Bird's bridal

16 Broomfield Road Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SN Tel: 01245 348749 www.birdsbridal.co.uk

Chelmsford’s Award winning Bridal Shop welcomes every bride and takes pride in offering the very best service in a relaxed atmosphere. When choosing your wedding gown it becomes one of the most enjoyable experiences of your wedding preparations.

We can make this possible with over 20 years of bridal experience. Bird’s Bridal have a reputation for a professional, friendly service that is second-to-none, having won numerous Bridal Retailer Awards.

We stock an extensive range of exquisite bridal gowns from some of the top bridal fashion houses - from chique, tailored classics with fluid, delicate lines to traditional, modern, demure or alluring gowns. Our glamourous and elegant collection of bridal gowns comes with our expert advice.

We also offer a beautiful collection of bridesmaid dresses in an array of colours and stylish designs.

In our bridal boutique you can relax as you browse our sumptuous bridal gowns, whilst being personally assisted by our knowledgeable staff.

We have an extensive range of accessories to complement any gown, including tiaras, veils and shoes.

We believe that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life so our prime concern is that of our service and your satisfaction.

We are members of the Retail Bridalwear Association, assuring you of quality, reliability and service. Only about 130 bridalwear shops in the UK have met the high standards required for the RBA membership.

We also offer the RBA Insurance scheme which covers your bridal gown.

Our opening times are Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5pm 16 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SN Tel: 01245 348749 www.birdsbridal.co.uk

Mango Events The venue dressing specialists

Mango Events specialise in venue dressing and supplying superb decor hire for every event. We offer a personalised friendly service and we believe our passion and attention to detail is what makes us unique.

Chair Covers l Dancefloors l Lighting l Starlit Backdrops l Mirror Table Tops l V.I.P. Carpets l Centrepieces l Sweetie Carts and much more... l

Whether your function be small and intimate or extravagant and grand, we can cater to all sizes and budgets. Some of the functions we specialise in are: Weddings, Parties, Corporate Events, Charity Balls, Bar/Barmitzvahs, Day Hires, Christenings and Anniversaries, Proms, Engagement Parties and Shop Launches.

Call us now to arrange an appointment or to discuss your perfect decor package!

Event Decor Hire

T: 01277 525519 M: 07587 631455 (Victoria) or 07908 552847 (Lauren) E: info@mangoeventsessex.co.uk W: www.mangoeventsessex.co.uk

Mango Events, Unit 8, Little Hyde Farm, Little Hyde Lane, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 0DU

Planning your Special Day The Wedding Timetable

Congratulations! You are engaged. Best wishes for your forthcoming wedding.

You are now about to embark on a great adventure during which there will be times of stress, fear, and utter joy... but never lose sight of the real reason for your celebration.

First Steps The first thing you will plan for your wedding is the budget. Talk between yourselves and your respective parents about the kind of service you would like. You will find that your parents will be of enormous help to you in discussing the budget. On your very special day you will want the best of everything, so plan carefully the style and tone of the day.

When you have decided, visit your Vicar/Priest or Registrar and make arrangements for your marriage ceremony. They will be of great help to you both, and explain everything you will need to know about walking up the aisle and saying ‘I do’. If you wish, a rehearsal can be arranged to set your minds at ease and to assure you that it will all be perfect on your wedding day. Take this opportunity to apply for a marriage licence if necessary.

Now might also be the ideal time to decide on who you will ask to be ‘Chief Bridesmaid’ and ‘Best Man’.

The Wedding Countdown 18-12 Months Once you have decided the date and place of your wedding, it is important to remember the following points.

In descending order your family and friends will generally remember the following: 1. How beautiful the bride looked.

2. How wonderful the ceremony was.

3. The reception.

Think about it. Now is certainly the time to be choosing carefully both your wedding dress and your reception venue.

Other important things to be arranged now are as fo llows:

1. Book the photographer

2. Book the transport

3. Book the toastmaster if

4. Decide on the number

5. Order the invitations

required

of guests and make a list

6. Book the honeymoon an

7. Decide on the bridesm

8. Order the wedding cak

and videographer

d apply for passports

aids and ushers

e

You have now put in place an excellent framework for the build up to your big day. Hopefully, you now have a team of professio nals all working towards making sure it is a day to remember, and for all the right reasons.

6 Months Time for some fun! Lets organise a wedding present list.

(Don’t forget that a lot of stores will now help you with this.) Having already organised your dress you will probably have a colour scheme in mind for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Now is the time to be co-ordinating these as well.

Once the colour scheme is decided it is probably time to start ordering the flowers for bouquets, church, and reception if required.

Other items to arrange now are: 1. Hire of the suits for the bridegroom, best man, fathers and ushers.

2. Initial fitting of the dress.

3. Choosing the wedding rings.

While you’re on the phone, now might be the ideal time to organise appointments with your hairdresser and beauty salon, to make sure you look at your most beautiful on the big day.

Planning your Special Day The Wedding Timetable

3 Months Now is the time to be sending out the wedding invitations. This would also be the ideal time to be escorting the ‘mums’ into town to organise their outfits (Don’t forget the hats!)

Also:1. Choose the hymns and choice of music.

2. Arrange for the ‘Order of Service’ sheets to be printed.

6 Weeks You should now be fairly well organised and in the envious position of sitting back and relaxing for a couple of weeks in the full knowledge that there are a whole host of people out there worrying on your behalf. However, on your one weekend off between now and the big day, it might be an excellent idea to nip out and choose some presents for the bridesmaids, and perhaps some flowers for the mums.

4 Weeks The pace is starting to hot up now. It’s time to see whether everyone else has been as organised as you.

1. Confirm the reception venue booking, and numbers attending.

2. Confirm details with the photographer.

3. Confirm the wedding cars.

4. Confirm details with the florist and give final numbers for buttonholes.

5. Confirm travel and hotel bookings for the honeymoon. N.B. Check passport.

10 to 7 Days If you haven’t organised a rehearsal of the ceremony now might be a good time to meet with the best man, bridesmaids and ushers to finalise arrangements and responsibilities.

1. Practise your make-up.

2. Take the headdress to your hairdresser.

3. Give the ‘Order of Service’ sheets to the vicar.

And, perhaps most importantly of all...

START PACKING FOR THE HONEYMOON.

One Day to Go Try and delegate as much work as possible. Have your beauty treatment, finish off any packing that still remains to be done for the honeymoon, lay out your wedding and going away ensemble, relax and put your feet up.

The Wedding Day

Assuming a 2pm Wedding, the bride’s timetable will run something like this:-

8.00 8.30 9.00 9.30 11.00

Have a shower or relaxing bath Have a good breakfast Polish your nails Hairdressers Best man arrives to collect the luggage/greetings cards/telegrams 11.30 The Bridesmaids/pageboys arrive 12.00 Make-up 12.30 The Bride and Bridesmaids dress 1.00 The photographer arrives 1.30 The first car takes the mother and the bridesmaids to the church. The bridesmaids then wait in the church entrance 1.45 The second car takes the bride and her father to the church 1.58 Wait in church entrance and line bridesmaids up behind you. The verger will greet you 2.00 The Ceremony. GOOD LUCK

Top quality flowers Qualified independent florists

No job too big or too sma ll

We can work to suit most budgets

Precious Moments Florist 01254 463230 / 07880328805 chelaineelliott@hotmail.co.uk

The ideal venue for your Special Occasion

Glades Restaurant has been a family run business for almost 50 years We cater for the more intimate wedding, up to 60 people for the wedding breakfast and 80 people for a finger buffet

Rooms ar available e at discoun ted pric es for you r guests , so why look an y further

We can provide a wealth of experience, reasonable prices and a great location for your wedding

Miami Hotel & Conference Centre Tel: (01245) 269603 Fax: (01245) 259860 E-mail: sales@miamihotel.co.uk Princes Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AJ www.miamihotel.co.uk

Planning your Special Day Wedding Etiquette

Tradition... a weighty word. In terms of wedding expenses, it once dictated that the bride’s family handled all the nuptial expenses. The changing scheme of society has made it possible for some iron-clad traditions to loosen their grip a bit, and that certainly includes wedding costs.

The tradition and conventions of wedding etiquette will not suit everyone but it is important to be aware of them.

This explanation of who does what in the preparations and ceremony aims to enable you to make an informed decision on the best way to run your wedding day.

The Bride The bride traditionally selects the type of service. She oversees all the preparations, which include choosing the date and the church, who her attendants will be, her own dress and accessories, as well as those of the bridemaids. She will choose the flowers, help with the guest list and seating arrangements, and attend to the many small details which will contribute to her perfect day.

The Groom The groom has to arrange transport for himself, the bride and the wedding party, as well as hiring the church and booking the honeymoon. However, this will be done with direction from his future wife. The groom chooses his best man and ushers, of which it is traditional to have three, and is conventionally given responsibility for little else! However, in reality, the bride and groom discuss most aspects of the day as it is, after all, ‘their’ wedding.

At the reception, the groom will reply to the bride’s father’s speech, thanking the bride’s parents and guests, and proposing a toast to the bridesmaids.

The Best Man Traditionally, the best man is responsible for his own dress and that of the groom. He sees that transport to the church for them both is arranged, and also organises the ‘Stag Night’, preferably several days or even weeks in advance, if he is to successfully fulfil his duty of escorting the groom to the church on time.

On the day, the best man has to ensure that the whole day runs smoothly, primarily ensuring safe keeping of the rings. After the ceremony, he is responsible for transportation of all the guests to the reception. The best man will speak at the reception, replying to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids, and will read out a few cards and telegrams from guests unable to attend. His final responsibility of the day is to ensure that the bride and groom leave the reception in good time, and that their transport is arranged.

The Chief Bridesmaid The chief bridesmaid is chosen by the bride to assist her during the preparations. On the day itself, it is her job to make sure that all the other attendants are in their places. She will arrange the bride’s dress and veil when she arrives, ready for her entry into the church. During the service, she holds the bride’s bouquet.

The chief bridesmaid also signs the register, along with the best man. She is then escorted by the best man, and will be on hand all day to assist the bride.

Ushers The ushers greet the guests as they arrive at the church. They will distribute the service sheets and show people to their seats.

If it is raining they will help escort the guests and bridal party from their cars to the church under umbrellas.

The Bride’s Father Much of the bride’s father’s responsibility lies with the financial aspect of the event, as traditionally, he pays the bulk of the costs.

Nowadays, though, it is likely that the bride and groom will meet some of the expenses themselves and also a possibility that the groom’s family will make some contribution.

On the day, the bride will be accompanied to the church by her father, who will escort her up the aisle and give her away during the ceremony. The bride’s father will sit next to the bride on the top table during the wedding breakfast, and will make the first speech, in which he proposes a toast to the bride and groom.

The Bride’s Mother The bride’s mother will help her daughter with the wedding arrangements and may have a major role in the decisions taken, especially if she is contributing financially. She will compile the guest list, in consultation with the groom and his parents. She may organise the sending of invitations, and the display of the wedding gifts.

The bride’s mother will not only stand proudly watching her daughter on this special day, but is there to oversee all the arrangements, as well as to stand in line to greet the guests, along with her husband.

The Groom’s Parents There is no specific traditional role for the groom’s parents, but it is important that they do not feel neglected. Today, it is not unusual for the groom’s parents to make a considerable contribution to organisation and payment. It is only good manners, on the part of the bride, to ask their advice and approval and ensure they are included as much as possible in the preparations.

Dress & Fittings Details The most important decision for any Bride when planning her wedding is made when choosing her dress.

Like every Bride you will want to wear the most beautiful dress you have ever seen. When visiting our shop to try on bridal gowns it is best not to bring too many people with you - the more people you bring the more confusing it can be with everyone’s varying opinions.

Our advice is that you should fall in love with your dress as you did with your husband to be. When you find your dress you will know instinctively it is the one for you.

Fittings are booked in half hourly slots, and are not undertaken on Saturdays, due to high demand of customers on Saturdays (and we would not want your dress to get damaged), so please allow time out of work in your holiday allocation.

Should you wish to try on accessories at the same time as your fitting, let our staff know at the time of booking the fitting so they can book time out with another member of staff to accommodate this for you.

For all fittings you will need to bring with you your shoes and bra that you will be wearing on your wedding day, we cannot alter your gown without these. Your gown will be steam pressed prior to collection and we normally recommend collection one or two days prior to your wedding date, or travel date.

Fitting ........................................................................................................................ Date .......................... Time .......................

Notes ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

“I FINALLY GOT INTO MY DREAM DRESS!” After dropping four dress sizes, Katy McDowell, 27, a bankcashier from Dover had the perfect wedding day

“S

hopping for my wedding dress should have been one of the most exciting days of my life.

When I saw my dream gown in a size 12, I knew it would be a little bit too small for me, but the assistant suggested I try it anyway, just to get an idea if the style suited me. On the hanger it had a beautiful fitted bodice and flared gracefully to the floor.

But on me it looked awful. The gap at the back was a foot wide and when the assistant told me she could order it in a size 20 I was horrified.

After size 12

I’d been a little overweight since my early 20s, when at 5ft 7in tall I weighed about 11st.

But when I met Kyle Before and I moved in with size 20 him, I ballooned thanks to our regular takeaways and snacking on crisps and chocolate.

But all that changed when a work colleague told me about Cambridge Weight Plan. I liked the fact I got my own personal Consultant to support me, and felt really positive when she set me a target loss of four dress sizes.

The first week I ate only Cambridge products. It was hard, but my Consultant really helped and in seven days I’d lost a significant amount of weight. After that, I started walking and jogging too and in August last year two months before my wedding - I’d slimmed to a size 12.

At the wedding dress shop they were stunned. The size 20 hung off me and they had to call in a size 12 from the warehouse. I was elated. On my wedding day I felt so beautiful. And now I’ve maintained my new weight, I have lots more energy, too. I’ve never felt so good!”

How Cambridge Weight Plan works Cambridge Weight Plan is a successful weight loss programme, offering a series of flexible eating programmes ranging from 440kcal to 1,500kcal per day. It includes Cambridge products, which can be used as the sole source of nutrition for weight loss, or combined with conventional food for more gradual weight loss and weight management. You’ll get to choose from a range of tasty soups, ready-made drinks, bars and porridge.

Throughout the process, you’ll also get the support of one-to-one sessions with a Cambridge Consultant, who has experience of losing weight with Cambridge, so is perfectly placed to offer friendly advice and support when you need it.

Millions of people have successfully lost weight with Cambridge, kept it off and changed their lives, just like Katy.

Your Independent Cambridge Consultant

Faye Pye - 07739 371750 DietWithFaye@live.co.uk www.CambridgeWeightPlan.co.uk/FayeP https://www.Facebook.com/CWPFayePye

Baddow Park A Unique Essex Wedding Venue

Situated just outside Great Baddow on the outskirts of Chelmsford, Baddow Park is a stunning country mansion house set within 60 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds.

Baddow Park provides a beautiful backdrop for your wedding and its owner, Annie Gough, ensures that you are offered the opportunity to have the wedding day of your dreams.

This beautiful wedding venue offers total flexibility to ensure that you have exactly the wedding you want.

Offering civil wedding ceremonies, drinks and canapĂŠs receptions, formal or informal wedding breakfasts and evening parties you can choose to celebrate your wedding in style for a day to remember.

With a civil wedding license granted, we can offer either the oak panelled dining room or light and airy conservatory for your wedding ceremony.

Drinks receptions can be held inside the house, with use of the sitting room overlooking the lawns, the conservatory or on the lawns.

Baddow Park, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Essex CM2 7SY T: 01245 473969 www.baddowpark.com

Feel Stunning on Your Wedding Day

The most important day of your life calls for a true specialist to take care of one of the most important aspects of your look: your hair We provide a friendly and professional service for weddings and special occasions, for a no obligation personalised consultation and further details please call (01245) 346348.

Aubergine Wedding Hair 6 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2QD

(01245) 346348

Weddin g Hair in salon or at y our home

Relax ~ Renew ~ Rejuvenate ~ Revitalise ~ Rebalance A Professional & friendly salon that caters for all your beauty needs.

Relax, unwind and let us make you feel beautiful.

s Waxing s Spray Tanning s Teeth Whitening s Semi Permanent Make Up

s Massage s Facials & Skin Care s Manicures & Pedicures s Nail Enhancements

s Eye Treatments s Botox/Fillers/Peels s Gel Polish (GELeration) s Eyelash Extensions

~ Enjoy 15% Off with this advert ~

12 Wells Street | Chelmsford | Essex | CM1 1HZ www.the-beauty-rooms.co.uk Tel: 01245 351708 Text: 07834 740 471

TAILO RED I MAGE UK t 01245 471193 e info@tailoredimageuk.co.uk w www.tailoredimageuk.co.uk 63, Maldon Rd, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex

*Quality hand made bespoke suits* ......................... *Gentlemen’s accessories* ......................... *Gentlemen’s wedding hire* ......................... *Made to measure shirts* ......................... *Made to measure suits* ......................... *Quality ready made suits tailored to fit* ......................... *Lounge and dinner suit hire* ......................... *Suit alterations* .........................

FORMAL HIRE MORNING HIGHLAND & EVENING WEAR

From traditional classics to the very latest contempory looks, we are the leading independent menswear specialist in the area.

Whether you wish to purchase or hire, our carefully trained staff will ensure you receive the best possible personal service and advice for that very special occasion.

Formal Hire is able to cater for every member of your wedding party, each member of the party will be professionally measured.

Morning Suits s Dinner Suits s Casual Suits

Fancy Dress Suits s Shirts s Waistcoats s Cuff Links Patent Shoes s Ties s Cummerbunds & bows

01245 494326

www.formalhirechelmsford.com 12 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2QD

Event co-ordinators

E-mail: enquiries@decadent-days.co.uk Tel: Sonia 07736 330049 Tel: Anita 07740 794571 www.decadent-days.co.uk

07768 078 088 chanon@chanondevaloisphotography.com www.chanondevaloisphotography.com

Useful Telephone Numbers Throughout the build up to your wedding day it is important that you try and maintain contact with a number of important businesses and people whose services or time you are making use of.

Quite a number of these services can be found within the pages of this publication, and they will be delighted to offer you all the help and advice you need.

These people are professional in all that they do, and will help make your day one to remember.

Bird’s Bridal..................................................................................................................................................................... Tel: 01245 348749

Vicar/Registrar ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Hotel ......................................................................................................................................................... Miami Hotel - Tel: 01245 269603

Venue ..................................................................................................................................................... Baddow Park - Tel: 01245 473969

Venue Dressing ................................... Mango Events - Tel: 01277 525519 Mobile: 07587 631455 (Victoria) or 07908 552847 (Lauren) Entertainment ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

Photographer ................................................................................................................. Peter Langman Photography - Tel: 07737963197

Photographer ................................................................................................................................. Chanon de Valois - Tel: 07768 078 088

Hair and Beauty ............................................................................................................... Lee Stafford Hair & Beauty - Tel: 01245 355 222

Jeweller ............................................................................................................................................... Lord of London - Tel: 01277 656280 Mens Formal Hire ..................................................................................................................................... Formal Hire - Tel: 01245 494326

Bespoke Tailor................................................................................................................................ Tailored Image UK - Tel: 01245 471193

Restaurant .................................................................................................................................. Russells Restaurant - Tel: 01245 478484

Wedding Planning ........................................................................... Decadent Days - Tel: Sonia 07736 330049 Tel: Anita 07740 794571

Wedding Flowers ....................................................................... Precious Moments Florist - Tel: 01254 463230 or Mobile: 07880328805

Beauty Salon........................................................................................... The Beauty Rooms - Tel: 01245 351708 or Text: 07834 740 471

Hair Salon ................................................................................................................................................... Aubergine - Tel: 01245 346348

Weight Plan ........................................................................................................................... Cambridge Weight Plan - Tel: 07739 371750

T-Shirt Printing .............................................................................................................................. One Stop Scouting - Tel: 01245 214090

Designed and marketed by Mediadz Ironworks Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2PG Tel: 01229 430883 Email: mediadzadmin@hspmilners.com Website: www.mediadz.com Mediadz is a trading division of James Milner (Barrow) Limited. Registered Office: Ironworks Road Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria LA14 2PG. Registered in England No. 396 653

Unique and bespoke WEDDING

RINGS We are specialist jewellers offering: Engagement and wedding rings Platinum, Gold and Silver items

Bespoke and custom handmade diamond jewellery Watch repairs, Valuation service

Lord of London

74b High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9BS Telephone: 01277 656280

PETER LANGMAN PHOTOGRAPHY www.peterlangmanphotography.com 07737963197

Everyone is a model, the world is a backdrop