Confetti Wedding Supplement - Spring 2012

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START PLANNING

Start planning your big day in good time

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PRING is in the air and the main wedding season will soon be upon us.

What better time to get married than springtime when the daffodils are blooming, the birds are in full voice and everything is springing back to life after the dark winter months.

Imagine the scene: a beautiful warm spring day with the bride arriving at the church doorway and all the guests gathering to enjoy the special day.

After the cold rainy days of winter, it’s wonderful to feel some spring sunshine and spend time outside taking photographs of the happy couple.

Imagine being able to have your florist create a wedding bouquet, corsages, buttonholes and posies for bridesmaids from a selection of colourful spring flowers. These would also make great colourful table and venue decorations.

From childhood dreams of fairy-tale weddings to years of planning the perfect wedding, it's only natural that you'll want your big day to be just right.

Whether you'd prefer a traditional church ceremony with close family and friends, or a big white wedding tucked away in a romantic castle, everything you need to make your dreams come true is right on your doorstep.

Start by writing down any ideas that you may have, and researching what's available.

Excellent organisational skills are the key to achieving your perfect wedding, and it's well worth attending bridal fairs and visiting bridal stores, as well as looking on websites and flicking through bridal magazines to get some inspiration for your big day.

Many couples choose to begin by finding a venue and setting the date.

One of the most important parts of the day, the venue will be responsible for setting the tone for much of the wedding, and with a wealth of hotels, churches, stately homes, castles and other venues, many of which can offer beautiful surroundings for your big day, you're sure to find the ideal match.

An increasingly popular choice, when marrying in a different country the world is your oyster – and from romantic, picturesque weddings alongside the Mediterranean Sea and beach-side ceremonies in Hawaii, to a rustic castle in Tuscany, there is an excellent range of venues to choose from.

Likewise, finding your dream wedding dress, along with the groom's suit and bridesmaid dresses, will also be at the top of your agenda.

Whether it's a sleek and sophisticated gown or a stunning dress fit for a princess, there are dozens of beautiful wedding dresses to suit every bride. It doesn’t stop there, either, as there are a wealth of other essential factors to arrange.

■ COUPLE: Make plans in good time to ensure the perfect day goes without a hitch and you can start your life together as a married couple From sorting out the transport, catering, entertainment, flowers, rings, photography, favours, cake, accessories, table decorations, honeymoon, stag and hen nights to finding a hairdresser and beauty salon that you trust, you'll find everything you need right on your doorstep.

All equally important, the finer details can have a huge impact on the day, and as such deserve as much time and thought in the planning stage as the main arrangements.

Don't be afraid to delegate jobs to close family and friends, either.

Planning a wedding can quickly become a full-time job in itself, and it's easy to let things get on top of you – so enlist the help of your parents, as well as the bridesmaids, ushers, maid of honour and best man, to share duties out accordingly. Don’t forget to pick someone you trust and let them share some of the burden.

But, above all, just remember that this is your big day, so enjoy it!

If your wedding day is just around the corner, most people will want to buy you, the happy couple, a present to celebrate your commitment and for your life together.

Things have moved on from the days before wedding gifts, when a dowry was paid by the bride's father to his future son-in-law and his

Your wedding g dayy at

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Packages tailored to your specific needs

family. Meanwhile the women of the bride's household would stash items in a bottom drawer for her to set up home with. Nowadays the setting up home bit often comes before the wedding, so many couples already have their essential items.

Deciding what to ask for instead, therefore, can be a bit of a can of worms. Is it acceptable to ask for tokens? And what about money? While the happy couple may be made happier with a nice wad of cash, the guest can feel uncomfortable about the monetary value of their gift being there in black and white ... unless there is some suitable safe place or person who can be entrusted to collect the lot and keep the amounts secret.

A good idea is to go through every room in an imaginary house and work out what is needed for each. Things to consider include: kitchen appliances, gadgets, crockery, electrical appliances, bedding, towels, garden equipment and furniture. You should make it as easy as possible for your guests to purchase a gift and also incorporate a range of products spanning different price ranges. The earlier the guests know about the gift list the better. It’s probably best to send details of where the gift list is being held along with the invitation to the wedding.

Sunday 25th March Sunda Please call c ntment to book an appointment

We provide a unique venue for a civil ceremony, wedding reception or party, with a choice of three major suites to choose from. The stadium’s facilities are ideally suited to all styles of weddings and celebrations and can cater for up to 380 guests.

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life.

So when you contact us, you’ll be looked after by a dedicated wedding planner.

• • • • •

telephone: 01484 484115

website: www.galpharmstadium.com

email: galpharm@thelindleygroup.co.uk

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BRIDAL GOWNS

■ HIGHLIGHT: Add a new focus to your dream gown with a subtle satin sash at the waist

Dream dresses

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OST women have dreamt of their wedding dress since they were a little girl, so it’s crucial to find the perfect dress for your big day.

Some of the key bridal wear trends for the coming year include: lace detailing; pleated and ruched bodices; long trains; asymmetric pick-up skirts; halter necks; V-necks; strapless dresses and mermaid gowns, which feature fitted bodices to just below the hips and full, low skirts.

Embellishment is also huge this year, with designers using everything from decorative beading and cut rhinestones to sequins, bows, pearls, brooches, corsages and vintage ribbons to add the finishing touches to bridal gowns.

When it comes to colour, classic ivories and creams remain popular, whilst rich reds, champagnes and golds provide alternative colour-options.

Fabrics this season are luxurious, with bridal houses opting for light chiffons, tulle, silk, organza, satin, georgette, taffeta and charmeuse, which many designers use to create slinky, figure-hugging gowns.

Great for summer or overseas destination weddings, charmeuse gowns look stunning on slender brides-to-be. However, a word to the wise, this fabric will not suit everyone as it will accentuate every lump and bump.

Brides with a square body shape – with similar size hips and shoulders and no definition at the waist – need to look for a gown that will create the illusion of curves, such as a full skirt or ballgown style with beading on the corset or bodice.

Alternatively, those with hourglass figures – with a small waist and bigger hips and shoulders – should look for a dress that nips in at the waist to highlight rather than disguise their enviable curves.

Opt for fitted bodices or this season’s glamorous, 1950s-shape dresses to make the most of an hourglass figure, taking care to avoid straight up-and-down style gowns and heavy embellishment, as this could make you look bigger than you are. Likewise, brides with ample bosoms should make the most of their assets in this year’s

■ STUNNING: Add a splash of colour to the big day with a coloured wedding dress (below) or traditional white with that added extra (above)

■ CHOICE: The off-the-shoulder look is still a popular option with today’s brides V-neck cuts.

Pear-shaped ladies – with small shoulders and bigger hips and thighs – should avoid billowy, ballgown styles which will only accentuate the biggest part of your body. Instead look for a dress that will balance out your hips, such as an A-line shape.

A good pair of heels paired with a strapless gown with a long slimline-skirt will help petite brides-to-be create the illusion of height.

While ivories and creams remain the classic choice, deep reds are an option for daring brides-to-be.

FABULOUS SELECTION OF

Mother of the Bride Outfits at Peters 2nd floor - ladies’ fashions 25 - 31 King Street Huddersfield HD1 2PZ. Tel: 01484 306090

THE ATTENDANTS

■ MAIDS: Pretty maids all in a row. Whether you opt for adult attendants or young bridesmaids, they can all look pretty as a picture on the big day

Make your bridesmaids pretty as a picture T

ANGERINE, lemon, apricot, kiwi, mango and melon. It could be the recipe for fruit salad.

fashionable newer and shorter variety – can easily make the transition to glamorous eveningwear.

When it comes down to dress design, comfort is Azure, aquamarine, amethyst, fuchsia, lilac, in and current bridesmaid fashions are very petunia, rose and willow. Or maybe an exotic much inspired by the idea of bouquet of jewels and blooms. But no – these ready-to-wear-ability and value for money, with are some of the hottest colours in bridesmaid designers succeeding in creating fabulous looks fashion. that have a distinctive place in the post This summer it’s all about colour, from the palest pinks and baby blues, to the most vibrant bridesmaid wardrobe.

A popular and practical alternative to the hues of their respective spectrums. This colour traditional bridesmaid’s dress is the two-piece revival is a reflection of what’s been happening ensemble. in women’s fashion over the past few seasons where the palette has been growing brighter and Not only does this enable bridesmaids to wear the top and skirt as separates after the wedding, brighter. it also gives the bride flexibility to mix and Prints, plaids and embroidered flower details also feature heavily this season as do tiny French match tops and skirts to ensure each maid has knots which are used to highlight skirts and add an outfit that complements her figure.

Halter-tops and knit tops are also especially hot new dimension and texture to gowns.

Ribbon trims, brooches and flowers worn in the this season, but strapless and backless designs are still the most popular by far. front at the waist or fastened in the back in place of a bow act as the perfect complement to By day, they can be worn with an optional wrap, summer gowns –but opt for a flower in matching organza capelet, or shawl in a matching colour to make them acceptable in a church or temple or complementary fabric to ensure it doesn’t setting – and by night they can be removed for a overpower your dress.

While pretty details are sure to make a statement stunning party look.

Let their true colours shine – some brides and vibrant shades are gaining ground and choose a single style and let their bridesmaids becoming more and more sophisticated, many pick the colour of their choice. brides will still prefer to stick with a simple, Or, brides decide on a general colour (blue, for traditional look in beautiful neutrals like instance) and let the girls choose their own platinum or gold or classic colours, such as intensities. claret.

Let them show their style – if your bridesmaids Brides wanting to ‘do dark’ – but not black – range from 5ft 8in bombshells to plump petites, can choose rich chocolaty browns instead, stick to one colour and fabric, and let them although for real formal elegance, black is choose their style. definitely the way to go.

As well as being very flattering on the figure, the Although it’s worth noting that empire waists black bridesmaid’s gown – particularly the and A-line or princess skirts tend to suit most

■ CUTE: Young bridesmaids in pretty dresses add the ‘cute’ factor to any wedding day shapes and sizes. Go for rich tones – the current palette for bridesmaids’ dresses is very vibrant, including a lot of deep purples and reds.

There is also a good deal of orange, lilac, and fuchsia, so keep warm colours in mind when

choosing. Avoid fussy fabrics – forget the large taffeta numbers that were big in the ’80s – they’re not making a comeback!

Opt for sleek and slim in materials like chiffon, silk, crepe, and matte jersey.

CHOOSING A VENUE

Things to consider for the wedding reception R

IGHT, so you have to make sure Auntie Mary isn’t sitting at the same table as Uncle John, and everyone knows Phil and Tommy don’t see eye-to-eye. Then there’s the vegetarians, and cousin Sylvia’s a vegan, isn’t she?

There’s people who hate eating beef and some will only drink white or rosé wine; mind you, others won’t drink wine altogether.

Ah, it can seem like one potential pitfall follows another when planning a wedding reception.

However, enlisting the assistance of a good caterer can take an awful lot of the headache away from you, leaving you to concentrate on other matters.

Budget dictates the options available to you regarding menu and the amount of guests invited. The best advice seems to be to try and please as many people as possible with your choice of food. Therefore, a dish of good quality, with a nice quantity of food upon it, will go down better with most people than a small fancy dish of expensive nosh.

Most people make a choice between whether to splash out on the food and drink budget

or to hold something back to put into the bridal gown, entertainment and decorations.

The right venue is all important, of course.

You may be able to eat, drink and be merry in the same place you were married, if a civil ceremony, but other- wise there’s no shortage of halls and hotels (and many other types of venue) with plenty of experience at hosting such events.

If there’s one thing a guest will remember about a wedding they’ve attended, it will surely be the food. To that end, many people organising a wedding choose a theme for their menu.

It could be something simple like an Indian banquet or an Italian meal.

Some people decide to opt for a traditional and fun meal such as fish, chips and mushy peas or bangers and mash. How about a hog roast for some messy fun? A carvery roast dinner is also a popular option.

Drink-wise, a glass of sparkling wine is usually offered for guests arriving at the reception, and then a choice of wine is left on the different tables during the meal.

It’s up to you and your budget whether or not to offer other choices of beverage, and

how much money you’ll place behind the bar to cover your guests.

In England, the meal at the wedding reception is often referred to as the wedding breakfast. Perhaps this is traditionally because it is the first meal that the couple enjoy together as a married couple.

Whatever the reasoning, for most weddings the breakfast usually takes place in the afternoon, meaning that guests who remain all day, or who are merely invited to the evening’s entertainment, will start to feel peckish again later, perhaps around 8pm or 9pm.

For that reason, it is perhaps a good idea to provide some sort of light buffet or snacks for the evening reception.

If you have opted for the fun and traditional English theme to your party, you could offer your guests bacon and sausage sandwiches or, maybe, baked potatoes. The hog roast or a barbecue could work well for summer weddings.

So, now you’ve got the food sorted, it’s time to work on that seating plan but the main thing, of course, is to choose a venue for your celebrations.

The local area is rich in venues for wedding receptions but it’s always worth taking a look at several before making the final decision.

There are several things to consider such as the size of the room, the menus, parking facilities and much more.

Make sure the venue is right for you and your guests so you really enjoy the day.

As for the reception itself, the seating and planning, best leave it to the professionals.

■ TABLE: Whether your reception is in a restaurant or larger venue, there’s lots to organise

Make your day one to remember for ever

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ITH a little careful planning you can ensure your guests have a great day and talk about your wedding for years to come.

Firstly decide on a venue. There are lots of places from which to choose depending on your budget and the style of event you want to arrange.

A simple meal in a restaurant is often a nice way to celebrate your day, however, if you intend letting your hair down a little later it might be worth choosing a venue with a dance floor.

Any number of establishments can offer this service from social clubs, to hotels, golf clubs or even the larger pubs which sometimes have private rooms to hire.

Put some thought into how you want the day to run. If you’re having a traditional wedding breakfast it may be an idea to draw up a list of people who will be called to make a speech. There’s nothing more embarrassing than being asked to say a few words if you have nothing prepared, so make sure you don’t put anyone on the spot by discussing the speech list with all those who are likely to be listed.

Many weddings these days offer wedding favours which are basically small gifts for your guests laid out at their table setting.

This could take the form of a liqueur or small box of chocolates for the ladies and maybe a cigar or a miniature brandy for the men. A small toy for the children also goes down well and may help to keep them quiet through the speeches. Consider disposable cameras and perhaps leave one or two per table.

It’s probably better if you get someone to collect these at the end of the night so that you can ensure they all get developed!

When considering your venue think about your guests’ travelling arrangements. If you decide to hold the event in a hotel there may be rooms which guests can book so they don’t have to worry about drinking and driving.

The entertainment is an important aspect of any evening event and there’s lots of choice.

A traditional disco always goes down well and you could ask the DJ to compile a selection of music which means something special to you and your partner.

It’s important to ensure that the night has something for everyone.

■ RECEPTION: Make sure your guests have a day to remember for many years to come

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For more information about booking your function or wedding at 315 Bar & Restaurant call Emma on 01484 602 613 315 Wakefield Road, Lepton, Huddersfield HD8 0LX www.315BarAndRestaurant.co.uk info@315BarAndRestaurant.co.uk

SENSE OF OCCASION

Enjoy the occasion T

HE most important day of your life deserves a venue to suit the occasion.

Whether you are planning an intimate family do or a lavish ceremony and party with friends and family, it is important you choose a wedding venue that meets all your requirements.

If you’re having a church wedding or a ceremony in a separate venue from the site of the wedding reception, then there are considerations such as travel and distance between the venues.

If you opt to have both the ceremony and the reception at the same place, then you need to consider how many people you can invite to each and how best to keep your guests happy between the ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Those who want a religious ceremony will probably want to get married in either their regular place of worship or somewhere nearby. If it is to be a church wedding, then there are a number of things to bear in mind. The internet is a good resource for researching a traditional religious ceremony, and your denomination will likely have its own website with advice on booking your ceremony.

The Church of England has a comprehensive site, www.yourchurchwedding.org, which takes you through all the things to consider, such as choosing the right church, what to ask the vicar, costs and rehearsals.

And, even if you are not a member of

the Anglican Church, the website tells you how you may still hold your wedding in one of its churches.

Of course, not everyone wants a church wedding, and you can always add a religious blessing to a civil ceremony.

Maybe the best thing about a civil ceremony is the wealth of amazing and beautiful places you can choose to hold it in.

It has to be a permanent structure that is roofed and open to the public, but can include anything from hotels and stately homes to your local football stadium!

This helps maximise your choices, and with more than 3,000 venues to choose from which are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies, the range is excellent.

If you are going for a small wedding of family and close friends, you need to make sure you find a suitably intimate venue and, by the same token, if you are hoping to invite a large amount of guests then you need to find the venue and setting which is just right for the size of your party.

Similar consideration should be given to the hosting of your wedding reception.

Most venues will be able to offer a choice of rooms able to cater for different numbers of guests with prices to suit.

Food is very important, too. Do you want to use outside catering, or will you be wanting the venue to cater? If it’s the latter, make sure you choose a venue whose food you enjoy and with a menu you like. Are you going to opt for a sit-down meal or a buffet? Will you be

■ TABLE: Decorate your table to tie in with your colour theme and make it a memorable day

wanting more food for the evening?

Make sure you sort out your costs per head, so you don’t go over budget here.

It’s a good idea to visit and sample the cuisine at the venue and also seek recommendations from others who have been there either for food or a previous wedding.

Also look at your venue’s ability to host entertainment. That means DJs, and maybe a band or singer to entertain your guests.

THINGS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR VENUE ● Can the venue cope with all your guests? ● Does the venue have menu options to suit? Can you put forward your own preferences and will the chef work with you to create a menu? ● Can outside caterers, florists or decorators be used? ● Are there any restrictions on decoration? ● When can you start setting up and clearing away? ● What time does the music have to finish and guests have to leave? ● Is there plenty of parking for your guests? ● Is the venue central and easy to find?

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THE RING

A traditional symbol of the marriage bond T

RADITIONALLY it’s placed on the third finger of the left hand. It’s a symbol of unity and it sends an unmistakable message about our marital status.

But where did wedding rings come from and what styles are popular in the 21st century?

The oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt, about 2,800 years before Christ.

In early Egypt, the ring was linked with the supernatural, a never-ending band linked with eternal love.

Later in Roman times, the ring's acceptance by a young lady was a binding, legal agreement and the girl was no longer free.

As time passes traditions change and, today, it is not only the brides who wear rings as a symbol of their lasting affection, but the majority of men also choose to wear this badge of fidelity and commitment.

Up until the middle of the 20th Century, it was mostly women who wore wedding rings, perhaps a reminder of the days when women were regarded as property.

However, with the outbreak of World War II many young men faced lengthy separations from their wives and they began wearing wedding bands as a symbol of their marriages.

It was pure romance, a gesture of love and affection that has happily survived into modern times. The vast majority of men wear wedding bands these days.

The ring's band does not have to be gold. In early Roman times they used iron, for its symbolic strength. But that was replaced in the third century with silver and gold.

There are attractive alternatives for yellow gold, such as white gold, rose gold, platinum or silver. Furthermore you can choose a plain ring or plump for enamelled, patterned or stone set.

A popular development in recent years has been the launch of bridal sets which are a combination of both the engagement ring and wedding ring.

These items are especially designed to fit together and almost appear as one when worn on the bride’s finger.

Designs can go from very simple to highly unique with the addition of multiple diamonds

ROYAL WEDDING RINGS ● PRINCE William does not wear a wedding ring. ● William’s father Prince Charles wears a wedding band under a signet ring on the little finger of his left hand - but the Duke of Edinburgh does not. ● Since the 1920s, Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s mine at Bontddu in North Wales has been a popular royal choice. ● The Queen Mother’s in 1923, the Queen’s in 1947, Princess Margaret’s in 1960, the Princess Royal’s in 1973 and that of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1981 were all from the same nugget from the mine. ● The Queen, who was presented with a fresh supply from the mine in 1986, gave William gold for Kate’s ring.

■ RING: A traditional symbol of the union of marriage from Medieval times to the present day or gemstones.

In the UK most people wear the wedding band on the third finger of the left hand.

There are many theories as to why this particular finger came to symbolise marriage.

Both the ancient Romans and the Egyptians cited a vein - called the ‘vena amoris’ in Latin which runs directly from that finger to the heart.

In medieval England, a bridegroom would slide the ring part way up his bride's thumb, index and middle finger, whilst quoting the sign of the cross: `In the name of the father, the son, and the holy ghost’ as he passed each one.

He then put the ring on the next available finger - the third finger of the left hand!

Wedding bands are a sign of a couple’s fidelity and commitment to each other

Rules of engagement

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HAT tradition of the bridegroom choosing the engagement ring and presenting it on proposing is far less common nowadays.

Romantic it may be but it is still fraught with the possibility that you may make the wrong choice – and for something which is likely to be worn for many years to come, it’s a risk not worth taking.

Choosing together can be romantic too and will ensure that your partner will end up with a ring to be proud of.

However, if you are determined to buy it yourself,

think carefully about your partner’s tastes.

What does she wear normally?

Does she prefer gold jewellery or platinum? Does she like simple, elegant styling or opt for something a little out of the ordinary?A good jeweller will work with the bride and bridegroom to help them find the perfect ring.

But do remember to allow enough time to make the right choice of rings.

Sometimes restyling or resizing can take time and if you’ve left it until the last minute, you may be disappointed or end up with a make-do design.

■ ENGAGEMENT: The start of the union

Walkers Jewellers, The Old Shop, a stunning Victorian building in the centre of Huddersfield.

We offer the finest selection of jewellery and silverware available, including our own designs made on the premises. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to assist you with ideas and suggestions, exceptional service and complimetary gift wrapping.

Also Walkers at Fillans 19 Market Place. Tel: 01484 4208889

The Old Shop, 2 Market Walk, Huddersfield HD1 2QA Tel: 01484 531609

www.walkersofhuddersfield.com

WEDDING TRADITIONS

Something borrowed, something blue...

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ANY wedding traditions have existed for centuries and stem from customs designed to wish the newlyweds good fortune, fertility and prosperity in their life together.

If you’re getting married soon, here’s a guide to the weird and wonderful world of wedding traditions.

In medieval times, engagements were a very formal arrangement, so when proposing to his beloved, the would-be groom would send his family to the bride’s home to represent his interests.

If they saw a blind man, a monk or a pregnant woman on their journey, the marriage was thought to be doomed as such sights were bad omens.

However, if they saw good omens such as nanny goats, pigeons or wolves, then the marriage would have good fortune.

We have all heard the Victorian rhyme: “Something old, something new, “Something borrowed, something blue, “And a silver sixpence in your shoe.”

But do you know its meaning? The ‘something old’ is traditionally an old garter, given to the bride by a happily married woman in the hope that her wedded bliss will be passed on.

Placing a sixpence in the bride’s shoe was believed to ensure a wealthy marriage, and

today many brides still wear a penny in their shoe for luck.

We all know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride’s dress before the big day, but did you know it’s also bad luck for the bride to wear her complete outfit before leaving for the ceremony?

That’s why many brides still leave a stitch undone, until the moment they leave for the ceremony.

Most of us have thrown confetti over newlyweds as they emerge from the church, but did you know the custom started in Italy, where confetti, or sweets in English, were thrown over the happy couple to bestow their marriage with fertility and prosperity.

In Tudor England, newlyweds were accustomed to having much less pleasant things thrown at them, as it was customary to throw shoes at the couple’s carriage for luck. Indeed, this is where the modern day custom to tie shoes to

the happy couple’s car originates from.

As a staple part of wedding ceremonies since the Roman period, wedding cakes are shrouded in superstitions.

One of the most common rituals is for newlyweds to cut the cake together to symbolise their shared future.

In old English times, fruit and nuts were baked in the cake to represent the couple’s fertility.

Another custom from this period, was to place a ring within the cake – whoever found the ring in their slice was thought to be ensured happiness for the coming year.

The top tier of the cake is often kept to bring luck to the first child’s christening.

It is also said that bridesmaids who place a slice of wedding cake under their pillow will dream of their future husbands!

■ CAKE: The wedding cake has many traditions attached to it including fertility and offspring

Pop the question in 2012, a leap year I

F love is in the air and you're thinking of popping the question, February is the perfect time to get down on one knee.

Seeing as this month is all about Valentine’s Day and leap year proposals, what better time is there to pop the question.

From traditional proposals and elaborate expressions of love to something out of the ordinary, here are a few wonderful ways to get the woman of your dreams to say yes: Take her out for a meal at her favourite restaurant and propose over a glass of champagne, or ask the waiters for their help to write ‘will you marry me?’ in chocolate sauce on her dessert plate!

If you’d prefer something a little more intimate (and aren’t keen on an audience!) you could always prepare a beautiful three-course meal at home. After you’ve eaten, dim the lights and create a path with candles leading to a room filled with roses, where you’ll get down on one knee to propose.

Take time to find a romantic spot near you, or arrange to propose somewhere special. It could be the place where you first met or where you realised you were first in love with them – just use your imagination.

Make a scrapbook containing a collection of photos of you both as a couple. In the first section include photos of when you first got together and entitle it ‘our past’. Next, use more recent pictures and call it ‘our present’; for the third section, entitle it ‘our future’ and put a picture of a bride and groom with ‘will you marry me?’ written underneath.

Record a video of yourself proposing and watch it together. You could record your

own version of a music video, miming to her favourite song before popping the question at the end. Or film a video log telling her how much you love her.

Feeling more adventurous? A treasure hunt could be the ideal way to propose. Be it at home, in a park or all around the town, it’s the perfect way to take her by surprise. Set up a trail of clues around the house or town and lead her to a spot where you’ll be waiting on bended knee with an engagement ring.

As it’s a leap year, ladies are also ‘allowed’ to propose! When choosing where to do it, think about what he’d love. Is he happiest on the football terraces? Does he have a favourite restaurant?

Once you’ve decided on the venue, make it happen and pop the question.

■ RING: Pop the question during the romantic month of February and remember it’s a leap year

Talking Point Conference Centre, Huddersfield Road, Scouthead, Saddleworth OL4 4AG

THE BRIDEGROOM

Don’t forget about the bridegroom N

EVER let it be said that men don’t take as much pride in their appearance as women.

■ GROOM: A bridegroom dressed to impress with his party

So looking good on the big day is of as much importance to the groom as it is to the bride.

Never let it be said that men don’t take as much pride in their appearance as women.

So looking good on the big day is of as much importance to the groom as it is to the bride.

The groom’s dress might seem to be rooted simply in the traditional, but there is a lot more scope for men to put something of themselves into their wedding attire then you may at first think.

Unlike the bride, grooms have much more freedom in terms of colour and modern takes on traditional styles.

It is a good idea though to check with your bride before making a rather outlandish choice and a possibly life threatening decision!

Traditional looks are common once again this year, but don’t be afraid to try something a little bit different.

Don’t go overboard but perhaps look to alternative colours under the formal jacket.

Sky blues, lilacs, oranges and lemons will give a lighter brighter look to the traditional garb, give a degree of originality, but retain the

smartness that has underlined the groom’s look throughout marital tradition.

Remember that the groom and best-man should try not to wear anything too similar.

Styles and colours that make you feel comfortable are most important.

The traditional items grooms will be looking for include a dark or grey jacket, trousers to match, waistcoat and wing collared shirt plus either a bow-tie or a formal tie.

Don’t forget dress shoes plus any accessories such as cuff-links or a top-hat.

Remember to be yourself and try to push your personality out through the formal wear.

Maybe go for a stylish cut at the barbers, rather than a traditional look.

Remember, this is your wedding day, not a job interview!

You do need to look smart, but the suit will tend to that.

You’ll want to look as good as possible on your wedding snaps and feel as confident as possible as you stand before the congregation.

Many local specialists do both suits to buy or to hire for the big day. Have a look round for something you really feel comfortable in.

It’s your big day as well so make sure you look the part and enjoy the day.

■ ALL READY: The bridegroom and his best man waiting nervously for the bride to arrive

Or the best man T

HE most nervous person at a wedding is often not the blushing bride or awaiting groom, but the man who has the hardest act to deliver – the best man.

Wedding breakfasts through the years have seen a wide variety of gaffes, guffaws and downright insults delivered by best men.

If you’ve decided on a best man, it’s always worth having a quiet discreet word to suggest he doesn’t embarrass either the bridegroom – or the bride – on the big day.

Tales from way back go down a treat with the rest of the guests, but just tread carefully and don’t go too overboard.

Stories about past boyfriends or girlfriends are generally taboo and off limits and steer him away from telling tales about how drunk the bridegroom was on his stag do.

When choosing a best man, the bridegroom needs someone he is very close to and who he can trust to do a

good job and help him with all the wedding preparations.

He should be a firm friend and someone who knows you inside about, but can be discreet when necessary.

Also make sure he is OK with standing up in front of an audience and delivering a speech.

After all, this can be very daunting so make sure he is confident enough to do this.

It’s often a good idea to ask him exactly what he intends to say and make sure you are OK with this.

The secret of a good speech from the best man is to include one or two funny stories, a joke or two and also the appropriate ‘thank you’s’ and toasts to the bridesmaids, bride and groom etc.

Remember he will probably be as nervous as the bride and groom so encourage him to keep calm and not Most of all make sure he doesn’t make the best man’s blunder of forgetting the rings.

■ CRUCIAL: Make a wise choice when choosing the best man to ensure he will be the right man for the job

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Dress to impress and make relatives proud

MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE

T

HE coming of spring means we are entering the busiest wedding period of the year.

Just because we may not be attending a ‘society’ event, does not mean that we too can not throw caution to the wind and dress up to the nines in order to do our friends and relatives proud!

Who are we kidding? Let’s face it – we love dressing up for ourselves.

Whether it be attending nuptials in style, upping the ante at Ascot or getting in the mood for a christening – choosing a knock-out outfit is what we are famous for.

This season, colour-blocking, floral prints and sheen are key.

As any woman with style knows, the knack is in knowing what suits and making trends work hand in glove with her own personal style.

If you are petite, steer clear of big, bold prints – they will threaten to overwhelm your frame.

And if you have an ample bosom (that is, if you fall in the top 90% of the female population!), then opt for scoop or boat necklines; there are plenty of gorgeous examples out there to inspire.

Special occasions may warrant the expenditure on a personal shopper – if only to get some fresh ideas on what works for you.

■ FAB FOOTWEAR: Comfort and style are the keys to wedding shoes In fact, personal shoppers are lifesavers if you feel you are in a style rut – occasion or no occasion.

So, if you lack inspiration, go pick those brains.

Chances are you will be bowled over by the results!

Probably the most exciting look this year is the svelte silhouette of the floral shift dress.

Accessorised with a neat little cardigan (think Paris chic, not granny cabling), winklepicker court shoes and a matching bag, you cannot go wrong.

And, contrary to snooty fashion magazine

editors, fascinators are still very much in vogue, so wear yours with pride.

Check out any local fashion shows you see advertised to see what’s a hit on the catwalk this season and don’t forget al the local shops in the area who have a great choice for special occasion wear.

Simple yet elegant, a linen dress is perfect for any spring or summer event and also look out for bold, floral prints to be right on trend.

Accessories are all important as well.

Make sure you choose some shoes which are comfortable as well as stylish as you will be on your feet much of the day.

Indulge in a stylish hat

■ CATWALK: Check out the local fashion shows for inspiration for your wedding outfit

O

NE of the biggest talking points of any wedding is the hat chosen by both the mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-bridegroom.

■ STATEMENT: Get ahead, get a hat for the wedding and create a talking point

Let us create

Whatever the colour or style, any elaborate confection is bound to get the guests talking – and hopefully nodding their heads in approval.

It's always customary for the two mothers to wear hats to match their wedding outfits – but choosing the right one can be a task.

Get the colour right and the style will be wrong or the other way round.

In more recent years fascinators have become big fashion accessories. Instead of a full blown hat, many women have opted for the smaller, feathery adornments to co-ordinate with their outfits.

Love them or loathe them, fascinators are a big fashion accessory and very popular with wedding guests.

To get the hat of your dreams, you may be best advised to consult a milliner who can advise on the right colour and ■ ELEGANT: A wide brimmed hat is a popular choice style to suit your outfit and skin tone.

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HUDDERSFIELD/HALIFAX

CHURCH OR CIVIL CEREMONY

Think carefully before you choose

T

HE most important day of your life deserves a venue to suit the occasion. Whether you are planning an intimate family do or a lavish ceremony and party with friends and family, it is important you choose a wedding venue that meets all your requirements.

Traditionally all marriage ceremonies were conducted in church but today many couples choose to have a civil ceremony in a hotel or other local venue.

If you’re having a church wedding or a ceremony in a separate venue from the site of the wedding reception, then there are considerations such as travel and distance between the venues.

If you opt to have both the ceremony and the reception at the same place, then you need to consider how many people you can invite to each and how best to keep your guests happy between the ceremony and wedding breakfast.

Those who want a religious ceremony will probably want to get married in either their regular place of worship or somewhere nearby. If it is to be a church wedding, then there are a number of things to bear in mind.

The internet is a good resource for researching a traditional religious ceremony, and your denomination will likely have its own website with advice on booking your ceremony.

The Church of England has a comprehensive site, www.yourchurchwedding.org, which takes you through all the things to consider, such as choosing the right church, what to ask the vicar, costs and rehearsals. And, even if you are not a member of the Anglican Church, the website tells you how you may still hold your wedding in one of its churches.

Of course, not everyone wants a church wedding, and you can always add a religious blessing to a civil ceremony.

Maybe the best thing about a civil ceremony is the wealth of amazing and beautiful places you can choose to hold it in.

It has to be a permanent structure that is roofed and open to the public, but can include anything from hotels and stately

■ CHURCH: The traditional place for a marriage ceremony but now hundreds of locations across the UK are licenced for a civil ceremony homes to your local football stadium!

This helps maximise your choices, and with more than 3,000 venues to choose from which are licensed to hold wedding ceremonies, the range is excellent.

If you are going for a small wedding of family and close friends, you need to make sure you find a suitably intimate venue and, by the same token, if you are hoping to invite a large amount of guests then you need to find the venue and setting which is just right for the size of your party.

Similar consideration should be given to the hosting of your wedding reception. Most venues

will be able to offer a choice of rooms able to cater for different numbers of guests with prices to suit.

Food is very important, too. Do you want to use outside catering, or will you be wanting the venue to cater? If it’s the latter, make sure you choose a venue whose food you enjoy and with a menu you like.

Are you going to opt for a sit-down meal or a buffet? Will you be wanting more food for the evening?

Make sure you sort out your costs per head, so you don’t go over budget here. It’s a good idea to visit and sample the cuisine at the venue and

also seek recommendations from others who have been there either for food or a previous wedding.

Also look at your venue’s ability to host entertainment. That means DJs, and maybe a band or singer to entertain your guests. Perhaps the hotel have regular entertainers they can recommend for you?

Try and visit as many venues as you can. The internet is great for getting details and ideas on local venues, but nothing beats seeing it for yourself. Think about travelling distances, size, cost and, above all, how much you like it.

Splash out with a beach wedding O

NE of the most options today for young couples is to marry overseas.

Many are choosing to combine their wedding and honeymoon venue and get married on a white beach with the sea lapping at their feet.

Of course this means that the number of guests may have to be limited because of the cost and means of transporting them to the dream destination.

Couples marrying overseas often find themselves enjoying their special day with just a handful of family and friends who have made the journey to join them for the big day.

If you want to organise an overseas wedding, and combine it with your honeymoon, there are specialist travel agents who can organise packages especially tailored to your requirements.

They will sort out your flights and accommodation as well as all the details for the wedding itself such as the celebrant, flowers etc.

You can do it yourself but sometimes it’s better to leave it to the experts who have years of experience in this specialised field of travel.

Seek advice early so you can plan in good time as you will also have to organise flights and hotel accommodation for all their guests.

Brides should remember they will have to transport their wedding

dress so make sure it travels well and doesn’t crease too much.

When looking for the dream dress, make sure it will be cool enough to wear in a hot climate and choose accessories that are suitable for a wedding by the sea.

Ask your travel agent for advice on accommodation, travel and on the big day itself.

Many tropical resorts are popular with young couples keen to tie the knot on a romantic beach.

Take a choice from The Seychelles, the Caribbean, Mauritius or Thailand - the choice of destinations today is endless. Try it and make the wedding as affordable as you can for your guests.

Enjoy the day!

■ TRADITION: A blushing bride enjoying a church service (left) and (above) the romantic setting of a wedding by the sea

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