UKbride Magazine 2016

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Free Wedding Guide

BRIDAL

DRESSES 2016’s new wedding dresses - find yours!

Essential Advice

CAKES FLOWERS PHOTOS and TRANSPORT

HAIR & Great savings on tickets for The National Wedding Show in London and Birmingham...

MAKEUP Bridesmaids’ Dresses Mother of the Bride

Save money with UKbride Find out more at www.ukbride.co.uk

saving money

Superb Suggestions For Brides on a Budget...

Where will you Marry?

Find Your Style

2016 Wedding BRIDAL Receptions trends

From marquees to tipis, hotels to stately homes!

We’ve some great reception venues close to you...

WINTER WEDDINGS VINTAGE ‘THE GREAT GATSBY’ WEDDINGS

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Want a free engagement photoshoot?

See page 60 to ďŹ nd out more.

This free engagement shoot was taken by www.dan-hughes.co.uk

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Free Wedding Guide

BRIDAL

DRESSES 2016’s new wedding dresses - find yours!

Essential Advice

CAKES FLOWERS PHOTOS and TRANSPORT

HAIR & Great savings on tickets for The National Wedding Show in London and Birmingham...

MAKEUP Bridesmaids’ Dresses Mother of the Bride

Save money with UKbride Find out more at www.ukbride.co.uk

saving money

Superb Suggestions For Brides on a Budget...

Where will you Marry?

Find Your Style

2016 Wedding Receptions BRIDAL From marquees to tipis, hotels to stately homes!

We’ve some great reception venues close to you...

trends

WINTER WEDDINGS VINTAGE ‘THE GREAT GATSBY’ WEDDINGS

MAin FEAturEs

tHE EssEntiAls

6 MEEt Our WinnEr rebecca Holmes won uKbride’s Dream Wedding Competition find out how her dream day went.

19 BriDEsMAiD DrEssEs Make sure your bridal party look every inch beautiful too!

8 WEDDing DrEssEs Beautiful gowns in every style!

52 PHOtOgrAPHy Help to get the shots you’ll treasure for life.

34 WEDDing iDEAs get lots of ideas and inspiration with our styled wedding shoots.

56 trAnsPOrt Arriving in style on your special day.

PlAnning

64 tis tHE sEAsOn Whatever the season, we have lots of tips and advice!

32 rECEPtiOns Plan the perfect party to celebrate with guests after the ceremony.

All prices in this publication were correct at time of going to press.

E&OE. All material is copyright to Pride Magazines and may not be reproduced in any form without obtaining prior permission. For full competition and advertising terms and conditions visit us online at www.ukbride.co.uk /terms-andconditions-menu

48 tABlE iDEAs Finishing touches and beautiful favours for your reception.

74 FlOWErs Beautiful floral designs that are delightfully different.

76 CAKEs think differently and ensure your cake looks and tastes great.

Pride Magazines, Elm grange studios, East Heckington, Boston, lincs PE20 3QF. tel: 01529 469977 www.uKbride.co.uk/advertise

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WEDDing

Facts

Wedding planning website www.ukbride.co.uk is 10 years old! Here are a few things we’ve learned from our 575,000 members...

Duration of WeDDing

24%

PLANNING 6 Months: 6% 1 Year: 23% 2 Years: 33%

3 Years: 15% Longer than 3 years: 23%

Time spans indicate duration of engagement.

301,254 weddings took place last year

Christmas Eve: “I Do!”

51% of brides marry in their own town/city

24% of all marriage proposals in the uK take place on Christmas Eve.

82% of couples will live together in the same home...

HOME SWEET HOME

13% of couples will move into a new home when they marry...

Popularity of weddings by days and months 15,062 12,050 12,053 21,087 60,250 162,677 18,075 5%

4%

January 6,025 (2%) February 9,037 (3%) March 12,050 (4%)

4

4%

April 24,100 (8%) May 30,125 (10%) June 36,150 (12%)

7%

20%

July 42,178 (14%) August 45,192 (15%) Sept 39,162 (13%)

54%

6%

October 24,100 (8%) November 18,074 (6%) December 15,061 (5%)

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“Where there money goes...”

BUDGETS

WhERE CoupLEs MaRRY

Based on an average spend for a UK wedding of approx £12,000 with no contingency budget

VENUES ChuRCh 36% hotEL 15% REGIstER offICE 13% MaRquEE 12% CastLE 5% abRoaD 7% othER 12%

64% Civil Ceremonies 36% Religious Ceremonies

5% CEREMONY

30% RECEPTION

£50 for register office, £450 church/civil ceremony

£4,000 for venue, three course wedding breakfast...

12% OUTFITS

5% JEWELLERY

£1,000 for wedding dress, £400 for groom’s hire...

£600 wedding bands, bride’s accessories, veil...

3% CAKE

4% FLOWERS

£300 for wedding cake or chocolate fountain...

£500 for ceremony flowers, bride’s bouquet, buttonholes

8% PHOTO

5% ENTS

£1,000 for photography and/or videography

Disco, band, fireworks, budget approx £600...

3% STATIONERY

25% HONEYMOON

£300 for, e.g.: invites, table plans, ‘save the day’ cards...

Couples budget between £3,000 and £4,000...

£3.6bn

the wedding industry is worth around £3,600,000,000 each year, based on 301,254 weddings with an average spend by couples of £12,000 per wedding.

£12,000

Each couple spends over £12,000 creating their perfect wedding day. that includes a spend of £3,000-£4,000 on a honeymoon.

Popularity of Marriage by

UK REGION south East 16%, north West 12% East of England 10% south West 9% West Midlands 9% East Midlands 8% yorkshire & Humber 8% london 6%, north East 4% (scotland 9%, Wales 6%, northern ireland 3%)

+5.1%

increase in weddings from previous year 2014: 301,254 2010: 280,000 2005: 287,000

Figures indicate percentage of couples marrying in each UK region...

WHO’S COMING?

0-50 Guests 10.6%

33 31

Average age of brides and grooms in the UK

50-100 Guests 46.5%

100-150 Guests 29.4%

150+ Guests 13.5%

n uKbride is the wedding planning website for brides-to-be in the uK. Data obtained from the website’s 575,000 members. Additional data Ons. see www.ukbride.co.uk.

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I Won My Wedding With UKbride...!

rebecca Holmes, uKbride’s £25,000 Wedding Winner in 2014, has celebrated her marriage to ryan in the grandeur of Fulham Palace. We found out what she has to say about our once-in-a-lifetime dream wedding prize...

“Getting ready was really exciting,” says rebecca. “i think at that point i knew i’d planned a great day with ryan and i just couldn't wait to get in the dress.” Our 2014 uKbride Dream Wedding Competition winner says that her dress, like the day itself, was amazing.

Our annual star prize of a dream wedding is drawn on Valentine’s Day each year, with our hand-picked team of experts providing all of the key elements of a lucky uKbride member’s special day, from the dress to a dream honeymoon.

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Back in 2014, rebecca had no idea that we would be calling her to congratulate her on winning our incredible competition worth £25,000. rebecca is a communications officer and ryan is a director and actor. “i just couldn’t believe it,” said rebecca. “i thought it was some kind of a joke.” “the evening before, ryan and i were contemplating changing the venue due to costs... we would’ve done, if it wasn’t for uKbride’s phone call, the following day.”

the Eternity bridal gown was a true princess dress, whilst sophisticake supplied rebecca’s wedding cake; Kuoni her honeymoon; Picture Perfect Events the venue decoration and there were a few other treats along the way too.

“When it came to walking down the aisle it was quite surreal actually. ryan started crying! it was one of the best parts to the wedding for me and i’ll never forget the look on his face. i advise other brides to savour every second of the walk down the aisle.”

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UKBRiDe WinneR

top: sophisticake provided rebecca’s wedding cake. above: Kuoni provided a luxury honeymoon to st Vincents.

Left: Eternity Bridal supplied a “true princess’s dress!”

“UKbride and all its suppliers really helped to create our dream wedding... thank you to everybody involved!”

“My favourite part from the whole wedding though would have to be ryan’s vows. He sang an incredible song to me; it was a complete surprise.”

“Without a doubt, it was the best moment of my life. Our whole wedding completely revolved around celebrating our love which is what a wedding should be and ryan put so much effort into doing this.”

“My mum, sister, and brother-in-law came with my niece, who was our flower fairy. i also had several friends and family friends come over! it was amazing having everyone there.”

“Jakabi Photography were wonderful. they listened to what we wanted and took some beautiful shots. they told

the story of our wedding so we would recommend them to anyone.

Afterwards, we left on a thursday morning for our honeymoon and we were beyond excited as we left for our Kuoni holiday to st Vincents.”

“Brides-to-be should definitely join uKbride!” said rebecca. “not only are you in for the chance of winning a life-changing prize, but you get to use the forum it offers and talk to other girls going through the planning of their wedding.” “uKbride and all of the suppliers that were part of the competition definitely created our dream wedding so we would like to thank everybody involved!” n Rebecca won her dream wedding by joining UKbride. See www.ukbride.co.uk.

UKbride’s £25,000 Wedding Partners uKbride’s winner of the competition this year was Kirsty Mullins who is marrying in May 2017. She’ll receive her wedding goodies from the following suppliers... catering: tashady: 01522 303197, www.tashady.co.uk.

Photo Booth: Chamazing Booth: 08000 806836, www.chamazingbooth.co.uk.

Photography: Jakabi Photography: 07882 932205, www.jakabiphotography.com.

Men’s suits: Formally yours: 01162 897888, www.formallyyours.co.uk.

Venue Decoration: Picture Perfect Events: 07882 433001, www.pictureperfecteventsuk.com.

His & Hers Watches: tic Watches: 01325 488006, www.ticwatches.co.uk.

Rings: Aurus: 02072 539522, www.diamondweddingrings.com. cake: sophisticake: 01526 351777, www.sophisticake.co.uk.

Brides and Bridemaids’ Dresses: Berketex: 02077 660100, berketexbride.com. confetti: shropshire Petals: 01952 691553, www.shropshirepetals.com.

Honeymoon: Kuoni: 01306 744515, www.kuoni.co.uk.

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DResses This Page: Ellis Bridals shown in our main image is style 11442 from Ellis Bridal’s Magnolia collection, a sweetheart neckline with re-embroidered Chantilly lace motifs atop dotted tulle flowing into soft godet fluted tulle skirt.

Opposite is stephanie Allen’s Florence, column dress in soft gold, and Charlotte Balbier’s Cara, with its beaded embroidery details and capped shoulders.

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Designer style 2016 Wedding Dresses... not only can you browse through the latest wedding dresses in this edition, you’ll also find local independent bridalwear specialists.

Make an appointment with one for the most reliable advice...

Whatever dress you think you’d like, be prepared to end up buying something completely different! so many brides have a set idea of the style of wedding dress they’d like to wear on their big day, only to end up with falling in love with something completely different, entirely unexpectedly! n Make an appointment with bridalwear retailers - never just ‘pop in.’ A pre-arranged appointment will ensure they can spare you the time and give you the attention you deserve. n in summer, opt for light natural fibres like silks. in winter, make sure you’ll be warm enough, with faux fur shrugs or long sleeves. n Don’t hunt in packs: the advice of one trusted friend is better than the over-excited conflicting opinions of several bridesmaids, a mother of the bride and mother in law. n take notes: bridalwear retailers rarely allow you to take photos given that some unscrupulous brides ask overseas manufacturers to copy designs. Do take note of style numbers, prices etc., though. n speaking of which, avoid mail order companies promising replicas of designer dresses. not only is this a violation of copyright, but the finished quality of such gowns is invariably poor, and the dresses can’t be altered over the course of several fittings leading up to your day, so the fit is likely to be poor, too.

Wedding Dress Glossary: shape: the classic wedding dress shape is ‘A’-line; a fitted bust and bodice which flows out to the ground. it’s flattering for most body types. Ballgown dresses are similar, but with fuller skirts. A column dress is fitted to both tummy and the lower half of the body, whilst an empire or mermaid line is fitted to the knees, then flares out to the ground. necklines: A sweetheart neckline - shaped like a heart is a popular choice for many brides, but square, scoop (i.e: low), and strapless necklines also feature in many designers’ ranges. look our for sheer (i.e: semi-sheer, lace or net) or bateau necklines to cover up your chest if you’re self-conscious, and opt for capped sleeves if you’re conscious about your upper arms and shoulders. trains: sweep trains are the shortest - usually just a few inches lower than the front hem. Court trains are around three feet, chapel length trains are around four feet, whilst cathedral trains are the longest, generally seven feet.

Materials: taffeta is crisp and smooth, organza is stiffer, more flowing than tulle. Chiffon is delicate and transparent.

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DResses

Backless dresses with design or pattern on the bodice are on-trend for 2016, as are long sleeves instead of the more traditional sweetheart neckline. We love this Ellis Bridal dress.

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David Tutera for Mon Cher i, www.monch eribridals.com .

Amanda Wya

com.

andawyatt.

tt, www.am

Cristiano Lucci.

<<

For the fashion-conscious bride to be, Cristiano lucci ignites the hopes and dreams of looking catwalk-worthy on a practical budget, with the brand’s classic semi couture range that promises to keep up with the latest trends of the glitterati, minus the exorbitant price tags. And even for the less dramatically inclined, Cristiano lucci promises a new destination for timeless staples.

Cristiano Lucci Charlotte Ba lbier, www.charlo ttebalbier.c om

.

Mia Mia, Estelle

this dress called ‘Estelle’ is a beautiful and princess style dress with two straps little detail creating an elegant look. www.miamiabridal.co.uk.

<< if you’re jetting off for a wedding abroad, you’ll need a dress that will suit, with cool, crease-resistant material. try to find a dress that allows plenty of air to reach the skin otherwise you’re dream day will quickly become very uncomfortable. this design is from linea raffaelli.

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DResses

A-Line dresses like this one from Charlotte Balbier are so elegant and classy...

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>> Here’s another beautiful dress if you’re having a wedding abroad. short dresses seem like too much of a compromise if you really want a full length dress so how about a bit of both? this dream dress from Justin alexander’s sweetheart collection is perfect for a wedding in a foreign country, www.sweetheartgowns.com.

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DResses

LINCOLNSHIR E EDIT

BRIDE ION 2013 - FRE

E GUIDE Y

GROOM

GREAT

HAIR

STYLES

Top 10 Dream Honeymoon Destinations

CAKES FLOWERS

BLOOMING STYLI SH

VENUES

FOR YOU

Inspiring ideas you won’t have thought abou t!

ARRIVE IN STYLE

DRESS FIND YOURS,

AND

THE BRIDESMAID S’

Photographers, Bridesmaids, Flowers...

Social Networkin g for Brides

Linea Raffaelli have a beautiful array of stylish dresses featuring modern designs and detailing including above knee styles and off the shoulder sleeves...

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DResses >> there is something truly mesmerising and almost royal about this David tutera dress for Mon Cheri, with designs dripping with decadent embellishments, intricately beaded laces, soft pretty tulles and ďŹ&#x201A;oating silk chiďŹ&#x20AC;ons. no matter which Mon Cheri bride you may be, when you slip into your dress on your wedding day you will feel timeless, yet not traditional, sexy yet sweet, and truly beautiful - just how every bride should feel on her day. www.moncheribridals.com.

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DResses

Veromia, Bellice Bridal, www.veromia.co.uk/Bellice.html.

A-Line gown by Sincerity Bridal. this catwalk wedding dress by David tutera is everything a dress should be featuring two straps, striking detail and simple A-line skirt. www.sinceritybridal.com.

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ffo rd a b le a n a s a h s es L B rid e 4 ul d res ses .. . if t u a e b f o n io t c o llec

Enchanting from Mon Cheri, www.moncheribridals.com. << Veromia’s D’Zage Bridal’s latest collection is beautiful with their A-line detailed dress styles, D31554. www.veromia. co.uk

An A-Line style champagne -coloured wedding gown from Mia Mia Brid al. This dress is called Suk i.

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>> a wedding outdoors or perhaps in a marquee in the gardens of a stately home suits a variety of dresses. for instance, this beautiful a-Line dress includes all of the necessities needed to stand out. a beautiful belt, layers and a ďŹ tted bodice make this dress the perfect style for an english countryside wedding. this dress is from Stephanie allin.

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Cristiano Lucc

Dress by Mode Bridal.

i.

impression Br

eri.

idal for Mon Ch

Sonsie Brid

al.

Vero mia, D’ Z age Brid al, stunning princess style dress from Veromia’s D’Zage Bridal. www.veromia.co.uk.

Ellis Bridal, style 11427.

mia gown by Vero

Bridal.

Mae, by Mia M

ia Bridal.

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Always the Bridesmaid...

some dazzling bridesmaidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dresses can complement the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress, and will provide an opportunity to show off your chosen colour theme...

Image: Veromia, www.veromia.co.uk

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BRiDesMaiDs

Selection of dresses from Kelsey Rose’s current collection.

The brand’s bridesmaid dresses have RRPs of £120-£300, and are available in sizes 6-28 with childrens sizes from age 2-8 and teen sizes from ages 8-16. There are independent retailers of the brand across the UK; search for one near to you at www.kelseyrose.co.uk.

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Joan Calabres e, www.joanca labrese.net. esmaids, D’Zage Brid .com. ge za .d w ww

Veromia’s bridesmaid collection includes these stunning shoulder strap dresses in different colours. www.veromia.co.uk.

Lexie by Mon Cheri, www.monch eribridals.co m.

Joan Cala brese, www.joa ncalabre se.net.

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WeDDinG sHOes

Photos: shoes by Paradox London; 22 pages feature the collection these from Benjamin adams.

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WeDDinG sHOes

Step in the Right Direction Heart meets sole on your wedding day; as we look at bridal shoes. shimmer in slingbacks and dazzle with diamanté, but walk down the aisle in style on the happiest day of your life... n You’ll be wearing your shoes for 12 hours on the day, so prioritise comfort over style when choosing wedding shoes. n if you’re not used to heels, opt for a flatter shoe, rather than trying to wear something that feels unfamiliar.

n ‘Wear in’ your shoes around the house before the big day so you scuff the soles for more grip and don’t feel in pain on the day.

n remember that shoes can be dyed to match colour highlights in your dress, or for your bridesmaids.

n Consider a second pair of shoes such as ballet pump style wedding shoes for later in the day and especially for the first dance if your dress is cumbersome! n Consider vintage shoes as well as new ones - they make a lovely ‘something old’.

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WeDDinG sHOes

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<< Wedding Shoes on this page are from Pink from the designer Paradox London.

Most wedding shoes in the country are made by Paradox - which owns sub-brands Pink, Benjamin Adams, Belle and Aura.

Paradox provides collections of Classic, Vintage and Chic wedding shoes, whilst Benjamin Adams has update the brand with his romance that rocks collection, with crystal court shoes and outrageous platforms created.

Belle is the brand’s luxury range with gel pads and soft leather linings heavily embellished with crystals.

Aura is the firm’s affordable brand with nine styles including ballet pump Caring, kitten heeled Eternity and high-heeled infinity.

Brides looking for something different should also consider Perfect Vintage; with the firm’s lace embellished styles the brand is the ‘next big thing’ in wedding shoes.

Many suppliers can dye shoes for brides, either to pick out details from dresses or to create beautiful bridesmaids shoes. if no stockists near you provide this service, rainbow Club’s online service will enable brides to buy from their nearest stockists and have their chosen shoes dyed at their colour studio by specialised colourists.

>> For the full collection of Pink shoes,

see www.paradoxlondon.com.

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MOtHeR OF tHe BRiDe >> John Charles John Charles’s Mother of the Bride outfits are sensual, glamorous, feminine and sophisticated, and this coupled with high quality design, luxurious fabrics and intricate attention to detail make them a great choice!

Mum’s the Word the mother of the bride is almost as important as the bride herself... black is a no-no and white is frowned upon as it’s too similar to the colour of a wedding dress. Our recommendation is a metallic outfit that complements the bride’s chosen highlight colour.

Brands include John Charles, Condici and linea rafaelli.

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Capri b yM www.m on Cheri, oncheri bridals.c om

.

Linea Raffaelli

,

by Veromia Dress Code ia.co.uk om er .v w w w

the linea raffaelli Mother of the Bride latest collection is one of the most stylish yet classic designer outfits for not just Mother of the Bride but guests too. they specialise in exquisite occasionwear which tends to suit every kind of figure. We love the high neck on the golden jacket.

Jo h n C h a r les. m o fr s n ig es d ou r look E le g ant y o t s s la c f o a d d a t o uc h

<< Veromia’s Dress Code collection is a great choice for Mother of the Bride outfits as their designs are elegantly timeless with a lot of sophisticated detail. www.veromia.co.uk

Linea Raffaelli, www.linearaffaelli.be.

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tHe Men

MaKe YOUR WeDDinG

Great for the Groom Whilst the blushing bride is the star of the day, we shouldn’t forget about Prince Charming. We offer nervous grooms a word of encouragement and a few ideas of how to ensure the day goes without a hitch... n the Best Man: you’ll probably choose a good friend or brother to be your best man, but above all it should be someone you can rely on. traditionally - their responsibilities are organising the stag do so you want someone who’s going to plan the best event for you, and not leave you handcuffed somewhere while they hit the pubs!

Other responsibilities include helping round up relatives for photographs, and giving the best man’s speech! He also escorts the chief bridesmaid from the wedding. n Grooming Guide: it’s just as important for the men to look good at the wedding as it is the bride! Book to have a haircut the week before

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the big day - this gives you time to get used to a new style and avoid last minute mishaps with the clippers!

A few days before the big day, treat yourself to a facial and manicure too! if you’re having a shave before the big day - be careful as you don’t want any facial cuts. n the suits: Don’t rush when it comes to choosing suits. generally, the choice is traditional or modern, but you can opt for something a little different like a kilt or dickie bow and braces. if you want to match your colour theme, take a swatch of fabric from the bridesmaid dress supplier.

you should also buy your shoes a month in advance and wear them in so you’re not in agony all day. likewise don’t opt for groomswear that’s too tight because you’ll feel uncomfortable after the whole day of photography and walking. n the speeches: the grooms speech is your opportunity to tell your new wife how much she means to you, and also to thank guests, your in-laws and parents for everything they have done for you both, the bridal party and groomsmen. if you’re nervous, take a deep breath and use cue cards rather than complete text. And make sure you rehearse! Do use the phrase ‘my wife’ early on in the speech, as this will raise a cheer and make you feel more at ease. n the One You Love: ironically, your wedding day is so busy you’ll spend very little time alone with your bride. Ask the bridesmaids to surprise your bride on the morning of your wedding with a token of your love - like a piece of jewellery or her favourite perfume.

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WEDDING RINGS

ringing true... your wedding ring isn’t simply another element of your wedding planning it’s the symbol of your marriage itself and the means by which you’re both joined together...

Where to Find One Family jewellers deliver a nicer selection of engagement rings and wedding bands than multinational jewellers, but there’s a third option too.

y

our engagment ring is traditionally a bit fancier than your wedding band, but it’s the latter whch has the greater significance. in a Christian marriage, the circular, and therefore unending, shape represents the unending bond of marriage.

Bespoke ring companies can visit you in your own home with a selection of sample rings. you can then mix and match the various design elements to create one that’s entirely unique. these are fabricated and sent to you either immediately or around six weeks before your wedding. Prices are competitive and good aftersales service includes regular replating, included in the price too.

How Much to Budget traditionally an engagement ring was supposed to cost a month’s worth of the man’s salary, though this particular custom has been lost to financial pragmatism. it’s typical to spend around £1,000 on an engagement ring these days, and a little less than than on two traditionally plainer wedding bands.

Materials and Prices if you’re really on a budget, it’s possible to have your wedding band fashioned from steel - strong, durable and actually more attractive than it sounds. tungsten, zirconium and titanium are alternatives but silver, white and yellow gold are always the most popular choices. silver tarnishes easily, so white gold is a more durable alternative. if you’re seeking a yellow gold wedding band, its durability and colour will be caretdependent, so opt for 18ct or 22ct. Palladium and platinum are the hardest-wearing and most lustrous choice, with a natural white sheen.

if you’re seeking something different, ceramic rings with high-tech black titanium carbide coatings and rings with inlays of wood, are considerations.

Design in addition to a polished lustrous finish, you can explore the idea of brushed, hammered or sandcast finishes. Consider two-metal or interlocking wedding bands - ones which fit snugly next to your engagment ring - and consider having your rings engraved with your beloved’s name and the date of your wedding, either inside or on the outside.

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A Christian

MaRRiaGe

the legal and religious implications of church of england weddings, of which there are over 50,000 each year in the UK...

Image: Lauren Hewby Photography www.laurenhewbyphotography.zenfolio.com

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C

hurch weddings are on the rise. in fact, interest in church weddings over the past year or two has risen by over 50%, with the Church of England performing 50,000 ceremonies annually in one of the uK’s 16,000 churches. the population of the uK currently stands at 64.1 million, with 59% of the uK identifying itself as Church of England and more than 1.7 million people visiting a church at least once a week.

How does the church work? the Church of England is divided up into two provinces - york and Canterbury, each with its own archbishop. the two provinces are divided up into dioceses, of which there are 41 in the uK. Each diocese is divided up further into parishes, of which there are a total of 10,500 in the uK, so about 250 per diocese.

You’ll be required to attend a rehearsal ‘ out of hours’ - marriage ceremonies ‘ c onducted’ after 6pm and before 8am aren’ t legal!

Each diocese has its own bishop, who oversee the rural deans and vicars who work in one or more of each of the diocese’s parishes.

Marriage has never been easier and cheaper...

Prior to 2008, you had to marry in your own parish, but thanks to new Church of England guidelines, known as the Qualifying Connection rules, you can marry in any parish that you’re able to demonstrate a connection to. this might be a parish you or your partner have lived in for more than six months, a parish in which you were baptised, confirmed or a parish in which your parents or grandparents were born, married in, or in which they regularly attend services.

to marry in a church costs from as little as £486. this covers a fee payable to the church of £392, a marriage certificate, having your banns (the intention to marry) read out and a banns certificate.

Legal requirements... you can marry in church on any day of the week, but saturday is the most popular day, followed by Friday and sunday. the reading of your banns is a legal tradition and is required on three consecutive sundays. next, you’ll be required to attend a rehearsal ‘out of hours’ marriage ceremonies ‘conducted’ after 6pm and before 8am aren’t legal. if you’re divorced, most Church of England vicars will marry you, though some are reluctant. if you’ve been married previously, discuss this with your vicar. civil ceremonies...

Civil wedding ceremonies are distinct from religious ceremonies. Civil ceremonies can take place only where a civil license has been granted - usually hotels and your local registration office, where you register births, marriages and deaths. two witnesses are necessary during a civil ceremony, and unlike church ceremonies, the wording of civil services are not allowed to contain any religious content. A ‘standard’ statutory declaration is made, but you may recite your own vows. the cost of registering a marriage is around £5 for a marriage certificate and around £375 for registration office staff.

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RecePtiOns

aFteR tHe ceReMOnY

The Perfect Reception Venue there’s no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ wedding reception venue.

Hotel or marquee? How many people? What about catering? With so many questions, it’s important to consider the fundementals first...

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hen it somes to choosing your dress, only your preferences count. Planning your wedding reception, however, is rather more complicated. your own preferences count, of course, but there’s lots of practical stuff to consider - your wedding budget, the size of your guest list and the time of year, not to mention myriad other considerations.

Budgeting your budget will perhaps be the starting point to exploring your options. A number of hotels in our area offer packages from just £1,000 with wedding breakfasts, co-ordinators and even civil ceremonies included. these are usually for 50 guests, with the average number of people at wedding receptions around 50-60. naturally provision is made the inclusion of additional guests, and you can add ‘optional extras’ but they’re a great place to start your wedding planning, allowing for easy budgeting, and ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.

Different Options if your budget is a little more generous, the options are rather more comprehensive. A hotel venue will provide catering, usually with a choice of different menus or packages for food and drink.

Other venues allow you to create bespoke packages. in the first instance, have a rough guest list, which you can add to or prune back according to your finances.

Marquee Weddings Another option is a marquee wedding. these don’t necessarily save money but do provide much more flexibility - provided you’ve a site on which to place one.

Budgeting for a marquee wedding is a little more tricky given that you will need, in addition to the marquee itself, lining, tables and chairs, dance floors, heating and caterers.

However, they provide more space, the ability to create a bespoke layout for your event and, of course, the ability to enjoy a late summer evening partying into the small hours.

Other ideas if you’re looking for a more imaginative idea, aquariums, boats on rivers like the thames, theatres and sporting venues all offer off-the-wall ideas. the most unusual wedding venues across the uK include somerset’s Wookey Hole Caves, the Wise Wedding Venue - a rustic forest in Kent Cley Windmill in norfolk, and the lodge treehouse in scotland.

With so many options, explore a venue near to you and be imaginative with your wedding reception, styling it to suit not just your budget, but your taste too.

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WeDDinG iDeas

Great Gatsby

A Roaring 1920s Wedding Expect art deco elegance, decadent style, jazz music and flamboyant dancing. sarah Vivienne roars into the 20s with a ‘great gatsby’ themed styled wedding shoot - inspiration for brides looking for a vintage theme to their day! images: sarah Vivienne Photography; 08456 430422 or see www.sarahvivienne.co.uk.

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centre: Anne at Julie Anna Flowers provided the bouquets. above: the stunning detailing on the miniature cakes is inspired by the embellishment on the Claire Pettibone Wedding Dresses. top/Left: Anne at Julie Anna Flowers also created the lavish table displays as well as the bouquets.

Our styled wedding shoot provides a wealth of ideas you can adapt and incorporate into your own special day... “i can’t teLL YOU how excited i was when the great gatsby film came out last year,” says wedding photographer sarah Vivienne. “it’s had a big influence in the world of weddings as they’re becoming vintage-styled looking opulent and elegant; what better reason to do a roaring 20s styled shoot with serendipity Brides?” sarah used authentic 20s photos to recreate the style of the era. the classic gold and coal black colours typical of a 20s theme featured throughout the shoot, helping to create the vintage, speakeasy style they were looking for. “i loved working with everyone to contribute to the style and glamour of our 20s shoot. together we created the perfect theme for any glamorous vintage wedding. From the jewelled cakes to the dresses, the whole shoot shows just how great ‘gatsby’ can be!

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WeDDinG iDeas

“Soft gold, gentle pastel lilac tones and classical white feature throughout..”

above: the beautiful table design is a collaboration between nothing But lovely stationery and Julie Anna Flowers.

Far Right: simon Patridge was a fantastic performer playing music for us throughout the whole photoshoot, looking in keeping for our theme.

Below: the 1920s theme was enhanced with native English flowers in our bride’s hand-tied posy, and a vintage rolls royce motor car - gold, of course!

above: time to drink champagne and dance on the table... in a serendipity Dress with feather accessories by Britten Weddings!

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suppliers and experts...

Photos: sarah Vivienne: 08456 430422, www.sarahvivienne.co.uk. stationery: nothing But lovely: www.nothingbutlovely.co.uk.

Dresses: serendipity Brides (Claire Pettibone & Pronovias stockist): 01327 340011, www.serendipitybrides.co.uk.

Venue: Boughton House: 01536 51573, www.boughtonhouse.co.uk.

Florist: Julie Anna Flowers: 01604 402210, www.julieannaďŹ&#x201A;owers.co.uk.

Groomswear: suitors northampton, 01604 947022, www.suitors.co.uk. cake: Couture Cakes: 01775 630773, www.couture-cakes.co.uk.

Jewellery: steffans: 01604 636957, www.steffans.co.uk. transport: Peterborough Wedding Cars: 01733 262680, www.peterboroughweddingcars.co.uk. singer: simon Partridge: 01543 253737, www.simonpartridge.com.

Hair & Makeup: sarah yeo: 07714 510727, www.yeoweddings.com.

Vintage Gramophone and china Hire: touch of Vintage: 07725 232525, www.atouchofvintageonline.co.uk.

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WeDDinG iDeas

Lavender and Lace Bev and Jackson loved the idea of a rustic barn wedding, and we do too! With love, lavender and lace, this is a beautiful wedding which is jam-packed full of beautiful ideas... images: Clare Butler Photography, 07801 694284, www.clarebutlerphotography.com.

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centre: Bev’s beautiful Pronovias dress and Artisan Dried Flower Company lavender bouquet. above: A tasty, pretty and simplistic idea for drinks if you’re seeking a rustic theme.

Left: gaynes Park really is a beautiful reception venue for a rustic wedding. From the table design to the lighting to the lOVE letters, Bev and Jackson have made it even better, making it a rustic bride’s dream!

“The couple opted for lace, lavender and chose a ‘naked’ cake to go with their rustic barn theme...”

BeV anD JacKsOn live in Chelmsford, Essex. Bev is a Marketing Manager and Jackson is an Account Manager. the couple met in a bar in Chelmsford called the Bassment, and the rest, as they say, is history! two years later, Jackson surprised Bev on her 30th Birthday with a photo book of their life. the last page of the book simply said: you’ve got 24 hours to pack a bag! the next day, they flew to Abu Dhabi. He proposed at a secluded beach restaurant in the grounds of the grand Emirates Palace. the wedding planning started by the pool in Abu Dhabi, where the couple researched venues and talked through ideas. the first step was the venue. they fell in love with gaynes Park, in particular the look and the feel of the barn.

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WeDDinG iDeas

“All the jewellery for the couple’ s wedding was handmade by the sister of the Bride...

above: the seven page boys and flower girls! centre: table numbers had a photo of the newlyweds on.

Right: the couple chose a rustic ‘naked cake’ which suited their theme.

Jackson definitely took an interest in the wedding plans, and luckily the couple had very similar ideas. But inevitably most of the organisation was down to the bride.

Bev wore the Pronovias Omaya dress, from the Wedding shop in Colchester.

Bev found it really difficult to choose the perfect dress, and even put a deposit down on a different dress first and then quickly changing her mind! the couple were really keen on making sure that the photography did not have a big impact on their day.

Although achieving beautiful photos was important, they did not want to spend hours having formal photography on their big day. Clare Butler shared their same philosophy and managed to create a beautiful set of photographs without them hardly noticing her!

All the jewellery, including the rings, the bride’s necklace and the bridesmaid’s bracelets were handmade

by Bev’s sister who runs a small bespoke jewellery business. it doesn’t get much more special than that. the couple chose to have dried flowers on their day. this is where the wedding

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Opposite: the smell of dried lavender filled the venue and looked beautiful with the couple’s rustic theme.

theme of lavender and lace was born. the wonderful smell of dried lavender filled the venue from the table decor, to the bouquets and the bride’s hair piece. this was a great way to save money and get creative with Diy decorations. the walk down the aisle at gaynes Park is a special one, but Bev made it even more so, with seven page boys and flower girls walking down the aisle holding a sign that said ‘uncle Jackson, here comes your girl.’ the couple didn’t want their wedding breakfast to be too formal. they decided not to have the traditional top

table and instead sat with their closest friends. the best thing about the evening reception was the band. the couple are really into their music. Other highlights from the evening include the giant paella cooked in front of the guests and the vintage ice-cream van. the couple went to the Amalfi Coast for their honeymoon, staying in ischia in a remote spa resort for a few days for complete luxury and relaxation, before heading off to sorrento and Capri. such a beautiful part of the world and a perfect honeymoon destination.

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suppliers and experts...

Venue: gayneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, Epping, 01992 660329, www.gaynespark.co.uk.

Photography: Clare Butler Photography, 07801 694284, www.clarebutlerphotography.com.

Dress: Pronovias, www.pronovias.co.uk.

Dress shop: the Wedding shop, 01206 767359, www.theweddingshop.uk.

Jewellery: Jewellery rocks london, 07958 714437.

Flowers: the Artisan Dried Flower Company, 08007 565403, www.artisandriedďŹ&#x201A;owers.co.uk.

Band: the guilty Pleasures, www.theguiltypleasures.co.uk.

Hair & Makeup: lauren taylor, 07941 386022, www.laurentaylorhair.co.uk ice cream: ice Baby, 01462 437068, www.icebaby.co.uk.

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Enjoying a Great

rECEPtiOn With the ceremony over and the champagne corks popping, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to organise a fantastic party for family and friends. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve a number of tips to ensure you can add some great finishing touches to your wedding reception...

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RecePtiOn tiPs

M

ake your reception extra special and enjoy a beautiful party venue with a little a bit of effort and some imagination.

1. set a budget, avoid ‘reception spend guilt...’ set a budget and prioritise. Make a list of everything you want, to help prevent you over spending. if you love live music then your budget will need to consider having a live band and only two courses instead.

2. simple means elegant...

Place settings can look just as beautiful with a simple fresh flower as they do tied with ribbons and intricate beads. if you try to do complicated decorations yourself, you’ll find you are tied up until midnight the day before your wedding, putting yourself under too much additional pressure.

3. start your planning early... start planning your reception as soon as you can. get the larger things out the way sooner, like finding the perfect venue, and this will give you a bit more breathing space for the smaller tasks and those enjoyable finishing touches.

4. ask for help... ! #1 you don’t need the worry of arranging something with no idea of how to go about it. Consider hiring a wedding planner who can co-ordinate the day for you, from finding and booking the venue, flowers and table decorations, to transport and catering.

Wedding planners work closely with you so they can make sure you get everything you want, and it will also provide that extra reassurance.

5. ask for help... ! #2 Also, don’t be afraid to delegate to help take the pressure off you and your fiancè. But make sure you keep a check of those you’re delegating to and make sure they are making progress with those things.

6. Your day, your way...

Make sure you have your wedding your way, and not someone else’s. it is easy, and sometimes very helpful to get opinions from your friends and family, but you mustn’t forget whose wedding it actually is.

Make sure you do what is right for you.

7. choose enjoyment over etiquette...

Don’t get buried under with etiquette – receiving lines and getting the order of the speeches right are not the be all and end all.

8. taming your timings...

Keep an eye on your timings. ideally you should have a maximum of about three hours from the ceremony to sitting down for your meal. if you try to stretch this time you may find that some of your guests get tired and emotional, or even a little bored.

It’ s sometimes helpful to get opinions from your friends and family, but don’ t forget whose wedding it actually is...

9. Liaising with suppliers...

Don’t forget who’s supplying what. it may be worth sharing this information with someone else in the bridal party so they can help make sure everyone is accounted for.

10. Reduce your responsibilities...

Ask a member of the bridal party to take control on the day to help lessen the pressure. they can liaise with the venue, caterer and entertainment as the last thing you should be thinking about is whether the DJ knows where he’s going!

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RecePtiOn tiPs 11. Keeping children occupied...

Make sure you keep the children entertained. goody bags with crayons and colouring books are ideal for the dinner table, and you could hire an entertainer for an hour or two - from a magician, to a face painter.

12. create a first impression... the entrance will create a first impression for your reception. use greenery, flowers and topiary or line your entrance in silk, but whatever you do, make sure your guests get a great first impression.

13. add quirky names to your tables... to make your wedding memorable, choose table names which are relevant to you as a couple, such as locations in the world you have visited together, or where you went on your first few dates.

14. create your perfect playlist... if you have a limited budget, create a playlist on your MP3 or burn a CD of classical or jazz background music to play during your reception.

15. consider lighting carefully... you don’t have to stick to conventional lighting for your venue. getting the right ambience to suit your

Your wedding day and reception is meant to be one of the happiest and most exciting days of your life, and a celebration of your marriage with loved ones. the most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself and spend time together...

Try something different and quirky to leave on the table for guests like these sunflower seeds from Wedding in a Teacup.

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Above: Consider different lighting to create ambience, like tea lights, fairy lights and candelabras on your tables. We love this idea of a starlight tree from Twilight Trees Ltd.

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Left and Below: Create personalised favours for your guests on the tables, like personalised cufflinks and jewellery from Wedding in a Teacup.

Below: If you’re trying to avoid a colour scheme at all costs, use neutral and relaxed colours that don’t specifically stand out and add elements that will attract the eye.

Right: These paper decorations are all the rage in wedding world currently. You can buy these from wedding of my dreams or www.weddingofmydreams.co.uk.

Below: Keep your wedding cards together with a Card Suitcase from Wedding of my Dreams for just £32.

theme is key, so consider candelabras, tea lights and fairy lights to create a moody, yet romantic feeling.

Consider how you’ll illuminate your reception when the lights go off at night or for any areas outdoors.

16. Making your reception sparkle...

Fireworks are a beautiful addition, and can allow your photographer to get some romantic snaps of you with your guests. sparklers are also a fun way to entertain children and create lightpainting images.

17. Make climate contingencies...

One of the main things you’ll be hoping for is perfect weather, but plan ahead and supply personalised wedding umbrellas for your guests, just in case!

18. add those extra finishing touches...

Add a few extra finishing touches to make your reception even more fun and enjoyable. Personalised favours, a table magician or caricature artist will go down a treat, or you could add ‘His and Hers’ baskets in the restrooms full of goodies!

19. Last but not least... enjoy yourself! your wedding day is meant to be the best day of your life and if there’s a small hiccup - like the beautiful weather you were sure you’d booked failing to materialise - then c’est la vie; the most important thing is celebrating your marriage with loved ones.

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Five simple tips

Are You Sitting

Comfortably? if there’s one element of your wedding planning sure to be fraught with stress... it’s negotiating the politics of arranging your tables. allow us to help! n traditionally, the groom sits to the right of the bride with (working outwards) alternating male and female place settings for the bride’s father, groom’s mother and best man (to the bride’s left) and the bride’s mother, groom’s father and chief bridesmaid (to the right of the groom). n However, with step-families and children featuring in many weddings, an acceptable current convention is to seat children at the top table and have dedicated tables for each set of parents or step-parents. n an alternative to politics is to create a sweetheart table; a table of two where just the bride and groom are seated. n to plan your other tables, use www.ukbride.co.uk’s table planner - it’ll automate a tricky job. remember to seat children nearest to the toilets, and elderly relatives away from speakers and drafts. avoid creating a ‘singletons’ table - your table plan is not a great tool to try to matchmake single friends! n Don’t try to turn a blind eye to family politics - nip any hassle in the bud by pointing out that table planning is a practical necessity and you expect guests to get on and behave well, regardless of any family politics. in doing so, you’ll set the ground rules right from the start, so take a firm stand and explain that disagreements won’t be tolerated.

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six simple tips

Marquee Weddings A marquee will give you the flexibility to plan the size, shape and look of your reception down to the last detail... just be sure to consider our tips!

n Book early; marquee companies sometimes have both new and old stock; confirm early to ensure the best marquee stock, especially during mid-summer when both weddings and country shows are at their height. n there are two types of marquee; canvas pole marquees which are better in summer with greater airflow and arguably better looking, and clear span marquees which are more stable, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have poles and ropes getting in the way. n insist on a site survey to ensure there are no nasty surprises during your setup.

n Budget for the extras like the flooring, the dance floor, luxury toilet blocks (one unit per 50 guests), silk linings, heating or air conditioning, lighting, furniture and crockery hire. n try and position your bar (where people congregate) near the entertainment and ensure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t inadvertently create areas of congestion around the entrance, for example. n after something different?

Some companies specialise in medieval and tudor tents, middle-east tents and asian style yurts. a lot of couples are also opting for teepee wedding tents too.

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taBLes

Main: this wedding table looks delightfully elegant with simple silver and glassware, runner, pastel colour flowers and tablecloths.

Below: Make it classical with ornaments like the one below and make it modern with pastel colours of pink, different scales of snacks, and simple decorations. add that extra finishing touch with tall candles or hanging flowers from your table ornaments as shown here.

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turning the

taBLes on stylish weddings...

you wedding venue’s tables will look decidedly standard unless you dress them up beautifully. you don’t need to go to great expense - requisition old bird cages, vintage finds from antiques shops and by getting creative with vintage china and tealights...

n Metallic style: For elegant and chic, opt for metallics like gold & silver. use a combination of shades to create a luxurious look. this colour scheme is perfect for a glamorous champagne reception.

n Vintage: softer shades and stronger tones can work well together using pinks, purples and blues - helping to create a vintage look.

Add other elements like lace, pearls and crystals. n soft Blue: Blue is a great colour for any season, and with colours ranging from cyan to navy, the choice is almost limitless!

n Lilac, Pink & Green: lilac and pink tones work really well together, especially with green. n texture: Add that extra touch with table crystals, pearls, glassware and lanterns. Candles make cheap favours and look great at night. they’re also available in different colours.

above: if you theme your wedding, theme your tables. this nautical themed table is the perfect example of how themed weddings are such a good idea.

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Left; you can create stunning buffet table displays or maybe a pic’n’mix table with these retro sweet jars.

Below; Personalise your tables with these Diy bride feather decorations.

Either do them yourself or find a wedding decoration supplier but it’s a nice personal touch if they’re created by you.

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WeDDinG trEAts FOr

yOur rECEPtiOn

taBLes

spending a little time scouring the internet will yield great results in terms of finding finishing touches for your tables... table linens and flowers are a given for your reception tables, but there are so many other ways you can tittivate your tables, especially with a few of the ideas available online for just a few pounds. tealights are cheap and can be placed in anything from old jars and cans, votives and bottles. Different textured linens like hessian and silk can create different looks, and with some textured card and a little calligraphy you can create some great looking place names.

Don’t forget to pay your local antiques shops and fairs a visit to find old candelabras, vintage frames which can be used as hessian pinboards for messages, old photo frames, and glass bottles, jars & kilners - the latter can be used for drinks, sweets and for holding flower arrangements.

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Right; light up your tables with these ribbed Vases and Candle Holders for just £7 each on Wedding of My Dreams. Visit weddingofmydreams.co.uk

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WeDDinG iDeas Roses; instead of a colour theme, why not try a flower theme instead? For instance, making your wedding themed around roses. this can then give you more colours and styles to work with whilst linking every aspect of your wedding together...

inset; Chalkboard wrapping paper kits are a perfect addition to a rustic or Christmas Wedding. We believe that they’re ideal for wedding favours if you’re wanting to go all out - santa-style. Visit weddingofmydreams.co.uk

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PHOtOGRaPHY

Picture this...

When the flowers have faded and the cake is reduced to crumbs, your wedding photographs will be a lasting reminder of your special day...

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edding flowers are past their best in a few days, and your wedding cake will be reduced to mere crumbs... if it’s delicious enough! in short, your wedding photography and your wedding video are the two elements from your wedding planning that you’ll keep for the rest of your life - the groom being the only other legacy of months of planning.

Photographer? Videographer?

How about both, because each do completely separate jobs. Whilst your photographs will sit on your desk at work, hang on your walls, arguably they can’t capture the sound of the day, or the way you recited your vows, in the way that a wedding video can. A photographer can capture moments in time, but a videographer is able to capture words from well-wishers, the sound of laughter and the groom’s speech. Equally, photographs are a work of art, with effects that don’t work as well on video. you can’t put a wedding video in a frame, so it’s important that you make room in your wedding budget for both photographs and a DVD of your day.

How to Find an expert Both photographers and videographers have their respective industry bodies. For photographers it’s either the BiPP, MPs or sWPP, whilst professionals

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who record wedding videos are affiliated with the institute of Videographers.

Each of these trade bodies are able to help you find an ‘approved’ expert, but you should also trust your own judgement, so over the next few pages we feature a few local experts that we’d advise you call. talk to them, and get a feel for how they work with their brides and grooms.

Photographers should have a large portfolio of images and testimonials. Meanwhile, videographers usually have a showreel of their previous work.

A photographer can capture moments in time, but a videographer is able to capture the sound of laughter too... take a look at the quality of their footage, look at their editing techniques and assess the style with which they integrate music and mix different scenes together.

Book early to avoid Disappointment Because the vast majority of experts are booked up in the summer months, the most popular months for weddings, we recommend that you book your wedding photographer or videographer early. uKbride.co.uk’s QuoteMe service will enable you to send a message to local wedding suppliers with your wedding date on, so you can confirm their availability.

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Find a professional photographer need a helping hand to find a professional?

See the British institute of Professional Photographers; www.bipp.com, the Master Photographers’ association; www.thempa.com or Society of Wedding Photographers; www.swpp.co.uk. You can also find a photographer in your local area at www.ukbride.co.uk.

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caPtURe tHe DaY

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girls on

Film 1

are you available...?

Before you start discussing your requirements, it’s a good idea to make sure your dream photographer is free on your wedding date - so be organised.

Ask if they are planning on covering other weddings on the same day as you, as the last thing you want is them rushing to get to another client.

2

amateur or pro?

try and do a mini background check and ask to see a portfolio, mainly to make sure they are a pro and not an amateur. Find out how long they’ve been photographing weddings and how many, and if they’ve covered a similar wedding to yours - if you’re having a large wedding you’ll want to make sure they can manage.

3

Will i be retouched?

Most professional photographers perform post-processing on images. some limit this to tone and colour correction. Ask if they can do black and white conversions, sepia tints and other effects, colour popping, or blemish removal and how long they will spend post-processing your images.

4

When can i see my photographs?

some photographers turn around their images quickly whilst others take months – sometimes longer, depending on the time of year and staff, so ask for an EtA on your images.

5

good wedding photography is a result of artistry, sound technical understanding and exceptional ‘soft skills’ - the ability to be tactful, sensitive and to deal with overbearing in-laws! Here are the 10 questions we think you should ask your expert...

What’s your style?

lots of photographers have a style - the main being traditional & reportage that have a more natural approach. A contemporary style is becoming more popular, inspired by editorial fashion shots which are less formal and rigid, with interesting backdrops and light effects and unusual angles. traditional styles favour groups and romantic shots, and reportage appear unposed and concentrate on a natural look that appears to be less intrusive. if there’s a list of images you want, ask!

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Packages...?

Find out what packages your wedding photographer can offer, and whether these can be tailored to suit you and your budget. Ask about travel charges, insurance against damaged or lost memory cards, stolen equipment or falling ill on your wedding day, if they offer a pre-wedding shoot, customisation, photo booth, wedding albums, can others purchase copies of photographs, how much the deposit is and whether they offer a payment plan and what their refund and cancellation policy is.

7

Backup equipment?

Every photographer should have backup flashes, lenses and other equipment such as batteries to ensure they can carry on shooting in the event of faulty equipment.

8

Do you work alone?

9

can i have my images on cD/DVD?

Having two or more photographers covering your wedding ensures the bride and groom can be photographed getting ready, or detail shots of your day can be captured whilst the other organises group photographs. the more photographers who attend, the more comprehensive your wedding images will be.

lots of couples like to have digital copies of their weddng images, so it’s important to ask if you can obtain low-quality or watermarked versions of your images to use personally, or share with friends. lots of lives are carried out digitally, so using pictures in digital photo frames, on social media and being able to email them or print them out at home is essential.

10

Will we get on?

getting along isn’t just a nicety. your photographer should make you feel comfortable and at ease so they create relaxed looking shots. On an already emotional day, it’s crucial your photographer is assertive to offer instruction to the wedding party so they capture the images you want. lots of photographers organise ice-breaker engagement shoots before the big day so you can get used to posing, and your photographer too.

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TRANSPORT

10 transport ideas “get me to the church on time!” that’s the cry of many brides who rush out of the house having put the finishing touches to their hair and makeup.

Fortunately there are a number of options for ensuring you arrive in style...

(PICTURED): n Double Decker buses are a great way to get your guests from the ceremony to the venue. n If you love horses, why not arrive on horseback? n A VW campervan is brilliant for a big bridal party and summer wedding. n Classic cars are still a very popular way of getting to the church on time. n Perhaps a motorbike or even a helicopter to add a little excitement to the big day.

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1

VW Camper Van and Beetle: if you’re trying to create the perfect 1960’s retro them, then look no further! Boho is on trend at the moment, so add flowers to your hair to get the full effect.

2

Double Decker: Add a bit of london edge to your wedding with a red double decker bus. it will provide a splash of colour for your outdoors wedding photographs, and you could also ‘double it up’ as a ride from the ceremony to your reception for guests. you could also book a party bus and sip champagne while you spend some quality time with your guests.

3

Classic Car: For a retro glam inspired wedding, there’s nothing quite like a classic car! Choose from a rolls royce, Bentley, Beauford tourer or Daimler.

4

Tractor: there’s nothing more alternative than arriving on the back of a tractor. Fun, quirky and great for those outdoor ‘festival’ style weddings. it will make the perfect prop for your photographs, and the children at your wedding will love a ride!

5

Star Car: turn your guests’ heads with a famous car replica. there is so much choice - from a classic James Bond Aston Martin, italian Job Mini to a 66 Ford thunderbird or general lee from Dukes of Hazzard.

6

Motorcycle: Ooze ultimate cool and get the groom to arrive at the wedding ceremony on a motorbike. For brides with wedding dresses too big for a side car - a trike is the perfect alternative and bound to get dad grinning from ear to ear on the way to the ceremony. Make sure all you biker brides choose a hairstyle that is easily fixed after wearing a helmet!

7

Hot Air Balloon: Create a truly remarkable and memorable way to travel to your wedding ceremony with a hot air balloon ride. this will also give you the perfect opportunity to get some unusual but very cool aerial photographs of your guests.

8

A Bicycle For Two: Environmentally friendly and hopelessly romantic, who could resist a bicycle ride for two on a tandem? store your flowers in the basket and whisk off on a scenic route together before making your way to greet your guests at the reception. A great way to get some fun and natural photographs of you together on your special day.

9

Boat: Ahoy there... if you’re getting married by the river or the sea, why not make the most of it and arrive by boat.

10

Horsing Around: the perfect way to fulfil your dream of a fairy tale wedding is with the classic and very romantic horse and carriage. Or, if you really love horses, why not turn up on horseback? 57

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Pennies From

HEAVE

if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a bride on a budget, your wedding day doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a dampened by modest finances.

We can make it rain pennies from heaven with a wealth of money saving hints and tips...

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saVinG MOneY

E

very bride wants the wedding of her dreams, but with the average costing as much as £25,000, most are looking for ways to save money and cut a few corners but you shouldn’t compromise the quality of your special day - you’ll do it once, so enjoy it. there’s a different between cost, and value for example your photographs are more valuable than those finishing touches.

Here are our top tips for brides on a budget!

the Wedding Dress the dress is probably one of the areas you won’t want to compromise. One way to find your dream dress without the price tag is searching charity shops or designer sample sales. A lot more brides are now choosing to search online too with sites like eBay, as well as the uKbride website. But be careful as sometimes brides have been left disappointed with low quality replicas. Buying your dress from well known high street stores is also an option.

Your Reception the reception is generally what takes up the biggest chunk of your wedding budget. the smaller the wedding the cheaper the venue may be, and it will also help cut down the guest list. Consider a ‘no children’ policy or ‘time limit’ on when you last saw prospective guests.

A great way to cut costs is to cater yourself. lots of supermarkets and food stores offer a catering service that won’t cost the earth, and hiring a local village hall or marquee can be just as impressive as a hotel and sit down meal. getting married later in the day will also mean you can cut out the wedding breakfast and go straight to the evening buffet, or even offer guests a canapè reception and evening hog roast or barbeque which will cost less.

Enquire about timings too as mid-week weddings are often cheaper, as are out of season weddings. the Flowers and cake One way to cut costs is to reuse your church flowers for the reception. Delegate your ushers with the responsibility of transporting

them carefully from the church to the venue. lots of churches also have volunteers who will create your flowers in return for a donation to the church – it’s best to talk to your local vicar or scan the parish noticeboard. you could also invest in silk flowers instead of real flowers, and they can be sold on after the big day. there are many options to save on the cake too. lots of high street shores and supermarkets stock pre iced fruitcakes which are considerably cheaper, and you can add your own decorations. if you have a friend who is a cake extraordinaire - ask if they wouldn’t mind making your cake as your wedding gift.

You’ re both likely to want a luxury honeymoon but if you can’ t afford it ask guests to contribute to a ‘ H oneymoon Fund’ rather than purchase gifts...

Cupcakes are a big trend, and they can be cheap to make and easy to mix different flavours and colours. stationery & Favours you can save hundreds by making your own invitations - you just need a bit of creativity, blank card, inserts, envelopes, glue and any decorations and trimmings you want to add like ribbon, crystals or flowers. you can be as creative as you like - make it fun by getting your bridal party on board to help too! you can also make your own favours. Buy flat pack boxes to match your theme, and add little trinkets inside, or you could make a personalised cupcake for each guest. the Honeymoon you’re both likely to want a luxury honeymoon but if you can’t afford it ask guests if they can contribute to a ‘Honeymoon Fund’ rather than purchase gifts. Provide a post box or storage where guests can post their cards, and some travel agents can even take payments direct from guests to relieve some of the pressure.

We love saving brides money... and so do the girls on our forum!

For money saving tips see www.ukbride.co.uk

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This free engageme nt shoot was taken by www.dan-hughes.co .uk

taken shoot was gagement y.co.uk ph ra og This free en ot aliemillerph by www.nat

HOW DOES IT WORK?

UKbride is the number one wedding website in the whole of the UK. We want to ensure our wedding photographer advertisers get the very best response to their advertising on our website.

We also want to ensure that our 575,000 members enjoy the benefits of UKbride.

So just like a dating agency we want you, the bride, to meet up with a local wedding photographer. We want you to get to know them, see them at work, see their finished product in the hope that you love your experience - and your free photograph - and decide to book them for your wedding. There is no obligation to book the photographer, but obviously if you are impressed, you will!

It’s a ‘win win’ situation. This service is free for you and free to our wedding photographers. We have over 450 wedding photographers across the UK who are waiting for you to choose them. All you need to do is join UKbride for free. You’ll receive a free wedding magazine, free wedding planning tools and we will enter you into our ‘Win a £25,000 Wedding’ competition too!

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Would you like a Free Engagement Shoot?

Includes a Free Photograph.

No Catches, No Purchase Necessary.

E E R F

T ENT M E G ENGA SHOOT O PHOT

All you have to do is choose from one of our 450 host Wedding Photographers from across the UK! The Photoshoot is for you and your partner, and can take up to one hour, the photos will be taken by a professional local wedding photographer.

All you have to do is join UKbride for free, and follow the instructions. Please note this offer is for brides-to-be in the UK who have not yet booked their wedding photographer.

Join UKbride for Free www.ukbride.co.uk/join

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

UKbride is the number one wedding website in the whole of the UK. We love giving away prizes to our members. When you join UKbride (for free) you are automatically entered into our annual £25,000 wedding competition. We enter you into the annual competition every year until you are married.

But if you choose to become a Power User (£20 per year), we enter you into our monthly prize draws too.

You could win your wedding dress, honeymoon, wedding cake, photographer and loads, loads more.

Power Users also receive 100 more chances of winning the £25,000 wedding! They can receive up to 50% discount from some of our

35,000 wedding suppliers on the site. We also give you advanced wedding planning tools to ensure your day runs smoothly.

And when you are married, if you want to, you can sell your dress for free to over 575,000 members!

All you need to do is join UKbride, we’ll email you about Power Users, then simply follow the instructions!

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WEDDING PRIZES UKbride give away

EVERY SINGLE MONTH

UKbride gives away genuine wedding prizes every single month. You can visit www.ukbride.co.uk/prizes to see previous prizes and winners, and this month’s prize too!

All you have to do is join UKbride for free, and become a Power User.

We charge £20 per year (or £2.50 for a monthly raffle ticket).

There are loads more benefits to become a Power User, too.

Join UKbride for Free www.ukbride.co.uk/join

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seasOnaL iDeas

‘tis the season to be

MARRIED

no matter what time of year you choose to marry, you can take a wealth of inspiration from the season with our suggestions for spring, summer, autumn and winter weddings...

Spring Weddings... spring weddings are all about bright, light wedding themes. And lots of flowers! With the sun shining and the start of spring brings a fresh start for nature and it is when everything comes to life once again. seasonal spring flowers include tulips, anemones, daffodils, roses, sweet peas and hyacinths. you can also use bright flowers to add a splash of subtle pastel colour, like with Kelsey rose dresses.

n light up your wedding with lanterns, great for a gentle golden glow at your reception - very romantic! Another option is layering fairy lights inside and out, as well as scented candles on your tables.

64

www.eliza-mabel.co.uk

www.floandpercy.com

n Bridal umbrellas will wipe away the fear of spring showers. Wedding day rain is meant to bring good luck so be prepared with pretty umbrellas or parasols. think delicate lace for your wedding dress.

www.elizabethsemporium.co.uk

www.chilliebreeze.com

n incorporate nature in to different areas of your wedding, like leaves and twigs in your hair or icing flowers on your wedding cake. it’s the time for Easter so you could make wedding favours for guests using easter eggs in pretty tin containers.

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Summer Weddings... summer weddings have it all. (Almost) perfect weather, long days, warmer temperatures, lush greenery and bright vivid colours galore. summer brides have an array of flowers to choose from, and a long list of colour and hues making the possibilities really endless. Popular choices for summer weddings are roses, as shown below you can use red, yellow, pink or white together to create a summer garden effect. Other popular flowers are peonies, gerberas and the beautifully bright yellow sunflowers.

n this colour mash doesn’t have to stop there. you can include different flowers and colours on your wedding cake too. the brighter, the better!

n With the warmer weather, opt for an outdoor wedding and reception in a large tent or tipi, and make sure your guests can find you with wooden signs, a trend that is still proving very popular. give wedding favours guests will love, like jars of sweets, conserve with a flower matching your theme or popcorn.

www.romanticamedia.co.uk

www.cakesbykrishanthi.co.uk

www.kelseyrose.co.uk

n you should also embrace the boho-bride trend by wearing a light, flowy wedding dress or hair crown.

www.maunselhouse.co.uk

www.juicylucycupcakes.com

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Autumn Weddings... autumn weddings and brides have such a colourful palette to create their perfect wedding. rustling leaves, and beautiful hues of glowing gold, red and browns. Add flashes of colour that really stand out, like purple or blue to add that wow factor.

Opt for a long wedding dress, as the autumn months can start to be a bit cooler, and think bright colourful wellies which will look fantastic in your photographs.

n there are many seasonal decorations and finishing touches that brides-to-be have on offer, like leaves and flower petals. you can also use seasonal fruits such as pears and apples instead of name cards on your tables.

n When it comes to choosing the perfect flowers for you don’t despair that all the pretty spring and summer flowers are out of season. there’s still plenty to choose from! Dahlias and Hydrangeas are a great option, and can add a splash of colour to your theme. Don’t forget to add a bit of foliage - a great way to achieve the indoor/outdoor wedding theme. n Create autumn themed favours, such as ‘meant to bee’ honey pots, a quirky yet tasty alternative!

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seasOnaL iDeas

Winter Weddings...

Winter weddings are the perfect time to over indulge in creating a magical winter wonderland. glimmering gold and silver and splashes of red, candles & roaring fires, falling snowflakes. the key to a winter wedding is using lots of light, not forgetting to include your outdoor space too. there is a lot less natural light during the winter months, so make sure you remember to factor this in. n Winter is all about sparkles and a great way to achieve this is, is with your wedding dress and cake! Jewels can create texture on your cake, and you can add a strip of colour if you’re having one to tie it in with your theme. n use holly and red berries on wreaths with candles on your tables - roses can also look beautiful. the robin is seen as the winter bird, so give your guests favour boxes with these sat on top. you could also use other winter birds. Another idea is favour stockings, or personalised Christmas bauble as a keepsake for your guests. n you can also add a splash of colour with your shoes to match your wedding day theme, such as plum red peep toe shoes.

www.tuck-box.com

www.jakabiphotography.com

www.donlambert.co.uk.

www.binkynixon.com.

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Five Useful tips to

Look After Little Ones Arranging entertainment or activities for your younger guests will ensure undisturbed speeches and fewer parents... n Wedding activity packs with colouring books and crayons during the wedding breakfast will keep children entertained. n edible fun is great for keeping kids entertained at the table, from chocolate fountains, ice cream, candy floss and sweet treats. Make them feel involved and ‘dress up’ the children’s tables with personalised favours. ask the venue if they can provide ‘child friendly’ meals. n Hire a children’s entertainer for an hour or two, from a magician, caricaturist or face painter to someone who arranges different games or sing-alongs. ask your venue if you can use a smaller room beside your reception. n a bouncy castle will keep kids (and some of the big kids!) busy and is great for capturing different photos. n finally, tinies Crèches (www.tiniescreches.com) and Crèche Mobile (www.crechemobile.co.uk) provide wedding creches and double decker play buses with lots of activities to keep children happy whilst mum and dad enjoy themselves.

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statiOneRY

Illustrated Wedding Stationery by Emmy Designs.

Wedding stationery From ideas for Diy designs to professionally printed products, we bring you some wedding stationery ideas to ‘brand’ your wedding...

t

here are three options when it comes to choosing your wedding stationery - buy ready made, create your own at home, or have some professionally printed using a bespoke design. there are lots of different, and innovative designs to choose from, and most brides and grooms tend to choose stationery that matches their theme or colour. you’ll want to make a great first impression as your wedding save the dates or invitations are the first glimpse your guests will have of your theme and style.

We take a look at some fantastic wedding stationery ideas to give you some inspiration to find your perfect wedding stationery.

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All wedding stationery designs above are by Emmy Designs. They create beautiful rustic wedding invitations and stationery. Find out more on their website, www.emmydesigns.co.uk.

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Main; instead of invites, try small handmade presents to answer questions on colour theme etc...

insets; Wedding stationery isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just invitations. Find guest books and more on www.figtreeinvitations.co.uk.

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BRiDaL HaiR

WEDDing

HaiR

iDEAs tiaras, jewels and simply elegant styles, we’ve beautiful bridal hair ideas for your day...

For indecisive brides who can’t decide how to style their hair on their wedding day, we have some great hair ideas. there are endless options on how you can wear your hair, and we recommend a trial with your hairdresser so you can try different looks. Don’t forget your hair accessory or veil as the stylist has to take into account where they will be placed. it’s your wedding day, so be organised and book in advance. Most brides opt for one or several hair trials with a stylist before their big day, and don’t be afraid to take pictures you like and mood boards. loose tousled waves and curls are great for a natural, effortlessly elegant look perfect for a summer wedding. twists and plaits for an up do, or keep it simple with height on the crown and pinned off the face to create a sophisticated look. you can also try a pony tail for a simple, stylish look. if you can’t decide whether you want up or down, try the half up half down look - the best of both worlds!

Above all - don’t be afraid to try something different, most brides try on more than one wedding dress so why not try a variety of hair styles until you find the perfect look for your perfect wedding day!

top: Add festival chic to an updo with flower power. image: love Me Forever. top/Left:this updo complements an Anny lin dress if you’re looking for a slightly more quirky look. above: Add impact with dramatic volume and a few loose curls like this updo.

Makeup and Hair: Tina Brocklebank.

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simple tips For

Wedding Make-Up n Make sure you have a make-up trial at least three weeks before your wedding. Wear a white t-shirt or shirt to show how your make-up will appear against paler colours. n Don’t be surprised if your make-up artist applies your make-up much more heavily than you would yourself. On camera, it needs to be stronger. n if you’re planning to have a false tan, go to the expense of having it applied professionally either by hand or a hand-held spray, never in a booth, which gives uneven coverage.

Make sure you look dazzling on your wedding day with these simple make-up tips... n use professional make-up, not cheaper brands, which will provide a superior wear and should last the whole day through. n Don’t use any radical on-trend make-up styles. you’ll have your wedding photographs for the rest of your life, and you don’t want to look back and cringe at your ‘Ziggy stardust’ appearance. n Don’t put yourself under pressure on the day afford your make-up artist as much time as they need to ensure they do a good job.

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FLOWeRs

CHOOsing yOur

FLOWeRs FOr yOur WEDDing

Make sure you research as many different floral designs as possible before you speak to your florist when choosing your wedding blooms...

n achieve the Luxe: On-trend for 2016 and 2017 weddings is the ‘luxe’ look. soft pastels and English summer flowers with lots of contrasting greenery and extravagent textures. n Wearing Flowers: Whilst floral crowns used to be considered a little extravagent for uK brides, it’s now a trend that we’re embracing. Perfect for ‘English country’ weddings rather than ones with a more contemporary leaning, the look can be achieved with subtle inclusions of small flowers like gypsophila, or with larger flowers like tea roses and hydrangeas. n Vintage: this is a look that’s here to stay, and it doesn’t have to stop at your wedding dress or decorations. Opt for pale and pastel coloured flowers with lavender, wildflowers and greenery. n Keep it native: using native flowers will keep the cost of your wedding flowers as low as possible. try and combine expensive feature flowers with cheaper filler flowers and bushy foliage like ivy, fern and gyp too. n something Different: if you’re looking for something a little different; pomanders with fragrance in them, flowers hung in vintage glass bottles, silk or paper flowers, buttons and brooches are all alternative ideas.

top: light colours match pastels really well in a bouquet. By keeping most of the flowers white and adding coloured flowers, you can get quite a vintage look. Left: Both bouquets have contrasts of large flowers and smaller flowers which is important to any theme.

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caKes

1.

2.

4.

A Piece of

cake 1

statement cakes: Every bride wants to take centre stage on her wedding day - and making a statement shouldn’t stop at the dress! Make your wedding cake stand out with bold blocks of colour.

2

no tiers: gone are the days of samesized tiers and shapes. Create an intriguing wedding cake by taking out the tiers and creating a cone shaped cake.

3

Flavoured sponge: it’s the year of the sponge (bye bye fruit cake!), and couples are starting to choose even more adventurous flavours - such as cocktail inspired tiers, chocolate, and even lemon or carrot cake.

4

Frills: romantic frills and ruffles are a continuing trend this year, mimicking folds of delicate wedding dresses.

5

sweet tables: Brides looking for a more fun wedding are using sweets, bon-bons and styled sweet tables. A great way to incorporate your favourite edible delights, complimenting your theme.

From cakes of cheese, bon-bons, and sweets, mixed tiers and hand-painted cakes to individuals and a pyramid of croquembouche. Making your wedding cake unique is... erm... a piece of cake, with our on-trend suggestions...

5.

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8.

7.

6

Painted cakes: Hand-painted cakes are a hot trend this year. Anything goes and gives couples the opportunity to create their very own piece of art.

7

’naked’ cakes: More and more brides are opting for a rustic themed wedding, and naked cakes are the answer. uncovered sponge cakes with layers of buttercream and jam, decorated with flowers.

8

croquembouche: lots of brides are opting for cupcakes, croquembouche or individual cakes instead of traditional tiers. you can add an array of textures and flavours with these little delights. some of the top trends for 2014 are 20’s gatsby-inspired and English garden.

9

Geometrics: geometric prints are on trend, with wedding cakes no exception. Appealing to the modern day bride, they have structured patterns and elegant clean lines.

10

Bespoke cakes: More and more couples want their wedding to be more personable and a reflection of their personalities. they want to look back on their photos, and say “that was so us!”

Creating a bespoke wedding cake is a great way to achieve this.

10.

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A Slice Of

caKe 78

apart from the coveted wedding dress, your wedding cake is one of the most important parts of your wedding. We spoke to some of the top wedding cake designers to ensure you have the most fabulous cake ever!

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WeDDinG caKes

1

Portion control

When it comes to choosing the size of your wedding cake decide on how many portions you need to serve all of your guests first. if you have 120 guests attending your evening reception then a 3 or 4 tier cake will be perfect.

2

information Overload

When you go for your initial wedding cake consultation, make sure you are geared up with all of your information. Wedding cake designers want to know everything - from your colour scheme and flowers to your wedding dress and location. By paying attention to the details, it will make sure they build the right design for your wedding day and create a beautiful piece of art. take lots of print outs - a wedding cake designer will look at your key elements, and from there design your perfect wedding cake.

3

inspiration creation

4

it’s all about timing

Keep an eye on wedding websites, blogs and forums for emerging trends. uKbride, twitter, Facebook and Pinterest are brilliant for finding inspiration and easy ways to personalise your day.

Cake designers get booked months in advance so give yourself enough time. Make an appointment about 6 to 9 months before your wedding, and have a good idea about your plans before seeking a consultation. get a feel of the cake company's style and different design elements that you like. if you are after a bespoke design, a consultation is a great way for you to see display examples. Make sure you taste the cakes on offer - it should be beautiful, and taste delicious too.

5

Making the cut!

6

cut cake Prices!

After you’ve found the perfect designer for you and have agreed on your cake design and specifications, make sure you get everything confirmed in writing to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Having a small, elegant and reasonably plain cake will keep the cost down significantly. For some, less is more and there are lots of beautiful

cake designs that do not require hours and hours of sugar craft. remember everything adds to the cost. the making, ingredients, delivery - but something relatively simple can look very impressive and will keep the cost down. Consider what's essential for your design. When keeping to a budget, there are lots of ways to keep the cost down – but above all, downsize on cake portions instead of downscaling the design.

Collecting your cake can also save on hefty delivery charges.

7

Presentation Makes Perfect!

think creatively about how to present your cake. Why not stand it on a drum if your partners in a band, a tree trunk if it's an earthy wedding or a flowerpot for a vintage day?!

Most will have a budget for their wedding cake, and whether it’ s hundreds of pounds or a few thousand pounds it is important to be realistic about what you expect to get for your money...

8

Rapport

Just like any other relationship, no matter how talented a cake designer is, there should be a positive rapport between both of you. He or she should be finely tuned to your requirements and should be able to guide and steer you in the right direction, making helpful suggestions on possible designs, flavours and fillings and how the cake may be best displayed.

9

For the kiddies

if you are inviting a lot of children to your wedding consider having a separate table for them with their own cupcakes or a mini wedding cake. it is gestures like this that help to make weddings memorable.

10

Get some Zzz’s

Organising a wedding can be stressful, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Once you’ve chosen a cake designer, relax and be confident that you’ve made the right choice.

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enteRtainMent

classical music is a must-have at a wedding, especially during the first dance. if you already have entertainment in mind and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not classical, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth hiring classical musicians for the first dance only. this way, you can really make it special.

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Right; A comedian is a form of entertainment that not a lot of people associate with weddings but it’s a great way to put a smile on your guests faces.

Below; the first dance is one of the most important elements to a wedding after the actual marriage itself. if yourself or your future husband are known for having two left feet, try dance lessons before the big night!

Celebrate your

Love

Weddings are a chance for family and friends to come together to celebrate your love with a really great party...!

Your wedding day is about showing your love in front of family and friends, but it’s also a celebration.

A wedding disco will provide not just great music but a light show and night time decoration of your venue too.

Classical music will disguise clattering cutlery at your reception, whilst ensuring your guests can still hear each other to talk.

there’s nothing more excrutiating than a couple shuffling awkwardly during their first dance, so enhance your dance with professional lessons. Wedding Day Dance uK have over 300 instructors across the country and can teach you in private in your own home, with packages from £75-£385.

Consider fireworks - indoor or outdoor - which look great in photographs... you can also use sparklers for lightpainting photos.

above; there are bands that provide more than just music! image: Brackenbury Photography.

What about children? Keeping them occupied during your reception will help the parents to enjoy the evening. Bouncy castles, coconut shys, magicians and playbuses with creches will keep them happy... they all look great in photographs, too!

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