to explain how the evening will progress etc.

In the summer months I often get emails from bride and grooms or family members frantically trying to find someone to write place cards or print menus, the deadline is looming and they are worried that the pieces won't arrive in time.

My biggest advice is to take a deep breath and think about what you really want to help your day flow beautifully rather than what you think you should have.

Perhaps start a Pinterest board, or create a mood board from magazines, brochures from the wedding venue, or

things that you have seen from other weddings that you thought worked well.

Here are a few steps that might help in planning those special touches that can make all the difference to your special day: 1. Plan Your Day By this I mean really sit and visualise your day from start to finish, think of the venue and talk to the people who are supplying your services. If you are getting married in a church, discuss the Order of Service with your Vicar (often they like to approve what you want to put in your Order of Service before it is sent to print) will you include hymns, the readings, the music, acknowledgements for the bridal party etc? What information do you want to include for your guests. Do you want a sign to say "Unplugged Ceremony" asking guests not to use their phones or take pictures, if so do you want this handwritten on a blackboard or printed?

Does the church / venue have a stand for you to put this on?

Will you need printed or hand written signs to guide people to the reception?

How about parking? When people arrive at the venue will you have a table with a sign for gifts or where to get drinks? Perhaps you might want a cocktail menu with drinks named after you or the places of your first dates.

2. Talk to Suppliers Sit down with each supplier and discuss information that might be important. If you want menus printed and designed for each place setting, talk to your caterers and agree on the final menu.

At the same time talk to your venue and cake decorator and decide if the wedding cake is going to be the dessert or will the cutting of the cake be later in the evening, perhaps served with coffee. Information like this is useful for your guests.

Many of my clients have an order of the day or evening. Recently I wrote this in modern calligraphy on a large mirror which included items such as the first dance, cutting of the cake, extra food in the evening and a cocktail hour. It was set in the room as the guests arrived so that they could see exactly how the day was going to progress and could make sure they didn't miss anything.

3. Give enough time between the RSVP date and the wedding day to organise all the items for the special day This is especially true for me, as a calligrapher and designer, many clients aren't aware of timescales and how long it might take to handwrite place or escort cards, menus or even special requests such as agate slices, messages in bottles, table numbers and seating charts.

By having a slightly earlier RSVP date this gives you enough time to plan your tables, menus (especially if the guests have chosen their meal already). I recently had a brilliantly organised bride who printed bespoke menu cards for each wedding guest with their name and their food choice, not only making it easier for the waiting staff but helpful for the guests in case they had forgotten what they had chosen.

4. Plan your Wedding Aesthetic Do you want to include part of your wedding stationery design in your on the day items? Perhaps you have a beautiful illustration or monogram that is featured on your wedding stationery and you wish to carry the theme through to your place cards and menus.

You can also include vow books and

thank you cards that you might give to your wedding party that could have this monogram or illustration included.

5. Combine Place Cards as Favours This is very popular at the moment, special place cards with wedding guests names on them. Little bags with a small gift inside, agate slices, pebbles, all personalised and a very special momento of the day.

Perhaps you want to give your guests flower seeds in a personlised envelope or a handwritten message just for them.

6. Check, check and check again...

Even though you have looked at your guest list over and over spelling mistakes can creep in, organise your guest list, seating charts and menu choices in an Excel spreadsheet or table in Word. I supply my clients with example files, especially if a mail merge is required which saves time and helps for final checks.

Ask a family member or friend who is good at proof reading to double check all the names, a pair of fresh eyes can make all the difference, imagine how awful you would feel if you had spelt someones name wrong or put incorrect information on a card (this is especially important for anyone with food allergies).

7. Schedule all the on the day pieces to arrive at least one week before the big day The last thing you need in the run up to the wedding is for any of the on the day items to either be wrong or not arrive in time. To save stress have everything delivered to your parents or a very close friend who can look after them for you.

You can even arrange for someone you trust to take them to the wedding venue the day before as one extra job you don't have to worry about.

More than anything plan ahead and then relax, take time to appreciate all the little touches that you have carefully deliberated over, the day goes so quickly, cherish every single moment and keep a little set of momentos for you to have for years to come.

Venues

Image courtesy of Home in Italy - www.homeinitaly.com

HOME IN ITALY Luxury wedding villas in Italy. Celebrate your union in one of the country’s finest romantic villas, castles or historical residences, Home in Italy can make your Italian wedding dream come true! With 25 years of expertise in the territory Home in Italy staff are honored to guide you through the best selection of wedding villas and help you find the perfect one for the celebration of your special day. You will be able to relish your fabulous wedding, without stress whilst enjoying a romantic stay in our beautiful country.

Wedding Services - With your dreams and aspirations in mind, our professionals will design, plan and style your splendid day to perfection. Our Concierge Department will assist you with any general information and, if required, can put you in touch with professional Wedding Planners to discuss your requirements in detail.

www.homeinitaly.com/luxury-villas-by-features/wedding-villa_58

COMBERMERE ABBEY Steeped in history and romance, Combermere Abbey sits within acres of ancient woods and walled gardens, and provides a secluded and special place for you to celebrate. Elegant and enchanting, this Cheshire venue offers something truly unique for your fairy tale wedding and can cater for every aspect of your day.

Exchange your vows in the light-filled Glasshouse. When the sun is shining, hold your ceremony in the surrounding fruit tree maze with views of the idyllic gardens all around. Enjoy drinks and canapés in the gardens before an elegant wedding breakfast and reception in the luxurious Pavilion. With exquisite accommodation for up to 49 guests in the converted stable cottages and the breath-taking North Wing honeymoon suite, you’ll have the perfect place to spend the night.

https://combermereabbey.co.uk

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MAISON TALBOOTH Step back, relax and indulge at Maison Talbooth. Twelve individual bedrooms, day spa, outdoor pool (heated to a sizzling 85 degrees all year), hot tub, pool house and tennis court. Guests dine at the award winning Le Talbooth restaurant beside the river Stour, just a minute away by courtesy car.

www.milsomhotels.com/maison

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KESGRAVE HALL Step back, relax and indulge at milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a contemporary 4-star hotel with 23 fabulous bedrooms ranging from standard through to the 'top grade'. Plenty of theatre can be found in the restaurant overlooked by the Engine Room, with our head chef championing all that is great about Suffolk produce.

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THE TYTHE BARN The Tythe Barn is a fantastic 14th Century barn in rural Oxfordshire. Primarily run as an exclusive wedding venue, but also offering corporate and private events, it is headed up by husband and wife team Will and Emma Deeley - together with their incredibly professional team. The result is a fabulous, award-winning business!

www.thetythebarn.co.uk/

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UFFORD PARK Relax in style in the heart of Suffolk’s most beautiful, peaceful countryside: come to Ufford Park Woodbridge, Hotel, Golf & Spa – to stay or simply to enjoy our bars, restaurant and many other facilities. Set in 120 acres of historic parkland and just ten easy miles from Ipswich, child-friendly, family-owned Ufford Park Woodbridge offers you so much more including: High-standard hotel accommodation, undulating 18-hole championship, par-71 golf course – as used by the PGA EuroPro Tour, modern, well-equipped health club with spacious gym and indoor, deck-level swimming pool and the very latest thermal suite spa and much more!

www.uffordpark.co.uk

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Honeymoon

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Image courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent VIllas - www.akvillas.com

ABERCROMBIE & KENT VILLAS Abercrombie & Kent’s luxury villa collection includes a selection of hand-picked private homes which are simply perfect for a summer wedding. Choose from small, intimate venues to large Italian castles and extend your wedding to include your honeymoon. Alternatively opt for a small, secluded villa perfect just for two to start your married life.

www.abercrombiekent.co.uk

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NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH “Your recommendations of where to go and what to see and do, and who to stay with were spot on every time…”

New Zealand is our complete passion and we are committed to sharing our knowledge and experience of the country to create the best possible holiday experiences, whether you are visiting for a few days or a few months. Achieving this requires more than good destination knowledge, it is all about listening to you to understand your interests and what you need from us and caring about the experience you will have. It is about personal service and personal connections.

Based in England with trusted partners on the ground in New Zealand, we have been creating personalised New Zealand holidays since 2003.

www.newzealand-indepth.co.uk

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QUALITY VILLAS Book with us for your next romantic holiday. Unique inspected villas with pools in France, Italy, Morocco and Croatia. Use our free concierge service to add on chefs, cooks, and a host of services for that extra special holiday.

www.qualityvillas.com

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MULLION COVE Owned by the Grose family since 2006, the Mullion Cove Hotel is in a class of it’s own. For over 100 years, guests have enjoyed it’s character, hospitality and first-class service.Crashing waves and spectacular sea views. Elegant, inviting luxury rooms and apartments. Amazing food and friendly staff. These are just some of the reasons guests love Mullion Cove, one of the best and most romantic of hotels in Cornwall.

www.mullion-cove.co.uk

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THURLESTONE HOTEL The Thurlestone Hotel has been owned and run by the Grose family since 1896. Thurlestone has grown year on year and is now a 65 bedroom, four star luxury hotel with extensive facilities set in 19 acres of landscaped gardens. As well as relaxing in the Voyage Spa, with its hydrotherapy pool, laconium and steam room, guests can book some serious pampering in the Decleor beauty rooms. The hotel offers a range of dining experiences. For those with a taste for the finer things in life, look no further than the Trevilder 2 AA Rosette Restaurant where the menu boasts locally-sourced food and offers a range of favourite regular dishes complemented by a daily changing selection of seasonal “market dishes”

www.thurlestone.co.uk

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BEACON PARK BOATS Ever considered a honeymoon afloat? Four-poster bed, roll-top bath, double shower, on-deck hot tub - just some of the luxurious features that make our 5-star narrowboats the perfect couple’s hideaway in the stunning Brecon Beacons.

www.beaconparkboats.com

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NUMBER ONE DART MARINA Number One Dart Marina is an exquisite home in a breath-taking location by the River Dart in Dartmouth, Devon. A stunning combination of views, luxury and style, within a few steps of Dart Marina Hotel & Spa

see more at www.dartmarina.com/NUMBER-ONE

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TRAVEL MAGAZINE For more inspiration for honeymoons and romantic holidays, check out our recent travel magazine!

HOT BRANDS

Cool Places

TRAVEL

MAY / JUNE 2018

ISSUE NO˚60

https://issuu.com/hotbrands/docs/hbcpjune2018

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NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES FRANKINCENSE INTENSE™ LIFT SERUM CLINICALLY PROVEN LIFT ACTION High performing, it’s clinically proven to visibly lift and recontour the skin with targeted lifting technology, and plump the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles with hydrating hyaluronic acid.

A best-selling serum with an exclusive blend of frankincense essential oils, clinically proven to help you feel relaxed. Inhaling the aroma while applying will help to promote a feeling of wellbeing.

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES FRANKINCENSE INTENSE™ LIFT CREAM VISIBLY LIFTING AGE DEFENCE Our multi-action cream visibly lifts and recontours whilst an ultra-nourishing trio of organic butters and oils to help strengthen, soften and restore your skin.

This award-winning cream contains an exclusive Frankincense Active Phyto Complex - an exciting scientific breakthrough with proven collagen protecting properties.

NEAL’S YARD REMEDIES INTENSE™ LIFT EYE CREAM

Targeting the delicate skin around the eyes, new Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream helps to enhance the appearance of the eye area. Lifting technology of micro algae, linseed extract and ribose helps to visibly lift the eye area, while the Revitalise Blend of green tea caffeine, turmeric and organic green coffee seed oil helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Beauty GET READY FOR THE BIG DAY

CRABTREE & EVELYN CARIBBEAN ISLAND WILD FLOWERS BODY LOTION Get a daily dose of hydration with this honey and hibiscus exoticallyscented lotion.Take a shortcut to hydration with this totally tropical lotion. Blending mango seed oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil and antioxidant-rich hibiscus with conditioning honey, it offers a quickquenching daily fix. The easily absorbed formula leaves skin feeling super soft, supple and cared for, while the bouquet of wild flowers is the mood-lifter you need for a great day.

CRABTREE & EVELYN CARIBBEAN ISLAND WILD FLOWERS BODY WASH Enjoy a tropical daily cleanse with this honey and hibiscus enriched body wash Start your day the right way and bring a little Caribbean sunshine to your morning routine with this exotic body wash. Freshly fragranced and gently cleansing, this shower gel is a burst of radiance with extracts of honey and hibiscus bringing a boost of botanicals.

Breathe in the tropical wild flower scents and take a moment to relax

FRANKINCENSE

To use, lightly dab a small amount of the cream around the eye area. This stimulates and helps to revive tiredlooking eyes. Used with Frankincense Intense™ Lift Serum and Cream, take a holistic approach to your skincare ritual by inhaling the relaxing aroma of all three products whilst you apply.

HOT BRANDS

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