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2018/19
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Welcome to the 2018/19 edition of “Your Wedding Day in Lancashire”
I
f you have started planning a wedding, you already know how hard it is to find inspiration and then make the right choices, so we decided to create this magazine to give you a helping hand! We aim to supply you with advice and guidance on making the appropriate decisions for your perfect day. Inside this issue, you will find information on experiences, dresses, venues, florists, jewellers, travel arrangements, catering, entertainment and more. Hopefully you will find this publication useful and it will help you have a smooth and relaxed wedding day.
Contents Preparing for your Dream Wedding... Our guide to help you find your perfect wedding dress
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A fantastic drinks initiative is the answer to a memorable day
19
Options for a great Stag Do
24
The trend of the Mini Moon
28
Hitting your wedding budget
32
How to make a groom look great!
34
New Awards Can Help You Say I Do to Your Dream Venue
38
Good skincare is essential!
40
Unique Wedding Gifts
44
A good Photographer is vital on your wedding day
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Group Editor: Andy Mann 07951 731722 andy@thesamueljamesgroup.com Editor: Phil Ghayour 01772 364152 / 07825 884003 phil@thesamueljamesgroup.com
Published by The Samuel James Group
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Worldly Wedding Traditions - Past and Present 10
Head of Sales: Paul Walmsley 07825 884106 paul@thesamueljamesgroup.com Design: Robert Leach 01772 364150 robert@thesamueljamesgroup.com Group Commercial Director: Sam Whitear 01772 364150 / 07584626769 sam@thesamueljamesgroup.com
This publication is produced by The Samuel James Group Ltd, Unit 6/7 Eastway Business Village, Oliver’s Place, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9WT Reproduction of the contents of this magazine in any form is not permitted, without the permission of the publisher. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors and/or omissions in advertisements, venue information, photographs or illustrations. The opinions and advice in this magazine do not necessarily express the view of the company.
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12
Month Bridal Timeline
Preparing for your Dream Wedding... 9-12
Months Before Set a budget to determine the costs and how you would like the costs split Select a date for the big day Hire your dream Venue Hire a photographer- Many are booked up a long time in advance! Begin wedding dress search Write a guest list to help estimate costs Book a block of hotel rooms for travelling guests Consider a planner if you need one Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen!
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Months before Finalise and order your wedding gown and accessories Find a caterer if your venue doesn’t include one Explore wedding decorators Book entertainment, e.g. Band, singer, magician, bouncy castle Choose bridesmaids attire Create a gift list Plan and book the honeymoon Arrange your transportation Sample menus and wedding cakes
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4-5 Months Before
Finalise your reception guest list, and evening guest list Hire wedding decorators Tell your caterer how many they are catering for Decide on invitation style, proof read, edit, and get ordering Send out invitations to guests Choose ceremony readings Order wedding cake
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Months Arrange hen do and stag do Break in wedding shoes Hire hair and makeup artist Create Seating Plan Whiten teeth (if needed) Get on that healthy eating waggon Create a good skincare regime
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Months Confirm with all vendors and arrival and delivery times Finalise outfit fittings, amend if necessary Hair and makeup practice Order a guest book Attend Hen Party and Stag Do- look after yourself though! Obtain your marriage licence
Last Week
-Prepare for last minute rushes! Delegate tasks to the wedding party Cut and colour your hair Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure Spray Tan if needed Drink lots of water Get lots of sleep Organize gown shoes and accessories Most likely you will have to ensure the groom follows these points too!
HAPPY WEDDING DAY And last of all, enjoy your day, and hopefully everything will run smoothly with all your planning!! Good Luck!!!
We offer: Free cake sessions Free design consultation with complimentry coffee
Beautiful Individual Handcrafted Wedding Cakes designed with you for your special day, created by us, using the finest quality ingredients Tel: E-Mail: Web: Visit:
01995 60490 info@icedgarstang.co.uk www.icedgarstang.co.uk High street, Garstang, PR3 1FA
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Worldly Wedding Traditions – Past and Present 1. England: Don’t run away
When you first think about the English tradition that the groom should not see the bride before the wedding, you assume it’s so he doesn’t see the dress- incorrect! The tradition started a few centuries ago, when arranged marriages were popular, and was to ensure the bride or groom didn’t run away before the wedding if they didn’t like the look of their match. Not so romantic after all!!
2. Germany: Cut the log
The idea of log cutting at a German wedding represents the first obstacle the couple must overcome in the marriage. Showing their teamwork to friends and family at the wedding, the couple each hold an end of a long saw, which has a handle at each end, and work their way through it! Let’s hope the log isn’t too big.
11 3. France: Potty treats
Most weddings in France serve chocolate and champagne after the reception, although unlike most countries, the French serve them out of a new toilet bowl! The aim is to give the couple strength and energy before their wedding night, although I think most of us would rather be tired than eat out of a toilet! 4. Fiji: A whale of a time
Nothing says I love you better than a tooth from a whale, am I right? Tradition in Fiji is for the groom to give the father of the bride a whale’s tooth as payment of the marriage. This tradition sounds quite dangerous and expensive, I wonder how many grooms settle for a crate of beer instead. 5. Jamaica: Please be nice
In Jamaica, before the wedding, the villagers line up in the street to have a look at the bride. After analysis, they are required to shout out positive or negative comments about her appearance! If the majority of the villager’s opinions are negative, then she has to go home and make herself look up to scratch. As if your wedding day isn’t scary or stressful enough! 6. Pakistan: A Cinderella groom
In Pakistan, sisters and cousins of the bride, steal the groom’s shoe, and don’t give it back until a ransom is paid! A different love story to Cinderella.
7. China: Pay the maids
Chinese bridesmaids are expected to give the groom and his friends a hard time, by putting them through challenges and tests to make sure he is right for the bride! At the end, the men are expected to give the girls envelopes of money. Que your girl friends encouraging a wedding in China! 8. Ireland: Feet on the floor
When the couple have their first dance, the Irish bride is expected to keep her feet firmly on the floor, this is to make sure the evil fairies don’t come and sweep her away. 9. Romania: Steal the bride
Wedding guests work together to try and abduct the bride! They then hide her away until a ransom has been paid by the groom, usually a few bottles of alcohol, they make him sing a song in front of all the guests. Entertainment at its finest or not! 10. Scotland: Toughen the bride
In Scotland, in order to make sure the bride can handle everything that life throws at her, they do just that! The guests threw a range of nasty things at her such as curdled milk, dead fish, spoiled food, tar, sauces, mud, flour.
We’ll save the date! The Lucela's family love a wedding! We provide an alternative catering experience for you and your guests by creating Neapolitan wood fired pizza using the finest ingredients and traditional methods. Every wedding is beautifully unique which is why we work closely with the wedding party to create a bespoke menu that captures the style of the special day. We pride ourselves on the experience and atmosphere you and your guests will receive as our Pizzaiolo hand crafts every pizza in front of you before it enters our authentic brick dome oven (arguably the best pizza oven in the world, in our opinion).
our
your d e
family
let
ly fami fe
info@lucelas.co.uk www.lucelas.co.uk 07815138576 F: @LucelasWoodFiredPizza T: @LucelasPizza I: @lucelaswoodfiredpizza
DON'T MISS OUT BOOK NOW FOR 2019 To check our availability and speak with our wedding team please call 01257 269 221 or e-mail weddings@shaw-hill.co.uk T&C's Apply - Package based on 50 guests Preston Road, Whittle-Le-Woods, Chorley PR6 7PP
www.shaw-hill.co.uk
@ShawHill
@Shawhill1
@shawhillresort
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Our guide to help you find your perfect wedding dress!!
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17 ne of the most important and exciting things about planning a wedding, is choosing the bride’s dress! After all, it is supposed to be her big day and everyone always pays attention to the dress.
Here are our main tips to help you find your perfect dress. 1. The most important thing is, to make sure it is appropriate. For example, you’re not going to want to wear a short floaty dress in the middle of winter, or a thick fur number in the middle of summer. 2. Budget- Knowing your budget is very important. Remember a wedding dress doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of high street stores with wonderful, unique dresses which can easily fit in your budget and don’t forget to factor in shoes, underwear, veil, and accessories. 3. Be realistic about size- Most brides aim to drop a few pounds before their wedding, but it’s very unlikely you’re going to grow 3 inches or drop 30 pounds overnight! Make sure your ordered size is realistic.
4. Time for research! Ensure you have enough time to look for your perfect dress. Don’t leave it until a few weeks before! Start by looking in magazines for examples of what you might like, which styles suit your figure and then visit some shops and try some on. Always take someone with you to give feedback and make an enjoyable day out of it! 5. Ensure you are prepared with appropriate heels and underwear! Buy nude or pale underwear and make sure your shoes are a similar heel height to those you will be wearing on the day and take these with you when trying dresses on. 6. Make sure it is comfortable! This is supposed to be the best day of your life, you really don’t want to be spending the day in something that is pinching your sides or is hard to walk around in. It could ruin your day by making you uncomfortable!
A fantastic drinks initiative is the answer to a memorable day
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rying to make your wedding different from the others you have attended is not easy. Being creative with your venue can often be the start of helping to bring your ideas to life.
Every little detail should say something about the happy couple and your choices of food and drink should be no different to this. A drink on arrival for guests doesn’t have to be a glass of fizz, ready poured on a table. Why not think about a quirky Prosecco Van if you are outdoors ? Also, a simple but delicious glass of fizz can be lifted by the addition of fresh fruit, luxury cordials or liqueurs, even a small cloud of candy floss, so think about how you can ‘pimp that fizz’. Alternatively, if the happy couple love a G&T, a Gin bar can be created to reflect artisan gins from where the happy couple are from
or are planning to set up home together. Special gin bottles can even be given as table wedding favours or included into the table plan, as a reminder of the bride and groom. A good mobile Gin and Prosecco bar can provide all these services and we can even create a wedding cocktail, personalised menus and help make your wedding standout and memorable for all the right reasons. For all your innovative drinks related solutions, please contact: Gillian Bartlett Director, Copa Fizz on 07787867262 or visit www.copafizz.co.uk
‘If Prosecco isn’t the answer..... then Gin definitely is!’
Options for a great Stag Do
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ne of the most exciting parts of organising a wedding is most certainly the stag do! There are many inappropriate ideas that pop into mind when organising a stag do, but we have gathered some more sensible ideas for you to consider.
1. Laser quest - Return to your childhood with a stag do laser quest session! 2. Assault course - Obstacles, Tyres, Tunnels, Rope Swings, Water Dippers, Mood Baths, let loose your adventurous side, with the lads on an assault course! 3. Bubblefootball - If you want an activity that will leave you hurting with laughter, bubble football is the activity for you. No skills required! 4. Escape rooms - For those clever ones who thrive under pressure, escape rooms will keep you on your toes! 5. Go-Karting - A real life game of Mario carts? Spins, crashes, racing, go-karting is a great bonding experience. 6. Raft building - For something a little different, raft building is a boat full of laughs, so you can make a big splash on your stag weekend!
7. Thermal Baths - For something a little more relaxing or to finish off the trip, why don’t you take the lads for a pamper session to the thermal baths, and take away all the stress of the wedding! 8. Golf - A great way to get a bit of exercise, relax in the fresh air and a great day out. 9. Beer tasting! There are plenty of companies out there that will happily organised your drunken evening in a brewery. Better still use this as your predrinks before the night out! 10. Lazy river rafting - Another one for those who want to chill, sit in an oversized doughnut raft, with a box of beers and let all the stress drift away!
LUIS CIVIT
IAN STUART
CONDICI
RONALD JOYCE
JOHN CHARLES
You’ll never forget your visit to Flamingo in Penwortham Flamingo is an exclusive Ladies designer clothing boutique situated in Penwortham near Preston. Spread over two luxuriously appointed floors, it’s a unique shopping experience and features the North West’s most extensive collection of Ladies Wedding and Occasion wear from all the leading designers. More Labels, More Choice, More Stock The stylish window displays are just a taste of what’s to come when you visit Flamingo in Penwortham. Stepping into the store to a warm welcome the first thing that meets your eyes is the breath-taking selection of designer outfits on offer. Spread over two luxuriously appointed levels the lower floor houses a collection of stunning outfits from all the leading designer labels to satisfy the most discerning of tastes. The upper floor features the exclusive Mother of the Bride/Groom Occasion wear department, and there is also a bespoke shoe area and spacious fitting rooms creating the perfect, relaxed environment to discover that elusive outfit at your leisure.
Top-to-Toe Service To complement the perfect outfit you can choose from a fabulous collection of matching accessories, hats and fascinators or make an appointment with our talented milliner who will create a unique headpiece just for you. All easily combined with our bespoke Italian shoe and handbag service to add the finishing touch. Making the Right Choice We understand customers require the time and level of attention to make the right choice. Browse the collections at your leisure and our team are always on hand to offer advice to help you achieve the perfect look. With over thirty years of happy customers, it’s perhaps why you should make time to visit Flamingo.
RONALD JOYCE
IRRESISTIBLE
CONDICI
ISPIRATO
LINEA RAFFAELLI
Discover the perfect outfit for that special occasion
THE NORTH WEST’S LARGEST COLLECTION OF LADIES WEDDING AND OCCASION WEAR ISPIRATO
JOHN CHARLES
LINEA RAFFAELLI
IRRESISTIBLE
IAN STUART
Aldo Martins • Betty Barclay • Caroline Biss • Condici • Chiara Boni • Darcie Mae Ella Boo • Fely Campo • Frank Lyman • Gina Bacconi • Ian Stuart • Irresistible Ispirato • John Charles • Joseph Ribkoff • Linea Raffaelli • Lizabella • Luis Civit NYDJ Jeans • Oui • Passioni • Robell • Taifun • Teresa Ripoll • Tia • Tuzzi Veni Infantino by Ronald Joyce and many more. Fabulous hats, fascinators and accessories to complement your outfit. Add the finishing touches with the perfect shoes and bag with our exclusive Italian bespoke shoe service. Tel: 01772 744277 | www.flamingo-fashion.co.uk | 67 Liverpool Road, Penwortham, Preston PR1 9XD
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The trend of the Mini Moon
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ot everyone is set on, or can afford an expensive luxury honeymoon, which has led to a new growing trend, the mini-moon!! Ideal for couples in Lancashire who want to stay close to home but still have their little break away. We have picked some of the best destinations in the UK you might want to consider. The Lake District The Lake District has been voted the UK’s most romantic destination, famous for its stunning lakes, valleys, and fells, there are plenty of lovely hotels and mini-moon deals for you to take your pick!
29 The Peak District Ideal for walking, cycling and wildlife watching, the Peaks have a selection of quaint little towns, beautiful scenery and caves to explore for the more adventurous! A stunning countryside break away. The Cotswolds Declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with stately homes, distinct architecture and gorgeous villages, the Cotswolds is another lovely romantic hideaway.
Edinburgh Edinburgh has the medieval old town and unique Georgian style architecture in the new town, with looming buildings, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. This historical city has a lot to offer those who like exploring! Cornwall Are you a lover of the coast? If so, then Cornwall is for you! Sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, history and heritage, clotted cream and Cornish pasties, just a few words to sum up your possible trip!
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Hitting your wedding budget
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our wedding is supposed to be the best day of your life, but this doesn’t mean its worth getting into debt over! We have collected the most important budgeting tips to help you save a bit of cash on your big day.
1. Be savvy with the date
Saturdays are by far the most popular day of the week to get married, therefore naturally the most expensive. The months from June to September are also expensive months due to the weather usually being warmer. Make sure you enquire about different days and times of the year.
2. Pick up a pre-loved
You can get some lovely rings, dresses or accessories from vintage shops, or you can ask your family, if there is any family heirloom which you could borrow, part of the tradition of “something old, new, borrowed and blue.”
33 This may also carry much more significance than wearing something brand new. 3. Don’t over invite
It’s very easy to get excited and carried away when inviting guests, but this can easily rack up the cost. Stick to close friends and family and invite more people to the evening do. 4. It’s okay to haggle
Believe it or not, most wedding suppliers are open to negotiation. Our culture believes that haggling is rude, but feel free to haggle away! Just make sure you get the prices in writing to avoid any confusion. 5. Consider insurance
Wedding insurance can cover photographers, venues, suppliers etc and is something you may wish to consider to ensure you don’t lose out. Weddings can be expensive and you may wish to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances before the big day. 6. Take advantage of a cancelled
wedding! It might not be the most romantic way to plan your day,
but if you are flexible with dates and looking to save a bit of money, you can save up to 60%, by booking at short notice or a with loads of time. Perfect for a thrifty couple. 7. Choose a buffet over a sit down
dinner Sit down dinners are a sure way to spend a lot of money and if there isn’t much of a choice, some of it might get thrown away anyway! Organise a classy sophisticated style buffet instead, then guests can choose what they like and you can take the leftovers home!
8. Maybe sell your non-
memorable items after the wedding Décor is not likely to be used again and you can probably get half of your money back, as-well as helping another couple out.
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How to make a groom look great!
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edding traditions normally ensure that the groom and his groomsmen wear similar outfits, although this sometimes makes it hard to pick the groom out of the crowd.
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Contrasting cravat/tie - There are loads of different styles, patterns, and colours of Cravats, ensuring you can choose one which is just right for your big day and match your personality. Either a different colour or a different style! The groom could wear a neck tie or bow tie to give some uniqueness to his looks.
The best way to make the groom stand out, will depend on how formal or casual the dress code for your big day is going to be, but whatever the dress code, these are our five ways to make a difference.
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Fancy flower, altered button hole - Ideal for a more formal dress code, boutonniere’s are a tradition at a wedding, a red rose shows passion and love, or a lavender one is inexpensive
Gone are the days of all eyes being on the bride! Here are some ideas to help the groom get his fair share of attention too.
35 and simple. The groom can wear a 4. Wicked waistcoat - A very different type of flower or colour to clear way to ensure everyone the groomsmen. The colour change can notice the groom from could also match the colour of the a distance, great for those bridesmaid dresses. Again perfect who like to make a statement. for a more formal dress code, Alternatively, florescent socks discreet but personal, you could could make him and the match your buttonhole colour groomsmen stand out! and flower to the other wedding 5. Jacket style - The groom flowers. could get himself noticed by 3. Trousers style - Grooms have a wearing a different style, colour wide choice. To have the groom or pattern of jacket that is stand out, choose a slightly different to the groomsman, or different style or pattern. There perhaps a kilt, which is sure to are so many types to choose from be a headturner. which include the type of material.
However, you choose to spruce up the groom’s outfit, remember the best way to accessorize is with a smile!
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New Awards Can Help You Say I Do to Your Dream Venue!
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perfect wedding can be made by a dream venue and the red rose county doesn’t disappoint.
There are an array of wedding accommodations bustling out of every village, town and city that offer unique and picturesque venues to make the best day of your lives magical. To make that tough choice an easy decision, a new awards programme has launched which will shine a light on the best venues in Lancashire giving brides and grooms throughout the region a helping hand on choosing the right place to celebrate saying ‘I Do’. The Lancashire Hospitality Awards will recognise and celebrate the venues that can help your big day sparkle; from the coast to countryside, Lancashire has something to suit intimate ceremonies to lavish celebrations!
Boasting twelve categories with ten finalists chosen for each, all loved up couples will want to keep a keen eye on finalists from the category ‘Wedding Venue of the Year’. The category will explore what makes venues stand out from the crowd, how the on-hands team go that extra mile to make your wedding dreams become a reality and most importantly what other happy couples have experienced when saying yes to forever at that magical country house manor or beautiful hotel. No venue is too small or too big. From quaint, boutique hotels to modern and stylish spa resorts, the Lancashire Hospitality Awards will allow you to have the knowledge and confidence to make a big decision easy, allowing dreams to come true and tying the knot knowing you’ve started your happily ever after in style.
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Good skincare is
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ou said yes, you’ve booked the date and there’s a whole lot of stuff to organise - getting hitched can be a stressful time and stress can show, oh so very easily, in your appearance. Skin breakouts, red blotchy skin and heaven forbid an allergic reaction! The last thing you want on your wedding day
Taking time to relax and investing in a bespoke skincare regime is key to ensuring you look and feel your absolute best on your big day but don’t make any last-minute changes. To look nothing but radiant on your big day, it is advisable to change your routine at least six months before. Cleansing One of the most important steps in skincare is to cleanse. Ditch the facial wipes, it’s a myth these adequately cleanse your face. A good cleanser should remove all visible traces of makeup and should also flush out your pores. A two step routine works best, using a delicate toner, post cleansing, will ensure that anything left behind is swept away without leaving the skin feeling dry, tight and stripped of its natural oils. Moisturising Why is moisturising important? Think of the skin's surface like a paint job on a car. If the paint is cracked, the metal underneath is left unprotected from the elements and quickly oxidizes and rusts. The same concept goes for your skin - once it's dry, brittle, or cracked, you've lost your shield and the skin is more vulnerable to exposure and damage. Hydration is key to younger more youthful skin.
Applying a moisturiser protects and retains vital moisture and will also help improve the elasticity of the skin which reduces naturally as we age. A prescriptive moisturiser will also help to balance any skin concerns such as dry or oily patches. A moisturiser provides a protective barrier to the skins surface so even oily skin needs to be moisturised to be protected. Your solution At Temple Spa, we’ve teamed the best of nature with the best of derma science to bring you a unisex skincare brand that’s packed full of plenty of anti-aging ingredients. If you can’t get to one of our luxury spas, then experiencing a bespoke facial at our skin therapy classes is the best way to try the brand. We also offer personal 1-2-1 consultations, although we love to share the brand with friends and at a class you and up to seven guests can all try the range for free. Book a trio of classes for your wedding party. We’ll start with Skin Therapy, move onto our Spa Experience class and conclude with a Red Carpet class, for those last-minute fixes and finishing touches. Investment in a bespoke cleanse, tone, moisturise routine, that’s prescribed for your skin type, will leave you with fresh, clear, radiant skin. For a more intensive routine we also offer special attention products, including prescriptive serums to help reduce uneven skin tone and firm up the elasticity of the skin, eye gels to smooth out those laughter lines and reduce dark circles, a specially patented neck gel and masks for all skin types. To book your FREE Skin Therapy class, with a FREE facial for you and up to seven guests call now. Quote “Your Wedding Day” to claim your extra free gift whilst stocks last.
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essential!
Join the team Funding the big day can also be a burden… if you’ve an interest in skincare and wellbeing and you’d like to earn a little or a lot extra, then how about becoming a Temple Spa Lifestyle Consultant in your spare time? Full training and support is provided and we are currently expanding our team. To find out more, simply contact Emma, a manager in the North West on 07764 316946
Contact details: Emma Dodgin 07764 316946 www.templespa.com/emmadodgin Email Emma@skinandtonic.life Facebook @ EmmaDodginTempleSpa
A VENUE WITH A DIFFERENCE...
Enjoy exclusive use of the stunning Fence Gate Lodge for all your celebrations. The beautiful Glenmore Suite opens onto a pretty courtyard and lends itself perfectly to weddings. Individually styled accommodation comprising of 24 bedrooms, suites and a self-contained apartment are all appointed to the highest standards and offer spacious and luxurious accommodation for you and your guests. Fence Gate Lodge is truly a unique venue for any celebration.
T: 01282 618101 E: enquiries@fencegatelodge.co.uk
www.fencegate.co.uk
Wheatley Lane Road, Fence, Near Burnley, BB12 9EP /thefencegate
@fencegateinn
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Unique Wedding Gifts
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ost couples these days produce a wedding present list to give guests suggestions of what to buy. This isn’t always the most personal way to choose a gift for the bride and groom, so we have come up with some more creative ideas to help you with your choice!
45 Creative consumables Food and drink consumables haven’t traditionally been known as a wedding gift, which is why is makes it unique! Get together a funky picnic hamper, and fill it full of their favourite snacks and drinks. It can be a be another way for them to celebrate and relax after the big day when they get home. Although make sure you know the couple well enough and what they like, you don’t want to make the mistake of giving a vegetarian couple a selection of cured meats! Honeymoon fund Weddings are expensive… and so are honeymoons! A few months or weeks before the wedding, casually bring up the conversation of the honeymoon to suss out the couple’s plans. If you feel like they could do with a little extra, give them a contribution towards a dinner experience, or a relaxing spa day, wherever they are honeymooning.
Experiences If the couple are of the adventurous sort, a great gift would be an Experience! A lot of couples who are newly-wed might not have the additional money for adventures, so this is a great opportunity to give them something they won’t forget. This could be a go-kart ride, indoor skydiving, or a helicopter trip, for the braver ones, a bungee or parachute tandem jump.
Be charitable Take a leaf out of Harry and Meghan’s book and give a donation to charity. Do some research into what the couple might specifically care about or a charity close to home. This will show how well you know them and listen to what they care about. Alternatively, the couple may have already declared their charity of choice. DIY and get creative If you’re a creative individual, with a personal skill or talent, use this to create something meaningful and unique for the bride and groom! If you have a passion for writing, write them a poem and put it in a picture frame. If you are into photography, you could arrange a couple’s photoshoot, or if you’re a fantastic painter, paint them a picture of the happy couple from the start of their romance. Personalised gifts often mean the most!
A good Photographer is vital on your wedding day
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“C
hoosing the right photographer for your special day is more important now than it was 10 years ago” observed Paul James Kelly. Paul is one of Preston’s most experienced photographers, having covered over 800 weddings since 1985. One of only a handful of photographers who has his own high street premises, since most photographers work from home.
There are many photographers out there at the moment and so many are inexperienced. Anyone can take a snap on an overcast day, but bring sunshine and rain into the mix and it starts to show. If you are considering a photographer, please consider these two questions. Firstly, do they have insurance? If not, walk away. Secondly, do they charge less than £500? If yes, think again. Insurance may not be at the top of your requirements for a photographer, but consider this: Apart from public liability cover, a serious photographer should also have an indemnity policy. If the worst was to happen e.g. cameras malfunctioned and no images were recorded, this policy would pay for a total re-shoot, including venue, guests, the full monte, up to £50,000. It is unlikely to happen, but with some of these
happy snappers only having one camera, then even more reason for you to be cautious! As a professional photographer, you are employed to manage the capturing of the visual aspects of the day. From bridal prep to first dance, people are expecting guidance from you to capture their story. But this does not always occur. I have talked to many venue managers and even wedding car drivers, who have had to instruct an amateur photographer on what to do, since they had not taken charge of the situation. Why do brides book a cheap photographer and are then disappointed with the pictures? Do they not realise that they are cheap for a reason, back in the days of film, a photographer took maybe 48 shots, all of which had to be perfect. That is what stays with me, I know how to take the right picture and the right time, rather than just clicking away and hoping that some of the many digital images will be okay. I am not saying book me, since there are a lot of quality, professional photographers out there, at varying prices that can get the job done for you. Just be careful who you choose. When your dream day is all over, how do you remember it? Your photos are key. Beware!
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69 Station Road, Kirkham, Preston Lancashire, PR4 2HD 01772 515090 www.dreamcatcherbridal.co.uk