ISSUE ONE MAY/JUN 2014
to have and to hold from this day forward for better for worse for richer for poorer in sickness and in health to love and to cherish till death us do part.
Hello pretty brides!
Welcome to a new issue of Bridal Boutique
Once the excitement of getting engaged has died down, the reality of planning a wedding can come as a bit of a shock. Nowadays, couples are trying to find different ways to express their unique personalities in their wedding. Welcome to our first issue! So far 2014 has been great year! We found that when it comes to finding your wedding style, there shouldn’t be any limits and brides shouldn’t have to conform to traditional conventions. It’s your day, be yourself! Are you a modern bride who likes vintage things, but doesn’t like all the clutter? Then the next issue will be just for you. We’re showing you how you can create a contemporary look no matter where your venue may be. Mixing styles can create a one-of-a-kind look that will be uniquely yours. Every bride wants a special wedding day that is different from any other. She wants a wedding that inspires and moves guests while creating lasting memories for her and her groom. Brides, not to worry, the next issue will be for you again. See how high street fashion can be attainable through simple ideas. Who says couture has to be far-fetched? This is just the beginning. Other unique ideas, columns, and features will be added as we continue to grow and expand Bridal Boutique. Along the way, we want to know what you think. Send us your ideas, thoughts and suggestions. We cant wait to hear from you!
Maddison
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When it comes to the shape of the bride to bes wedding band the main consideration is how it sits with her engagement ring
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After researching the trends for 2014 and looking a thousands of the gorgeous gowns from designers across the country one thing is certain pretty much anything goes
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Contents Welcome
15. BIG DAY LOOKBOOK highly edited collection of thoughtfully researched, handpicked wedding day favourites 20. FLOWER GIRLS let your little maids go floral crazy with a super-romantic celebration with hundreds of roses
Fashion 28. PERFECT FIT we’ll help you shop the perfect wedding dress for your special day 37. SUIT UP how to work this seasons stunning catwalk trends 39. PAGE BOYS we’ve picked out the cutest finds for the little ones 42. TWINKLE TOES put a spring in your step with heavenly heels 45. JEWELLERY blissful bridal must-haves you’ll love 52. PAMPERED TO PERFECTION top-to-toe products that will leave you polished, gorgeous and glowing on your big day
Wedding themes 64. SPRING love in bloom 66. SUMMER summer daze 68. AUTUMN pick of the patch 70. WINTER cold hands, warm heart
Wedding planner 81. WEDDING PLANNER your guide to getting married
The perfect inspiration for the newly engaged bride-to-be or for the couple who wants a wedding that will wow their guests, but doesn’t know where to begin. From classic white-on-white palettes to floral themes or fun fantasy ideas, the choices are limitless.
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62.
Lookbook - highly edited collection of thoughtfully
Real-life weddings - for inspiration; 100s of details to
researched, handpicked wedding day favourites. In
capture your imagination. When it comes to shopping for
sheer sexy lace, and soft pastel hues to suit every face.
your big day, be sure to do it the brides way!
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80.
Fashion - Take a look at the latest romantic, fashion-
Wedding Planner - follow our simple guide to ensure that
forward, flattering designs. The 2014 collection is full of
your wedding is a day to remember. This section aims to
beautiful elegant designs with floral embroidery.
help you in the planning of your day.
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Finding your wedding dress should be one of the most exciting parts about your wedding planning Wedding dress designers are all different and have their own unique and very beautiful style
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Once upon a time I became yours and you became mine and well stay together through both tears and laughter because thats what they call happily ever after
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The real act of marriage takes place in the heart not in the ballroom or church a choice you make not just on your wedding day but over and over again and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife
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BIG DAY LOOKBOOK highly edited collection of thoughtfully researched, handpicked wedding day favorites that you’ll love!
100 PERSONAL Throughout this issue you will see 100 ways to personalise your wedding Prepare yourself for 100 incredible hot tips on how to make your wedding stand out from the crowd. Too many weddings are same-y and unoriginal, and this Before the Big Day mega-list is your way to make sure your wedding doesn't fall into the same trap. It's a mixture of ideas and those from the fantastic wedding planners, who answered this wedding blogger's call with a storm of wedding ideas and inspiration. There's tonnes of incredible wedding inspiration in this list, so do share the love and forward it to all your engaged friends.
LOOK OUT F OR ME!
If you’re having a Christmas wedding, ask each of your guests to bring a
Think about what you love to do together and
bauble for a Christmas tree. You’ll
build that into your day. If you love
use them on your tree every year,
to read, stack old hardback books on
and it’ll be a fantastic annual
the tables to create mini-stands for your
reminder of your wedding.
flowers, if you love chocolate {and who doesn’t} how about sending out Willy Wonka inspired ‘gold tickets’ as your wedding invites? Choose a signature cocktail and give it a memorable name.
Turn the wedding day on its head. Instead of starting the day with the ceremony, have it in the evening. This way you get to greet all your guests, and you’ll
Set up a craft
feel much more relaxed as you
area where guests
walk down the aisle.
can make something to take home (e.g. a brooch or bow tie).
Put together ‘welcome packs’ for out of town guests, giving information on the area together with a little gift.
If your guests will have to walk from the ceremony to the
What is your favourite book or film? Could it work as the basis of a wedding theme? I’ve seen fantastic weddings themed around the film ‘Up’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. We themed our wedding around The Secret Garden.
reception, consider providing them each with a single coloured helium filled balloon that matches your colour scheme. The vision of dozens of balloons all ‘walking’ their way through a country lane or a town centre (great way to make sure your guests don’t get lost!) is fantastic and makes for great photos. Once all of your guests have arrived at the reception, you could have someone ready to arrange them into two rows for you to walk through and as you reach each guest, they release the balloon into the sky, again fantastic for your photo album!
IDEAS! Ask your guests
Arrange family
to circle words in a dictionary
wedding photos, going
to remind you of their wedding day.
back as far as you can, in vintage
Then ask them to write a message on
frames and display them at your
a bookmark to explain why they picked
ceremony or reception - it will provide
each word. You’ll always need a
a talking point for guests and create
dictionary in your home, and you’ll
a lovely decorative feature.
cherish this one forever.
Rather than getting your guests to sign a traditional guest book, you could get them all to sign some pottery such as a large platter. This will give you a lovely and unusual keepsake of your day, which you can display, in Consider alternatives
your home afterwards.
to the traditional wedding car. Many of my brides this summer have opted to walk to the venue when staying locally in the town. For those not so keen to risk the great Include your pets in your big day, either in person {doggy ring bearer?}, or as a motif on your menus? You could
British weather, I have had brides arrive in an array of vehicles from vintage Minis to a brand new Range Rover, thanks to a kind and generous friend/family member who was happy to act as chauffeur.
give dog-shaped chocolate wedding favours, or name your wedding tables after your pets.
Instead of a traditional guest book, you Tuck handwritten
could leave a card and pen at
notes into the napkins
everyone’s place setting, with each one
for your guests - write about
having a different sentence to complete
your favourite memory together or
such as, love is…, top tips for a happy
simply tell them what they mean
marriage, or asking them to jot down a
to you.
favourite memory of you both.
Create guest. up
personalised Instead
with
fun
of
fortune telling
questions
tellers
fortunes, about
for write
you
each them as
a
couple. Then on the back, print the menu. Get school-style name tape printed with your names and the date of your wedding. Then wrap up all your favours and bouquets with it! As an alternative to favours {which can become costly as the guest list rises}, donate to a charity which is close to your heart. Charities will often send pin badges and cards for each guest explaining that money has been donated in replacement of a favour.
Personalised
button
badges
and
old-fashioned
3D
glasses make great favours, and fantastic photo props too! Ask your florist to design the table centres with multiple mini
vases
which
guests
can
then
take
away
with
them at the end of the night, so they double up as favours and a lovely memento of your wedding day. If the two of you love cooking, then why not create a little pamphlet of your favourite recipes, as a wedding favour.
Or
a
list
of
your
favourite
restaurants?
You
could add little notes like ‘This is where X proposed’.
Only invest in favours if you really love them. Guests will only remember the truly great ideas. To save money, how about having a hen night at home making favours such as homemade jam, flapjacks or chocolate truffles? You can save money and have fun with your favourite ladies at the same time! Give on
your
guests
moustaches
and
fancy-dress silly
glasses
favours. will
Stickraise
a
laugh, and get your guests talking to each other.
Make your favours - bake cookies, make jam or brew up lemonade, and bottle it with personalised labels. Horse lucky
shoe you
wedding feel
to
favours
have
represent
found
each
how other,
and every guest goes home a little luckier. If you can’t get going without a cup of coffee in the morning, give each guest a mug containing a little bag of your favourite grind. This works for tea too.
Decorate your venue with hundreds of paper lanterns. They’re cheap and cheerful, and you can always sell them on after your wedding. If you tie in tiny LED lights, they’ll even glow after dark. Friends of mine bought all of theirs from here. If you’re getting married on a farm or in the countryside, use straw bales as seats. If you cover them with old tablecloths, it’ll fit in with a vintage-themed wedding. Using unusual containers for flowers, such as old fashioned bottles, jugs and glass jars, can add a lovely kitsch look and can be picked up for a bargain at charity shops or boot sales. Bright table cloths can make a real splash at your wedding reception. Choose a colour to
contrast
with
the
flowers
and
napkins.
Use fruit instead of flowers to decorate your wedding tables. Paper bags filled with cherries, or baskets filled with apples make a fantastic display, and your guests can either eat them, or take them home as favours.
FASHION Take a look at the latest romantic. fashion-forward, flattering designs. The 2014 collection is full of beautiful elegant designs with floral embroidery.
100 PERSONAL Instead of carrying a bouquet, ask
Make use
your florist to make you a crown
of your mother or
of flowers. It’ll give your wedding a
grandmother’s jewellery by
pagan feel. Bridesmaids could be
pinning it to your bouquet. It’ll make
given corsages instead of bouquets
your posy so much more personal,
in another twist on the norm.
dress it up and act as your something borrowed.
Instead of the usual fresh cut flowers, how about using herbs or unusual pot plants to make a nice arrangement. Guests can then take parts of your Try to be clever
display home with them at the
with the decoration pieces
end of the day.
that you are using for the wedding to maximise their use. Can the flowers be moved from the church and repositioned? Are there vases that could be used for the bridesmaids bouquets in the
What about
wedding breakfast room?
an alternative wedding bouquet? I’ve seen them made from butterflies, buttons, paper, flowers created from coca-cola drinks cans, lollipops and more...
Make your bouquet personal to you by choosing a flower that has a special meaning.
If you’re worried that your wedding flower budget is getting out of control, keep things simple by just picking one cheap bloom. Clouds of carnations or baby’s breath look just as beautiful as more expensive mixed bouquets of roses and peonies.
Choose flowers that are in season to keep the cost down. If you have plenty of time and some garden space available you could even think about growing some English country garden style flowers yourself. Not only would they look lovely, but the garden would then be a fantastic reminder of your wedding day too.
IDEAS! Choose an unusual venue for your
If your wedding
wedding - from steam trains to
is going to span the whole
aquariums, there’s a world of choice out
day, your guests will appreciate a
there for something completely different. Or
separate space to the revelry, where
you could hold your reception in a stylish
they can relax for a while. Personalise
restaurant for a sophisticated and
this area by having a screen showing
unusual wedding celebration.
you and your partner’s favourite romantic movies. If you’re worried about having to invite large amounts of family members, choose to have a destination wedding. It’ll immediately bring down the guest list to only your nearest and dearest.
Consider a Consider making yours a winter wedding. Venues and suppliers often offer lower rates for off-peak weddings. Not only will you save money across a lot of areas, but you’re more likely to get a higher turn-out for your celebrations, when you’re not
weekday or Sunday wedding. Venues often offer lower rates for these days and it may just enable you to afford that perfect venue that was previously just out of budget! Dont worry so much about people taking a day off work, those who love you will do it in a heartbeat.
competing with the rush of summer weddings and holidays.
For a truly unique wedding, the best setting is a dry hire venue – one where you literally just Hire your local
rent the four walls. You can then fill it with things
village hall for a vintage,
you have chosen yourself – right down to the
old-school feel. Dress the room
cutlery, meaning your day will be a true reflection of
with family and friend or you cut
you and totally different to every other wedding. This
costs even further and go outdoors…
type of wedding takes a lot more organisation and
providing blankets for people to sit on
shopping around, especially if you are on a
and have a wedding picnic.
tight budget, but is well worth the effort.
Perfect
A-line
Princess
Column
The A-line looks great on all shapes,
With its unstructured waist and fitted
Sitting close to the body the column
especially with a dropped waist.
bodice ending just underneath the
dress, also known as a sheath, is a
A wedding classic; elegant and
bust the Empire line dress conjures
style not many can pull off, but when
traditional taking you from formal
up images of bohemian weddings
done properly can look elegant and
church weddings to garden party
and garden party receptions. It’s
refined. It’s a timeless classic that
ceremonies. The A-line can come in a
ethereal, playful and it’s definitely a
sits will at its less formal weddings
wide range of lengths from above the
comfy option. Often made in floaty
with simple styles perfect for register
knee to floor sweeping with a full train.
chiffon fabrics these dresses have
office and beach ceremonies. As the
The line is clean and simple, slightly
destination wedding written all over
name suggests, the column is a slim-
fitted round the bodice and flowing
them. Sleeves very on trend for 2014
fitting dress and often very simple in
out into a fuller skirt. This is the shape
and an Empire line dress gives the
design. Grecian versions are popular,
of choice for most brides due to its
option to play with different lengths,
as are columns with a slight tulip skirt.
versatility, adapting to most fabrics to
from capped to long bell sleeves.
Fabrics can range form jerseys, silks
suit the look you’re going for.
and satins to heavier fabrics that hold their shape like damask.
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Fit
Mermaid
Slipdress
Ball Gown
This style really does live up to its
While no bride in her right mind is
If you’re planning to make an
name at it screams ‘look at my
going to toss on her groom’s favorite
entrance then ball gown is the way
amazing figure’ and draws attention
plaid shirt as an evening wrap, she
to go. It’s show stopping, it’s aisle-
to womanly curves, Hollywood
might just delight in slipping on a
sweeping, it’s the full princess fairy-
glamour style. Also known as the
beautiful, sexy, goddess-like slip
tale in a gown. Brides opting for a
mermaid, fishtail or fit & flare, the
gown for her wedding day. Most
very traditional-style wedding will love
trumpet hugs the body to the knee
slip gowns are cut in shiny, sensual
this gown and there is scope to go
and then gently fans out to the floor.
silk charmeuse, satin-backed
with a dramatic train or an ultra long
Popular fabrics for a trumpet are silk
crepes or dense matte jerseys and
veil. Tulle usually features heavily in
and satin often with rucking details
are cut on the bias, giving the slip
the design to give it the voluminous
around the waist, which help hide
gown its unique shape and extra
skirt shape - the best designers know
any body imperfections. Perfect
natural stretch. Tulle slip gowns add
just how to layer tulle to give it that
for weddings in a grand setting,
dimension and give more coverage to
‘walking on air’ feeling.
especially when teamed with a floor
the body than other fabrics, ultimately
length veil.
making the dress more wearable.
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After Mr. Right goes down on bended knee perhaps the second most exciting part of saying ‘I’m engaged’ is the search for the dress. First thoughts are always somewhere between excitement and sheer panic. Your usual shopping splurge with the girls doesn’t normally involve trains, veils and the deliberation over more shade of white than a Farrow & Ball colour books it’s understandable to feel more than a little nervous. First things first you need to think about the venue, unless of course you’re the kind of bride-to-be who is planning to build the whole wedding around the dress. Think about your current wardrobe and the styles of dress you wear the most and feel comfortable in. Do you feel confident and gorgeous in a one-shoulder gown or perhaps something more covered with capped sleeves?
After researching the trends for 2014 and looking a thousands of the gorgeous gowns from designers across the country, one thing is certain - pretty much anything goes! Whatever your shape, your height and your preference, there is a gown out there just perfect for you (also see our guide to body shapes and gowns to suit on pages 28 and 29). Many brides already have an idea of what they want in a wedding gown, but “don’t be blinkered”. Try on many styles and have fun - even try on the one dress that you would never have thought you would suit - you just never know how it will look and feel, until it is on. Perhaps the most exciting trend this season is colour. Gone are the days where white is a required shade, as it does well to accept that not everybody suits white. Instead, there are wedding dresses in Parma-violet, candy-floss pink and baby blue. In burnt orange and blood red. And, for the really brave… printed wedding dresses. For a more fun, festive and fashionable wedding, colour is definitely the way forward. Wedding belles, your day, your way!
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Bring on the girls As the bride-to-be, your wedding dress is your major consideration. But don’t forget your bridesmaids - finding the right bridesmaid dress is very important part of your wedding planning. Ask your bridesmaids for their suggestions. tell your bridesmaids what your colour scheme and wedding theme are (if you have chosen one), and ask them for their input. Not everyone looks great in a fitted dress, or you may have someone who is very self conscious about parts of their body. Having these discussions early will help avoid later upset. Let them help you with your research, your friends know better than anyone else what suits them, and may have some great ideas about suitable bridesmaid dresses from previous experience. Keep it simple A simple, classic style is most likely to suit most body shapes, and your bridesmaids will want to look good in the wedding pictures too. Try to take everyone along together to try on dresses. Alternatively, consider choosing a colour or fabric and letting your bridesmaids choose their own dress.
Be realistic
Mix it up
Have the discussion about budgets before you start to look around. Your
Consider choosing a colour or a fabric and then letting each maid pick
best friend might love that thousand pound dress she’s spotted, but it
a style that will suit her. You wouldn’t want to cram a tall, voluptuous
probably doesn’t suit your purse. Similarly, if your friends are buying their
bridesmaid into the exact same style as a petite, skinny girl.
own bridesmaid dresses, make sure you know what they can afford to spend - and take shoes and accessories into consideration too. They
Colour them beautiful
may be much more inclined to buy a dress you love if they think they can
Look for colours you like and think would look god on al of your friends.
wear it again after your wedding day.
Brighter colours are generally more flattering, while pastel hues might look great on girls with fair complexions.
It’s still about the bride! Your bridesmaid dresses need to complement your wedding dress - so
Fill their wardrobes
choose a style that works with your look, but that isn’t too similar.
Be kind - don’t ask your friends to purchase a bridesmaid dress they
Don’t ruin your wedding by creating dress stress for your bridesmaids.
wouldn’t wear again. Think about what your maids could do with the
Take your time and decide how you want the bridesmaid dresses to
dresses after the wedding. Remember to think about everyone’s financial
compliment your wedding gown. Find a style that evokes the same
situation. If you fall in love with dresses that are a bit over their budgets,
feel as your dress but doesn’t look too similar - you don’t want your
maybe consider covering the difference yourself.
bridesmaids looking like the bride. Reusable hues One size doesn’t fit all
Dark-coloured dresses like navy, hunter green, and black look great on
Search for a style that flatters the different sizes and shapes of your
almost every maid and can be worn to formal events later.
bridesmaids. A-line skirts and empire waists tend to look good on most
Top tip - Remember that simple, elegant designs make everybody
body types. Whatever you choose, check with your bridesmaids that they
happy. Don’t go over the top with lots of details, embellishments, and
are happy to buy and wear the appropriate underwear.
accessories. Don’t ruin your wedding by creating dress stress for your bridesmaids. Bring on the girls!
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A friend is one that knows you as you are understands where you have been accepts what you have become and still gently allows you to grow
The role of the groom is to complement the style of the bride and her attendants, so there is continuity to the colour scheme and theme of the wedding. This doesn’t mean he has to blend into the background - far from it! Nowadays, the groom, the best man and the ushers can also be vibrant and spectacular. the 21st-century groom is blessed with a selection of retailers to focus on his every need, as there is now a broad range of suits and accessories available that can be either hired or purchased. He should not only feel comfortable, but stylish, handsome and exude confidence on his special day. There are few occasions on which men can dress up to the nines, luckily, there are plenty of on-trend, gorgeous suits available.
The groom is the most important man at the wedding, but is often the last to be considered when it comes to choosing what to wear. With your wife-to-be spending months and rather a lot of money on looking her very best for your wedding day, you don’t want to let her down by showing up in a suit that’s seen better days. Getting married is the perfect excuse to splash out on some seriously nice tailoring. It is up to the groom to sort out his groomswear along with the clothing for his best man, ushers and father. Groomswear comes in all different fabrics, colours and styles, and whatever you choose will most likely coordinate with the rest of your wedding theme. Groomswear specialists can advise you on what types of suits will complement your wedding most appropriately, and how to match everyone up in your wedding party. You will need to start thinking about your groomswear about 6-9 months before your wedding date in order to ensure that there is enough time to get everyone in your wedding party fitted, and of course to secure availability with the shop if you are planning on hiring all of the groomswear.
41.
How to buy the perfect suit The jacket Choose a style that you will feel comfortable wearing, as opposed to what’s in fashion. Classic cuts include: Two-button single-breasted – Arguably the most popular option, due to its versatility. It can take you from the office to special occasions and suits all body shapes. Three-button, single-breasted – The extra top button and a higher lapel makes it more appropriate for taller men. Double-breasted – There has been resurgence for this timeless, elegant style due to period dramas on TV. However, this cut doesn’t always suit shorter men as it can make them look stocky. The optional extra The waistcoat – Find the perfect fit: it should sit comfortably over the waistband, showing no signs of your shirt. The single-breasted waistcoat is popular due to its simplicity, whereas, like the jacket, the doublebreasted version requires more confidence to wear. Bright pastels are a favourite for weddings, while a matching three-piece suit offers a more formal look.
42.
The fabric It’s important to consider how frequently you will wear your suit. Fabric comes in different grades depending on how it has been woven. A lighter-weight cloth, from 7oz to 9oz, is more suitable for summer, whereas a heavier 12oz to 13oz cloth can take you through all seasons. The shirt Quality- Opt for premium cotton with a finer yarn count, which has a more luxurious feel. Collar – This is a matter of personal preference. The traditional collar is a versatile option, whereas a more formal cutaway collar will draw more attention to your tie. Cuffs – Single or double? Go for the latter if you want to wear cufflinks. Show no more than half an inch of cuff when wearing a jacket, or it will make the jacket sleeves look too short The trousers What’s the right length? Trousers should be worn slightly above the waistline and rest on top of the shoe, with the back sitting just above your heel.
43.
It is traditional for the bride and groom to have a pageboy at their wedding. The job of the pageboy is to carry the wedding rings on a pillow down the aisle, however in modern day weddings a pageboy can hold hands with a flower girl or walk down the aisle with the older bridesmaids. His outfit may be similar to that of the grooms party. Pageboy outfits are a mini version of what the groom would wear, and can be designed in matching colours to coordinate with the wedding party or scheme of the day.
45.
twinkle toes* put a spring in your step with
46.
heavenly heels
best foot forward
look sharp with hot picks for your gorgeous grooms
47.
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Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life forever
Children’s blackboards are a great way to communicate with your guests. Write little messages like ‘Love is Sweet’ or ‘All You Need is Love’. You could also use a large one for the menu. Have you considered getting married at night? You could say your vows by candlelight, and then lead your guests in for an evening reception.
Rings
Choosing wedding rings seems like an uncomplicated task‌ until you realize how much choice is available. The vast majority of people have never bought a wedding ring before. Many engagement rings will have a slightly raised stone for a ring to fit next to it. Others will be set lower, meaning you will need a shaped wedding ring to fit around the setting. From a subtle finishing touch to a statement as strong as your dress, this collection of gems will dazzle, sparkle and colour-pop long after your guests have toasted your fabulous style. Size The most important step in choosing a wedding ring is to find out your size. If yo are unsure of your ring size you can order a free ring gauge Style The next step is to decide if you want a plain, classic wedding ring or something more decorative. There are many designs to choose from, traditional to contemporary, with or without diamonds. Engraving It’s a lovely idea to engrave your wedding rings and this can be done on the inside, outside or both. There are different methods of engraving your rings including machine, laser or hand-engraving and also different fonts to choose from. Tip: When choosing your diamond to fit within your budget, you often have to decide what is more important to you: size or quality. To get a better quality stone, try dropping your carat weight.
Necklaces
This is your day, your dream come true. Your dress is divine – now combine it with radiant wedding jewellery, elegant pieces not only enhance your dress, but also your hair and your style. From elegant and sparkling jewellery, to wildly romantic fairytale. Your choice, your perfect day! A highly romantic collection studded with brilliant crystals and adorned with large lustrous pearls. Statement pieces that are simply stunning. The definitive collections, a star-studded collection of regal jewellery, like a cuff with its distinctive. Fine-cut, baguette crystals. Lustrous pearls enhanced by sparkling crystals is a gracious, contemporary design. Vine is a beautifully fresh, flower-themed collection of fine-cut crystal pieces that creates a fairytale effect. Crystal and pearls prove the attraction of opposites. Crystal sparkles and draws admiring glances, Pearls add grace and purity. In the magical moments, the intense feelings, the fairy-tale wedding, dedication to your great day is reflected in radiant wedding jewellery. Elegant pieces that work wonderfully with your look, your style, your dress, your hair. Chic and sophisticated, wildly romantic pieces. This is stunning wedding jewellery presenting enchanting pieces for your big day. A vintage crystal collection is a pretty mix of sparkling crystals set into a delicately-cut daisy-chain. Once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life love gives us a fairytale.
Bracelets
Paper is a great way to decorate your wedding venue. Not only is it cheap, but it’s incredibly versatile. DIY your bunting, pompoms, and streamers. For tutorials, search the wedding blogs. Use ribbon or lace to decorate your ceremony and reception. Wrap ribbon around candles and napkins, or use it to decorate the aisle and canapés trays, etc. Don’t buy ‘wedding’ shoes. There are lots of companies that supply shoes specifically for weddings. Why not choose a pair from the high street? They’ll be less expensive and you could choose a unique colour to match your theme. Who says your shoes have to match your dress?! Don’t buy a wedding dress. If you’re looking for a really simple gown, then you might just find a white dress for a fraction of the price. Remember the word ‘wedding’ often adds 15% to the price. Also, consider buying your wedding dress second-hand, or from a sample sale. There’s plenty of websites out there, just google ‘second hand wedding dresses’. Get in touch with your favourite designer and ask them when they host their sample sale, or wait until just after Christmas when everyone reduces their prices. If you’re a creative bride (or have creative friends!) consider buying your dress ‘off the peg’ and customising it yourself. Adding a few special touches can make your dress unique without breaking the budget. Challenge the norm by wearing a non-white wedding dress. Soft blush and pastel shades are in fashion this season, and there’s a suggestion soft patterns might be in trend for 2013! Go on, I dare you!
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This is the start of our sweet little story the part where your page meets mine no matter where our tale takes us tomorrow our story will always read love
Hello pretty! Here comes the bride Wedding beauty by the months From the moment you mark the date on your calendar, to the day you say “I do” the top beauty tips, tricks and steps to take in the months leading to the big day. One year •
Skin issues? Consult with a dermatologist if you’re interested in fillers, peels, treatments, cosmetic produres, or injectables.
6-8 months •
Hair care: ask your stylist for the best hair products and vitamins. This is the time to experiment with cut and colour.
•
Find a local aesthetician and begin facial treatments if you plan to do so.
•
Start drinking water and don’t stop! Hydration is key to maintaining your health and beauty.
5-6 months •
Get inspired. Find inspiration in Bridal magazines, online tutorials, YouTube videos, and beauty blogs.
•
Buy skin products and lock down your beauty regimen
2-4 months •
Book all wedding beauty treatments, hair, make up, a make up trial (if applicable), waxing and nails should all be on your list.
•
Feeling ghostly? Begin experimenting with self-tanners.
1 month •
Shop for your foundation and purchase all other essential beauty items.
•
If needed, now is the time to get your teeth professionally whitened.
•
Attend your make up and hair trial appointments.
2 weeks •
confirm all beauty appointments
•
keep up your skincare regimen and stop experimenting with new products, now is not the time to take risks!
•
Receive your final cut and colour.
The week of the wedding •
Take care of all waxing needs (eyebrows, bikini, lip etc.)
•
Avoid salt, soda and other bloating foods.
•
Receive your final facial treatment.
•
Get plenty of rest and do some low-key, fun and relaxing activities – stress is not good for the skin!
•
Avoid over exposure to the sun or tanning bed. Use a self-tanner if you want a sun-kissed glow.
The day before your wedding. •
Hydrate yourself! Drink plenty of water to get that skin glowing. If you’re getting a spray tan or applying a self-tanner, exfoliate your body before application. Don’t use a lotion afterwards to avoid streaking.
•
Exfoliate your face for that it will be read for make up application.
•
Get a pedicure and manicure
•
Take a bath, get a massage, or spend time with your girlfriends or loved ones, enjoy your last night as a single girl and be sure to relax!
54.
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Love is a symbol of eternity it wipes out all sense of time destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end
Wedding
Book consultations and trial/ practice sessions with your hairstylist. Show your stylist pictures of hairstyles you like when planning your look. Get your stylist to take plenty of photos from all angles at different stages of the trial/practice sessions so you and your stylist know how your hair should look on your wedding day. By adding hair extensions or a hair piece your can add volume and length. Always use real hair extensions as synthetic hair, although cheaper, gets easily tangled and is difficult to brush. Also you cannot style it using heated straighteners or rollers as it will melt. If you are going to colour your hair, do it at least two weeks before your wedding. This will give the colour enough time to settle and would also be a good time to have a final trim. If you’re having an updo, wash your hair no closer than 24 hours before your wedding as it’s more difficult o pin up clean hair.
Take care of your hair. If it’s in bad condition it can take up to six months to bring it back to full health. Regular trims, intensive hair masks and using heated hairstyling equipment less frequently will help to speed up the recovery process. Invite your hairstylist to your wedding. This way they can keep an eye on your style and are available for any quick fixes that may be needed throughout the day and night.
hair
Getting your hair right on the big day is a process that needs real planning, this is guaranteed to offer you some expert guidance. Once you have a date for your big day and you have picked a style of dress, think about how you would like to wear your hair. Look through magazines and on the internet for styles that appeal to you and that you think will make your dress look even more special. Book a consultation with your hairdresser to go through your options. If you’re having bridesmaids, consider whether you want them all to have a certain style or if you are happy for them to make their own arrangements for your wedding day. Most brides like to have all the bridesmaids’ hair dressed at the same salon as themselves. Consider also whether you are paying for their hair or they pay themselves. It is also best if the bridesmaids have a hair up trial also, preferably when you can attend to give your approval. Remember to book your trials and your wedding hair as far in advance as you can. It may be that you choose to grow your hair quite a bit, but you must keep up the condition of your tresses with regular trims and conditioning masks to avoid dry, split hair. Another option is to have hair extensions. If
you want to have hair extensions for your wedding, it is best to try a few months before the big day so that you can get used to wearing the extra hair. About one month before your wedding you should book your trial with your chosen hairstylist. If you’re having a drastic colour change it is best to do so about a month or more before the wedding day. Otherwise, have your regrowth recoloured about one week before. A semipermanent or a gloss can give intense shine and enhance your natural colour even if you don’t want to change your natural colour. Take photos on the hair trial day from different angles, so that you know how it will appear in your wedding photo album. Remember that if your chosen style is too cutting edge, the photos will date more quickly. Before the big day itself, you can go along to your hairdresser and have your hair prepped for your wedding with a blow-dry and foundation styling products. This will ensure you take time out to relax as well. Of course you can prep your hair at home with suitable products recommended by your hairdresser. Most hairdressers carry out updos the day after the hair has been washed as the hair has more body and is less slippery. The correct process of prepping the hair will ensure the perfect style that lasts.
Perfume
Rich and sensuous, pretty and floral or eternally chic? Our perfume pages, to help you choose a fragrance that’s perfect for you. Luxury is an absolute necessity for you. You certainly won’t be honeymooning in a rustic cottage in Scotland when there’s a blissful, five-star deluxe resort in the Maldives to be had. Gold along with tasteful embellishments will play a big part in your wedding venue décor, and you couldn’t resist the subtle sheen of the palest of golden gowns. Beige on beige offset by golden hues on eyes and cheeks are what you’ll go for make-up wise, finishing the look with an elegant eye flick. As for fragrance, a classic scent in a classy falcon that will look great on your dressing table when you get home this is the one for you.
58.
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I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you What would be more reasonable than to marry you
WEDDING THEMES Real-life weddings for inspiration; 100s of details to capture your imagination when it comes to shopping for your big day, be sure to do it the brides way!
100 PERSONAL Make the arrival
If you want to have
of the wedding cake an
some unique touches at your
event, by asking your caterers
wedding, allocate some money in
to turn down the lights and bring it in
your budget for it. There are a lot of things
decorated with indoor fireworks. At
you could have, but do you really need
our wedding, we even asked the
a chocolate fountain, ice cream tricycle,
DJ to play ‘Eye of the Tiger’!
caricaturist, magician, candy bar, fireworks and a photo booth? Just pick one!
If you need a performer or an artist, why not call upon your local drama academy or art school. They will be much cheaper and they will so appreciate the opportunity. To help break the ice at dinner, why not have your Best Man host a quiz about you both? Each table would
Consider having
work together as a team, and you
your speeches during your
could offer a prize for the winner.
drinks reception when the champagne or prosecco is flowing, this has the double benefit of helping your wedding party to relax for the rest of the day, and means that you Instead of a
can save on an additional glass of bubbly
DJ, get all your guests to
during your wedding breakfast.
choose 3 or 4 ‘floor fillers’ that they love and collate them into an iPod playlist. That way you can have purely music you love, and know everyone will enjoy.
Instead of having To help introduce
a traditional wedding cake,
guests to one another and add
why not ask your guests to take part in
an element of cheeky fun, write a short
a Cakey Bakey! Each guest can bring any
but funny ‘one liner’ about each guest on the
type of cake, the more extravagant the better,
back of their place card. People will then ask
and the bride and groom will judge the cakes
what their ‘one liner’ means and it works brilliantly
on the day. They can then hand out awards/
at breaking the ice. Alternatively, if you have
rosettes during the speeches and have
a group of friends on one table, they’ll all
different categories. The winning cake is
understand the little jokes and it really
then used as their cutting cake!
gets the atmosphere going.
IDEAS! Maximise your
Rather than
wedding cake by incorporating
having a traditional wedding
this into your wedding breakfast and
cake you could decide to serve
serve as dessert. If your venue is happy to
chocolates and your favourite drink
allow this, you can save considerably per head.
as a night cap later on in the evening.
In addition to this, you could also ask the venue
You could also set up a tasting bar for
to ‘dress’ the plates so the cake is served with
guests to sample different varieties.
fresh berries and cream at a fraction of the standard dessert price. Cupcakes also work well for this option too! Set up a guest booth with personalised props and/or boards for your guests to write messages to you on.
Dessert tables are a hugely popular trend right now. If your budget won’t stretch to having yours professionally catered, why not ask
Food and
4 or 5 friends who are handy in the kitchen to
beverage is a large percentage
bake some goodies as your wedding present.
of your wedding budget, so if you’re
You can then put your own DIY decoration skills
struggling to cut down on guest numbers
to use to create a stunning – and much
then why not have a later ceremony followed
more personal – display.
by an elegant black tie affair with cocktails, canapés and bowl food instead of a 3 course sit down meal.
What’s your favourite late-night snack? Serve it at midnight to all your guests. Hello minipots of Haagen Daas! Instead of a dessert or sweet table, you could have a fun DIY station to decorate your own cupcakes. There could be a variety of different and more usual flavours with a selection of
Cocktails are
icings and toppings.
actually cheaper than straight champagne. So choose
Keep it seasonal
a Bellini as your signature cocktail,
- from food to flowers, this
and mix it with prosecco. No one
will reduce your costs and ensure
will ever know the difference.
your wedding is in keeping with the weather and time of year. Hold a BBQ in the summer and have an open fire with marshmallows in the winter to make the most of your day.
spring Make your big day a rush of fresh air with lush greenery, zesty citrus hues and clean, bright whites. It’s naturally pretty.
Spring has truly sprung on the 2014 catwalks, which were all about florals. Go totally tropical with acid-bright fuchsias and orchids or quintessentially English in pretty garden prints.
67.
Summer Fall head over heels in love with colour and break the rules by clashing romantic rose reds with punchy berry pinks. It’s a riot of all the chicer shades.
With summer wedding season in official full swing, it seemed there was no better time to sit down and share some of our absolute favorites. Ideas for summer brides or frankly, any wedding lover to swoon.
69.
Autumn There’s no better time than when days begin to darken, to bag some brights and stand out.
Fall is one of the most popular times to plan a wedding and for good reason! Gorgeous natural foliage and temperate weather make for great fall weddings. Fall weddings are worth every bit of effort.
71.
Winter Embrace the winter with icy glitter, snowy whites and cool greys. Luxurious faux fur, lace and intricate embellishment everywhere.
If you think there’s no setting more romantic than a blanket of snow, then consider planning a winter wedding! Rich seasonal colors make this a great season for weddings.
73.
MR&MRS WALMOT Congratulations on your engagement!
74.
Rob & Denika 25th December 2013, Rob had the perfect christmas present lined up for Denika. A christmas card was sent with ‘to my fiancé’ written on it, Deinka found herself puzzled by this which was when Rob got down on one knee in front of the family and asked Denika to marry him. “Of course I said yes” Denika told us, “I was over the moon and cried with happiness”. She was bought a white gold diamond ring, which Denika describes to us as ‘beautiful!’ A date was set for the wedding to be taken place on May 24th 2015, a spectacular venue has also been arranged and booked at Greetham Valley Golf Club which the newly engaged couple are very excited for. A lot of planning is still in progress but for now a theme of pastel shades and vintage objects has been the most recent area of planning. Denika has decided upon one maid of honour, which is her bestfriend and four bridesmaids and she told us “these girls mean the world to me”. She also has a beautiful little son who is acting as the pageboy on her special day, and he will also be handing out the order of service. The excitement of wedding planning erged Denika to go out dress shopping and she took her maid of honour and one of her bridesmaids to a bridal shop close by and they picked out numerous dresses, and the bridesmaid picked a dress that Denika wasn’t keen on trying it on as it was something ‘different to what she would normally choose’. As soon as she opened the dressing room curtain, turned and faced the mirror, she “fell head over heels for the dress” She did go into one other bridal shop, but “nothing compared to the one in the previous shop” she apologises as no further details about the dress can be revealed as it is a surprise for her guests. The bridesmaids dresses are very unique as well with “amazing back detail which makes the bridesmaids look good from all angles”. Both Denika and Rob are very nervous and excited for their big day next year! Happy planning to the happy couple!! xo
75.
MR&MRS HANDLEY 01.12.2012
“purple has always been a favourite colour, all my friends and family know it!”
76.
Cold hands, warm heart. August 2011, whilst on holiday together in Tenerife James popped the question, got down on one knee and sweetly asked Nicola to be his wife. They got planning straight away 1 year in advance and planned a date 01.12.12 “we thought it sounded good!� they said.
Nicola & James 1st December, with a winter theme “you don’t tend to get rain in December and we love the white winter look, frost, snow and glitter!” They mentioned. For Nicola the colour scheme wasn’t difficult to choose “purple has always been a favourite colour, all my friends and family know it!”. They chose cadburys purple as they felt that it is the nicest shade of purple. When it came to choosing the dress it didn’t take long before the perfect one was chosen, tried on and bought. Nicola and her maid of honor visited two very different bridal shops and didn’t really find a dress to her fancy. But when she went to the third shop, she tried on a dress and totslly ‘fell in love’ with it, so much that she went back a few days later and bought it! This was topped off with purple shoes which matched the colour scheme and is a pretty and unique idea. For their wedding entertainment James has always loved a band called ‘the hound dogs’ and so this has always been something that they have wanted at their wedding to play to their guests in the evening. Between them they had picked out a gorgeous venue, this being the first thing that they had booked. James and Nicola had been to previous weddings and something that they picked out they knew they wanted to do, was fill their day with fun and make everything super exciting for themselves and all the guests. They then went and booked some amazing surprises, they had simging waiters which shocked all of the guests and they had everyone up on their feet wavimg their napkins in the air. They even did a rat pack set later in the evening which everybody loved! A characaturist was booked which was also a big hit with the guests, going round the tables sketching all the guests. They also added a bit of fun for the photographic memories of their big day. A huge photo wall was up including pictures of the guests on their wedding day, old photos and other great memories shared. They had a photobooth which everyone would grab a funny item and pose for the camera for some amazingly funny shots. To add to the cadburys purple theme they had a sweet table which was filled with everyones favourite goodies! Overall, Nicola and James said “we had an amazing day and all our guests have also commented on how good their day was!”.
78.
79.
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With this ring I give you my heart I promise from this day forward you shall not walk alone may my heart be your shelter and may my arms be your home, lots of love.
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WEDDING PLANNER follow our simple guide to ensure that your wedding will be a day to remember this section aims to help you in the planning of your day.
100 PERSONAL If you’ve got
As part of your
page boys, give them flags
wedding ceremony, seal
saying ‘Here Comes the Bride’,
love letters and a bottle of wine in a
and encourage them to walk down
box. You could even hammer it closed!
the aisle ahead of you and your
The idea is that if you’re having trouble
father. It’ll get everyone smiling, and
in your marriage in the future, you can
take the focus off you a bit.
open it up and be reminded of what brought you together.
Write your own vows, keeping it relevant to your life
Not everyone
together.
gets married in a church, but you might want to create your own ‘alter’ as a focus for the wedding ceremony. There are tonnes of ways of doing this, from hanging multicoloured ribbons, or crepe paper,
If you’re not
a gorgeous piece of fabric, or lots of paper
working down a traditional
pompoms. I’ve even seen it with birdcages
aisle, why not create a circular,
and lanterns hanging from a tree.
snail-shaped one. That way all your
Anything to create a focal point.
guests get a good look at you as you walk down the aisle, and you’ll say your vows in the centre of all your friends and family.
If you already have children try to involve them in the ceremony. Many celebrants can adapt your wedding ceremony to include a blessing for you all becoming a family as well as the marriage. You may find that they will include this in the price too!
I love seeing personal touches at weddings
Create a fun
so how about making your own
and unique ceremony
invitations and hand writing them? The
procession. Walk down the aisle
hand written word is very rare nowadays
to one of your modern favourites then
and your guests would really appreciate
mix up the running order a bit so guests
the personal touch - and you might even
are left surprised and stunned!
save some money in the process!
IDEAS! Let your guests
Have an engagement shoot
send you packing with
and use the photos for your
honeymoney. Honeymoon gift list sites
‘Save the Date’ cards and/or
can be a smart way to have guests contribute
table numbers.
to your honeymoon fun. This can save you money on what could be a very pricey trip, but you can also personalise your web page and have your guests contribute to different parts of your trip, making this more unique.
Your wedding stationery sets the tone of the day, but unique creations are rarely economical. You could look at creating a ‘wedsite’ instead – a totally personalised wedding website which allows you to send your invitations,
Think outside the
track your RSVPs and gift list as well as keep guests
box for how you print your
informed of the travel and accommodation details.
wedding stationery. Why use paper,
Not only will you save money, but you’ll get extra
when you could use plywood, fabric or
environmental kudos for going green!
even balloons {the invitation appears as you blow up the balloon}. Some of my favourite Save the Dates have come printed on tea-towels and magnets.
Budget! Budget! Budget! Budgeting may be the least fun, and most difficult part of planning to face, but budgeting early and
Toss out
honestly will mean you steer clear of exposing
traditional save-the-dates
yourself to ideas you can’t afford. Establishing a
and create a home made video
sound budget that reflects what is most important
with information on your upcoming
to you as a couple will ensure you get the
wedding. Send a DVD to each
most out of every penny you spend!
prospective guest.
It’s the personal touches that can make a wedding unique, so why not think about a workshop activity for your hen do. You could have a fantastic afternoon learning how to arrange flowers or make stationery and then put your new skills to good use for your wedding.
Hire a planner! Most brides think that they cost the earth, but we save you time, money and stress as well as working with you to make your wedding day unique and ensure that it’s about what you want rather than what your family think you should have!
15 ways to make a ceremony magic Make your day one to remember with these special ideas for readings, sentiments and decorations.
1
Friends and family have come to wish you well, so make their blessings official by passing your wedding rings around the room before you say your vows. This way, each guest can personally bestow
2
Write your officiant a letter about your other half and have your fiancé do the same, to help them get to know you before the ceremony and
Surprises (pleasant ones!) are brilliant for ceremonies. If your fiancé is a
For something a bit different, try a rose ceremony. The mothers of the
11
your parents or grandparents also said their vows. It makes such a cute touch which your family will love!
families coming together.
Think outside the pillow for unexpected ways to display your rings. Stunning alternatives include monogrammed muslin bags, books, vintage padlocks, or a handcrafted bird’s nest. Old sayings make great quotes printed on orders or service or written on blackboards. Take into account the weather. You don’t want anything you get ruined or run!
12
bride and groom each carry a different shade of roses to the altar. The couple then mixes them into one unified arrangement to symbolise two
5
10
golfer or a cricketer, ask his friends or team mates to greet him outside the church with an arch of golf clubs or cricket bats.
4
Make your big day a family affair by marrying in the church where
their silent wishes and be a part of the action.
up the personalisation factor.
3
9
If you’re saying ‘I do’ in a blank-canvas venue, play with the configuration of chairs. Having the altar in the centre with guests sitting in a circular formation will create an intimate vibe.
13
Writing your own vows? Set ground rules with your partner in advance on length and whether they’ll be tear-jerking or funny. Going
Construct a custom altar for an outdoor wedding using found objects
traditional? Look to favourite poems, children’s books or songs for the
like an old gate, vintage window shutters or tree branches. Or craft a
perfect, personal readings.
colourful curtain of ribbons, fabrics strips or strands of crystals for a photo-perfect focal point.
6
Customise handkerchiefs with your names and wedding date as
8
and place them outside the entrance to the church. People tend to forget confetti and it adds an extra personal touch.
favours, then leave them at the entrance in a basket labelled ‘for happy tears’. On a budget? Pretty packets of tissues work too!
7
14
Fill glass bowls, vases or lanterns with colourful rose-petal confetti
Being the outside in with potted herbs, olive trees or lemon trees to line
15
Leave a candle on each seat, then have ushers start at the back and light one on each side, asking guests to do the same to the person next to them. As the flam moves down the rows, your ceremony will
the aisle… or the inside out with mismatched wooden chairs, colourful
come alive with candlelight.
carpets and crystal chandeliers hanging from branches.
I hope that these little ideas will fill your mind and boost your plans!
Create a jubilant parade vibe with signs for your littlest bridal party members to carry down the aisle. Start with pageboys holding a ‘Here come the bridesmaids’ banner, then finish with flower girls carrying an ‘All rise for the bride’ sign.
The traditional running order CEREMONY Ask the person marrying you for a full order of service. FORMAL PHOTOGRAPHS You may wish to pose for these and have group photos taken outside your venue. RECEPTION A receiving line is losing ground to a more informal drinks reception where guests relax and mingle. DINNER The first meal of your married life is known as the wedding breakfast. SPEECHES Nervous speakers may prefer to do the speeches earlier, but they traditionally follow desert in this order. BRIDE’S FATHER This speech introduces the bride to the groom’s family, usually with praise and special memories, and ends with a toast to the couple. THE BRIDEGROOM thanks the bride’s parents for their help, compliments his new wife and toasts the attendants. THE BESTMAN introduces the groom to the bride’s family. He’s expected to tell funny stories about the groom, but these should not be too risqué. CUTTING THE CAKE The couple make the first cut, then it’s taken away to be sliced and served. FIRST DANCE The couple takes to the floor. The bride then dances with her father and the groom with his mother. Then it’s time to celebrate!
89.
Wedding 12 months left!
11 months left!
10 months left!
It’s time to have the budget conversation with
- Send out save-the-date cards.
- Pick your bridesmaids, usherstand best
your fiancé and your parents.
- Book your photographer (make sure the
man.
- Fix a date and time with your registrar or
church or venue allows photos and videos to
- Decide on your dress, allow at least six
priest.
be shot)
months for a made-to-measure gown to be
- Decide on guest numbers.
- Book your caterer and your band or DJ.
delivered.
- Visit reception venues and book
- Make appointments to try no wedding
- Start thinking about your honeymoon, it’s
one as soon as possible.
dresses.
always good to book early.
- Buy wedding insurance.
6 months left!
5 months left!
4 months left!
- Remind your fiancé to get his own and the
- Go honeymoon shopping (Remember,
- If you’ll change your name, renew your
ushers outfits.
summer clothes aren’t easy to find in the winter
passport now or do it after the honeymoon.
- Choose gifts for your mums, the wedding
and vice versa.)
The officiating minister or registrar will sign the
party and helpers.
- Book your hairdresser. Have a consultation
form.
- Pick your wedding rings.
to discuss styles. (Do this earlier if you’re
- Get any inoculations or visas needed for
- Confirm your order of service with your priest
planning to grow your hair.)
your honeymoon.
or registrar, then have guest booklets printed. If
- Book your make-up artist and trial
- Discuss hen and stag night plans with your
you have a choir, they will need copies too.
appointments
friends.
90.
Planner 9 months left!
8 months left!
7 months left!
- Find a florist and discuss buttonholes,
- If you’re marrying in a church, discuss
- Book transport to your wedding venue and
bouquets and the displays you would like for
readings with the minister or priest and music
on to the reception for you, your parents and
each venue.
with the musicians.
your attendants.
- Confirm your final menu choice and drinks
- If it’s going to be a civil ceremony enquire
- Don’t forget to organise transport to take you
order with your caterer.
about what readings and music are permitted.
off to your first-night hotel or airport.
- Choose and order your bridesmaids’ outfits.
- Order invitations and envelopes, as well as
- Order your wedding cake.
place cards and menus.
- Choose and order favours.
3 months left!
2 months left!
1 month eek!
- Choose a company for your gift list and
- Send out invitations and keep an up-to-date
- Confirm numbers with caterers and do
complete it.
list of acceptances and refusals.
seating plans.
- Book and pre-wedding colour and trim ap-
- Check your fiancé has sorted the rings, his
- Discuss special requests with your band or
pointments so your hair is in top condition.
wedding clothes and your first-night hotel.
DJ.
- Have a make-up trial.
- Try on your whole outfit. Forgotten anything?
- Order holiday currency. Have your final cut
- Book a rehearsal and inform those who will
Get it!
and colour two weeks before the wedding.
need to be there.
- Book any other beauty treatments (nails, take
- Go on your hen and stag nights.
- If you’ll wed in a church, extend a reading.
tan, etc.)
It’s time to party!
Beg, borrow or steal (ok maybe not steal!). Bridesmaids and friends may have already been married and may have anything from a veil or tiara, to something more unusual or unique that you could ask to use on your day. Hire Don’t Buy. It’s possible to hire beautiful pieces to create unique and quirky decorations, for much less money that it would cost if you bought them yourself. Vintage china looks great for a relaxed tea party theme. Search online for the cheapest suppliers. We found tissue paper for our DIY pompoms for a fraction of the price on eBay, and large round white balloons for much less too. Use your friends’ talents. Think about any skills your friends might have, from being creative and crafty, having beautiful handwriting, floristry skills, or handy with make-up; you could put these skills to good use you save on otherwise expensive suppliers. This also adds a unique and personal touch to your day. If your church ceremony is followed by another wedding, discuss with the bride whether it is possible to share flower costs and rental for other props etc. Instead of buying expensive thank you gifts for parents, attendants and so on you could buy some lovely food and wine and host a dinner party to thank them instead. Think about food miles. Ask your caterers to use only local ingredients from local suppliers when creating your menu. You will find that sourcing food locally cuts down on the food miles and ultimately cuts down the cost. Don’t just match the ushers ties, buy them matching socks. It makes for fantastic pictures. Sew a message into the inside of your husband’s jacket. He won’t see it till he’s getting ready, and it’ll be a lovely way to get a message to him before you walk down the aisle. Write on the soles of your husband’s shoes. If you’re having a church service, when he kneels down for the blessing, the congregation will be able to see your message. Don’t forget to remind your ushers to decorate your going-away car. Tin cans and an old boot are traditional, but ribbons and pom poms are the new fashion. You’ll need a Just Married sign too.
Maddiso Ladha 3rd June 2014