Wedding Journal -Autumn/Winter 2017 by Humber Business

THE JOURNAL

WEDDINGS AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

THE PERFECT VENUE Choosing the right place for your big day

BEING CREATIVE Simple solutions for favour boxes and table dÃ©cor

FATHER OF THE BRIDE Helpful hints and tips for dads

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Discover Hallmark Hotel, Hull, stunning views and our dedication to detail make it THE place to be for YOUR unique day The hotel prides itself on being one of the region’s most sought-after wedding locations, offering quality food, exemplary service and stunning views.

Hallmark Hotel Hull is proud to unveil the latest amazing addition to it's Wedding portfolio. We have formed a partnership with local Tepee company 'Boutipi' in order to offer Bespoke wedding packages to suit all tastes. With arguably the best views in the region, coupled with the stunning Boutipis, this really is a match made in heaven. Don't take our word for it though, why not pop along to our Open Day on Wednesday 23rd August between 10am - 8pm and see for yourself. The team from Boutipi will be here taking your questions on set-up, flexibility, dressing and anything you need to know about hosting your event with us, as well as our very own Wedding Planner Lucy who can talk you through our packages and pricing. There's a free glass of fizz on arrival as well as introductory offers for all happy couples looking for a unique wedding experience. As well as weddings, we will also be utilising the Boutipis for private parties, corporate dinners and team building for up to 200 people. If you have an extra special event to organise and want to do this in a unique venue under the watchful gaze of the now Grade I listed Humber Bridge, then please come along, it's free entry for all! Situated just five minutes from Barton/Hull and 20 minutes from Scunthorpe, the luxury, hotel sits on the picturesque banks of the Humber. And staff at the hotel are brimming with excitement over recent changes, which they are certain will create an even more memorable experience for happy couples. Dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator Lucy Jackson Woolley said: “We have relaunched weddings at the

Hallmark Hotel.” “Giving Hallmark weddings a completely new feel - making the brides and grooms know that it is ‘Your Day…Your Way’.” “You can relax before your big day and let our beauty team take all the stress of planning away, with our new products from Elemis and OPI.” “There is also the introduction of Lily Lolo make up, a British brand that helps achieve ﬂawless natural beauty.” “You can also enjoy having your bridal make up expertly done in the comfort of your room”. Along with the improved services, guests will be able to get a feel for the celebrity lifestyle by landing in style on the Hallmark’s very own helipad. Situated in the stunning grounds, the helipad overlooks the scenic view of the Humber Bridge and ﬂies over the estuary before landing. Lucy said: “We host 75 weddings each year and each and every one is completely unique.” “We pride ourselves on working with couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams and nothing is too much trouble.” “We feel blessed to have such a wonderful setting here and the panoramic views of the Humber Bridge and the estuary are the icing on the cake.” “We’re in the ideal location for couples searching for an elegant, stylish venue with a welcoming ambience and exceptional service.” “My team and I are always happy to meet with couples who are considering holding their wedding days with us and we look forward to welcoming more couples.” The ‘Your Day…Your Way’ ethos means the Hallmark team will listen to each

and every requirement of the bride and groom - striving to exceed their expectations every step of the way. With a civil ceremony licence, couples have the option to hold their entire day at the venue, or to arrive after the service for their dream reception. The all-inclusive wedding packages include a, three-course wedding breakfast, DJ and disco and much more. Lucy says the Hallmark prides itself on the food it offers. “Food is a crucial part of every wedding day and our chefs pride themselves on using the ﬁnest produce to create delicious, beautifullypresented dishes,” she said. “Our waiting team ensure the high standards continue when it comes to serving your guests and they will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure everyone has a wonderful experience.” The Hallmark Hotel Hull decking area has gorgeous bi-folding doors showing off even more our fantastic views of the Humber Bridge and Gardens. With furniture including “pods” that compliments the decking and new doors. We are offering exclusive use of the new decking and pod areas for anything such as drinks receptions, private events, lunches etc. To ﬁnd out more about weddings at the Hallmark Hotel Hull, call 01482 645212, email: yourwedding.hull@hallmarkhotels. co.uk or visit www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk

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Your Perfect Setting... Discover the Uniqueness of Hallmark at our

Wedding Open Evenings The Last Wednesday of every month! 6pm-8pm Free Glass of Fizz on Arrival

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR JOURNAL READERS Book, quote ‘The Journal’ and receive £500.00 off your 2017/2018 Wedding Package* Available Dates: Friday 10th November Saturday 11th November Friday 17th November

Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December Saturday 30th December

www.hallmarkhotels.co.uk/hotels/hull | yourwedding.hull@hallmarkhotels.co.uk or call 01482 645 212 | Ferriby High Road, North Ferriby, East Yorkshire. HU143LG

Photography by Insight Photography

*T & C's Apply

THE JOURNAL

WEDDINGS AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

THE PERFECT VENUE Choosing the right place for your big day

BEING CREATIVE Simple solutions for favour boxes and table décor

FATHER OF THE BRIDE Helpful hints and tips for dads

ALSO INSIDE: Countdown 5 Trends 8 Venues 11-23 Photography 25 Dresses 24-29 Speeches 30 Mother Of The Bride 31 Father Of The Bride 31 Photography 34 Flowers 33 Jewellery 35 CONTENT EDITOR: Emma Mathias FEATURE WRITERS: Nicola Birch, Emma

Contents Personalise your wedding by creating your own favours

Page

Make an entrance your guests won’t forget in a hurry

Page

Now the wedding is over, it’s time to enjoy the honeymoon ...

Page

Mathias, Calvin Robinson, Simon Leonard, Georgina Stubbs

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jon Corken, David Haber, Rick Byrne

The Journal First floor, Heritage House, Fisherman’s Wharf, Grimsby DN31 1SY Tel: 01472 808000 E-mail: thejournal@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk Twitter: @nlincsjournal

Advertising

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Published by Grimsby and Scunthorpe Media Group, First Floor, Heritage House, Fisherman’s Wharf, Grimsby, DN31 1SY. Printed by Precision Colour Printing Ltd.

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FEATURE

Countdown to the day

o, you’ve got the all-important ring on your finger and you can’t wait to get planning. But where do you actually start? Whether you’re planning a modest yet elegant affair or a week’s worth of celebrations, every dream wedding needs a plan to transform it from an idea into reality. The key areas to focus on at the outset are where you want to get married, when and, of course, what your budget will be. Take time to decide whether you want a religious or civil ceremony, in which location, at what time of year and how many people you will invite. Until you have these key points finalised there’s no point looking at colour schemes, dresses and favours. Use our handy guide to help you decide what to do when:

JUST ENGAGED Announcing your engagement is a special moment. If you’ve got children from a past relationship, or relatives you rarely see, you don’t want them to find out in the wrong way. As a rule, anyone you are planning to invite should find out you are engaged directly from you or your partner. Start visiting potential venues and when the best time of year for your nuptials will be. It’s also worth trying on a whole host of different styles of dresses as often the

design you think you want isn’t the one that suits you best! Start reading bridal magazines and keep hold of any cuttings that catch your eye and then place them on a mood board to help steer the tone and style for your big day. If you’re planning to lose weight then put down the chocolate bar now! And if your groom needs to shed a few pounds encourage him to start eating healthily, too. Start a thorough skincare regime where you cleanse, tone and moisturise. Choose your bridesmaids, best man, ushers, flowergirls and page boys and tell them the good news.

12-9 MONTHS TO GO Now’s the time to firm up those plans: Set the date, book ceremony and venue(s). Book key suppliers such as caterers, florists, photographers, transport and stationers. Compile your guest list. Book your entertainment. Reserve suits, purchase bridesmaids’ outfits and select your wedding gown (they can take up to six months to arrive).

9-3 MONTHS It’s now the fun part – designing your perfect wedding. At this stage you should: Taste your menu and don’t be afraid to

ask for changes if something isn’t right. Choose your cake, flowers, readings and music. Purchase wedding rings. Register for a gift list. Order and send out invitations. It’s a good idea to use the same person for all of your stationery so that it looks co-ordinated. You will also get a better deal if you do this. Research destinations that are appropriate for the months you will be going away and book your honeymoon.

3-1 MONTHS TO GO By now, you’ll hopefully be tying everything together. Don’t forget to: Confirm your menu. Chase any outstanding RSVPs one month before the big day. Confirm order of service with the officiant. Choose your bridal jewellery, underwear and shoes and wear your footwear in! Order your favours. Have hair and make-up trials. Have a dress fitting with your shoes and underwear so that any alterations can be made accurately. Purchase gifts for your wedding party – to save money, choose items that ushers and bridesmaids can wear on the day, such as shoes, cufflinks or earrings.

THE WEEK BEFORE If you’ve done it right, there shouldn’t be much left to do – apart from staying rested! Confirm final guest numbers with your venue and caterer. Finalise seating plan and collect orders of service, menus and place cards from your stationer. Prepare a wedding day schedule for the wedding party and distribute as required. Confirm shot list with photographer and make sure an usher knows to round everyone up.

Pack for your honeymoon and arrange any foreign currency. Arrange for your maid of honour to have an emergency kit containing make-up, paracetamol and a repair kit for the wedding dress. Give the rings to the best man. Practise your hair and make-up. Try on your dress to make sure no last-minute alterations are needed.

THE DAY BEFORE Have your nails manicured, eyebrows tidied and exfoliate and moisturise from top to toe. Ensure the groom has his hair tidied up. Urge him to have a proper shave at the barbers. Take any favours/table decorations to the reception venue and meet your florist at the church if they need access the day before. Eat a healthy evening meal that won’t leave you feeling bloated the following morning. Try to get an early night!

THE BIG DAY Relax, enjoy yourself and take it all in. Preparation will ensure your day runs smoothly – whether your dream venue is a beach or a church!

THE JOURNAL

FEATURE

Do yourself a favo

f you have creative flair, or know someone that does, make the most of it by designing and creating your own favour boxes. With a little bit of know-how, you’ll have everything you need to provide your guests with the perfect, colour co-ordinated trinket.

For the majority of people, the date for their big day is usually quite some time away so, if you plan carefully, you should have time to create your own wedding table favours, just the way you want them. EMMA MATHIAS finds out more ...

First, you need to think about what it is you want to give to your friends and family as favours. Do you want separate gifts for the men and women, or do you want them all the same? Popular favours currently include lottery tickets, a voucher for the bar on the big day, sweets, smellies, alcohol, candles, miniature condiments, donuts and socks ... yes, socks! There is no end to the list of favours you can present to your guests and personalising them is a great way to

ensure everyone has something special to take away with them, to remind them of a fabulous day. Initially, you and your partner need to decide what it is you want as your favour, then design the packaging around it. We spoke to Jennie, a Lincolnshire lady who has made many favour boxes for friends and family during the last decade. “Personally, I love using my die cutter. I have two, one that you can wind manually and an electric machine,” she said.

“The manual machines are not that expensive, you can pick them up for as little as £50, though the electric machines cost much more. That said, there are some great bargains on Ebay and I have seen the electric die cutters for as little as £20.” This will be music to the ears of soon-to-be-wed couples who are on a budget! Jennie continued: “Once you have your die machine, you will need the actual dies and some card – you can buy every colour of the rainbow, so there will be card out

there that will match the colour scheme at your wedding. There are also packs with patterns such as florals, quirky designs and contemporary shapes. “You will need two types of die; one for the boxes and one for the embellishment on the top of the box. There are hundreds and hundreds of different types and shapes out there, from tall ones to short ones, circles and hexagons to squares, hearts and even cake slice shapes! “Again, you can buy them new – some with a hefty price tag – or you can find them second-hand.” For the top of the favour boxes, you will need a second die. Choose from hearts, flowers, wedding-themed dies, animals and for those with a mystical side, unicorns! There is really no end to the design you can put on the top of your box. If you are thinking of lottery tickets, or

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our and get crafty! something that needs to go into an envelope, there are some beautiful designs with spaces on the front to write your own, personal message or the person’s name receiving it. For the whole package, you can even buy cupcake case dies, napkin ring dies and much more. Jennie said: “The flowers can be quite intricate, as they often come with several layers. You have to piece them together, to make them three dimensional, and carefully ‘fluff them up’ so they aren’t flat. “Some of the ‘lace’ designs, for example, are also quite fiddly and you

have to be careful not to tear them. It can be quite time-consuming but once you have cut out the paper, I have found them less arduous to do if I am doing something else at the same time, such as chatting to a friend or watching TV.” To get the dies to work, all you have to do is follow the instructions on how to place your die onto the card and feed it through the machine, which will cut your card in the required places. Carefully take off the bits from the card that you don’t need – again, following the instructions – and you have your box in a flat form. By folding the card in its new shape, you will have your 3D box. Flowers, as Jennie said,

and some of the other designs, are a bit more complicated so they won’t be quite as quick to make as the boxes. A miniature wine or prosseco bottle will snugly fit into some of the box designs and you can even buy a die with “cheers” to go onto the side. Jennie said: “Depending on the card, I can get six small favour boxes from two sheets, which costs from £1.50 per sheet (of the pearlised variety). And if you don’t want to put a die design on the top, use a bit of heather or something similar – it gives the box a lovely smell.” If you are good at sewing, you can also make little bags for your favours.

Jennie said: “I can usually get about 12 bags out of a metre of fabric. A simple design tied at the top is fairly easy to make but if you want a bag with little handles, it takes a lot more time – but they look great. You can fill them with bath gel, small bottles of alcohol; whatever takes your fancy. “The beauty of sewing your own favours means that you can even match them to the bridesmaids outfits!” ■ Take a look online for more information on die cutting machines. Create & Craft, Hobbycraft, Amazon and Ebay all have tonnes of designs for you to choose from.

THE JOURNAL

FEATURE

Be bang on trend with You might not think that weddings change so much, as the years roll by, but indeed they do. EMMA MATHIAS looks at what’s at the height of wedding fashion as we head for next year ...

o, you don’t have to be bang on trend but if you are following a budget, as most couples are, several of these 2018 wedding trends might just save you a bob, or two ...

Whimsical theme It doesn’t have to be Alice In Wonderland, but carefully placed elements, such as a brightly coloured cake, are an opportunity to let your personalities shine through without going over the top. If you enjoy travel, create your invites like a postcard or choose table decorations that indicate a particular destination you both enjoy. This is one of the few times in your lives when you can really do something different and, hopefully, nobody will stop you, so make sure it’s got you and your partner stamped all over it! Geometric shapes No, the romantic themes have not gone out of the window – more on that later – but it seems that geometric shapes are a thing of tomorrow’s wedding. Perhaps one for couples who enjoy

technology, or a futuristic feel, clean lines and sharp shapes are appearing at weddings across the globe. If you fancy this as a theme, go on the hunt in contemporary shops such as Dwell, Habitat or online at www.made.com and it may well whet your appetite for something a little bit different. International food Most wedding venues have their own food styles and you may well have chosen yours on the basis of their gorgeous grub. But for people still looking for ideas, with a venue that perhaps doesn’t offer on-site catering, why not think about a van selling pizza, Chinese or Indian food? Street food is huge at the minute, and that includes at weddings. There’s nothing quite so interesting as watching the bride in her beautiful dress, queuing up for a 12-inch pepperoni pizza or a tasty enchilada. Maybe your venue can arrange something? It’s worth asking if there is a specific food you both enjoy – you never know what they might conjure up in the kitchen! Copper Forget gold and silver, copper is where it’s at! Possibly an idea that appeared due to the rustic and barn themes that have been popular in recent years, copper goes well with wild flowers, wooden table decorations

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h your 2018 wedding and earthy themes. A metal that gives off a warm feeling, as opposed to the coolness of silver, copper is fast becoming the choice of couples across the country. You just have to find somewhere that stocks the cutlery now! Quirky stationery Remember when eating out somewhere trendy became a game of “which unusual item is my food going to appear on next”? It’s happening all over again, except with wedding stationery! The poor postie surely has his or her work cut out when delivering an invitation on a carefully chosen stone ... From flat pieces of slate and rustic wood to rounded pebbles, finding something different to send to your guests is fast becoming a thing of the future. But will they stop at flip-flops or an old pair of trainers? That is the question ... Rustic and vintage No, it hasn’t gone anywhere and it is probably here to stay for a while. The rustic or vintage wedding is the perfect opportunity for crafty, creative types to really put their skills into action with jam jar vases, bunting, check patterns in abundance and so much floral fabric, you’ll think you’ve landed in a Laura Ashley factory. What’s not to love? It can be as cheap as you like and looks fabulous and colourful, too. No wonder it’s still on the hot trends list for the coming year. Wreaths Who would have thought that the trusty old wreath would find its way into the world of weddings? Forget Christmas or funerals, a well-made wreath adorned with romantic, wild flowers is the perfect decoration for doors, fences or a blank space on the wall that needs filling.

Just don’t fill it with holly, or you could confuse the guests. The colour blue and romance Now these could be two, separate categories but they really do go well together for the colour blue is romantic! Forget pink, that’s a thing of the past, blue is where it’s at. Seen by many as an inoffensive, calming colour – though some will say it is cold – brides are choosing blue bridesmaid dresses, blue shoes (particularly baby blue) to peep out from the bottom of their dresses, blue flowers, blue table decorations and so it goes on. The advantage of using blue as your theme is that it covers the “something new, something blue” in one item, leaving you with only “borrowed” and “old” on the list. Perfect. As for romance, next year’s weddings are all about soft, flowing fabrics, Bohemian styles and tiny flowers in order to create a dreamy wedding day that remains in your memories until the end of time ... Capes and pearls A fabulous trend that covers all seasons is the cape. You can buy capes in all shapes, all fabrics and in all sizes, so if you’re getting wed in the winter, go mad on the fur (fake, of course) and if you’re marrying in summer, opt for a sheer cape that will show just a hint of skin underneath. No, pearls aren’t just for Grandma, they are perfect for brides and grooms who want a touch of class without too much bling. Go on the hunt for tie pins, hair clips, delicate hair bands, necklaces, bracelets and much more. You can even ask your florist to pop a few pearls into your bouquet to add to the theme.

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Stylish décor

VENUES

Our pick of venue decorations, available online today ... Pick and Mix Gold Confetti Cannon, £2.29, www.partypieces.co.uk

Vera Wang for Wedgwood Love Knots Flutes, set of two, £65, John Lewis

Handscript Wooden Table Numbers by Betsy & Els, £3, www.notonthehighstreet.com

NPW Confetti Balloons, £8, John Lewis Silver Tangier Moroccan Fairy Lights, £14.99 each or two for £25, www.lights4fun.co.uk

LED Table Lights With Copper Wire by Postbox Party, £12, www.notonthehigstreet.com

Decorative Vine Garland, packet of five, £8.49, www.partypieces.co.uk

Your Wedding Day should be one of the most important days of your life We offer you and your wedding guests 27 en-suite bedrooms, including our Rafters Suite perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your wedding day.

Floral Glass Lanterns, £4, John Lewis

Dusky Pink Paper Honeycomb Decorations, set of three, £4.99, www.lights4fun.co.uk

Love Letters Wedding Table Confetti by Ella James, £9, www.notonthehigstreet.com

Make Your Wedding Day Special

It is difficult to imagine a more perfect setting for that very special day. Our superb stylish venue offers you and your guests something a little different.

We are licenced to hold Civil Ceremonies and we have the facilities to accommodate up to 70 guests seated for a daytime function and up to 150 for your disco/buffet in the evening.

Wedding packages start from £2,500. For more information or to book an appointment with our wedding co-ordinators

please call 01472 356068

We offer extensive choice and flexibility to meet your precise requirements - whether it’s for a small intimate wedding or for 100 + guests our attention to detail is meticulous. And we now have available newly built luxury pine lodges for wedding guests wishing to stay the night

Civil Wedding Ceremonies now available. Grange Park

53, Bargate, Grimsby, N.E.Lincolnshire DN34 5AD

Tel: 01472 356068

info@millﬁeldshotel.co.uk • www.millﬁeldshotel.co.uk

Butterwick Road, Messingham, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 3PP TELEPHONE: +44 (0)1724 762 945 EMAIL: info@grangepark.com www.grangepark.com

©LW

In the lap of luxury S

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et in the picturesque rural village of North Killingholme opposite St Denys church and the village green, The Ashbourne is perfectly situated for wedding guests.

A luxurious venue, whatever style of décor you’re opting for; the ‘Oak Room’ provides an ideal backdrop for any bride’s big day – stunning oak beams, sparkling Swarovski chandeliers and an intimate, private bar, as well as a lovely outdoor area for civil ceremonies. Not only this, but with 36 guest bedrooms, ample free car parking, free wifi, a courtyard to relax in, and a fabulous restaurant serving freshly cooked seasonal dishes, it’s the ideal spot to make a weekend of it. And wedding photographs are well and truly taken care of at The Ashbourne, as the hotel recently introduced another new feature for brides and grooms in the area to enjoy on their special day: the Secret Garden. A heavenly, immaculately landscaped space, tucked away behind the hotel, in a hidden spot previously unseen by guests. This private universe provides a stunning and exclusive backdrop for the happy

couple’s wedding photographs, creating beautiful memories to last a lifetime. Long-standing Wedding Co-ordinator Rob Walton will be on hand throughout all of the planning stages of your wedding; he can offer advice and assist with the finer details, having 16 years’ worth of experience under his belt handling all kinds of nuptials, including hundreds of civil ceremonies, and same sex marriages. Wedding packages start from just £2995, and there are also some sale rates available for selected dates in 2018 too – it all certainly makes a trip to view the venue incredibly worthwhile. The Ashbourne’s sister hotel - The Brackenborough – is a peaceful rural retreat in Louth, Lincolnshire, offering a choice of wedding venues, meaning versatile options for different wedding styles and budgets. Each room holds a varying capacity of guests, but the Signature & Minster Suites are also ideal for more intimate gatherings. The Tennyson Suite offers the perfect choice for large scale celebrations, and is a completely separate venue within the Brackenborough’s carefully landscaped grounds, including a beautiful, secluded pond area. This luxurious facility has proved hugely popular for large-scale weddings that crave the “exclusivity

factor”; the venue, and its grounds are self-contained, meaning that you and your guests have sole use of your own private venue for the entire day and night. The venue also offers a stylish blank canvas for brides to bring in any colour scheme, knowing that it will look amazing come the big day – with limitless photo opportunities to create magical memories. The hotel is licensed to hold civil ceremonies both indoors, and also in three beautiful, individually styled outdoor settings too, (weather permitting!) and acres of immaculately landscaped grounds for photo opportunities. The Brackenborough wedding team

will work with you from the initial wedding meeting, right through to the big day itself, meaning you can relax and enjoy not only the biggest day of your lives, but also the entire planning process will be pleasurable and hassle-free. Packages start from £4195, and 2018 sale rates are also available on selected dates. This all adds up to the undeniable conclusion that both the Ashbourne and the Brackenborough are certainly worth adding to the shortlist for your perfect venue. For further details, visit www.oakridge hotels.co.uk or to make an appointment to view, call the Ashbourne on 01469 541010, or the Brackenborough on 01507 609169.

Picture Perfect Weddings...

01469 541010

Vicarage Lane N.Killingholme, DN40 3JL

w w w. o a k r i d g e h o t e l s . c o . u k

01507 609169 Cordeaux Corner Louth, LN11 0SZ

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Truly unique Walcot Hall is a Grade II listed Georgian Hall, built in 1726. It is a fine example of an English country house, lovingly restored to its former beauty and grandeur by its current owners ...

For the Fairytale Wedding of your dreams

WALCOT HALL, NR ALKBOROUGH NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE DN15 9JT 01724 729 420 077 6666 4441 enquiries@walcothallestate www.walcothallestate.com ACCOMODATION NOW AVAILABLE

ocated in a conservation area and beautifully situated in five acres of wonderfully landscaped formal gardens, Walcot Hall also has a fountain, statuary and abundant parkland. The estate provides boundless opportunities for unique wedding photography, with a variety of settings to capture those special moments to be treasured forever. The property is within easy reach of Scunthorpe, Grimsby, Lincoln and Hull with good motorway access for guests coming from both the south and north of England. As a private residence, Walcot Hall provides complete exclusivity away from the public eye, from a small, intimate wedding to an extravagant celebration for up to 200 guests in the magnificently appointed marquee. The main hall itself can cater for up to 80 guests and Christmas weddings are second-to-none with the hall decorated by a professional stylist. The top-of-the-range marquee is available from May until the beginning of October – a perfect place for your event with crystal vintage chandeliers and a starry sky ceiling. The marquee is a beautiful space that can be tailored to your exact requirements with plenty of room for you and your guests and there are two sizes to choose between. It’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to get married in the magnificent Ceremony Room, located within the hall, or outside on the Fountain Terrace. For the real wow factor, perhaps the newly created ‘Enchanted Woodland Glade’, dressed to your exact specifications with fairy lights and candelabra? This is the absolute epitome of a fairy tale wedding! Walcot Hall offers five, beautifully appointed bedrooms, including the lovely Toile Bridal Suite. The room can also be used by brides getting ready. If you would like more people to stay, why not think of hiring a teepee village to set up in the grounds? Alternatively, there are plenty of hotels nearby.

The Enchanted Woodland Glade.

Everything for your big day at this gorgeous venue can be done in-house for ease of planning. Walcot Hall offers an award-winning wedding co-ordinator, florist and venue styling team. They also have access to some of the finest caterers in the region, providing beautiful food that is tailored to your requirements. Recently, Walcot Hall was shortlisted at the prestigious UK Wedding Awards as one of the top 16 stately home venues in the entire country, and recently featured on BBC’s Don’t Tell The Bride. The hall is also available for Christenings, baby showers, birthday celebrations, proms, corporate events and family and friend get-togethers. Stand-alone bed and breakfast is also available and there are many fantastic activities to be enjoyed in the area. Walcot Hall has successfully run weddings for 12 years and the testimonials speak for themselves. If you are looking for the perfect place to have your event, Walcot Hall certainly ticks all the boxes. Please call Cindy on 01724 720420/ 07766 664441 to discuss your individual requirements or visit the website at www.walcothallestate.co.uk. Alternatively, see the Facebook page ‘Walcot Hall Estate’ for more pictures and testimonials.

Down to a ‘tee’

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VENUES

NICHOLA BIRCH takes a look at Holme Hall, a venue with 120 acres of stunning parkland and a fabulous golf course to boot ...

traditional members only golf club since 1908, Holme Hall is renowned for being the course that discovered Tony Jacklin.

A 120-acre mixture of parkland and heath land, it recently received championship status, and is a must play for visitors both locally and nationally. Looking out from the patio of the large and well-appointed clubhouse, the scene is so beautiful and tranquil that Holme Hall now offers wedding packages. Wedding and events co-ordinator Cathy

McArthur was appointed in 2015 and has not been surprised by the amount of interest in the venue. She said: “The club has all a bride and groom would need. “The venue is gorgeous and it is a safe environment for our guests, especially children. “The club house facilities are up to date, there is a top-class catering team in place, and all the parking you need. “For years, the club was more than happy to let members hold their receptions in the clubhouse, but it didn’t occur to anyone that the general public might want

to come here. All of a sudden we had a couple of enquiries, then a couple more, and now we receive a steady stream. We are already booking for 2019 and 2020.” The design of the clubhouse allows Cathy to cater for both large and more intimate weddings, with bespoke packages available for all budgets. The club makes the course available to guests, either to play before the wedding or as a photo opportunity.

Cathy said: “The club is very much looking to develop as a venue. “We have invested heavily in our catering facilities and in our staff training, with a strong focus on the customer experience. “We do not want to lose the feeling that you are actually spending time at a golf club.” To find out more, call 01724 862078.

Your Wedding Making your day extra special

We offer a full wedding planning service with a personal touch to meet all your requirements. The Golf Course is a stunning backdrop for those wedding photographs Taylor made food and beverage packages to suit all budgets

Further details can be obtained from via email: Cathy McArthur our Events Co-Ordinator or via 01724 862078.

Holme Hall Golf Club, Holme Lane, Bottesford, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RF

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Beautiful setting

Whatever you want from your wedding, a dedicated team at the popular Stallingborough Grange can help to make your dreams come true ...

or more than 25 years, the venue has been a much sought-after place for couples in North East Lincolnshire and beyond. Mindful of attention to detail, the Stallingborough Grange staff are on hand to tend to their every need and will endeavour to create the perfect day for the happy couple and their wedding guests. The venue can cater for between 20 and 150 guests and offers a number of

bespoke wedding packages to suit your requirements. For the ceremony, room for 75, seated guests means there is plenty of space for friends and family to witness the nuptials. There are several different areas of Stallingborough Grange in which to hold your event, including the main function room and the Garden Room. The quaint little lake at the side of the building is ideal for romantic wedding photographs while there are plenty of lush, green areas for pictures to be taken of large, family groups. The lawn can also

act as a ‘welcome area’ where drinks can be served to guests as they arrive. A list of trusted, local businesses is also available for couples, from people who can help with room décor and flowers to photography and entertainment. Of course, Stallingborough Grange also has 42 bedrooms available for guests, which includes the bridal suite – comfortable and perfect for a good night’s sleep at the end of a busy, happy day. Stallingborough Grange has a civil partnership licence which means that the happy couple can enjoy their whole day at the venue, from the marriage ceremony through to the reception and into the evening.

A number of different packages ensures that Stallingborough Grange can cater for all budgets and if you want to drop in to take a look at what the venue has to offer, each member of staff is more than willing to show you around the facilities. For more information, contact the Stallingborough Grange Hotel on 01469 561302. Alternatively, visit the website at www.stallingboroughgrange.co.uk ■ Stallingborough Grange is in the process of creating a beautiful new building, which will give couples many more options for their weddings in the years to come. Keep an eye on monthly Northern Lincolnshire Journals and the Grimsby Telegraph for details.

Wedding Quality & Tradition

Whatever your event, we have it catered for.

• Thatched country house hotel • Beautiful bridal suite • Licensed for civil marriages • Personal wedding advisor • Catering for up to 150 guests • All inclusive and bespoke packages available Contact our wedding advisor today. events@stallingboroughgrange.co.uk Riby Road, Stallingborough, North East Lincolnshire, DN41 8BU T 01469 561302 F 01469 561338 | E reception@stallingboroughgrange.co.uk | W www.stallingboroughgrange.co.uk

Pure elegance

he Petwood Hotel, with the character and charm of a former country residence, is nestled amongst picture-perfect grounds in the heart of Lincolnshire in Woodhall Spa. Originally built as the home of an Edwardian Baroness, it later served as the Officers Mess for the RAF 617 “Dambusters” Squadron in the Second World War. The Petwood’s historic appeal as a popular wedding venue is enhanced by delicious food, fabulous wines and excellent service from a friendly, professional and highly experienced team. A range of elegant entertaining spaces caters for parties of all sizes, from intimate weddings for 20 to large-scale celebrations

for 200. Hosting one wedding a day, the Petwood has its own civil ceremony licence which even allows you to marry outside in the beautiful grounds in the summer months. The recently restored gardens are a photographer’s dream offering a stunning backdrop for photographs all year round. The Petwood Suite: Originally the Ballroom of the house, this elegant room at the heart of the hotel has been host to many a celebration over the years. With its own bar, direct access to the terrace and sweeping views across the grounds, the Petwood Suite can seat 80 people for a formal wedding breakfast and holds up to 120 for your evening reception. The Woodland Suite: The largest of the rooms, the Woodland Suite can seat up to 140 guests to dine and holds 200 including

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VENUES

evening guests. It also has its own private entrance, bar and terrace with access to the grounds. For smaller gatherings the room can be divided to form two smaller venues, the Cedar Suite and the Elm Suite. Civil ceremonies can take place in either room and can seat between 80 and 140 ceremony guests. The Garden Room: For more intimate weddings of close family and friends the Garden Room is perfect. Light and airy, it has double doors leading straight onto the stunning gardens, perfect during the summer months, or with its open fireplace can become warm and cosy during winter.

The Garden Room seats up to 30 people for your wedding breakfast. Temple Gardens: For a truly fabulous location, you can marry in the Temple Gardens April to September (weather permitting). The extensive grounds at Petwood are well known for their parkland feel and the blooming rhododendron walks are a riot of pinks and purples in May. ■ To book a viewing or for more information on late availability and winter wedding offers, please contact the Events team on 01526 352411 or email events@petwood.co.uk.

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VENUES

The perfect wedding march

arch is a month that has signalled major milestones in marriage in England; traditionally it was the most popular month for weddings, owing to a tax benefit available to married men ahead of the new financial year in April. And more recently, March was the month in which same-sex marriage was legalised in England. However, figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that March is now one of the least popular months to get married in the UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a fact that has been verified by the specialist

wedding co-ordinator at local venue Laceby Manor Golf Resort, based on bookings for 2018. According to wedding experts though, that represents a huge opportunity for savvy couples who would prefer to spend months rather than years planning their big day. One of the major barriers to people getting married in March is doubt about the weather, which is why it is important to choose a venue, such as Laceby Manor, with a flexible layout. For warmer days, the manicured course and gardens at Laceby Manor, complete with three sculpted water features, provide the perfect wedding backdrop, complete with a beautifully adorned gazebo for outdoor ceremonies. While on colder

days, wedding parties can bask in the warming glow of candlelight in the ceremony room and a roaring log fire provides the perfect welcome for reception guests. The beautiful function room, which has been subject to continued investment since the resort was bought six years ago, serves high quality food all year round, while wedding guests and, of course, the bride and groom can look forward to the warmth of a hot tub in a luxurious on-site lodge. There is additional guest accommodation available in cosy, private pods for two with a fire pit at the centre of the secret garden for group gatherings. Regardless of the weather, reviews for the venue demonstrate that Laceby Manor always delivers added warmth in the

shape of specialist wedding co-ordinator, Jackie Crabtree, who strives for perfection in every element of a Laceby Manor wedding and works tirelessly with her team to ensure they deliver the perfect day for each couple. But, with just a few 2018 dates remaining, and a predicted 100,000 proposals expected nationwide this Christmas, couples wanting to march down the aisle in 2018 need to book quickly. To enquire about wedding availability for 2018 and beyond, please contact Jackie Crabtree at Laceby Manor Golf Resort on 01472 873468 or visit the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding fair on Saturday, January 20, 2018.

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All-inclusive wedding packages starting from ÂŁ3,000. View our wedding brochure online www.lacebymanor.co.uk/weddings

To book an appointment with our specialist Wedding Co-ordinator Jackie Crabtree, call 01472 873468 or email jackie@lacebymanorgolfclub.co.uk Laceby Manor Golf Resort, Laceby, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN37 7LD

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VENUES

Making your drea A historic property thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply perfect for romantic couples. Reporter CALVIN ROBINSON finds out more ...

irst Priory is a wonderfully charming Georgian manor house set in its own private gardens and woodland near Crowle, North

Lincolnshire.

It has stunning period features including a grand staircase that makes brides and grooms feel like superstars. It also has a uniquely atmospheric vaulted brick basement that photographers love for those extra special shots, and many more Grade II listed features. Hirst Priory is unlike many historic properties from the 18th century. It has

Wood-fired pizzas.

large, south-facing windows which allow impressive views across the gardens and countryside. The abundant natural daylight brings the sparkle and colour of the outdoors to life. When Hirst Priory was converted to a wedding venue, just three years ago, it was deliberately decorated in neutral tones so that bridal parties could fully impose their own style without clashing. No two weddings ever look the same thanks to this thoughtfulness and the positive attitude of managing director, Hazel Wheatley, and her team. Hazel said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The process leading up to a wedding is a long one and we build very

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ams come true ... personal relationships with our couples over this time. “We come to understand them as individuals and share their aspirations to have their wedding, their way. It is such a huge life event we feel a great responsibility to deliver their dreams and support them fully so they can relax and look forward to a magical day.” Hirst Priory only carries out one wedding at a time with total exclusivity for the full duration of the event. It comfortably accommodates up to 100 guests for an indoor ceremony and sit-down wedding breakfast and has hosted three hat tipis on the lawn for up to 200 people. The bedrooms are stylishly decorated with plenty of space and light for the bridal party’s preparations. This year, Hirst Priory has been busy working on the grounds and the creation

of a fabulous woodland ceremony area amongst the mature trees adjacent to the house. This area is a wonderfully natural setting for holding ceremonies with the official signing of the register then taking place in the house. The big fear when planning an outdoor ceremony is the weather, but thanks to the exclusive use of the whole venue, proceedings can simply be moved indoors for an equally spectacular experience. Hirst Priory is able to cater for all tastes and styles. A strong network of high quality suppliers can provide everything from the rings through to the honeymoon! In less than three years, Hazel has taken an unloved hidden gem of a building and turned it in to a highly desirable wedding venue. Hazel’s attention to detail has not only created an award-winning business, she has also nurtured a growing reputation for providing excellent personal service.

New bride, Leanne Cooke, was full of praise for Hirst Priory’s service. She said: “Hazel was a star, she answered questions quickly and efficiently, helped me if I was struggling and settled my nerves. “On the day, she was great. All the other staff were amazing too and a special thanks to Bri who was a big hit with my table! “I was fortunate to start my celebrations early, staying over Friday night with my bridesmaid, and this was just lovely! Hirst Priory is an absolutely gorgeous venue and will now hold a special place in our hearts! So many people commented on how lovely it was.” Hirst Priory is a beautiful venue that has been lovingly developed by a passionate team of people who work tirelessly to deliver a very personal wedding experience. Whether you are looking for a simple indoor ceremony or

grand outdoor extravaganza, Hirst Priory is a must-see venue. ■ Find out more at www.hirstpriory.co.uk or telephone 01724 897270.

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VENUES

Incredible service

orest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort is capable of providing everything you need to create your own special day. Their experienced wedding co-ordinator will help to turn your dreams into reality.

At Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, staff are passionate about service. They are there to make sure you have everything you need to create your own special day and nothing is too much trouble. Simon Leonard finds out more ...

They will be by your side to help you plan every detail of your wedding – so that your day doesn’t just meet your expectations, it exceeds them. Co-ordinator Megan is available for all brides and grooms, providing a service that is dedicated and professional yet warm and caring. The team want it to be the most amazing day of your life with memories to cherish forever, with Megan there to ensure these dreams come true. Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort is the perfect setting for your wedding. Set in 190 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and mature woodland in the heart of North Lincolnshire, the hotel is the ideal venue for any style of wedding. With its stunning surroundings, the hotel provides a picturesque backdrop for your big day, with photographs you’ll cherish for a lifetime. All suites at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort are tastefully decorated, with plenty

of opportunities to make the room your own, with the help of their dedicated wedding planner. There are a number of different-sized suites to choose from, all licensed for civil ceremonies. From small, intimate weddings to lavish ceremonies of 300, they’re certain to have the perfect suite for your special day. They can tailor your daytime and evening package to suit your wedding reception needs. With 188 superb bedrooms at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, the venue is perfect for the happy couple, families and friends. All rooms are designed to ensure a great night’s sleep and are available at a discounted rate to your wedding guests. What could be better at the end of a magical day than sinking straight into a cosy bed, glass of champagne still in hand?

Everyone staying at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort can enjoy the fabulous health club, spa and 27-hole championship golf course. Take some time before or after your wedding to relax, work out or make the most of the great golf course. The resort has a range of leisure facilities to exercise and energise or unwind and indulge either before or after your special day. Book a spa treatment for you and your guests for the ultimate wedding experience. At Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort the chef will create mouthwatering, wholesome food, combining contemporary cuisine with tempting home comforts. The dedicated team strives to bring you gastronomic perfection, from your delicious canapés right through to your evening buffet. All wedding dishes are made with the

best ingredients and locally sourced produce, where possible. The team can create delicious, bespoke menus especially for you and your guests. They pride themselves on having strong links with the best local wedding suppliers and the wedding co-ordinator will work with you to bring all arrangements and personal touches together, seamlessly creating a magical day that’s uniquely ‘you’. Now that you have been introduced to weddings at Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort they’d love to answer your questions. Get in touch to talk about your dream day and take a look around. Wedding open evenings will take place on October 19 and November 30 from 5pm to 7pm. Contact the wedding co-ordinator direct, either by calling 01652 650770 or by emailing: forestpinesweddings@QHotels.co.uk Forest Pines can be found at Ermine Street, Broughton, Near Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 0AQ. Journal reader offer – Quote Journal to receive their All Inclusive Wedding Package at only £2,999.00 for January to June 2018.

All Inclusive Wedding Package

At Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort Our all-inclusive wedding package lets you work alongside our experienced wedding planner to plan and organise every detail of your special day to create the perfect package to suit you. Your complete package for 40 day guests and 80 evening guests includes:

• • • • • • • • •

Wedding Ceremony room and red carpet welcome Function Suite for the Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception Dedicated wedding planner and hotel Toastmaster Table linen and napkins Chair covers with your choice of coloured sash Centre pieces, name cards, table numbers and XEFPI TPER XS ½X ]SYV XLIQI Wedding favours Complimentary menu tasting Two tier wedding cake

• • • • • • • •

Three course wedding breakfast with tea and coffee A glass of Bucks Fizz per guest on arrival A glass of house wine per guest A glass of Prosecco per guest for the toast Evening buffet (Bacon/Sausage sandwich and wedges) (. [MXL FPEGO ERH [LMXI HERGI ¾SSV Complimentary Double Superior bedroom for the couple Plus, all wedding guests receive a 15% room discount

Book your dream wedding before June 2018 for only £2,999

Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort, Ermine St, Broughton, Brigg DN20 0AQ We can make any changes to make it the perfect package for you please call our Wedding Co-ordinator on 01652 650 770 or email forestpinesweddings@QHotels.co.uk Terms and conditions apply and offer subject to availability. Additional day guests priced from £60 per person and additional evening guest priced from £10 per person.

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Choosing the perfect venue

hen it comes to choosing a venue for your big day, what are the main things you should be

considering?

First and foremost – and yes, this is the most difficult part – think of yourselves. Where do you want to get married? Do you want a small wedding or a large wedding? How many do you want there? Weddings are well known for, in some cases, causing family controversy but don’t be swayed by what the mother-in-law wants or be forced into inviting Great Aunt Betty from the Outer Hebrides, who you haven’t since you were in reception class at school.

The bottom line when considering your wedding venue, without letting things get too complicated, is to make sure you are doing predominantly what you want, as a couple, while allowing a couple of guests and ideas to flow in from the rest of the family, or people helping to foot the bill! In short: ■ Think about what sort of wedding you want. You might want a festival vibe, so you will need a venue that has outdoor space and possibly a marquee, or you might want a small, intimate wedding, in which case you need to look for venues that cater for a minimum of 20 people. Or, you might want to go abroad to marry and head back for an evening wedding reception in which case you will need a venue available for the evening only. ■ Civil ceremony or church wedding?

Most major venues have marriage licences now, so you should have your pick of the bunch. And don’t be put off if you want to marry in a church outside of your parish ... it is possible we just met with a grumpy vicar! You won’t know unless you try. ■ Think about how many people you want at your wedding. This is key to finding the right venue. And don’t feel pressured into inviting every available family member. Not only will this make your wedding day less special, looking out at faces you don’t even recognise, it can also become very costly. Your big day is about you and your partner. ■ Does your venue need to be close to home or can it be further afield? There are some lovely options around the county, many of which have a good number of rooms for guests. When choosing a

faraway option, do think of the expense, though, as some people might not be able to afford the cost of a hotel room, unless you are footing the bill entirely. ■ Do you want a venue that only has one wedding each day? There are plenty of choices locally. ■ Finally, don’t get too bogged down in all of the above. Keep it simple and try to make definite decisions. Then stick to them. If you are the sort of person that has never had a dream wedding in mind, rule out the things you both don’t want and focus on the things you do. If you are uncertain about anything, revisit it as you don’t want to have any regrets – this should be the most fabulous day of your lives ...

CREATE MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER..... Big Hat Tipi Weddings Our Tipis offer casual and rustic wedding facilities for you and your guests in our beautiful grounds adjoining the Roman Fossdyke Canal 21 en-suite rooms including a four poster bridal suite

Arrive in style on a boat if you so desire

Catering for upto 150 guests

We offer Tipis, Entertainment and Catering at affordable prices Saxilby road, Lincoln, LN1 2BG enquiries@pyewipe.co.uk 01522 528708 | www.pyewipe.co.uk

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SPONSOR

A relaxing venue for IF you are looking for a wedding reception where you can kick back and relax with your friends and family, then look no further than The Cocked Hat Hotel in Scunthorpe. SIMON LEONARD finds out more ...

othing is too much trouble for the popular family-run pub and hotel on Ferry Road and staff are willing to go the extra mile to ensure your day runs smoothly. Having taken over the establishment in January, manager Paul Stocks said they have been working tirelessly to ensure everyone has a good time at the wedding party.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had weddings booked in from the people before and we have weddings next year. They have the reception here,â&#x20AC;? he said. You can have the choice of a two or three-course meal on your big day and dinner is a carvery served with four different kinds of meat. Mr Stocks said their different packages can cater for anywhere from 50 to 200 guests. During the evening, the wedding party will get a delicious buffet to enjoy and a

Paul Stocks who will be welcoming bridal parties to Scunthorpe pub and hotel The Cocked Hat.

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r your wedding day great-sized function room so they can dance the night away. One of the big bonuses for those choosing their reception here is you can stay in the same place. Eat your meal, have some drinks and party until the early hours without needing to leave. What’s more, the Cocked Hat offers ten rooms including a large bridal suite, so guests can retire to bed after the evening’s entertainment and won’t have to worry about transport or where to stay. Mr Stocks said the room is decorated how the guests want it and the DJ for the night is his father. He said: “It is a more laid-back approach and it is all family-run.” Mr Stocks said if there are any problems on the night, staff are willing to sort this out straight away with no fuss. You can also get very reasonably-priced

drinks and you can even play a spot of pool or have a go on the quiz machine if you wish. The prices are very reasonable too with the silver package starting at £1,150. This includes a two-course meal of a main and a dessert, DJ, the room, professional seat covers, table decorations, evening buffet and use of the bridal suite. The gold package is priced £1,550 and has all of the above plus Bucks Fizz on arrival, half-a-bottle of wine per guest and sparkling wine for the toast. The platinum package has all of this plus a three-course meal and is priced £2,100. For more information, call the venue on 01724 841538. ■ Find The Cocked Hat at 97, Ferry Road, Scunthorpe DN15 8LQ.

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Gorgeous go

DRESSES

Indulge your romantic side with one of these dreamy dresses by designer Suzanne Neville ... Luna

Mayflower

Nouveau

Corbel

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owns for your big day

Swanson

Geddess Garland

Delancey Vienna

For local stockists, visit the website at www.suzanneneville.com

26 THE JOURNAL

Indulge in glamour a Athena

Looking for something fabulous? Take a look at these beautiful dresses by designer Suzanne Neville ... Lalique

Lalique Astoria

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and romance Belvedere

Elena

DRESSES

Pandora

Beaux

Valerio

For local stockists, visit the website at www.suzanneneville.com Rosa

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FEATURE

The perfect gown f you ask a lot of brides about their wedding dress shopping experience, many will say things such as: “I wish I had looked at more” and “I was surprised at the style that suited me”.

Rule number one: Don’t get fixated on the one dress you might have seen in a magazine. Yes, it might be beautiful, but nine times out of ten, you’ll be disappointed at how it looks when you finally try it on! That said, it might look fabulous, so make sure you do actually try it first! It is possible that you might have your heart set on a big, frothy dress or perhaps something more simple. Again, don’t be surprised if you end up

When looking for the dress of your dreams, there are many things to take into consideration beforehand. EMMA MATHIAS finds out more ... with it completely the opposite way around. There is probably a style of dress that may suit you more than others, when it comes to everyday wear. That all changes when you are wearing a dress with a fitted corset in a light colour. You will be pulled in at the waist, your chest will perhaps be more prominent and there may be a focus on any detail the dress might have. And speaking of chests, make absolutely sure you have the right underwear if you have a larger bust. You

may be told that the bone in your dress is sufficient, but that simply isn’t the case if you have a slim chest size with a large bust – putting the dress on incorrectly could result in an ‘overspill’, which will give the vicar or registrar an eyeful when you are kneeling at the altar, never mind your almost-husband or wife! Make sure you visit plenty of shops. Yes, you will probably get sick of taking your clothes off in front of people, but it is well worth it as the perfect dress could well be waiting in a shop that’s 40 miles

away. Don’t settle, just because you can’t be bothered to try more on. Take plenty of pictures of yourself in each dress, so that you can see exactly what they look like when you get home. Note that some boutiques do not allow pictures, so be sure to ask first. Don’t pay any attention to the size of the dress as many of them run at least two sizes bigger than your usual size. Ignore the label completely, just look in the mirror and be happy with how lovely you look! Finally, if you don’t feel comfortable in a dress, walk away from it. It might be the height of fashion but you have to spend a very long day in that dress, and want to feel relaxed and utterly fabulous for the whole event.

Second time around

EMMA MATHIAS finds some handy tips for the perfect planning of a second wedding ...

owever you found yourself in a single situation, finding love for a second time is a wonderful thing. For some, it may be a leap of faith after a turbulent first marriage while for others, the impending nuptials are a welcome fresh start after the sad passing of a previous husband or wife. Whatever your reasons for a second marriage, you may be wondering how to do it, what to wear and where to go? Take a look at our hints and tips for the second time around: ■ Whatever you want to wear, as the bride or groom, is up to you. You may have had a more formal affair at your first wedding, wanting to spice things up with a bit of colour or something completely crazy! Or maybe you want to opt for a smart skirt suit in a lovely cream colour, adding a colourful button hole to freshen the look? Most brides at a second wedding, particularly after the age of 60, won’t entertain a white, flowing gown. For some, having already had children and taken a trip down the aisle previously, a full-blown wedding dress could feel a little foolish. That said, many will buy one and take the opportunity to go ‘all out’ to impress. One thing most tend to opt out of is the veil, as this is normally reserved for first-time brides. A symbol of purity, most

second time brides are a little beyond that! ■ Young or old, many second-timers will fancy the idea of dashing to a far away place for their wedding. Marriages abroad have never been so popular so even if you want to take children or parents, there are plenty of options available. And gone are the days of second marriages being in a register office. The Church of England is willing to marry couples who have previously been married and with so many places now offering civil services, the choices can be mind-blowing. The simplest idea is to work out your cash, decide how many people you want at your nuptials and take it from there. Locally, several venues take parties as small as 20 people so there is no excuse for a bit of a do! ■ Don’t forget to try and include your new spouse’s family, as well as your own. Try to split the jobs, if there is plenty to do, but make sure everything is as stress-free as possible. While including family in preparations is a good thing, be sure to hire people to help on the day. Your children and parents will want to enjoy it as much as you do so don’t have them running around until the early hours of the next morning. ■ For most people, the second marriage is the one that will last forever. See the first one as a bit of a trial for the real thing which begs the question, “Do we go completely over the top with our wedding?” And, why not? There are far less rules for a second wedding than a first. Nobody will be expecting you to do things certain way, in a certain place, with invites and the whole shebang. Do your second wedding your way, stooping for no man – or woman – and have an absolute ball. Hopefully, this will be the first day of your very happy lives together!

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FEATURE

Talking the talk Get your marriage off to an excellent start by making a speech your guests will remember for all the right reasons ...

h, the groom’s speech. The source of anxiety and sweaty palms for many men, especially if you’re not used to speaking in public.

Traditionally, the brief for the groom’s speech is quite simple: thank the bridesmaids, thank your partner, your families and anyone else who helped to put the day together, express your joy at marrying the love of your life and then introduce the best man. You can stick to this basic structure or, as with any element of a wedding, change it up to suit you, but whatever you choose to include, take heed of our top tips to help you make a speech that your guests will love, not cringe at. ■ Don’t make it too long. Although those guests who placed a monetary bet on a long set of speeches will be looking at their watches with glee and internally thanking you, no-one else will. There’s nothing worse than seeing people getting restless as a speech goes on, and on… and on. Around ten minutes is an ideal length of time for your speech. ■ Starting with “my wife and I …” will always get a great reaction. Yes, it’s a cliché but it’s the first time you’ll get to say it, so enjoy it! ■ If your wife isn’t going to make her own speech, remember that you’re speaking for the two of you so use ‘we’ where appropriate. Also, make sure to ask her in advance for where and how she’d like to be mentioned, and if there’s anything in particular she’d like you to reference on her behalf. ■ If your bride is making her own speech, go over them together to make sure your material doesn’t overlap. ■ Remember that there will be older family members in the room, so keep the smut out of your speech. Watching Aunt Doris wince as you tell the story of the debauched stag night will stay with you for all the wrong reasons ... and chances are your best man will include enough for the both of you anyway.

■ Everyone loves hearing about how a couple met, so a humorous yet sincere telling of how it happened is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. ■ Avoid just turning your speech into reading out a list of people to thank. Inject a little personality into what you’re saying. Anecdotes always go down well and make what you’re saying more interesting. When selecting these, however, refrain from making them into an in-joke that’s relevant to just a handful of people in the room, as this will alienate the other guests and make them mentally switch them off from listening to the rest of what you are saying. ■ Your wedding speech is your chance to tell your guests, and your new wife, just how you feel so make sure you use the opportunity to say some sincere and heartfelt things. ■ Although you don’t need to learn your speech off by heart, it will sound better if you don’t just read it off a piece of paper. Familiarise yourself with it before the big day, and then make note cards with bullet points as helpful prompts that you can just glance down at as a reminder. If you do fumble or lose your way, it doesn’t matter. Your guests are the people who care most about you in the world, so they won’t care if it’s not a professional speech. Speaking from the heart will always be better than being slick. ■ Your best man will be taking the opportunity of his speech to make fun of you, so get a little jibe in where you can! ■ And finally, if the thought of giving a speech really is too hideous to contemplate, then why not hand over duties entirely to your new wife, or give one together? If she’s more comfortable with public speaking then play to the strengths in your relationship – after all, marriage is the ultimate in teamwork!

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Tips for a daddy’s girl

Mum’s I the word T

t’s often the case that mums are the parent most involved in wedding plans. Not only because they like to have a say in what happens with their daughter’s impending nuptials, it is also expected.

Dads can sometimes be left hanging around in the background, so what can you do to better involve the family patriarch?

hey say that you can never prepare for being the Mother of the Bride and it can easily lead to major stress between a mum and her daughter.

We went on the hunt for top tips to help you to avoid unnecessary conflict and drama on the run-up to the wedding … ■ Remember that we are well into the 21st century and traditions of the past may no longer apply. Your daughter may not want to wear Great Grandma Jones’ grey, tattered garter (that once had a lovely blue hue) and she may decide that the man and wife cake topper you and your husband popped on the cake 30 years ago is no longer going to cut it! Find out what’s on trend and come up with some modern alternatives, sharing them with your daughter so that she can make her mind up for herself. ■ It is common for people to avoid inviting cousins they haven’t seen since they played in the garden as kids, so don’t push your daughter and future son-in-law into inviting hundreds of guests. If they want a small and intimate ceremony, let it happen – Auntie Maude will forgive them in the long run! ■ Accept that her style may not be your style. She might want to show a bit of cleavage or expose the tattoo you hate, but

go along with it as this is her big day and your chance to show how much you support her and appreciate the woman she has become. ■ Offer any opinions in a non-forceful fashion. By all means, tell her what you think but there are ways of doing it and launching into a tirade is not a good way. Blue may not be your choice of colour for the bridesmaids, and there is no harm in saying that, but ultimately it is her decision. Sometimes, giving gentle advice can sow a seed and she might end up changing her mind of her own volition. ■ Take your future son-in-law and husband’s comments on board; you never know, there could be some helpful pearls of wisdom heading in your direction ... ■ Have a bit of fun together. The night before the wedding, why not spend it with just the two of you, having a chat, a couple of glasses of wine and a nice meal? You could book a hotel and have a girl’s night in with the room service menu and a couple of fluffy bathrobes or take over a room in the family house and kick everyone out while you have a bit of fun! ■ Enjoy the day. Don’t fuss, admire what you have achieved together, be there as the voice of calm and reason and have a blast.

Arrange a father and daughter meal Why not organise a night out for the two of you? It’s probably a long while since you popped out for some posh nosh and a natter so arrange a gathering to share plans for the wedding and possibly even take a trip down memory lane … Get him involved in the organisation Instead of taking everything on yourself, why not ask dad to sort out the transport or book the church? He might be the family’s gardening expert, in which case he could be the best person to take with you to choose the flowers, or perhaps he enjoys a tipple and is a bit of a wine connoisseur? Look to his strengths and don’t leave him sitting around the house with his credit card, waiting to be called to pay for something he knows nothing about. Give him a job to do! Get him involved on the day He already has his traditional jobs, such as accompanying you to the ceremony and his Father of the Bride speech, but why not draught him in as wedding planner? While you are getting your dress and make-up done, and Mum is busy doing the same, ask Dad to make sure everyone is there on time, the cars have arrived and the bridesmaids are where they should be.

He can even give the groom a quick call to ensure everything is going well their end and gee them up if they have any problems. Buy him a gift It’s 2017 and there is no reason not to present your dad with a gift during the speech part of the day. Mum, Grandma, the Best Man and the bridesmaids will all be given a token of your appreciation, so why not Dad too? Even if he’s been more of a back seat driver of the wedding preparations, he’s more than likely been doling out cash left, right and centre, so add him to your gift list, just to show how much you care. And if there is nothing he needs, or you can’t think of something to buy, write him a letter – it will be the last one you write to him before he steers you up the aisle and into the arms of another man.

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TRANSPORT

How to arrive at you When it comes to looking for the right transport for your wedding day, there has never been so much choice. EMMA MATHIAS looks at some of the options ...

hen planning your big day, your wedding transport will generally be dictated by three main things ... your budget, number of people travelling and your geographical location. First, decide on how much you have to spend on your transport and think about whether you want it to take you, the bridesmaids, the best man and the father of the bride to the church or venue and if you want the same transport, or indeed a different one, to take you and your new

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bride or groom away after the event. Then have a think about where you live. This may seem odd but if you have a large budget, helicopter flights are becoming increasingly common â&#x20AC;&#x201C; make sure your venue has somewhere for it to land â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as are boats, if your venue is near the water. If you are choosing something as extravagant as a helicopter, there are limited spaces inside so this is really only an option for one or two people, unless you are hiring the local air to sea rescue service! Boats are a little easier, unless the

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ur wedding in style ... waterway is quite narrow and the boat very small, as floating vessels come in all shapes and sizes and can accommodate a good few people. Seeing as most of us don’t live near a heli-pad or a quaint river, the obvious choice for going to your wedding is by road. Nowadays, brides and grooms have the option of everything from spruced-up taxis to limos and VW vans. Here are just a few of the current transport trends: Party buses Not a quiet way to start your wedding day but a very lively and fun option. The party bus can often seat up to 40 people, which is a great choice if your wedding is out of town. Horse and carriage The poor horse was out of wedding fashion for a while but with the return of all things retro, the horse and carriage has become a vintage must-have.

Camper vans If you can get hold of a split screen VW, and there are some good hire companies locally, the VW is a very cool way to go to your wedding. Symbolising peace and love, what better way to start your married lives?

The limo Still as popular as ever, the shiny stretch limo conjures up images of film stars and Hollywood. The vehicles can also seat several people and can easily accommodate a flowing gown and bridesmaids.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Making memories

ven at the turn of this century, which is only a mere 17 years ago, the photographer played a massive part at a wedding. Now, with camera phones and social media, there are a million different ways to save the memories for another day. Of course, even with instant access to the internet and digital snapshots, you can’t guarantee a great photograph so it is still more than worth paying a photographer to be sure of the perfect image to keep on your wall for years to come. Before we even getting to the wedding tips, many prospective grooms are now paying for a photographer to sneak around in order to capture the proposal. A beautiful moment, which could invoke tears of joy and happiness, often becomes a distant memory but with an image to keep it in your mind forever, this is a great idea. Bridal shoots are becoming more popular than ever as it gives the bride a chance to look pristine and perfect.

Now that we are well and truly in the digital age, wedding photography has become very different in recent years. EMMA MATHIAS looks at bridal photography in the modern age … While we all start the day as perfect brides, as soon as we are exposed to the elements the hair is not quite as good as it was in the mirror, the bottom of the dress may be swished around on a muddy floor and the lipstick left on the cheek of many a well wisher. A bridal shoot means great lighting, perfect hair and make-up, a carefully kept dress and an excited bride in the days before the wedding.The perfect addition to any wedding album. The father and daughter moment – you know, the one where dad walks into the room and cries his eyes out before you have even left the building? – is also a great moment to catch on camera. A dedicated photographer will be looking out for these special times while other members of the bridal party are busy rustling up flowers or organising the bridesmaids.

At the reception, a very popular addition to the proceedings is the photo booth. With silly props, wigs, moustaches on sticks and more, a photo booth is a great ice breaker and will give you a great indication, after the event, as to how much your friends and family have been drinking during the day! Many photo booth companies are linked to Facebook, and other social media platforms. Using a hash tag for Instagram is a way of creating instant memories as your guests take pictures throughout the day and immediately upload them onto the internet. As any bride and groom will know, a great wedding day will be a bit of a blur so it is lovely to have plenty of happy snapshots to look at while you wait for the official wedding photos. Snapshots will also let you know what was going on

at your wedding when you are busy cutting the cake or looking in another direction! For a funky photo style, ask your wedding photographer to take individual pictures of the people at your wedding. Using the same chair and backdrop, the images create a great, and often relaxed, collage in your wedding album. There is nothing like a little bit of nostalgia on your wedding day. Images of a young bride and groom on a well-designed display are sure to have the guests chuckling at the perfectly manicured happy couple with a dodgy eighties or nineties haircut and a hand-knitted cardigan covered in mud! And for those with a little bit of patience and a more traditional style, it is still possible to buy disposable cameras for tables at the reception which can be developed after the honeymoon. Sometimes, the instant world we live in can be a little bit too fast and it is nice to have something to look forward to once the celebrations are over and the newlyweds are settling into a long and happy married life together.

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FLOWERS

A budding romance T

raditional blooms for a wedding are usually roses, gypsophila, lillies, and the like. In today’s world, couples are often looking for something a little bit different to brighten up their venue and spruce up their bridal garb, so what if you opt for something that has a negative meaning? Nobody wants to find out that a variety of carnation can mean “I cannot be with you” when they are walking up the aisle.

We have compiled a list of flowers and herbs for you to give some thought when looking for floral inspiration ... Tansy A lovely, puffed up yellow flower that looks oh-so-friendly, actually means “I declare war on you”, so probably not the best place to start when looking for colourful wedding treats. Heather Perfect for people looking for a wild flower feel to their wedding décor, heather means independence, good fortune and

You know that you have a budget and you have an idea for your flowers in mind, but what about the meaning of the flowers you have chosen? EMMA MATHIAS finds out more … good luck. Both white and purple heather are symbolic of good things so either one is a perfect option for your wedding day. Cornflower Now this is a lovely bloom for a wedding. Another name for it is “Bachelor’s Button” and it is said to give a single blessing in every flower. Perfect. Camellia A flower for the heart, the camellia only gives off positive ‘vibes’, meaning desire, passion, faithfulness and longevity, among others. You can’t beat the camellia for a bridal bouquet or to add to a floral spray in your venue. Daisy A truly beautiful flower, the daisy means “innocence”. Unlike the Victorian era, when most brides and grooms were

innocent before their wedding night, the modern age is not always this way so perhaps just pick them because you like them, if this is the case! Carnations As mentioned earlier, the Victorian meaning of a two-tone or striped carnation means “I cannot be with you”, though a solid colour means “yes”, which is much more appropriate. A red carnation is the most popular flower given to mums on Mother’s Day in Japan and symbolises love. Lavender Another one for people adding a rustic touch to their weddings, lavender not only smells divine, it also means “devotion” – in theory, your marriage will be a long and happy one if you add this lovely

garden herb to your décor.

Peonies A gorgeous looking flower which was, sadly, given a more miserable meaning by the people of Victorian England. Representing “anger”, it probably isn’t the best choice unless you are really very cross with your wife or husband-to-be! Tulips It turns out that red roses aren’t the only red flower in your garden to represent love and romance. The red tulip means more or less the same, without the passion, so if you are looking for a bloom that reflects your inner puppy dog, this is the one. Valerian One for Game Of Thrones fans, Valerian carries the meaning “readiness”. Whilst it might come across as more of a battle cry, adding the herb to your wedding flowers would indicate that you are prepared for the commitment of marriage and will start as you mean to go on.

Flowers

The only thing in more photographs than the bride.

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ACCESSORIES

The finishing touches

You have the dress, the shoes and the plans are all complete, but you still don’t have the accessories. EMMA MATHIAS looks at what’s hot for headwear, jewellery and shoes in the coming year ...

or the majority of us mere mortals, Tiffany jewellery is well out of our financial reach, but there is nothing stopping us taking inspiration from their beautiful, sparkling designs.

And the same goes for the shoes, though with a bit of savvy saving, you could stretch to a slinky pair of Jimmy Choo’s for one of the biggest days of your life. Just make sure, when a gaping hole appears in the bank account, you’ve saved the comment: “These old things? They’ve been in the wardrobe for ages!” Far be it for me to encourage deception when you’re about to get married ... On the catwalks of New York’s Bridal Spring Week 2018, it seems that a dainty pair of earrings with a similarly dainty necklace is a thing of the past. It’s all about layers of beads, strung about the neck and shoulders, and hefty pieces of metal that are almost tribal. Over-sized bows, in old Hollywood style, are also big for the coming year, so if you don’t have one on your dress, get one fitted to it, quick! For me personally, I hate bows as much as spiders so they may as well be telling me to attach a tarantula to my back. But each to their own – that’s what your wedding day is all about ... you and your beloved. As we mentioned earlier in the magazine, pearls are a big deal for the coming season. Classy and sedate, you can’t go wrong with a pearl hair clip, bracelet or droplet necklace, and it doesn’t have to be chunky and tribal just because the catwalk gurus say so. A great one for winter, or for people wanting to add a touch of glamour to the occasion, gloves are high on the list of

must-haves for next year’s brides. Wear them short, like The Queen, or go for a slinky long pair and channel your inner Audrey Hepburn. This could be as close to breakfast at Tiffany’s as you might get, so, go on, grab the softest, most luxurious pair you can find. Veils are now being used as an additional piece of neck jewellery, if you will, with lightweight chiffon draped about the neck in a Grace Kelly fashion. And forget putting the veil over your face like a nun – the new way is to pull it around your face and clasp it behind your head, though that’s all a little too Fifty Shades Of Grey for my liking. For shoes, anything goes, though the more sparkles the better. Boots are still on trend, as are the fancy creations by designers such as Irregular Choice, or you could go comfy and simple and copy the Duchess of Cambridge’s understated class with a nice pair of plain but gorgeous court shoes. I had red wellies on at my wedding, but we won’t go into that ... Actually, we will go into that. The bottom line is, you don’t have to be completely on trend for your wedding day, if at all. The event is ultimately about you and your betrothed getting married and having an absolute ball, but the party has become an opportunity to let your own personalities shine through, whether that is through red wellies, donut favours or festival themes. And the same goes for whatever you are wearing. No, you don’t need to wear a dress if you don’t want to – a casual style of bridal wear was also a catwalk tip for 2018 – and if you want those tiny drop earrings with the tiny necklace ... go for it!

Sparkle and shine

Whether you are on the hunt for invites or decor, Sparkles has everything for your big day ...

rom the beautiful wedding invites and sweet carts, right down to the perfect wedding decor, you can find all the wedding accessories to complement the theme of your day at Sparkles. You can even buy personalised thank you cards to add the perfect, classy finishing touch to your wedding. For absolutely delightful wedding supplies in Scunthorpe, contact the team right away. Pop into the store to find your dream bridal theme, or take your family along to choose your favourite decor for the big day. Staff will take the hassle out of getting the venue ready with chair covers, centre pieces, party favours and more, to ensure your big day goes exactly as planned. Sparkles specialises in invitations, thank you cards, sweet carts, party favours, centre pieces and backdrops. They also stock a huge range of sweets for special occasions, from traditional toffees to more modern sweets, and take great pride in putting together beautiful sweet packages for your special day. Want something different for your special event? Why not try one of the candy carts that can be tailored and decorated to your specifications. The candy floss machine, chocolate fountain, popcorn machine, Ferrero Rocher heart and the cookie and cheese cart are perfect for the kids and even the adults.

If you want to make the whole wedding experience even better, why not bring your partner and add the personal touch by making the perfect invitation yourself. Call to book yourselves in with the craft experts ... Sparkles as a local business is going from strength-to-strength, recently re-locating to a bigger store in Scunthorpe town centre. They the only independent craft shop in the area and have everything you would need to make your whole wedding experience a memorable one. Owner Alison Minnis said: “We are now bigger and better. The move means we can carry a wider range of stock.” Specialising in crafts and sweets, Sparkles offers a range for those who have a sweet tooth, including vegetarian, halal, gluten free, vegan and sugar-free treats. Customers can also book in card making sessions, printing, craft supplies, wedding supplies and lessons in crafts for all ages. Sparkles can supply personalised chocolate bars, party bags and special diet sweets for those who are looking to cut down on the sugary stuff. The store also has a stall on Ashby Market. “If it includes sugar, we are pretty much all over it!” she said. ■ To find out more about Sparkles, and what they have to offer, or to book a class with them, telephone the store on 01724 85350.

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CATERING

All that fizz!

ongratulations, you’re getting married and now comes the party planning. While the dress, rings, flowers, and photographer are paramount to tying the knot in style, the celebratory tipples should sparkle as much as the bride and groom. But with all the excitement of getting hitched, deciding which wines to serve can often be an after-thought – and one your guests won’t thank you for. Especially when you consider how paramount celebratory drinks are to the running order of the day, speeches and reception. After all, you want your wedding to be remembered for all the right reasons, and not the worst wedding faux pas of all – running out of alcohol. So depending on the size of your wedding fund, the number of guests and corkage fee, here are five ways to keep those heart-felt wishes flowing ... Leave it in the hands of the experts Independent wine merchants Corney & Barrow have launched an online wedding hub which does all the hard work for you. The perfect invitation to showcase something old (world), something new (world) and pop the cork on some delicious crowd-pleasers, the free online

Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a huge country bash, here are the best ways to source your wedding drinks ... service offers a vast selection of wedding wines chosen by Corney & Barrow’s expert buying team. With bottle prices ranging from £8 to £80 on a sale and return basis, couples can return any unopened bottles, ensuring neither their wedding or bank account runs dry. “Tasting and buying the wine for your wedding should be a fun and enjoyable experience, and definitely not a chore – after all, it’s for a celebration! From budgeting to tasting, food pairing to quantity calculations, we are on hand to help,” says Olivia Marsh, head of catering and hospitality, Corney & Barrow. Keep an eye out for special offers and deals Fairytale weddings don’t come cheap, but that doesn’t mean brides on a budget can’t make a statement and serve a show-stopping magnum. Shop around for great offers at wine and beer retailers across the country, including online stockists. You can always ask your friends, siblings or parents to help out and pick a few up if there is a limited offer on!

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Pop the corks with something different Another sparkle that passes the tipple test, Aldi have some great wine festivals and if you’re feeling adventurous, the range often includes some trendy styles such as sparkling reds. “The UK has seen a real prosecco boom over the last few years, but there are more sparkling wines to be discovered. While curating our Summer Wine Festival, we saw an opportunity to introduce some exciting and lesser-known bottles of fizz which are also perfect for brides and grooms to pick from to toast their wedding day,” says Tony Baines, head of buying, Aldi. The store often chooses delicious sparkling alternatives from around the globe which represent fantastic quality and great-value options. Bag-in-box wines will meet your guests’ demands Gone is the stigma attached to boxed wines. Along with Waitrose expanding their premium bag-in-box wines to meet increasing demand for larger formats, Amazon saw their sales rise in June and July, 212 per cent year on-year. So, if you’re catering to a guest list as long as a church-length train, the box option is definitely worth considering. “As the quality and breadth of selection increases, boxed wine is becoming more popular,” says Sebastian O’Keefe, wine and spirits manager, Amazon. “We’ve already seen the evolution from cork to screw top, and our customers are clearly shrugging off the preconception of boxed wine and embracing the ease and environmental benefits of switching from bottle to box.” Good all-rounders for guests with different tastes are El Emperador Sauvignon Blanc, Chile (£19.99, 3 litres, Amazon, five cases per customer) and Banrock Station Shiraz Cabernet, Australia

(£14.99, 2.25 litres, Amazon, five cases per customer). Stock the bar yourself and buy your own spirits With several hours of wedding celebrations, chances are some of your guests will be asking for a cocktail, especially the best man! And if you have the budget for an open bar (no guest should be charged for a G&T or a mojito), it’s worth stocking it yourself and hiring a couple of bartenders and waiters. That way you can buy some reasonably priced spirits and mixers and make it feel like it’s an A-list event, even if it’s a modest affair. Speak to the staff and set a specific time to serve, such as happy hour or during the dancing. Passing drinks on trays (rather than letting guests go to the bar) will save on the expense and you can always create a signature cocktail to complement your wedding theme.

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Party with friends

STAG & HEN

Looking for a different location for your stag or hen do? EMMA MATHIAS looks at trends over recent months and for the coming year …

ue, apparently, to Brexit uncertainties, there are hundreds of stag and hen parties opting for a ‘staycation’ as opposed to heading abroad for

their bash.

UK destinations seem to be making a return to popularity with spa breaks and cosy cabins in the woods high on the list, particularly for a hen do. Popular destinations in the UK are Newcastle, Bournemouth, Bristol, Edinburgh, London, Brighton and Manchester. Some appear to be more popular than others though Newcastle firmly heads up the most visited destination for hen and stag parties. Top locations abroad differ between the hens and the stags though Amsterdam appears to remain a firm favourite for the stags. Prague isn’t far behind and a new one on the hot list in recent years is Riga, Latvia. Ibiza has also become a popular stag destination in recent years, after a bit of a lull due to cheaper prices in Eastern Europe. Abroad, Marbella is still taking the top spot for hens though the girls are also heading to such destinations as Amsterdam, Riga and Ibiza. Other European destinations include Barcelona, Benidorm, Dublin and Budapest. While travelling abroad is a great idea, places such as Prague have cottoned onto the money they can make from the influx of stag and hens. Here, a pint of lager can cost more than £3 whereas a few feet away, in some of the quieter streets, the cost of a pint was up to £2 less! If you are staying in the major tourist areas, it doesn’t really make any sense to go for a cheap drink in another country only to pay the same price as you would on Cleethorpes seafront. Add to this the flight, hotel and food and you’ve actually spent far more than you would by staying in the UK. That said, if you are going to enjoy the culture with a few friends, alcohol prices really don’t matter, but ask most hens and stags going off to far-flung places and the majority probably won’t even remember what happened during their weekend, or week, away.

Yet stag and hen parties continue to flock to foreign climes throughout the year, making the most of being away from the stress of an impending wedding. Of course, you don’t have to go completely crazy on a hen or stag do, whether it is abroad or in the UK. There are plenty of quiet, relaxing spas, up-market hotels and retreats in which to enjoy your last few days of single life. For the more reserved hen or stag, London shows are also a popular choice, with a meal and possibly a trip to a wine bar later. Often a civilised afternoon tea is on the agenda, too. And staying close to home is making a return to trends in the stag and hen industry. With more companies offering attractions such as the ‘afternoon tea caravan’, which is great for pitching up in mum’s back garden and adrenaline-fuelled activities, such as go-karting or parachuting, there is plenty to shout about, locally – and you can sleep in your own bed, too! In North Lincolnshire, it is hoped that the new Go Ape course will be up and running by April so that is another option for people able to travel to Normanby Hall, which is where it will be located. Northern Lincolnshire is also full of wonderful eateries, giving hen parties plenty of options for a great night out.

When all is said and done, make sure your hen and stag night is a memorable one. And remember, a quiet party doesn’t always mean the outcome isn’t the same –

I remind my husband of this, every now and then, after he came home sozzled and began impersonating a frog on the sofa! Have a great time!

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Picture your perfect wedding

Love Lace’s of Grimsby

Freeman Street Market Grimsby, DN32 7DS Tel: 07815079772 Facebook www.facebook.com/ LovelacesFreemanStreetGrimsby

Grange Park

Butterwick Road, Messingham, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN17 3PP Tel: 01724 762945 Info@grangepark.com • www.grangepark.com

Millﬁelds Hotel

53 Bargate, Grimsby, DN34 5AD Tel: 01472 356068 Info@millﬁeldshotel.co.uk www.millﬁeldshotel.co.uk

Pyewipe Inn

Saxilby Road, Lincoln, LN1 2BG Tel: 01522 528708 Enquiries@pyewipe.co.uk www.pyewipe.co.uk

Hirst Priory

Holme Hall Golf Club

A161 Belton Road, Crowle, DN17 4BU Tel: 01724 897270 www.hirstpriory.co Info@hirstpriory.co

Holme Lane, Bottesford, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RF Tel: 01724 862078 www.holmehallgolf.co.uk

Walcot Hall

Nr. Alkborough, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9JT Tel: 01724 720420 enquiries@walcothallestate.co.uk www.walcothallestate.co.uk

The Petwood Hotel

Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG Tel: 01526 352411 www.petwood.co.uk reception@petwood.co.uk

The Ashbourne Hotel

Vicarage Lane, North Killingholme, DN40 3JL Tel: 01469 541010 www.oakridgehotels.co.uk

Stallingborough Grange Hotel

Riby Road, Stallingborough, Grimsby, DN41 8BU Tel: 01469 561302 reception@stallingboroughgrange.co.uk www.stallingboroughgrange.co.uk

Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort

Ermine Street, Broughton, Nr Brigg, DN20 0AQ Tel: 01652 650770 www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/forest-pineshotel-golf-resort The Cocked Hat Hotel

97 Ferry Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 8LQ Tel: 01724 841538 facebook - www.facebook.com/ TheCockedHatNew

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Pyewipe Inn

Saxilby Road, Lincoln, LN1 2BG Tel: 01522 528708 Enquiries@pyewipe.co.uk www.pyewipe.co.uk

The Petwood Hotel

Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG Tel: 01526 352411 www.petwood.co.uk reception@petwood.co.uk

Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort

Ermine Street, Broughton, Nr Brigg, DN20 0AQ Tel: 01652 650770 www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/forestpines-hotel-golf-resort

Stallingborough Grange Hotel

Riby Road, Stallingborough, Grimsby, DN41 8BU Tel: 01469 561302 reception@stallingboroughgrange.co.uk www.stallingboroughgrange.co.uk

Millﬁelds Hotel

53 Bargate, Grimsby, DN34 5AD Tel: 01472 356068 Info@millﬁeldshotel.co.uk www.millﬁeldshotel.co.uk

Walcot Hall

Nr. Alkborough, North Lincolnshire, DN15 9JT Tel: 01724 720420 enquiries@walcothallestate.co.uk www.walcothallestate.co.uk

Love Lace’s of Grimsby

Freeman Street Market Grimsby, DN32 7DS Tel: 07815079772 Facebook - www.facebook.com/ LovelacesFreemanStreetGrimsby

The Brackenborough Hotel

Cordeaux Corner, Louth, LN11 0SZ Tel: 01507 609169 www.oakridgehotels.co.uk Hirst Priory

A161 Belton Road, Crowle, DN17 4BU Tel: 01724 897270 www.hirstpriory.co Info@hirstpriory.co Holme Hall Golf Club

Holme Lane, Bottesford, Scunthorpe, DN16 3RF Tel: 01724 862078 www.holmehallgolf.co.uk

The Cocked Hat Hotel Grange Park

Butterwick Road Messingham, Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN17 3PP Tel: 01724 762945 Info@grangepark.com www.grangepark.com

97 Ferry Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 8LQ Tel: 01724 841538 facebook - www.facebook.com/ TheCockedHatNew

42 THE JOURNAL

Why Israel’s Ei Looking for something different? Clear seas and sunny skies make Israel’s Red Sea beach town Eilat a perfect winter, or summer, honeymoon destination. GEORGINA STUBBS finds out more ...

killfully driving an open-backed jeep through the dusty and mesmerising mountains surrounding the southern Israeli city of Eilat, our guide, Naftaly Gal Or, laughs: “I have never seen snow in my life, and if it snows here, I will leave!” When most of Britain is being lashed by wind, frozen rain and snow, temperatures here average 20C in January; and alongside just 30mm of annual rainfall and 360 sunny days a year, it is easy to see why sightings of the white stuff are rare. Nestled on the coast of the Red Sea with its crystal clear waters – home to an abundance of colourful marine life such as lionfish, parrotfish, octopus and seahorses – Eilat has plenty of potential for adventure. Clinging to Naftaly’s bouncing jeep as he deliberately moves it up the inclines of

the path ahead, singing the vaguely recognisable tune of “shake to the left, shake to the right”, it is difficult to believe he is approaching 70. The back wheels are kicking up dust from the rocky track as we meander our way through the harsh and barren landscape of Solomon Valley – close to the Egyptian border – headed for our second view point of the two-hour excursion. With the air invitingly warm as the sun is engulfed behind the jagged edges of the mountains, casting a soft light amongst the crevasses and highlighting the many differing hues of red, browns and grey, it is hard not to be captivated by the immense natural beauty of the area. Founded in 1950, the resort and port town neighbours the Jordanian city of Aqaba, which, from the height of the mountains, becomes visible as a mass of street lights as darkness descends. But spectacular views are not all Eilat has to offer...

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HONEYMOON

Eilat should be on your radar Take a dip with dolphins One of the resort’s more unique attractions is Dolphin Reef (dolphinreef.co.il), home to four bottlenose porpoises called Neo, Nana, Luna and Nikita, who live in their natural environment – a large netted part of the sea. Instead of forcing the marine mammals to perform tricks, at Dolphin Reef the animals are treated with respect and sensitivity. There’s the option to dive (339nis/£71) or snorkel (290nis/£61) with the sea mammals for 30-minute sessions, and once immersed in their underwater habitat I’m overcome with a sense of excitement and joy that I know I havn’t felt since the Christmas Eves of my childhood. A dolphin glides beneath me with such grace it takes me completely by surprise as it carefully inspects this latest being to enter its world. I can’t get enough of listening to their clicks and squeaks as they chatter between themselves. There is also a pebbled beach and a floating walkway where visitors can observe the animals (67nis/£14), and three relaxation pools with the option of an unusual water-based treatment (320nis/ £67). I’m moved around one of the pools by a specialist, into positions designed to relax mind, body and spirit.

Make feathered friends In autumn and spring the skies above Eilat teem with birdlife as half a billion flamingoes, raptors, kingfishers and other winged creatures migrate across continents. In a typical March, more than 130 species can be seen in a day. Providing a safe haven, a team of researchers and conservationists maintain an oasis of freshwater and saltwater ponds and lakes at the International Birding and Research Centre in Eilat, close to the Jordanian border. Pre-booked tours of the sanctuary start from 35nis (£7)pp. The centre humanely catches and rings birds which pass through the area, to collect data for their work. Best of all, visitors can actively participate in the work. I gently undo a cloth bag to reveal a reed warbler ready for release, and am given careful instructions on how to hold its delicate body. Watching the warbler fly away, I feel awed by the tiny creature which journeys thousands of miles every year. Explore the jungle “There are only two seasons here – summer and hot summer,” Yoram, one of the founders of the Eilat Botanical Garden, tells me as he guides us through the collection of plants and trees, which include the baobab, almond tree, the holy

fig, and details how they keep them all alive. Entry costs 28nis (£6)pp. The pinnacle of the gardens is a rainforest, where a misting water feature activates every six minutes and provides the most refreshing reprieve from the blazing Israeli sun. Immerse yourself in history A mere 30km from Eilat is Timna Park, a 60,000sq km valley where copper ores were mined from as early as the 5th millennium BC. There are many mine shafts to climb into and discover, and geological formations such as the mushroom, a natural stone formation which resembles the fungus, and the incredible King Solomon’s Pillars – imposing red sandstone cliffs that look like they ripple through the landscape. The ruins of a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Hathor can be seen at the base of Solomon’s Pillars; the outline of the walls and several basins are still visible. Behind the Pillars, look out for a carved inscription by Pharaoh Ramses III making an offer to the goddess. Entrance to the site costs 49nis (£10.30).

Sink to the lowest point on Earth At 431m below sea level, the ever-shrinking Dead Sea is the lowest dry-land point on Earth. It’s a two and a half hour drive away, but worth the effort to visit. Eilat Shuttle offer an organised day tour for $145 (£107). It is free to enter the public beach and there are full changing facilities available, but make sure you take waterproof reef shoes as the salt crystals that have formed on the water’s edge can be a little rough under foot. With normal swimming strokes rendered impossible by the volume of salt, after spending just 15 minutes floating in the water your skin will feel incredible. ■ Monarch is the only airline to operate direct flights to Ovda, Eilat from London Luton, with fares, including taxes, starting from £104 one way (£140 return). The weekly Thursday flight launches on November 2 and runs until April 12. Monarch offers seven night beach holidays starting from £425pp. For further information on flights and holidays, visit monarchagents.co.uk.

THE COCKED HAT

44 THE JOURNAL

Wedding Packages

The Cocked hat is the ideal venue for a wedding to remember for the rest of your life together. Our dedicated staff are on hand to ensure your wedding day will be a dream come true.

Choose from one of our quality packages

PLATINUM PACKAGE

GOLD PACKAGE

SILVER PACKAGE

Full Day Room Hire DJ & Evening Disco Professional Table Decor & Seat Covers 3 Course Wedding Breakfast Wedding Breakfast Drinks Package Evening Buffet Use Of Our Bridal Suite & Full English Breakfast

Full Day Room Hire DJ & Evening Disco Professional Table Decor & Seat Covers 2 Course Wedding Breakfast Wedding Breakfast Drinks Package Evening Buffet Use Of Our Bridal Suite

Full Day Room Hire DJ & Evening Disco Professional Table Decor & Seat Covers 2 Course Wedding Breakfast Evening Buffet Use Of Our Bridal Suite

*£2100

*£1550

*£1150

*Prices stated are based on 50 guests for both the Wedding Breakfast and Evening Buffet, other party sizes can be accommodated.

THE COCKED HAT

Ferry Road, Scunthorpe DN15 8LQ

01724 841538 | www.facebook.com/TheCockedHatNew