Confetti Autumn/Winter 2019

DESIGNER

BRIDAL WEAR

VICTORIA KAY

ROMANTICA COLLECTIONS

BRITISH BY DESIGN

A bridal gown is so much more than just a dress, it is a statement of style, personality and above all romance.

Regulars

27 Hollywood glam

Take your pick from some of our favourite accessories this season

28 Light & dark

A look at the hottest trends for bridesmaids in 2020

31 Heavenly cakes

These sumptuous sweets will go down a treat at your wedding

33 Say it with style

Our pick of this season's very best stationery

34 Gift wishlist

From tableware to soft furnishings, here's how to select the best homeware gift

37 Blossom & bloom

Fresh new bouquet styles to wow on your wedding day

210 Inside knowledge

Top tips and advice for a hassle-free wedding

INSIDE...

Wedding Days

40 Vicki & Martin

Fashion

72 Stylish shoulders

A beautiful gown with off-the-shoulder detail ticks all the right boxes

75 Go for glitter

Gorgeous glittery gowns will be a top choice with brides looking to make a stylish statement

78 Pretty in pink

A beautiful pink wedding dress could be perfect for your happily ever after

82 Colourful florals

If you want to embrace colour, a stylish wedding dress with bright floral embellishment is guaranteed to impress

88 Designer hot list

These wedding dress designers could be just what you're looking for

96 Shopping with the girls

Four real brides tell us all about their dress shopping experiences

101 Dress shopping tips

Everything you need to know before starting your search for 'the one'

105 Groom's edit

Sharp styles for grooms and their best men

This couple's two-day wedding in Suffolk was a chic, fairytale celebration

48 Elizabeth & Michael

You'll love this couple's gloriously sunny overseas wedding in Italy

54 Marta & Zoe

This happy couple chose boho vibes for their gorgeous elopement wedding

62 Fay & Chris

Take inspiration from this fun-filled festival themed day

Planning

114 Tips for a memorable wedding

We take a look at the ways you can make your wedding stand out

117 The big debate

Should you allow your guests to bring a date to your wedding?

118 Bridal party roles

We find out what these coveted roles entail

123 Venues for your personality

We take a look at some of the best venues to suit your wedding theme

126 Country house venues

Our favourite selection of country house venues in the UK

130 Landmark venues

Want a famous place to say 'I do'? You'll love these iconic UK venues

Editorial

Editor Anna-Marie DeSouza

Deputy Editor Hannah Wilkinson

Art Editor Caroline Carpenter

Sub Editors Lucia Mandini, Jennifer Grimble

Production Dean Jacobs

Editorial Contributors Jessica Brown, Zoë Burke, Lauren Fraser, Jennifer Grimble, Melanie Macleod, Abi Neill, Sophie Vening

Publishing

Portfolio Director Matt Miller

Head of Publishing Hannah Proudfoot

Head of Marketing & Content Pauline Ryan

Sales Manager Leanne Brown

Senior Account Manager Rebecca Baird

Production Co-ordinator Harriotte Hodson

Confetti.co.uk

Group Content Editor Zoë Burke

Deputy Group Content Editor Melanie Macleod

Content Writer Caoimhe McGonagle

Web Designer Sunnie Swinburn

The Details

139 Something old, something new

Get this gorgeous blue wedding theme, perfect for a sunny garden party celebration

146 Décor themes

How to nail the latest decoration themes, from pretty pastels to brilliant white

149 Snap happy

Photography is an integral part of any wedding. We look at the shots you can't afford to miss

153 Stick with it

The beauty world's latest innovation is perfect for busy brides

154 Beauty queen

Defy wedding conventions and copy Sophie Turner's sultry make-up look

158 Up versus down

We guide you through the hottest hairstyles for your wedding

Confetti Shop

CEO Weddingstar Inc. Rick Brink

CFO Weddingstar Inc. Terence Kowalchuk

Business Development Director Weddingstar Inc.

Katie Smith

Senior Design Manager Weddingstar Inc.

Stephanie Janke CGD

Management

CEO Ocean Media Group Matt Miller

CFO Ocean Media Group Ben Williamson

Published by

Ocean Media Group Ltd

Printed by Acorn Web Offset, Loscoe Close, Normanton Industrial Estate, West Yorkshire, WF6 1TW

Travel

170 Destination weddings

Three brides share their experiences of marrying overseas

174 European dreaming

We take a look at four magical places to get married in Europe

179 Honeymoon seasons

We've rounded up the best places to honeymoon during each season of the year

184 Legendary locations

These iconic hotels make for an exquisite honeymoon experience

190 Bucket list honeymoons

These once-in-a-lifetime experiences should definitely be on your wishlist

193 Beachside paradise

Dreaming of a tropical beach escape? You'll love these heavenly honeymoon options

198 Focus on... Antigua

Discover what makes this Caribbean island the ultimate romantic destination

203 Room with a view

Looking for an idyllic waterside escape? These romantic hotels could well be for you

207 Are we there yet?

We've rounded up some of the best places for a familymoon in the UK

Dress Style: Emily

EDITOR'S NOTES

Iman's hair was elegantly swept back in a stunning side plait by Samantha Rubino for Great Lengths. To add a touch of sparkle, star hair accessories from Debbie Carlisle were pinned down the length.

Our model Iman wears a show-stopping one-shoulder gown by the iconic Pronovias. This red carpet-worthy look is finished to perfection with an ultra-glam make-up look created by Antonia Basile for Lancôme. The bold red lip and exquisitely lined eyes are the ultimate in bridal chic.

The small Future is Bright Bouquet, by Grace & Thorn (£80), features a bright and beautiful mix of yellows, blush pinks and blue delphiniums, as well as roses, asclepia, greenbell, craspedia, asparagus fern and eucalyptus. It's the epitome of pretty.

A splash of red to match the lips, these gorgeous heels were peeping out from Iman's gown. Beatrice Red Embellished Shoes, £795, Emmy London.

Anna-Marie DeSouza Editor

Slap bang in the middle of creating this issue of Confetti, my baby girl was born. She came early and, no surprise, I was not prepared. I was especially not prepared to find out she wasn’t very well and that we would need to stay in hospital for what felt like an eternity.

What does this have to do with weddings? Well... the feelings and emotions you experience when you have a baby are something you simply cannot get yourself ready for – just like the range of emotions you’ll feel when you get married. You need to surround yourselves with friends and family who will be with you every step of the way – and you need an extra hidden layer of support behind that to make sure things go off without a hitch. I had magical support in hospital from everyone looking after me (god bless you NHS). In particular there was a midwife who made time to explain everything I didn’t quite understand, answer all my questions and chat about dogs with me to take my mind away from what was going on! There was also an angel of a breast feeding consultant who picked up on the range of emotions I was going through and chatted with me, giggled away and made me feel like I was out having a coffee with my best pal – suddenly my stress was gone. Although these amazing people are in the health industry, their communication skills are something you need to look out for when you’re choosing the right professionals to give you support for your wedding! Choose people that take time to get to know you, who make you laugh and who you enjoy dealing with. Pick a make-up artist who puts you at ease and understands how you want to feel, buy your dress from the boutique that gave you the confidence boost you needed, pick the venue that welcomed you and treated you like royalty.

Your wedding will be a once-in-a-lifetime, super-special experience, so make sure that you find people who will celebrate you from start to finish. You’ll find some amazing tips and advice in this issue of Confetti – from planning and budgeting tips to finding the perfect decor theme and everything in between. Ready to meet the professionals? Then check out who you can meet at the National Wedding Show at nationalweddingshow.co.uk.

BEHIND THE SCENES OF OUR COVER Model Iman Jouali, BMA; Dress Pronovias; Shot by Curtis Gibson; Hair Samantha Rubino for Great Lengths; Make-Up Antonia Basile for Lancôme; Flowers Grace & Thorn; Earrings Sofia Waldorf; Hair Accessories Debbie Carlisle. We'd love to know what you think of the magazine, so please get in touch...and send us your real wedding ideas via our social channels: Twitter: @ConfettiWedding Instagram: @ConfettiWedding Facebook.com/confettiwedding

BEHIND THE LENS

Find out about the magnificent location where we captured Confetti’s glamorous cover photo

Pronovias store on New Bond Street provided a legendary location for a glamorous cover shoot. This amazing shop is a bride’s paradise, stocked with the latest and greatest gowns from the famous Spanish label. Both elegant and luxurious, this large boutique has been stylishly decorated to ensure brides who visit a truly memorable dress shopping experience. The Confetti team were lucky enough to take over the whole top

delicate sweep of jet black eyeliner and a dusting of natural blush.

Waldorf and Sif Jacobs.

Dress Style 7355

Dress Style 7351

Hollywood GLAM

Add some old school glitz to your day with these glamorous bridal accessories

1 STATEMENT STYLE Beaumont Necklace, £75, Sofia Waldorf 2 CLASSIC ELEGANCE Adrianna Satin T-Bar, £95, Rainbow Club 3 ART DECO Deco Dream Earrings, £28, Glitzy Secrets 4 LUXURY SPARKLE Cecile Sandals, £765, Emmy London 5 TIMELESS GEM Naeli Bracelet, £89, Swarovski 6 GATSBY GLAMOUR Deco Vine Hair Comb, £74, Glitzy Secrets 7 DECADENT DETAIL Celebration Clutch Bag, £180, Dune London 8 SATIN CHIC Esme Satin Shoe, £70, The Perfect Bridal Company

LIGHT & DARK

We’ve seen a rainbow of colours for maids over the past few seasons, but the hottest trend for 2020 is to dress your best girls in soft, pale shades or dark and stormy hues

Eliza & Ethan Kenneth Winston

Motee Maids

Kelsey Rose

Special Day

True Bridesmaids

Hayley Paige

Maids to Measure

ICED DELIGHT Iced Cookies, Mama Cakes Cumbria, mamacakes.co.uk

FLORAL FANCY Elegant Wildflower Single Tier Cake, Rosalind Miller, rosalindmillercakes.com

NATURAL BEAUTY

Floral Naked Cake, Anna Cake Couture, thisisanna.co.uk

METALLIC BLUSH

Four Tier Iced Cake, Booootiful Cakes, booootifulcakes.co.uk

RUSTIC CHIC Semi-Naked Wedding Cake, The Little Cake Box, littlecakebox.co.uk

Heavenly CAKES

TASTY TREATS

Cupcake Selection, Georgia’s Cakes, georgias-cakes.co.uk

Geometric Cake, Caked by Carissa, cakedbycarissa.com

MODERN GEM Colourful

LILAC SWIRL Divine Marble Cake, The Pink Kitchen thepinkkitchen.co.uk

Grace Navy & Gold Wedding Invitation, £2.00, notonthehighstreet.com

STYLE Say it with

This year, it’s all about dark statement stationery, so share the news with one of these dreamy designs

MODERN BLUE

BLACK & GOLD

High Style Laser Embossed Cards, from £2.98, confetti.co.uk

CLASSIC LUXE

Floral Laser Cut Elegance Invitation, from £2.62, adorninvitations.co.uk

FLOWER POWER

Floral Border Wedding Invitation, £5 for 5, modeprints.com

BOLD PETALS Black Indulgence Wedding Invitation, from £4, ananyacards.com

DARK FLORALS

Navy Burgundy Floral Fall Wedding Invitation, £1.85, zazzle.co.uk

WINTER CHIC

Winter Frost Wedding Invitation, £20 for 10, papier.com

CHALK BOARD

Pastel Chalkboard Flowers Save the Date Cards, £0.85, treeofh earts.co.uk

Gift WISHLIST

Smeg TSF01 2-Slice Toaster in Black, £130, johnlewis.com

Gold Links Mirror Top Console Table, £188, audenza.com

New noir Golden touch

Fuji La Cafetière 6 Cup Classic Espresso in Black, £22, kitchencraft.co.uk

Butter Dish In Carbon Enamel, £20, gardentrading.co.uk

Platonic Geo Gold Round Mirror, £160, artisanti.com

Marble Foot White & Gold Floor Lamp, £80.95, melodymaison.co.uk

Dandy Lion And Foxy Lady Lifestyle Mugs, £15 each, chaseandwonder.com

Toulon Green Iron Bed, £499, obc-uk.net

Urban jungle Green city

Discoveries Parrot Jug, £56, hurnandhurn.com

Palm Leaf Glass Pendant Light, £85, cultfurniture.com

Orla Kiely Linear Stem Enamel Large Measuring Jug, £24.95, hurnandhurn.com

Grandma Harvest Gold Velvet Tassel Stool, £115, beaumonde.co.uk

Elephant Napkins, £15, sophieallport.com

Oversized Servers, £20, habitat.co.uk

Tabitha Lounge Chair, £275, habitat.co.uk

Quail Ceramics Giraffe Face Egg Cup, £11, hurnandhurn.com

Zebra Tahiti Side Plates, £51.95, annabeljames.co.uk

Reversible Forest Green Velvet Bed Runner, £180, frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk

Green

Triangle Quilted Velvet Cushion, £15, diy.com

Wall Clock, £49, audenza.com

Lush

Velvet

Retro

A few of our guests have already asked us what we would like. So, to make things easy for them, we’ve started a gift list! We’re adding gifts we know our guests will love to give, such as these Waterford to kick off the celebrations. Everyone loves

a Bobble so that’s a must, along with a good old faithfulfrom

Le Creuset. Our guests know we love to bake, so a Smeg will be a popular gift

as would this fab from Kaymet for when Jake treats me to breakfast in bed!

I know Jake’s mum would love to give us this Nespresso so we can make her a decent coffee! Thanks to The Wedding Shop – we can’t wait to receive all of our gifts!

Blossom & bloom

This season’s flowers are all about ultra-pretty twists on traditional arrangements

Two-tone

Using classic stems of anemone and waxflower in an unstructured collection offers the ultimate relaxed bouquet. The blood red peonies give real impact. Tie together with a black bow for a vampy finishing touch.

Think pink

Traditionally, this is one of the most popular hues for a bridal bouquet. For a contemporary update, mix oversized blooms with sprays of smaller florals. Here, the Protea Pink Carnival is the star of the show.

Something blue

Daisy, daisy

What better bouquet for an English Country Garden wedding than a collection of these happy-looking flowers? Here, daisies in a mix of sizes are punctuated with pretty green chrysanthemums and wild flowers.

Give your bouquet a traditional touch with some beautiful blue blooms. We love these pretty picks...

THIS COUPLE’S WEDDING WAS A FAIRYTALE CELEBRATION

PHOTOGRAPHER: TOMMY REYNOLDS, TOMMYREYNOLDSWEDDINGS.CO.UK

Vicki & Martin

In February 2017, Martin proposed to Vicki during a romantic trip to Dubai. “He took me to a beautiful restaurant and as a late Valentine’s gift, gave me a personalised memory book with pictures of our time together,” remembers Vicki. “When I got to the last page, he was down on one

The pair chose to marry in August 2018 day celebration at explains Vicki. “Our chosen venue was perfect and we were so somewhere that catered to all our needs.”

An ethereal celebration with the theme of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was ideal for this couple. “We wanted a whimsical wedding day,” says Vicki. “We were inspired by the romance of the English garden and chose a colour combination of sage green and blush pink.” To complete their fairytale styling, the venue’s banquet plenty of mixed foliage.

Vicki walked down the aisle in a beautiful gown from Spanish label, Pronovias. “It was important for me to go with a label that has a fabulous reputation,” says Vicki. “I always thought I would wear

Planning tip: Set a budget straight away and make sure deals available.

The details

DRESS: Pronovias, pronovias.com

GROOM’S SUIT: Suit Supply, suitsupply.com

BRIDE’S SHOES: Jimmy Choo, jimmychoo.com

HAIR: Michael Gray Hair, michaelgrayhair.com

MAKE-UP: Stacey Lincoln, @staceylaceymua

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Jenny Yoo, jennyyoo.com

VENUE: Hengrave Hall, hengravehall.com

FLOWERS: Verity and Thyme, verityandthyme.co.uk

CAKE: Malarky Cakes, malarkeycakes.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT: Jack Pack, jackpackofficial.com & Urban Voices Collective, urbanvoicescollective.com

CATERING: Milsoms Catering, milsomhotels.com/milsomcatering

Vicki and Martin proved that less can sometimes be more with their chic and simple theme. By matching contemporary decor with gorgeous mixed foliage, this was a seriously pretty wedding that still had plenty of wow factor.

Wedding style NOTEBOOK

STEAL THIS PRETTY PINK AND GREEN THEME

The Palette

If you want an ethereal celebration, look for pretty and natural decor. Foliage and mixed florals tick the right boxes and are perfect for an effortless and whimsical feel. To keep things simple, choose one or two colours to tie it all together – we love blush pink and sage for a stylish and romantic touch.

Decorative Vine, £7.50, Ginger Ray

Floral Hoops, £12.99, Ginger Ray

Glass Globe Holder, £24, Confetti Shop

House Doctor Candelabra, £43, Hurn & Hurn

Three Tier Metallic Cake, £POA, Booootiful Cakes

Marble And Gold Favour Boxes, £12, Confetti Shop

Wedding Champagne Glasses, £80, Confetti Shop

Willow, £POA, Blush by Hayley Paige

Gigi, £230, Rachel Simpson

Tabby Bridesmaid Bouquet, £39.99, Silk Blooms

Elizabeth & Michael

WE LOVE THIS COUPLE’S STYLISH OVERSEAS WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA-JANE PHOTOGRAPHY, EMMA-JANEPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

Seven years after meeting at university, Elizabeth and Michael decided to tie the knot. The couple chose to marry in August 2018 with an overseas celebration at Borgo Lucignanello in Italy. “We really loved our venue,” says Elizabeth. “It was perfect for an intimate wedding, and we had exclusivity as well as amazing views!”

This gorgeous venue in Tuscany was the ideal backdrop for a relaxed summer celebration. “With such a beautiful location, we were able to keep our decor simple,” explains Elizabeth. “We went for a

venue took care of the styling for us.”

For her destination wedding style, Elizabeth opted for a stunning Stephanie Allin gown matched with Roland Cartier

“My lace dress was classy but sassy with a slit at the back,” says Elizabeth. “I loved

Michael also impressed guests with his big day look, choosing to wear a stylish yellow and grey Neal and Palmer suit, which perfectly complemented their chosen colour scheme.

Planning tip: Don’t be afraid to delegate – everyone will be more than happy to help!

The details

DRESS: Stephanie Allin, stephanieallin.net

GROOM’S SUIT: Neal and Palmer, nealandpalmer.com

BRIDE’S SHOES: Roland Cartier

HAIR: Lashann Edeki, @hairbylashan

MAKE-UP: Yèyè, @yeyesbrides

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: TFNC London, tfnclondon.com

VENUE: Borgo Lucignanello, Italy, borgolucignanello.com

FLOWERS: Il Bouquet in Siena, sienaflowers.com

ENTERTAINMENT: DJ Betty, bettydj.com

CATERING: Royal catering, royal-catering.com

We really love the sunflowers in Elizabeth and Michael's overseas wedding. While styling a destination event may not be as easy as one in the UK, opting for flowers as a focal point guarantees a super pretty celebration.

Wedding style NOTEBOOK

The Palette

When your venue is as beautiful as Elizabeth and Michael’s there’s no need to invest in heavy decoration. We love how this couple decided to keep their theme chic and simple with sunflowers and pops of yellow – the perfect addition to an overseas celebration.

Lineisy, £POA, Wtoo by Watters

Fefe Champagne Pearl, £325, Freya Rose

Navy Blue Sunflower Invitation, £1.80, zazzle.co.uk

Yellow Paisley Tie, £12, Burton Menswear

Silver Candlestick Holder, £8.50, Sophie Allport

Golden Slumber Petals, £16.50 per litre, Shropshire Petals

Style 22808, £POA, Christina Wu Celebration

Photo Booth Glasses, £10 each, Confetti Shop

Beauty of Yester Year Forehead Piece, £88, Glitzy Secrets

Sunflower Arrangement, £8, George Home

Small Wooden Craft Hearts, £9, Confetti Shop

Sunset Wedding Package AT THE

ROMAN BATHS 2019/20

From 40 to 160 guests

The award winning Roman Baths is one of the country’s most atmospheric venues and an extraordinary location for a wedding. Exchanging vows alongside the torch-lit thermal waters, drinks with loved ones on the ancient Roman paving and a sumptuous three course meal on the enclosed Terrace or in the Pump Room will make your evening unforgettable.

From £5,850 inc. VAT for 40 guests

Includes: venue hire, DJ, three course meal, Prosecco reception and toast, wine and coffee. To book, call today on 01225 477786 or email bath_venues@bathnes.gov.uk www.bathvenues.co.uk/sunset

Marta & Zoe

THIS GORGEOUS COUPLE CHOSE CHIC BOHO VIBES FOR THEIR SPECIAL DAY

PHOTOGRAPHER: VERITY WESTCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY, VERITYWESTCOTTPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

It was in March 2010, after chatting online, that Marta and Zoe met for we were head over heels and have can’t imagine life without each other and our love grows stronger each and every day!”

The soulmates tied the knot in June 2018, choosing BoHo Cornwall as the a beautiful elopement venue, this was prefect for the pair who wanted a small venue online and really loved its chilled, relaxed vibes, the privacy and the views,” to venture to Cape Cornwall for some amazing wild photographs on the beach

The couple themed their day around love and kept things simple with colourful on the lawn, along with scones and jam, was the perfect accompaniment to this

The pair both chose to marry in

Planning tip: Make sure you enjoy the whole process – all you really need is each other and love!

The details

DRESSES: The Wedding Hub / Rock The Frock Bridal, thewedhub.com

HAIR: The Updo Girl, theupdogirl.com

MAKE-UP: Amy Potter MUA, amypottermua.com

STYLING: Dani at The Wedding Hub, thewedhub.com

VENUE: BoHo Cornwall, bohocornwall.co.uk

FLOWERS: Twigs and Greens, t wigsandgreens.co.uk

CELEBRANT: The Cornish Celebrants, cornishcelebrants.co.uk

THE HURLINGHAM CLUB, RANELAGH GARDENS, LONDON, SW6 3PR 020 7610 7526 | events@hurlinghamclub.org.uk | @hurlinghamvenue

Wedding style NOTEBOOK

BE INSPIRED BY THIS ROMANTIC BOHO THEME

The Palette

For their chic elopement wedding, Marta and Zoe kept things simple with pared back decor and rustic detailing. To fit the minimalist boho vibe, the couple made the most of nature with a beautiful rural venue, and chose mixed flowers to add pretty pops of colour.

Florence, £POA, Savannah Miller

Jasmine Sandal, Emmy London

Rattan Picnic Basket, £57, Beaumonde

Three Tier Rustic Cake, £POA, The Little Cake Box

Amour Stationery Collection, £POA, Paperknots

Caramel Latte Bouquet, £65, The Real Flower Company

Heartbeat, £POA, Rembo Styling

Alsatia Bride Bouquet, £144.99, Silk Blooms

White Fabric Bunting, £8.99, Ginger Ray

Hanging Hearts Trio, £3.95, Live Laugh Love Ltd

Linen Drawstring Bag, £1.20, Confetti Shop

It was a clear match for Fay and December 2016, Chris proposed,” The pair chose to marry in May 2018

scheme and asked friends and family to

headdress, satin Rachel Simpson shoes and pearl earrings borrowed from her mum. Chris also looked the part with stylish navy chinos from Next and a Hugo Boss tie, braces and brown leather shoes.

Planning tip: If it’s possible, have your wedding over two days. We really loved this as it meant it didn’t go as quickly and we were able to spend quality time with all our guests.

The details

DRESS: Mikaella Bridal, mikaellabridal.com

GROOM’S SUIT: Next, next.co.uk, TM Lewin, tmlewin.co.uk & Hugo Boss, hugoboss.com

BRIDE’S SHOES: Rachel Simpson, rachelsimpson shoes.co.uk

HAIR & MAKE-UP: Victoria Penrose, victoriapenrose makeup.co.uk

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Monsoon, monsoon.co.uk, Debenhams, debenhams.com & BHLDN, bhldn.com

VENUE: Boconnoc Estate, boconnoc.com

FLOWERS: Vanessa Collins at T he Flower Mill Cornwall,

CATERING: Fee Turner, feet urnercatering.co.uk

We love a festival theme for a relaxed summer celebration.

Here, pretty florals were mixed with mismatched vases, jars and decorations to give a unique touch, while long wooden tables provided an informal setting for guests to mingle and get to know one another.

Wedding style NOTEBOOK

WE’RE LOVING THIS PRETTY FESTIVAL THEME

The Palette

A boho theme is great if you want to be creative with your styling. If you don't have a set colour scheme, flowers and bunting can perfectly add pops of colour. We love the vibrant wildflowers and coral tones in Fay’s bouquet and headdress – a fab feminine touch

Michelle, £POA, Romantica Of Devon

Rustic Pick A Seat Sign, £11.98, Confetti Shop

Vintage Glass Milk Bottle, £9.20 for 4, Confetti Shop

Kraft Tag, £8 for 12, Confetti Shop

Style 40108, £POA, Adrianna Papell

Letter Lights, £159, Cult Furniture

Succulent in Rustic Pot, £7.99, Dobbies

Solar Wine Glass, £16.95, Anton Studio Designs

Ana T-Bar Shoes, £295, Rachel Simpson

Silver Stem Glass Vase, £5, Sophie Allport

Malibu Fabric Bunting, £8, Talking Tables

Living Coral Bouquet, £55, The Real Flower Company

Bailey Flower Crown, £38, Elsie Rocks

Artifi cial Eucalyptus Stem, £7, The Contemporary Home

Maya Trunk, £299, Swoon

OLYMPIA LONDON 14-16 FEBRUARY

NEC BIRMINGHAM 28 FEBRUARY-1 MARCH

EVENTCITY MANCHESTER 14-15 MARCH

EXCEL LONDON 4-5 APRIL

inspiration

Featuring 100’s of wedding specialists, exclusive discounts, VIP experience, expert advice, live catwalks and endless inspiration…

FASHION

FROM CLASSIC GOWNS AND CHIC SILHOUETTES TO THE VERY LATEST TRENDS...

Golden touch

Not all brides have to wear white... If you want to stand out from the crowd and look every inch a goddess, then gold could be the perfect alternative for you. At London Bridal Fashion Week, where all the trends for the year ahead are set, gold was the colour of choice on the runways. Love the look? Then choose from a full-on, glittering metallic design if you want a red carpet style, or for something more low-key, softer blush tones are ultra pretty – especially in ballgown and princess-style dresses.

Stylish SHOULDERS

A beautiful gown with off-the-shoulder detail ticks all the right boxes for a chic big day look

GALIA LAHAV

One trend that keeps returning is the off-the-shoulder style; and in 2020 and beyond, the look will be big news at fashionable weddings. For those just starting the dress shopping experience, you'll find a varied choice in store, with designs covering everything from retro and bohemian, to sleek, sexy and classic. Some of our favourites include minimalist ballgowns with statement shoulder sleeves, as well as soft feminine styles with dainty detailing. Not only are these gowns perfect for brides who love the idea of a strapless gown and want a little extra support and cover, but they’re seriously flattering, too.

BEAUTIFUL BY ENZOANI

BLUSH BY HAYLEY PAIGE

ALLISON

KENNETH WINSTON

Discover more than 160 boutiques at Bicester Village including Oscar de la Renta, Rupert Sanderson and Agent Provocateur all offering savings of up to 60% on the recommended retail price. Plus, enjoy all-day dining at Café Wolseley and farmshop restaurant & cafe by Soho House & Co. Take advantage of the Village’s complimentary parking or travel by train with journeys from 46 minutes from London Marylebone.

Go for GLITTER

Gorgeous glittery gowns will be a top choice this season with brides looking to make a stylish statement

Everyone loves a bit of sparkle, so what could be better than a glimmering gown as you walk down the aisle? These beautiful, statement-making dresses are perfect for glamorous brides, but for those after subtle sparkle, there are definitely some options this season, too. Metallic beadwork and gold floral embellishment are a top choice if you’re after a feminine look with a modern touch, while glitzy geometric patterns and all-over glitter are guaranteed to make you shine.

SAVIN

Pretty inPINK

Always wanted a fairytale wedding? A beautiful pink dress could be perfect for your happily ever after

BLUSH BY HAYLEY PAIGE

While we love a classic ivory dress, beautiful pink options have been making an appearance – and the result is seriously dreamy. With such a great choice, you’ll be fooled for thinking these gorgeous dresses are only for girly brides after a super feminine wedding day look. While there are plenty of flirty tulle options, you’ll also find edgier gowns as well as vintage designs and modern pieces that you’ll adore whatever your style. You’ll see a spectrum of blush shades, cuts and patterns while shopping this trend, so it’s ideal if you want to make a statement and let your personality shine.

SAVIN LONDON

ELIZA

JANE HOWELL

SAVIN LONDON

Colourful FLORALS

If you want to embrace colour, a stylish wedding dress with bright floral embellishment is guaranteed to impress

BOWEN DRYDEN

The designers have taken floral embellishment to the next level, with bold and ethereal dresses that feature bright, colourful embroidery and 3D details. Whether you want the wow factor with full, multicolour motifs or instead want a simpler single tone, there’s a stunning design in this trend for you. Across different collections, you’ll find everything from traditional princess gowns with pretty pink embroidery to floaty styles with pops of brilliant colour. And however you choose to dress the look, this is definitely a style that will leave your guests with a lasting impression.

SAVIN LONDON

RONALD JOYCE

YOLANCRIS

CLAIRE PETTIBONE

ELIZA JANE HOWELL

The Gift List

WEDDING PLANNING COMES WITH PLENTY OF CHALLENGES AND CAN LEAVE YOU FEELING OVERSTRETCHED. NO WONDER THEN, THAT CURATING A GIFT LIST CAN SOMETIMES BE AN AFTERTHOUGHT. YET NO MATTER HOW YOU’RE PLANNING TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIG DAY, YOU DESERVE THE GIFT LIST OF YOUR DREAMS.

he

www.johnlewisgiftlist.com

www.johnlewisfinance.com/

Valentine Avoh

This designer has talent in abundance. Her glorious creations are detailed and chic using with a fabulous cut and brides who don’t want a eveningwear inspired

Designer HOT LIST

If you want a dress with flair, then these designers could be just what you are looking for

Andrea Hawkes

Elegant and easy to wear, this designer knows how stylish weddingwear. Her dresses let the quality of the fabric and cut really brides that want an unstructured take on the to name for sheath styles

Bowen Dryden

Bowen Dryden is all about detail, embroidery and pops of colour. This designer’s bespoke gowns are intricate and delicate in a way that’s ideal for bold brides who want something artistic. Champagne and gold tones are all the rage this something brighter, this is the brand that can cater for your needs.

Savannah Miller Sister to actress Sienna, this designer’s wedding collection adds an elegant edge to bohemian bridalwear. The latest back glamour, using a variety of sumptuous materials, including the soft silhouettes. Savannah plays with sleeve styles and dress lengths to create some really unique looks, and her contemporary detailing

FASHION

FASHION

Randy Fenoli

Looking for some American charm? Then look no further than Randy Fenoli. The designer, who you may know from Say Yes to the Dress, has created an outstanding collection of gowns that would look that want some glitz and pretty dusting of sparkle.

The UK’s favourite wedding gift list & honeymoon fund

Gemma & Luke

“We loved capturing our river rafting day on our new GoPro”

SHOPPING FOR THE ONE

Four real brides tell us the best (and worst) things about their dress shopping experience

THE FACTS: Jessica Lima chose the Juri by Enzoani Blue from Along Came Eve for her overseas wedding.

JESSICA’S STORY: “My maid of honour mentioned the boutique to me and, once I'd looked at its brands and styles online, I booked my appointment to try on dresses. I only visited the one shop and chose my boutiques would overwhelm me, so I happened that I was really happy with what I found there.

from those I took with me. I went with my

I chose this particular boutique because it was beautiful and it drew me in. I found

They also have a really nice area upstairs

experience really special. My mum, two sisters, two friends and I were all left to

every style and I also felt really comfortable and at ease.

TOP TIPS

Be open to styles and ideas. Don’t put pressure on yourself and, most of all, embrace the moment! It can easily be exhausting and daunting trying on so many dresses, but it is also a lot of fun and a great experience with your loved ones. Make the most of that time.

THE FACTS: Kiri Samantha Rogerson bought her Morilee Fatima gown from Brides of Southampton.

KIRI’S STORY:

styles and boutiques near me. I searched in 10+ bridal shops before I found 'the one' at Brides of Southampton. My mum and I randomly decided we would make an

other boutiques. Sure I’d been to stores

only when I walked into the main room with it on and span around to face the tall it was perfection.

The team in store really listened to what I liked and didn’t like, they were patient, experienced in their industry and most of all, they made me feel really special. It was almost like I was their friend rather than

service, I found my perfect dress at Brides lovely ladies who work at the boutique

TOP TIPS

dress I’d found online that I really liked the look of. She told me she didn’t have that exact dress, but that she did have

Keep an open mind and try on lots of dresses until you have a good picture of what you like. Don’t just settle on a dress you think looks “good”, or “ok”. Wait for that WOW moment, because you're sure to find it. Trust me, when you know, you know!

FASHION

THE FACTS: Ellie Rose Madden married in the Milan by St. Patrick from Wedding World in Shropshire.

ELLIE’S STORY: “Wedding World was recommended to me by a friend who had recently married. I was in Shrewsbury one Saturday and decided to pop in to book an appointment. The boutique owner, Anne, was so welcoming and managed to get me an appointment for the following weekend.

shop I visited...and the last! I had other appointments booked but I cancelled them as I found my dress. In fact, I chose the Anne told me to choose six to eight which dress in the shop would suit me

myself. She told me to choose one dress I thought I wouldn’t like, to eliminate the and I said yes to the dress! Amazingly, it was the dress Anne had written down for

Once I knew which dress I wanted, Anne then accessorised it with the most beautiful veil and jewellery. The lights were turned down, I was given a bouquet and told to ‘walk down the aisle’. The mirrors were set so that I could see myself at every angle that the congregation would see me. My mum was in tears, and for me, that was the start of the excitement for my wedding. The best thing about the experience was spending quality time with my mum. I love my bridesmaids to bits but eight of them, all choose my dress would have been chaos!”

TOP TIPS

Your Pinterest dress will be nothing like what you choose! Be open-minded and listen to the boutique owner – they know what they're doing. Don't become obsessed with finding the perfect dress, as the ‘perfect dress’ for one bride will be completely different for you.

THE FACTS: Kimberley Day selected style 3117 from Allure Romance by Allure Bridals at The Bridal Lounge.

KIMBERLEY’S STORY: “The boutique I found my dress in is local to me and I had seen it in passing. Before I went to The Bridal Lounge, I visited one other store. I appointment due to their opening hours

trying on dresses and I felt very pressured to make a decision. I felt I was being steered towards a style that didn’t suit me. I chose the majority of my suppliers from my local area, as I like to support local businesses. So I ideally wanted to use a local store. I enquired about a dress I had seen online, as I knew The Bridal Lounge stocked this designer and, although they didn’t have that particular one in stock, Sara, who works there, was quick to respond and was extremely helpful, providing me with suggestions of other similar dresses. I was invited to the store for an open evening so I could have a look for myself, and fell in love with the

boutique instantly.

Throughout the whole experience, from

like a princess. Sara naturally makes you feel at ease in the beautiful boutique. The passion she clearly has for her work shone through to make the experience special, and she took the time to get to know me and helped me pick out the perfect gown! My favourite part of the whole process

to the boutique with my bridesmaids and trying on beautiful dresses. We even had a time I went to try my dress on once it had arrived, was just magical.”

TOP TIPS

Research before you shop. See what bridal stores are accessible to you. Contact them to see which designers they stock, and find out how easy it is to book an appointment. Take some photos with you, too, so you can show the stylists the type of dresses you like.

Dress shoppingTOP TIPS

Abi Neill, bridal pro and boutique owner, gives the inside scoop on how to stress less and love dress shopping more with her dos and don’ts…

DON’T

DON’T let stress and panic about the wedding dress

DON’T fret about losing baby weight or having a face lift before embarking upon your shopping trip. Find a dress you shine in now and you will feel a million dollars by the wedding day itself.

DON’T forget that wedding dress shops carry many

bride who doesn’t want to break the bank on a dress, remember there are bargains and sample sales to be found at local boutiques.

DON’T risk going dress blind by booking more than shops and book more afterwards if you need to.

DON’T try on any more dresses after you’ve found 'the one'. When you fall in love, stop looking, just as marry your partner...

DO

DO

shop’s collection, service and reviews. Decide where to visit and avoid bridal burnout by scheduling no more than two appointments in one day.

DO consider visiting bridal boutiques during the

DO

'the one'. Often it’s a special moment, so ensure your bestie and co are by your side. Be warned, though, that taking more than a few shopping companions can often cause unnecessary bridal stress.

DO

sure on, or a style you like least on the hanger, that you end up falling in love with.

DO stay true to yourself and tell your bride tribe exactly how you feel. Remember this is your wedding day, your dream dress and, ultimately, it's your

From beautifully tailored suits in two and three piece designs, to the finest formal shirts and suave accessories, our Wedding Collection will ensure you are immaculately turned out on your big day.

Visit us at The National Wedding Show Stand G22, 20-22 September 2019

Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UK Dress

Groom's Edit

This season, grooms will be stepping into the limelight with refreshing colours, textured fabrics and styles inspired by by-gone eras

This year, eyes will be darting to both ends of the aisle, as grooms seek new ways to introduce some personality into their wedding attire. When it comes to looks, this season is all about contrast, textures and tones. Traditional materials such as

alongside a colour palette of mushroom, sage and Air Force blue. Grooms will either come dressed to the nines or minimalist, where stylish waistcoats will allow them to leave their jackets at home.

role as Thomas Shelby, modern men have turned to the sizzling wardrobe of the

Peaky Blinders for inspiration. Oozing

piece Herringbone suits with club collar shirts and silver pocket watches, while

look its cool edge.

Traditional grooms need not feel left label tuxedos, satin trims and patent leather shoes will allow suave grooms to make a statement. Putting a spin on an archetypal look, 18th century morning dress is also in. A mix and match look, grooms will pair checked or striped trousers with plain morning coats, contrast waistcoats and ties in golden tones.

going grooms will choose natural fabrics in for barn and destination weddings, with lightweight textiles paired with tweed waistcoats or simple shirts and braces.

will be wearing lively prints and strong

men’s bridal fashion this season, with grooms selecting vibrant additions to complement and contrast their ensembles. As darkness falls, grooms will switch up their looks. Evening attire will consist of

up and top shirt buttons will be opened!

Brocton Blue Tweed Suit, Tibberton Brown Tweed Suit and Grafton Grey Tweed Suit, all peterposh.co.uk

Style FILE

Our pick of the newest pieces set to have grooms turning heads this season

Relaxed Rustic

1 Checker Linen

Blend Slim Tailored Trousers in Sage, £110, Reiss

2 Velvet Ready Tied Bow Tie in Emerald, £12, J ohn Lewis & Partners

3 Burgundy With Black Tip Braces, £12, Topman

BOLD

TOUCH

A striking herringbone threepiece suit like this one from Garrison Tailors (pictured above) perfectly mimics the sultry styles of the Peaky Blinders gang. Pair tweed and flannel textures with edgy accessories to complete this 1920s inspired look.

1 Arthur Tweed Baker Boy Cap, £65, Garrison Tailors

2 Henley Navy Tonal Suede Brogue Shoe, £55, Moss London

3 Mount Royal Double Hunter

Skeleton Pocket Watch, £95, Farrar & Tanner

MIX IT UP

For traditional grooms seeking something that sets them apart, this gorgeous suit, inspired by 18th century morning dress, ticks all the boxes. A fresh take on men’s formal attire, the rich pairing of gold, sage and Houndstooth check makes this one for confi dent grooms. Black Windsor Herringbone Morning Coat, £690, Houndstooth Trousers, £240, Olive Green Waistcoat, £220 and Gold Peacock Tie, £95, all Favourbrook

Complementary

Wool Blend Stretch Waistcoat in Teal, £45, Next Navy Grid Waistcoat, £50, Burton Menswear London

Waistcoat, £50, Joe Browns

Est. 1990

PETER POSH

FORMAL SUIT HIRE

PERSONAL TAILORING SUITS TO BUY

“Peter Posh” is a leading brand within the suit hire market. Our range of products are sought after all over the UK. We have six Midland-based showrooms and over 300 independent retail trade customers. Our expansive range of wedding attire for the modern groom includes traditional tailoring and styling with a fashionable twist. European lightweight fabrics and English worsted tweeds in royal blue, navy blue, silver and charcoal grey.

Beauty salon owner Maggie Gouzd had a good reason to take a recent break from her busy business – the birth of her son, Carter. But she couldn’t leave Maggie’s Beauty Box for long and was back within ten days ready to continue driving her success story in the heart of Hornchurch, Essex.

Maggie, who has 10 years’ experience in the beauty profession, has been

injections, permanent make-up and tattoo removal.

“We steer people away from certain treatments because we want them to look natural. We are enhancing their looks not reshaping a new character.

Maggie’s Beauty Box, which treats clients over 21 years old, specialises in a range of established treatments provided by trained aesthetic practitioners with prescriptions authorised by doctors.

“Skin gets tired and droops, so it’s just a case of doing something to improve

“I don’t like cosmetic surgery because it’s about dramatic change that can make people look unnatural. For instance, you can pay around £5,000 for nose surgery but may need a second or third operation to get the desired look while you could

£150 and, although they may need a top up every 18 months or so, they work

about the mounting pressure social media puts on the younger generation to chase a ‘perfect’ look.

and I always say it is not about becoming someone else; it’s about giving yourself a

“That is the great joy in my job. People often cry here because they are so thankful and we all get a huge lift when clients tell us what it means to them and

“I’m very proud of what we have achieved in the area and being part of a growing local economy. I love my work but I’m also a sensible and practical

BEAUTY BOX SKIN CLINIC by Maggie was created for people who don’t want to enhance their beauty with a scalpel, but with modern technology and treatments which were recently revealed by science. We use the latest and best medical and cosmetics equipment, and our treatments are performed using dermo-cosmetics recommended by dermatologists.

We perform many procedures for your face, upper body, lower body and breasts,

Lip Fillers

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Mesotheraphy Injections

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PLANNING

SOME OF THE BEST VENUES THAT THE UK HAS TO OFFER + EXPERT ADVICE FROM THE PROS

Fairytale location

The UK is blessed with some of the most romantic venues in the world, offering picture-perfect settings for big day celebrations. Whatever your theme, there will always be somewhere to suit – and with a touch of creativity, any space can be made completely unique. These images are from different couples, who all put their own spin on their special day at Brympton House. Located amidst 33 acres of gardens and lakes in the Somerset countryside, these couples made the most of this award-winning venue's breathtaking setting. brympton.house

10 MEMORABLE WEDDING TIPS

From off-the-grid venues to multi-sensory experiences, Lauren Fraser finds out how to make your wedding stand out in style

2

Creative photos

1 Theme up

If you want your guests to remember what they see, as well as what they do, then don’t be afraid to add your own stamp and style. The trick is to pool your ideas, then trim them back to one cohesive scheme.

“Try to tie your theme into your

of the venue,” advises Norma and Dorothy’s Paul Dickinson.

“Channel a set theme throughout your stationery to make a bigger visual impact, rather than random pieces thrown together.”

One way to make your wedding memorable, is by getting creative with your photos. Guests will love taking photos with dramatic smoke

For the adventurous, you can even organise a “trash the dress” shoot the day after the wedding.

be remembered long after your big day.

3

Distinctive drinks

4

Open-air opportunities

“Get out and explore! Even if it’s not a formal events space, don’t be afraid to ask about holding your wedding there,” encourages The Outside Bride’s Emily Braithwaite.

If you’re an outdoorsy couple, how about a woodland ceremony? Take it a step further and visit the silver birch church at Devon’s Higher Holcombe rustic forest rooms.

“A popular way to make your reception memorable, is to really think about what drinks you serve and how they’re displayed,” explains luxury planner, Katrina Otter. “You could try signature cocktails, hydration stations and

6 Uniquely yours

one twist on tradition is enough to make your wedding stand out.

“It could be as simple as sharing an intimate dance

5Sensory style

sensory, so if you want to make an impression, consider fragrance and texture as well as the aesthetic of your wedding.

Diligent of Floribunda Rose Floral Design preaches:

smell amazing! If you don’t know where to source them, near you.”

beneath the stars, or as dramatic as bringing in live cooking vans to make your evening food an event in its own right,” suggests the venue, Casterley Barn.

7 Ceremony style

Each couple is uniquely

personalise your ceremony as much as possible by choosing unconventional music, quirky readings, or even an alternative ceremony style.

blended sand ceremonies are increasingly popular, as are spiritual blessings.

8 Bigger blooms

If you’re dreaming of bigger things than jam jar blooms and your budget will stretch, then statement

make your décor memorable.

“Couples are investing more in the 'wow' moments and less on traditional elements like table centres or aisle décor,” explains Billenness. “Think installations suspended above your guests’ heads. a cool alternative over

9Visual feasts

“Going the extra mile with presentation will ensure that your wedding food becomes a talking point for guests,” explains McCrimmon & Reid’s Olivia Hinkin. “Imaginative delivery is one way to achieve this, and something like dry ice will add desserts!”

10

Last dance

“Many couples forget how important the closing of the planner, Penelope Cullen of Tigerlily Weddings.“I always advise that you think about the music you really love, and use these as ideas for your last three songs. This will ensure everyone close your wedding on a high.”

I N THE HE A RT O F BIR M I NG H AM’S JEWELLERY Q U A RTER

PERFECT ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR

Visit us at The National Wedding Show, Birmingham Stand E25

For a chance to WIN a pair of wedding rings

Vyse Street, Jewellery Quarter, Bi

THE BIG DEBATE Plus-ones - yes or no?

Should you allow all

your guests to bring a date to your wedding?

Two brides battle it out over the plus-one etiquette

YES, you should invite plus-ones NO, plus-ones shouldn't be expected

Ida Vaclavik, from Richmond, Virginia, USA

I think you should allow all your guests to have the option to bring a date to your wedding. It makes the day and evening much more enjoyable for them and, it’s also nice for them to have a dancing partner!

At our wedding, all our guests were either invited as a married couple, or invited with a

"Having plus-ones makes for a really fun event and is a great way to meet all the people your friends are dating"

and choosing would lead to a lot of hurt feelings.

A few of our guests did end up coming on their own, especially if they knew others in their friendship group would be there. However, most people did bring a

or a friend. One guest brought her teenage son, which

I’ve been to a few weddings where I haven’t been boyfriend at the time. I was ok, because I knew other people at the weddings, but it was sad that he was left out of so many celebrations, and I would have preferred to have been given the option.

If Alex and I were to have our wedding all over for a really fun event and is a great way to meet all the people your friends are dating. A lot of weddings inevitably end up being a mini school and university reunion, and are a great opportunity to meet the people who are important in your friends’ lives. Luckily, money wasn’t an issue for us. However, if it had been, we would have had a smaller guest list to

Ellen Blake, from London

Any additional guests on top, we had to pay full price for. It meant that even a few additional people would

right number for both of us, as we wanted to celebrate with lots of people, but ensure the day still felt

evening part of the day either.

had university and school friends that knew lots of people, and others from work that didn’t know anyone

might not know anyone else there.

Other than that, we tried to stick to inviting partners that we had had the opportunity to meet at least once or twice before. This meant that we didn’t necessarily invite everyone’s spouses.

guests ask if they could bring a partner, but we explained that we couldn’t invite them at that stage, and that if anyone dropped out, we would let them know. Fortunately, everyone was understanding.

"We wouldn't change our plus-one strategy – I loved that we knew everyone who came to our wedding"

If we were to get married again, I wouldn’t change who came to our day. It would have felt strange having someone there that neither my husband Scott or I had met before.

BRIDAL PARTY ROLES

Asking your closest family and friends to be a big part of your special day is more than just popping champagne bottles. What can you expect from your bridesmaids and maid of honour in the lead-up to, and on, the big day? Read on to find out what these coveted roles entail….

The hen party

The most important job for your bridesmaids and maid of honour is organising the hen party. While your maid of honour is technically in charge, your bridesmaids should all expect to play a part in organising the most amazing day, night or weekend for you want to do and deciding on a reasonable budget, to booking activities, sorting accommodation and rounding up the money!

Dress shopping

As well as your mum and might want to ask your bridesmaids to attend wedding dress shopping with you. It can be a really fun experience, as well as a great bonding opportunity. However, as the bride, make sure you take your friends' schedules into consideration before booking any appointments.

Setting up

All the bridal party need to be available the day before the wedding to help with setting up the reception room, accompanying appointments, and to be on hiccups.

Big day preparations

It’s the role of the bridesmaids and maid of honour to help you get ready on the big day. From

BRIDAL PARTY'S TOP TIPS

too busy taking in the whole experience, so it’s the maid of honour’s job to ensure that everything runs according to plan. This includes everything from making sure the right people are available for photographs and handing out confetti, to ensuring the tables are laid according to your seating plan.

DO tell the bride straight if she asks for your opinion, but also know when to keep your thoughts to yourself.

DO try to deal with any onsite issues without having to involve the bride. Your job is to keep things moving along nicely, not to add stress.

DO bring a sewing kit, fashion tape and fake eyelashes for any last-minute bridesmaid malfunctions.

DON’T accept the role unless you can give 100% commitment. You might be expected to help out with a range of jobs, from dress shopping and fittings to making invitations.

DON’T dramatically change your look. Dying your hair or getting a tattoo in a prominent place can wait until the wedding is over.

DON’T post any photos on social media without the bride’s permission. You don’t want the groom to see the dress before they say “I do”.

and helping you get into your wedding dress, to making sure you eat a good breakfast. The maid of honour will also arrange your dress once you’re at the front of the aisle and will hold on to your bouquet during the wedding ceremony. Equally, if your dress is hard to manoeuvre or undo, your maid of honour needs to be prepared to help you when going to the bathroom. If you haven’t got a wedding planner, it often comes under the maid of honour’s duties to help with the

DON’T drink too much on the big day – nobody wants to see a bridesmaid being carried off the dancefloor after one too many shots of tequila!

Readings and speeches

of honour to give a reading during the ceremony or write a speech for the reception. Get them to speak with the best man and father of the bride before the big day to avoid any repetition.

Post-wedding clear up

wedding, it’s likely to be your responsibility to clear everything

than not, you’re likely to be under time constraints... especially if there’s another wedding party arriving. It’s not an unreasonable request to round up your bridal party to help with the clear up. Get them to put their hangovers aside, stick on a playlist and you’ll be in the pub in next to no time, reminiscing about your perfect day!

Costs involved

Anyone who is part of the bridal party should expect to part with some cash in the lead up to the big day. Typically, the maid of honour, bridesmaids and guests at the hen party will not only need to pay for themselves, but also chip in a little extra to cover the cost of the bride. In this day and age, it’s not uncommon to ask your tribe to contribute towards, or pay for their dress, shoes, hair

during wedding planning, so always be open and honest with your friends to save any awkwardness...

There’ll be three big moments that you’ll always remember at the heart of your church wedding ceremony.

The first comes as you stand in the doorway of the church, pause, and then begin to walk down the aisle.

You’ll be walking in the footsteps of generations of brides before you. Whether you are surrounded by bridesmaids, walking with a father or a friend, or by yourself, whether you feel nervous or excited, or both, the church will hold an atmosphere that’s special and spiritual, which just can’t be replicated anywhere else.

Then you arrive at the front, your husband-to-be will be waiting for you and you’ll then make unique, timeless and amazing vows in the presence of your family, friends and God.

There’ll be another friendly face too – the vicar. You’ll have spent a lot of time with them beforehand. You’ll have shared your story with them, talked about your hopes for your wedding day, asked them for advice on hymns, readings and prayers. They will have helped you rehearse this moment and reassured you that they’ll do all they can to make things run smoothly, just as you want it to be.

The final unforgettable moment comes soon after this – when together, you walk back down the aisle, newly married and ready to celebrate with all your guests.

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish”

Special Day, Special Place

“Our advice would be, if you’ve got a dream for your wedding, don’t be afraid to ask the church what you can do. You might be surprised at the answer you get.”

Did you know..?

• You can be married in church regardless of whether you’re christened or not, and regardless of whether you regularly go to church or not.

• If either of you are divorced, there may well still be a way forward for having a church wedding –just ask the vicar to talk this through with you and they’ll explain what’s possible.

• If you already have children together, the vicar will make your children welcome too and will suggest ways of involving them on the day.

Just like any other wedding venue, getting married in church is a legal ceremony, so there are a few legal requirements. This applies to your choice of church and you may find that there are lots of beautiful churches where you can legally marry. Visit yourchurchwedding.org/find-a-church for more information.

Within the legal ceremony framework, a Church of England wedding is flexible to accommodate both traditional and unusual tastes. Many couples love the sound of a church organ, hymns and well-loved wedding readings, while others will want to be inventive and may decide they don’t want a ‘white’ wedding.

That is all possible in a church wedding, and the vicar can still help you plan a service with a difference.

For more information about having a personal, meaningful, beautiful church wedding, visit yourchurchwedding.org

To contact your local church, or one that means something special to you, find it on achurchnearyou.com

The PERFECT VE NUE for your personality…

We’ve found the best venues for traditional brides, city slickers, boho lovers, culture fans and couples who fancy something quirky…

BOHO VENUES

Doxford Barns: A beautifully bespoke and romantic venue, Doxford Barns is perfect for marry in Northumberland. This is a really unique barn venue, where rural charm meets

Great Barn has beautiful oak doxfordbarns.com One day weddings start

The Cherry Barn is the perfect choice for boho rustic venue. Outdoor ceremonies can be held in their in the woodland or under an with views over the orchard and available, too. thecherrybarn.co.uk Exclusive 48-hour dry hire is £6,000.

At Doxford Barns, rustic charm is matched with modern elegance

Make the most of outdoor ceremonies at the beautiful Cherry Barn

QUIRKY VENUES

The Wellbeing Farm: Impress unique farm wedding

thewellbeingfarm.co.uk

Starting price for venue hire is from £3,685.

Charlton Hall:

home mixes tradition with

interior designers. charltonhall.co.uk Packages start from £7,495 including accommodation for up to 14 people.

CULTURAL VENUES

Hampton Court Palace: This has to be one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in

a showstopping venue for a

Kensington Palace: Few

hrp.org.uk/ hampton-court-palace

Prices start at £3,500 for the Garden Room, or £14,500 for the Palace State Apartments.

hrp.org.uk/ kensington-palace

Packages start from £10,000 for evening hire.

Charlton Hall comes complete with an underground speakeasy

Kensington Palace is a truly exclusive venue for those after a unique day

Hampton Court Palace is a breathtaking setting for a fairytale wedding

The Wellbeing Farm is a magical countryside venue

TRADITIONAL VENUES

Babington House: One of the most exclusive and chic wedding venues in Somerset, Babington House oozes elegance and English charm. This is the perfect countryside retreat for a traditional bride. The Georgian manor house lies inside 18 acres of beautiful grounds, with 33 bedrooms, a tennis courts and a cricket pitch. Ceremonies can be held in the orangery or library. babingtonhouse.co.uk

Prices available on request.

Down Hall Hotel: Located in the beautiful Essex and Hertfordshire countryside, the historic Down Hall is the perfect setting for a country wedding. Choose from a selection of rooms for an intimate ceremony or a grand

also be held in their wooden gazebo, overlooking 110 acres of woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens. downhall.co.uk

Starting packages are from £7,950.

CITY VENUES

Midland Hotel, Manchester: Located in the heart of Manchester, this iconic Grade II listed hotel has welcomed monarchs, presidents and movie stars for decades. Glamorous and opulent, this wedding venue is guaranteed to impress your guests, providing the perfect backdrop for both occasions. An air of romance

be able to create a truly luxurious and timeless wedding in the heart of a bustling city. themidlandhotel.co.uk

Wedding packages start from £5,146.50.

The Grand, York: The Grand, address, right in the heart of this beautiful city. And as a Grade II listed Edwardian setting for a magical day full of stately, sweeping stone staircases, original wood decadent marble. With 207 rooms for guests, and even a

plenty of time to spend with loved ones, before and after the special day. thegrandyork.co.uk Wedding packages start from £8,000.

Historic Down Hall is perfect for both grand and intimate celebrations

Babington House is a truly romantic countryside retreat

The Midland Hotel is a glamorous choice for couples after a decadent do

The Grand, York is a luxury address in the heart of the city

Country house VENUES

WANT A GRAND COUNTRY HOUSE WEDDING? WE’VE ROUNDED UP OUR FAVOURITE UK VENUES...

1

SCARLET HALL

Festooned with greenery and surrounded by sweeping lawns, magical setting for a dream country

host any style of special day, with a rustic important dreamy wedding photos. The venue sleeps 22 and can host up to 120 guests. uniquehomestays.com

2

THE BELSFIELD

Ideal for interiors enthusiasts, District, showcases the signature brand. What’s more, with spectacular stunning and tasteful location, too. Various Intimate and Elegant option, which caters for up to 25 guests, right through to the can hire out the whole hotel. lauraashleyhotels.com/thebelsfield/ weddings/

3

FALCON MANOR

On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park sits Falcon Manor, a stunning house that can reception. With two bars, a snug, a stunning terrace and gardens, this beautiful venue is perfect for photography opportunities. falconmanor.co.uk

4

5 CHARLTON HALL

PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS

property in Kent displays original architecture, including its impressive

gardens surrounding the house are divided into a series of eleven ‘outside rooms’ and

drinks in good weather. weddings.penshurstplace.com

If you’re after a trendy venue, check out Charlton Hall in Northumberland. The ceremony hall is where the magic happens. Wth a period stone walls, draped liberally in twinkling fairy lights, it makes an enchanting space to say “I do”. Even better, hidden beneath the hall are speakeasy bar, ideal for after parties! charltonhall.co.uk

6

GLAZEBROOK HOUSE

Looking for a quirky venue? Consider Glazebook House in South Devon; an Alice in guests. Plus, for food enthusiasts, the wedding breakfast menu has been created by former Masterchef: The Professionals glazebrookhouse.com

7

NANTEOS MANSION

Georgian mansion is set in 40 acres of secluded Welsh countryside and still has many of its original architectural features intact. It also has a gorgeous honeymoon suite and 22 are ideal for accommodating the immediate bridal party and ensuring exclusivity of the venue for your special weekend. nanteos.com

8

DOXFORD HALL HOTEL & SPA

Handsome yet homely, Doxford Hall is tucked away in the historic town of Alnwick, Northumberland. Couples who decide to tie the knot here

host their wedding celebration, depending on the size of the party. To make things even better, couples and their guests who are staying on site can take advantage of

little bit of ‘me time’ before the big day. doxfordhall.com

9

DE VERE TOTWORTH COURT

Located in South Gloucestershire, surrounded by woodlands and positioned next to a serene lake, is this elegant Victorian manor house. It comes with a selection of suitable spaces to host grand conservatory built in 1874. The meals, and up to 120 for evening parties. devere.co.uk

10

SMEETHAM HALL BARN

Looking for a typically English 16th century building, which has been tastefully decorated? Look no further than Smeetham Hall Barn.

what’s great about the house, is that it doesn’t charge corkage during the day, so you can supply your own alcohol and soft drinks. smeethamhall.co.uk

Landmark VENUES

WANT A FAMOUS PLACE TO SAY ‘I DO’? THESE ICONIC UK VENUES COULD BE JUST WHAT YOU’RE AFTER…

EDEN PROJECT

More couples are heading back to nature for their big day celebrations and, if that’s you, why not consider marrying at the Eden Project? The Eden Project’s wedding regardless of the British weather, while the lush foliage of the Rainforest Biome promises a beautiful backdrop. Every wedding here can be unique

Prices available on application. edenproject.com

SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE

Few places evoke centuries of romance as much as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Intimate celebrations can be held here in the fully licensed Balcony Room at the Swan, which boasts gorgeous views of the Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral. For couples with bigger plans, the dramatic Underglobe is a fairytale setting right underneath

EDINBURGH CASTLE

If you’re after a truly magical venue, look no further than the

unforgettable fairytale wedding. With the option to host both your ceremony and reception here, you’ll be able to maximise time with loved ones and enjoy a seamless day feeling like royalty.

grander rooms or, instead, an intimate celebration can be held in the castle's chapel. Prices available on application. edinburghcastle.scot

VICTORIA BATHS

Licensed for both ceremonies and receptions,

unique spaces to say your vows. Whether you celebrate beside one of the pools, or within the beautiful Turkish Rest Room, you’re guaranteed a dreamy location. Prices for ceremonies start

victoriabaths.org.uk

THE GHERKIN

Whether you’re a resident Londoner or a visitor wanting to marry above the city lights, Searcys at The Gherkin is a top venue. As one of the capital’s most iconic buildings, The Gherkin is a great choice if you want to really impress. Marry here and you’ll have a wedding that is as individual,

with options for both intimate seated dinners and glittering cocktail receptions, it’s perfect regardless of your chosen style.

searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

TITANIC BELFAST

Located on the exact spot where the RMS Titanic was built, this iconic venue is a couples. As well as the opportunity to tie the knot in

can also choose an opulent wedding inside the beautifully restored SS Nomadic. Whichever you decide to go for, expect a truly unforgettable experience with plenty of photo opportunities. Prices available on application. titanicbelfast.com

From intimate ceremonies for two, to large celebrations for 300 or more, Oxford Town Hall is the ideal backdrop for your special day www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk | townhall@oxford.gov.uk | 01865 252195 | Find us on:

WEDDING SHOW

Stages

Stage 1 : Visit our stand

Stage 2 : Scan your teeth in 2 minutes

Stage 3 : Pick up your Invisalign at your local clinic in 3 weeks

Stage 4 : Treatment Completed in 4 months**

Stages

Stage 1 : Visit our stand

Stage 2 : Scan your teeth in 2 minutes

Stage 3 : Receive your whitening trays in 3 weeks

Stage 4 : Treatment Completed in 2 weeks

SKIN REJUVENATION POWERED

THE DETAILS

DECOR TRENDS, PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS + THE BEST HAIR, MAKE-UP AND SKINCARE FOR 2020

Ethereal elegance

Creating a relaxed woodland vibe in a contemporary way couldn't be easier. Set long tables and decorate with evergreen foliage of pine or conifer along the centre. Annotate this with candles in varying heights, placed in clusters along the length. Finish with silver or pewter charger plates and cutlery, which work perfectly with sage green napkins and on-trend succulent name card holders.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Borrow some inspiring tips from this true blue wedding

Everyone knows the famous saying that has made a touch of why not take this a step further and use this lucky colour to create a setting like no other? This is a

The theme is all about blending shades

style pieces and chic pops of contemporary almost magical afternoon tea vibe; the abundance of foliage and mix of roses and style china adds perfectly to the country

STYLING: LA FÊTE

This page: Cascading blue flowers really make this setting come to life.

The gorgeous mix includes hydrangea, rose, sweetpea, scabiosa, Spanish moss, smoke bush and statice. It provides a dreamy focal point, annotated by the eclectic mix of tablewear and chairs. Right: The devil is in the detail of this majestic wedding look. There's a spectrum of shades of blue, adding multiple layers of interest. Everything from the table numbers to the bride's bouquet tie and shoes are brought together with colour.

Left: Weddings should be full of joy, and this theme certainly knows how to make you smile. There are fun touches wherever you look, from the parrots watching over the dinner guests, to the bride's unique butterfly headpiece. In true French style, the bride's make-up has been kept natural – inspired by shells, water and mother of pearl. The look is dewy, fresh and elegant. This page: With a crown atop his head and a beautiful floral necklace, the bust is in the perfect postion to enjoy some decadent desserts. The beautiful deep blue drip wedding cakes are accented with sweet treats and flowers...canelés and profiteroles add to this delicious spread.

DETAILS

Behind the scenes

Styling & Coordination La Fête, la-fete.com Photography Peter Rear at Filmatography, filmatography.com

Venue The Lost Orangery at Unique Home Stays, uniquehomestays.com

Stationery London Wedding

Stationery Bridal Model Jade Igilima

Groom Model Max George White

Bridesmaid Models Sasha Matsuk, Kirsty Tritton & Esther at Body London, bodylondon.com

Flowers Zita Elze, zitaelze.com Hair & Make-up Natalie Morton Cakes & Sweets MonAnnie Confectionery, monanniecakes.com Chairs Couture

Chairs, couturechairs.com Bridal

Gowns Halfpenny London, halfpennylondon.com Groom Full Tuxedo Suit Oliver Brown, oliverbrown.org.uk Groom Shoes

Fairfax & Favor, fairfaxandfavor.com

Bridal Earrings Emily Mortimer Jewellery, emilymortimer.co.uk

Bridesmaid Dresses Motee Maids, moteemaids.co.uk

Bluebell Shoes Emmy London, emmylondon.com Ring London

Victorian Ring Company, londonvictorian-ring.com Tableware & Furniture Classic Crockery Event Hire, classiccrockery.co.uk

Wedding styling talkingtables.co.uk

VINTAGE STYLE

Pink pressed wine glass, £7.95, beaumonde.co.uk

NEW NEUTRAL Aromatics Simply Lavender and Musk pillar candles, £8 each, buckleyandphillips.com

1

For fun-loving, playful couples, a colourful table setting with a punchy floral arrangement, multicoloured backdrop and mismatched accessories is ideal. Fill vases with seasonal flowers in an array of pretty pastels to add freshness to the table and marry decorations with white linen to allow the accessories to pop.

COLOURFUL DISPLAY

Decadent decoration garden pastel poppies, from £6.50, talkingtables.co.uk

TEXTURED EFFECT

Embossed grey tumbler, £5, dunelm.com

Decor themes

From fun and whimsical, to elegant vintage, we’ve rounded up four on-trend wedding themes to suit your special day

DARK LINEN

Organic cotton napkin in dark grey, £10, whiteblackgrey.co.uk

FAUX FLOWERS

Pink & peach chrysanthemum stems, £7.50 each, giselagraham.co.uk

DISTRESSED LOOK

Wandsworth foiled glass pillar candle holder, £14, artisanti.com

METALLIC DISPLAY

Maralia decorative tray, £35.75, the-taylor.co.uk

For a style bursting with mystery and romance, consider a secret garden theme. Ensure your table is overflowing with beautiful florals mixed with fragrant foliage to evoke the memories of hot, lazy summer evenings. Add grandeur with glamorous gold cutlery, soft grey napkins and oversized candelabras.

&

Wedding styling

Lily & Sage Photography

Molly Carr Photography

Floristry Bloom Fleuriste

Wedding styling talkingtables.co.uk

FUN DECORATIONS

Decadent Decorations pom poms, £7, talkingtables.co.uk LOVE IS IN THE AIR Modern Romance silver ‘love’ balloon, £5, talkingtables.co.uk

THEME 3

SIMPLE GLASSWARE

Mikasa Julie set of 4 flute glasses, £12, kitchencraft.co.uk

ROMANTIC WHITE

ELEGANT GLASSWARE

Florabundance Bouquet vase, £59, dartington.co.uk

Organic, rustic weddings are bang on-trend right now, with the natural white and green colour palette suiting the style perfectly. The key to this look is simplicity. Use lots of greenery, gentle white fabrics, unfussy patterns and plenty of wooden detailing.

BEAUTIFUL BUNCH

SMYCKA artifi cial bouquet in dark pink, £14, ikea.com

SIMPLY RED

Vermillion red place cards, £1.12, TypeODesign at etsy.com

PAPER DECORATIONS

Decadent Decorations honeycombs, £6.50, talkingtables.co.uk

dowsingandreynolds.com

styling

TRENDY METALLICS

Bloomingville Gold set of 4 cutlery pieces, £34, cultfurniture.com

THEME 4

VINTAGE RED

Decided on a vintage-esque style for your wedding? Find inspiration from decades past to complete the look. Choose antique-style decor, such as wood seating, metallic tableware and overly decorative table linen, paired with deep red candles and flowers for a really romantic feel.

Pocketful of Dreams

Wedding

Photography Nick Rose

FAKE FOLIAGE Ivy artifi cial trailing plant, £17.99,

Snap HAPPY

Photography is an integral part of any wedding. Here are the shots you can’t afford to miss…

GETTING READY

The morning of your wedding is such a special time and these shots will capture the excitement of the day. Don’t forget photos of your dress, shoes, accessories and those who helped you look and feel your very best.

PORTRAITS

together during the day, too. You’ll also want pictures with the girl gang, groomsmen and family, so remember to factor these in.

AISLE STYLE

Whoever you choose to walk down the aisle with, this will be a memory you treasure forever. It’s also a great photo for showing

FIRST KISS

sure this magical moment is caught on camera.

CONFETTI THROW

We love a confetti throw exit! This is a lovely shot for really highlighting the joy and excitement of having just tied the knot.

CANDID MOMENTS

A good photographer will be able to snap all the special as well as laughter should be sprinkled throughout your album.

VENUE DECOR

Ask your photographer to take photos of your venue and decor before your guests arrive. You’ll love being able to share pictures of all the little details that made your day so unique.

FIRST DANCE

As a huge wedding tradition, it would be a shame to miss out on

Exclusive savings and wedding inspiration

The only membership for engaged couples What you’ll get with your wedify membership...

Join today!

Holbrook Manor is located in the heart of the Somerset countryside, set in 20 acres of land which makes the perfect setting for an exclusive fairytale wedding, catering for wedding parties both large and small.

On your special day, we invite you and your loved ones to take charge of Holbrook Manor with exclusive access, keeping your big day truly yours. This means that our whole venue, from The Bridal Suite to the terrace is all yours, helping you to feel safe in the knowledge that you, your loved ones, and our staff are the only people allowed into the venue!

Everyone who will be at the venue will be there for you, without exception, making Holbrook Manor feel like a home from home, where you and your guests can make yourselves comfortable while we take care of running your day with an effortless and relaxed air, so that all eyes are on you.  At Holbrook Manor every detail of your special day, from the first kiss to the last guest on the dance floor, will be wonderfully different.

The London Aesthetics Company

At The London Aesthetics Company we understand how important it is for you as a bride to look your best on your big day. This is why we work closely with you to understand your goals and the look you wish to achieve. We have a range of treatments to choose from to tailor a treatment to plan to suit you:

• Dermal Fillers

• Anti Wrinkle Injections

• Profhilo

• Microneedling Facials

• Aqualyx Permanent Fat Dissolving

• HIFU Non Surgical Skin Tightening

• Non Surgical Breast/Buttock Enhancement

Our owner, Amrit Bhandal of 1 Harley Street will be at The National Wedding Show Stand H45 on 12th & 13th Oct 2019, Excel, London

Come and visit us for an in depth consultation and to try a few of our treatments.  We will also be available to tell you more about our financing options, as we appreciate the financial stresses of getting married.

Tel: 07756679882 | @thelondonaesthetics www.thelondonaestheticcompany.com

STICK WITH IT

The beauty world’s latest innovation is perfect for busy brides – just swipe and go

WSimple Daily Skin Detox Charcoal Cleansing Stick, £9.99

We can always rely on Simple to deliver good value skincare that really works, and its Charcoal Cleansing Stick is no exception. Bamboo and charcoal draw out dirt and impurities for a clearer complexion come w-day.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk

Say goodbye to tired and puffy eyes with this cooling balm from Kate Somerville. Packed with natural minerals and vitamins that are lauded for their healing and nourishing properties, it's a top choice for busy brides in the run up to the special day.

Frances Prescott TriBalm, £46

Tri-Balm cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises in one easy sweep and can even be used without water, for efficient on the go cleansing. Pricey, yes, but it’s worth saving a bit of your wedding budget for this beauty.

Pixi On The Glow Multi-Use Moisture Stick, £18

Pixi’s Moisture Stick is well worth a try –gentle acids increase skin moisture levels immediately as well as long term, while the ginseng ingredient revitalises and balances your complexion.

Milk Make-Up

Watermelon

Brightening Serum, £32.50

This fruit-infused serum is every bit as refreshing as an actual slice of watermelon; it delivers a dose of hydration to even the most parched skin and smells good enough to eat.

FaceGym Multi-Vitamin Pro-Age Stick, £38.50

FaceGym’s products are designed to be applied pre-gym, as they’re activated by exercise. Work up a sweat and the skincare gets to work too, smoothing and plumping the skin, while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Clinique Take The Day Off Make-Up Remover Stick, £16

Take the hassle out of make-up removal with this silky formula from Clinique. Not only does it dissolve long-wear eye make-up, it's the perfect product for precision touch ups when your eye liner just isn’t behaving.

Julep Love Your Bare

Face Detoxifying Cleansing Stick, £20, courtesy of QVCUK.com

This Korean-inspired cleanser doubles up as a gentle scrub thanks to exfoliating ingredients that help dull hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin.

Beauty

QUEEN

Defy wedding conventions with Sophie Turner's sultry and smoky bridal beauty look

Actress Sophie Turner has never been one for

in point, holding an Vegas wedding with her husband Joe Jonas, rather than waiting to tie the knot.

unexpectedly sultry bridal style that will leave you wondering why you ever

look for your wedding.

Eyes

“Sophie Turner's eyes are her standout Ariane Poole. “I’d describe this look as a smoky eye with soft yet impactful hues.”

need to use an eyelid primer. “This will absorb any moisture and keep your eye

up artist Nigit Begum.

A look this bold requires several blending, as Amanda Bell, PIXI’s Global Director of Education and Artistry, explains: “Apply a matte skin tone shade over the entire eyelid up to the brow bone for an even base, followed by a smoky bronze hue that is blended from the outer corner into the crease of the eye.

across the lid and blend into the crease colour. A champagne colour is blended at the very inner corner of the eye into the

bone to really open the eyes.”

Enhance your peepers further by framing your eyes with liner, worn close to the lash line on the upper lid and on the lower

“Choose your liner shade carefully; if pencil in brown or darkest grey and hug the curve of the shape of your eye for a

with a smudger brush,” advises Amanda.

To stop your lashes from getting lost among the statement eyeshadow, they need once at the root and secondly on the mid coats of mascara.

Face

texture as opposed to an obvious highlighter glow,” says Amanda. “The radiance comes from skin being beautifully prepped and powder being kept to a minimum, so that the base

To get the look, Amanda suggests for longer. A product with a little lustrous pigment, like PIXI’s Flawless

Next up is your base; IT Cosmetics’ UKI Brand Ambassador, Rose Gallagher, recommends the Your Skin But Better

dewiness. Crucially, it also provides a

“One of the most beautiful parts of this look for me is Sophie’s blusher,” adds Rose. “It really lifts her whole complexion, and gives her a youthful

Lips

radiance.”

“Sophie’s lips are very pretty and natural,” comments Ariane. “Use a liner in a similar shade to your own pout to line the outer edge of your lip contours, and colour the lip with

If you can’t live without your lipstick, opt for a subtle matte that looks like your lips, but a little more bold.

To add this natural warmth to the skin, take a very soft sweep of bronzer around the temples and through the cheekbones. IT Cosmetics’ Bye Bye this because it also contributes to a has a soft, peachy blush shade in it, great for emulating this look.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in Patisserie, £17.50

Power Bullet Matte Lipstick Huda Beauty in Interview, £22

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipstick in Super Cindy, £24

GOSH Velvet Touch Lipstick Matte in Antique, £7.99

CONFETTI.CO.UK

Celebrate in Style

Expert advice

Insta-worthy inspiration

The best venues & suppliers

Wedmin made easy

The Guild of International Professional Toastmasters have members throughout the United Kingdom and several parts of Europe. All the members of the Guild have been trained to a high standard and all are extremely professional and experienced in carrying out Toastmaster duties at many different styles of wedding ceremonies and receptions.

By employing a Toastmaster from the Guild you will be guaranteed an exceptional standard of service which will allow the wedding party to relax on that special day knowing that all your wishes and planning will be

carried out and the day will be just as you imagined it would be.

By viewing the Guild web site you will see all the duties of a Toastmaster on a wedding day and a photograph list and bio of all our members to help you chose the right Toastmaster for you. You will always get to speak with your Toastmaster before your wedding and in many cases you will be able to meet up and discuss all your special day requirements.

We look forward to being of service to you, in the meantime good luck with the wedding planning.

UPDO

SWING LOW

Low ponytails can be every bit as formal as hair worn high; pair with graphic earrings and an open back dress to complete the look.

Cizzy

Bridal

FLOWER POWER

CHIC TWIST

Give your ponytail a classy feel by wrapping several strands around your hair tie. Loosely tong the front sections to copy this sophisticated look.

Anna

Campbell

HALF WAY THERE

Brush out perfect curls and fix them into a mid-height ponytail with flowers, for this delicate ‘do.

Ella

Rosa

HIGH HOPES

If you can’t make up your mind, a half-up half-down style is a fab way to have the best of both worlds. Go for a more undone vibe for a real cool girl edge. Marylise

Embrace your natural hair texture and pile your locks high on top of your head to recreate this dramatic style.

Allure

BRAIDY BUNCH

A perfectly imperfect braid complemented with dramatic side twists is the perfect way to add extra glamour to a pared back bridal look.

Anna

Kara

Bridals

STRUGGLING TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A CHIC UP DO OR A LAID-BACK HAIR DOWN LOOK? LET US BE YOUR GUIDE

DSHORT AND SWEET

AU NATUREL

Pair your natural hair with a floaty, sheer dress for a feminine style that looks as gorgeous at countryside soirees as it will at coastal celebrations.

Keys Fashion

BOBBING ALONG

A blunt bob looks exquisite with capped sleeve wedding dresses, as the shoulder grazing length doesn’t interfere with the subtle sleeves.

Sottero and Midgley

UNDONE ELEGANCE

It can be hard to tease short hair into an up-do, but adding fresh flowers from your bouquet into your hair can tie your bridal look together .

Sanyukta Shrestha

Don’t feel like your hair needs to be perfectly blow-dried; loose curls look just as amazing as a painstakingly coiff ured ‘do.

Lyn Ashworth

WSWEPT BACK

Even if you prefer wearing your hair off your face, you can still wear your hair down. Simply sweep it back and hold in place for this sophisticated look – statement earrings optional.

Caroline Castigliano

edding planning is a time of endless decision making, but one decision that’s fun to make, is how to wear your hair on your big day.

your hair, and it’s what your guests will notice second to your dress, so it’s just as important to get right,” say

The main choice to make is whether you want to

FRINGE BENEFITS

If you normally wear your hair with a fringe, why not clip the top section of your hair back with a glamorous accessory for a special occasion feel?

Catherine Deane

wear your hair up or down, and a lot of this will depend on the style of dress you’re wearing. Classic strapless gowns work perfectly with long, loose locks, artfully dishevelled up dos.

If you’ve chosen a dress with intricate back detail, it makes sense to wear your hair in a style that shows it with hair that falls freely about your neckline.

Sort 1000s of dresses by style, fabric and more

Find boutiques that stock the dresses you love in your area

Book an appointment to try it on with one simple click

Share your favourite dresses with your bridal party

The Venue Edit

YOUR VENUE SETS THE TONE FOR YOUR WHOLE WEDDING DAY, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE ONE THAT REFLECTS YOU AND YOUR PARTNER. FROM COUNTRY HOUSE MANORS TO RUSTIC BARNS, HERE’S OUR PICK OF THE MOST AMAZING VENUES THE UK HAS TO OFFER.

MERRYDALE MANOR

The impressive Merrydale Manor sets the standards for glamour in Cheshire; the exclusive hire venue is

reception. If you and your guests want to rest your heads in the same location as your nuptials, this could merrydalemanor.com

BODLEIAN LIBRARIES

ST. ERMIN’S HOTEL

Make like Prince William and Kate Middleton with a courtyard, St. Ermin’s is the perfect London wedding venue. The experienced wedding team ensures an unforgettable day; licensed for civil ceremonies for up

Crystal Ballroom to more intimate, personal spaces. The sweeping staircase, rococo plasterwork and original features provide the perfect backdrop for photographs. The 331 bedrooms come with preferential guest rates for the wedding party and a complimentary overnight stay for the newlyweds in their wedding

sterminshotel.co.uk

Set in the heart of the dreaming spires, the Bodleian Library is a historic venue steeped in romance and elegance, featuring late gothic architecture in the Divinity School and a fan vaulted ceiling in Convocation House. With both spaces licensed for civil ceremonies, and the opportunity to hold your

Oxford experience. Whether an intimate ceremony, or a jubilant celebration, bodleian.ox.ac.uk

COLSHAW HALL

Colshaw Hall is an exclusive country house estate wedding venue, nestled in the Cheshire countryside, combining the best of historic features with contemporary crisp interiors. Couples marry in the

amazing Peel Suite and make full use of the 300 acres of grounds and gardens. An overnight stay in the luxurious Grade II listed hall with its seven luxury bedrooms is a must and there’s further accommodation for guests on the estate. This is an family team is renowned for attentive service and colshawhall.com

THE HURLINGHAM CLUB

Weddings last only a day, but the memories of them are eternal; add enduring touches of classic English grace and heritage to pristine acres of classic English landscape. With extensive scenic

to central London. With the aid of The Hurlingham Club’s dedicated food and beverage team and expert event planning

British prestige and tradition can be highly personalised to your hurlinghamclub.org.uk

BLACK MOUNTAIN BARNS

If you’re dreaming of a barn wedding venue, Black Mountain Barns in Herefordshire might be the one for you. Situated among rolling hills, the 100 capacity venue houses three beautifully converted, interlinking stone barns, complete with

ceremony either in the yoga barn or outdoors under an ancient oak tree, while the largest barn is the perfect setting for the

OAKLEY HALL HOTEL

Located within 315 acres of North Hampshire countryside just outside of Basingstoke, Oakley Hall Hotel is a beautiful setting for your wedding. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or need space for up to 340 guests, Oakley Hall Hotel provides the choice of several elegant rooms that are licensed to hold civil ceremonies and partnerships. With 315 acres of grounds surrounding the hotel, your photographer will have an exceptional choice of settings in which to capture many wonderful moments. Exclusive use of Oakley Hall Hotel is also available which allows you & your guests private access to the whole 315 acres oakleyhall-park.com

QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON

surroundings. The Senior Common Room overlooking the Queens’ to 100, while the Octagon, a library with triple height book bound shelves and a domed ceiling, adds enchantment to a ceremony or

blackmountainsbarns.co.uk

qmweddings.co.uk

WINTERS BARNS

dating from 1660, promising beauty, intimacy, and traditional Kentish character. With enchanting gardens and a gorgeous

secluded venue steeped in history yet just a stone’s throw from Canterbury’s modern amenities. The ceremony can be held inside the barn under a canopy of fairy lights or outside under

ordinators will be with you on your magical journey from your winters-barns.co.uk

ELVETHAM HOTEL

space from the multiple dining and reception rooms within the Main House, or hold your ceremony in the licensed outdoor

From intimate ceremonies to extravagant receptions, every wedding is handled by a wedding specialist and run by a highly elvethamhotel.co.uk

TREVENNA

Trevenna is a cluster of beautifully converted farm

countryside. With several ceremony locations to choose from, celebration venues, bars, beautiful grounds and luxurious accommodation for up to 40 guests, Trevenna is exclusively yours to enjoy with your friends and family, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave as newlyweds! What’s more, the

plan and coordinate every stage of your wedding celebrations, in addition to the kitchen team who provide freshly prepared homemade wedding feasts trevenna.co.uk

GWEL AN MOR

Sea views, sparkling service and a stunning destination; from rustic weddings in the yurt to glitz and glamour in the events barn, Gwen An Mor takes your dreams and turns

star holiday resort has everything for your special day. The luxury lodges are available for your friends and family to stay in, while the woodland valley leading to the sea is

preening, plus an executive chef ready to create your wedding menu, there are even gwelanmor.com

To see more of these beautiful venues or make an enquiry, head

The Photography & Videography Edit

CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER FROM OUR LIST OF TRUSTED SPECIALISTS WILL ENSURE YOUR WEDDING MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME, TRANSPORTING YOU BACK TO THE SPECIAL DAY EVERY TIME YOU OPEN YOUR WEDDING ALBUM OR CLICK PLAY ON THE VIDEO.

SHARP AF

Couples looking for relaxed, documentary style wedding photography will fall in love with Sharp AF’s work.Photographer Andy Creasey is behind the lens; based in the East Midlands, he is able to shoot all over the UK, and occasionally abroad too, and has a wealth of wedding photography experience Andy promises to never miss a moment of your special day, capturing the most precious parts with candid photography that will help you relive your wedding for years to come, without imposing on your wedding sharp-af.co.uk

LAUZ PHOTOGRAPHY

For wedding photos that tell a story, Lauz Photography is your go to. Based in Surrey, Laura is committed to capturing and documenting the special memories on your day, helping you remember every moment for years to come.Laura covers weddings all over London and the home counties as well as destination

weddings-lauzphotography.co.uk

PURPLE TRIPOD

JON THORNE

If you’re looking for beautiful, stylish and contemporary images of you on your wedding day, photographer Jon Thorne might be the person you need to capture your most precious moments, balancing the must have shots with natural unscripted moments, emotional tears, and

and tailoring his work to your ideas of how you perceive your wedding day to be, resulting in a photography style will tell the story of your day in a relaxed, friendly and unobtrusive, professional thorneweddingphotography.co.uk

Husband and wife team Steve and Verity specialise in unobtrusive wedding

of you and your guests enjoying the day, allowing you to relax in the knowledge that you’ll be presented with a video of memories you’ll purpletripod.com

The Cake Edit

INCREDIBLE DESIGNS, EXQUISITE DETAILS AND TIERS OF TASTY BAKES; THESE LUXURY CAKE DESIGNERS ARE ABLE TO CATER TO EVERY FLAVOUR YOUR HEART DESIRES.

CAKES BY JAZLINS

South London baker Cakes by beautiful bespoke wedding cakes we’ve ever seen, with each creation tailored to suit your needs on your special day. All of the original creations feature contemporary patterns with designs that have been described as “distinctive” and “striking”; think rose gold icing and geometric patterns and you’ll be along the right lines. Cakes by Jazlins is passionate about all of their creative projects and take great pride in working closely with their clients to ensure your wedding cake. Delivering throughout Greater London and Surrey. We look forward to cakesbyjazlins.com

OH SO DELICIOUS

For a wedding cake that makes a statement, turn your attention to Oh So Delicious. Specialising in luxury wedding cakes in Kent, London, Essex & Surrey, Oh So Delicious is renowned for premium

design and create showstopping wedding cakes that push the design boundaries, look opulent and taste incredible. Their core values are focused on taste, image

their business and the three elements are never compromised. Oh So Delicious also specialise in decadent dessert tables as ohsodelicious.co.uk

BEEZ CAKES

Beez Cakes design and create beautiful bespoke wedding cakes that known for their classic and elegant designs, but more importantly for their meticulous attention to detail. Beez Cakes provide a professional experience carefully designed to put in their ability to create an incredible wedding cake. If you are looking for a luxurious, elegant wedding cake, contact Beez Cakes today to discuss your ideas and see how they can make beezcakes.co.uk

DESIGNER CAKES BY ELLE

From brushed gold cakes to cascading down them, Designer

most beautiful wedding cakes we’ve ever seen. The cakes aren’t style over substance, though; they taste every bit a beautiful as they look, and clients are able to partake in a complimentary consultation and cake tasting ahead of the big day to make sure they’re exactly what they’re after. If traditional wedding cakes aren’t your thing, Designer towers and edible favours including biscuits, cake pops and meringue designercakesbyelle.co.uk

The Stationery Edit

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERYTHING; WOW YOUR GUESTS WITH STYLISH WEDDING STATIONERY FROM SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE STATIONERS

FRANCESCA NORTON WEDDING STATIONERY

Francesca Norton is a graphic designer, specialising in creating bespoke, modern wedding stationery for your big day. She provides a totally personalised service, working with you to perfectly meet your needs.

invitation sets and on the day stationery, she will work with you to create something that really compliments your wedding style. Her aim is to make

francescawedding.co.uk

FOX & IVY PAPER CO

Design is an essential element for weddings and while it may not seem as

after all. Fox & Ivy Paper Co brings together beautiful design and typography

foxandivyweddings.com

SILK & INK DESIGNS

Silk and Ink Designs is a small family team with over 10 years’ experience producing beautiful wedding invitations and stationery. They are passionate about weddings, creating gorgeous products combined with great value and your wedding, so set the tone in the right way with stylish stationery that there’s a design style to suit every couple planning a wedding, and if you silkandinkdesigns.co.uk

SON CREATIVE

Make a statement the minute your wedding invitation arrives through the letter box with chic wedding stationery, designed with you in mind.

design, or you’ve always imagined contemporary typography or classic to suit your wedding stationery needs and help your big day dreams

soncreative.co.uk

The Luxury Edit

MAKE YOUR DAY EXTRA SPECIAL WITH DECADENT TOUCHES INCLUDING EXTRAVAGANT DECOR, HANDMADE BRIDAL ACCESSORIES AND OUT OF THE ORDINARY CHAUFFEURS.

VERTU CHAUFFEUR

Arrive at your wedding in serious style, in Vertu

couples seeking the charm of a bygone era. Available for hire in Birmingham and throughout the Black Country, this timeless vehicle exudes sophistication and is a great choice for travelling both to and from

he sits with you in the back seat, or the joy on your

soaked summer weddings, or left in place for the winter vertuchauffeurs.com

PINK & BLING WEDDINGS

wedding planners Pink & Bling Weddings; they want to take the stress and confusion

glamorous wedding day. Pink & Bling Weddings’ passion is planning and designing dream wedding days, and keeping a smile on couples’ faces. They’re eager to do as little or as much as you need, from helping you select your venue, to décor styling to on the day organisation; whether you’re after an intimate celebration or an extravagant event, pinkandbling.wedding

CHIC WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Gravesend, Kent, dedicated to creating the wedding of your dreams. The passionate and creative team combines enthusiasm with a genuine love of weddings, culminating

to plan the perfect wedding. They transform even the most simplistic of venues into a wedding wonderland that will leave your guests in awe. Chic Weddings and Events chicweds.co.uk

UNVEILED BY SOPHIE

understandable you want the perfect one, which is where Unveiled by Sophie can help. Whether you’re looking for elegant sophistication, perfect simplicity or a bit more glitz and glamour, Unveiled by Sophie has a selection of hand crafted veils to help make your day perfect,

the one with a little help from Unveiled by unveiledbysophie.co.uk

TRAVEL

IDYLLIC RETREATS AND COOL CITIES FOR DYNAMIC WEDDINGS AND DREAMY HONEYMOONS

TRAVEL SPECIAL

Want an unforgettable honeymoon? New York should be top of your list. For the perfect day, start with a walk along the High Line; the public park, built on a historic rail line above the streets on the West Side, is simply stunning. Stop for brunch at High Street on Hudson and indulge in some of the city's best baked goods...try out the Hickory Town Sandwich. In the afternoon, hop on a Citi Bike and take a ride around Central Park, finish up at Columbus Circle and walk down 50th Street where you'll find Rockefeller Center. Up on the observation platform, you'll get the most magnificent views. In the evening, head for dinner at Acme in NoHo and finish your day with cocktails at Mace in the West Village. BA flies to New York from variousUKairportsfrom£360.

Bright lights, big city

Destination WEDDINGS

Dreaming of sun, sea and sand for your big day? Read on, as three brides share their experiences of getting married abroad

D ESTINATIONThailand

COUPLE Laura Vincent and Shaun Paterson WHEN March 2018

VENUE Villa Kalyana in Koh Samui (villakalyanasamui.com)

grew up in North London and Shaun in a barefoot wedding on the amazing food and hot unfair to ask people to

THE LEGALITIES OF GETTING MARRIED ABROAD

headed poolside for a our guests were seated on

Visit gov.uk/marriageabroad to find out what paperwork is required to make your marriage legal. Don’t forget to check that all the documents required are up-to-date.

If you’re marrying in a non-English speaking country, it’s worthwhile hiring a translator to ensure everything is clearly understood. You might have to stay in the country you plan to wed in for a length of time before your wedding, so factor this in when you book your flights.

for a surprise Haka for more entertainment

allowed us to go the extra

D ESTINATIONFrance

COUPLE Jaime Newbery & Mark Kempster WHEN August 2018

bus service for guests who wanted to visit the local farmers' market in Lectoure.

VENUE Castelnau Des Fieumarcon (gascony.org)

“When Mark and I started planning our wedding, we knew we wanted to get married abroad. With a

afternoon, we put on some entertainment for the children and, as the sun set, we had guitarist.

TOP TIPS

tow, we decided a celebration spread over a we liked the idea of and friends together in one place.

chance, during an internet search, we happened upon Castelnau Des Fieumarcon. It’s an entire township, a couple of hours' drive from Toulouse in France, with 14 houses that sleeps up to 80 guests. It’s own suppliers. It even had a small swimming pool and lots of space for children to run around in. It was perfect.

started with our guests

Give your guests plenty of notice so they can plan and save up for a trip abroad.

If you’ve hired a planner, make sure you have everything agreed in writing, to ensure no blurred lines or language confusion.

If you have the budget, have a photographer and videographer capture the whole weekend, so you can document your entire wedding story.

Sometimes luggage gets lost in transit –always pack your wedding dress, the groom’s suit, and the essential accessories in hand luggage.

If you can, delegate jobs to your ushers and bridesmaids so you can enjoy the time with all your guests.

afternoon, and we organised for a drone to

After the local tradition of cutting the ribbon and throwing confetti, we had a local

meats and champagne while watching the sunset. We also made sure the children were entertained with games

we made our entrance for nineties house music, and bridesmaids, who let afternoon on the outdoor surprised the children with rides on the village llama, while the adults soaked up the sun, drank the leftovers and before. We were so sad when it was over.”

D ESTINATIONPanama

COUPLE Veronica Rivera & Mark Joiner WHEN April 2019

VENUE The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort (thebuenaventurahotel.com)

“I’m from Panama, Mark from the UK, and we both currently live in Hong Kong. When Mark proposed, we considered getting married in Asia or in England, but ultimately chose Panama. It’s where all my family live and it would mean at least half our guests wouldn’t have to travel far to attend our wedding.

We got engaged in the summer of 2018, so gave our guests plenty of notice and, thankfully, around 90 people were able to attend.

Mark came across The Buenaventura Golf & Beach resort during an online search for venues. I hadn’t considered it before, because it's where my older sister got married, but, after a conversation with her, we decided it was the perfect venue. It had multiple wedding ceremony and reception options, but also a golf course and spa, swimming pools, tennis courts and beach on site.

Hong Kong a few months before the wedding, because if you marry in Panama, you have to be resident in the country for a certain period before the ceremony, and also have lots of medical tests.

VENUE HIGHLIGHT

Located an 80 minutedrive from Panama City, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort offers a romantic and secluded venue, set among tropical gardens. Brides and grooms can really put their own stamp on their big day – with 11 indoor venues and 10 outdoor venues to choose from, the hotel can cater for both intimate celebrations as well as lavish events hosting up to 800 guests. With extremely helpful hotel staff to assist, couples can be as involved as they like in the lead up to their wedding, or leave it in the capable hands of the hotel’s wedding team.

We hired a wedding coordinator, the same one my sister used for her wedding. Our biggest challenge was

who could coordinate all our suppliers and the hotel, relieved me from a lot of stress.

We decided to get legally married in

Our wedding day took place at the hotel chapel late afternoon, any earlier and it would have been too hot. It was a beautiful ceremony and, although already legally married, we still had a traditional catholic service. After, we were serenaded out of the chapel by Mark’s friend Angus playing the

Mark’s family heritage. We were then greeted with a drinks and canapé reception held under a

in the hotel courtyard.

Mark and I then made our entrance to the reception by horse and cart, which was really special.

speeches, we took to the

I’ve been to a wedding where everyone got up and involved so quickly! We also had a traditional South American ‘crazy hour’, where carnival music is played and lots

Mardi Gras!

On the Sunday afternoon, we hosted a drinks and paella lunch for all our guests. It was really special to have that time to talk through everyone’s highlights and memories from and amazing wedding weekend.”

IBIZA, Spain

The White Isle is the perfect place for a bohemian wedding on, or famous sunsets make Europe’s chic party isle an unforgettable Atzaro is a stunning venue right at the heart of the isle, surrounded by countryside and drenched in luxury and glamour. Say your nuptials poolside, surrounded by olive trees and tropical palms. Alternatively, Elixir is a beautiful beach front venue nestled on a quiet, white sandy cove on the west side of the island. There are countless spots to say ‘I do’ in Ibiza but few are as faultless and romantic as this.

TUSCANY, Italy

If you’re dreaming of a perfect Italian wedding, Tuscany should be top of your list! Its rolling hills, endless vineyards and medieval hilltop villages make it one of Italy’s most loved regions to get married. With breathtaking scenery, incredible wines and picturesque beaches lining the coastline, it’s every inch the perfect wedding destination. Venues such as the Renaissance Tuscany II Ciocco are exactly what you’d picture Tuscany to look and feel like. Located on a private mountain overlooking the stunning Serchio Valley, this unforgettable backdrop has a truly authentic Italian feel. Alternatively, get married in an elegant farmhouse or private villa in Bagni di Lucca, a historic spa town nestled amid

ZERMATT, Switzerland

Few places would be more scenic, romantic and breathtaking than a wedding in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Imagine riding drawn by white horses, with ringing bells, surrounded by beautiful,

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof is a wonderfully elegant hotel with a

Crystal clear air, snow crunching under foot, spectacular white mountains and the infamous Matterhorn sparkling in the distance… it’s unsurprising Zermatt is known for its glamour.

SANTORINI, Greece

Can you imagine a more idyllic wedding location than the wedding destination. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate

beach front, and is a real jewel in the south of the island. For a

Honeymoon SEASONS

Set your wedding date and wondering where to honeymoon? We’ve rounded up the best places to visit during each season of the year…

SPRING Mar-May

So many couples choose to marry in spring when the

SUMMER June-Aug

Summer loving couples marrying in the warmer months will be spoilt for choice with a selection of places to honeymoon. Europe is, of course, brilliant at this time of year, when its colourful cities come alive. For those not prepared to battle the crowds, Sweden will tick the right boxes. From the cool city vibes of Stockholm and Gothenburg to stunning remote something for everyone. If you’re after a break in the

And if you’re looking to venture outside Europe? disappointed. While most of Asia hits monsoon season in August, the paradise of Indonesia is an exception to that rule. Bali is a favourite honeymoon hotspot, but this country’s other tropical islands, too. In particular, Bawah Reserve, in a newly discovered part of the with everything that honeymooners could wish for; postcard scenery, crystal clear waters and enough seclusion to enjoy those special moments together.

On the other side of the globe, vibrant Rio de Janeiro is a great idea for a honeymoon that mixes adventure with beachside bliss. Despite being winter in Brazil, visitors can still expect warm weather, making it the ideal time to explore the city and enjoy its stunning white coastline, without the usual overbearing environment that’s perfect for a newlywed getaway.

AUTUMN Sept-Nov

Autumn is a magical season for a wedding and a great time to honeymoon before the festivities of winter begin. If you want to extend your summer,

Kruger National Park is in the height of its dry

viewing. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, consider a stay at Richard Branson’s nearby Ulusaba

destination where you can enjoy hiking in nature and taking in some of the world’s most breathtaking views.

wonderful honeymoon and is ideal for lovebirds

hotels include Barceló and Meliá, while boutique

WINTER Dec-Feb

If you’re tempted by a cosy winter wedding, you don’t have to worry about limited options for your honeymoon. One of the world’s best honeymoon destinations is arguably the Maldives, and during terms of resorts, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is this is a real paradise retreat with luxurious private

For another sunny winter option, consider exploring the UAE. For many, the United Arab Emirates means one thing: Dubai. Glitzy Dubai is a dream destination

vibrant country either. The capital, Abu Dhabi is a more relaxed version of Dubai and provides opportunities for an exotic Arabian honeymoon. For a really romantic experience, choose the secluded oasis lifetime stay in the midst of the nearby Liwa desert.

on your honeymoon, too! Contrasting with the scorching temperatures of Asia, magical winter wonderlands in Europe are fantastic for a cosy hideaway. Prague in the Czech Republic is one of our

Valentine’s Day, this beautiful old city always has an extra romantic touch in winter. For a luxurious place to snuggle up, stay at the glamorous Four Seasons.

LEGENDARY LOCATIONS

If you’re craving an exceptional honeymoon that combines exclusivity with worldrenowned status and service, then these iconic hotels will feed your imagination

Experience the dramatic African landscape with a stay at Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp in Uganda

SANCTUARY GORILLA FOREST CAMP, UGANDA

Nestled inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp is as intimate as it is unforgettable.

famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the

tents, to bring you and your partner closer to both nature, and each other! The area is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population and couples seeking

revel in the chance to get up close with these beautiful creatures.

Working closely with Bwindi Community Hospital and Ebenezer Primary School, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp also promotes responsible tourism

making this a hotel that's both iconic and inspiring.

travellers seeking the best tent comes equipped with enthralling African scenery. pampering spa treatments

surrounding national forest, before unwinding by night with al fresco dinners

nothing but each other and the stars for company.

elegance, thanks to its chic interior kitted

boasts 37 decadent suites, made up like noble Parisian abodes for the ultimate

If you can tear yourself away from your

in one of the hotel’s three renowned starred L’Abeille. With your appetite

There's no better time for indulgence than on your honeymoon. Across the globe there's a host of sensational hotels that will offer the once-in-a-lifetime experience you deserve after months of wedmin and wedding planning stress

based on two sharing. sanctuaryretreats. com/uganda-camps-gorilla-forest

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, PARIS

Nowhere compares to the romance of The City of Love and no hotel boasts a Hotel Paris.

A popular honeymoon destination for

almost every window. A pebble’s throw from the capital’s iconic attractions, the

As the former home of Prince Roland Bonapart, the residence blends

Bar or head to CHI, The Spa for a pampering session to remember.

night. shangril-la.com/ paris/shangrila

CROSBY STREET

HOTEL, NEW YORK

Providing visitors of The City That Never Sleeps with a reason to stay in bed, Crosby Street Hotel

cobblestone boulevard in the heart of SoHo. Placing you within touching distance of New

hotel lies on the doorstep of vibrant Greenwich Village. With 86 immaculately

Akin to stepping inside the home of an iconic fashion designer, the striking interior was curated by owner Kit Kemp and oozes contemporary appeal. Every

Kitchen Garden to soak up the city’s buzzing atmosphere while you dine al fresco.

With world class service, a vibrant bar

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp combines luxury comfort with incredible scenery

The stylish Crosby Street Hotel is ideally located in the heart of thriving Lower Manhattan

La Suite Shangri-La offers intimate views of the Sacré Coeur, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower

scene and exceptional culinary opportunities, you need not leave the hotel in order to experience New York’s renowned nightlife.

a luxe gym and an outdoor sculpture garden. A couple can stay at Crosby Street Hotel firmdalehotels.com/hotels/ new-york/crosby-street-hotel

PACUARE LODGE, COSTA RICA

Secluded on the banks of Costa Rica’s

exclusive suites. Listed on National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, the hotel’s spectacular natural setting will looking to blend romance with relaxation and adventure.

Whether you book a private villa or a shower, or slip into your rose petal infused bathtub after a day of exploring.

an experience in itself too, while the Jawa Juü Spa provides romantic sensory moments that you’ll want to share.

This iconic Costa Rican hideaway also protruding over the rainforest canopy, as well as a host of unmissable adventures such as white water rafting and close encounter wildlife experiences. Stay in a pacuarelodge.com

THE RITZ, LONDON

A British institution with an unwavering reputation, The Ritz has been an icon

to be awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales, The Ritz lies in the from the prestige of St. James’s.

service. Its ornate suites are presented with

A foodie paradise, this hotel is also home glistening Art Deco cocktail lounge and quintessential Afternoon Teas can be savoured.

classic Rolls Royce Phantom or stay put and allow the hotel’s exceptional butlers to cater to your every whim. A night in a only. theritzlondon.com

BAROS, MALDIVES

luxury and comfort, as well as unbeatable

Draped around the Indian Ocean, Baros Maldives combines luxury accommodation with an endless tropical playground, making this coastal paradise one for the beach lovers.

ocean villas has become an iconic sight unsurprisingly, Baros has been named the world’s most romantic resort by the World Travel Awards six years in a row.

The luxe resort epitomises exclusivity and romance, with topaz waters lapping sand beaches.

Lying on the Malé Atoll, the retreat is

ultimate choice for an intimate escape, the private deck straight into the mesmerising, clear waters.

Deck for a couple’s massage in the middle of the ocean, before experiencing one of dining options that are available. Deluxe and breakfast. baros.com

Experience the beauty of nature at the peaceful Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica

Luxurious Baros Maldives is the ultimate relaxing and romantic retreat

A sensational getaway at The Ritz will have you feeling like royalty

www.spabreaks.com/wedding

SAY “I DO” PARADISE in

5

1. BOOK A WEDDING CELEBRATION AT SANDALS

Your Sandals Wedding Concierge will assist with booking the perfect resort.

2. DREAM AWAY

Set along the best beaches in the Caribbean. With 15 breathtaking resorts featuring luxurious world-class amenities, your guests will indulge in the holiday of a lifetime, whilst you will be carefree to soak in every minute of this beautiful moment. If you prefer to elope in an intimate ceremony or host a grand affair for your closest family and friends, every little detail will be carried out just as you envisioned.

All included and unlimited for everyone is 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 16 outstanding restaurants, endless pours of Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines and premium brand liquors, plus unlimited land and water sports. It's all included, all unlimited, all the time.

Before meeting your Wedding Planner you can check out our wedding inspirations tool, including a guide on everything weddings.

3. START PLANNING

Meet your Wedding Planner and discuss every last wedding day detail.

4. FOLLOW UP & FINALISE

Enjoy complimentary follow-up sessions, as needed.

5. MEET OUR WEDDING ENTOURAGE

As soon as you arrive you will get the chance to go over everything planned for your special day.

COME IN-STORE TO SEE OUR SANDALS SPECIALISTS - MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT SANDALS.CO.UK/STORE

Alternatively, call 0800 012 1878 • Visit sandals.co.uk • See your local travel agent

OVER-THE-WATER VILLA AT SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN RESORT & PRIVATE ISLAND, JAMAICA

A bucket list HONEYMOON

Want a honeymoon with a difference? These once-in-a-lifetime experiences should definitely be on your wishlist…

With its dramatic landscapes, serene beaches and colourful culture, there are so many reasons to head to New Zealand. The magical Fiordland National Park on the South Island is a adventurous couples can take to nature, exploring some of

Drive the Great Ocean Road

Australia has something

bucket list honeymoon Down Under should

the Great Ocean Road. This gorgeous drive is one of the country’s most famous touring routes, and the crashing waves of the southern ocean.

Spot wild orangutans

Nature loving couples will adore Southeast Asia’s tropical paradise, Borneo. As well as incredible marine parks and rainforests,

here. Whether you volunteer at a sanctuary or spot these monkeys in the wild, you’re guaranteed a memorable experience.

See Japan’s cherry blossom

For those wanting to mix nature with the buzz of a city break, Japan may be the answer. With colourful Tokyo, traditional Kyoto and rural ventures to Mt Fuji, Japan is a great trip year round. But if you choose to travel in spring, breathtaking cherry blossom will be blooming, guaranteeing a magical honeymoon.

Chase the Northern Lights

Not all honeymoons involve

Swim with pigs

Trek Machu Picchu

Safari in the Serengeti

Sail the Galapagos

Beachside PARADISE

Dreaming of a tropical beach escape? You’ll love these heavenly honeymoon options…

Not everyone wants an adventuremoon or a city hopping escape for their honeymoon. For so many couples, the it’s not hard to see why. There are some seriously amazing destinations across the globe, with each boasting sensational hotels and From cocktails in the sun to candlelit dinners and romantic choice. Whether you want the serenity of a

Here are our favourite spots for 2020 and beyond…

Antigua

Beautiful Antigua is just one of the jewels of the unbelievable coastal vistas. But alongside its paradise beaches, it’s the colonial heritage, culture and expect a soulful calypso soundtrack and plenty of rum to accompany your honeymoon here. Filled to the brim with scenic spots, we promise you’ll

waters and dining in candlelight by the waves? If you're searching for somewhere to stay, Sandals

Antigua has been voted “World’s Most Romantic Resort”. Located on Antigua’s famous Dickenson Bay beach, this is a resort with couples in mind with its signature Love Nest Suites, exclusive amenities and dreamy honeymoon packages.

Bora Bora

It’s hard not to be mesmerised by French

With its dramatic landscape, dreamy beach and the perfect place if you're looking to

As one of the most beautiful destinations in the

Jamaica

Home of reggae and rum, Jamaica is a colourful

Lounging on a hammock at the edge of the ocean line or horse ride around the island could be the

four fantastic options across Jamaica, these

Mexico

Mauritius

Seychelles

If anywhere in the world paints a picture of the idyllic beachside honeymoon, it has to be the tropical islands of the Indian Ocean. The scattered isles of the Seychelles are no exception with their sparkling waters, sugar sand beaches and stunning natural scenery.

remote archipelago is a real paradise hideaway for honeymooners. Whether you want to explore or relax during your visit, this is a heavenly

the world’s most beautiful beaches, hopping the islands’ dazzling shorelines or hiking through the reserves, you’re sure to be impressed. And of course, as one of the most romantic locations on earth, there’s an abundance of exclusive hotels that promise extra bliss. With dreamy new resorts added to its Indian Ocean

What to pack

amazing selection, including Banyan Tree Seychelles, Constance Ephélia and Hilton Labriz Resort & Spa, which has secluded pool villas for the ultimate honeymoon retreat.

White Wrap Sarong, £12.99, New Look

Latelyes Sandals, £55, Dune London

Straw Circle Tote Bag, £45, FatFace

Rose Gold Floppy Hat, £25, Accessorize

Belted Swimsuit, £38, AC X Lipsy

Turquoise waters that sparkle like your ring and 16 main islands waiting to host your ceremony each as unique as your love! In The Bahamas we say, “marry on one island and honeymoon on another”.

HONEYMOON HEAVEN

We discover what makes Antigua the ultimate romantic destination

Oof Antigua is the perfect escape. As a hotspot in the turquoise waters attract visitors from there’s so much more to enjoy on a trip to

to experience something new on their honeymoon.

WHAT TO DO

are the perfect place for couples to Antigua’s famous sunset party is a really magical option, overlooking the scenic English Harbour.

of the most exciting places to explore, we

For those after a really exhilarating experience, we

where you’ll enjoy a captivating swim with some of the native rays. If you’re not looking waters, there’s plenty to truly romantic be complete without

WHERE TO STAY

across the coastline, you’ll be spoilt for there’s something to suit every style, taste

For a really authentic option, we

Antigua's colourful towns are bursting with character and charm

This beautiful island is a real paradise hideaway

Hodges Bay Resort & Spa offers a stylish honeymoon retreat

There's plenty of time for R&R on this Caribbean island

Don't miss the chance to swim with rays at Stingray City

WHEN TO VISIT

GETTING THERE

The pool at Hodges Bay Resort & Spa is a dreamy tropical oasis

You'll find so many things to see, do and experience around Antigua

I DO, Oporto Weddings was established in 2012 by David Moutinho who decided that after many years in the events industry representing similar companies it was time to internationally represent a region of Portugal he loves.Porto (Oporto as it is known to the British) is the second largest city in Portugal and is the capital of its Northern region.

It was built along the hills that are set overlooking the Douro River estuary, across from Vila Nova de Gaia, known for its Vinho do Porto (Port) wine cellars and taste-rooms. The city’s fascination lies very much in the life of the place, with its prosperous business core surrounded by smart suburbs and elegant villas, side by side with a heart of cramped streets, beautiful coastline and ancient alleys that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Classified Area.

Together with Rotterdam, Porto was declared European City of Culture in 2001. Did you know that Oporto was voted the best European Destination in 2012, 2014 & 2017

Services

To ensure that your wedding day is flawless we only work with talented and reputable local companies who deliver on their promises to provide quality bespoke wedding services. We have the right mix of energy, patience, creativity and experience to make your wedding everything that you want it to be - we listen to what you want and advise on unique ways of making a memorable occasion. Unlike some Destination Wedding planners, we have a UK based representative that is only a phone call away to help and guide you throughout the entire process.

STYLISH RETREATS IN THE UK’S HOTTEST LOCATIONS

boutique-retreats.co.uk

01872 553 491

enquiries@boutique-retreats.co.uk

For a truly unique, luxurious and romantic break, look no further than Boutique Retreats. With a portfolio of over 150 gorgeous properties to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether it’s a bijoux-beautiful fisherman’s cottage or a sweeping, glass-clad palace you’re afterwe’ve got the ultimate love nest especially for you both. We can also arrange those special extras, whether it’s a delivery of locally-sourced food and champers to your door, a private chef for the evening or holistic therapies in the comfort of your retreat - which means you’re able to concentrate on the more important things.

We know how good getaways should be.

Room with A VIEW

Looking for an idyllic waterside escape? These romantic hotels could well be for you

WORDS JENNIFER GRIMBLE

Another Place, The Lake Winner of Outstanding New Hotel at the 2018 Independent Hotel Show Awards, Another Place, The Lake sits on the banks of a private lagoon. Lying inside the Lake District National Park, the contemporary guest rooms. Spend on Ullswater, or swim some lengths in the hotel’s heated pool. To relax, make sure to book a spa treatment

Plus, with seasonal Cumbrian fare Rampsbeck Restaurant, you’ll never per room, based on two guests. another.place

Artist Residence

Nestled by the sea in Penzance, the of Cornish hospitality. This stylish retreat features 22 boutique guest

antique beds and soft furnishings. As for the food, the restaurant is rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk

short distance from the quaint centre of Penzance, the hotel is also a mere boat ride from the idyllic artistresidence.co.uk

Rocksalt

Your wedding day is everlasting. It’s the start of the next chapter in your story. English Heritage’s historic wedding venues share this unique sense of the everlasting. With castles rising above the sea, royal retreats and sweeping views of age-old gardens, our venues give you a connection to the past and an inspiring setting for your future.

www.english-heritage.org.uk/weddings

Venues pictured (clockwise): Wrest Park. Pendennis Castle, Eltham Palace and Osborne.

ARE WE THERE YET?

It’s not always first comes marriage, so we’ve rounded up some of the best places for a familymoon in the UK…

More and more couples are choosing to start their family before tying the knot these days, so a blissful suitable option.

the very best places for a honeymoon with

WITH A BABY…

The Bothy at High Barn, Cumbria

Brownscombe Tabernacle, Devon

the baby all night?

Prices fortwo from £142 per night – there’s no extra charge to bring the baby. canopyandstars.co.uk/brownscombetabernacle

WITH A TODDLER…

Prices start from £165 fortwo pernight. canopyandstars.co.uk/thebothyathighbarn

The Wool Shed, Newquay, Cornwall

Brownscombe's wood-fired hot tub is the perfect place to unwind

The secluded Bothy at High Barn is the perfect escape for adults and kids alike

The Boathouse, Downderry, Cornwall This super cool converted boathouse will impress even

From £1,250 perweek, £950 pershort break. the-wool-shed.uniquehomestays.com

WITH OLDER CHILDREN…

familymoon with older children still needs to provide

Beacon Hill Farm, Northumberland

Northumberland has a selection of cosy holiday feed the goats and more for those who want to

dine out at one of the many nearby restaurants and

Prices vary depending on accommodation. beaconhill.co.uk

The Butlery, Sandwich Bay, Kent

From £1,295 per week, £1,350 per short break. theboathouse.uniquehomestays.com

boules on the lawn or follow the garden path down to A small dog is permitted with prior permission from

Prices from £850 perweek, £650 pershort break. thebutlery.uniquehomestays.com

Teenagers will be impressed by the luxurious Boathouse in Cornwall

The stylish Wool Shed promises an enjoyable getaway for the entire family

You'll find plenty to see and do at the award-winninng Beacon Hill Farm

The large playroom at The Butlery will keep children entertained

AQHow many bridesmaids is too many?

INSIDE

This is similar to the ‘how long is a piece of string’ question. There is no real answer. It totally depends on what you want and who you want standing by your side. It may be that you choose one person, or you could have a whole gang of friends that you want to include. The rule is, only ask people that you genuinely want with you, don’t feel pressured to ask friends or family out of duty or because they asked you.

KNOWLEDGE

Top tips and advice to help you have a hassle-free wedding

Sarah, marriedJuly2018. Real bride ADVICE

Seating plans

“We have different groups of friends and decided that it would be a good idea at our wedding to mix the groups, so that people could get to know one another. In hindsight it was a big mistake – our guests kept getting up in-between courses to go and sit with their friends. I think that friends like to create memories with those that they are closest to, so there’s no point forcing new connections.”

QHow long before the wedding do I need to send out invitations?

ATraditionally, save the date cards are sent out

the wedding, giving your guests time to request annual leave, book accommodation, arrange child care and save money for the big day. For

destination weddings, or weddings during the summer holidays, send save the dates

recommend sending your before the wedding. Like the rule with save the date cards,

months, if the wedding is abroad or during the holidays.

Planning hot list

1 Start planning early as it will give you more supplier options. You don’t want to fall in love with a photographer or venue and then leave it too late to book.

2 Get spreadsheet savvy! Create a master document with supplier names, contact numbers, and other important details to help you feel in control. Give copies to the best man and maid of honour so they can help out on the big day.

3 It may feel a bit like being back in school, but take notes when visiting venues or other suppliers. You’re bound to forget the details by the time you get home.

4 Enjoy your food. Many couples worry what their guests will think of the menu, and get caught up in the details of other people's preferences. It's your big day, so make sure you plan a meal that you will love.

TOP TIP

Besmartwithyourbudget, especiallyifmoneyisquitetight. Therearecertainelementsthatyoucan gowithout.Yourguestswon’tmissa weddingfavour,theywillbemorethan happytohaveweddingcakeasa dessertandtheywillbeequallyas happytodancetoaDJasa liveband.

BOTLEYS MANSION, SURREY

CAIN MANOR, SURREY-HAMPSHIRE BORDER

NOTLEY ABBEY, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE-OXFORDSHIRE BORDER

ELEGANT EXCLUSIVITY – BIJOU WEDDING VENUES

CHATEAU DU BIJOU, FRANCE