Weddings
Hiring a car for your wedding? Rolls-Royces, Bentleys and Daimlers were among the most popular luxury choices of car when getting married, with a black cab, fire engine and even a golf buggy standing out among the quirkier ways people chose to arrive on their big day. While around 70% said they had the exact choice of transport they wanted, a horse and carriage was revealed as the most popular dream choice – perhaps inspired by the royal couple – for those who would have preferred to have had something different. Others said they would have liked to have made a more dramatic arrival,
preferring to arrive by vintage bus, helicopter or even motorboat. Deciding on how to get there – and who will be doing the driving – is a vital part of any wedding checklist. But around 37% did not realise that the quickest and easiest way to view or share driving licence information when hiring a car is by using DVLA’s View and Share driving licence service. With so much to get ticked off ahead of the occasion, this service could help take away a lot of the hassle for whoever is doing the driving – whether they’re hiring a 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, a Ford Capri or the latest Audi R8. Dudley Ashford, Head of Drivers Services at DVLA explains, You can use DVLA’s online service to view your driving record, and to find out the types of vehicles you can drive. You can also check for any penalty points or disqualifications. It’s also the simplest way for the person driving on the big day to share their driving record with a car hire company. The service can be found here at www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
Choosing stunning wedding flowers Finding a florist that is highly experienced in handling wedding flowers and bouquets is vital if you want your flower arrangements to be memorable.
The Shire Hall Woodbridge
Located in the heart of Woodbridge and surrounded by traditional inns and restaurants the magnificent 16th Century Shire Hall provides the perfect setting for a Civil Ceremony. Make your grand entrance via the steps into the airy Council Chamber which can hold up to 60 people. Step free access for those with limited mobility can be organised whilst public Wi-Fi and a stereo system are available for those who require it.
For further information please contact us on
01394 383599
Email the Town Clerk on townclerk@woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk or visit our website, www.woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk. The Shire Hall is open to the public between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday should you wish to view the Council Chamber. It is advisable to telephone and make an appointment prior to making a visit.
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When the flowers are carefully selected, they will showcase the event, the dresses and the location. That's why it's so important to deal with a florist that not only knows what they are doing but also offers you a wealth of knowledge and experience. Today's bride has a massive range of choices when it comes to wedding flowers. With more and more people using the Internet to order products and services like wedding flowers it allows for more choices of flowers to be available to all year round. When it comes to wedding flowers every detail is important. Matching the colours of your wedding theme or fabrics to your wedding flowers and wedding bouquets is always a great place to start. Matching colours of flowers with bridesmaids dresses, the theme of the wedding and the type of arrangements you want will be made easier if you have samples handy when talking to a florist. Too take the stress out of organising your wedding flowers make sure you give yourself plenty of lead in time and give the florists plenty of time to order and prepare your flowers. As a good rule of thumb, the bigger the wedding the more lead-in time is required. The best Florists are those that have years of experience in designing and arranging Wedding Flowers. They'll be able to show you many examples of the amazing work they have done. Most of all they will be able to create stunning wedding flowers that people will talk about and remember for ages. So, how much should you budget for wedding flowers? Let's say that an average spend for wedding flowers would be up to 10% of the overall wedding budget. A good florist is able to help you choose the perfect arrangements no matter what your budget is. If you want your special day to be one that you will remember and talk about for years to come then make sure that you take the time to find a specialist wedding florist who has years of experience in making weddings a memorable and joyful occasion. Michael Atma
Choosing a dress for your body shape Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most important steps of your big day - discover what works with your shape best. Like any bride-to-be, it's easy to fall in the trap of having to find the perfect dress for your wedding day. Does such a thing exist? Yes, but it's wise to remember that you'll go through piles and piles of dresses to find the right one. The pressure of choosing a wedding dress is a common scenario that plays out in many bridal boutiques, and you're not alone. Choosing the appropriate dress for your body shape is important. And, if that dress is your wedding gown, there's added incentive to find the right one. Few dresses are ideal for everyone - and there are obviously assets you would like to emphasise and others you'd prefer to downplay. Usually, the sales staff at most bridal boutiques or shops will be able to offer an accurate analysis of the dresses you've selected, though you can also have your gown altered to make sure it 'hugs' you in the right places. While no body is alike, the following guidelines on choosing a wedding dress are designed to help you stick to the right style when browsing through the racks, online, or even having a dress specially made for you.
Rectangular: Finding a dress for your wedding day is all about knowing your body shape. The idea here is to look for gowns that create curves even if you don't have them. Elegant sheath dresses cut on the bias or bust-enhancing necklines create curves where none exist. A cinched waist dress on your wedding day, one with slightly puffier skirts, will similarly capitalise on your small waist and create volume.
Slim: A mermaid or trumpet dress for your wedding day is perfect for the slimmer bride with smaller hips, though this style can favour anyone on the slender side. A dress with a ruched bodice will create the appearance of a larger bust line, and, again, add curves where needed. Modified A-line gowns with slightly higher waistlines will make you appear taller as well. Oval: Oval-shaped and plus-sized brides benefit from the classic lines of empire dresses; whether simple or jazzed up with some embellishments, this dress (a wedding day classic) hides numerous figure flaws and enhances the bust line. When choosing a wedding dress in the empire style, remember that it should be somewhat fitted, since a gown that's too loose can become billowy.
Show Off Your Wedding Day Style
As a last note, an A-line dress on your wedding day is more often than not universally flattering. Tall brides should keep the lines, detailing, and fabric simple, though smaller brides can pull off fabrics with high sheen; however, they, too, should avoid decked-out gowns, opting instead for nice touches at the neckline or the bust line to draw the eye up. Choosing a wedding dress in this style hides a lot of flaws, but still offers that big skirt appeal from your girlhood days in a stylish way. Sheath gowns, too, offer the same benefits as A-line gowns, meaning they camouflage many of the flaws you're looking to hide. In this case, however, differentiating between constructed (more curvy brides) and loose sheaths (slender brides) makes the difference when choosing a wedding dress. Cherie Johnson
The Right Dress for Your Wedding Day
If you're like most women, you've been dreaming about your wedding day since you were a little girl, imagining a beautiful, fluffy white ball gown. Choosing your wedding dress may not be so simple. Today's bride has a plethora of gown options available to her, including A-line, sheath, mermaid, empire, and ball gown silhouettes. Though fitting sessions are the only way to tell what works best for you, the following body shape tips are meant to help you sort through the pile.
Hourglass: This shape is, by far and large, considered the ideal of feminine beauty. Ball gowns are perfect for those with smaller waistlines, while form-fitting gowns work just as well and cleverly show off your curves. Choosing a wedding dress like a dropped waist wedding gown, an updated look from the 1920s that's becoming very popular, works well for those with longer torsos and some height to them. Hourglass-shaped women are usually on the bustier side, so you'll want to avoid the harsh straight lines of some strapless gowns; instead, opt for sweetheart necklines or something with a little twist.
A family run business based in the beautiful market town of Woodbridge, we are retailers of quality Sterling Silver, precious and semi precious Jewellery. gemstone Jeweller 53A The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AH Telephone: 01394 382114 Email: Silversunjewellery@gmail.com Open: Monday - Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm Sundays – Please phone in advance
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How to Enjoy Your Wedding Reception Your wedding reception will most likely be a whirlwind event that is over before you know it. It will be filled with friends and family as well as food and dancing. Yes, this is a party to celebrate the ceremony that preceded and it is a time to celebrate you and your new spouse as a couple.
Making sure you enjoy the reception is critical. Believe it or not, things can get overwhelming and chaotic if you don't plan ahead and know going into your reception what you need to do in order to ensure that you enjoy it. 1. Visit Each Table. If you don't have a receiving line then you and your spouse must have a plan to visit each table. Typically the easiest time to do this is right after people are done eating. This will give you the opportunity to thank everyone for coming and make sure that you spoke with everyone. Take your photographer around with you so that he can get shots of you with your various guests. There will come a day when you forget who attended your wedding and photos are a great way to keep those memories alive. 2. Family Pictures. Be sure to get pictures at the reception of all your family members. Sometimes relatives will get lost in the crowd and your photographer may not know who is related to you. This is especially critical if you have family members who won't be out on the dance floor. Photographers tend to drift towards where the action is in order to capture the candid moments of your reception. If you have family who aren't likely to be in the midst of the action, be sure to let you photographer know ahead of time.
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3. Take a quiet moment. There is a ton of action and traditional events that occur at wedding receptions. From the bouquet toss to the first dance, the reception will be filled with activity. Be sure and take a few quiet moments with your new spouse to remember that you are now married and that the party is for the wonderful life you are beginning. Don't let the reception go by and then remember that you haven't even had a moment of piece just to gaze into each others eyes.
4. Eat! Eat! Eat! This maybe one of the most critical items on this list. It is so important that you eat at your reception. Yes, you may have a lot of people to say hello to and yes, you may feel that you need to get the party started by being out on the dance floor, but none of that will be truly enjoyed unless you have a full stomach and a clear head. The stress of the day and the cocktails of the night will catch up to you quickly if you don't take the time to eat. And let's face it, you have paid good money for the food, so be sure and partake.
5. Gift and Flower Plan. It is really important to have a gift and flower plan prior to the day of your wedding and reception. Have a designated person or persons who will be responsible for getting all your gifts either back to your house or to wherever you plan to open them. The flowers also need to be assigned to someone. These make great decorations for the morning after brunch or select a place that takes flower donations. Don't leave this decision until the last few minutes of the reception and end the night by scrambling to find someone who has a vehicle large enough, knows where to go and is willing, possibly late at night, to deliver these items for you. K. Marsillo
Tips on avoiding wedding day regrets Half of married Brits would love to 'remake' their wedding and walk down the aisle again if they had the chance - but not all want to relive the joys of their 'big day', a study has found.
Of those who want to give their wedding day a re-run, 46 per cent simply want to do things differently but one in five went as far as to say they have regrets about how things went the first time around. One in seven feel their current financial position means they would be able to have a better crack at their dream wedding now than their actual nuptial ceremony. A confident 18 per cent think they would be a more striking bride or groom now than they were when they originally strode down the aisle. And an honest 16 per cent admitted if they were to do it all over again, they would be meeting someone else at the altar instead of their original partner. The study, commissioned by Mercure, found the venue is the most common aspect of the wedding married Brits would like to change, while 12 per cent would wear a different wedding dress down the aisle. Another one in eight want to do it all over again so their new friends can celebrate with them. Charlotte Hill, wedding planner at Mercure said, “Regardless of time, finances and good will, the pressure and complexity of having the perfect wedding can mean our big day doesn’t go exactly how we’d like. “Be it that they didn’t have a big budget or family dramas got in the way, it’s unsurprising that nearly half of married Brits would like the opportunity to re-do the event knowing what they know now.'' The study also found despite these minor regrets, one in 10 find memories of ‘the best day of their lives’ popping into their heads every few weeks. If they were offered a chance to give their wedding day another go, a quarter would take the celebrations abroad.
Wedding Singer
Alex Jenner is a local vocalist who has been singing professionally for over 10 years. She truly believes that one of the most important components of a wedding is the music - to have a performance that means something special to the couple, that the guests also relate to, can create a life-long memory of your special day. Alex has performed music of many different genres - she can take on a classical piece, a worship song, something more popular which may be a favourite song of the couple, or even just provide support with the hymns.
Some of Alex's favourite pieces to perform are listed below but she has a downloadable repertoire list on her website. Franz Schubert - Ave Maria
J.S Bach - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
John Rutter - For the Beauty of the Earth Roger Quilter - Love's Philsophy Elton John - Your Song
Roberta Flack - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Emily Hackett - Take My Hand John Legend - All of Me
Each and every service is fully personalised. Alex is at home in a large venue or equally a more intimate setting and can sing a cappella or supply piano/organ accompaniment.
She is also available to perform at your afternoon reception, either solo or as part of a group, and can also provide options for evening entertainment (pop/soul/disco) to help you get the party started!
One in five would choose one of their favourite locations in the UK, and 12 per cent would find a hotel to host them. But a third feel they were too young when they got married and were too easily influenced by others about how their wedding day should go. And over half said they would want to be in complete control of proceedings if they were given a second chance at their wedding day. Despite this, 53 per cent enjoyed planning their wedding day, and 46 per cent claimed they didn’t find the experience stressful. It also emerged one in seven of the married Brits polled in the survey, conducted by OnePoll.com, plan to renew their wedding vows in the future. Of these, 59 per cent want to hold the ceremony to celebrate the life they have had together, and 47 per cent think it will remind them why they married their partner in the first place.
Top 10 Things most Brits would change about their Big Day 1. The wedding venue 2. I'd invite all my current friends, as I wish they had been there to celebrate my nuptials 3. The style of the wedding dress 4. I'd keep things simple and classy 5. Try to stress less about how perfect everything had to be 6. The bridesmaid or best man 7. The bride's hairstyle 8. I'd ignore advice from the mother-in-law / my mum 9. I'd hire someone to do my hair and make up 10. Ask for money rather than gifts
Charlotte Hill, Wedding Planner at Mercure shares her top tips to avoid wedding regrets: 1. When choosing suppliers, try and select them on the rapport you build with them from the beginning and not purely on cost – you want your day to be in the hands of someone that you trust. Your wedding coordinator will be your shoulder to cry on, your cheerleader and wedding advisor so it is really important that you gel with them and not just love the venue. 2. Work out what kind of celebration you are after from the get go -, are you after an intimate affair, grand proceedings or just an amazing party? Revert back to this when things become overwhelming with choice and risk blowing the budget or adding to your stress levels 3. Create two lists, a wish list and realistic list of how you would like your day to be, suppliers involved, budget and guest list. From these lists you can quickly determine what is a must and prioritise from there 4. Save, save, save! If you do not have the luxury budget (who does!) prioritise the elements of your day that you know you will look back on and regret not having there 5. Don’t let outside influences change your vision for risk of upsetting them, it’s your day and you can do it your way
Alex Jenner - Soprano Vocalist Available for wedding services Classical/popular repertoire, or your choice of music.
Fully customised service, with or without accompaniment.
Alex covers Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex. • Please visit her website, www.alexjenner.co.uk, to listen to samples or contact her on 07816 143 231.
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The Perfect Tina Hayward –What to do, Independent Civil Celebrant
—
Weddings, Civil Partnerships & Vow Renewal Ceremonies
— Helping you create a service that will celebrate your
marriage/civil partnership at a venue of your choice. It can be equal to a Wedding Ceremony, with bridesmaids and pageboys, Vows and Promises, Exchange of Rings, Declaration of Marriage and Signing a Certificate, or it can be a very simple but meaningful ceremony. For further information or to just have a chat with me – please contact me by phone or email.
01728 747281 or 07807 181602 tina@tinahaywardcelebrant.co.uk www.tinahaywardcelebrant.co.uk
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HE secret to the perfect wedding is planning and the earlier you start, the more smoothly your special day will run, enabling you to create that magical a romantic wedding day that you and your partner can enjoy and that your guests will talk about for years to come – And, for the right reasons!
With so much to do, planning your perfect wedding day can be daunting so we have put together a comprehensive list of everything you should be thinking about and when best to do them to help you plan your special day and to make the run up to your Wedding a stress free, fun affair! Things to do now Tell friends and family that you are engaged
Set a budget and decide who will be paying for what Open a separate bank account for your Wedding Organise your Wedding insurance
Choose your best man, bridesmaids and ushers
6 – 12 months before Set the date for your Wedding Day
Decide how many guests you are going to invite
Decide what type of wedding you would like to have
Professional Dry Cleaners
Visit possible wedding venues, both for your wedding ceremony and your reception
Specialists in the cleaning of Wedding Dresses and Evening Wear
Repairs & Alterations Curtains, Duvets & Soft Furnishings Leather & Suede Hand Finish Service Shirt Service • Laundry Service Heirlooming & Preservation Service
01473 279804
Buy you veil and tiara etc
Choose your Bridesmaid’s outfits Book wedding transport
Hire a wedding photographer Talk to your florist
Book your hairdresser
Order wedding stationery
Plan your honeymoon and (if required) book time off work Book band, disco etc for reception
4 – 6 months before If you have opted for a church wedding – give notice of the marriage to the Superintendent Registrar Choose Groom and Best Man’s outfits Buy wedding shoes
Buy your Wedding rings
Order your Wedding cake
Buy Wedding Day lingerie Organise dress fittings
Write your Wedding present gift list
Reserve any rental equipment – such as marquee etc Bridal Chest
115 Felixstowe Road, Ipswich Suffolk IP3 8EA vi
Choose your wedding dress
Choose Wedding favours Book first night hotel
Reserve accommodation if required for wedding party and any guests
ct Wedding do, and when! 2 – 4 months before Send out your invitations Buy going away outfit
Buy a guest book
Get your order of service printed Arrange stag and hen dos
Schedule wedding rehearsal
Chase up unanswered invitations and draw up a final list
on booking to receive a Free Bottle of Bubbly on your top table
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Buy marriage licence
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Confirm numbers with venues Draw up table seating plans
Groom, Best man and Father of the Bride to write their speeches Finalise transport
Buy gifts for Wedding party
Send your list of requirements to you photographer Have stag and hen parties
1 week before Wear in Wedding shoes
Have your final hair and make-up practice
Buy any last minute items and pack for your honeymoon Arrange for your cake to be delivered to your venue Have your Rehearsal with your Wedding party
Arrange to make any outstanding payments required in advance
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Think about what vows and reading you would like to have
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Finalise honeymoon plans, check passports and travel insurance, also arrange for any vaccinations and visas if required
To Have
& To Hold
With you every step of the way The Venue Unique venue set in 120 acres of Suffolk woodland.
Flexible Menu Options Modern, traditional and bespoke menu choices available.
Civil Ceremonies We are licenced to conduct Civil Ceremonies.
On-site Accommodation 19 luxury lodges, some with private hot tubs all in walking distance of the celebration.
The Champion Suite Flexibility to accommodate both large numbers 180 seated and 350 for evening reception as well as intimate gatherings.
Car Parking Car parking space for up to 200 cars, suitable for coaches too.
1 day before Drop off decorations, table plan, place cards, favours and guest book at your venue Take out cash for any cash payments to be made on the day
Lay out your Wedding out fit and accessories etc and have a last check that you have everything ready for the morning Pack an emergency kit – plasters, mints, safety pins, painkillers, make up, mini hair spray, needle and thread and deodorant
On the day Make sure you eat breakfast! Enjoy your day!
After your Wedding Return any hired clothing
Send Wedding cake to anyone that could not make your Wedding Write thank you letters
Order your photographs
Get you Wedding dress cleaned
And… Most importantly, enjoy married life!
Call us 01986 784347 | Email events@highlodge.co.uk Visit us www.highlodge.co.uk vii
KWMCC - A unique Suffolk wedding venue Set in twelve acres of land in a peaceful, attractive and easily accessible location, close to the local church in Kesgrave. KWMCC boasts a unique wedding venue, offering couples complete flexibility and a choice of individual rooms to suit all budgets. Ropes Hall is the most popular room for weddings, with its stunning floor to ceiling windows looking out onto the beautiful garden area. The garden is perfect for guests to gather throughout your celebration or for entertaining the children with activities, whilst the venues conservatory which also has access to the attractive garden, makes a wonderful setting for your arrival drinks reception.
Female guest’s Nightmare
One in four women have arrived at a wedding only to be left mortified after spotting somebody else wearing EXACTLY the same outfit, a study has found. Researchers found every female wedding guest’s worst nightmare actually occurs far more frequently than you may think. According to the study one in five unfortunate women have been left feeling ‘embarrassed’ after coming face-to-face with their fashion doppelganger. It also emerged one in three have been left worrying that the outfit looks better on the other woman than it does on them. Only one in four were able to swallow their pride and console themselves with the thought that the other guest ALSO has a great taste in clothing.
Whether you are looking for a reception venue, the perfect location for a celebrant ceremony or seeking to combine the two, at KWMCC they understand the importance of your wedding day. Your wedding, your way: - Choice of function rooms and flexibility to suit all budgets or exclusive use of the venue - Option of using your own caterers and preferred suppliers - Celebrant Ceremonies welcomed - Fully licensed bar, selling a range of reasonably priced drinks, wine and special drinks can be pre-ordered for your wedding breakfast/reception or arrival drinks. - Attractive enclosed garden area and band stand, perfect for those special wedding photos and suitable for marquees and outdoors catering. - Up to date audio & visual equipment - Indoor stage, suitable for disco or band (Ropes Hall Only) - Fully disabled facilities
accessible, including parking and toilet
- Two large free car parks - Easily accessible by public transport - Access to KWMCC recommended suppliers - An experienced coordinator available to offer advice and ensure your day runs smoothly. Kesgrave Community and Conference Centre can be found at Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave. For more information about this great venue and the facilities on offer please call 01473 612648 or visit www.kwmcc.co.uk
Weddings at The Centre The Venue for all Occasions and Events
THE BENEFITS OF CHOOSING THE CENTRE Choice of function rooms Easy to get to and free parking Licensed bar and flexible catering options Friendly professional staff Attractive, peaceful location
Despite more than half of us splurging on new wedding attire to celebrate the occasion, the research, commissioned by labels-for-less retailed TK Maxx, also revealed just under one in 10 wouldn’t wear the outfit again once they have been involved in a style clash. TK Maxx has worked in partnership with loved stylist Gok Wan to advise on the best way to shop your own style and avoid ‘outfit clash’ happening. Gok Wan said, "Shopping for weddings can be really stressful, and not just for the bride! “Think about it, being on show in front or your closest friends and family members, not wanting to overdo it, under do it, or be unprepared for any eventuality, can send even the most seasoned shopper into a complete spin.” It’s not just wedding where Brits see themselves mirroring others’ outfit choices either, with more than a third experiencing a clash at an event, at work or with a stranger on the street. As a result, 16 per cent of adults advised to steer clear of high street stores to avoid matching outfits with someone else. And one in five suggested shopping somewhere which focuses on unique styles over fashion trends. Gok Wan added, “What I advise is choice. Make you sure you have enough brands and styles to pick from to ensure your style decision is the right one. “Also, with our lives getting so much busier you can now find the perfect outfit online from the comfort of your sofa, or at your office desk (obviously in your lunch break!).” Gok’s Top Tips on how to avoid ‘Outfit Clash’ and stand out from the crowd this wedding season: - Personalise your outfits - accessories make the outfit as much as the clothes themselves, I am a huge fan of an accessory to make an outfit pop
For more information 01473 612648 or visit www.kwmcc.co.uk
Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave, Suffolk IP5 1JF
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- Know what works for you – be as inventive and individual as possible, you have to dress for your style, don’t hide from it - Set a budget and stick to it. More often than not, the more expensive an outfit, the less wearable it can be, I know from experience!
Happy Ever Ufford… Just the beginning The hard part is over – he or she has said yes! So now it’s time for the hard work to kick in and the preparation begin.
Did you know the very first thing a couple look to book once newly engaged is their chosen wedding venue? It’s a fact, and with so many venues now available to choose from, this decision has been made harder. Securing your dream venue can determine so much to the rest of your wedding day, from how many people you can invite, to the style and location setting for
photographs, so it’s no wonder it is the main priority for most couples. At Ufford Park Woodbridge, they believe that there is something on offer for everyone. Now I know what you are thinking, ‘of course they would say that’, however, there are not many venues that include views across 120 acres of historic Suffolk parkland and also have their own hairdressers and beauty therapists onsite to help with your pre-wedding preparation. Ufford Park are able to cater for all budgets for a wedding of just 12 people up to 190 for a wedding
breakfast, with further guests able to be invited to the evening reception. They hold a license to hold civil ceremonies in all of their function rooms. With an onsite award-winning 18-hole golf course and Thermal Suite Spa, Ufford Park is also the perfect place to hold your hen and stag do’s. Hens can enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival whilst a dedicated therapist explains the facilities and treatments they have available – you can even book out the Thermal Suite Spa for exclusive use for your family and friends (minimum of 18 guests). Stags are able to start their day with a bacon bap followed by a warm-up in Suffolk’s only two-tier floodlit driving range, then onto Ufford Park’s awardwinning 18-hole, par 71 golf course. Or, why not stay over in our 90-bedroom hotel and do both of these activities with your family, the day after your big day!
Ufford Park Wedding tips:
- Write lists, lists and more lists; it’s never a bad thing to write things down. - Make sure you both agree on all details, even if it means you have to compromise - When you send out your wedding invites, ask your guests to tell you their two favourite songs to be played on the night, it’s a good way to get people on the dancefloor. - Take time off from the wedding plans and spend time together. - Eat something in the morning, it’s a long day. - Get up and dance, let your hair down. You’ve been 2019 08 Ipswich24 Weddings.qxp_135mm h x and 93mm 07/08/2019 16:16 Page 1 planning this day for ages noww is the time to enjoy all the hard work!
After the Vows:
A Wedding Reception Checklist and Information A wedding reception checklist is an ideal organising tool to ensure everything gets done before your ceremony. With a wedding reception checklist, you can check off everything from wedding reception table decorations to the wedding reception rentals as you accomplish them.
Happy Ever
Ufford
While a wedding reception schedule does not need to be strictly planned out, having an order of events that flows smoothly will keep your guests sticking around. Besides the time for open dancing, the only break in activities should be between the toast and the cake-cutting, to allow time for eating. After the meal, your wedding reception schedule should move along quickly so the people who have attended your reception can enjoy all of the festivities, including: the cake cutting ceremony, the garter removal, and everything else that is typical of a wedding reception. With your wedding reception checklist, you can organise your wedding reception and equipment. First and foremost, the reception hall is the most important of decision - unless you have made other venue arrangements. Wherever you decide to hold your reception, tables and chairs might be another concern on your list of wedding reception essentials. If you are looking for a more sophisticated touch, you can also get linens and seat covers for added accents and styles. Other wedding reception items include a variety of decorations, such as: a decorative arch, a stage and a backdrop behind the head table. In some cases, you may want to hire table decorations for the reception tables. Since your wedding reception table decorations will be a focal point for the guests at each table, you'll want to have an impressive conversation piece to get people talking. Creative and unique centerpieces can be an expensive addition to your wedding budget, so hiring can be an affordable way to give your reception an added appearance that you spared no expense -- even though you may, in fact, be saving money. Receptions can be fun and exciting, but they can also be a lot of work for the soonto-be-married couple. To help you get organised, a wedding reception checklist can help you feel less overwhelmed by the tasks involved. From discos to table decorations, a wedding reception checklist is a vital tool when planning your reception. With the popularity of wedding websites and wedding planning books, you can find help to accomplish all your important tasks.
With spectacular views over 120 acres of historic parkland, and warm, friendly service, we are perfect for intimate or larger weddings. Located just off the A12 and offering 90 en-suite bedrooms, we are perfect for those family members travelling from afar. Contact our Wedding Team to find out more information. t 01394 383555 ext.302 w www.uffordpark.co.uk Yarmouth Road | Woodbridge | Suffolk | IP12 1QW ix
Picking the best location for your wedding day Your wedding day will likely express the personalities of the wedding couple with every detail taken as a small expression of what makes that couple who they are.
This is also true for the venue that you choose as this is the place where you set the overall tone for your wedding and possibly also have your photos taken. Before committing to a venue read my brief guide of things to consider before cementing a deal. The location of a wedding can make a real difference to your day. A romantic castle, a traditional church, or even on top of Tower Bridge – each venue creates a completely different atmosphere. Before you decide where you’re going to get married, you will need to think of the legal implications: not all venues are licensed to hold a marriage ceremony. In England, Wales and Scotland, marriages and civil partnerships can take place at: a register office; a building that has been approved for civil marriage, such as a stately home or hotel; or a church or any other registered religious building. Unfortunately, you can’t get married outdoors or in temporary structures like marquees. If you would like to find your local register office to have a non-religious ceremony, you can contact your local borough General Register Office. If you’d like to marry in a religious building, however, you will need to speak with the person who would
officiate over your marriage there. They may have certain requirements about how often you worship, or where you live. Perhaps a traditional church or country house is not what you’re looking for. If you would like to have a wedding or civil partnership ceremony in a more unusual location, there are plenty to choose from. The Natural History Museum will open its historic doors for your ceremony to take place under their vaulted ceilings and intricate arches. You’ll even have your dinner in the company of an impressive blue whale skeleton! If you want to take your guests up to dizzy heights, then perhaps London’s Tower Bridge would be a venue to look at. You can enjoy stunning views over London as you say your vows in the Bridge Master’s dining room and then enjoy a glass of champagne forty five meters above the Thames on the bridge’s walkway or in the Victorian Engine Room. After you have taken so much time to find a special venue, you will want to make sure you are financially protected against anything going wrong. In the worst case scenario, your venue might not be able to hold the event because of closure, damage, or any other unforeseen event. Wedding insurance also makes a difference, as it will protect you financially if the venue cannot hold the event. Your insurance policy will usually pay up to the amount stated in your schedule of cover in case your wedding needs to be delayed or cancelled as a result of problems with the venue. Bad weather is also accounted for, as your wedding insurance will usually cover costs incurred if your guests can’t reach the venue due to adverse weather conditions. Josie Anderson
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Do modern men care MORE about weddings than their partners? According to new research, the old cliche of men taking a backseat throughout the wedding process is no longer applicable in modern times.
Two in three married men say they were just as or even more excited than their spouse about their wedding day. Not only that, another two thirds of married men say they’ve been dreaming about their wedding day since they were a kid. The new study of 1,000 married men set to erase the stereotype that men don’t care about weddings and found that weddings mean more to men than previously thought. The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Men’s Wearhouse, also revealed the average married man spent 29 hours planning their wedding. And, it wasn’t just in picking out a tuxedo - 58 percent said they had a hand in figuring out the budget for the wedding, with 32 percent saying they took the lead in that arena. x
Six in ten said they had a hand in who was invited to the event, with 27 percent saying they were the chief planner in that regard. Over 40 percent of married men also said they helped in reserving a venue, hiring the photographer, hiring the caterers, and booking the entertainment. That’s not all - over half (53 percent) say they helped out with invitations, and 41 percent even helped out making up the seating chart for the reception. But the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry, and it’s no different when it comes to weddings. According to the results, the average married man had five major “panic moments” during the planning process. Picking out a wedding suit or tux was a big deal for a lot of men, as it should be, with 41 percent saying it was their decision alone what to wear on their big day. And it can be an emotional moment, it turns out. Over six in ten (62 percent) say that getting married didn’t actually feel “real” until the moment they put on their wedding tux or suit for the first time. Interestingly,
over half of men (51 percent) say they’ve actually worn their wedding tux or suit to events after their wedding. Interestingly, while a lot of men had a lot to do with the planning of their wedding, there were many who say they felt held back. Over half (53 percent) said they wished they could’ve had a bigger part in planning their wedding, and 38 percent said they regret that their spouse did not let them do some of the things they wanted to at their wedding. The survey also went on to ask men what their dream wedding might consist of and found some rather amusing items. Some are pretty reasonable – some respondents said their dream wedding would include draft beer or having all family be present. On the other hand, some respondents said their dream wedding would include fireworks, expensive/classic cars, or consist of walking down the aisle to the “Imperial March” from Star Wars.
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Where next for weddings? Could Pinterest and DIY weddings eventually replace the humble wedding show? Melissa Neisler Dickinson the Event Manager of The Suffolk Wedding Show gives her point of view,“Since the early days of my very first shows back in 2006, wedding trends have changed considerably. Many couples are now looking for a more rustic and relaxed approach to their wedding day, they browse the web for inspiration and often plan their colours and theme of the day with the likes of Pinterest, YouTube and Facebook. “Couples also like to add meaningful special touches to their day; this often involves them personally making
items or encouraging relatives to lend a hand. This can work well in a lot of cases, saving a substantial amount of money on the services offered by professional wedding suppliers. However, during my time as a wedding planner I have seen this ‘DIY approach’ often leaving the couple feeling deflated and regretting they did not enlist a professional for certain aspects of their day. Therefore, I always believe there will be a place for quality wedding shows if they keep on trend, offer a big sprinkle of inspiration and the attending suppliers offer quality products and services at a reasonable price”
The Next Suffolk Wedding Show at Wherstead Park is on Sunday 6th of October from 10.30am until 3pm, and, will meet all the criteria of a successful show. Suffolk Marquees will be displaying their new Rustic Tipi’s and Jamie Lee Smith Catering will be showcasing something very special to tie in with the rustic/retro on trend look. This event will be bigger and more inspirational than ever before, with free entry, parking, bubbly and wedding magazine for every couple, this is one show not to miss. Melissa Neisler Dickinson looks forward to seeing you there. To claim your free tickets visit www.thesuffolkweddingshow.co.uk Suppliers wishing to exhibit please email info@suffolkevents.co.uk
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Say “I Do” at Sea It is becoming more and more popular for couples to get married abroad, why not tie the knot at sea onboard a luxurious cruise ship? Take your vows in a beautiful venue onboard with a service given by the ship’s Captain, take your wedding ashore to a venue in your favourite port of call or simply renewing your vows. Whichever option you decide to choose, you will have a memorable day with some fantastic photo opportunities highlighting your ceremony.
Many of the cruise lines offer the a variety of wedding packages such as, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Lines, MSC and more. With a selection of different venues for your ceremony to choose from and restaurants for your Wedding Breakfast/Reception you will have a celebration like no other. From the magical Mediterranean to the sun drenched Caribbean you will have the choice of the world’s most romantic destinations to choose from. As well as Weddings at sea there are also packages available for Vow Renewals, Commitment Ceremonies and Same Sex Marriages available with various cruise lines.
The wedding packages are all tailored to make your big day even more special and unforgettable. Every single detail is taken care of by your onboard ceremony coordinator. To give you an idea of what to expect from a Wedding at sea package Cruise Ready have given a classic example below based on Europe/Mediterranean P&O Cruise with the minimum of seven days duration:
wedding music, two bottles of champagne for a toast after the ceremony, pressing services of the ceremonial outfits, all wedding license fees and an official marriage certificate.
Personal touches like invitations, thank you notes and champagne in your cabin when you arrive onboard are also included. Depending on the size of your wedding party you could also have up to three complimentary cabins and additional on-board spending money for the entire wedding party (this will vary between different cruise lines). The wedding at sea package is priced at £1650. This price can change based on destination and the duration of the cruise. All ceremonies can all be tailored to your requirements for an additional fee. These events would be arranged to take place on a selected Sea Day and a minimum of 90 days’ notice is required to organise the celebration onboard.
Marriage made in heaven A romantic ceremony conducted by the ship’s Captain, the attendance of a professional photographer, an elegant venue with floral arrangements, traditional
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For further Information on planning a Celebration at Sea please contact Cruise Ready on 01394799179 or email team@cruiseready.co.uk
Weddings & Honeymoons Luxury 4★ & 5★ hotel holidays Private transfers included Featuring good quality holidays to a wonderful variety of well-loved and much sought-after holiday destinations. Many of the properties we feature are unashamedly luxurious. All have been hand-picked for a reason: be it a stunning location, superb service, fine dining, sumptuous comfort, exceptional facilities or a combination of them all.
CALL 01394 615620 25 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1AA www.debentravel.co.uk I team@debentravel.co.uk
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