The Wedding Guide Autumn/Winter 2012 by Gillian Lane

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Congratulations Image courtesy of Jakt Photography

How exciting, you’re engaged! Congratulations from all the team at The Wedding Guide and welcome to this latest edition which is packed with lots of advice, articles, fabulous recommended suppliers, real wedding features and pages of pretty things to inspire you! The guide is designed to help you ﬁnd everything you need to plan your dream wedding. Our recommended suppliers will assist you every step of the way, making sure your special day is one you’ll cherish forever. Don’t forget to check out our handy Wedding Fayre Diary which you’ll ﬁnd on pages 110-112 – great for planning your weekends around! Happy planning!

Jayne x

What is this? This is a QR Code, a new type of barcode but with the ability to contain a lot more information. Apps are available on smartphones and the iPhone to enable you to read what a QR Code says - just point your phone’s camera at the Code and it will display the information on screen.

2 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Jayne Cook, Editor & Publisher

The Wedding Guide Autumn/Winter 2012 Published and distributed by Weddings by Jayne, Highﬁelds, 31 The Settlement, Ockbrook, Derbyshire DE72 3RJ Email: jayne@theweddingguideuk.com Web: www.theweddingguideuk.com Design & Production: Neil Rees for SunriseDP Front cover image: Image Newcastle www.imagenewcastle.co.uk © 2012 Bridal Media Limited. No material including images, text and design work, contained in The Wedding Guide may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Bridal Media Limited.

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In this edition... A-Z of Wedding Suppliers

Helping with your arrangements Cars and Carriages Finishing Touches Flowers Hen & Stag Parties Mother of the Bride Photography Rings Timetable Videographer

4-11

86 68 90 100 26 52 65 104 60

His The Groom Jobs for the boys

40 38

Hers Beauty Fashion Pages Hair The Dress

30 14 37 12

The Reception Choosing the Venue Music & Entertainment Venue Decoration The Cake

44 98 70 94

Wedding Fayre Diary Real Weddings Plus lots moreâ&#x20AC;Ś.

110-112 50, 54, 58, 62

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BEAUTY, HAIR & MAKEUP Chess Hair and Beauty see p 37 144 Wollaton Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 2PE Tel: 0115 925 7500 www.chesshairandbeauty.co.uk Clumber Park Hotel and Spa see p 48 Clumber Park Nr Worksop Nottingham S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333 www.clumberparkhotel.com Complexions Beauty 12 High Street Claycross Chesterﬁeld Derbsyhrie S45 9DY Tel: 01246 866550 4 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Hair by Lauren Liz Foukes 12 High Street Claycross Chesterﬁeld Derbsyhrie S45 9DY Tel: 01246 866550 Laura Ward Bridal Hair see p 33 17, Church Street Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3BU Tel: 01773 742093 www.laurawardripley.com Organic Healthcare Company see p 31 Nottingham Tel: 07899 695667 www.ﬂp2u.co.uk Steve Boultons Hair Salon see p 37 80 Wilson Road Hanford Stoke on Trent Staffordshire Tel: 01782 644476

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The Beauty and Tanning Lounge see p 31 94 Derby Road Long Eaton Nottingham NG10 4LB Tel: 01159 723333 www.beautyandtanning.sm4.biz

BRIDAL WEAR Alisa The Wedding Specialist 27 Green Lane Derby DE1 1RS Tel: 01332 204731 Alison Evans Bridalwear 37, New Street, Church Gresley, Swadlincote DE11 9PS Tel: 01283 214553 All Things Bride and Beautiful 3 Station Road Ollerton Village Nottingham NG22 9BW Tel: 01623 825800 Angela Vickers Hand Made Bridal Designs Studio 1, 69-73 Lower Parliament Street Nottingham, NG1 3BB Tel: 01159 415616 Barbara’s Bridal Wear 31 George Street, Riddings Derbyshire, DE55 4BH Tel: 01773 541012 Baroque Couture see p 21 34-36 Station Street Draycott Derby DE72 3QB Tel: 01332 873320 www.baroqubrides.co.uk Big and Beautiful Bridal Wear 217 Derby Road Chelleston Derby DE73 5SE Tel: 01332 7001 Blush Bridalwear see p 17 3 Market Street Castle Donington Derbyshire DE74 2JB Tel: 01332 696813 www.blushweddings.co.uk

Bridal Suite (Nottingham) 71 Boundary Road, West Bridgeford Nottingham NG2 7DB Tel: 01159 143905 Brides and Gowns 26 The Strand Derby DE1 1HZ Tel: 01332 267000 www.bridesandgowns.co.uk Couture Bridal Designs Ltd Studios 8+ 9 Fashion Design Studios 69-73 Lower Parliament Street Nottingham NG1 3BB Tel: 01159 414179 www.courturebridaldesignsltd.co.uk Couture of Lilies 20-24 Outram Street Sutton – in - Ashﬁeld Nottingham NG17 4FS Tel No: 01623 550990 www.lilies.gbr.cc Debra Jane Bridal Wear 37 Mill Street Stafford ST16 2AJ Tel: 01785 242503 www.debrajanebridalwear.co.uk Designs By Marlaine 82, High Street, Alfreton Derbyshire, DE55 7BE Tel: 01773 830787 Elle Louise Bridal 4 Berkeley Court, Borough Road, Newcastle, ST5 1TT Tel: 01782 630300 Emily Jane Bridalwear 3 The Orchard, Belper Derbyshire ,DE56 1DF Tel: 01773 822798 www.emilyjanebridalwear.co.uk English Rose Brides 217 London Road, West End, Stoke, ST4 5RW Tel: 01782 876298 Eternally Yours Bridalwear 64 Baldertongate Newark NG24 1UN Tel: 01636 640057 www.eternallyyours.biz www.theweddingguideuk.com 5

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Eves Collection 111 High Street Wolstanton Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire ST5 0EP Tel: 01782 626661

Lori G Bridal Studio see p 13 125 Blenheim Drive Allestree Derby DE22 2LF Tel: 01332 550573 www.lorigbridal.co.uk

Fabulous Wedding Boutique 29 Chapelside, Chapel Street, Spondon Derby DE21 7JQ Tel: 07967 231369 Tel: 07725 674557 www.fabulousweddingboutique.co.uk

Love Me Again Bridal Boutique Raps Building, Netherside, Bradwell, Hope Valley, Derbyshire S33 9JL Tel: 07738 568800

Fabulous Wedding Boutique see p 17 4 Church Street, Leek Staffordshire ST13 6AB Tel: 07725 674557 www.fabulousweddingboutique.co.uk

Mimi Toko 1 Tamworth Street, Dufﬁeld Belper, Derbyshire DE56 4ER Tel: 01332 842332

Gracie Bleu Bridal Shop 22 Matlock Green, Matlock Derbyshire, DE4 3BT Tel: 01629 580011

Pearl Boutique SU251, Level 2, East Mall, Westﬁeld, Derby DE1 2PQ Tel: 01332 36999

House of Capulet 54 Babington Lane, Derby DE1 2SX Tel: 01332 208111 James 31 Pelham Street, Nottingham NG1 2EA Tel: 0115 947 2540 Jackie Thompson Couture 7 Burlington Close Breaston Derbyshire DE72 3UB Tel: 01332 874969 www.jackiethompsoncouture.co.uk Karolanne Bridal Wear 26 Lower Parliament Street Nottingham NG1 3DA Tel: 01159 472089 Kay Hobson Bridal Design 77, The Fleet, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1NW Tel: 01773 828268 www.kayhobsonbridaldesign.co.uk 6 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Pretty Panache Bridalwear 11 West Parade Lincoln LN1 1NL Tel: 01522 845049 www.prettypanache.co.uk Robertas Bridal 35 Market Place, Burslem, Staffordshire, ST6 3AG Tel: 01782 818321 www.robertasbridal.co.uk Rose Robinson Bridal Design see p 21 52 Richmond Avenue Breaston Derby DE72 3AP Tel: 0741 1077999 www.roserobinsonbridal.co.uk Serendipity Bridalwear 536 Burton Road, Littleover Derby DE23 6FN Tel: 01332 362822 www.serendipitybridalwear.com

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Shade Bridal and Occasion Wear see p 25 Suite 2b,100 Melton Road, West Bridgeford, Nottingham. NG2 6EP Tel: 01159 822820 www.shade-apparel.co.uk Stately Brides 65b King Street, Belper Derbyshire DE56 1FA Tel: 01773 826126 Temptations By Design 10 Compton Street, Ashbourne Derbyshire, DE6 1DA Tel: 01335 344900 The Bridal Lounge 4 The Mall, Brunswick Street Newcastle, ST5 1TA Tel: 01782 612922 The Dressing Room 36 Station Road Draycott Derby DE72 3QB Tel: 01332 873320 The Wedding House 16 Brighton Road, Alvaston Derby, DE24 8SY Tel: 01332 75836 The White Room 85a King Street Southwell Nottingham NG25 0EH Tel: 01636 813967 Treasure the Day Bridal 118 Station Road, Rolleston on Dove, Burton, DE13 9AB Tel: 07748 680528 Tying The Knot Bridalwear 138 Forest Road, Annesley Woodhouse Notts, NG17 9HH Tel: 01623 753198 Unveiled by Leanne 22 Westgate, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LU Tel: 01476 568315

CARS Cloud Nine Classic Weddings see p 89 32 Corbiere Avenue, Watnall, Nottingham NG16 1JR Tel: 01159 384704 www.cloudnineclassicweddings.co.uk Rimans Wedding Cars see p 87 7 Berkeley Cres, Upper Saxondale, Nottingham NG12 2NW Tel: 01159 120014 or 07801 710229 www.rimans.co.uk

Keep up-to-date with all the latest information from The Wedding Guide on Facebook and Twitter, and from our website www.theweddingguideuk.com

CEREMONY VENUES Clumber Park Hotel and Spa see p 48 Clumber Park Nr Worksop Nottingham S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333 www.clumberparkhotel.com Holiday Inn Derby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Riverlights see back cover Morledge Derby DE1 2AY Tel: 01332 412644 www.holidayinn.com The Carriage Hall see inside front cover and p 45 Station Road Plumtree Nottingham NG12 5NA Tel: 01159 375300 www.perkins-family.co.uk Uttoxeter Racecourse see p 47 Wood Lane Uttoxeter Staffordshire ST14 8BD Tel: 01889 562561 www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk www.theweddingguideuk.com 7

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CHAIR COVERS Fabulous Chair Covers 29 Chapelside Chapel Street, Spondon Derby DE21 7JQ Tel: 07967 231369 Tel: 07725 674557 www.fabulousweddingboutique.co.uk Gemini Event Solutions see p 77 Staffordshire Tel: 07504 713221 www.geminieventsolutions.co.uk

DANCE LESSONS Step Together Dance see p 96 Ashbourne Derbyshire DE5 4NL Tel: 07814 231913

DISCOS Magical Nights 15 Nottingham Road Spondon, Derbyshire DE21 7NF Tel: 01332 668978 or 07973 371765 www.MagicalNights.co.uk Spreadeagled Disco Tatenhill Staffordshire DE13 9SH Tel: 07980 555508

EXHIBITIONS & FAYRES Exhibition Diary see p 111 - 112 Staffordshire Wedding Shows see p 109 Tied The Bow Wedding Shows see p 106 UK Wedding Shows see p 108 White Media Wedding Fayres see Inside Back Cover

DECORATION VENUE Butterfly Lane Wedding Styling see p 71 Nottinghamshire Tel: 07789 354780/01158 545894 www.butterﬂylane.co.uk Fabulous Chair Covers 29 Chapelside Chapel Street, Spondon Derby DE21 7JQ Tel: 07967 231369 Tel: 07725 674557 www.fabulous-chaircovers.co.uk Marlows Events 64, Ernest Road Carlton Nottingham NG4 1LZ Tel: 01159 877210 www.marlowsonestopweddingshop.co.uk www.marlowsevents.co.uk

Keep up-to-date with all the latest information from The Wedding Guide on Facebook and Twitter, and from our website www.theweddingguideuk.com 8 www.theweddingguideuk.com

FLORISTS The Flower Boutique see p 91 343 Carlton Hill Carlton Nottingham, NG4 1JE Tel: 01159 877152 www.theﬂowerboutiquenottingham.co.uk JK Floral Designs see p 91 Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG5 4ED Tel: 07890 094710 www.jkﬂoraldesigns.com

GIFTS REGISTRY/ WEDDING GIFTS Bennetts Wedding List 8 Irongate Derby DE1 3AL Tel: 01332 344261 www.bennettsirongate.co.uk Butterfly Lane Gift List see p 71 Nottinghamshire Tel: 01158 545894 or 07789 354780 www.butterﬂylane.co.uk

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HEN & STAG PARTIES Bistro Live Music Restaurant see p 101 2 Barker Gate, Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1JS Tel: 0115 9473666 www.bistrolive.com I Need Pampering see p 76 129 -131 Ducie House, Ducie Street, Manchester, M1 2JW Tel: 0845 190 1895 www.ineedpampering.com

HONEYMOONS/HOLIDAYS

MOTHERS OUTFITS Shade Bridal and Occasion Wear see p 25 Suite 2b,100 Melton Road, West Bridgeford, Nottingham. NG2 6EP Tel: 01159 822820 www.shade-apparel.co.uk

MENSWEAR Formal Affair see p 39 67, Maid Marion Way, Nottingham, NG1 6AJ Tel: 01159 598254 www.formalaffair.co.uk

Travel Bureau 69 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4AT Tel: 0191 2859321 www.travelbureaugosforth.com

Formal Affair see p 39 37, Holywell Street Chesterﬁeld, Derbyshire S41 7SH Tel: 01246 559511 www.formalaffair.co.uk

Travelounge see p 85 9 Derby Road, Borrowash Derbyshire DE72 3JW Tel: 01332 677000 www.travelounge.co.uk

Formal Affair see p 39 12-14 Percy Street, Hanley Stoke on Trent ST 1 1NE Tel: 01782 212848 www.formalaffair.co.uk

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION Clumber Park Hotel and Spa see p 48 Clumber Park Nr Worksop Nottingham S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333 www.clumberparkhotel.com Holiday Inn Derby – Riverlights see back cover Morledge, Derby DE1 2AY Tel: 01332 412644 www.holidayinn.com

JEWELLERY Stuart Thexton Jewelley see p 66 and 67 19-21 Exchange Arcade Nottingham NG1 2DD Tel: 01159 881821 www.stuart-thexton.com

Formal Affair see p 39 Tame Park, Off Ninian Way, Wilnecote Tamworth B77 5DY Tel: 01827 261177 www.formalaffair.co.uk

MUSIC, MAGICIANS AND ENTERTAINMENT Danny Jewell Magic see p 99 Derbyshire SK23 9TA Tel: 07882 818233 dannyjewellmagic@yahoo.co.uk Matt Johnson PO Box 210 Deeside CH5 9DJ Tel: 01244 535803 www.ukweddingsinger.com www.theweddingguideuk.com 9

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Step Together Dance see p 96 Ashbourne Derbyshire DE5 4NL Tel: 07814 231913 Tom Wardle see p 97 Nottinghamshire Tel: 0772 5819693 www.tomwardle.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHERS Briscoe Photography see p 53 Staffordshire Tel: 07732 875315 www.briscoephotography.co.uk Jakt Photography see p 49 Friargate Studios Ford Street, Derby DE1 1EE Tel: 01332 258365 or 07811 144016 www.jaktphotography.co.uk Leading Imagery Photography see p 49 173 High Street Claycross, Derbyshire S45 9DZ Tel: 01246 250014 www.leadingimagery.com Lucabella Photography High Street Castle Donington Derbyshire DE74 2PP Tel: 07947 789566 www.lucabellaphotography.com Mirror Imaging Photography see p 57 Nottinghamshire Tel: 07968 159465 www.mirrorimaging.co.uk Oehlers Photography see p 53 Chilwell Nottinghamshire NG9 6NE Tel: 01159 736598 or 07817 657041 www.oehlersphotography.co.uk Philip Gordan Photography Tatenhill Staffordshire DE13 9SH Tel: 07980 555508

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Saffron Moon Photography Unit C, 69-73 Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 3BB Tel: 0115 988 1816 www.saffronmoon.co.uk Simon Miller Photography see p 57 Bestwood Nottingham NG6 8YU Tel: 07986 408024 www.simonmillerphotography.com Steve and Sarah Mills Photography see p 53 Carlton, Nottinghamshire NG4 1QU Tel: 01159 611048 www.millsphotography.co.uk Vintage Image Photography see p 61 Nottinghamshire Tel: 07854 833758 www.vintageimagephotography.co.uk

RECEPTION VENUES Clumber Park Hotel and Spa see p 48 Clumber Park Nr Worksop Nottingham S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333 www.clumberparkhotel.com Holiday Inn Derby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Riverlights see back cover Morledge Derby DE1 2AY Tel: 01332 412644 www.holidayinn.com Parklands Celebrations see p 1 Loughborough Road Ruddington Nottingham NG11 6LQ Tel: 0115 9144407 www.parklandsweddings.co.uk The Carriage Hall see inside front cover and p 45 Station Road Plumtree Nottingham NG12 5NA Tel: 01159 375300 www.perkins-family.co.uk

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Uttoxeter Racecourse see p 47 Wood Lane Uttoxeter Staffordshire ST14 8BD Tel: 01889 562561 www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk

SHOES Pure & Precious Bridal Shoes see p 29 20 Midland Road, Thrapston, Northants NN14 4JR Tel: 01832 735181 www.shoesforweddings.com

VIDEOGRAPHY Ian Dearman Media see p 61 11 Green Close Blidworth Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG21 0UD Tel: 07841 335284 www.iandearman.co.uk Lightfilms The Lightfilms Group 76 Station Road Chelleston Derby DE73 5SU Tel: 0845 3048646 www.lightfilms.co.uk

WEBSITES/APPS The Wedding Guide Tel: 01332 544369 07515 350313 www.theweddinguideuk.com Jayne@theweddingguideuk.com Wedding UK APP see p 101 Oakﬁeld House, 31 Main St, East Kilbride, G74 4JU Tel: 0844 504 3701 www.myweddingapp.co.uk

WEDDINGS ABROAD Travel Bureau 69 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4AT Tel: 0191 2859321 www.travelbureaugosforth.com Travelounge see p 85 9 Derby Road, Borrowash Derbyshire DE72 3JW Tel: 01332 677000 www.travelounge.co.uk

WEDDING PLANNERS Gemini Event Solutions see p 77 Staffordshire Tel: 07504713221 www.geminieventsolutions.co.uk

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Finding

The One Follow our step-by-step guide to ﬁnding your dream wedding dress.

Have a price in mind. Before you start visiting bridal boutiques, have a realistic budget in mind. Many brides often ﬁnd themselves spending far more than they had originally intended to! A good starting point to think about would be an amount that is around 10% of the overall wedding budget.

Cut and paste. Before you arrange an appointment to try dresses on, you need to start with the basics. Cut out images of dresses you like the look of from bridal and fashion magazines. You can also mix and match tops and skirts from a variety of images at this stage to start building up a picture of what you can see yourself wearing for your wedding. This collection of images will provide a great starting point for any consultations you arrange with your local suppliers.

comfortable in, and also one that suits your figure. Have a look at our style guide to find the perfect style for your figure. Trust your instincts, but do let the professionals guide you if necessary!

Many shades of white. When it comes to choosing your wedding dress, you will ﬁnd that the traditional white can come in many different shades! Speak to the shop assistants as they will help you choose the perfect tone for your skin. Pure white looks amazing on brides with an olive skin tone or choose an ivory shade to complement the classic English rose skin tones.

‘The One’. You will know when you have found the perfect dress to compliment the wedding of your dreams, and when you have found it, stop searching! perfection is impossible to beat! ♥

Create a moodboard. Use the images you have selected so far as a starting point, and add in any pictures of cakes, flowers, accessories, table decorations and other finishing touches as this will really help define the overall theme for your day. You will also need to consider your venue as this may also have a bearing on the dress you decide on.

What style will work for you? Are you a contemporary, glamourous, traditional or retro bride? When you understand what look works best for you, it is easier for bridal stylists to help ﬁnd the perfect dress for you. It is vitally important to choose a style that you are 12 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Important questions to ask when buying your dress: Can the style I have chosen be made to measure? Can I make any alterations to the style if I want to change the length of the train or style of sleeves for example? What is included in the price? Will I have to pay extra for any alterations? How many ﬁttings will I need to arrange? How far in advance do I need to order my chosen dress? How long will my dress take to arrive?

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1920’s

1900’s

Through

1930’s

decades

Take inspiration from stunning vintage fashions from past decades. Images supplied by www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com 14 www.theweddingguideuk.com

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1940’s

1950’s

1970’s 1960’s

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Second time around

If this is your second time as a bride, it may present you with the perfect opportunity to break away from traditional wedding customs. There is often a very real sense of freedom for a bride and groom to be as creative as they want in their planning in order to celebrate their wedding in a unique and personal way.

Your wedding outfit. There are a number of different possibilities to choose from when it comes to deciding on your outfit for your second wedding. It may be the opportunity to wear the fabulous fairytale wedding dress that you just couldn't afford first time around, or you might decide to opt for a stunning white dinner suit. You could wear almost anything you like, but make sure you are comfortable in your final choice as you will be wearing it for a long time! There are a number of specialist shops which could offer you a range of spectacular outfits, or take advantage of the personal shoppers offered by a number of designer and department stores.

Your wedding ceremony. If you are divorced from your previous husband and would like a Church of England wedding service, you need to contact your local parish. In some circumstances a divorced person may not be allowed to remarry in a church so you may decide to choose to have your wedding in a licensed venue instead.

Your venue.. There are all sorts of unusual venues where you may decide to hold your wedding, including taking advantage of the opportunity to get married on the London Eye! You might decide to use your favourite restaurant to host your reception, or there might be a different place which holds a special meaning for you which you would like to share with your guests. Very often, with a second wedding, anything goes! Remember to take the time to unleash your creative side and let your imagination run wild! 16 www.theweddingguideuk.com

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Fabulous

Wedding Boutique

Bridal Gowns Bridesmaids Venue Decor Chair Covers Stationery

4 Church Street, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6AB Telephone: 07725 674 557 EMail: leek@fabulousweddingboutique.co.uk www.fabulousweddingboutique.co.uk

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Take inspiration from stunning vintage fashions.

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Photography: www.jaktphotography.co.uk Wedding Dresses: www.fabulousweddingboutique.co.uk Make-up: www2.clikpic.com/sjgamble Venue: www.dovecliffhallhotel.co.uk Vintage Bouquets: Rebecca from Vintage Fascination 07533 273105

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Couture? What is

Do you want to be stylish yet different on your wedding day? Then why not visit a Couture Bridal Dress Designer who will design a gown exclusively for you. The possibilities are endless and whatever your fashion taste and personal style, a Couture wedding dress will enable you to choose a design that will match your taste and personality.

A Couture wedding dress will be made from the finest fabrics, sewn with great craftsmanship and with extreme attention to detail. The first step in the Couture process will be to book an appointment for an initial consultation. This will allow you to share your dreams with the designer. Bring to the consultation all your ideas — photographs, magazines, or simply a verbal description of what you envision. Together you will explore various options, including necklines, skirt shapes and fabrics. The designer will then work their magic, translating your ideas into a rough sketch. Once the sketch has been approved and your measurements taken, the proper work begins. The sketch becomes the pattern for the calico toile garment which is made out of a rough cotton fabric. The toile can be cut and pinned allowing all the fitting problems to be ironed out and your personal blueprint emerges. The work done at this stage reaps many benefits later on, reducing the number of alterations done on the actual fabric. Once work on the fabric begins you can expect a number of fittings as the garment evolves. You

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Attention to detail with a couture dress

will be asked at this point to wear your bridal lingerie to ensure the fit is just right. Beautiful linings make sure it feels as good as it looks. And all the little details which make it uniquely yours – embroidery or beading, are gradually added. Remember, when you come to the hem fitting you will need to wear the shoes that you will be wearing on the day. It is also a good idea to take along your tiara and jewellery so you get to see the complete look. Following your final fitting, your truly unique gown will be pressed for collection – this is the last step in the wonderful Couture process before you wow your guests, leaving everyone spellbound on your special day! ♥

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Beautiful

Bridesmaids Find more inspiration at www.alfredangelobridal.co.uk

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Blossoms

The magic continues with dresses in mini-bridal sizes designed for our youngest princesses. Images courtesy of www.alfredangelobridal.co.uk

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Beautiful

Bridesmaids Whether you have two or twenty bridesmaids, their look is an important part of the day and choosing the right dresses will help you all to feel fabulous and ooze conďŹ dence.

Know your style It may seem obvious, but you should always ďŹ nd your dress before you even start thinking about your bridesmaids. Once you know the style of your dress and the theme of your wedding, it is much easier to start getting ideas of how you want your bridesmaids to look and be conďŹ dent that their look will ďŹ t in on the day.

ďŹ&#x201A;atter your bridesmaids and keep them happy on the day. It is important to not give them free reign but to let them know that they do have some input into what they will be wearing. If you have young bridesmaids make sure that they will be comfortable in what you have chosen for them as a wedding can be a tiring day for the little ones.

Fabulous fabric Another important aspect of the bridesmaidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dresses is choosing the right sort of fabric for the time of year. If you are having a summer wedding, try and opt for dresses made from lighter fabrics such as silk georgette or crepe. If your wedding is taking place in the winter, bridesmaids can experiment with layering and fabrics such as satin, organza and taffeta.

Accessorise! Know your crowd Ask yourself this: Are my bridesmaids similar to each other? What would they be most comfortable in? You must also consider size, age, shape, style and their colouring. You want to

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave the accessories as an after thought, as these will either make or break the look. Make sure you have enough time to get the right style of headdress, shoes, earrings, necklaces etc to suit each bridesmaid. â&#x2122;Ľ

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wants to look fabulous too! As the mother of the bride or bridegroom, you have a long and exciting day ahead of you. Whilst the bride is the centre of attention, the role of the Mums is very important too and all eyes will be on you as well – just look at the press coverage Kate Middleton’s Mum got!

But what better excuse is there for buying a fabulous new outfit? Before you start looking for your outfit, take some time to discuss with the bride suitable colour schemes. You are part of the bridal party and it can be nice for the photographs if you all tone in with the general colour theme of the day. The choice of styles for mothers is very varied - you may decide on the subtle sophistication of a smart tailored suit or the sheer elegance of a soft flowing dress. Hats, shoes and handbags should all be chosen to complement your outfit, and work in harmony with it, along with any jewellery you choose to wear. There are a wide range of boutique shops which specialise in dressing the mother of the bride so it is well worth visiting them as they will provide invaluable help and advice. ♥

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Unique

Footwear The obvious choices are usually pretty courts or sky-high heels, so why not try something a bit different...

Weddington Boots – Catherine: Getting married on a farm? We have found some unique wedding wellies to keep you mud free in unpredictable weather! £49.99. Available at www.weddingtonboots.com

Canvas Shoes: Why not go for a rock chick look with these Converse inspired canvas lace-ups. You could also add a personal touch with some self embellishment. Available soon. Primark

28 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Lola: Go ultra vintage with these beautiful ribbon tie shoes. These would look great with a 20s inspired gown. £150. Available at www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

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Precious The largest selection of affordable exquisite bridal shoes in one warehouse ■ Brides shoes ■ Bridesmaids shoes ■ Prom shoes ■ Communion shoes ■ Mother of the brides shoes ■ Over 100 different styles

OPEN Monday-Friday out of hours by appointment only tel 01832 735181 / 07739 657134 20 Midland Road, Thrapston, Northants NN14 4JR info@shoesforweddings.com

www.pureandprecious.co.uk Shoe dyeing available

also gifts, ballroom shoes & dancewear www.topline-ballroom.com www.katz-dancewear.co.uk

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4 months to go Find a skincare regime you can do at home – Four months before is a great time to start to clear up any skin problems and begin a new beauty routine. This would be a great time to seek advice from beauty experts to see which products suit you best.

3 months to go

COUNTDOWN TO

LOOKING FABULOUS Other than the dress, bridal hair and makeup is one of the most important things to get right on your big day. You want to look the best you possibly can and the right hair style and makeup ﬁnishes the fabulous look and truly makes you feel amazing. Book your makeup artist and hairdresser early (at least 6 months before) to make sure they have your date free. Here’s a guide to make sure you look and feel a million dollars on the day. 30 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Choose a reputable hairdresser – If you are considering changing the colour of your hair, now is the time to do it. This gives you the chance to either get used to the colour and if you don’t like it you have time to go back to your previous colour. This is also the time to start deciding on styles. With so many to choose from choosing the right style is crucial. A top tip would be to go to the hairdresser wearing a top similar to the style of your dress (you can do this simply by manipulating a top you already have or buying one to chop and change). This will help you visualise your hair as it will be when you are wearing your dress. You may already have a good idea of how you want your hair to look, but remember how it will look on your photos too, as this will be something you will look at forever.

2 months to go Find a beautician – This is also the best time to book a course of facials. Facials will help to deep cleanse your skin and give you that little bit of extra conﬁdence. This is also a great time to test your fake tan and trial your makeup. A test run tan will enable you to see how the tan develops and if you are happy with the colour. You can also adapt your makeup to suit your newly tanned skin tone. It is a good idea to take a camera along and take pictures of your desired look so that it can be exactly recreated on the day.

1 month to go Now that everything is booked, start to relax – Get plenty of sleep on the weeks leading up to your wedding as well as cutting down on alcohol and drinking plenty of water. This will give you an extra boost on the day and ensure that your skin is beautiful and glowing. ♥

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Organic Healthcare Company Requires Help

Flexible hours - work from home will suit busy people Part-time & Full time earnings available Immediate start, local Support & training Work alongside your existing commitments

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DetoxBeauty The days before a wedding can be very stressful, so taking some time to detox can really make you look and feel great on your big day. Here are some fab products we’ve found to help detox your body from head to toe!

1. Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk – This residue free formula will gently melt away any after hen party make up and leave your skin soft and comfortable, ready for your big day. £17.50 www.clinique.co.uk

2. Turn Around Body Smoothing Cream’s fab formula will leave your skin beautifully hydrated and luminously revived. £25 www.clinique.co.uk 3. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray – To ensure you get a full 40 winks before the big day, spray a little pillow spray onto your pillow just before bed. You’ll wake up fresh and energised for the excitement ahead. £15 for 75ml available at www.asos.com 4. Figs & Rouge Pomegranate 100% Organic Balm provides light, non-greasy moisture to the face, lips and body in a great compact tin. £5 available at www.asos.com

5. This Works Award Winning – Features three of their fab products to hydrate, tone and beautify your skin ready for the day ahead. £29 available at www.asos.com

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WEDDING

HAIR Your hair is one of the most important aspects to get right on your wedding day. We’ve found some beautiful accessories to compliment a range of styles and make you feel a million dollars. All pieces are beautifully handmade by Debbie Carlisle from DC Bouquets (www.dcbouquets.co.uk).

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2 3

DIY

Look perfectly polished on your Wedding day with some of these great products.

MakeUp 1. Lipstick/Blusher/Lipliner – NARS Love Thrill Set – This fab set contains blusher, lipstick and lip liner in some gorgeous subtle pink shades. A bit pricey at £45, so why not get it as a cheeky gift! Available at ASOS. www.asos.co.uk

2. Foundation – Clinique Superbalanced Make Up – This liquid formula foundation gives just the right amount of moisture and absorbs excess oil where needed, which makes it perfect for all skin types. Plus its long-wearing nature will keep you looking ﬂawless throughout your special day. £21.50 www.clinique.co.uk or High Street Department stores.

5. Brows – Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows – The finest tip carefully fills in the smallest gaps for natural definition and long wear. £12 www.clinique.co.uk or High Street Department stores.

3. Concealer – YvesSaintLaurent – Touche Éclat – Try the UK’s no1 beauty product for fool-proof concealing. £25 Debenhams.

6. Mascara – The Body Shop – Big & Curvy Waterproof Mascara – Volumising, tearproof, waterproof & smudgeproof – it’s wedding-proof! £10 The Body Shop.

4. Highlighter – Beneﬁt High Beam – Dot on some of this fab formula to your cheek and brow bones or combine with your foundation for an all over gorgeous glow. £18.50 www.beneﬁtcosmetics.co.uk or High Street Department stores.

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Jobs for the boys There are a number of ways you can help your bride in the run up to your wedding, especially with some of the planning. Use this timetable to see what you could be doing, and when!

6 - 12 Months Before

q Decide on a budget, and how you are going to

divide your ﬁnancial obligations q Make appointment with clergyman/registrars q Choose your best man and ushers q Plan your honeymoon (check passports, visas,

insurance etc) q Reserve cars or arrange other transportation for

members of the wedding party

3 - 6 Months Before q q q q

Select formalwear Make reservations for honeymoon Check immunisations are up to date Arrange with your ﬁanceé to give Notice of Marriage

2 Months q q q q q q

Buy wedding rings Select gifts for your bride and attendants Check all legal, medical and church documents Conﬁrm honeymoon details and reservations Order foreign currency/travellers cheques Plan stag night

1 Month q Start preparing your speech

2 Weeks q Book haircut

1 Week q Conﬁrm time and place of wedding rehearsal

with attendants q Give ﬁnal wedding guest count to caterers q Pick up wedding rings q Any fees payable on the day should be given to

the best man to deal with q Pack for honeymoon

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SUIT

UP! Look dapper on the day with one of our favourite suits.

Left hand page: Blue Sharkskin Suit: Try something different for your wedding and opt for a striking blue suit. We love this one from Austin Reed. £279. Austin Reed Right hand page, clockwise: Black Crease Resistant Suit: Avoid the ironing board in the morning and slip on Next’s crease resistant suit. And why not go bold with a block colour shirt. £160. Next F & F at Tesco Suit: Stay stylish but on budget with this simple yet smart F & F suit. F & F at Tesco Suit Jacket £39, Shirt and Tie set £13 Charcoal Slim Fit Suit: Look sharp and sophisticated in Charcoal. £110. Next Morning Suit: Or why not keep to tradition with an oh so stylish Morning Suit. From £99. Austin Reed

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Location! Location! Religious

Church of England A Church wedding still proves to be a popular choice amongst couples, with a third of all weddings in England taking place in Church, and three quarters of this taking place within the Church of England. As well as your local church, you can choose any church outside your parish that either you, your parents, or your grandparents have a connection with. You can also establish a new connection if you attend regularly over a six month period well before the banns are published. Instead of going to the Superintendent Registrar before the ceremony, banns (a notice of the proposed marriage) can be read in the parish church of both of the partners or in the church where it has been agreed the marriage can take place. Banns must be read on three Sundays before the ceremony. www.churchofengland.org

also need to visit your local superintendent registrar at your local council ofﬁce to give notice of your intention to marry, and obtain your licence. www.catholicchurch.org.uk

Choos the pe ing rfe venue ct for yo cerem ur ony

Jewish Weddings Jewish weddings fulﬁl both a religious and civil purpose, but you will still need two applications - one for your local register ofﬁce and one for the religious authority under which the ceremony will take place. Marriages can take place in any synagogue, private house or other place as long as you and your partner are Jewish and the ceremony is held under the auspices of a synagogue. The marriage must be registered by the Secretary of the husband’s synagogue. www.jmc-uk.org

Other Denominations In all other religions, Roman Catholic Arrangements for a wedding in a Catholic Church are always made through the priest in the parish in which you are living. Three months notice must be given to the priest. Both you and your groom must be free to marry, and one of you must have been baptised a Catholic in order to marry in a Catholic church. You will

Civil ceremonies can take place at any approved venue, which can include hotels, stately homes and castles! 42 www.theweddingguideuk.com

religious marriage ceremonies can take place but you must ﬁrst give notice to the Superintendent Registrar, at your local Register Ofﬁce. They will know whether the building in which the ceremony is to take place has been registered.

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If the building has not been registered, you can still have a religious ceremony, but you will also need to have a separate civil ceremony for the marriage to be valid under United Kingdom Law. If the building is registered, an authorised person must be present at the ceremony to register the marriage. They will give you a marriage certiﬁcate on receipt of the fee. If there is no authorised person, the attendance of a Registrar is necessary and this should be arranged with the Superintendent Registrar. www.adviceguide.org.uk

Civil Register Office In order to marry in a register office, both you and your fiancé must give notice in person to the superintendent registrar at your local council office. They will then issue you with a certificate of common notice. You will need this certificate to make a booking with the register office to get the date you want. Weddings can be booked no more than 12 months in advance, or with no less than 17 days before the event. Approved Premises Civil ceremonies can take place at any venue that has been approved for the purpose. The venue must be regularly open to the public, and open-air premises will usually need a permanently built structure in order to be approved. Visit www.direct.gov.uk to search for an approved premise in the area you wish to marry. You will need to give notice of your intention to marry to your local superintendent registrar, and

contact the local register ofﬁce closest to the venue you have chosen to book a registrar to conduct the ceremony.www.direct.gov.uk

Overseas Overseas Weddings Weddings abroad are recognised as legal as long as they do not contravene UK laws. You should contact the country's embassy or consulate for advice to make sure you have the right documents and ﬁnd out when you will need to provide them. A number of countries require a minimum residency period of between one and seven days before you are free to marry there. It can often be easier to have a civil ceremony in the UK followed by a blessing abroad due to the complications sometimes involved in marrying in a different country. www.fco.gov.uk

Legal Advice • You and your ﬁancé must both be at least 16 years of age. (In England and Wales, if either of you is under 18 you will need to have permission from your parents or guardian). • You must both be eligible to marry. • You must not be closely related. • The marriage must take place in legally approved premises. • The marriage must take place in front of an authorised person. • The ceremony must take place between 8am and 6pm. • Two witnesses must be present.

www.adviceguide.org.uk

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Choosing your reception venue You may already have a dream wedding location in mind or you may be starting with a blank page. Either way, choosing your wedding venue is one of the ďŹ rst and most important decisions you will make.

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endless There are likely to be two parts to your wedding and where to organise, the wedding ceremony and the you choose wedding reception. You may have your heart set will help you to on a traditional Church ceremony which is still a dictate the style favourite choice for couples. If this is the case and theme of your wedding. then the reception should be planned around the The venue must be able to accommodate the Church location. You will need to consider ease of number of guests you transport for your are inviting so you guests from the Properly planned, your should have a good idea ceremony to the reception will become one of numbers before you reception venue. The of the most joyous parties start looking around. second option is a civil you will ever host Importantly the cost of wedding where your the venue must suit your ceremony and budget. Castles, country houses and stately homes reception will be held at a licensed venue. are among the locations many dream of for their When you have decided on a Church or Civil big day but consider your budget carefully. Ceremony there are certain factors to consider. Properly planned, your wedding reception will Firstly, the venue must look and feel right to you. become one of the most joyous parties you will You may have a particular style of venue in mind ever host, so remember to savour every minute for example, a Castle, a Manor House or and enjoy it! â&#x2122;Ľ somewhere dramatic or chic. The choices are 44 www.theweddingguideuk.com

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It’s traditional! There are a number of different wedding traditions have been kept alive through generations which are more focussed on the wedding ceremony and reception. These traditions are thought to bring happiness and good luck to the bride and groom and their future life together. Confetti Throwing confetti is thought to have descended from ancient times, when guests would throw grain over the newlyweds to promote fertility. These days confetti has evolved into coloured paper shapes bought to match the wedding theme. However, an increasing number of venues are deciding to ban confetti as it makes too much mess. Blowing bubbles or laying down rose petals are environmentally friendly welcome alternatives.

Omens of good luck Walking was traditionally seen as the best way of getting to the Church on time, and there was also the possiblity that the bride would have more chance of spotting a lucky omen, or having the sun shine on her. Some cultures believe that rainbows, spiders, black cats, lambs and toads are thought to bring good luck if they are seen on the way to the wedding. Another popular good luck omen is seeing a chimney sweep after the ceremony. This has become such a popular tradition, that it is possible to hire a chimney sweep to attend your wedding. When you return home for the ﬁrst time as husband and wife, tradition dictates that a new wife must enter her home through the front door, without tripping or falling, to ward off bad luck. This is why it has become customary for the groom to carry his bride over the threshold. The Bouquet Traditionally, the bride throws her

The Cake The wedding cake was traditionally made up of lots of little wheat cakes that were broken over the brides head in order to bestow good luck and fertility. The popular three-tier cake that we tend to see now actually takes it's unusual shape from the spire of Saint Bride's Church in London. The bride and groom should make the ﬁrst cut to signify sharing the rest of their life together. To ensure good luck follows the bride and groom throughout their life, every guest should eat at least a crumb of the cake. If a single woman sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, tradition suggests that she will dream of her future groom that night.

46 www.theweddingguideuk.com

bouquet backwards over her head and whoever catches it is the next to get married. Similarly, in some countries the groom removes the brides garter and throws it over his head to the single males. Again the one who catches it is the next to marry.

Buttonholes In Medieval times a Knight would wear his lady's colours as a symbol of his love. This has evolved to the present tradition of a groom wearing a ﬂower that matches his bride's bouquet to declare his love and represent unity. ♥

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The Seating Plan There are many different factors to consider when it comes to the seating plan, including whether or not you want to assign seating in the ﬁrst place.

•

When it comes to assigned seating, there are lots of options to consider. Here are our top tips: • Traditionally, the bride and groom sit at a long top table with their parents, the chief bridesmaid and the best man. However, many couples are now opting for a round table, or even a ‘sweetheart’ table for two. The wedding party table should be placed where the bride and groom can see, and be seen by, as many guests as possible. • If parents are divorced, sit them close to their new partners, or ask them to host their own tables. • You might want to put people next to others they know, or you might want to split them up a bit so that they meet new people. Generally, you should try and put families and work

•

colleagues together. However, if you know there are going to people attending who do not get on, then it is worth breaking with tradition to have a stress-free day. In order to keep a lively atmosphere throughout your wedding breakfast, try to keep to an equal mix of both sexes on each table. Avoid mixing age groups too much. Young children should be seated with their parents. Older children should be seated either with their parents, or at a separate children’s table. Resist the temptation to have a 'leftovers' table of all the people who didn't ﬁt on the other tables. They will be aware of this and it could make them quite uncomfortable during the reception. Try to place pregnant, elderly and disabled guests and guests with small children where they have easy access to toilet facilities, or can escape if they need to (especially if a child has started crying just as the speeches are about to start!) It might be worth showing a draft of your seating plan to a few key members of the wedding party, so they can help you with any tricky decisions you may have to make.

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This wedding is very important to me (Jayne Cook Publisher of The Wedding Guide) as it is my brother Steve’s wedding to my new sister in Law Jayne. It was a real pleasure to be on hand to help with advice, choosing wedding suppliers and to be part of their fantastic day. I spend all year meeting Brides and Grooms at Wedding fayres and speaking to wedding specialist and don’t actually get to go to any weddings. Jayne and Steve were married on 31st March 2012 at The Queens Restaurant in Freehay, Staffordshire. They meet through mutual friends as their local pub! So, here is Jayne to tell you more about this special wedding, the planning and the day: “Steve proposed to me over a meal in a local restaurant, 8 months before we got married, so we did not have too long to plan our special day! We choose a church wedding at my local village church, which held fond memories for my family. Our reception was held at The Queens, which was the perfect venue for us, a good friend owns it,

great food and relaxed atmosphere. The colour theme for the day was Cappuccino and brown. The special moments of the day were being with our friends and family.” A few ﬁnal notes from Jayne: “Don’t forget to enjoy the day, every minute, as it goes so quickly and choose a photographer wisely as they are your memories forever.”

Suppliers Dress: Bridal Lounge, Newcastle Bridesmaids: Bridal Lounge, Newcastle Menswear: Ascot, Newcastle Hair: Steve Boulton Hair Specialist Flowers: Forget Me Know, Cheadle Cake: Cake Station, Blythe Bridge Invitations: Ross Invites Tiara: Bridal Lounge, Newcastle Photographer: Brisco Photography, Staffordshire Rings: Stuart Thexton Jewellery, Nottingham

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Photographs to last forever Choosing the right wedding photographer can seem daunting. There are a few key things to look out for that will help you make the right choice. You need to feel personally comfortable with your wedding photographer – they’ll be capturing your emotions and working closely with your family and friends on your special day. Some wedding photographers favour a traditional approach with others offering more contemporary images. Some photographers will be able to provide you with a combination of styles. Make sure you see examples of their relevant work to get a good feel whether they are the right choice for you. It’s important that you understand exactly what you’ll be getting from your photographer. Although many now offer straight-forward packages do not be afraid to clarify exactly what your photographer will do on the day itself and provide you with after the event. Do check you know what’s included in the price and what will cost extra. It’s worth arranging your photographer early in your planning as good photographers often get booked well in advance. To form an idea of the types of photographs you want captured take a look at as many examples as you can. Discuss this with your photographer and any friends who have recently got married. Often friends or relatives who are keen amateurs offer their services for free. Whilst it may be tempting to take them up for reasons of politeness or economy, you do not want to take risks with your precious photographs! If you want to guarantee high quality wedding photographs then you’re probably best to leave the task to the professionals. To avoid causing offence to Uncle Bob, maybe you could offer him the important role of capturing candid images of the guests through the day? ♥ 52 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Images courtesy of fotografy

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REN CLAIRE & DAR

Weddings Photography by www.millsphotography.co.uk

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Claire and Darren were married on 21st September 2011 at Stubton Hall Nr Newark. They met through a mutual friend and have been inseparable ever since. Here is Claire to tell you more about their planning and special day: “The proposal was very romantic, we were staying overnight at Harts Hotel in Nottingham and Darren had secretly organized a Caricaturist to be there, we had our picture drawn and when he turned it around for us to look at it was of Darren kneeling down on one knee with ‘Will you marry me’ written on it, I thought it was a joke until Darren actually got down on one knee and gave me a heart shaped diamond ring and asked me to marry him, of course I said yes. It took us exactly one year to the day to plan our wedding and we choose to get married and have our Reception at Stubton Hall near Newark. There were many reasons for the choice, exclusivity, separate ceremony and reception rooms, accommodation for overnight guests and of course the WOW factor which Stubton Hall has bags of. The theme of the day was classic and elegant, white and green. What I remember most about the day, was the moment I was told it was time to go, my heart was beating so fast, I was just so excited to be marring the man of my dreams. Our honeymoon was fantastic a trip of a

life time in America, we visited San Francisco, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls and ﬁnally New York City.” A few ﬁnal notes from Claire: “Make sure you have a good skin regime at least 6-9 months before the big day and also ensure you order your bridesmaids dresses early as they can take up to 16 weeks to arrive.”

Suppliers Dress: Francesca, Stoke-on-Trent Bdress: Choola, Shefﬁeld Menswear: William Hunt, Savile Row, London Flowers: Chilli Petals, Tuxford Cake: Beth Rushton, Rushtons in Newark Invitations: Figtree, Quarndon Photographer: Steve & Sarah Mills Photography, Nottingham Transport: American Pie, South Yorkshire Wedding Rings: Marlows, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham www.theweddingguideuk.com 55

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questions should I be asking...

What Rule Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t #1: afraid be to ask!

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...the Photographer? q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

Can I see examples of your work? Do you use digital cameras or shoot on ďŹ lm? What style of photography do you specialise in? How many pictures will you take? Will you visit the venue before the day? How long will you stay for? Should I pay for meals and travel expenses? Who will edit the photographs? Will you retain the copyright of the images? Is someone available to take your place if you are ill? When will I receive my photographs? How can my family and friends view and order photos? Can your services be adapted to suit my budget? Does the cost include any additional charges and VAT?

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ZOE & ANTHO

Weddings Photography by www.mirrorimaging.co.uk

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Zoe and Anthony were married in 22 October 2011 at The Carriage Hall In Plumtree. They met at school 14 years ago, childhood sweethearts. Here is Zoe to tell you more about her fabulous wedding planning and day: “We sort of fell into getting married after 14 years together and a 3 year old, we just decided it was the right time! We took 18 months to plan the day, which was exactly 15 years to the day which we met!” “We choose a church wedding at the local village church were we both grow up, which held fond memories for Anthony’s parents who were also married there. Our reception was held at The Carriage Hall, which was the perfect location, style, lighting and space we were looking for. The colour theme we chose was rust and mink with a splash of spots and a hint of tweed, great Autumnal colours for our October Wedding. A family friend conducted the Wedding Ceremony, it was perfect and one of our favorite moments of the day, along with the speeches and just seeing everyone mingling and enjoying themselves.” A few ﬁnal notes from Zoe: “Take a few minutes during the day for each other or you will get to midnight and realize you have barley spoken all

day. I had my hair and makeup on the morning, which was fantastic just to sit and be pampered – much needed relaxation for the day ahead!”

Suppliers Dress: Bespoke from Caroline Chamberlain Bridal Couture Bridesmaids Dress: Monsoon Menswear: Vintage Whistles - Now Tweedmans Vintage Hair: Melanie Rhodes Makeup: Susan at Pretty Flamingo Flowers: The Arbour Lincoln Cake: Bailey’s The Butchers at Upper Broughton (Pork Pie!!) Invitations: Spotty N Stripy Tiara: Tweed Headpiece, bespoke by Beetlebum by Design Photographer: Mirror Imaging Wedding Rings: Bespoke – Excel Jewellery, Nottingham

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Capture the laughter

Wedding videos and DVD productions are an excellent way of capturing your special day. Many couples will rank wedding videography much lower on their lists than other wedding day essentials however, failing to ďŹ nd the cash to fund one may be a decision you regret later. Modern wedding videos have moved on from being basic documentaries of weddings. Cameras, production software and the creativity of 60 www.theweddingguideuk.com

videographers are continually improving meaning you now have many more options when it comes to capturing your wedding day. Video guestbook kiosks or booths are becoming more and more popular too, as guests can take pictures and record individual messages to fully capture the ambience of the day in a fun and unique way. So if you want to make sure the sights and sounds of your wedding day are just how you remembered, get it captured on video.... â&#x2122;Ľ

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MARTIN & VIC

Weddings Photography by www.vintageimagephotography.co.uk

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Vicky and Martin were married on 21st October 2011 at Sutton Bonnington Hall. They meet on a blind date which had been set up by friends. Here is Vicky to tell you more about her fantastic wedding and the planning, which went into it: “The proposal took place in Las Vegas where we were on holiday for Martin’s 30th Birthday, where he went down on one knee and proposed with a fabulous ring, in our hotel room, of course I said yes. It took 18 months to plan the wedding which took place at Sutton Bonnington Hall , we held the ceremony and reception there.” “The were many reasons we choose Sutton Bonnington, it felt very personal, the conservatory was very light for a Autumn wedding, the fantastic team and of course the beauty of the gardens around the house for the photographs. The colour theme for the wedding was champagne and Vegas!” “A few of my favorite moments of the day were, receiving a beautiful bouquet of ﬂowers from

Martin with a Tiffany Bracelet, wow, and seeing Martin’s face as I walked down the aisle. We went away on a Caribbean Cruise for our honeymoon 7 weeks after the wedding, which was fab as we had something else to look forward too!” A ﬁnal note from Vicky: “The most important thing is to relax and enjoy your day as there is so much effort gone into planning the wedding and it was a reﬂection of our personalities.”

Suppliers Dress: Ian Stuart at Margot Raybould Bridesmaids dress: Beaumont Brides Tamworth Menswear: Moss Bros Leicester Makeup: Make Up Victoria Kendrick Flowers: Just Flowers Tiara: Polly Edwards at La Mariee Bridal Photographer: Vintage Image Wedding Rings: Michael Grundy Jewellers, Leicester www.theweddingguideuk.com

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Have a go at the following questions. Answer them on your own, and then discuss your answers with your partner. Try to be as open and speciﬁc as possible and concentrate on the questions that matter the most to both of you. On your birthday, which best describes your partners attitude? • Do they forget it? • Ask you what you want? • Give you a surprise? When things go wrong, which is your partner most likely to do? • Laugh? • Go quiet? • Get upset? Which word best describes you? • Reserved • Sociable • Assertive 4. Which of you will... • Send Christmas and birthday cards? • Pay bills? • Make arrangements for holidays?

Time for each other Working out how we spend our time together leads to surprising results. It can sometimes help us to sit down and rethink our priorities. During last week - or a recent week - how did you spend the 168 hours? Make your best estimate for each item listed. • • • • • •

Meals and sleeping, inc. getting ready for bed Housework, preparing meals and cleaning up Going to friends or having friends over Work, training or studying, including travel time Making time to talk to each other Reading, television or social activities outside the house

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• Which are the times you are at your best? • Would you want to spend this 'quality time' in another way? • How will being married make a difference to your attitude to your work? • Or your attitude to your leisure? • What are your feelings about your partners work and prospects?

Children What do you think is the ideal number of children for you? How many children will you be able to afford? Have you discussed how you will bring up your children? • Who should feed baby? • Bath and dress the baby? • Stay up late when they are ill? • Take them to school? What sort of discipline should you have? • Strict but fair • Fairly strict • fairly relaxed • Relaxed but in control Do you see children as: • Time consuming • A ﬁnancial burden? • Demanding? • Not for me? • Enjoyable? • A big responsibility? • A completion of our family? • Not important? • A sign of our love? What are your feelings when you think of yourself as a parent? Have you discussed when the best times to have children are?

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The Circle of Love Your wedding ring is a public symbol of your everlasting love and commitment to each other, yet many couples will leave buying them until the very last minute. Start thinking about your wedding rings as soon as you start your planning as there are a few points to consider. Remember, they will be worn for the rest of your lives together.

Choosing the style, metal and colour Your style of wedding ring should reﬂect your own personal style; it should also compliment your engagement ring and can also be chosen to match your groom's ring if you wish. Wedding rings come in a variety of metals, colours and styles. When choosing rings it’s best to go for a colour or style you’re not likely to get bored with, so it’s best not to follow high fashion. Consider your personality and your engagement ring style – if your engagement ring is classic, vintage, unusual or even bespoke, then your wedding ring will probably need to match. The Ancient Egyptian belief is that a circular ring was a sign of undying, never ending love, a love without a beginning or an end. Whatever you and your groom choose, it’s nice to have rings that match in some way, either in their metal or pattern.

Make sure it ﬁts!

If you are buying your wedding rings from a jewellers then they will measure your fingers instore to size the rings. If you choose to buy your rings online, many companies will now send out a ring measurer before you place your order so you can be sure to order the correct size. When measuring, it’s worth remembering that your fingers will swell up in the heat, shrink in the cold and get bigger as the day goes on. Most jewellers recommend measuring in the afternoon when you are warm for a snug fit and then re-measuring again in the morning when you are cool to ensure the ring size is perfect. Achieving the correct fit is vital, as nothing else you own will compete with the number of hours you will wear your wedding ring. ♥

Choosing your rings It’s best to decide on a design at least two to three months before the big day, although you will need to allow longer for a bespoke design. This should give you plenty of time for choosing, measuring, sizing and resizing if need be. Agree on your budget and then spend some time looking at what is available. Specialist wedding ring makers allow you to design your own rings and have them made – the ultimate in wearing your own individual style. A specialist ring designer and maker will be able to translate your style requirements into a unique wedding ring or rings just for you. An alternative could be personalising your rings with an engraving of the date of your wedding or a personal message. Images courtesy of www.ringworkshop.co.uk

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Oranges FINISHING TO

UCHES

W w

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Why not theme your wedding with vibrant seasonal colours? Images courtesy of www.mirrorimaging .co.uk www.belleoftheball.org.uk

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How to give your reception the

Wow Factor

When you visit a potential wedding venue there may be certain aspects that you absolutely love and some that you don’t love quite so much! If you are concerned about the decor then there is no need to worry, there are companies that can provide you with services that can transform a typical function room into a breathtaking vision that you and your guests will never forget. If you are after a dreamy, romantic atmosphere why not go for swags of tulle, clusters of white balloons and twinkling fairy lights. You can create a sophisticated, timeless look by using the same items but add in sumptuous ﬂoral arrangements and candles. Whatever look you want to create, there will be someone who can create it for you. But be mindful of the canvas you are working with. If your venue is a historic building then you don’t want to cover beautiful plush walls with 12 ft banners. So don’t ﬁght against what you have to work with but consider your surroundings carefully and work with them.

Places you may wish to decorate: • Doorways, entrances and exits (including the driveway leading to the venue) • Walls and windows • The ceiling (particularly in a marquee) • Lighting on the dance ﬂoor • Fireplaces • Door handles and staircases • The Top Table • Guests’ tables & chairs

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You should also consider the lighting of the room. Subtle Lighting defines the mood of a space, it can create warmth, intimacy, romance and style. Tables at your reception can be brought to life with the addition of simple tea lights or tall candles mixed in with your floral arrangements. Up-lighting around a marquee or room will allow you to take control of the lighting, even during the day, transforming the atmosphere of your venue. You could even choose to match the colour of the lights to the overall colour scheme of your day. Specialist lighting can have a huge impact on your first dance, creating a truly romantic feel to capture on video. Lighting can also be used to create a simple "chill out" area where people can relax and unwind away from the disco. For even more ideas, speak to a lighting designer or your wedding planner. Be careful not to clutter the venue with too much decoration, less is usually more! A good venue decorator and lighting specialist will help and guide you make the right choices to create a stunning look so that when your guests arrive, they think WOW. ♥

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Your Wedding Gift Wish List! What a great opportunity to create a wish list of all your most favourite things! What shall you ask for? Well the gifts you choose will depend on what stage of your life you are at. If you are a young couple just setting up home together for the ﬁrst time you will need all the basics: china, pots and pans, bed linen, towels and glassware etc. For couples getting married in their thirties it is more likely that you own a home or have lived together, so you probably already have most of the basic household items. If this is the case you may wish to consider asking for more luxurious items like garden furniture, or state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. You could suggest a group of friends or relatives club together to buy the more expensive gifts between them.

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Gift List Top Tips • Create your gift list at least three months before the wedding day to take account of order and delivery lead times. • You should allow at least a month to compile your list, and it’s unlikely that you will choose all your items in one session. • Cater for all budgets when choosing items for your list. You don’t want anyone to feel pressured into buying a gift they cannot afford. • Include a wide variety of gifts so your guests have plenty to choose from. • Try and think ahead – you may not be interested in a fancy dinner service now but it could come in useful later on. • If you choose to compile a list at a large department store, make sure you sign up as early as possible. • Keep a note of all the people who bought you a gift and what they bought you – this will help with your Thank You notes. • Consider taking out wedding insurance to cover all your gifts.

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Making life easier with a

Wedding Co-ordinator The average bride spends 250 hours planning her dream wedding, the equivalent of six weeks full time work, trying to put together the most magical and memorable day of her life. There is real skill involved in turning that fantasy into reality and an experienced wedding co-ordinator will be able to help you realise your dreams, whether on a small or grand scale, traditional or contemporary, in a city or countryside setting. A wedding co-ordinator can save you valuable time searching for the right venue or supplier. They can reduce stress, save you money and help provide professional event co-ordination on the day. Some of the key elements of what a wedding co-ordinator can do for you are:

An increasingly popular choice for those brides who have planned their own wedding day is to hire an 'on-the-day' co-ordinator who can take care of the day behind the scenes. They can help with common concerns such as: ♥ What happens on the big day? ♥ Do I have to keep my mobile phone close by in case of an emergency? ♥ What do I do if there are any late minute emergencies, such as the ﬂorist hasn't turned up or the venue has been dressed incorrectly? An 'on-the-day' co-ordinator can solve any problems quickly and quietly to ensure everything runs smoothly in exactly the way you want, leaving you free to enjoy your special day. ♥

♥ Help you set a realistic budget and stick to it! ♥ Help you find a venue and secure the booking; ♥ Deal with the suppliers including the florist, caterers, photographers, entertainment etc.; ♥ Develop a schedule and work plan and ensure you keep track of progress; ♥ Send out invitations for you and collate the replies; ♥ Advise on wedding etiquette and help diffuse stressful situations, such as dealing with seating plans without offending relatives; ♥ Deal with the hire of any outfits and ensure they are returned on time; ♥ Advise on any new trends, suggesting creative ways to make your wedding unique; ♥ Manage the invoices from suppliers and advise you of the final costs; ♥ Negotiate preferential rates with suppliers; ♥ Keep you fully informed throughout the whole process; ♥ Supervise the wedding day to ensure everything runs to the timetable and manage the bridal party and ushers, reminding them of their responsibilities. www.theweddingguideuk.com 77

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Purple UCHES O T G IN H IS IN F

Dress: Pilot www.pilotfashion.com

Fascinator: British Heart Foundation – www.bhf.org.uk

We’re all about the colour of royalty this season. So we’ve found some fabulous purple dresses, stationery and much more to get you inspired!

Shoes: Rachel Simpson Shoes – www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk

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ms – www.debenhams.com

Bag: Ben de Lisi at Debenha Image: www.fotografy.co.uk

Earrings: Julie Ann Beads – www.julieannbeads.co.uk

o. .fotografy.c age: www

Small ﬂower Candle: The Wedding of my Dreams – www.theweddingofmydreams.co.uk

Big Candles: Debenhams www.debenhams.com

Image: www.fotografy.co.uk

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For something completely different why not try... ...stunning Ice sculptures, a yummy chocolate fountain, a candy buffet or, for a romantic touch, release white doves? For an alternative to ﬂowers as table centrepieces, why not consider an ice sculpture? Ice sculptures, crystal clear and hand carved, which may include engraved names and dates, are a fantastic and unique way to introduce a real wow at any wedding. Or why not include a chocolate fountain at your reception? Your guests are sure to enjoy the indulgence offered as an extra treat. Speak to suppliers about the type of chocolate they use - is it pure Belgian chocolate or is it mixed with oil? Can it be supplied in different colours or ﬂavours? What items for dipping are included? Why not wow your guests with the latest trend in candy buffets or pick ‘n’ mix display stands. Packed full of delicious sweeties, they not only add fun and colour to the wedding reception but are a wonderful way to take people back to their childhood days and are a fantastic talking point. A gorgeous spread of candy will be set up at the reception where guests can browse and indulge their sweet tooths. The sweets will be displayed in elegant glass jars and can be used as part of the dessert or set out as a "make your own" party favour table with decorative bags that guests can take home with them. For that extra romantic touch, what better way is there to celebrate your love than releasing white doves? The dove has long been a symbol of Freedom, Love, and Peace, and is viewed worldwide as a messenger of serenity. ♥

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Your

dream honeymoon After all the planning and preparation that has gone into your wedding day, your honeymoon can provide the perfect opportunity for to relax and enjoy your first days together as husband and wife. Many of the major travel operators offer luxury breaks for honeymooners with little extra touches added to make your holiday even more perfect. You could benefit from a wide range of special offers such as airline discounts, upgrades, special suites or rooms, and finishing touches such as a bottle of champagne, fruit basket or flowers in the room. One thing to remember when planning your honeymoon or travelling as Mr. and Mrs. is that the brides passport will usually still have her maiden name recorded. You might find it worth taking your marriage certificate with you to prove you are newly-weds! Before booking your honeymoon, consider what the season will be at your chosen destination. A summer wedding is still the most popular choice in the UK but it is worth remembering that many tropical locations often experience heavy rain and hurricanes, and it will be winter in Australia! For a full list of our recommended destinations for whatever month you are planning your wedding for, have a look at our website www.theweddingguideuk.com.

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All-inclusive destinations offer great value for money and can provide complete peace of mind when it comes to indulging yourselves as you know the bill won't hold any surprises. There are a number of resorts that cater for adults only which will really give you the freedom to get away from it all and relax in a child free environment. If you are planning your honeymoon on a budget, there are some great choices a little closer to home. A long weekend in a European city such as Paris or Rome can be a great alternative, or you could plan a tour to visit some of the breathtaking scenery we have on our own shores. Don't forget that many travel companies offer the opportunity for your guests to buy travel vouchers as a wedding present which can help if the budget is really restricted! It used to be the tradition that the Bride and Groom would depart for their honeymoon on the evening of the wedding, but with the advent of the evening reception all that has changed. It is now far more common to spend the day after the wedding with close family and friends and set off for your honeymoon a day or two later. Whatever you decide, a little planning will go a long way. It is important to relax after all the planning and organising so make sure you use your honeymoon to rest, have a fantastic time, and return with some amazing memories of the start of your married life together.

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Your carriage awaits

Wedding cars have been getting brides to the church in style for years. It’s one aspect that usually stays true to tradition, with brides opting for vintage or classical cars such as a Rolls Royce, Daimler, Bentley or Limousine for transport. However, for the more adventurous bride there are other alternatives that are sure to make an impression as you pull up to the church. Other options include: Horse drawn carriage, VW Vans, Mustangs, Lamborghinis and even Beetles or Minis.

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The Car It is important to book your transport about 6 months ahead and visit car companies that are local so that they are familiar with the route and have a good idea of trafﬁc conditions. Cars usually have white ribbons running along the front but these can be changed to match the theme of the day if you wish. The price usually includes a complementary bottle of champagne; however there may be extras, such as requested music, for an extra charge. You also need to know how many cars you will need: Which car will take you, which car will take the bridesmaids. As the bridesmaids usually arrive before the bride it is advisable to have separate cars that leave at different times.

The Carriage If you really want to go for the Wow factor on your wedding day, then a horse drawn carriage is for you. The carriages themselves can range from the classic Landau to fairytale replicas. Again, it is very important to visit the carriage company well in advance so you can view the carriages and decide what you want for the day. You must remember that the horses will have to stand still for long periods of time and trafﬁc on the road can prove stressful for them so choose a reputable company that has good experience with horses. Finally, don’t forget that horses move much slower than cars, so make sure you leave enough time to get to the church and that the roads are suitable for the ride. ♥

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Travel in vintage style Hiring a period vintage coach as part of the ambience you are creating for your wedding can introduce an enjoyable dimension to the proceedings as well as being a cost effective solution to the transportation requirements of your big day. Whilst the vehicles themselves can ooze nostalgia, it is important that you check out the licensing and insurance credentials of their owners. If you are intending to carry more than eight passengers and you are paying for the service, then the provider should have the appropriate Operators Licence issued by the Traffic Commissioner, don't be afraid to ask about it. The vehicle should also carry a Passenger Carrying Vehicle MOT Certificate and the appropriate insurances. The driver too should be the holder of a full Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) driving licence. That said, the operator will usually be willing to discuss your requirements on a practical basis. Your needs may be to move a large group in one budget movement or perhaps convey the bride and bridesmaids to the Church first followed by a movement of say close family and friends to the reception afterwards. A vintage double decker bus may be the answer to your needs or perhaps the more defined luxury of a smaller 1950's single 88 www.theweddingguideuk.com

Images courtesy of Thornes and Heritage Bus Company

decker touring coach with sumptuous seating for up to 40 and a beautiful art deco interior. Operator owners are usually very proud of their period icons and as such will often provide the vintage coach for the initial transfers whilst the late night return journey will be aboard a modern vehicle where the beneﬁts of air suspension and air conditioning will be more sympathetic to those guests who are by then feeling a little worse for wear. One point to remember is that vintage vehicles do not have the beneﬁt of power steering and may in fact require a greater turning area in which to manoeuvre than that of a much larger modern vehicle, so do bear this in mind when planning your itinerary and looking at venues. ♥

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Announce your wedding in style Your wedding stationery will give your guests the ﬁrst hint of the style and colour theme of your wedding. You may be looking for something quite simple and contemporary, elegant and romantic or elaborate and bold – whatever you decide to go for, you won’t be disappointed with the choice available. So what items are you likely to need? Save the Date Cards – to make sure all your family and friends keep their diary free on the chosen day. Invitations – Remember that you will only need one per family but it’s always wise to order a few extra just in case. Reply Cards – these can be included with your invitations to encourage a prompt response from your guests. Order of Service – Usually you would give one to

each guest at a church wedding but when thinking of numbers consider friends coming to watch who may not be invited to the day time. Table Plan/Place Cards/Menus – can all be designed to match the colour and theme of your wedding and add that bit of luxury and formality to the event. Favours For Your Guests – Bomboniere or wedding favours have traditionally been given to wedding guests for many years. Way back in history bomboniere were small trinket boxes containing sugar cubes or delicate confections which symbolised wealth of the family. Years later the sugar cubes were replaced with 5 almonds which symbolised fertility, wealth, longevity, health and happiness. Today, the choice for wedding favours is endless from petite boxes of chocolates to alcoholic miniatures. Becoming more popular are charity favours where you can donate money to a favourite charity on behalf of your guests. ♥

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Marvellous An artistic ﬂorist will be able to suggest a range of stunning designs for your wedding bouquet and ﬂoral arrangements that complement your dress, the theme of your wedding and the ceremony venue.

Make sure you are prepared for your consultation. Try to take with you samples of the fabric that will make up your dress, and colour swatches for your gown, the bridesmaids’ dresses and groom's formalwear, as the ﬂorist will need this information to help them prepare ideas of beautiful arrangements for you. The traditional colours for a bridal bouquet are ivory and white, but don't be afraid to add a hint of colour for that element of understated sophistication. The groom's buttonhole should be worn on his left lapel, and should echo the bride's bouquet. This is to celebrate the tradition of a Knight wearing his Lady's colours to display his love.

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The ushers and groomsmen should wear a slightly different flower on their lapel, but it should also feature in the main bouquet. Bridesmaids’ flowers will also differ from your bouquet, but should still coordinate with the general floral theme, as should corsages for the mothers and buttonholes for the fathers. Flowers could be selected for personal reasons, or because of what they traditionally represent, i.e. Lilies represent majesty, roses symbolise love, freesias symbolise purity, and baby's breath represents innocence. Silk flowers are becoming more popular too, enabling you to choose exquisite imitators that will last a lifetime. Buying flowers in season can save you money, so pick flowers according to the time of year and be ecofriendly too! It is always a good idea to request that your florist give you an itemised bill in advance, and make sure that you in turn supply the florist with the names, addresses, and times for delivery of your bouquet, buttonholes, corsages and floral arrangements. You'll need a number of other floral pieces for your wedding, including displays for the altar, centrepieces for reception tables, sprays for candelabra, corsages for those who assist with various reception duties, and floral "tokens" for special guests. Ask your florist for guidance. Their artistry, knowledge of wedding protocol and ability to listen to your needs will ensure that you'll get good value for your money, and have the perfect floral accents to enhance your wedding day. ♥

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Flowers for all seasons An artistic florist will be able to suggest a range of stunning designs for your wedding bouquet and floral arrangements that complement your dress, the theme of your wedding and the ceremony venue. But where should you start? Ideally, you should book your florist as soon as possible as they can be booked up with weddings all summer. This is especially important if you are planning a large wedding with an abundance of flowers. There are many ways to go about choosing your florist, from asking your friends and family for recommendations, visiting suppliers at wedding fairs or researching them on the internet. 92 www.theweddingguideuk.com

A l beautifu rate o c e way to dedding your w y and ceremonion. . . recept

Whatever method suits you best, make sure you arrange a consultation with a shortlist of your favourite choices and take it from there! Inspiration Have a look at wedding photographs from friends and family members, and tear out any images you like in bridal magazines and newspapers. Your florist will also have lots of portfolios and magazines for you to look through when you visit them. You should also take any samples of fabric or colour swatches that you are planning to use, as well as ideas about the overall theme of the wedding as this will all help your florist design the floral decorations you have dreamed about. What about the budget? Be honest about your budget from the start. There is no point being shy

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about it as your florist could end up suggesting all sorts of extravagances that you simply can't afford. For a limited budget, try to stick to seasonal flowers as these can work out considerably cheaper! Make sure you get your order confirmed in writing as soon as you can, and look out for any hidden costs such as delivery charges or vase and accessories hire as they can really add to the final costings. It is also important that you give your florist a breakdown of your itinerary, timings and addresses for delivery, especially if things are being delivered to a number of different addresses.

more commonplace in Western weddings with shades of orange being chosen. Think Calla Lilies with their burnished brown-orange tints that reﬂect the colours of an autumn sunset.

What floral arrangements are required? You will need to arrange a bridal bouquet, bouquets for your bridesmaids, buttonholes and corsages. You will also need a number of other floral pieces for your wedding, including displays for the altar, centrepieces for reception tables, sprays for candelabra, and any floral gifts for special guests to show your thanks.

Red: A great colour for weddings as it symbolises strength and passion (think red roses!) Red foliage is also very dramatic and red berries or red leaved Photinia look fantastic with red ﬂowers or almost black foliage. Popular red ﬂowers to consider are Gerbera, Anthurium, Freesia and Amaryllis.

Final thoughts. The number of meetings you will have with your florist will vary depending on your actual requirements, but it is important to have at lest two or three face to face meetings before the big day. Some florists may be willing to hold one of these meetings at your intended venue to discuss exactly where the larger arrangements will look best and draw the eye. Ask your florist for guidance throughout the planning stages. Their artistry, knowledge of wedding protocol and ability to listen to your needs will ensure that you get good value for your money, and have the perfect floral accents to enhance your wedding day. Just make sure you have your florist's mobile number handy in case of floral emergencies on the day! Choosing your seasonal bouquets and floral arrangements

Autumn

Brown: While a common colour in nature, brown is surprisingly less common when it comes to flowers. Choose from Alstroemeria, Kangaroo Paw, Chrysanthemum, Cosmos, Hypericum berries and Roses. You could also use brown foliage to accent your floral arrangements. Far more common than brown flowers, but looks truly stunning in autumnal displays.

Other Autumn ﬂowers to consider include Dahlias, Leucospermum, Strelitzia, Crocosmia and Nerine.

Winter

Winter ﬂowers are often the most striking, with their bold colours and unique shapes. They can captivate your celebration with their seasonal magic. Purples and blacks are very popular at this time of year, as are reds, greens, and whites. Purple: Eryngium (also known as Sea Holly) has been around for centuries. It is a very striking ﬂower like a purple raspberry surrounded by a thistle collar. They can look striking in any modern arrangement, are very popular with couples of Scottish descent, or can make an ideal masculine buttonhole.

September to early November is a beautiful season in nature when the colours of ﬂowers and leaves are changing naturally. Choose from shades of orange, brown and red for a perfect autumnal wedding.

Black: There are not many ﬂowers that are truly black, they are normally either a very dark red or wine-purple. Most popular are Roses or Calla Lilies, or you could consider ﬂowers with a black centre like Star of Bethlehem and Anemones. There is also a wide range of black foliage that can also look really effective such as dark Cordyline leaves or Cotinus.

Orange: This is a colour that has more traditionally been associated with bright, vibrant and exotic Eastern weddings, but it is becoming

Other Winter ﬂowers to consider include Amaryllis, Freesias, Phalaenopsis Orchids, Oncidium Orchids, Gerbera, Lisianthus and Heliconia. ♥ www.theweddingguideuk.com 93

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Cake

Inspiration

Cakes supplied by: www.aprildelights.co.uk www.melbournecake.co.uk

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The w edding cak beauti e will sit fully t h your w roughout edding recept ion an d will admir ed by be everyo ne.

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YOUR

first dance AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

Your first dance together as husband and wife is one of the most eagerly anticipated parts of your wedding reception. You may have already chosen the music you want to dance to, but have you thought about how you are going to dance to it? You may decide that you want to take some dance lessons and have your first dance professionally choreographed, but what does this involve? There are a number of things to think about when it comes to planning your first dance lessons: • Decide on a song • Think about the style of the routine you would like: funny, traditional, cheeky, romantic or sophisiticated • Remember to show your choreographer your wedding dress so the routine can be designed to take into account what you will be wearing • Plan the timetable for your dance lessons. You should aim to start your lessons 5 to 8 weeks prior to your wedding • Make sure you wear something comfortable for your lessons, but remember to wear your wedding shoes for at least one of the practices!

Image supplied by Mirror Images

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Whether you can dance or not, having some lessons can put you at ease and make you feel more comfortable and confident when you take your first steps out on to the dance floor. ♥

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Getting onit the right night NT ENTERTAINME

When you start considering what type of music and entertainment you would like at your wedding, you will realise that the choice is endless. Should you go for a DJ, a live singer, a band or a combination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatever you decide make sure they are going to hit the right note to ensure you have the party of a lifetime.

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Popular DJs, bands and singers get booked well in advance

Arranging your wedding music really should be high priority as popular DJs, bands and singers get booked up well in advance. Ideally you should hear the DJ, singer or band before you book them to make sure they will create the right atmosphere for you and your guests. Your DJ or band should discuss with you what type of music you would like for your ďŹ rst dance and a good DJ or bandleader will gather all the guests together to make it a very special time.

For some fun and magic why not hire a Magician? Close-up magic can provide the perfect ice breaker for a wedding reception. A good magician will mingle with your guests performing a range of miracles in front of their eyes. They will move from group to group engaging guests with their magic and leave them with something shared to talk about, even if they have just met. An experienced wedding magician will know how to approach different groups or single guests, when to entertain a table, and how to work with the serving staff to help you achieve your perfect day. The magician will entertain your guests when they are 98 www.theweddingguideuk.com

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left alone while you are busy with the photographer. He can provide a show for each table during the wedding breakfast, entertain on a larger scale while your reception room is being transformed from day to evening, or engage your evening guests on their arrival. Speak to your wedding magician about how long you would like them to stay, some will offer entertainment for a couple of hours, while others will be more ﬂexible and offer a range of different packages designed to best suit your plans.

Why not end the evening with a magnificent fireworks display? Fireworks are becoming an increasingly popular and spectacular finale to the day's events. When deciding whether you wish to pursue this unique spectacle, there are some basic rules to follow. The venue must of course be of a suitable size, and the owner will need to give their permission. The larger the display, the larger the display area

required, and a site visit with the company is essential. There are many alternative displays available, ranging from just a firework drawing to a full display and, ideally your firework company should be offering many variables and clearly setting out all the costs involved. Pictures in fireworks can be designed and personalised to the bride and groom, these can be visually stunning, last for about a minute and are a novel way to end the main show. If the noise due to large explosions is an issue, speak to the company as they should be able to offer a reduced noise display that is still colourful and spectacular. Firework displays should provide good value for money. Ask your chosen firework company to show you references from previous clients, meet with them to discuss your requirements and ask for a quote. You should also ask them to provide a copy of their insurance documents Finally, do inform your photographer/ videographer in advance about the display so they can be prepared to capture the spectacle. If they require any specialist knowledge on the filming of fireworks, the firework company should be able to assist. ♥

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Hen & Stag Checklist It is becoming increasingly popular for the last night of freedom to last a weekend, or even longer so make sure you discuss with the chief bridesmaid or best man what type of party you really want. • Draw up list of people to invite. • Select a town/venue that's easily accessible to everyone. • Decide on what kind of event you think would be best for the people involved. • Set the itinerary and make inquiries and provisional bookings.

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• Don’t go too over To m the top. You every ake might like the idea of a week accor thing go d in Barcelona, be su ing to pla but not n, re yo everyone will a pla u’ve got nw want to spend sticki orth that amount of ng to time or money. If you want to do something big, stick to close friends only. • Create and send out invites. • Give out your email address and mobile number to all the guests and be available to answer queries about directions, accommodation, etc. • Pre-book everything you can and conﬁrm in writing or by email, especially for accommodation, and reconﬁrm the day before. • Make sure everyone knows exactly where you're meeting eg which bar of the hotel, which entrance of the station? Give a contact number for last-minute changes. • Make sure everyone knows roughly how much the do will cost, and whether they'll be helping to cover the bride's/groom's costs. Let everyone know how and when payment is to be made. • Have a fall-back meeting place for late arrivals or people who get lost. • Think ahead about how everyone will be getting home. Do you need to arrange transport, book taxis, or send younger members of the party home earlier?

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Who pays? Talking about the budget won’t be the most romantic conversation you’re going to have when it comes to planning your big day, but overspending isn’t very romantic either. One of the ﬁrst things you need to do when you start planning your dream wedding is decide who’s paying for what. The most important thing to consider is to plan the type of wedding you can realistically afford. It is not ideal to start married life in debt. Remember, it is how you spend your money that counts, not how much you have to spend. Traditionally, the father of the bride handled the majority of the expenses, with the groom chipping

WEDDING PLA

NNER

in for ceremony fees and a suitably fabulous, surprise honeymoon. But, times are changing. Many contemporary couples choose to pay for the bulk of their wedding themselves, or even to split the costs three ways – between them and both sets of parents. The question for who pays for what really comes down to who is willing and able.

A traditional breakdown of the expenses:

The Bride

The Groom

• Wedding gift for groom • Wedding ring for groom • Bridesmaids’ dresses • Gifts for Attendants • Hen Party

• Wedding gift for bride • Bride's rings • Banns, Wedding Licence and Marriage Certiﬁcate • Gifts for Best Man and Ushers • Bridal bouquet, buttonholes and corsages • Formalwear • Fees for ofﬁciating personnel

The Groom’s Family

The Bride's Family

• • • • • •

• Entire reception • Wedding gift for newlyweds • Bride's wedding outﬁt • Invitations and announcements • Photographs • Venue fees • Flowers • Wedding cars

Honeymoon Stag Party Wedding clothes Travelling expenses/hotel bills Wedding gift for newlyweds Shipment of wedding gifts to new home

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Don’t panic! There may be a huge amount to do in the run up to your big day, but our handy checklist is designed to help you through the next twelve months.

12 months before:

q q q q q q q q q q q q q

WEDDING PLA

NNER

Choose a wedding date Decide on a budget Make a list of guests and decide on numbers Book your Church/Ceremony location Book your reception venue/caterers Send out “Save The Date” cards Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man Start looking for The Dress! Choose and book your photographer Choose and book your videographer Take out insurance cover Start thinking about the Honeymoon Conﬁrm bookings in writing

8 months before:

q q q q q q q q

Choose bridesmaids’ dresses Choose the music, hymns and readings for the ceremony Order wedding stationery Book entertainment Choose and order your wedding cake Make an appointment with your chosen ﬂorist Select a Toastmaster Book your wedding cars

6 months before:

q q q q q

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Give Notice of Marriage Purchase or hire menswear Order venue decoration/chair covers Select your wedding rings Book a make-up artist/hairdresser and arrange a trial

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q Send out your wedding invitations q Check your passport expiry date q Check if you will need visas or vaccinations for your honeymoon destination q Choose attendants’ gifts q Buy shoes, lingerie and accessories q Choose a Gift List q Order favours q Start thinking about a seating plan q Book your wedding night accommodation q Attend initial fitting for your wedding dress q Make arrangements for Hen and Stag parties q Arrange fittings for the menswear q Buy a going away outfit and honeymoon clothes q Organise a rehearsal and let relevant people know

Images courtesy of Jakt Photography

4 months before:

1 month before:

q q q q

Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress Call guests who have not responded to your invitation Buy a wedding gift for each other Arrange for a final fitting for your bridesmaids, ushers and best man and arrange when to collect the outfits q Confirm timings with the venue and all relevant suppliers q Finalise the seating plan q Enjoy your hen and stag parties! 2 Weeks Before:

q Make a note of wedding gifts as they arrive q Conﬁrm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant people q Arrange to change your name if appropriate q Speak to all your suppliers to conﬁrm details 1 week before:

q Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids’ dresses and the menswear q Arrange for your order of service to be given to the minister q Pack for your honeymoon q Have all your beauty treatments q Book the groom a hair cut q Organise an emergency kit for on the day q Drink plenty of water and have some early nights Relax and enjoy this time – all your hard work is about to come to fruition!

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FR E N TE E RY

Wedding Show The Pavilion at Branston Golf and Country Club Burton Road, Branston, Staffordshire, DE14 3DP

Sunday 14 October 2012 Doors open 11.00am - 4.00pm Bucks Fizz Reception Catwalk Shows 12.30pm and 2.30pm Live Entertainment Over 30 Exhibitors Demonstrations, expert advice and so much more...

Everything you need for your perfect day, all under one roof! For further information visit: www.blissweddingshows.co.uk or call: 0151 227 9179

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Wedding Fayre

Image courtesy of www.imagenewcastle.co.uk

Diary

05 July 2012 Tee House Bar & Restaurant Leen Valley Golf Club, Wigwan Lane, Hucknall 5pm - onwards % Lynne - 01159 633078

25 July 2012 Makeney Hall Hotel Milford, Derby, DE56 0RS 6pm - 8pm % Liz - 01332 845703

22 July 2012 Shottle Hall Wedding Fayre White Lane Shottle, Derbyshire DE56 2EB 11am - 4pm % Sue White - 01246 541906

09 August 2012 Ladies Evening Wedding Fayre Bestwood Lodge, Arnold, Notts, NG5 8NE 5pm - 9pm % Rachael Matthews - 01159 203011

24 July 2012 The Queen Elizabeth School Hall 150 Chesterﬁeld Road South, Mansﬁeld, NG19 7AP 5pm - 9pm % Rachel - 07925 581796 110 www.theweddingguideuk.com

26 August 2012 Pride Park Stadium Pride Park, Derby, DE21 5BL 11am - 4pm % Sue White - 01246 541906

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29 August 2012 Makeney Hall Hotel Milford, Derby, DE56 0RS 6pm - 8pm % Liz - 01332 845703

16 September 2012 Wollaton Hall Wedding Fayre Wollaton Park Wollaton, Nottingham NG8 2AE 11am - 4pm % Penny - 0115 915 3900

02 September 2012 The Nottingham Racecourse Colwick Park, Colwick Road, Nottingham, NG2 4BE 11am - 4pm % Sarah - 07578 638185.

23 September 2012 Holme Pierrepont Hall Wedding Fayre Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham NG12 2LD 11am - 4pm % Sarah - 01332 813973

02 September 2012 Rolls Royce Wedding Fayre Gate One, Watnall Road, Hucknall, Nottingham, NG15 6EU 11am - 4pm % Create Your Day - 07985 727444 or 01623 751907 7 September 2012 The Grange Banqueting Suite 457 Burton Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 6XX. 11am - 4pm % Sarah - 07578 638185. 09 September 2012 Miraj Hotel and Leisure Club Derby Road, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1XH 11am - 3pm % Vicki - 07875 297134 09 September 2012 Butterley Grange Ripley, DE5 3QY 11am - 4pm % Sue White - 01246 541906 16 September 2012 The Aston Court Hotel Midland Road, Derby, DE1 2SL (opp Derby Station) 11am - 4pm % Sarah - 07578 6385 16 September 2012 The Britannia Stadium Wedding Show Stanley Mathews Way, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire ST4 4EG 11am - 4pm % Steve - 01782 740526

23 September 2012 The Derbyshire Hotel Wedding Fayre Carter Lane East, South Normanton, Derby, DE55 2EH 11am - 4pm % Anne - 07968 495110 30 September 2012 Novotel Wedding Fayre Bostocks Lane, Long Eaton, M1 Junction 25, Nottingham, NG10 4EP 11am - 4pm % Lisa - 07533 296604 30 September 2012 The Nottingham Gateway Wedding Fayre Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AZ 11am - 4pm % 0800 3161009 30 September 2012 Leadenham House VIP Open Day Leadenham House, Lincs, LN5 0PX 11am - 3pm % Sarah - 01332 813973 07 October 2012 Thoresby Courtyard Newark, NG22 9EP 11am - 4pm % Sue White - 01246 541906 07 October 2012 Makeney Hall Hotel Milford, Derby, DE56 0RS 11am - 4pm % Liz - 01332 845703 07 October 2012 Thrumpton Hall Wedding Fayre Thrumpton, Nottinghamshire, NG11 0AX 11am - 4pm % Sue White - 01246 541906 www.theweddingguideuk.com 111

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14 October 2012 Branston Golf Club Wedding Fayre Branston, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3DP 11am - 4pm Joanne - 0151 2279179 info@blissweddingshow.co.uk 14 October 2012 Uttoxeter Racecourse Wedding Fayre Wood Lane Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8BD 11am - 4pm Steve - 01782 740526 14 October 2012 Colwick Hall Wedding Fayre Colwick Hall Hotel, Colwick Park, Racecourse Road, Nottingham, NG2 4BH 11am - 4pm Jayne - 01332 544369 or 07515 350313 14 October 2012 Tissington Hall Wedding Fayre Tissington, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1RA 11am - 4pm Sue White - 01246 541906 14 October 2012 Park Inn by Radisson Nottingham Mansﬁeld Road Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG5 2BT 11am - 4pm Lisa - 07533 296604 21 October 2012 Clumber Park Hotel and Spa Wedding Fayre Blyth Road, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire S80 3PA 10.30am - 3.30pm Sarah - 01623 835333 28 October 2012 Horsley Lodge Wedding Fayre Horsley, Derbyshire, DE21 5BL 11am - 4pm Sue White - 01246 541906 28 October 2012 Osmaston Park Wedding Fayre Osmaston Park Estate Marquee, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1LW 11am - 4pm Hannah or Ben - 01889 567344 112 www.theweddingguideuk.com

28 October 2012 The Venue Wedding Fayre Wyaston Road, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1NB 11am -3pm Vikki - 07875 297134 31 October 2012 Makeney Hall Hotel Milford, Derby, DE56 0RS 6pm - 8pm Liz - 01332 845703 04 November 2012 The Old Vicarage Boutique Hotel Westhorpe, Southwell, Nottingham NG25 0NB 11am - 4pm Suzanne - 01636 815989 04 November 2012 Bestwood Lodge Hotel Wedding Fayre Bestwood Lodge, Arnold, Notts, NG5 8NE 11am -4pm Rachael Matthews - 01159 203011 18 November 2012 The Priest House Hotel Castle Donington, DE74 2RR 11am - 4pm Sue White - 01246 541906 18 November 2012 Birmingham Premier Asian Wedding Show Holiday Inn, Coventry Road, Birmingham, B26 3QW 11am - 5pm Ahmer - 0161 6694691 18 November 2012 Heanor Miners Welfare Wedding Fayre 50 Ilkeston Road, Heanor, DE75 7DT 11am - 3pm Vikki - 07875 297134 28 November 2012 Makeney Hall Hotel Milford, Derby, DE56 0RS 6pm - 8pm Liz - 01332 845703

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