UKbride Online Magazine

THE UK’S PREMIER WEDDING PLANNING MAGAZINE

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100’s OF GORGEOUS WEDDING GOWNS

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4 Creative Cake Ideas! n 4 Beautiful Flowers! n 4 Jewellery to sparkle! n HANDY HINTS Advice from wedding planning experts Heavenly honeymoon destinations

Picture Perfect

Get the lasting images you deserve

UKbride.co.uk Join now and Win a Wedding!

Magazine

Hair Styles To Suit all Brides

500 FANTASTIC IDEAS FOR YOUR WEDDING

Memorable Receptions

Throw a party that your guests will remember!

TOP TABLE TREATS Creating beautiful wedding breakfasts

Real Weddings Advice, inspiration and tips from brides

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The Perfect Companion to www.UKbride.co.uk - The UK’s Fastest growing Wedding Website

Get The Look 4 Wedding Dresses A wealth of gorgeous gowns in every style!

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TOP TABLE TREATS

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Creating beautiful s wedding breakfast

ALL CINDERELLAS NEED A PAIR OF SPARKLY SHOES!

Welcome to UKbride’s online wedding planning magazine!

Our indispensable online guide features all of the advice, inspiration and tips you need to plan your perfect wedding.

Used in conjunction with www.ukbride.co.uk, you’ll be able to find wedding

40 Marquees Staging beautiful al fresco receptions in a marquee.

49 Videography Keep a moving record of your treasured day.

SUMPTUOUS CAKE IDEAS THAT ARE A CUT ABOVE.

58 Hair & Beauty Styles to suit all brides and all budgets.

IDEAS 24

38 Receptions How to host the perfect party after your ceremony.

44 Photography Advice to get the shots you’ll treasure for life.

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Website Growing Wedding

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500

34 Christian Marriage Legalities and Christianity in your Wedding.

42 The Men Advice for nervous grooms and anxious Best Men!

Advice, inspiration and tips from brides

- The UK’s Fastest

Planning Your Wedding

The Essentials

Real Weddings

.uk bride.co UK a Wedding!

Join Now and Win

.uk to www.UKbride.co The Perfect Companion

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S FANTASTIC IDEA FOR YOUR WEDDING

PAGES OF

ture Pic Perfect

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Hair Styles To Suit All Brides

WEDDING FAIR

HANDY HINTS

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of U K b r i d e

MAGAZINE THE 24 HOUR ONLINE

NS WEDDING GOW OF GORGEOUS

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28 Keeping Mum Ensure mum dazzles the whole day through!

uk

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Online Wedding Magazine for e UKbrides

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THE UK’S PREMIER

24 Top to Toe Glittering tiaras and gorgeous wedding shoes.

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65 Top Tables Create fantastic tables for your wedding breakfast.

THE WORLD’S BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

67 Stationery Send out beautiful invitations.

essentials, last minute finishing touches and your complete wedding outfit to ensure a beautiful, memorable day.

Good luck planning your wedding and congratulations!

The UKbride team.

Top Tips and Advice

68 Cakes Tiers of joy at your reception.

70 Flowers Beautiful bouquets to really complement your dress.

72 Jewellery Beautiful wedding bands and confetti for guests.

And Finally...!

78 Honeymoons Begin your marriage with a romantic holiday.

80 Countdown Stay organised.

Editor’s Choice Finishing touches will really make your big day seem personal and quirky... think different throughout the day and ensure your accessories, tables, favours and attendants all reflect your personal style... here are our top finds!

Signed Wedding Plate

JUST GORGEOUS

Rather than a guest book, why not consider asking your guests to sign your wedding plate instead?

Why not

Little Willow Designs will paint on your custom design and fire your plate before sending it to you with autograph pens for your guests to sign at your wedding. Then, simply bake your autographed plate at home to seal on your use design and you’ll have a keepsake that’s just perfect for your dresser!

Diamonds

Image: Couture Cakes

on your reception tables?

Win a Wedding by joining UKbride.co.uk You can win a dream wedding, access free wedding planning tips & advice, view 1,000s of wedding dresses and chat to other brides-to-be on our forum at www.UKbride.co.uk.

The site has been recognised as one of the country’s top wedding websites as awarded by Hitwise, an independent internet traffic monitoring body.

“Swarovski scatter crystals for your reception tables... a glittering touch of luxury...!”

Divine dresses!

We love Linea Raffaelli’s range of opulent, wedding gowns!

Inspired by renaissence style, you can view the collection and 1,000s of others online by visiting www.UKbride.co.uk.

Use Rose Bunches Tightly budded of roses look great when used in a hand-tied posy.

For floral themes and ideas check out the Plants & Flowers Association’s www.flowers.org.uk

4 TOP...

Wedding Candles Feel inspired to find your burning love with our selection of fun wedding candles, all available online.

Gingerbread Couple Wedding Favours

Wedding Cake Candles Talking Tables

Favour Tin Unique Wedding Favours

Hanging Tea Light Holder Chic Wedding Boutique

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DRESSES

When choosing your dress, don’t shop blind… do your research on our wedding dress pages and on sites like www.UKbride.co.uk, which has a searchable library of thousands of wedding dresses. Have a rough idea of what you’re looking for but be willing to deviate – a dress that looks great on a magazine model may not suit if you’ve a different stature, bust or complexion.

Don’t take an entourage wedding dress shopping several friends and mums will inevitably like different

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dresses – one friend whom you can trust to give you honest feedback is enough!

Ensure your budget takes account of alterations and never buy a smaller dress that you intend to slim into.

Choose a gown that flatters your body.

Practise walking not only in your bridal shoes but your dress too, and use sandpaper to slightly scuff the soles of your shoes to provide good grip.

DRESSES

DRESSES TO IMPRESS Find the wedding gown of your dreams with pages and pages of beautiful dresses from leading European designers...

Sincerity

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DRESSES 1 - La Sposa.

1

4

2 - Papillion.

Editor’s Choice

3 - Raimon Bundó.

4 - Linea Raffaelli.

5 - Roz la Kelin.

2

5

3

6

DRESSES 6

9

6 - Hollywood Dreams.

7 - Alice James.

8 - Charlotte Balbier.

9 - Donna Salado.

10- Whiteday.

11- Catherine Jane.

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11 10

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DRESSES 1 - Anna Bridal.

1

4

2 - Charlotte Balbier.

3 - Linea Raffaelli.

4 - Jasper Conran.

5 - Sassi Holford.

2

LOVE THIS

5

3

8

DRESSES 6

9

6 - Raimon Bund贸.

7 - Aphrodite.

8 - Ian Stuart.

9 - La Sposa.

10- Linea Raffaelli.

7

10

WIN

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Your Dream Wedding Dress Visit UKbride.co.uk to find out how!

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DRESSES 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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1 - Allure.

2 - Alan Hannah.

3 - Amanda Wyatt.

4 - Anna Bridal.

5 - Catherine Jane.

6 - Benjamin Roberts.

7 - Complice Stalo Theodorou.

8 - Designer Collection.

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DRESSES 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

9 - Donna Salado.

10 - Giovanna.

11 - Glamour.

12 - Je T’aime.

13 - Justin Alexander.

14 - Ninety 3.

15 - Roz la Kelin.

16 - Sweetheart.

17 - Sincerity.

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DRESSES 1 - Alfred Angelo.

1

4

2 - Alice James.

3 - Chandrika Thomas.

4 - Raimon Bund贸.

5 - Benjamin Roberts.

2

5

3

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DRESSES 6

9

6 - Je T’aime.

7 - Dynasty.

8 - Roz la Kelin.

9 - Allure.

10- Whiteday.

11- Trudy Lee.

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11

10

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DRESSES 1

2

1 - Orchid Bridal.

2 - Donna Salado.

3 - Charlotte Balbier.

4 - Complice Stalo Theodorou.

5 - Roz la Kelin.

3

5

Editor’s Choice

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DRESSES 6

6 - Roz la Kelin.

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7 - Raimon Bund贸.

8 - Glamour.

9 - Stevies.

10- Ian Stuart.

11 - Donna Salado.

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10

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DRESSES 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

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1 - Alice James.

2 - Chandrika Thomas.

3 - Charlotte Balbier.

4 - Dynasty.

5 - Giovanna.

6 - Ian Stuart.

7 - Justin Alexander.

8 - Linea Raffaelli.

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DRESSES 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

9 - Ninety 3.

10 - Papillion.

11 - Roz la Kelin.

12 - Sassi Holford.

13 - Sposa Sposa.

14 - Stevies 15 - Sweetheart.

16 - Whiteday.

17 - Aphrodite.

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DRESSES 1 - Alfred Angelo.

1

4

2 - Anna Bridal.

3 - Charlotte Balbier.

4 - Whiteday.

5 - Whiteday.

2

5

LOVE THIS

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DRESSES 6

6 - Dynasty.

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7 - Linea Raffaelli.

8 - Sassi Holford.

9 - Orchid Bridalwear.

10- Je T’aime.

11- Jasper Conran.

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10

8

11

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DRESSES 1 - Alice James.

1

4

2 - Allure.

3 - Designer Collection.

4 - Ian Stuart.

5 - Papillion.

2

5

3

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DRESSES 6

9

6 - Anna Bridal.

7 - Je T’aime.

8 - Alice James.

9 - Hollywood Dreams.

10- Justin Alexander.

7

10

8

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DRESSES 1 - Charlotte Balbier.

1

4

2 - Complice Stalo Theodorou.

3 - Hollywood Dreams.

4 - Orchid Bridalwear.

5 - Giovanna.

2

WOW

5

3

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DRESSES 6

9

6 - Papillion.

7 - Ian Stuart.

8 - Raimon Bund贸.

9 - Linea Raffaelli.

10- Roz la Kelin.

WIN Your Dream Wedding Dress 7

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Visit UKbride.co.uk to find out how!

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SHOES & TIARAS

TOP TO

TOE

Look great from top-to-toe with our amazing selection of shoes and tiaras...

Hassall

Belle

Benjamin Adams

Benjamin Adams

Benjamin Adams

Annie Laurie

Tiara Store

SHOES & TIARAS

Tiara Store

Editor’s Choice

Posh Pins Benjamin Adams

Annie Laurie

“Don’t forget, you can have your bridesmaids’ shoes dyed to match your colour scheme...!”

Pink

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk Rainbow

Tiara Store

Top Tiara Tips...

Belle

•

•

Pink Posh Pins

•

Choose your tiara after your dress, and decide how you’ll style your hair on the day.

Try to match some of the detailing in your dress.

Consider antique as well as new tiaras - they make a lovely ‘something old’.

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BRIDESMAIDS

Kelsey Rose

Alice James

Anna Bridalwear

Stevies

Orchid Bridalwear

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Alfred Angelo

Beautiful

MAIDS Your bridesmaids will play an important part in making your wedding day special, and their bridal gowns are a great way to express your chosen highlight colour...

Anna Bridalwear

Orchid Bridalwear

LOVE THIS

Kelsey Rose

Stevies Kelsey Rose

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Peter Martin

John Charles

Editor’s Choice

Condici

Peter Martin

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Cattiva

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE

Paule Vasseur

Paule Vasseur

Oni Onik

Condici

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LINGERIE

Editor’s Ch oice

www.lucette.co.uk

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LINGERIE

WEDDING

Lingerie www.fauve.co.uk

Beautiful lingerie will give your tired groom an extra treat on your wedding night! Here are Helen Masters’ of Pudding Lingerie top tips when shopping for bridal lingerie… n Have a fitting at a specialist lingerie shop; many women are not wearing the correct bra size and now is the time to get it right. n Choose something you will wear again. Bridal lingerie needn’t be worn just once! n Have a dress fitting in your chosen lingerie - the fit may be altered by the underwear.

www.puddinglingerie.com

dress, start to have a look for your underwear.

n Consider extra touches like suspender belts, bustiers, and garters - these finishing touches can really Make your transform and spice-up your underwear!

Wedding Night even more special!

n Allow plenty of time – as soon as you have chosen your

n Consider the time of year – basques can be gorgeous but may be too hot in summer.

n The most popular options are baby doll Lingerie with feathered shawl, bustier & panty set and silk night-gown.

www.chantelle.com

www.figleaves.com

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CHRISTIAN MARRIAGES

T

he most popular religion across

the UK’s 60,975,000 population is Church of England Christianity, with over 22% of the population declaring themselves a member of the C of E denomination, in the most recent national census.

In marriage terms that relates to over 250,000 Church of England marriages each year, of which 40% take place in church.

But these days, it’s even easier to marry in a church of your choice following Marriage Measure and Marriage Law Review.

The review is the result of a working group established by the Archbishop’s Council in 2002 which addressed the process of calling banns in church and relaxed the limitations of where couples may marry.

From the 1st October 2008 couples have been able to marry in a church which has a special significance to them rather than in a parish church within the parish where either the bride or groom is resident.

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE A Christian marriage ceremony takes place every 1.7 seconds in the UK... here, we explore the religious and legal implications of a church wedding...

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Now, couples can choose to marry in a church if they can demonstrate a Qualifying Connection - that is, if the bride or groom was baptised, confirmed or if they habitually worship in that church, or if the person has had their usual place of residence in the parish of a particular church for at least six months.

Couples can also chose to marry in a church if their parents live or have lived in the parish in question or have habitually attended worship there.

In order to comply with UK civil and church law, banns - an announcement of your intention to marry - must be read in the church in which you plan to marry, on three Sundays, usually but not necessarily consecutively.

Those over the age of 16 may marry civil ceremony to a person with those aged under 18, requiring authorised to conduct weddings parental consent, and the time of within that district. your wedding must take place In terms of religious implications, the between 8am and 6pm on any day Bible compares the love between a wedding rehearsals take place couple as the love that Jesus had outside these for his times in order “Church weddings remain disciples. that the popular with couples, ‘practice run’ Jesus isn’t but recent changes in synod expressed rendered his love as law mean couples now have a uncondilegally binding! much wider choice of where tional, hence

the words in they choose to marry...”

In the the marriage Catholic faith, Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk ceremony; arrange‘for better or ments for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness marriage are usually made through and in health’. These words have the priest in the parish where you been part of the Christian marriage live or the bride’s parish in order to ceremony since the 1550s. arrange a date. Couples should have a baptism certificate, confirmaChristians believe that marriage is tion certificate or letter of freedom the appropriate relationship in which stating that they have not to share a life together, raise a been married before. family, make love and make a life-long commitment to one another.

If your partner is not Catholic themselves, proof of freedom may be presented in the form of a letter from a minister, parent or an affidavit from a solicitor.

Couples often feel a greater affinity to the Church once they begin their wedding planning and are able to enrol on both pre-wedding ‘boot camp’ In each case, the priest acts as a courses which aim to strengthen civil registrar and registers the the bond between the couple by marriage. exploring the role of Civil ceremonies, marriage in a Christian conversely, require context, and the couples to give a Alpha Course, an notice to marry at oportunity to their local explore the Wedding rings are worn on the registration Christian faith third finger of the left hand office, regardless and other because the Romans believed of the destination religions in a that a vein ran directly of their intended relaxed ‘non-dogfrom this finger to marriage and require matic’ way over ten the heart. the superintendent thought-provoking registrar’s permission weekly sessions, with an to marry. The registrar will then optional day or weekend away; issue the relevant documentation see www.uk.alpha.org for which must be presented at your further details.

Wedding

FACTS

FACTS AND FIGURES MARRIAGE IN NUMBERS There are 60,000,000 people in the UK of which 48% are Christians... and there are 16,000 churches in England.

There are 250,000 Christian marriages each year of which 180,000 are first marriages and 126,000 are re-marriages.

Marriage rates were at their peak in 1975 with 471,000 marriages... but a shocking 146% increase in the divorce rate during that decade too!

The number of divorces between this decade and the last fell by 8% since 2000 meaning that more marriages are succeeding in the new millennium.

For every 100 unmarried people in the UK there are 111 married people.

In the 21st century, most divorces occurred after approximately 11 years of marriage, with over a fifth of marriages lasting 20-30 years.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE

WEDDING RING The cyclical and therefore unbroken nature of the ring in a Christian marriage ceremony represents the unending commitment of marriage.

However, despite the popularity of ring blessings and exchanges during Christian wedding ceremonies, there is no actual Biblical requirement that a bride and groom must exchange rings to seal their union.

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FAITH office and have their parents’ Ketubah (‘banns’) with you.

bride-to-be, and the presence of two witnesses.

You may also be asked to sign a Get in case of future divorce, allowing you to remarry in the eyes of God. On the Sabbath before the wedding, the groom will be called up for a reading of the Law whilst the bride may have to visit the Mikvah or ritual bathouse, according to the branch of judaism.

The Muslim wedding ceremony is known as Nikah, and normally consists of the Qur’an and an exchange of vows in front of witnesses.

No special religious official is necessary as Muslim weddings are a celebration more than anything, and may last for several days, with great celebration and revelry.

SIKHISM Translating as ‘The Union of Two Souls’, the Sikh wedding ceremony is known as Anand Karaj.

It is a joyous and festive event which is very family orientated and informal in it's 0.5% of the UK population is Jewish, atmosphere.

2.7% belong to the Islamic faith and Sikh marriages 0.6% of the population are Sikhs. are usually Hindus, meanwhile, account for 1% of the UK population. arranged with Source: Census 2001. families acting as an introduction service.

Wedding

JUDAISM Historically, Judaism was one of the first religions to believe in just one God, with a series of scrolls, the Torah, recording Jewish faith.

A Jewish marriage may take place on any day except the Jewish Sabbath, Saturday.

There are no specific dress requirements and the four main branches of the Jewish faith; Orthodox, Reform, Conservative or Masorti and Liberal have their own individual practices, regarding weddings.

In the UK, the legal requirements for a Jewish wedding are tantamount to those of a civil marriage, but those wishing to marry in a synagogue must either prove to the superintendent registrar that it is their usual place of worship or, if there is no synagogue in the registration district in which you live, you may ask to be married at your nearest synagogue subject to its secretary.

At least three months before the wedding couples need to be registered with the Chief Rabbi’s

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The Ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract, is signed before the ceremony itself, and occasionally, a Bedecken veiling ceremony may take place before the accompanied bride and her groom walk around the Chupa, or marriage canopy.

The end of the ceremony is marked with the breaking of a glass under the groom’s foot – often, it is joked, the last time a Jewish husband gets to put his foot down!

ISLAM In Islam, it’s considered a religious duty and social necessity to marry, and ceremonies are typically a good deal longer than those of the Christian faith.

For an Islamic wedding to be valid, certain conditions must be met, namely the consent of both parties, a Mahr or gift from the groom to his

FACTS

Kirtan, the singing of hymns, takes place before formal prayer,

FAITH

Matters of

FAITH known as Ardas, and the joining of the bride and groom with a sash, the Palla.

Next, in a rite known as the Laava, the bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times, and the parents of the couple bless the newly weds with a Sagaan before Kara Prashad, a blessed sweet pudding, is served.

HINDUISM Traditionally performed in Sanskrit, with sacraments or Sanskars, known as Vivah Sanskar performed at the temple. Precise details of the ceremony vary from region to region.

Each faith has its own set of traditions, values and rituals. We explore some of the different religions and their rites...

RECEPTIONS

Welcoming Receptions Host a stunning wedding reception to celebrate the beginning of your life together as a married couple... hen it comes to creating a

W

wonderful wedding reception, there’s no one-size fits all solution.

Our top tips will help you to create a winning memorable reception...

The Fundementals There are many ways to syle a venue in terms of colour, table dressings and the food you choose... but you can’t change the style, size or location of same.

Make It Your Own No wedding should be impersonal - name your tables after your favourite films or bands, or memorable places you’ve visited. Search the internet for favours that suit the theme of your wedding, use photographs of yourselves to create table cards or get into the kitchen to bake cookie favours with your guests’ names iced onto them.

Find The Perfect Reception Venue

Candles, flowers, crystals and favours can all Search for the best make your venues near you at wedding tables www.ukbride.co.uk look individual so now! exploit the opportunity to make your wedding individual here more than anywhere else.

Chose a venue which suits the size of your event, and the style.

You may not have a clear idea of what you want from a reception but you’ll know roughly the style or scale of your wedding.

Fun for Everyone

Do dine or stay at your chosen venue too to accurately assess how happy you’ll be hosting your reception there.

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Investing in children’s party bags of favours will lessen the impact of excited children at your reception give them things to play with such as colouring books and (quiet!) games.

Essential Contacts

Where to Buy Children’s Favours: www.allaboutpartybags.co.uk www.doodlendine.com www.monsterparties.co.uk General Table Favours: www.aweddinglessordinary.co.uk www.cherryblossomfavours.com www.idoweddingfavours.co.uk www.lovelyfavours.co.uk www.madideas.co.uk www.thelastdetail.co.uk www.ukweddingfavours.com www.uniqueweddingfavours.co.uk www.weddingstudiodirect.co.uk Swarovski Crystals to scatter: www.couture-cakes.co.uk/ swarovskicrystal Tablewear: www.pressies4princesses.co.uk Toastmasters: www.southeasttoastmasters.co.uk www.guildoftoastmasters.co.uk Wedding Calligraphy: www.wedding-calligrapher.com

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS ARE AND INDULGENT AND FUN RECEPTION IDEA...!

USE YOUR WEDDING TABLE FLOWERS TO SHOW OFF YOUR HIGHLIGHT COLOUR.

GREAT

TABLE

INVEST IN CHAMPAGNE FLUTES FOR THE TOP TABLE YOU’LL USE TIME AND AGAIN.

IDEAS

Planning Your Tables When planning your tables, the Bride and Groom sit beside each other with (working outwards) the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, bridesmaids, best man and usher beside them. Planning the other tables is complicated, so use the free table planning software available online at www.UKbride.co.uk.

Should We Hire A...

Toastmaster?

To enable you to sit and enjoy the reception without having the worry of wondering what comes where and when, book a toastmaster.

Toastmasters liaise with the caterers and photographers at your reception on your behalf and will introduce guests, announce speeches and organise any presentations that may be required.

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MARQUEES

MARQUEE Receptions Marquee weddings are practical and versatile… but take considerable organising and a little technical know-how on behalf of your chosen contractor… arquee weddings create versatile and unique wedding reception venues and have become infinitely more user-friendly over recent years, with modern marquees boasting silk lining, heating and lighting, and of course, the option

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to be sited almost anywhere with enough space.

Siting a marquee can be a tricky business which means liaising with a specialist supplier who can turn your brief into a success no matter which complications arise.

Thankfully, many suppliers, particularly larger ones, can also provide heating and lighting, dance floors, convenience hire and even outside catering to ensure that organising your reception is as hassle-free as possible. Suppliers of your marquee will typically recommend either a frame tent or traditional pole marquee.

Aluminium frame tents are more stable in poor weather and tend to be warmer with less ventilation, whilst canvas pole marquees tend to be ideal in the summer with better airflow.

In the first instance, provide your supplier with as much information about your site as possible – they won’t expect accurate measurements and technical information but the more you can tell them the better.

Book your marquee after booking

MARQUEES

Marquee Checklist What to Consider When You Approach Your Supplier n How large is your ground?

Not just for your reception itself but car parking and access? n How level is the ground and how quickly does it drain? n How accessible is the site, not just to cars, but to contractors’ larger lorries?

Will you need a trackway or temporary roadway? n Does your chosen site have a water and electricity supply? Can your contractor supply a bowser or generator?

Find A Marquee Supplier! the church but work two years in advance, longer for larger marquees, and give your supplier as close an estimate as possible regarding guest numbers.

See www.UKbride.co.uk to find your local specialist!

drinks without too much An on-site meeting will establish ‘congestion’, plus additional space the size, shape and layout of your for ‘reveals’ - hidden areas of your reception, but generally your marreception like your cake or band. quee should include a Don’t forget to reception area, budget this for greeting space in your guests, and to initial cost function as an considerations, additional room and give your to separate your potential dining room suppliers as from the much elements Emily Casswell, Editor, information as outside for www.UKbride.co.uk possible about extra warmth. your needs to You should also create accurate, budget considerable space for a like-for-like quotes that you dance floor, bar area that can accompare, thus preventing your commodate those queuing for paying over the odds!

“Marquee weddings are great when you want to create a plush, bespoke reception.”

n Does your contractor have convenience hire facilities? n Who will provide your outside catering? n Will your installation be affected by the weather?

And Now for Something

Completely Different...

The Arabian Tent Company specialises in creating ‘Bombay Boudoirs’.

“Thousands of mirrors sewn into the walls and ceiling combine with pink and orange interior to create a giant glitter-ball when the disco lights come on – it’s a unique experience!” says designer Katherine Hudson.

See www.arabiantents.com for more information.

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THE MEN

It’s a Man’s World...

Tips, trinkets and gems of wisdom for nervous grooms, best men and fathers of the bride nervous about speeches, standing at the altar or giving away their daughter...!

Get me to the church on time...!

.

The Best Man..

Pay attention 007... it’s may be the bride’s prerogative to make a dramatic entrance, but why should she have all the fun...?

Hire a supercar like this Lamborghini Gallardo, which does 0-60mph in 4.2 secMay onds and you’ll definitely The Best reach the church on Man Win! time...! Grooms can hire Bond’s Aston Martins, The Role of your

Ferraris and Lambos, for their arrival at the church, for the wedding day or the honeymoon. Naturally, your bride will have to pack light as the boot’s a little pokey, but the cars will certainly look impressive in your photos.

If you’re choosing a balmy honeymoon destination, there’s a topless version too! The cost for this model is around £2,500 for a whole weekend, courtesy of Signature Car Hire.

Best Man

The role of the best man isn’t just ceremonial - duties include being custodian of the wedding banns, organiser of the stag night, assistant to the photographer in rounding up relatives for formal photographs, point of liaison with catering staff and guardian of the groom’s honeymoon luggage.

5 TOP...

Formalwear Ideas for Men Look resplendant with our outfits available to hire from most UK menswear specialists...

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WOW

THE MEN

Superb Stag Do’s...

Don’t let the cat get your tongue!

Most grooms, fathers and best men admit to feeling more nervous about performing their wedding speech than about the ceremony itself.

The golden role for successful speeches?

Preparation is key.

For your stag do, consider something that’s a little more involved than just a night down at the pub.

Organising an event which appeals to all ages and goes beyond mere drinking will enable you to spread the fun over a longer period with an activity which appeals to all and will enable you to involve younger and older stags more in proceedings.

Event organiser Red Seven offers UK and international Five-A-Side football tournament weekends, Motor Action driving experiences, License to Thrill spy weekends, beer brewing weekends and On The Piste snowboarding breaks - they have something for everybody!

See www.redsevenleisure.co.uk for activities and booking details.

“Why not spoil your best man?

We love these silver armani Cufflinks, £122, available exclusively from Harrods...”

Avoid writing your speech at the last minute, and don’t crib jokey one-liners from the internet - your speech will sound unstructured and generic. Write, edit & rehearse dilligently so that you’re familiar with your text.

Alternatively, why not cheat?

Turn to aspeech.co.uk or sparklingspeeches.co.uk to hire a professional writer to bear total responsibility...!

When making your speech, use cue cards rather than a script and maintain eyecontact with your audience and rehearse thoroughly!

Image: www.weare purelight .co.uk

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

(Left to Right) Etiquette: Navy morning suit, soft gold waistcoat.

Peter Posh: Grey morning suit with teal cravat.

1860: Navy suit with red tie and waistcoat.

Winstanleys: Black velvet frock coat with red and gold accessories.

Pronuptia: Black morning suit with hat and cane.

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PHOTOGRAPHY Are you a pro...?

1

Not all amateur photography is going to end in disaster, but the idea that one can attend a wedding as a guest and as the official photographer is unrealistic. Your photographer needs to know how to react to different lighting and weather conditions, and do so quickly without rushing, to capture genuine expressions. Those who market themselves as photographers but don’t work as full-time professional wedding photographers may not be able to dedicate sufficient time and energy to capturing your big day.

What’s your style?

2

There is much talk of different styles of wedding photography the main two being traditional and reportage. Traditional styles favour groups and romantic shots, reportage shots appear unposed and concentrate on a natural look that appears to be less intrusive.

Will I Be Retouched?

3

10 Questions TO ASK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER Even top wedding photographers will readily admit that choosing the right photographer for your special day is a challenge… achieving beautiful wedding photographs requires a mixture of art, science and experience! Our ten questions will ensure you have the information you need to make an informed decision…

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Expect a professional photographer to perform postprocessing on your images whether they’re shooting on film or digitally.

Some, however, limit this to tone and colour correction. Ask if your chosen photographer will perform black and white conversions, sepia tints and other similar effects, colour popping, or blemish removal and how much time they will put into post-processing your images.

When can I see myself?

4

Some photographers turn around their images rapidly whilst others take several months – sometimes even longer, depending on the time of year and number of members of staff working to postprocess and present your pictures, so ask for an ETA on your images.

Do you work alone?

5

Two or more photographers

ensures the bride and groom can each be photographed getting ready, or that detail shots of your day can be captured whilst another photographer organises group photographs. The more photographers who attend your day, the more comprehensive your wedding images will be, particularly when your chosen photographers consist of both a male and female photographer.

“Photography is a blend of art and science.

Your photographer should have modern equipment a good understanding, and lots of experience!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

Can I have my images on CD/DVD?

6

Can you retain your images to use on your home PC and email to friends? These days, our lives are carried out digitally, and being able to use your pictures in digital photo frames, on social networking sites and being able to email them or print them out at home is essential.

Having the original DVD stored in a safe place also enables you to keep backups of your images.

What does my final album include?

7

Are you fully insured?

9

With the best will in the world things do go wrong… make sure your phoPackages vary enormously – how tographer is insured against stolen many prints and at which sizes are equipment, lost or damaged films or included in your photographer’s memory cards or falling ill on price? What will your album the day of your wedding. look like and how many images will feature?

Will Rather than the Find A t a we traditional wedr e a ph ding album with Photogr get on? overlays you may Getting wish to opt for a ne li along with n O r u o photographer The 24 H ing your d d who produces a We wedding coffee-table style Fair photographer book with a montage isn’t just a nicety. of images.

Your photographer should make you feel Do you carry backup comfortable for relaxed

.co.uk UKbride

8

equipment?

Whether shooting on film or digitally, every photographer should have backup flashes, lenses and other equipment to carry on shooting in the event of faulty equipment.

10

looking shots. On an already emotional day, it’s crucial that your photographer is sufficiently assertive to pose and offer instruction to the wedding party. It is sometimes a nice idea to arrange an ice-breaker engagement shoot for you and your intended before the big day so you get the hang of posing for the camera and working with your photographer.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Caught on Camera...!

We find out exactly what it takes to be a wedding photographer by becoming one for the day...!

Everyone has a digital camera nowadays...

So do you really need to hire a professional photographer? Absolutely! Here, we Search for a explain why entrusting your wedding photography to an amateur is a real false economy...!

Wedding Photographer at www.UKbride.co.uk

W

ith digital cameras so popular

these days, it’s tempting for brides and grooms to save money by letting family or a friend to record your special day, but this could be a false economy… to find out why, we followed two wedding photographers, to find out what capturing a bride’s day really involves.

Two or more photographers enables both the bride and groom to be photographed during the course of their preparations.

Entrusting a professional photographer to capture your images means employing someone with plenty of kit, backup lenses, flashes and camera bodies… nothing is left to chance!

A professional photographer can also work around overcast, rainy or exceptionally bright days.

Professional photographers also create photobooks of their images or large mounted photographic prints, rather than prints created on domestic photo printers.

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The 24 Hour Online Years of Wedding experience Fair enables a professional photographer to deal tactfully 12.30AM: TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS MEANS and professionally with anxious CAPTURING BOTH THE GROOMSMEN’S brides, nervous grooms, PREPARATIONS AND GUESTS’ ARRIVAL. and guests – a skill that the amateur photographer just doesn’t possess!

Spending the day with the professionals photographing Sarah and Matthew’s wedding, we prove that photographing a wedding is hard work... as you’ll discover, your chosen photographer really does earn their fee!

10AM: THE TWO PHOTOGRAPHERS SPLIT UP TO CAPTURE BOTH THE BRIDE & GROOM GETTING READY.

2.00PM: AMATEURS AREN’T ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES DURING THE CEREMONY.

“employing an enthusiastic amateur is a recipe for disaster! get the pictures you deserve by hiring a professional!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

Our Images Images here are by Samantha and Glen of PureLight by Sam & Glen. www.wearepure light.co.uk

Photographing a wedding involves a 12 hour day, as you’ll discover over the page, our photographers began with a kit check on the eve of the wedding before meeting the bride and groom at 10am on their wedding day to capture the 4.30PM: AMATEUR wedding from start to finish!

PHOTOGRAPHERS RARELY TAKE CLOSE-UP SHOTS

Find a Professional See the British Institute of Professional Photographers; www.bipp.com, the Master Photographers’ Association; www.thempa.com or Society of Wedding Photographers; www.swpp.co.uk. You can also find a photographer in your area at www.ukbride.co.uk. Images here by Purelight

by Sam & Glen; www.wearepurelight.co.uk 01636 673 800.

3.00PM: SOME SHOTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO RECREATE AND NEED TO BE RIGHT FIRST TIME

Turn the page to see how your photographer will spend your wedding day...

PHOTOGRAPHY

How a professional photographer will spend 12 hours capturing your day...

Saturday; 10am Rendezvous with the bride and groom respectively. The two photographers capture the bride and her attendants getting ready and casual shots of the groom and his groomsmen.

12.30am The groom leaves the local pub and heads to the church, photographed along the way.

1.00pm Guests arrive and are photographed, and with the arrival of the Vicar, Glen discusses with him what he allows and disapproves of photographically.

6.00pm After the meal, the photographers work discreetly to capture the speeches, and guests’ 6.00PM: CAPTURING EXPRESSIONS QUICKLY reactions.

7.30pm

WIN Your Dream

TAKES REAL SKILL.

The team sets up Photo Booth – this new photographic venture captures informal shots of guests against a white background.

Wedding Dress Visit UKbride.co.uk to find out how!

1.40pm The bridal party arrives with Samantha arriving shortly beforehand, too. A flurry of activity ensues as her arrival prompts photographs of the car, the bridesmaids and the bride with her father.

2.00pm The ceremony takes place with discreet unobtrusive photography taking place.

2.45pm The couple leaves the church. Samantha poses their formal images for Glen to photograph.

3.15pm The couple leaves for the reception to capture shots of guests enjoying a glass of champagne.

7.30PM: PHOTOBOOTH - A WHITE BACKGROUND WHERE SARAH & MATTHEW AND THEIR GUESTS CAN CLOWN AROUND TO CREATE FUN, CANDID INFORMAL SHOTS!

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3.50pm The weather’s about to turn, so in anticipation of this the bride and groom are taken outside for formal photographs taken by both photographers who pose and shoot alternately.

11.00pm

The photographers pack up their equipment after a hectic 12 hour day.

Back home, there are still memory cards to be downloaded, batteries to be recharged and kit to check before they finish.

7.00PM: A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WILL CAPTURE EVERY LAST DETAIL IMAGES: PURELIGHT BY SAM & GLEN WWW.WEAREPURELIGHT.CO.UK. 01636 673 800.

Friday; 7pm Kit check – each photographer has two or three camera bodies and around six lenses plus three flash heads and numerous accessories.

You’ve Been

FRAMED For many couples, the decision not to employ a videographer to capture their wedding day is one they come to regret... our wedding day should be the

Y

happiest day of your life, and there’s no better way to remember it than via a professionally produced DVD, in addition to the formal images your chosen photographer will produce.

Each Videographer will have his or her own particular style and no two wedding videos will be the same.

Your videographer should also have a copyright licence to record the wedding service and music.

They will also have access to copyright licences that will enable them to dub your favourite music onto your DVD. A good videographer will understand that breach of copyright is theft – and will no doubt expect their own work to be treated with the same respect.

There are videographers specialising in all types of event coverage now – from simple fly-on-the-wall type productions, to documentary-style creations, through to highly stylised and orchestrated films. You really do have the opporFind A tunity to have the apher wedding video or Videogr wedding day film of your choice.

Visit your potential videographer personally for an impression of their particular style.

The cost of your wedding DVD is dependant on a number of factors.

Some companies offer fully edited or at multiple camera productions.

.co.uk UKbrideour Online

Anyone operating a professional wedding video service should have Public Liability Insurance, and Professional Indemnity cover for situations that might occur which are beyond their control.

The 24 H ing Wedd Fair

Cutting costs may mean compromising on both, so never base your decision on price alone.

It is advisable to watch several videos covering a wide price range before making your decision.

As wedding videography is a seasonal business most successful videographers will become booked months if not years in advance.

For information see the Institute of Videographers’ website at www.iov.com.

“Videography supplements still photography to capture a lifelong record of your day, so choose your expert carefully.”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

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TRANSPORT

From limos to Lambos, from classics to carriages see

UKbride.co.uk to find transport providers in your area!

TRANSPORT

7 SUGGESTIONS Brilliant Transport

Great transportation is a mix of style and practicality. Make sure you meet your chosen expert to ensure their services match up their their vehicle in terms of reliability... remember, the bride should only ever be fashionably late!

“Make sure you can get in and out of the car gracefully whilst wearing your wedding dress!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

(FROM TOP LEFT): n MODERN EXECUTIVE SALOON SPACIOUS AND SMOOTH, BUT NOT IDEAL FOR LARGE DRESSES n HORSE AND CARRIAGE ROMANTIC, BUT NOT IDEAL FOR BAD WEATHER n HIRED SPORTS CAR - GREAT FOR PHOTOS, BUT NOT VERY PRACTICAL n CLASSIC CAR - ELEGANT AND PRACTICAL n LIMO - SPACIOUS AND ACCESSIBLE n HELICOPTER - UNUSUAL, BUT EXPENSIVE n DOUBLE DECKER BUS - FUN, WITH PLENTY OF ROOM, IF A LITTLE CUMBERSOME!

Editor’s Choice

THOSE LOOKING TO SAVE MONEY CAN TRIM DOWN THEIR WEDDING BUDGET WITH OUR EXCELLENT TIPS - AND HAVE GREAT FUN IN THE PROCESS, MAKING COOKIE FAVOURS AND STATIONERY.

How to Make it Rain

Exchange money saving hints with other brides on our new forum: online now at

UKbride.co.uk The 24 Hour Online Wedding Fair

Pennies from Heaven For brides on a budget or those seeking a smaller scale wedding with fewer frills… we provide some money-saving tips to make sure it only rains pennies from heaven... now all that’s left to worry about is the Great British weather!

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pend or save? There’s a multitude of ways in which you can trim the cost of your wedding, but some may prove false economy.

S

Blowing the Budget...?

Where the average wed ding budget of £16,00

0 is spent...

For example, the cost of wedding photography can vary from £200 to £2,000 and over, but the difference in the end result is marked. There’s a distinction to be made when planning your wedding between cost – what you pay for something – and value – whether something was worth the price you paid – and in the case of photography, a cheap photographer may show in terms of technical abilities and your final album.

That’s not to say, however, that all aspects of your wedding will be the same. For instance, favours can be expensive, usually priced per head so that a £2.50 favour seems more affordable when, in fact, the reality is 150 guests necessitates a spend of £375. In this case, making cookies with your guests’ names iced on and a little ribbon may require a morning in the kitchen, but will result in a dramatically cheaper favour that’s also much more personal.

Your Reception The smaller your wedding the cheaper the venue may be – and the shorter your guest list will end up being too. Use a smaller venue as an excuse to shed some guests, consider a ‘no children’ policy or apply a ‘time limit’ – if you’ve not seen distant relatives for, say, five years don’t bother inviting them.

Enquire about the time of year you choose to marry and the day – midweek weddings are often cheaper, as are out of season weddings.

Your Dress Many brides choose to search E-Bay and other such auction sites for

second-hand dresses. Since wedding cheaper than employing the services dresses are only worn once and can of a cake artist. These can be be dry-cleaned and altered to suit, ‘dressed up’ with embellishments of you can shed your choice. hundreds, sometimes Stationery & thousands, of pounds. Our search Favours revealed over 25,000 Personal computers dresses priced from can be used to create just £100 for a brand your chosen wedding new, made to stationery, orders of measure gown… service and table plan. though some brides Visit a stationery like to be able to try specialist and purchase on their gown before a nice stock of paper, they order. An perhaps with a textured alternative, if you’re a finish. Depending on the ‘standard’ size and style of your wedding, shape is to try one of embellish with ribbon, Emily Casswell, Editor, Oxfam’s ten specialist photographs of www.UKbride.co.uk wedding dress shops. yourselves or other decoration.

“The average cost of a UK wedding is £16,000... but it’s possible to spend half, double or triple that!

Flowers & Cake

Many churches have volunteers who will happily create your flowers in return for a donation to the church – the best place to find information is to talk to your local vicar or scan the parish noticeboard.

Equally, supermarkets such as Marks and Spencer stock plain white iced fruitcakes which are considerably

Your wedding day should be personal or special to you. Whilst there may be one or two areas in which you can cut back, there may be others that are too important to you to force a compromise. Set your budget and don’t be afraid to negotiate on price. The frugal bride can shed £1,000s with a little initiative, a little chasing around and, above all, a good eye!

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WE WON OUR Dream Wedding!

For Sharon Howell and Kevin Challinor, winners of our dream wedding, in association with UKbride.co.uk, the website’s combination of comprehensive wedding advice and a suite of wedding planning tools was nothing short of a match made in heaven…

When Sharon Howell and Kevin Challinor heard they’d won a dream wedding with UKbride.co.uk, they couldn’t quite believe their luck… it took a couple of further calls to reassure them nobody was playing a practical joke!

54

Shortly after becoming engaged, Sharon joined wedding planning website UKbride.co.uk to access the site’s suite of wedding planning tools and to try to win her dream wedding including full marquee reception with catering. The couple

were chosen as the lucky winners in November last year.

Autumn 2009 saw the redesign of www.ukbride.co.uk as part of a complete relaunch. The new site gives brides the ability to chat to other brides to exchange tips and ideas, and introduced a wedding TV channel, wedding supermarket and e-Stands, creating a 24-hour online wedding fair.

Using the new site, brides can plan their budgets, send out invites automatically and track RSVPs, create an online diary of their wedding planning, and upload images for family, friends and other brides to enjoy.

“Joining the site was really useful.”

Says Sharon. “It enabled us to get started on planning our wedding early which was great in itself, but it broke everything down into the

WIN A WEDDING

Our Super Dream Wedding Prize... n Fully licensed civil wedding ceremony venue worth £15,000, including food and drink for your wedding breakfast! n £2,000 designer wedding dress choose from a huge range of beautiful gowns! n Amazing honeymoon worth £6,000 to a dream destination tailor-made just for you. n £2,000 of Hen and Stag events - two weekends of fun for both the girls, and boys - choose from a range of destinations.

Why not

Talk to Other Brides Online! correct order so everything fell into place step-by-step. I’m a compulsive planner… everything has to be organised down to the last detail but I didn’t feel I sacrificed the ability to make any decisions.”

Sharon loved the ability to browse through the latest wedding gowns, and search for suppliers and services in her area, but says the site’s most useful feature was the table planning software.

on our wedding forum at www.UKbride.co.uk!

It’s easy, it’s free, it’s fun! wedding and a forum for brides to exchange ideas. Winning a wedding was the icing on the cake, even if the couple were a little surprised when they heard the news!

“Congratulations to Sharon and Kevin!

To find out how you can win a dream wedding, see www.UKbride.co.uk.”

“It automates a really difficult job fraught with lots of politics!” she says.

n Your wedding will be featured on www.UKbride.co.uk as our Wedding of the Year. n Our superb prize is worth over £25,000!

YOU CAN WIN TOO...!

Win your Dream Wedding by logging onto www.UKbride.co.uk - in addition to entering our superb competition you can also browse 1,000s of wedding dresses in our searchable library, chat to other brides on our forum and access our suite of online wedding planning software including our table planner!

“We couldn’t believe it! It took a couple of calls before it really clicked!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

The site also features advice on each aspect of planning your

Joining the site is completely free, and every member has the chance of winning their dream wedding, worth over £25,000 - for further details, see www.UKbride.co.uk.

* For full terms and conditions see www.ukbride.co.uk.

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£25,000

Win a Wedding worth over

In our Free Competition... Our great prize includes...

£15,000 Venue with food and drink for your wedding breakfast. £2,000 Wedding Dress from a huge range of high-end designers. £6,000 Honeymoon tailor-made for you with a choice of destinations. £2,000 Hen & Stag Weekends - fun for both the bride & grooms’ parties.

Visit www.UKbride.co.uk and join the 24-hour online wedding fair registration is free and easy, just answer a few quick questions.

You’ll automatically be entered into our £25,000 competition.

Visit www.UKbride.co.uk

HAIR

HAIR RAISING

STYLES

Our suggestions for beautiful bridal hair. Whether you’ve short, medium or long hair, you’ll find a style to suit on these pages... n If you’ve a short hairstyle, use curling irons to increase the fullness of your hair or use tiaras, fascinators and necklaces to vary your look and add extra interest to your neck and shoulders. n Medium hair should be curled and worn with a tiara - try to grow your hair a little to provide a more versatility if you’d like to try something new. n If you’ve long hair, wear a smooth heavy gown or large rolls with full skirted tulle gowns.

If you’re already accustomed to long hair, leave a few tendrils loose to prevent your style looking too formal.

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n Choose your wedding gown first, then your wedding hairstyle and only then choose extras such as fascinators and veils. n If you’re colouring your hair for the day have it done two weeks before but have it Create touched up just before the big day.

Beautiful Hairstyles

n Use a hairdresser you’re familiar with rather than splashing out and using someone new.

for your wedding!

n Take care of your hair by using intensive conditioning treatments in the six months leading up to your wedding.

(FROM TOP LEFT): n LINEA RAFFAELLI n TRUDY LEE n ELLIS BRIDAL n CHANDRIKA THOMAS n CHARLOTTE BALBIER

HAIR

“Don’t wear clothing that lifts over your head when visiting your stylist!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

LOVE THIS

(FROM TOP LEFT): n CHARLOTTE BALBIER n SINCERITY n ALLURE n LA SPOSA n HOLLYWOOD DREAMS n DONNA SALADO n CHARLOTTE BALBIER n RAINBOW n ELLIS BRIDAL n RAIMON BUNDÓ

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SCENT

FROM HEAVEN

With so much cheek-kissing and perfect make-up, the right scent is essential on your wedding day. Here, we present a selection of the latest fragrances to ensure your wedding day is nothing short of scentsational!

“Dab perfume in places where it will stay warm and keep its scent longer; on the inside of the elbow, on the wrist, neck, stomach, cleavage, and back of the knees.”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

Recommended

Luxury Fragrances to wear on the big day!

(Left to Right) Secret Obsession, Calvin Klein 100ml EDP £59.50. Opium, YSL 50ml EDP £44.99.

Fragile, John Paul Gaultier 50ml EDT £38.99. Delicious, DKNY 100ml EDP £49.50. Sensuous, Estée Lauder 50ml EDP £41.50. Classic, Prada 50ml EDP £42.50.

No5, Chanel 35ml EDP £51.99. Covert, SJP 100ml EDP £38.50.

Gucci, 50ml EDP £46.50. Sexy Darling, Kylie Minogue 50ml EDT £24.99.

Fragrances supplied by The Perfume Shop: 0845 601 1950. www.theperfume shop.com.

The A-Z of Planning

Your Wedding!

Here, we prove that planning your wedding is as easy as ABC... essential tips, finishing touches and other inspiration!

bc def

62

A is for Attendants…

B is for Budgeting…

C is for Cars…

Choose your attendants carefully and ensure your best man, chief bridesmaid and other attendants are reliable and will ensure your special day goes without a hitch.

Planning a wedding is exhilarating and exciting but it’s so easy to get carried away, and the financial implications of this can be horrendous. Set a budget and stick to it, and itemise your anticipated expenses from flowers to your reception, honeymoon, transport costs and catering arrangements.

Arriving in style is essential on your big day, and unfortunately, your family car just won’t cut the mustard. If cars really aren’t your thing, you could consider a horse drawn carriage or simple but stylish white Rolls Royce.

If your groom is a little more passionate about cars though, how about arriving in a Ferrari or E-type Jaguar to make it to the church in style?

D is for Disco…

E is for Extras…

F is for Faith…

There’s nothing like a good disco to get your reception swinging, but when booking your entertainment, do ensure you make a list of the eras, styles and artists that you particularly like to give your entertainer something to go on.

Choose somebody personable with equipment which produces good clear sound and don’t be afraid to go along to one of their bookings to hear them for yourselves.

It’s the little treats, favours and special touches that really make your day special so do go through Bride and Groom to have a look at what other couples have done and what different companies offer by way of finishing touches.

Favours, disposable cameras on the tables, treats for the children and all those other extra little touches make all the difference and add a touch of class to your wedding.

When your big day comes along, a whole host of experts and professionals will have been enlisted, all charged with their own very special responsibilities in making your day perfect.

Make your desires clear and be specific in your instructions, but also have faith, and do trust your professionals to do their job whilst you enjoy your day!

ghi k ol j mn o G is for Grooming…

Traditionally, weddings have always been the bride’s big day, but increasingly grooms too are indulging in a little TLC before the event, so do budget for a hair restyling, male facial and a little pampering to ensure he walks down the aisle looking his best!

H is for Honeymoon…

Going away to spend some time together before returning to gushing friends and relatives is a must after your big day, and will give you something to look forward to after the exhausting pomp and ceremony of your wedding is over, so make your honeymoon something very special indeed.

Our top ten honeymoon ideas will offer inspiration!

I is for Invitations…

Don’t be tempted to scrimp on your invitations and stationery. Whilst your home PC is capable of producing mediocre printed matter, proper invitations with lovely embossed stocks of paper, beautiful embellishments and elegant script will be kept for years as a souvenir of your momentous day…

J is for Jewellery…

K is for Kiddies…

L is for Love…

Tiaras, sparkling fascinators and other jewellery can all set off your outfit beautifully, so ensure you’re adorned with these beautiful finishing touches. See our jewellery pages for some imaginative ideas and inspiration.

Weddings inevitably excite children, so ensuring they’ve colouring books or little treat bags containing quiet activities will keep them busy, and prevent their running into maitre’d’s, guests and elderly relatives. If your budget can stretch to it, you could even consider a bouncy castle or children’s entertainer to really make it a day to remember not just for adults, but younger guests too.

Ultimately, weddings are about love and happiness. Inevitably the day will be busy and will almost certainly suffer little hitches, but when all is said and done, do ensure that you make time for your bride or groom, and remember to try to spend some time alone together to remind yourselves that you’ve the rest of your lives in each others’ company.

M is for Marriage…

N is for Nuptials…

O is for Outfit…

Do take the time to talk to your minister and discuss the degree to which you want religion to be a theme of your wedding.

In addition to taking your vows in front of friends and family, you’re also making solemn promises before God and the Christian church. Your minister won’t mind if you’re not the most devout churchgoer, but will appreciate your respect for the church and the religious implications of a Christian ceremony.

The words in your wedding service within which you marry are very important, and in our opinion the older version of your vows is the most elegant with its aged and mellow language, and time honoured implications. Note that civil ceremonies are not allowed to have religious content of any sort.

Your wedding ensemble is perhaps one of the most important & personal features of the day, so trailing through guides and magazines, shopping around and trying on repeatedly, despite being somewhat of a hassle, is absolutely necessary if you’re to find that one special gown which is right for you. Our wedding dress pages will help you to choose a style and give you the inspiration to find the dress you want.

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pqr s tu w y v xz

P is for Photographs…

Q is for Quotes…

R is for Reception…

So many photographers have their own style and way of working that it’s worth having a specific idea of exactly what you’re looking for regarding the photographs of your big day.

Costs vary enormously from wedding to wedding, and from supplier to supplier, so it’s a good idea to gather as many quotes as possible from different suppliers and remain organised.

Consider either a more traditional, posed approach to your photographs or a slightly more contemporary and less formal looking reportage approach to photography, which will appear less posed.

Keep written quotes in a special file so that you can compare exactly what you get for your money and can keep track of your finances accordingly.

There are so many brilliant venues around the county for your reception, and this should be one of the first things you book, so try to see as many as possible in person rather than relying on brochures, which can be misleading.

Estimate the amount of room and degree of privacy your reception venue needs to have, and consider the appearance of the grounds for your photographs.

S is for Speeches…

T is for Theme...

The speeches may seem nerve wracking, but with plenty of planning and a few rehearsals, you can make your groom’s speech appear slick and stress-free.

To ensure that everything fits together nicely, agree early on upon a theme which you will both follow - a colour, style or similar, that’s personal to you.

Use cue cards rather than a folded up piece of paper to ensure that you’re not struggling to find your place, maintain eye-contact with your audience.

V is for Valour…

Grooms, don’t forget that wedding dresses often restrict mobility... so open doors for your bride, hold her bouquet and help her into and out of her carriage or limo is to help prevent your new bride feeling uncomfortable and demonstrate a little chivalry!

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Continue this when choosing your dress, flowers, tableware and stationery.

Other themes you may wish to consider include international historical themes or visual themes.

W is for Weather…

If you fear typically British bad weather on your big day, provide umbrellas for your guests as they leave church.

X is for Xxx…

Leave a note with her chief bridesmaid or send a text on the morning of your wedding to let your loved one know you’re looking forward to the big day and can’t wait to marry her.

U is for Unwanted…

A gift list is a superb way of ensuring that you don’t end up with several hundred toasters, and plenty of high street stores will help collate these either in an in-store gift list book or online.

Buying a wedding present was much easier before the days of co-habitation, and these days, with most people already having household essentials before they marry, a gift list is essential.

Y is for You…

Your wedding should reflect your tastes, preferences and personalities. Don’t be afraid to put your own personal stamp on your big day. Make a wish-list and work towards making your wedding a reflection of your love.

Z is for Zzz…

Above all other beauty tips that the experts will divulge, do remember that a good night’s sleep is essential to look fresh & beautiful for your wonderful day!

TABLES

s Rich Red.

s Wintry White.

s Glittering Gold.

6 TABLES TANTALISING

t Pretty Pink.

t Modern Monochrome.

t Lovely Lilac.

LOVE THIS

n Style for your table with our suggested suppliers: Bonne FĂŞte: www.bonnefete-hire.co.uk. Lavenders of London: www.lavendersoflondon.com. Rani Deshpande: www.ranideshpande.com. Tables of Perfection: www.tablesofperfection.co.uk.

Wedding Arcade: www.weddingarcade.com. Wedding Design Online: www.weddingdesignonline.co.uk.

Wedding Fortune Cookies: www.weddingfortunecookies.co.uk. Wedding Paraphernalia: www.weddingparaphernalia.co.uk.

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FAVOURS

TABLE FAVOURS A roundup of the most beautiful favours to create individual wedding tables...

Lovely Favours

Made by Millie & Me

Beachcombers

Rani Deshpande

Juicy Lucy Designs

Cammar Designs

Rani Deshpande

Brambles Weddings

Editor’s Choice

66

Made by Millie & Me

Juicy Lucy Designs

Lovely Favours

Beachcombers

Brambles Weddings

Beachcombers

Rani Deshpande

Cammar Designs

Lovely Favours

Cammar Designs

Brambles Weddings

Rani Deshpande

STATIONERY

SPECIALINVITATION A varied selection of the most creative and personal wedding stationery around...!

Editor’s Choice

Belarto Limited

Dreams To Reality

Blissful Designs

Mandalay

Nickelsons

Paper Monkeys

Belarto Limited

Dreams To Reality

The Little Orchard Press

Mandalay

Nickelsons

Paper Monkeys

Dreams To Reality

Nickelsons

Mandalay

Pink Polar Limited

Blissful Designs

Pink Polar Limited

Paper Monkeys

Nickelsons

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CAKES

s n

c n

“Why not include a tier of sponge as some prefer this to fruit cake!” c n

s n

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

LOVE THIS

c n 68

s n

c n

s n

c n

CAKES

Having Your s n

s n

CAKE Wedding Cake ideas from leading designers to create custom cakes that will look and taste memorable!

s n

c n

n Consider the taste as well as the look of your cake. That may sound obvious, but in addition to enquiring about the look of your cake, as about the ingredients your chosen Find a local expert uses, and insist on tasting at UKbride.co.uk samples.

Wedding Cake Artist now...!

n Three tiers will serve 50-200 whilst five layers is safer for 200 guests or more. Opt to make at least one of your layers sponge rather than fruitcake for those who prefer the former.

n Consider white and milk chocolate cakes, miniatures and cupcakes as alternatives.

c n c Couture Cakes n s Sussex Cake Creations n

n Be sure of your delivery and storage – arrangements.

You don’t want your cake to be ruined before you serve it by poor storage.

n Ensure your wedding cake is an accurate reflection of your character and your wedding. Don’t be afraid of asking for a bespoke design and a particular colour scheme. n Traditionally, couples save the top tier for their first anniversary or the christening of their first child!

s n

FLOWERS

FANTASY FLOWERS Whether your intention is to save, spend or splurge, our wedding florist Kate has great ideas for your church and reception flowers... hoosing your bridal flowers can be as scary as finding your perfect dress, but is just as important in the overall look of the day.

C

Find t at F A loris

.co.uk UKbride line Hour On The 24 ding Wed Fair

colour, or texture? A good florist will always suggest the best flowers for your colour theme, size and style; as well as tailoring the arrangements for your requirements, but try and help the florist as much as possible.

Recommendation is a great way of finding your florist, but it's a good idea to browse several flower As creative as most florists are, shops too. Once you've made up they are not mind readers so your mind, the more always book a information you consultation - it's can give them the worth the money SPRING: Tulip, Anemone, better – pictures as you'll have lots Freesia, Lily, Peony, Daffodil, from magazines, of time devoted to Ranunculus, Amaryllis. pictures of the you, and you'll be SUMMER: Lily, Carnation, dress, fabric able to work out

TIGHT HAND TIED POSIES ARE IDEAL FOR THE MORE PETITE BRIDE. DON’T OPT FOR LARGER ARRANGEMENTS IF THEY’LL LOOK TOO LARGE.

FOUR SEASONS

the best choices for your big day.

Sunflower, Chrysanthemum, Rose, Lavender, Magnolia.

AUTUMN: Delphinium,

Try and make Pinks, Hydrangea, Gladiolus, Gerbera, Bouvardia, Orchid. time on a week day because the WINTER: Camellia, Snowflorist will have drop, Hyacinth, Lisianthus, more time to Lilac, Nerine, Iris, Euphorbia. discuss ideas, as the shop may be busy on a Saturday.

But what should you consider when choosing your flowers: scent,

70

LOVE THIS

FLOWERS

Why not have your flowers dried so you can keep them after the wedding...?

SAVE The Budget: £400 The Flowers: Gerberas to ‘pad out’ roses, and large blooms.

The Trick: Use different ‘grades’ of flowers, create inexpensive centrepieces yourself.

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

Make your wedding look stunning on a budget: all florists can obtain flowers in differing grades, so use the most expensive roses for your bouquet, but in the table centres you use a cheaper grade of rose, for example.

swatches, key themes, or special items the wedding theme is based on - for example, if you're wearing your Grandmother's brooch, it might be nicer for you to incorporate this into your bouquet, rather than wear it on your dress.

MODEST DESIGNS CAN OFTEN WORK REALLY WELL.

florist once you’ve decided on your highlight colour.

Also, consider the size of your bouquet; if you’re small, an enormous trailing bouquet will overpower you a good florist will take the bride’s height & basic shape into consideration.

Don’t forget to discuss button holes for your groomsmen and close family!

Prepare a brief, with suggestions for style Don’t forget plants of bouquet could also be used as traditional shower table arrangements, (a long, trailing these can be very bouquet, wired or in attractive as well as a foam holder), cheaper (dependant garden flower posy on the plant) and a (country-style loose memento for people Emily Casswell, Editor, bouquet, hand-tied or to take home with www.UKbride.co.uk in a holder) or wire them at the end of work decorative the night. bouquet (flowers are Finally, ask to see some of your chosen stuck to a decorstive, handmade florist’s previous work and work with wire trailing frame) or crescent them throughout your planning to shaped bouquet. ensure your wedding flowers will be If you’ve a preference, suggest type as beautiful as you dreamed. of flowers and consult with your Kate is creative director of Orangery Flowers, in Cambridge, Newmarket and Ely. See www.orangeryflowers.co.uk.

Images: www.davidaustinroses.com

TIGHTLY BUNCHED ROSES LOOK REALLY TRADITIONAL!

Use cheaper flowers like Gerbera or Germini and then mix with more expensive flowers like roses.

SPEND The Budget: £800 The Flowers: Intersperse Hydrangia and Delphinium. Full flowers for buttonholes.

The Trick: Create height and structure. Mix blooms to create hand-tied bouquets.

Remember less is often more. Use flowers like Lilies, Peonies & Amaryllis to give arrangements height.

Use foliage in clever ways to create depth to you decorations and a fuller look. Use some of the more expensive flowers and layer these with the cheaper varieties to make the overall look very expensive.

SPLURGE The Budget: £1,200 The Flowers: Orchids for tables.

Tight grasses and Roses for hand-tied bouquet.

The Trick: Talk to your florist about bespoke arrangements. Light-up centrepieces for effect.

Ask your florist to create something different, like the heart bouquet which is made purely from grass and roses with contrasting foliage.

Opt for large flower arrangements around the side of the room and potted plants on the tables which can be given away as favours later.

JEWELLERY

With this ring,

Find a

Jeweller In Your Area

i THee WeD...

at UKbride.co.uk now...!

Wedding rings are highly symbolic pieces of jewellery, so it’s likely you’ll want to wear your ring all the time, and for many years. It’s important to select the style and design of the ring very carefully. Ring the changes in your relationship by choosing matching wedding bands that represent the unending continuity of your love for one another...

n If you are creative, you may wish to sketch out a design of your own, and then have it custom-made by a goldsmith.

Alternatively...

If your HTB doesn’t want to wear a wedding e, band all the tim damaged at be or if it could a gold chain so work, put it on ... around his neck he can wear it

n It’s still traditional to opt for matching rings, but you can add your own twist to the design: for example, both wedding rings could be the same metal & pattern, but the bride could choose to have the addition of some diamonds or another precious stone. n As a general guide, a wedding ring should be either the same width or very slightly wider than the engagement ring band. n Your engagement ring should go on the third finger of your left hand. Your wedding ring should be worn on the same finger, just in front of it – some wedding bands have special semi-circles to fit around your engagement ring. n Ring sizes are measure from A-Z… the average size for a ring is ‘L’. n Opt for a wedding band in the same material as your engagement ring as different metals can wear each other away if they rub against each other. n Leave 8 weeks of lead time for your wedding rings – longer if they’re bespoke rings or will be engraved.

Editor’s Choice

n Rounded edge wedding rings are traditional, whilst high-domed and flat wedding rings are considered the most modern band style.

Selection of 18ct gold wedding rings from Aagaard, Alfred Terry and PHX.

LET’S FACE THE

MUSIC

ATTENDING DANCE LESSONS WILL SURPRISE YOUR GUESTS & PROVIDE SOMETHING TO DO TOGETHER IN THE RUN UP TO YOUR WEDDING.

After your wedding breakfast it’s time for the party to begin… choose entertainment that will appeal to all generations and to ensure your reception has universal appeal and really get the party started…!

T

he mainstay of many wedding receptions is a good disco, and finding a professional DJ is essential. See www.ukbride.co.uk to find a supplier in your area, then, meet your DJ personally and ensure you hear them performing at a comparable venue before you book them. During your initial meting, have a rough playlist to hand to ensure the music selection is appropriate both to your tastes and that of your guests.

Classical Music In addition to popular music, consider a string quartet, harpist or classical group to provide light background music during your

wedding breakfast. Many can also perform Beatles covers or similar, and jazz groups can also by learning to dance before provide a your reception by embarking sophisticated on short courses... First touch to your Dance is a company reception. which specialises in Practical during private tuition in your your wedding home, so you can Join in the fun on our breakfast, learn your steps light classical forum and talk to without fear of music tends to other brides! embarassment! drown out the www.UKbride.co.uk clattering of Fireworks cutlery on crockery.

Entertainment at your wedding Learn to Dance! isn’t just about music – fireworks create dramatic photographs and a You can wow your guests or romantic half hour show that will surprise your new husband or wife really wow your guests! Fireworks for Weddings can even provide firewriting at just £14 per 2ft letter!

Share Your Wedding Tips!

Highland Piper If the pipes are calling, Piper for Hire has a list of qualified and uniformed pipers for hire anywhere in the UK, popular not just over the borders, but in England too!

THINK DIFFERENTLY WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDING ENTERTAINMENT... STILT WALKERS, FACE PAINTERS! TRIBUTE BANDS LIKE THE UPBEAT BEATLES ARE POPULAR WITH PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

ENTERTAINMENT

Tribute Bands If you’d like something a little different to the usual disco, why not consider a tribute band?

Some groups such as Abba Gold from Spot On Entertainment, Bee Gees Fever, Bjorn Again, the Bootleg Beatles or the UpBeat Beatles or even Jon’s Elton or the Blues Brothers by Henderson Management can provide music from big names which appeal to all generations and each creates an involving, popular show to get everybody on the dance floor!

LORD GOLD AND HIS FOOTMEN ARE DASHING SOCIALITES GUARANTEED TO BRING A TITTER TO YOUR RECEPTION...!

Something different If you’ve something a little more quirky in mind, Contraband Events can provide unique entertainers from face-painters, puppet shows, jesters and bubble shows for children, to LED & UV performers, contortionists, aerial, trapeze and tight rope walkers, belly dancers, ballet dancers, human canapés, and even snake charmers…!

involve planning a meal, it should mean celebrating the beginning of your life together with a party that nobody will forget…!

If you’ve a number of children attending your reception, don’t forget party pages with things like colouring books to keep them entertained (and quiet!) during your reception; see www.doodlendine.com or www.cocoonparty.co.uk.

Your wedding is unique, and your entertainment should be too – hosting a reception shouldn’t just

What a Surprise!

“The secret to choosing Amaze your guests with a flying banner great entertainment is at reception!

Image: Skyads. imagination! Create little surprises for your guests...!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

How to Entertain Children at your Wedding...

Think outside of the box when it comes to your wedding entertainment children and adults alike will love a table magician performing sleight of hand, face painter or clown, and for really child friendly weddings, why not hire a bouncy castle?

They’re great fun for kids and will also provide some amusing photographic opportunities!

75

GIFTS DAB DIGITAL RADIO ALARM CLOCK; JOHN LEWIS.

FIVE STAR TOWELS AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF COLOURS INCLUDING IVORY AS SHOWN HERE; MATALAN. MONO ARTWORK WITH DARK BROWN FRAME; NEXT.

BEAUTIFUL

GIFTS Struggling to compile a gift list… or spoilt for choice?

Either way, we’ve some excellent suggestions for you… all available via mail order!

ROYAL WORCESTER’S JAMIE OLIVER RANGE OF DURABLE YET STYLISH COOKWEAR. FROM OVEN TO TABLE; DEBENHAMS.

76

GIFTS

AFTER YOUR HONEYMOON ENJOY PLENTY OF ROMANTIC TRIPS CLOSER TO HOME, WITH THIS PICNIC BASKET FROM PREZZY BOX.

GREAT FOR YOUR HONEYMOON! ANTARES LUGGAGE FROM MARKS AND SPENCER.

PANASONIC CAMCORDER TO RECORD IMPORTANT LIFE EVENTS. FROM JOHN LEWIS.

n Look our for specialist wedding list companies such as www.weddingpresents direct.co.uk who can manage your entire gift list and deliver your gifts directly to you in one go together following your honeymoon.

n Charge your groom with ensuring you know who sent you which gift to ensure accurate thank-you letters! He can also store your gifts for you whilst you’re on honeymoon so you know they’re safe and sound.

LINEA KNIFE BLOCK IN CONTEMPORARY BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL; HOUSE OF FRASER.

n Instead of gifts, who not request that guests make donations to your chosen charity?

77

HONEYMOON

HEAVENLY HONEYMOONS TOP

Our suggestions for the dream destinations to make the excitement of your wedding last that little bit longer!

1. Maldives - £4,000pp Enjoy an ultra luxurious private beach hut at Banyan Tree hotel.

TTTTT

2. Seychelles - £4,000pp

TEN

the world’s most sought-after destinations.

TTTTT

6. Barbados - £1,300pp Watersports, jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking beaches!

Beautiful coastline with Caribbean sun, coconut

TTTTT

trees and rolling surf. TTTTT

7. Bahamas - £947pp

3. Dubai - £3,500pp

Luxurious hotels and pure white beaches for the ultimate in peace

The last word in luxury!

The world’s most exclusive hotel - Burj Al Arab.

TTTTT

4. St Lucia £1,600pp Beautiful coastline, Baking hot sun, and gorgeous azure blue seas!

TTTTT

TOP 10

Maldives Seychelles Dubai St Lucia Mauritius Barbados Bahamas Jamaica Paris Venice

and quiet!

TTTTT

8. Jamaica - £800pp Enjoy a lively, fun filled

5. Mauritius £1,500pp White sands, blue oceans and breathtaking wildlife, one of the

78

Mauritius

Maldives

Seychelles

HONEYMOON

St. Lucia Jamaica

Baham as

honeymoon from Kingston Town to Montego bay.

TTTTT

Editor’s

9. Paris - £600pp Europe’s justly renowned City of Romance with amazing TTTTT shopping!

Choice

10. Venice - £500pp The city of dreams. Enjoy a gondola ride from St Mark’s Square.

TTTTT

Venice

Paris

Dubai

NB: All prices are estimates based on two people for seven nights in September and are per person with flights.

COUNTDOWN

WIN

AMID THE STRESSES OF PLANNING YOUR DAY, NEVER FORGET YOUR WEDDING IS ABOUT YOUR LOVE!

Your Dream Wedding Dress

Wedding Day

Visit UKbride.co.uk to find out how!

12-18 months to go

Choose your outfits and sort out your honeymoon! The honeymoon is a real treat, especially after the stress of organising your big day!

To this end, it should be arranged well in advance.

COUNTDOWN

Plan your wedding in a structured way and you’ll enjoy the build-up rather than causing yourself undue worry...

18-24 months to go Choose the date and venue!

Many churches and civil ceremony venues need to be organised in advance, and your whole day will be planned around this date. Therefore, this should be your first port of call.

Planning a wedding will seem

80

extremely daunting. It’s at this stage that you should consider a wedding planner or using a wedding planning website such as www.ukbride.co.uk to assist you in what is ultimately a huge exercise in project management.

Because the bride’s dress will be the centre of attention, it takes a great deal of time to choose. This needs to be accomplished as early as possible, as the groom and all attendants will then choose their outfits in relation to this focal point.

6-12 months to go Well in advance, it’s a good idea to sort out rings and confirm the arrangements for the honeymoon, are your passports valid, for example? As the bride will probably have

chosen her dress by now, it’s perhaps prudent for the groom to organise his suit, and those for his attendants, to match. Ordered the rings.

and been for a fitting, but it’s perhaps a good idea to have a second fitting around this time.

Additionally, it’s prudent to organise a trial make-up session with your chosen beautician, ideally on the day you attend a dress fitting to ensure both work well together as you sweep down the aisle.

3-6 months to go Having shopped around for the cake and for flowers, make sure the details of these are confirmed and that they can be delivered a day before, or on the day at the latest. Brides, should already have approved the dress

n

Wake up hangover-free!

n

Lay out all of your bridalwear

n

Eat breakfast - you’ll need your energy for a long, busy day!

n

Check you’ve packed everything you need for your honeymoon.

n

Get ready in plenty of time, pamper yourself and try to make your preparations as relaxed as possible.

n

Allow your photographer plenty of time to work on your pre-ceremony shots.

n

Don’t panic if something unexpected happens family, friends and attendants are all there to ensure you have a wonderful day, and will help you overcome any last minute hiccups!

1-2 months to go

Contact all suppliers and confirm booking details and, if applicable, delivery arrangements. Organise stag and hen nights and if you’ve opted for a civil ceremony rather than a church ceremony, Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk now is the time to make your civil application. Make sure that stationery has been ordered and sent out.

“Sites like UKbride.co.uk will prove invaluable, telling you what to plan when, & suggesting local suppliers!”

Less than a month!

Make a nuptial announcement to the local press. Have a final fitting of dresses and morning suits. Send out thank-you letters for wedding presents as they arrive and finalise numbers for the reception venue. Sort out a list of dealers and suppliers with whom to check delivery details.

Less than a week ON THE MORNING OF YOUR WEDDING ALLOW PLENTY OF TIME TO PAMPER YOURSELF RATHER THAN GETTING READY IN A HURRY!

The Big Day Checklist

Have a dress rehearsal, checking your makeup and clothing. Arrange honeymoon suitcases and ensure you’ve bought every-

thing you need for going away – sun tan lotion, bikini, reading matter for on the beach.

Make final checks for delivery from suppliers and confirm bookings, then relax and enjoy the build up to your special day!

Less than 24 hours Grooms, leave a short note telling your betrothed how much you love her and how much you’re looking forward to marrying her!

GET YOUR HEN AND STAG NIGHTS OUT OF THE WAY WELL IN ADVANCE OF TH BIG DAY...!

“as long as you know the planning is under control, you can enjoy the build up to your wedding!”

Emily Casswell, Editor, www.UKbride.co.uk

81

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24-HOUR ONLINE “It’s free to join!”

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From budgeting and time-management to essential finishing touches.

Why Join UKbride? n Search for a wedding dress from our library of 1,000s, with top designers updated regularly. n Use our online suite of wedding planning tools. n Discover suppliers, services and weddings in your area. n Find out about local wedding fairs. n Access tips and advice to help with your wedding planning.

Real Weddings... n Exchange tips and advice with brides in your area, chat to brides-to-be and gain ideas for your own wedding!

UKbride was named one of the top ten wedding websites by independent watchdog Hitwise.

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Find Your Dream Dress...

Our huge database of wedding gowns allows you to find your dream dress, view it in a large format quickly and easily, then find a local supplier in your area.

It’s never been easier to search for wedding dresses and view them over a glass of wine with friends at home!

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