Introducing the stunning new Martin Thornburg collection from the Mon Cheri Bridals group.
Scan me for Lookbook.
WEDDINGS, P54
REVIEW: MONTIGO RESORTS, P80 A beautiful venue
78 WHY VISIT THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW The one-stop event for your wedding needs
85
SHIMMER & SHINE, P40 Dazzling dresses for your favourite girls
BEAUTIFUL BODICES, P17
The chicest necklines and bodies to demand attention
36 LOVE THE COLLECTION: MONICA LORETTI
GOING FOR GOLD, P50 The most glamorous wedding scheme
FAB FAKEAWAYS, P46 All the naughtiness, without the guilt, from Slimming World
With all Pure Bridal gowns retailing below £999 find your dream dress at your local stockist now. enquiries@romanticaofdevon.co.uk | romanticaofdevon.co.uk
Ed’s welcome
And then it was Autumn... I’ll be honest, it never really felt much like Summer this year, did it?! But we are sure that didn’t dampen the day on so many celebrations. Congrats if you’ve said ‘I do’, please make sure you send us your wedding photos for a feature soon!
This issue we have gone for all-out glamour! Featuring a stunning gold wedding theme (page 50), top tips on how to get a lux look for less throughout your wedding (page 73) and the most breathtaking dresses you have ever seen (from page 17).
My favourite feature this issue has to be the review of Montigo Resorts, Charlton House from page 80 (I am bias, of course...), having visited there again recently. Such an amazing venue to wed in or to enjoy a mini break just the two of you. We are blessed in the UK with so many incredible venues, from small intimate spaces to grand city hotels and country mansions. Where have you chosen to marry the love of your life?
Drop us a line at jade@meanttobemedia.com to let us know.
Happy reading!
JADE PEPPERELL Editor
My favourite picks this month!
1. I adore the neckline and bodice on the gorgeous Tori dress from the new Anne Barge collection 2. Your girls will feel oh-so glam in this Astrid bridesmaid dress from Miabelle. 3. How cool are these gold sunglasses from Iolla Iolla?! £85 and will last long after the wedding. 4. I am obsessed with these gold shoes from Oliver Bonas... A steal at £70! 5. I’m always the girl in the photobooth at wedding receptions, and these fun props from Ginger Ray are a great choice for yours, £4.99.
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CURVE
Romantica prides itself on being as inclusive as possible. Our new launch of Romantica Curve encapsulates this belief. Our brand new ‘Curve Construction’ is included in all curve styles and adds comfort and support whilst flattering the figure.
Monica Loretti
THE LACE MOTIFS DOTTED OVER THE ILLUSION BACK OF THIS DRESS ARE JUST DIVINE
STYLE 8274 WRAP YOURSELF UP IN THIS GORGEOUS ASYMMETRIC DRESS WITH A PRETTY MERMAID SKIRT
8270 WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS LOW BACK WITH A COWL BELOW
STYLE
STYLE 8277 A MORE TRADITIONAL A-LINE STYLE WITH A FULL SKIRT. IDEAL FOR A BRIDE THAT WANTS TO FEEL LIKE A PRINCESS!
STYLE 8281 ADDING A BIT OF SIZZLE TO A SOPHISTICATED STYLE, THIS DRESS IS ONE FOR YOUR MUSTTRY LIST
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Fabulous Fakeaways
SWEET POTATO FALAFEL PITTAS
Ready in 1 hour 30 minutes, plus cooling
INGREDIENTS
½ red cabbage, shredded
1 cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced into half moons
½ red onion, finely sliced
Juice of 1 lemon, plus wedges to serve
200g fat-free natural yogurt
1 small garlic clove, crushed
4 x 60g wholemeal pitta breads
15g fresh parsley, leaves picked Pinch of sumac, to serve
For the falafel:
500g sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into small cubes
2 x 400g cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
30g fresh coriander, leaves and stalks roughly chopped
Preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6. For the falafel, line a large baking tray with baking paper and spread over the sweet potato cubes in a single layer. Roast for 35-40 minutes until golden, turning halfway. Add the chickpeas for the final 10 minutes, then leave everything to cool.
Put the coriander, spices, spring onions and garlic into a food processor with the cooled sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Season, then blitz into a smooth paste.
All recipes are taken from Slimming World’s collection. Join your local Slimming World group or sign up online for even more recipes, guidance and support. To find your nearest group, visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
‘Slimming World’ is a registered trademark of Miles-Bramwell Executive Services, trading as Slimming World.
Increase the oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/ gas 7. Roll the falafel mixture into 20 golf ball-size balls. Line a nonstick baking tray with baking paper. Spread over the falafel and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes, or until crisp and golden on the outside.
Toss the cabbage, cucumber and red onion with the lemon juice. Season and set aside. Mix the yogurt with the garlic, season, then dilute to a drizzling consistency with a little water. Toast and open up the pittas.
Stir the parsley through the cabbage and pack into the pittas with the falafel. Drizzle over the yogurt and scatter over a little sumac. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
500g lean beef frying steak, all visible fat removed, cut into 0.5cm strips
Low-calorie cooking spray
For the stir-fry:
4 level tbsp brown sauce
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
4 garlic cloves, crushed
5cm-piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
3 tbsp orange and pineapple no-added-sugar squash mixed with 400ml water
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato purée
½ tsp dried red chilli flakes
1 beef stock cube, crumbled
2 onions, thickly sliced
2 red peppers, deseeded and thickly sliced
200g carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
150g baby sweetcorn, halved lengthways
50g bean sprouts
250g dried medium egg noodles
Sliced red chilli, to serve
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/gas 7. Beat the egg with a fork, then stir in the cornflour and bicarbonate of soda until combined, and season. Toss the beef in the egg, then spread on a large, non-stick baking tray in a single layer and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Cook for 30-40 minutes until dark and crispy, turning halfway. Reduce the oven to its lowest setting and leave the beef inside while you make the rest of the dish.
Make the sauce by mixing together the brown sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, squash, Worcestershire sauce, tomato purée, chilli flakes and stock cube. Set aside.
Spray a large, non-stick wok or frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat. Add the onions, peppers and carrots, and stir-fry for 7-8 minutes until starting to soften. Add the sauce and corn. Increase the heat and simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is reduced and syrupy, and the vegetables are just soft.
Add the beef to the stir-fry with the bean sprouts and bring back to a simmer. Cook the noodles according to the pack instructions, then drain. Divide the noodles and beef mixture between 4 bowls, and scatter over the chilli to serve.
CHICKEN & HASHBROWN BURGER
Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
8 sweetcorn cobettes
Fat-free natural yogurt, to serve
4 x 60g wholemeal rolls, halved
2 little gem lettuces, leaves separated, to serve
For the chilli salsa:
300g tomatoes, roughly chopped
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and roughly chopped
1 tsp red wine vinegar
Low-calorie cooking spray
For the hash browns:
500g floury potatoes
1 large egg, beaten
For the burgers:
4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, halved widthways
1 tsp onion granules
½ tsp garlic granules
½ tsp mild chilli powder
½ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp smoked paprika
METHOD
Blitz all the salsa ingredients, except the lowcalorie cooking spray, into a rough purée using a stick blender or food processor. Spray a small, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat. Add the salsa, bring to a simmer and bubble for 5-6 minutes until reduced and deep red, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 220°C/fan 200°C/ gas 7. To make the hash browns, peel and coarsely grate the potatoes. Discard the peel and put the grated potato on a clean tea towel. Gather up the sides, then squeeze to get rid of as much liquid as possible. Repeat 3-4 times, then tip into a mixing bowl. Stir through the egg and season.
Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Put 4 x 8cm-diameter cooking rings in the middle of the pan. Spray the insides of the rings with a little low-calorie cooking spray, then divide the potato mixture between the rings and pack down tightly. Fry the hash browns for 4-5 minutes, or until the bases are golden. Carefully
transfer the rings to a non-stick baking tray, then using a tea towel to protect your hands, gently pull off the rings to leave the hash browns on the tray. Bake in the oven for 2025 minutes, or until golden all over.
Meanwhile, for the burgers, put the chicken pieces between 2 sheets of cling film and use a rolling pin to bash until 1-2cm thick. Mix together all the spices, then tip onto a plate. Dip each piece of chicken into the spices to coat all over in a thin layer. Spray a large, non-stick frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a mediumhigh heat. Fry the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate, cover with foil and leave to rest for 2 minutes. Boil the corn for 5 minutes, then drain.
Spread a little yogurt over the roll bases and top each with a couple of lettuce leaves. Spread some of the salsa onto the roll lids. Fill each roll with a piece of chicken, a hash brown, then another piece of chicken. Serve each burger with the remaining salsa and lettuce, and corn on the side.
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www.accessorize.com Gold diamante headband, £18
www.home.bargains Gold star candle holder, £4.99
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lantern, £19.99
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A MAGICAL MAURITIUS WEDDING
Bethany & Curt
This lovely couple chose to say their vows overseas. Bride Bethany shares her story...
How did your partner propose?
We got Engaged at the Lake district in 2013. We went on a road trip and Curt proposed under the stars near the lake. It was magical! We had been together for 6 months.
Where did you get married? Cannonier Beachcomber, Mauritius.
What dress did you wear and where did you buy it?
My gorgeous dress was called Fortuna by Mori Lee. I purchased it at Somerset Bridal, and had a few alterations to make it perfect for my big day.
What accessories did you wear and where were they from?
My bracelet was Swarovski and it was my Nan’s. My Mum also wore it on her wedding day. The earrings were Pandora and my veil was Temu.
What did the groom wear?
Curt’s groomswear was a grey suit and waistcoat set from Hockerty.
How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle?
Excited, happy and overwhelmed that the moment was finally here.
Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from?
My flowergirls we our two daughters; Iyla and Cali, and their dresses were from Next.
What was your wedding theme and how did you create it?
We went for a beach paradise vibe - because we got married on the beach, in the paradise of Mauritius!
What was the highlight of your day?
The intimacy of our ceremony and the whole day, with our closest family and friends.
What was your best buy?
The rings, because they’re ours forever.
What’s your saving tip?
DIY everything you can, and you’ll save loads!
VENDORS
Date: 10th May 2024
Venue: Cannonier Beachcomber Resort, Mauritius
Photographer: Laura Morosoli
Dress: Mori Lee
A GRAND WEDDING IN SYDNEY
Sen & David
This couple celebrated in Sydney Opera House! Bride Sen tells her story...
How did your partner propose?
He got down on one knee on an early morning walk in a nature reserve in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.
Where did you get married?
Bennelong Restaurant, Sydney Opera House.
How did you decide upon a venue and why did you choose it?
I remember gazing at the opera house as a young medical student who had just moved to Australia from South Africa. I would always get excited seeing it when driving past over the bridge. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be getting married there a few years shy of a decade later! We then went to a friend’s wedding there and immediately fell in love with it. The way the restaurant coordinated the wedding was just superb - and the food to die for!
Did you have a Wedding Planner?
Yes, Freni Violan was an absolute lifesaver. None of it would have been possible without her - I am forever grateful to her. Her company is The Wedding Assistant.
What dress did you wear?
Elbeth Gillis.
What accessories did you wear and where were they from?
Shoes were Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 70 in Champagne and And You Bridal Erica hair pins.
What did the groom wear?
Custom made tux and shoes from Belance Tailors in Paddington, Sydney.
How did you feel when you saw him as you were walking down the aisle?
Nervous, excited, relieved to have something else to focus on other than not tripping (haha!).
Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from?
My bridesmaids were some of my nearest and dearest friends and (now) sister-in-law. They all chose their own outfits within a vague colour palette theme.
Did you have a specific wedding theme and how did you create it?
No I didn’t have a specific theme really, just simple, classic. I tried to emphasise the coming together of people. Kept the speeches short and no big flowers blocking conversation at the tables.
What was the highlight of your day?
Walking down the aisle seeing all the people I love in one room coming together to celebrate a joyous milestone. I was never really fussed about the idea of a wedding, but I have to say I am a full convert. I see the magic of it. In this day and age where life moves so fast and there is much suffering from the anxious perils of daily life, I couldn’t help but notice just how powerful coming together for an event could be in bringing so many people together in joy.
Hair and make up: Gemma Nichols Hair and Makeup @gemmanicholshairandmakeup
What was your best buy?
My wedding dress - it has pockets, too!
Do you have any saving tips?
Opt for paperless invites using a platform like paperless post - cheaper and easier to keep track of RSVPs.
A STUNNING SURREY CEREMONY
Catherine & Charl
This couple combined two cultures to create the most beautiful day. Bride Catherine tells all...
How did he propose?
Charl proposed at sunset in Santorini on the first day of our holiday last year. Big surprise: he’d already booked the venue and the date! Whilst guests were gathering at the church, we showed photos from our childhood on the screens followed by the video of Charl’s proposal just before I walked down the aisle.
What dress did you wear and where did you buy it?
I wore the Magdelana dress by Romantica of Devon for the church ceremony and then the 220118 dress by Enchanting by Mon Cheri in Diamond White for the evening. I always wanted to wear a traditional bridal dress with a full skirt because it’s the only time I can dress like a bride and wear something so extravagant! The dress was clean and simple with a ruffled skirt and a low back. My evening reception dress was totally different, with a low back but fully beaded and fitted. If you want to wear two dresses, I highly recommend choosing two very different styles. I purchased both dresses from Brides Visited in Ashtead.
What accessories did you wear and where were they from?
I wore gold earrings from Lily and Roo. I also wore a gold, pendant necklace that I have worn every day for the past few years – the necklace is very special to me and now, is even more special! My bridal underwear was from the Bluebella bridal collection; my garter was my ‘something borrowed’ from a friend, and my shoes were my ‘something blue’. I didn’t want shoes that I’d only wear once and so my shoes were royal blue (inspired by the ones Olivia Palermo wore on her wedding). Our
wedding rings were from Danielle’s Jewellers in Reigate. My ring was a bespoke design inspired by Blake Lively’s engagement ring.
What did the groom wear?
Charl wore a suit purchased from Suit Culture. It’s a lovely stone coloured suit in a modern cut, which he paired with blue accessories and shoes.
How did you feel when you saw him up the aisle?
My Dad walked me down the aisle and was also our Priest, so it was a real family affair! I felt so excited walking down the aisle but the happy tears came when I caught sight of Charl standing at the end of the aisle and saw the tears in his eyes and massive grin on his face.
Who were your bridesmaids and where were their dresses from?
My three brothers were my bridesmen. They also wore suits from Suit Culture with flame lily buttonholes to represent Charl’s Zimbabwe culture.
What was your wedding theme and how did you create it?
Imagine if the White Company held a wedding in a vineyard. We wanted a clean, fresh look with natural accents. Our flower arrangements were made up of white roses, eucalyptus, ivy, palm leaves, ruscus, rosemary, lavender, white roses, white anemone and thistles.
We had also cork name card holders, wine crate boxes and wine barrel tables to remain in keeping with the vineyard venue. It was also really important to us to include a nod toward my husband’s roots as he was born
and raised in Zimbabwe. We had a Southern African choir perform at the church with traditional costume and drums, flame lilies for the buttonholes and in the evening, we hired a shuffle board with bespoke UK and Zimbabwe branded pucks.
What was the highlight of your day?
We purchased a large, 2m ring that we decorated with foliage and white roses. During the ceremony, we gave every guest a colourful flower and asked them to bring it to the altar and decorate the ring whilst we were signing the register. It gave the guests something to do and meant that they could all come together to create something beautiful which we then used as a photo backdrop at the reception. Seeing the transformation of the ring represented how nurtured love can blossom into something truly amazing.
What was your best buy?
The live painter. We had a local artist, Emma, design a picture of Denbies on a large canvas in the style of our favourite artist, Bracha Lavee from Israel. Emma let us select the colour palette and then brought the canvas to the evening reception and guided all of our guests in painting a section each. The painting now hangs in
VENDORS
Date: 1st June 2024
Venue: Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey
Photographer: Chris Cooper, Shot Away
Dresses: Romantica of Devon and Enchanting by Mon Cheri
our dining room and is a beautiful keepsake from our wedding day. Not only that, but when our guests come over they love seeing the finished result and telling us which bit they painted!
What’s your saving tip?
Start a mood board, find good suppliers and then keep an eye out for sales and purchase things as and when they go on sale. I also recommend purchasing items that you are likely to use again/use in your home. We purchased some recycled wine box crates that we also used to display food and drink at our engagement party.
View this month
Book a Viewing here today for
(A) £1,000 of Free Extras with Key Wedding Suppliers
£1,000 worth of free Wedding Extras offered on this month’s viewings, for Couples booking a 2025 Wedding. Free Upgrades collectively worth £1,000 are offered by key Suppliers: DJ, Photographer, Decor/ Florist, Formal Hire, Wedding Cake etc. See Suppliers Added Value Extras (S.A.V.E.).
(B) 25 Free Evening Finger Buffets (worth £525) on Last Minute Wedding Package & on Friday Weddings in 2025
Book any Friday in 2025 under our Last Minute offer for just £5000 (for 50 day and 75 evening guests) or any Saturday in 2025 for just £6000 for 60 day and 85 evening guests – this saves over £3000
Luxury for less
Having a unique wedding doesn’t mean blowing the budget! Here are some wedding details that’ll make all the difference...
CHOOSE BALLOONS
Wedding balloons are an easy way to make a big statement without the price tag to match, and can transform a room in seconds. Before you start to worry, we’re not talking children’s party balloons here, we’re talking big, high-quality latex balloons in gorgeous colours and designs. Have your bridesmaids hold them as they walk down the aisle, or use one per table as a centrepiece. You can even jazz them up with pretty
tassel tails or fill them with confetti.
PRINT YOUR OWN WEDDING STATIONERY
Stationery is a major part of the day when it comes to creating your wedding theme, so doing your own can really make a difference in both budget and personalisation. If you, your partner or a friend have great graphic design skills, then you can design your own labels, invitations and on-the-day stationery
PAULINA
from scratch and have them printed at a local printer. Alternatively, if you’d rather have a creative professional come up with the design, plenty of fantastic stationery companies in the UK will offer digital printables, which means that they’ll create a unique design for your wedding and send it over in PDF form for you to have printed up at home or with a local printer.
HAVE A BIG WEDDING CAKE BAKE-OFF
Wedding cakes can quickly become a pricey detail, and can easily be overlooked if you opt for a plain design. Make your cake more memorable and save money by holding a cake bake-off, having your family and close friends bring homemade cakes and desserts for everyone to enjoy at your reception. It’ll give your dessert table a far more personal touch, and means that your guests have plenty of sweet treats to choose from.
PICK STATEMENT SHOES
Instead of shelling out on a pair of ivory shoes you’ll only wear once, why not choose a pair of bright statement heels that you can wear again after the big day? It’ll completely change up your look, and means that you’ll have a wearable reminder of your day.
BUY INVESTMENT DECOR
This may not sound like it’s going to save you money, but
trust us – in the long run it’s totally worth it! The key to making the most of your wedding decorations is to buy reusable pieces wherever possible, and to keep waste to a minimum. Instead of buying bulk items that are either going to end up in the bin or sat in your garage, invest in pieces that you’d be happy to have in your home after the big day, such as vases, glassware, bar carts, rugs, cushions and pillows. They’ll make all the difference to your décor and won’t end up a wasted expense.
HAVE A NIGHT-TIME WEDDING
Did you know that thanks to laws passed in England and Wales in 2012, you can technically get married at any time of day? Having your wedding in the evening not only gives your celebration a romantic, intimate feel, but also means that you save money on catering costs as you’ll only have to feed everyone once! For a short but sweet celebration, you could get married at sunset, before heading to a beautiful candle-lit reception, with plenty of fairylights, both indoors and out. If you and your husband are party animals, you can even host a dance party until the small hours, with glow sticks and a silent disco!
KEEP YOUR ACCESSORIES IN THE FAMILY
Instead of buying brand new wedding jewellery, raid
your family’s jewellery box for any heirloom pieces that complement your bridal outfit. Not only does wearing your parents’ or grandparents’ jewellery mean that you’ll have ticked your ‘something old’ and ‘something borrowed’ off the list, but you can guarantee that no other bride has your unique wedding jewellery. Winwin!
HIRE A FACE-PAINTER
This fun idea won’t cost much, but it’ll keep younger guests (and some older ones!) happy and make for some brilliant photos. This is particularly fitting entertainment if you’re having a festival-themed wedding, or a summer fete-style celebration.
CHOOSE SINGLE-BLOOM BOUQUETS
If you want to make an impact with your flowers but don’t have the high-end budget to match, buying a single sort of flower in bulk can help keep costs down while still looking modern and beautiful. Gypsophila and daisies are perfect for a boho theme, tulips and carnations are romantic, and sunflowers and gladioli are wow-factor statement blooms.
USE NATURAL PLACE NAMES
Using natural objects can make a real difference to the look of your table settings, but don’t cost a thing! In
fact, they’ll even save you on printing costs. Use leaves from trees or bushes for a green feel (or use fallen leaves for an Autumn wedding), pebbles or shells for a beach wedding theme, or even home-grown apples or pears! Just write the guests’ names on your chosen item in silver, gold or black marker pen for a pretty place name with impact.
HAVE A PICNIC
There’s no rule that says you must have a sit-down three-course meal for your big day. In fact, more casual dining such as a buffet, a BBQ or an afternoon tea can be just as a delicious but save you serious cash in the long run. We love the idea of a summer picnic wedding breakfast, with guests sat on blankets and enjoying hampers full of sandwiches, pies, salads and fruit (as well as fizz, of course!). A fun idea that won’t cost the earth.
WRITE NOTES
This last idea doesn’t cost a thing, but can make more of an impact than any decorations. Taking the time to write a personalised place setting note to each of your guests, thanking them for coming is a sure-fire way to make your guests feel loved and welcome, making it a memorable detail that brides of all budgets should include.
PA must-attend event for brides and grooms!
lanning a wedding is a monumental task, and while it can be incredibly exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. From choosing the perfect dress to finding a venue, coordinating vendors, and selecting a colour scheme, the list of decisions seems endless. Enter The National Wedding Show – the ultimate destination for inspiration and guidance for couples embarking on their wedding planning journey. Whether you’re newly engaged or putting the finishing touches on your big day, this event promises to be a treasure trove of ideas, resources, and connections.
What is The National Wedding Show?
The National Wedding Show is the UK’s largest and most well-known wedding planning event in the UK. With hundreds of suppliers ranging from bridal boutiques
The National Wedding Show
to florists, photographers, and cake designers, the show provides a one-stop-shop for all your wedding needs. Explore the latest trends, meet wedding industry experts, and take advantage of exclusive deals and competitions.
Highlights of The National Wedding Show
1. Live Catwalk Shows: One of the standout features of The National Wedding Show is its captivating fashion shows. Discover the latest trends in bridal fashion, from classic to contemporary designs. Expect to see stunning gowns, sharp suits, elegant Mother of the Bride outfits and chic bridesmaid dresses.
2. VIP Experience: For those looking to elevate their visit, the VIP Experience offers a range of perks,
including fast-track entry, unlimited access to the VIP Lounge, a complimentary glass of bubbly, and an exclusive goodie bag filled luxury products.
3. The WEDTalk Stage: Throughout the event, you can attend talks and Q&A sessions with industry experts. Gain invaluable advice on everything from planning timelines and budgeting to finding your wedding venue style and managing stress.
4. The Peony Champagne Bar: Take a seat among the beautiful Peonies and relax with a drink to celebrate your engagement and reflect on your day of planning.
5. Live Entertainment: Get a taste of potential wedding entertainers by enjoying live performances from musicians, DJs, magicians and more. It’s a great way to see acts in action and decide who might be the perfect fit for your reception.
6. Exclusive Offers and Discounts: Many exhibitors offer special deals and discounts exclusively to show attendees. This can be a great way to save on everything from your wedding dress to venue bookings and photography packages.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
• Plan Ahead: Review the exhibitor list before you go. Make a list of must-visit vendors and prioritise who you would like to speak to first. Work out which Catwalk show you would like to see and plan your time around it!
• Bring a Plus-One: Whether it’s your partner, Maid of Honour, or mother, having someone with you can provide valuable second opinions and make the experience more enjoyable.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: With so much to see, be
prepared for lots of walking!
• Take Notes and Photos: You’ll be able to meet hundreds of suppliers at the show - documenting your favourite finds will help you remember what stood out. This is also a great way to show loved ones at home and get their opinions.
Why You Should Attend
The National Wedding Show is more than just an exhibition; it’s an immersive experience that brings together everything you need to plan a beautiful and memorable wedding. It’s a chance to see, touch, and experience products and services in person, which can make a significant difference in your decision-making process. Beyond the practical benefits, the show offers inspiration and excitement, helping you to envision your perfect day with clarity and confidence.
So, whether you’re just starting your wedding planning or finalizing the details, The National Wedding Show is an event not to be missed. It’s the perfect opportunity to gather ideas, meet vendors, and make your wedding planning journey as enjoyable and stressfree as possible. Mark your calendar, grab your tickets, and get ready to dive into a world of weddings!
USE CODE: ‘MEANTTOBE’ TO BOOK STANDARD TICKETS FOR £15 AND VIP TICKETS FOR JUST £30!
WEDDING REVIEWS
Charlton House
Having visited this beautifully quaint venue in Shepton Mallet last winter, we wanted to see what had changed and developed since our last visit. Editor Jade Pepperell went to check it out... I was thrilled to be invited back to Montigo Resorts Somerset, Charlton
House, taking along my partner Ryan. Last time we visited, the hotel was undergoing a huge refurbishment, and expanding all their offerings to couples who choose to say ‘I do’ there. Coming back during the summer, we could see further changes and improvements that had been made, and were completely blown away!
Straight off the bat, there was a different feel to Charlton House, being warmly greeted at the door and told about all the amazing features there for us to take advantage of, including a glorious spa with a sauna, steam room and hot tub, top-end gym, treatment rooms and a restaurant with an exquisite menu.
We were then taken to our room, which was even more incredible than last time! Featuring a free-standing hot tub, four-posted bed, sofa, modern bathroom and shower as well as our own private patio. And the best bit? The view of the glorious grounds surrounding the hotel. Charlton House had previously looked quite tired and dated, but the new, spacious rooms had been given a considerable ‘glow up’.
We then headed to the spa and enjoyed lots of time relaxing in the pool and hot tub outside under a canopy. It was extremely relaxing and tranquil. As fitness lovers, we couldn’t wait to try out the hotel’s gym as well, which was all very new and high quality. After a busy day, we decided to take advantage of the room service on offer. The hotel staff will deliver anything from the main menu to your room for a small charge. And it was delicious! I opted for the beetroot cured salmon to start, followed by the most delicious spiced cauliflower dish. Ryan chose the Sri
Lankan curry for his main, followed by the Eton Mess dessert. The food was impeccable, we couldn’t fault it! Taking into account the cooked breakfasts too, the food was start-tofinish exceptional here.
After a very comfortable night’s sleep, I woke up feeling excited for the day ahead. We enjoyed the spa again before having a treatment at their Elemis spa. It was honestly the best massage I’ve ever had! A whole hour of absolute indulgence and pampering.
Later that evening after a day of relaxation, we had our meal at the restaurant. We were so impressed by our meals the evening before that Ryan ordered the exact same again, but this time with a starter - the lamb croquettes, which he claims were the best starter he’d ever had! Despite loving my previous meal, I opted for something a little different. I had the tandoori tiger prawns to start (which were insanely good!), the hake for my main, which was seasoned to perfection, and finished with the Rum
Baba, which was a banana fritter with ice cream and cinnamon! Absolutely delicious.
WHAT ABOUT WEDDINGS?
Not only is Charlton House a stunning romantic getaway (ideal for a minimoon after the big day!) but you can also get married here, and I strongly recommend that you do!
Charlton House offers an extensive amount of big-day options for you. From indoor ceremonies in their stunning orangery, to weddings in their beautiful orchard outside, anything is possible here. There are a number of large spaces to hold your reception, both indoors and out, catering for parties of all sizes. You can hire the whole venue exclusively for you and your guests if you wish, and anything you want for your vision, the Montigo Resorts team will be on hand to make it happen. The team there are so committed to ensuring every single couple get the most perfect day of their lives, nothing is ever too much trouble. From start to finish I was made to feel welcome, important and thoroughly looked after during my stay at Charlton House. I can’t wait to see the further developments the new team make there, and look forward to coming back again in 2025!
HOW TO GET IN TOUCH
To get in touch with the wonderful Montigo Resorts Somerset, at Charlton House team to enquire about your dreamy getaway or perfect wedding, call 01749 342008, email enquiries@montigoresorts-somerset.com and visit www.somerset.montigoresorts.com.
HONEYMOON DESTINATION Japan
Have you considered beautiful Japan for your honeymoon destination? Wayfairer Travel tells you why this breathtaking country should be top of the list...
Wayfairer Travel’s newest 14-day honeymoon itinerary offers couples a chance to explore the breadth of Japan, and it’s an absolute must... Couples begin their adventure with three days in the dynamic capital of Tokyo. Spot the latest Harajuku fashions, experience the traditional temples of Asakusa or compete against your partner in the Akihabara arcades before
embarking on a breathtaking private after-dark helicopter ride over the neon-lit skyline.
Tokyo acts as an ideal base for the following days, incorporating day-trips to nearby destinations like FujiHakone National Park and the 12th-century town of Kamakura. Before heading to Kyoto, couples will have a chance to unwind and reconnect with nature in the Fuji-
Hakone region. Staying at the traditional Japanese ryokan (guesthouse) of Yamanochaya, couples will experience true Japanese hospitality in laidback B&B style. Explore the nearby Fuji-Hakone National Park with stunning views of Mount Fuji and take part in a boat-cruise around Lake Ashi before returning to their ryokan to enjoy their very own private openair hot spring bath, or rotunburo.
The next stop in Kyoto introduces the beating heart of traditional Japan, and is home to the countries last remaining geisha community. Staying at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, couples enjoy a private tour of the city, which includes the exclusive opportunity to enjoy an afternoon tea with a maiko at a traditional ochaya teahouse. From here, a day-trip to Nara – Japan’s ancient capital city – showcases wildlife encounters,
trips to ancient Buddhist and Shinto religious sites, and even a couples Samurai Kenbu sword-dancing class. For those seeking culture, Hiroshima offers a poignant glimpse into recent history, showcasing The Peace Park alongside traditional delicacies such as okonomiyaki, and a day trip to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima. An antidote to bustling city life is encompassed by another rural escape to the spiritual Kinosaki Onsen staying at the luxurious Nishimuraya Honkan ryokan, renowned for its beautiful gardens and koi carp ponds. The scenic mountain location and the invigorating waters of the hot springs have inspired Japanese artists for hundreds of years, while the onsen bathing experience is also linked to Shintoism and spirituality. In the evening, dress in your yukata (kimono) and geta (wooden sandals) for a walk around the village.
The final stop before heading back home lies in Osaka, to stay at the luxurious 5-star Marriott Miyako, boasting contemporary Japanese design and sweeping views over the city. A true highlight of this leg of the journey is found in a street food safari around Osaka’s famous Dotonbori canal district, away from the tourist spots and into the streets of local izakaya (pub-restaurant).
Included in the price is a 14-day Japan Rail Pass, which will whisk couples between destinations by Japan’s worldfamous Shinkansen bullet trains. A private 24-h concierge will act as a consistent contact for the client, and Wayfairer Travel’s signature tailor-made approach ensures every detail of your journey is meticulously planned.
Find out more and book your dream honeymoon to Japan now at www.wayfairertravel.com.
HOSHINOYA, TOKYO
THE MARRIOTT MITSUI, KYOTO
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