the wedding guide (merseyside, cheshire, shropshire and north wales edition) autumn/winter 2011

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2 T H E W E D D I N G G U I D E

How exciting, you’re engaged! Congratulationsfrom all the team at The Wedding Guide andwelcome to this latest edition which is packedwith lots of advice, articles, fabulousrecommended suppliers, real wedding featuresand pages of pretty things to inspire you!

The Wedding Guide is designed to help you findeverything you need to plan your dream wedding.Our recommended suppliers will assist you everystep of the way, making sure your special day isone you’ll cherish forever.

Don’t forget to check out our handy WeddingFayre Diary which you’ll find from page 120 –great for planning your weekends around!

We have undergone a makeover since our lastedition and we hope you love the new look andlayout as much as we do.

Gillian xGillian Lane, Editor & Publisher

The Wedding Guide Autumn/Winter 2011Published and distributed by Stoneycroft Publishing,Stoneycroft, 78A Penkett Road, Wallasey, Merseyside CH45 7QW. Telephone: 0151 638 3008.Email: [email protected]: www.theweddingguideuk.comDesign & Production: Neil Rees for SunrisedpAdministration: Hannah Lomas and Beth Keating

Front cover image: Crash Taylor www.crashtaylor.com

© 2011 Bridal Media Limited. No material including images, text anddesign work, contained in The Wedding Guide may be reproduced inwhole or in part without the written consent of Bridal Media Limited.

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CongratulationsWeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 6:20 PM Page 2

A-Z of Wedding Suppliers 8-22

Arranging the ceremonyCivil or Church 54

Helping with your arrangementsAttendants’ Duties 104Cars and Carriages 82Finishing Touches 78 & 88Flowers 86Photography 102Stationery 95Timetable 132Videography 112Rings 116

HisThe Groom 50Speeches 52

HersHealth and Beauty 42Dressing for Your Big Day 26Fashion Pages 36

The ReceptionChoosing the Venue 60Music and Entertainment 96Venue Decoration 72Wedding Fayre Diary 120-124Real Weddings 48, 80 & 100

In this edition

80

34

116

70

98


T H E W E D D I N G G U I D E 5



ACCESSORIES

Boda Bridal see p3929 Watergate Row, CHESTER CH1 2LE01244 344 388Email: [email protected]

Shimmering Reflections see p3112 Brook Street, NestonWIRRAL0151 336 7674 / 07900 541728Email: shimmeringreflections@hotmail.co.ukwww.shimmeringreflections.co.uk

BALLOONS

Something to Celebrate62 Seaview Road, WallaseyWIRRAL CH45 4LB0151 630 5554Email: [email protected]

BAR SERVICES

Big Entertainments see p76Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire08452 601106Email: [email protected]

The Complete Group see p73Unit 4, Willow Court, West Quay Road,Warrington, CHESHIRE WA2 8UF01925 417425Email: [email protected]

BEAUTY – HAIR & MAKE-UP

Shimmer and Shine see p43Covering Wirral, Cheshire and Liverpool0151 606 8784 / 07745 903493Email: [email protected]

BRIDAL FAVOURS (BOMBONIERE)

Boda Bridal see p3929 Watergate RowCHESTER CH1 2LE01244 344 388Email: [email protected]

Funky Sunflower Events see p75Covering the North West07850 054793 / 07914 806410Email: [email protected]@funkysunflower.com www.funkysunflower.com

Wirral Hospice St John’s see p94Mount Road, Higher BebingtonWIRRAL CH63 6JE0151 334 0348Email: [email protected]

BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Images by Kayte see p110Covering Wirral, Cheshire And North West areas07794 046861Email: [email protected]

Exclusively Yours see p111Office 27, The Old School188 Liscard Road, LiscardWALLASEY CH44 5TN0151 691 4938/07784 140732Email: [email protected]

BRIDAL DRESS DESIGNERS

Amanda Designs30 Manorwood Drive, Foxs Meadow, WhistonMERSEYSIDE L35 3UHwww.amanda-designs.co.uk

Anna May Couture see p41Upstairs at 152 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0QB0151 625 1022Email: [email protected]

Cheshire Brides of Frodsham Pollard Building, 1A Church Street, FrodshamCHESHIRE WA6 7DW01928 739796www.cheshirebrides.co.uk

Opulence Bridalwear see p24-25 & 33Upper Floors, 19-25 The CrescentWest KirbyWIRRAL CH48 4HW0151 625 9933Email: [email protected]



Shelagh M Design StudioPenybrynCorwen, DenbighshireNORTH WALES LL21 0BD01490 412273 / 07702 668103www.shelaghmbridalgowndesigner.co.uk

Shimmering Reflections see p3112 Brook Street, NestonWIRRAL CH64 9XL0151 336 7674 / 07900 541728Email: shimmeringreflections@hotmail.co.ukwww.shimmeringreflections.co.uk

Yvonne Gillon Couture20 Hollins Lane, MarpleCHESHIRE SK6 6AW0161 427 1881www.yvonnegillon.co.uk

BRIDAL WEAR

Always & Forever Bridal Boutique132 Greenfield Road, St HelensMERSEYSIDE WA10 6SH01744 610222www.alwaysandforeverbridalboutique.com

Amber Bridal 16 Well Street, RuthinNORTH WALES LL15 1AH01824 709580www.amberbridal.co.uk

Anna May Couture see p41Upstairs at 152 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0QB0151 625 1022email: [email protected]

Aristocrats of Chester Ltd27 St Werburgh ChambersGodstall LaneCHESTER CH1 1LN01244 317587www.aristocratsofchesterltd.co.uk

Belles Bridal BoutiqueSuite 20, The Hahnemann Building42 Hope StreetLIVERPOOL L1 9BZ0151 708 1996Email: geraldine@bellesbridalboutique.co.ukwww.bellesbridalboutique.co.uk

Bellissima Brides see p39Brimstage Hall, Brimstage Lane, BrimstageWIRRAL CH63 6JA0151 342 4440Email: [email protected] www.bellissima-brides.co.uk

Berketex Bride63 Houghton StreetSt John's PrecinctLIVERPOOL L1 1LT0151 709 2025www.bbride.co.uk

Berketex Bride116 Foregate StreetCHESTER CH1 1HB01244 321989www.bbride.co.uk

Bespoke Brides Ltd Whitegates, Coalpit LaneMollingtonCHESTER CH1 6LJ0800 619 9348 / 07973 680741www.bespokebrides.co.uk


Boutique Brides158 College Road, CrosbyLIVERPOOL L23 3DP0151 287 2475www.boutiquebrides.com

Bows & Bells at Casa Pepita57 Bradley Mills Road, RawthorpeHUDDERSFIELD HD5 9PL01484 421567

Bows & Bells at Hancock and Wood25 Bridge Street, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA1 2EZ01925 245606www.bowsandbells.com/warrington

Brides by Tina Louise60 Telegraph Road, HeswallWIRRAL CH60 0AG0151 342 8099www.bridesbytinalouise.co.uk



Bridesworld85 Poulton Road, WallaseyMERSEYSIDE CH44 9DE0151 638 1337www.bridesworldwallasey.com

Bridesworld238-240 County RoadLIVERPOOL L4 5PJ0151 525 7142www.bridesworldliverpool.com

Cambric Gowns43 High Street, Mold, FlintshireNORTH WALES CH7 1BQ01352 753010www.cambricgowns.com

Cameo BridesThe Hayloft Studio, The Plassey, Eyton, WrexhamNORTH WALES LL13 0SP01978 781160www.cameo-brides.com

Candystripe Couture723 Knutsford RoadLatchford Village, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA4 1JY01925 631565www.candystripecouture.co.uk

Cherish the Bride see p29152 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0RB0151 625 0505 Email: [email protected] www.cherishthebride.co.uk

Cherry Blossoms BoutiquePetticoat Lane Building102 Bold Street, First FloorLIVERPOOL L1 4HY0151 707 0871www.cherryblossomsboutique.net

Cheshire Brides of FrodshamPollard Building, 1A Church Street, FrodshamCHESHIRE WA6 7DW01928 739796www.cheshirebrides.co.uk

Cloud 9The Wedding House, 3-4 Great George PlaceLIVERPOOL L1 7AG0151 708 8833www.cloud9brides.co.ukwww.theweddinghouse.co.uk

Corniche Brides528 Stanley RoadLIVERPOOL L20 5DW0151 933 5727www.cornichebrides.co.uk

Couture Room Bridal Wear Ltd60 Mill Lane, West DerbyLIVERPOOL L12 7JB0151 281 4066www.coutureroom.co.uk

Dream Dresses Chester2 Park Court, Foregate Street,CHESTER CH1 1JG0844 567 851www.weddingdresseschester.com

Elegance see p3111 Village Road, BebingtonWIRRAL CH63 8PP0151 609 1161Email: [email protected]

Emma Bridalwear497 Prescot Road, Old SwanLIVERPOOL L13 3BUTel: 0151 228 7807

Fairytales Bridal Wear by Traci-Maria377a Chester RoadLittle Sutton, Ellesmere PortCHESHIRE CH66 3RQTel: 0151 339 4003www.fairytalesbridalwear.co.uk

Firstlady Ltd37 Rhosddu Road, WrexhamNORTH WALES LL11 2NS01978 365006www.firstladybridal.co.uk

Glitz, Ritz & Tiaras50-52 Wayfarers Arcade, Lord StreetSOUTHPORT PR8 1NT01704 500155www.glitzritztiaras.net

Gwens Wedding Specialists3 St Mary’s PrecinctChirk, WrexhamNORTH WALES LL14 5HX01691 778727www.gwensbridalwear.co.uk



Limited Editions at Opulence see p33Upper Floors, 19-25 The CrescentWest KirbyWIRRAL CH48 4HL0151 625 9933Email: info@limitededitionsatopulence.co.ukwww.limitededitionsatopulence.co.uk

Lucy Briars7 Bold StreetSOUTHPORT PR9 0DD01704 542176www.lucy-briars.co.uk

Natalie Ann Brides17 Childwall Parade, HuytonLIVERPOOL L14 6TT0151 482 1158www.natalieannbrides.com

Opulence Bridalwear see p24-25 & 33Upper Floors, 19-25 The Crescent, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 4HW0151 625 9933Email: [email protected] www.opulencebride.co.uk

Orchid Bridal Lounge2 Church Lane, CulchethWarringtonCHESHIRE WA3 5DJTel: 01925 733 899www.orchidbridallounge.co.uk

Princess Gowns247 Rake Lane, WallaseyMERSEYSIDE CH45 5DJTel: 0151 639 2299www.princessgownsonline.co.uk


Special Daze Bridal & Men’s Formal Wear46 Albert Road, WidnesCHESHIRE WA8 6JT0151 420 2798www.specialdaze.com

The Bridal Lounge145 Linacre Road, BootleLIVERPOOL L21 8JP0151 922 4444www.thebridallounge.co.uk

The Bridal Path222 Childwall RoadLIVERPOOL L15 6UY0151 722 0006www.thebridalpath.co.uk

The Bridal Room24 Birkenhead Road, HoylakeWIRRAL0151 633 2007www.thebridalroomhoylake.com

The Brides Room of Birkdale 15 Liverpool Road, BirkdaleSOUTHPORT PR8 4AR01704 550991www.bridesroomofbirkdale.co.uk

The Wedding Shop (Cheshire) Ltd38 London RoadAlderley EdgeCHESHIRE SK9 7DZ01625 584674www.the-wedding-shop.co.uk

Tiffany Couture122 Mill Lane, WallaseyWIRRAL CH44 3BL0151 691 1143

Tilly Anna’s Bridal Wear see p35Unit 3, Top Farm Barn StudiosHigh Street, FarndonCHESHIRE CH3 6PT01829 270274Email: [email protected]

Yvonne Gillon Couture20 Hollins Lane, MarpleCHESHIRE SK6 6AW0161 427 1881www.yvonnegillon.co.uk

Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique23a High Street, FrodshamCHESHIRE WA6 7AH01928 735688www.frodshamweddingbelles.co.uk

Wife to Be Bridal Boutique136a Greenway Road, RuncornCHESHIRE WA7 5BS01928 563994www.wifetobe.co.uk



Winsford Bridal StudioThe Coach House80a Wharton Road, WinsfordCHESHIRE CW7 3AE01606 551967www.winsfordbridalstudio.co.uk

Zyra Bridal Wear43 Delamere Street, WinsfordCHESHIRE CW7 2LX01606 868009www.zyrabridalwear.co.uk

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES


Anna May Couture see p41Upstairs at 152 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0QB0151 625 1022Email: [email protected] www.annamay.co.uk

Bellissima Brides see p39Brimstage Hall, Brimstage LaneBrimstageWIRRAL CH63 6JA0151 342 4440Email: [email protected] www.bellissima-brides.co.uk


Cherish the Bride see p29152 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0RB0151 625 0505 Email: [email protected] www.cherishthebride.co.uk

Elegance see p3111 Village Road, BebingtonWIRRAL CH63 8PP0151 609 1161Email: [email protected]

Opulence Bridalwear see p24-25 & 33Upper Floors, 19-25 The CrescentWest KirbyWIRRAL CH48 4HW0151 625 9933Email: [email protected]


Tilly Anna’s Bridal Wear see p35Unit 3, Top Farm Barn StudiosHigh Street, FarndonCHESHIRE CH3 6PT01829 270274Email: [email protected]

CAKES

Arty-Cakes see p91Kenyon House, Mold RoadRUTHIN LL15 1SL01824 704299 / 07876 682665Email: [email protected]

Daisy Hill Cake Company see p93The Turret, Thornton HoughWIRRAL CH63 1JL0151 353 0111Email: [email protected]

Pipedreams Cake Design see p93 99-101 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0RB0151 625 2659Email: [email protected]

CARS & CARRIAGES

Beetles About Covering Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire & North Wales07585 268613Email: [email protected]




Caremore Cars see p83Unit 8 & 9 Brindley RoadST HELENS WA9 4HY01744 818516Email: [email protected]

Heavenly Wedding Cars see p85Ty’dre, Methodist Hill, FroncysyllteLLANGOLLEN LL20 7SN01691 777942 / 07720 440830Email: [email protected]

Rosewood Farm Carriage Company see p85Cronton, CHESHIRE WA8 4NT07757 297841Email: [email protected]

CASINOS

Big Entertainments see p76 Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire08452 601106Email: [email protected]

The Complete Group see p73 Unit 4, Willow CourtWest Quay Road, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA2 8UF01925 417425email: [email protected]

CHAIR COVERS


Funky Sunflower Events see p75 Covering the North West07850 054793 / 07914 806410Email: [email protected]@funkysunflower.com www.funkysunflower.com

Heartwood Occasions see p77Showroom at Mollington Banastre Hotel,Parkgate Road, CHESTER CH1 6NN07581 583351Email: [email protected]

Lavender Blue see p87Church House Farm, Four CrossesNR OSWESTRY SY22 6QZ01691 839283 / 07787 534169Email: [email protected]

Stephanotis Weddings see p77McKenna’s Building, Dock RoadWIRRAL CH41 1DQ07809 606972email: [email protected] www.stephanotis-weddings.co.uk


CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS



DISCOS




Kev Day Roadshow see p978 Park Avenue, Hawarden, DeesideFLINT CH5 3HZ01244 535419 / 07903 453111Email: [email protected]

Matt Johnson see p3Wedding SingerPO Box 210DEESIDE CH5 9DJ07975 999270Email: [email protected]


EXHIBITIONS/WEDDING FAYRES

Bliss Wedding Shows see p23 & p126

Celebration Wedding Fayres see p130

Exhibition Diary see p120-124

Flaunt Wedding Events see p124 & 127

Funky Sunflower Events see p129

KeeDays see p129

Precious Moments Bridal Fayres see p125

UK Wedding Shows see p136

WeddingLink see p128

FLOWERS

Belles Fleurs Florist9 Oak Street, LlangollenDENBIGHSHIRE LL20 8NR01978 861100Email: [email protected] www.bellesfleursflorist.co.uk

Crystal Flowers see p89Covering Merseyside, CheshireAnd surrounding areas0151 678 698107982 676721 / 07973 753454Email: [email protected]

Flori Couture see p87Covering the North West07764 767901Email: [email protected]

Lavender Blue see p87Church House Farm, Four CrossesNR OSWESTRY SY22 6QZ01691 839283 / 07787 534169Email: [email protected]


Wow FlowersBy appointment only0151 639 4717 / 07702 795810Email: [email protected]

GIFT REGISTRY/WEDDING GIFTS

Debenhams see p115Unit 15, 42 Lord StreetLIVERPOOL L2 1TA08445 616161www.debenhams.com/weddings

HEALTH & FITNESS

Wirral Boot Camps see p47Covering Merseyside07738 388811Email: [email protected]

HEN NIGHTS

Lion Quays Waterside Resortsee inside back coverMoreton, OswestrySHROPSHIRE SY11 3EN01691 684300Email: [email protected] www.lionquays.com



HONEYMOONS/HOLIDAYS

Thomas Cook08701 111 111www.thomascook.com

Travel Bureau 69 High Street, GosforthNewcastle Upon Tyne NE3 4AT0191 272 [email protected]

JEWELLERY

Furrer-Jacot see p119www.furrer-jacot.com

Stockists:CH Moody & Son Ltd14 Pillory Street, NantwichCHESHIRE CW5 5BD01270 611 707

Carl Christopher18 Ormskirk Street, St HelensMERSEYSIDE WA10 1BJ01744 739 922

Cheshires The Jewellers12 St Michael’s Row, Grosvenor ArcadeCHESTER CH1 1EF01244 403 930

Cottrills13 Water Lane, WilmslowCHESHIRE SK9 5AE01625 416 330

Fabricius Green Fine Jewels1 High Street, ShrewsburySHROPSHIRE SY1 1SP01743 244 194

Henry D Johnstone51a London Road, Alderley EdgeCHESHIRE SK9 7DY01625 583565

The Ring Workshop Ltd see p74 Smithfield Street, OswestrySHROPSHIRE SY11 2EG01691 238297

Kruger Jewellers see p11734 Seaview Road, WallaseyMERSEYSIDE CH45 4LATel: 0151 639 4431Email: [email protected] www.krugerjewellers.com

SmoochPO Box 963, UXBRIDGE UB8 6JJ01923 862858www.smoochrings.co.uk

The Ring Workshop Ltd see p74 Smithfield Street, OswestrySHROPSHIRE SY11 2EG01691 238297Email: [email protected]

LICENSED VENUES

Bron Eifion Country House Hotel see p5Criccieth, GwyneddNORTH WALES LL52 0SA01766 522385Email: [email protected]

Everton Football Club Goodison Park, LIVERPOOL L4 4EL0151 530 5250Email: [email protected] www.evertonfc.com

Floral Pavilion Theatre see p61Marine Promenade, New BrightonWIRRAL CH45 2JS0151 606 2961 or 0151 606 2992Email: [email protected]

Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port see p65Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere PortCHESHIRE CH65 2AL0151 356 8111Email: [email protected]

Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre see p65Lime Street, LIVERPOOL L1 1NQ0151 709 7090Email: [email protected]

Lion Quays Waterside Resort see inside back coverMoreton, OswestrySHROPSHIRE SY11 3EN01691 684300Email: [email protected]



Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa see p59Parkgate Road, LedshamCHESTER CH66 9PB0151 347 4000Email: [email protected]

Ness Botanic Gardens see p57Ness, NestonCHESHIRE CH64 4AY0151 353 0123Email: [email protected]

Plas Isaf Country Farmhouse and Barn see p1Corwen, DENBIGHSHIRE LL21 0EW01490 412486 / 07891 501833email: [email protected]

Stobart Stadium Halton see p65Lowerhouse Lane, WidnesCHESHIRE WA8 7DZ0151 510 6000Email: [email protected]

The Venue Finder see outside back cover08452 601106Email: [email protected]

Vale Royal Abbey see p67Whitegate, NorthwichCHESHIRE CW8 2BA01606 301291Email: [email protected]

West Tower Country House Hotel see p63Mill Lane, AughtonLANCASHIRE L39 7HJ01695 423328Email: [email protected]

LINGERIE

Debenhams see p115Unit 15, 42 Lord StreetLIVERPOOL L2 1TA08445 616161www.debenhams.com

MAGICIANS


The Complete Group see p73 Unit 4, Willow CourtWest Quay Road, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA2 8UF01925 417425Email: [email protected]

MARQUEE HIRE


The Complete Group see p73 Unit 4, Willow Court, West Quay Road,WarringtonCHESHIRE WA2 8UF01925 417425Email: [email protected]

MENSWEAR

Attire Menswear see p5173 Mill Lane, WallaseyWIRRAL CH44 5UB0151 200 7000email: [email protected] www.attiremenswear.co.uk

Attire Menswear see p51184 Longmoor Lane, AintreeLIVERPOOL L9 0EL0151 476 7000email: [email protected] www.attiremenswear.co.uk

Groom see p531-4 The CourtyardHorsemarket StreetWARRINGTON WA1 1XL01925 658889Email: [email protected]



Groom see p5390 Water LaneWilmslowCHESHIRE SK9 5BB01625 419777Email: [email protected]

Groom see p53The Wedding House, 3-4 Great George PlaceLIVERPOOL L1 7AG0151 709 8283Email: [email protected]

Groom see p53126 Northgate StreetCHESTER CH1 2HT01244 401977Email: [email protected]

Groom see p53Albert Square, 37 Princess StreetMANCHESTER M2 4FN0161 236 9959Email: [email protected]

Special Daze Bridal & Men’s Formal Wear46 Albert Road, WidnesCHESHIRE WA8 6JT0151 420 2798www.specialdaze.com

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE


Opulence Bridalwear see p24-25 & 33Upper Floors, 19-25 The CrescentWest KirbyWIRRAL CH48 4HW0151 625 9933Email: [email protected] www.opulencebride.co.uk


Yvonne Gillon Couture 20 Hollins Lane, MarpleCHESHIRE SK6 6AW0161 427 1881www.yvonnegillon.co.uk

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT


Kev Day Roadshow see p978 Park Avenue, Hawarden, DeesideFLINT CH5 3HZ01244 535419 / 07903 453111Email: [email protected]

Matt Johnson see p3Wedding SingerPO Box 210, DEESIDE CH5 9DJ07975 999270Email: [email protected]

The Complete Group see p73 Unit 4, Willow Court, West QuayRoad, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA2 8UF01925 417425Email: [email protected]

OUTSIDE CATERING

Daisy Hill Catering Company see p93The Turret, Thornton Hough, WIRRAL CH63 1JL0151 353 0111Email: [email protected]

Feast Al Fresco see p699 Rock Park, Rock FerryWIRRAL CH42 1PJ07940 894120Email: [email protected]



PHOTOGRAPHERS

Azure Images see p109 North Wales, Cheshire, Manchester07774 660602/ 07889 918110Email: [email protected]

Cetra Photography see p105Cetra Gallery and Studio50 Pensby Road, HeswallWIRRAL CH60 7RE0151 342 7777Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

DJA Photographic 2b Crosender Road, CrosbyLIVERPOOL L23 3BB0151 281 4171 / 07932 035904Email: [email protected]

Exclusively Yours see p111Boudoir PhotographyOffice 27, The Old School188 Liscard Road, LiscardWALLASEY CH44 5TN0151 691 4938/07784 140732Email: [email protected]

fotografy by J. Cardoso see p10736 Graylands Road, Port SunlightWIRRAL CH62 4SB0151 645 9829 / 07738 365040Email: [email protected]

Foxfoto see p10807951 700871 / 07762 138217Email: [email protected]

Gary Hill Photography31 Slatey Road, OxtonWIRRAL CH43 4UE07729 476322Email: [email protected]

Images by Kayte see p111Boudoir PhotographyCovering Wirral, Cheshire And North West areas07794 046861Email: [email protected]

Jeff Langhorne Photography see p10307970 866134Email: [email protected] www.jefflanghorneweddings.com

Jim Whitham Photography01204 576 366 / 07818 045390Email: [email protected]

KN Studio Photography131 Oldham StreetLatchford, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA4 1EX07746 308842Email: [email protected]

Keyhole Studios Photography & Videography FACT, 3rd Floor, 88 Wood Street,LIVERPOOL L1 4DQ0151 708 7077 / 07921 366394Email@ [email protected]

Lightmajestic Wedding Photography07984 407747Email: [email protected]

Marie Lloyd Photography see p10818 The Beeches, HopeWREXHAM LL12 9NX07805 207710Email: [email protected]

Paul Edmond Photography see inside front coverPort Sunlight, WIRRAL07784 140732 / 0151 691 4938Email: [email protected]

Trev Wilson Photography see p1050151 638 4679 / 07525 354309Email: [email protected]

RECEPTION VENUES

ATHENA’S Greek Restaurant47-49 Market Street, HoylakeWIRRAL CH47 2BQ0151 632 0400Email: [email protected]



Bron Eifion Country House Hotel see p5Criccieth, GwyneddNORTH WALES LL52 0SA01766 522385Email: [email protected]

Everton Football Club Goodison ParkLIVERPOOL L4 4EL0151 530 5250Email: [email protected] www.evertonfc.com

Floral Pavilion Theatre see p61Marine Promenade, New BrightonWIRRAL CH45 2JS0151 606 2961 or 0151 606 2992Email: [email protected]

Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port see p65Lower Mersey StreetEllesmere PortCHESHIRE CH65 2AL0151 356 8111Email: [email protected]

Holiday Inn Liverpool City Centre see p65Lime StreetLIVERPOOL L1 1NQ0151 709 7090Email: [email protected]

Jurys Inn Liverpool Hotel see p6731 Keel WharfLIVERPOOL L3 4FN0151 244 3833Email: [email protected]/liverpoolhotels

Lion Quays Waterside Resortsee inside back coverMoreton, OswestrySHROPSHIRE SY11 3EN01691 684300Email: [email protected]

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa see p59Parkgate Road, LedshamCHESTER CH66 9PB0151 347 4000Email: [email protected]

Ness Botanic Gardens see p57Ness, NestonCHESHIRE CH64 4AY0151 353 0123Email: [email protected]

Plas Isaf Country Farmhouse and Barn see p1Corwen, DENBIGHSHIRE LL21 0EW01490 412486 / 07891 501833Email: [email protected]

Stobart Stadium Halton see p65Lowerhouse Lane, WidnesCHESHIRE WA8 7DZ0151 510 6000Email: [email protected]


Vale Royal Abbey see p67Whitegate, NorthwichCHESHIRE CW8 2BA01606 301291Email: [email protected]

West Tower Country House Hotel see p63Mill Lane, AughtonLANCASHIRE L39 7HJ01695 423328Email: [email protected]

RESTAURANTS

ATHENA’S Greek Restaurant47-49 Market Street, HoylakeWIRRAL CH47 2BQ0151 632 0400Email: [email protected]

STATIONERY & INVITATIONS

Boda Bridal see p3929 Watergate Row, CHESTER CH1 2LE01244 344388Email: [email protected]



Heartwood Occasions see p77Showroom at Mollington Banastre Hotel,Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 6NN07581 583351Email: [email protected]

Precious Moments see p95First Floor, 152 Banks Road, West KirbyWIRRAL CH48 0QB0151 625 2562Email: [email protected]

TEETH WHITENING/COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Chester Smiles see p455 Overleigh Road, HandbridgeCHESTER CH4 7HL01244 677612Email: [email protected]

VENUE DECORATION


Funky Sunflower Events see p75Covering the North West07850 054793 / 07914 806410Email: [email protected]@funkysunflower.com www.funkysunflower.com

Heartwood Occasions see p77Showroom at Mollington Banastre Hotel,Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 6NN07581 583351Email: [email protected]

Perfect Celebrations Hire see p113Based in Neston, Wirral07956 539048Email: [email protected]

Something to Celebrate62 Seaview Road, WallaseyWIRRAL CH45 4LB0151 630 5554Email: [email protected]

Stephanotis Weddings see p77McKenna’s Building, Dock RoadWIRRAL CH41 1DQ07809 606972Email: [email protected] www.stephanotis-weddings.co.uk

The Complete Group see p73Unit 4, Willow CourtWest Quay Road, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA2 8UF01925 417425Email: [email protected]

VIDEO KIOSKS

Memory WishesThe Studio, 2 Cliftonville Road, Woolston, WarringtonCHESHIRE WA1 4BD07889 178487Email: [email protected]

VIDEOGRAPHY

Aaron Rose Wedding Videography 0151 286 8383 / 07838 261816Email: [email protected]

FormbySoft Films see p11301704 831356Email: [email protected]

GBC Television UK Ltd see p11363 Oxford Road, HuytonLIVERPOOL L36 1XF0151 324 0464 / 07879 401920Email: [email protected]

Keyhole Studios Photography & Videography FACT, 3rd Floor, 88 Wood Street,LIVERPOOL L1 4DQ0151 708 7077 / 07921 366394Email@ [email protected]

WEBSITES




WEBSITES

The Wedding GuideEmail: [email protected]

WEDDING CO-ORDINATORS


Bliss Weddings07891 175456Email: [email protected]

Funky Sunflower Events see p75 Covering the North West07850 054793 / 07914 806410Email: [email protected]@funkysunflower.com www.funkysunflower.com

WEDDING DANCE

Dance Passion see p97First Wedding DancePO Box 1324LIVERPOOL L69 4LZ07751 240230Email: [email protected]

WEDDING INSURANCE

Debenhams see p115Unit 15, 42 Lord StreetLIVERPOOL L2 1TA08445 616161www.debenhams.com/weddings

WEDDING THRONES

Stephanotis Weddings see p77McKenna’s Building, Dock RoadWIRRAL CH41 1DQ07809 606972Email: [email protected] www.stephanotis-weddings.co.uk

If you are a supplier and would like to be listed in the A-ZDirectory please contact Gillian Lane on 0151 638 3008, oremail [email protected].


Remember that you will be standing, walkingand dancing throughout the day and eveningso your dress should not only look fabulousbut should also feel comfortable. With somany choices for your dress, it can be anoverwhelming task but remember thatshopping for the dress of your dreams

should be fun, easy and painless! Before you start, think about what type of dress

you are looking for. Wedding dresses are made inseveral different silhouettes such as the ballgown, empire line, fishtail and ballerina style toname a few. It is important that you know whichtype of gown will flatter your figure the best.Look at your body shape and be honest withyourself. Consider the features you want to showoff and those you want to hide.

Here is a rundown of the different wedding dresssilhouettes available.

The DressOnce the initial excitement of your engagement is over, one of the firstthings you will probably picture when dreaming of your big day is yourwedding dress. Your dress is one of the most important wedding items thatyou will purchase and on the day all eyes will be on you and your gown.Make sure you take enough time to choose one thatreally suits you and gives you that perfect shape soyou look and feel wonderful on your special day.


Lookinggreat on yourwedding day meansbeing radiant andrelaxed and how youlook and feel in yourdress is a keyelement to this.

Images courtesy of www.maggiesottero.com


Ball Gowns – One of the most traditional shapes of weddingdress which gives the princess look. The ball gown has afitted waist with a full, puffed out and layered skirt. Thisstyle of dress is best suited to slim brides as it addscurves. For those with a pear shape look, the skirtdoes wonders to flatter the waist line. It is notideal for petite women as the fullness of theskirt can be overwhelming to the small frame.

A-lines – Usually have a fitted bodice with askirt that flares gently from the waist to forman "A" shape. They are a terrific choice forsomeone who would like to hide lower bodyflaws, but avoid adding too much fussy detailing toyour skirt as this will make you look bottom heavy.For those with a slim torso and tiny waist, choose abodice with detailing on the bust to give more of aneven proportion.

Ballerina Wedding Dress – The full skirt of the Ballerinadress will give a bride with slim hips and a full bust thatfairytale, romantic look. Avoid this style if you are petite asyou may look like you are disappearing into this style of dress.The full skirt also makes wide hips appear much bigger.

Asymmetrical Wedding Dress – A particularly striking andunusual looking style, the asymmetric design can show offbeautiful and toned shoulders to their best and gives thatextra help in obtaining that ‘nipped in waist’ look. Theasymmetrical dress will divert attention from biggerbottoms to your upper body and if the wearer is on thecurvy side the full skirt will balance their shape. Tohelp hide those fuller hips this style of dress canbe a godsend. This asymmetric strap design willdistract from square shoulders and give themthat softer look.

}~

Avoid halter-necksif you are pear shaped asit really will make yourbottom look bigger!

Dress styles left to right: Asymmetrical, Ballgown,Mermaid/Fishtail, and Sheath



Sheath Dresses – This style suits those who areslim, have narrow hips and a balanced figure.This gown will not hide any flaws so if you thinkyour thighs or bottom are too big, this is not thedress for you. Whilst there are some stunningdresses available in this style, you don't want torisk being uncomfortable or self conscious onyour wedding day so choose wisely.

Empire Waist Gowns – This style of dress is usuallystraighter than the A-lines without being toofigure hugging. The waistline starts justunderneath the bust with a seam which fallsaway to the floor, giving the wearer that ultimateromantic poise. For those with smaller breaststhis gown works wonders while the long ‘A’ linegives the more petite bride the appearance ofadded height. Another advantage of this style ofdress is it helps to conceal wide hips. Empirewaist gowns are usually made of light, flowingfabric. They are also excellent for pregnant brides,because they provide extra room in the waist,making them a comfortable choice.

Column Wedding Dress – This sleek modern line isvery straight and seamed on the waistline. It canbe quite figure-hugging and would suit the slimand/or taller bride. It can also be suited to thepetite bride because of the unbroken line.Because of the streamlined appearance this styleof dress can also be worn well by pregnant brides.This style of dress should be avoided if you havefuller hips as they will be emphasised more.

Mermaid Line or Fishtail Gowns – this style isfigure hugging, shaping the waist and hips beforenipping in at the knees. The mermaid or fishtailcomes from the material at the back of the dressthat begins at the top of your thighs beforeflaring out and opening up into the fan shapeonce it reaches the floor. This dress gives theultimate sexy look and accentuates a curvaceous,all in-proportion figure. This dress is not suitedto a protruding stomach or big hips.

Halter Neck Wedding Dress – Athletic shapes canlook great in halter-necks and will give addedheight to the petite shape. If you are curvy with abig bust this style of dress will make you look topheavy and can emphasise your hips. Avoid halter-necks if you are pear shaped as it really will makeyour bottom look bigger. ♥

This

is a very special

time in your life when

you get the chance to try

on as many exquisite gowns

as you want to. You will be

the centre of attention so

relax, enjoy the whole

experience and most

of all, have fun!

Dress styles clockwise fromfar left: A Line, Ballerina,Empress, Halter Neck,and Column



The well known rhyme is familiar to bridesaround the world and it is widely assumed that itoriginates from the Victorians. It is commonlyknown that ‘something old’ refers to family andfriends of the couple staying close during themarriage. This is usually signified by a gartergiven to the bride from her mother or close friendwho is happily married. The ‘something new’ isusually a garment bought for the bride thatsignifies the new future for the couple. ‘Somethingborrowed’ is usually lent to the bride by her family,which is returned the next day to ensure the bridehas good luck. Blue is considered to bringconsistency to the relationship and it is alsothought to represent fidelity.

GartersThe tradition of wedding garters is believed to beone of the oldest. It is believed that keeping a pieceof the dress would bring luck, however this wouldmean cutting the dress. So, the solution was tomake an extra piece that would be worn around the

leg. Another Old English tradition of ‘flinging thestocking’ is believed to originate from when thewedding guests would sneak into the bridalchamber and throw the discarded stockings at thecouple.

The DressWe have all heard that it is deemed unlucky for thegroom to see the bride in her dress before thewedding, but did you realise that some believe thatit is also unlucky to wear your full outfit before thebig day? Interestingly, some brides leave one stitchundone until they dress on the day.

The BouquetTraditionally, the bride throws her bouquetbackwards over her head and whoever catches it is the next to get married. Similarly, insome countries the groom removes the bride’sgarter and throws it to the single males. Again theone who catches it is the next to marry. ♥

There are many different weddingtraditions that have been kept alive

over the years with the belief thatthey will bring a lifetime of happiness

and good luck to the couple.


All that glitters


Tiaras or bridal hair accessories can completeyour whole wedding look, whether you are after apearl and diamond vintage look, a stunning floralheadpiece for maximum impact or a simple,elegant headband, the options are endless.

The type of headpiece that you choose willdepend on your personal style and budget. Youmay wish to go for a unique handmade piecewhich can be designed to match your wedding

dress. Or you could browse the readily availablepieces in bridal shops or online where you will betotally spoiled for choice! Remember howeverthat you will need to try the pieces on to makesure the one you choose really suits you, willcompliment the hairstyle that you have chosenand works well with a veil if you are wearing one.

With all the options available, traditionallyshaped wire or metal tiaras, decorative haircombs or slides, fascinators and encrustedheadbands, you really will be able to add thatextra sparkle and glamour on your special day. ♥

Depending on yourhairstyle and choice ofwedding dress, a tiara orhair accessory can turn youinto a sophisticated brideor a fairytale princess.



Imag

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Whether you have two or twenty bridesmaids,their look is an important part of the day andchoosing the right dresses will help you all to feelfabulous and ooze confidence.

Know your styleIt may seem obvious, but youshould always find your dressbefore you even start thinkingabout your bridesmaids. Once youknow the style of your dress andthe theme of your wedding, it ismuch easier to start getting ideas of how youwant your bridesmaids to look and be confidentthat their look will fit in on the day.

Know your crowdAsk yourself this: Are my bridesmaids similar toeach other? What would they be mostcomfortable in? You must also consider size, age,shape, style and their colouring. You want toflatter your bridesmaids and keep them happy onthe day. It is important to not give them free reignbut to let them know that they do have some

input into what they will be wearing. If you haveyoung bridesmaids make sure that they will becomfortable in what you have chosen for them asa wedding can be a tiring day for the little ones.

FabulousfabricAnotherimportant

aspect of the bridesmaids’dresses is choosing the right sort of fabric

for the time of year. If you are having a summerwedding, try and opt for dresses made fromlighter fabrics such as silk georgette or crepe. Ifyour wedding is taking place in the winter,bridesmaids can experiment with layering andfabrics such as satin, organza and taffeta.

Accessorise!Don’t leave the accessories as an after thought, asthese will either make or break the look. Makesure you have enough time to get the right styleof headdress, shoes, earrings, necklaces etc to suiteach bridesmaid. ♥


Be inspired with our BridalFashion pages. From simplesophistication to richlyembellished silhouettes,these gowns give an elegantand feminine look.

Gowns by Impression Bridalwww.impressionbridal.co.uk

BeautifulBrides

36


37

See over the page forBridesmaids’ fashion...



Beautiful Bridesmaids



Do you want to be stylish yet different on yourwedding day? Then why not visit a Couture BridalDress Designer who will design a gownexclusively for you. The possibilities are endlessand whatever your fashion taste and personalstyle, a Couture wedding dress will enable you tochoose a design that will match your taste andpersonality.

A Couture wedding dress will be made from thefinest fabrics, sewn with great craftsmanship andwith extreme attention to detail. The first step inthe Couture process will be to book anappointment for an initial consultation. This willallow 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, skirtshapes and fabrics. The designer

will then work their magic,translating your ideas

into a roughsketch.

Couture?What isWeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 7:42 PM Page 40


Once the sketch has been approved andyour measurements taken, the proper workbegins. The sketch becomes the pattern forthe calico toile garment which is made out ofa rough cotton fabric. The toile can be cutand pinned allowing all the fitting problemsto be ironed out and your personal blueprintemerges. The work done at this stage reapsmany benefits later on, reducing the numberof alterations done on the actual fabric.Once work on the fabric begins you canexpect a number of fittings as the garmentevolves. You will be asked at this point towear your bridal lingerie to ensure the fit isjust right. Beautiful linings make sure it feelsas good as it looks. And all the little detailswhich make it uniquely yours – embroidery orbeading, are gradually added.

Remember, when you come to the hemfitting you will need to wear the shoes thatyou will be wearing on the day. It is also agood idea to take along your tiara andjewellery so you get to see the complete look.

Following your final fitting, your truly uniquegown will be pressed for collection – this isthe last step in the wonderful Couture processbefore you wow your guests, leaving everyonespellbound on your special day! ♥

Attention to detail with a couture dress



Other than the dress,bridal hair and makeupis one of the mostimportant things to getright on your big day.You want to look thebest you possibly canand the right hair styleand makeup finishesthe fabulous look andtruly makes you feelamazing. Book yourmakeup artist andhairdresser early (atleast 6 months before)to make sure they haveyour date free.

Here’s a guide to make sure you look andfeel a million dollars on the day.



4 months to goFind a skincare regime you can do at home – Fourmonths before is a great time to start to clear upany skin problems and begin a new beautyroutine. This would be a great time to seek advicefrom beauty experts to see which products suityou best.

3 months to goChoose a reputable hairdresser – If you areconsidering changing the colour of your hair, nowis the time to do it. This gives you the chance toeither get used to the colour and if you don’t likeit you have time to go back to your previouscolour.

This is also the time to start deciding on styles.With so many to choose from choosing the rightstyle is crucial. A top tip would be to go to thehairdresser wearing a top similar to the style ofyour dress (you can do this simply by manipulat-ing a top you already have or buying one to chopand change). This will help you visualise your hairas 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 willlook on your photos too, as this will be somethingyou will look at forever.

2 months to goFind a beautician – This is also the best time tobook a course of facials. Facials will help to deepcleanse your skin and give you that little bit ofextra confidence.

This is also a great time to test your fake tanand trial your makeup. A test run tan will enableyou to see how the tan develops and if you arehappy with the colour. You can also adapt yourmakeup to suit your newly tanned skin tone. It is agood idea to take a camera along and takepictures of your desired look so that it can beexactly recreated on the day.

1 month to goNow that everything is booked, start to relax –Get plenty of sleep on the weeks leading up toyour wedding as well as cutting down on alcoholand drinking plenty of water. This will give you anextra boost on the day and ensure that your skinis beautiful and glowing. ♥


DazzlingSmilesYou may have the beautiful dress and theexpensive jewellery but the best thing youcan wear on your wedding day is your smile.

We would all like to have perfect teeth or at least a beautifulsmile especially on your big day. Unfortunately, many of us arecursed with broken, crooked or discoloured teeth. However, withrecent developments in cosmetic dentistry, even the most unat-tractive of smiles can be given a complete makeover.

Your wedding photographs should show your happiness for alifetime and as you start planning your wedding it might be justthe right time to consider cosmetic dentistry. From a few fillingsto a full smile makeover, the possibilities are endless. A greatCosmetic Dentist will be able to offer you a variety of treatmentsthat will suit your needs, including:

Dental implants – if you have any missing teeth and want areplacement that looks and feels natural.

Dental veneers – to correct crooked, misshapen, discoloured orchipped teeth.

Dental crowns – which cover and encase the entire tooth surface,restoring it to its original shape, size and colour.

Invisible braces – to straighten misaligned and crooked teeth.Typically this will take between 6 months and a year and willrequire regular visits.

One treatment that is growing in popularity these days is teethwhitening. Now you can brighten your smile with laser whiteningtreatments that can lighten discoloured teeth caused by teacoffee, smoking, medication, or ageing. You'll notice the differenceimmediately... and so will everyone else.

In addition to laser whitening there are treatments that you canperform in the comfort of your own home. Custom fittedwhitening trays with a professional whitening gel enable you tocontinue your whitening treatment at home. The combination ofthe laser and home whitening can give you a dazzling newconfident white smile for not only your wedding day, but for yearsto come.

More and more people are opting for some form of cosmeticdentistry because they realise how valuable it is to have a perfectsmile. An amazing smile definitely adds to the confidence of aperson and there is nothing more stunning than a beautiful,confident bride in a beautiful dress with a beautiful smile.

Remember, Cosmetic Dentistry is no longer just for celebrities.You can be the star on your wedding day! ♥




As the wedding day approaches, everybride wants to look her best and feelfabulous when she makes her grandentrance. Just a few changes to your dailyroutine will help you reach your goal.If you want to have fun at the same time why notconsider booking you and your bridesmaids into abridal boot camp for a few weeks running up tothe wedding – that will definitely keep you ontrack! Don’t forget to consult with your GP if thisis your first exercise regime for a while.

Top tips for getting fit:

DetoxWe all know the body doesn’t like toxins. Try tocut down on alcohol, caffeine and processed foodthat may be causing water retention and excessfat storage. Start eating more raw fruit andvegetables and begin the day with hot water andlemon to flush out those toxins.

Tone those armsMost wedding dress styles will show off yourarms so a few toning exercises a week will banishany in-securities you may have. You couldincorporate some press-ups into your week andwhy not try lifting two books of equal weight asdumbbells whenever you have a spare fiveminutes. This will also help strengthen yourupper body and give you a fantastic shape.

Get walkingWalking is a great way to burn those extracalories you may have consumed during the day.You can incorporate walking into your dailyroutine, for example, if you can walk rather thantake the bus or car, do it! This will help you retaina more active lifestyle and make you feel betterfor it. Try to get walking around three times aweek for fifteen minutes to start with and buildup from there.

... and relax!When you get tired your body starts to shut downand craves high calorie foods such as sugar andsweets. Try to avoid this by getting plenty of sleepand relaxing in a lovely lavender scented bathbefore bed. ♥


Photography by Cetra Photographywww.cetra.co.uk

48


Emma first met Chris at a local cricket club backin July 2006. Chris proposed on Emma’s 21stbirthday with a surprise engagement ring as apresent. When Emma opened it, Chris got downon one knee and proposed.

The wedding took place at St Catherine’s Churchin Hoylake, Wirral during a warm and clearSeptember day last year. “We were very lucky withthe weather as it had been raining the previousweek”. The reception was held at The LeverhulmeHotel in Port Sunlight which Emma and Chris fell inlove with the first time they saw it. The hotel is chicand stylish with lots of character and places forphotographs and the staff are fantastic and helpful.

Emma’s Dress: Aristocrats of ChesterBridesmaids’ Dresses: Anna May Couture p.41Tiara: Brides by Tina LouiseMenswear: Larry Adams MenswearFlowers: Ambience Floral DesignHair & Make-Up: Nina WrenCake: Cake Chester

Invitations: Precious Moments p.95Wedding Rings: Jewellery by DesignPhotographer: Cetra Photography p.105Transport: Speedwell Motors

Memorable Moments: “Getting into the car afterthe ceremony was a really special moment. It wasthe first time we could really speak to each otherand say “wow we’re married.” Also beingintroduced into the reception room with all of ourguests clapping and cheering was a lovelymoment as well. We really got the feeling thateveryone was very happy for us and they weredefinitely enjoying themselves.”

Honeymoon: “Dubai, very hot and real luxury.”

A note from Emma: “Don’t let the planning stressyou out. It is so exciting organising everything somake sure you enjoy every second. Also, make sureyou walk slowly down the aisle, that’s yourmoment to shine.” ♥




It is very important that the outfit chosenby the groom echoes the style or coloursof the bridal party. Once the bride hasdecided on her colour theme, it is time forthe groom to decide on his attire.

There are lots of different possibilities when itcomes to choosing your formalwear, from tailoredlounge suits to a traditional morning suit, theclassic Prince Edward or the timeless frock coat.Whatever style you decide on, make sure you feelcomfortable in it.

The traditional morning suit is a formal jacketwith long tails in black, navy, grey or brown,teamed with pin striped trousers in the same orcomplimentary colours. A traditional cravat canlook most effective, although some men prefer atraditional formal tie to complete the look.

A modern day suit can look sharp and sophisti-cated and is ideal for a register office wedding orfor those grooms who prefer a more informaloption. Lightweight summer lounge suits, worn

Top tips when it comes to choosingyour formal wear:

• Specialist companies offer good advice:listen to what they say

• Take time to visit them in person• Start to rule in or out certain suit styles,

find what you feel comfortable in• Book as early as possible to avoid disap-

pointment, aim for at least three monthsbefore the wedding

• For those finishing touches, wear a doublecuff sleeve with cufflinks and ensure yourshoes are shiny.

with an open neck shirt, offer a comfortablechoice for overseas weddings in hot climates.

For a modern classic, consider the PrinceEdward, a three quarter length jacket with con-temporary styling and available in a wider rangeof colours than the morning suit. ♥

Top tips for agorgeous groom



For those who have to make a speech on thebig day (traditionally the Father of the Bride,The Best Man and The Groom), it can be avery worrying time. Will people laugh in theright places? Will I be able to get my wordsout? Will everyone enjoy it?

If you don’t take things too seriously and speak from theheart you will be on the right track. Here are a few basichints and tips to help you on your way...

• Remember that your audience understands that thespeeches are a big deal, they are warmed to thehappiness of the occasion and are on your side.

• Try and keep your speech short, if you go on for too longyou are likely to lose people.

• If you don’t feel confident memorising the speech, you coulduse prompt cards. Try to look around the room and engagewith people rather than just looking down at the cards.

• Consider the range of people in your audience as you don’t wantto offend Auntie Mary! Keep it light and funny without being rude,crude or sarcastic.

• Try and use a funny memory as your opening line to get a laugh – thiswill help relax you into the rest of the speech and grabs the attentionof the guests.

• Remember the correct wedding speech etiquette and don’t forget tothank the right people for all their help.

• Finally, don’t panic. If the worst happens and you forget the words just start speaking from the heartand your audience will beapplauding for more!

Speech!WeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 7:47 PM Page 52


ReligiousChurch of EnglandThere is a lot more flexibility than previously forthose couples who wish to have a religiousceremony. You can choose any church outside yourparish that either you, your parents, or your grand-parents have a connection with. Instead of goingto the Superintendent Registrar before theceremony, banns (a notice of the proposedmarriage) can be read in the parish church of bothof the partners or in the church where it has beenagreed the marriage can take place. Banns mustbe read on three Sundays before the ceremony.www.churchofengland.org

Roman CatholicArrangements for a wedding in a Catholic Churchare always made through the priest in the parishin which you are living. Three months notice mustbe given to the priest. Both you and your groommust be free to marry, and one of you must havebeen baptised a Catholic in order to marry in aCatholic church. You will also need to visit yourlocal superintendent registrar at your localcouncil office to give notice of yourintention to marry, and obtain yourlicence.www.catholicchurch.org.uk

JewishWeddingsJewish weddingsfulfil both areligious andcivil purpose,but you will still needtwo applications - one for your localregister office and one for the religious authorityunder which the ceremony will take place.Marriages can take place in any synagogue,private house or other place as long as you andyour partner are Jewish and the ceremony is heldunder the auspices of a synagogue. The marriagemust be registered by the Secretary of thehusband’s synagogue. www.jmc-uk.org

Other DenominationsIn all other religions, religious marriageceremonies can take place but you must first givenotice to the Superintendent Registrar, at yourlocal Register Office. They will know whether thebuilding in which the ceremony is to take place

has been registered.If the building

has not

Choosingthe perfectvenuefor yourceremony

Location! Location!

Civil ceremonies can take place at anyapproved venue, which can include hotels,stately homes and castles!



been registered, you can still have a religiousceremony, but you will also need to have aseparate civil ceremony for the marriage to bevalid under United Kingdom Law.

If the building is registered, an authorisedperson must be present at the ceremony toregister the marriage. They will give you amarriage certificate on receipt of the fee. If thereis no authorised person, the attendance of aRegistrar is necessary and this should be arrangedwith the Superintendent Registrar.www.adviceguide.org.uk

CivilRegister OfficeIn order to marry in a register office, both you andyour partner must give notice in person to the su-perintendent registrar at your local council office.They will then issue you with a certificate ofcommon notice. You will need this certificate tomake a booking with the register office to get thedate you want. Weddings can be booked no morethan 12 months in advance.

Approved PremisesCivil ceremonies can take place at any venue thathas been approved for the purpose. The venuemust be regularly open to the public, and open-airpremises will usually need a permanently builtstructure in order to be approved. Visitwww.direct.gov.uk to search for an approvedpremise in the area you wish to marry. You willneed to give notice of your intention to marry toyour local superintendent registrar, and contactthe local register office

closest to the venue you have chosen to book aregistrar to conduct the ceremony.www.direct.gov.uk

OverseasOverseas WeddingsWeddings abroad are recognised as legal as longas they do not contravene UK laws. You shouldcontact the country's embassy or consulate foradvice to make sure you have the right documentsand find out when you will need to provide them.A number of countries require a minimumresidency period of between one and seven daysbefore you are free to marry there. It can often beeasier to have a civil ceremony in the UK followedby a blessing abroad due to the complicationssometimes involved in marrying in a differentcountry. www.fco.gov.uk

Legal Advice• You and your partner must both be at

least 16 years of age. (In England andWales, if either of you is under 18 youwill need to have permission from yourparents or guardian).

• You must both be eligible to marry.

• You must not be closely related.

• The marriage must take place in legallyapproved premises.

• The marriage must take place in front ofan authorised person.

• The ceremony must take place between8am and 6pm.

• Two witnesses must be present.

www.adviceguide.org.uk


It is now possible to get married in anyRegister Office or Approved Premises inEngland or Wales. Any marriage taking placeanywhere other than the Church of England,requires both of you to attend personally atthe district register office where you live. If youlive in separate districts, you must attend theoffice of each district. This is called 'givingnotice of intention to marry'.

Giving notice of intention to marry:• You must both have lived a minimum of 7 days

in a Registration district in England or Walesimmediately before giving notice at that office.

• You can give the notice a maximum of 12months in advance of your marriage date.

• Both of you must attend to give a notice andthis should be done by making an appointmentto attend at the same time.

• Recent legislation has abolished the Superin-tendent Registrars Licence which hadpreviously allowed a marriage to take placethree days after signing a notice, so make sureyou enquire in good time.

Documents you will need:• A current valid passport (or where appropriate, a

Home Office Travel Document, a standard ac-knowledgment letter, or a National Identity Card).

• If you cannot provide this then a birthcertificate and another document with your fullname such as a cheque book, cheque guaranteecard, utility bill or driving licence and adocument to confirm your current address suchas utility bill or driving licence.

• For people who have been married or enteredinto a civil partnership before; decree absolute,death certificate or dissolution of civilpartnership.

• For people who have legally changed theirname; documentary evidence in the form of adeed poll or declaration.

• All documents should be certified or sealed -photocopies are not acceptable.

Civil Marriages can take place in ApprovedPremises licenced by the appropriate localauthority. It is therefore possible to have yourmarriage ceremony and wedding reception in thesame building, many of which are available onany day of the week, including Sundays and BankHolidays.

There are now thousands of Approved Premisesin England and Wales. The conditions of thepremises licence are regulated by localauthorities and it is necessary for Registrars to bein attendance at the venue for the ceremony.There will be two registration staff present atyour wedding, one to conduct the ceremony andone to register the event in the marriage register.

You should discuss the form and content of yourceremony with the Register Office, as you canchoose to personalise your ceremony with theaddition of your choice of readings, or your ownvows.

Immediately before the wedding, The Registrarhas a legal requirement to see you both privately(and individually if you prefer) to confirm thedetails to be entered into the marriage register.

Remember to ask The Registrar about takingphotographs and videos during the ceremony itself,and don't leave this detail until the actual day. ♥


Civil CeremoniesWeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 7:48 PM Page 56


The Ceremony• The ceremony should start with the proces-

sional (entrance of the bride), the introduction,the marriage and optional readings. This isfollowed by the signing of the register, and theservice ends with the recessional (exit of thecouple).

• At a religious ceremony, the introduction wouldbe followed by a hymn, and prayers and ablessing would follow the marriage.

• If your ceremony includes any hymns or songsit is usual to provide an order-of-service so thatyour guests can join in with the singing.

• While the order of the ceremony is similar forboth religious and civil ceremonies, you need toremember that no religious references areallowed at a civil ceremony. Check the wordsand lyrics of your chosen readings and musiccarefully, before submitting them to yourregistrar for their approval.

The Reception• On arrival, ushers should show guests where to

park before directing them into the venue.• Friends and family should be welcomed, either

with a traditional receiving line or bycirculating the room.

• It is normal to serve canapés while friends andfamily are gathered for the formal photographs.

• Photographs are followed by the WeddingBreakfast. Speeches are increasingly takingplace before the meal, allowing nervousspeakers to get them out of the way andleaving them free to enjoy the meal.

• After-dinner speeches are usually followed bythe cutting of the cake, which can then beserved with the coffee and mints.

• The evening reception usually begins with yourfirst dance.

• It is traditional for guests to stay until the brideand groom leave.

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How your dayshould flow



There are likely to be two parts to your weddingto organise, the wedding ceremony and thewedding reception. You may have your heart seton a traditional Church ceremony which is still afavourite choice for couples. If this is the casethen the reception should be planned around theChurch location. You will need to consider ease oftransport for yourguests from theceremony to thereception venue. Thesecond option is a civilwedding where yourceremony andreception will be held at a licensed venue.

When you have decided on a Church or CivilCeremony there are certain factors to consider.Firstly, the venue must look and feel right to you.You may have a particular style of venue in mindfor example, a Castle, a Manor House orsomewhere dramatic or chic. The choices are

endlessand whereyou choosewill help you todictate the styleand theme of your wedding.

The venue must be able to accommodate thenumber of guests youare inviting so youshould have a good ideaof numbers before youstart looking around.

Importantly the cost ofthe venue must suit your

budget. Castles, country houses and stately homesare among the locations many dream of for theirbig day but consider your budget carefully.

Properly planned, your wedding reception willbecome one of the most joyous parties you willever host, so remember to savour every minuteand enjoy it! ♥

Choosing yourreception venue

Properly planned, yourreception will become oneof the most joyous partiesyou will ever host

You may already have a dream wedding locationin mind or you may be starting with a blankpage. Either way, choosing your weddingvenue is one of the first and most importantdecisions you will make.

Thechoices areendless and whereyou choose to holdyour weddingreception will help youto dictate the styleand theme of thewhole day



Choosing the right words to say can make all thedifference to your wedding ceremony and reception.Find more Suggested Readings on page 118.



Following the Civil PartnershipAct of 2004, same sex couplescan now make a formal, legallyrecognised commitment toeach other by entering into aCivil Partnership. Civil partners will have equal treatment in a widerange of legal matters like married couples,including:

• Tax, including inheritance tax• Employment benefits• Most state and occupational pension benefits;• Income related benefits, tax credits and child

support• Duty to provide reasonable maintenance for

your civil partner and any children of the family• Ability to apply for parental responsibility for

your civil partner’s child• Protection from domestic violence• Recognition for immigration and nationality

purposes

In a similar way to traditional marriages, a couplemust give notice of a proposed civil partnershipto the local register office, even if they intend toregister elsewhere. They can only do this oncethey have lived in the area for at least seven days.Each of them must give this notice in person. Thenotice must include where the couple wish thecivil partnership registration to take place.

Once notices have been given, the register officemust keep information relating to the notices onpublic display for 15 days. This should be in boththe area in which the registration is to take placeand in the area in which both partners live. Theregistration cannot proceed until the 15-daywaiting period has passed for each of the notices.This is to allow any person to make an objection in a similar way to a marriage.

Once the 15-day waiting period has expired, ifthere are no objections to the registration of thecivil partnership and no legal reasons why it

cannot go ahead, the register office must providethe couple with a legal document called a civilpartnership schedule. The couple will need this inorder to register a civil partnership. A civilpartnership must be registered within 12 monthsof the first notice being recorded. If registration isnot done within this time limit, they cannotregister without starting the process again.

Two people are regarded as having registered acivil partnership once each of them has signedthe schedule or licence in front of two witnessesand the civil partnership registrar. The witnessesand registrar must also sign the document.

A Civil Partnership Ceremony is similar to atraditional civil wedding, with opportunities formusic and readings that are secular in nature. ♥

For further info visit www.civilpartnerships.org.uk.

Civil PartnershipsWeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 7:50 PM Page 64


Asian weddings are a rich tapestry ofculture, tradition and religion, oftenmixed with a western influence.

Sikh WeddingsSikh weddings typically have many events spreadover many weeks before the actual weddingceremony (The Anand Karaj). The Anand Karajceremony can be performed in any Gurdwara orhome where Sri Guru Granth Sahib has been re-spectfully installed. The religious ceremonycannot be performed in a hotel or banquet hall.There are no restrictions as to what time theceremony should start or what time it should endalthough they are usually performed in themorning with the religious ceremony taking nomore than a few hours. Over recent years it hasbecome common to have a reception on similarlines to a western wedding, often hosted by thegroom's family. Sikh weddings are legal under UKlaw, as long as the building in which theceremony is held is registered for the solemnisa-tion of marriages. If not, you will need to arrangea civil ceremony beforehand.

Hindu WeddingsHindu weddings are colourful events with pre-wedding ceremonies lasting for weeks although,due to time constraints, the actual ceremonymight only last for two to three hours. Theuniversal wedding is known as the Vedicmarriage, named after the Vedas (holy book). Afew days prior to the wedding ceremony familyand friends are invited to a celebration of songand dance (Garba and dandia raas). The weddingceremony itself is conducted under a Mandap.The Hindu wedding ceremony is not recognisedby British law. It is therefore also necessary tomarry in a civil register office and follow this witha Hindu ceremony.

Muslim WeddingsThere is a great emphasis on the religious andsocial dimensions of the wedding ceremony,which usually lasts about one-and-a-half hours.The ceremony is generally a well-attended affair,though to make it official, only two malewitnesses are required. The wedding alwaysretains a spirit of simplicity, in accordance withthe tenets of Islam. Once you’ve settled on theideal date and approximate time you’d like tomarry, you need to speak to the Iman of themosque, or your local cleric. Arrange the Mahar,the gift from husband to wife, which is animportant part of the Nikah (wedding ceremony).There is no marriage license in the Muslimwedding (though the witnesses need to sign a‘proof of Nikah’, which testifies that the marriagehas taken place and that the bride has given herfull consent). The marriage documents (contractand certificate) are filed at the mosque and thelocal government office. The ceremony ends witha prayer (Duoa) for the bride and groom, theirfamilies, and the Muslim community at large. ♥

AsianWeddings


What’s on the menu?



70

Photographerq Do you use digital cameras or shoot on film?q What style of photography do you specialise

in?q How many pictures will you take?q Will you visit the venue before the day?q How long will you stay for?q Should I pay for meals and travel expenses?q Who will edit the photographs?q Will you retain the copyright of the images?q Is someone available to take your place if you

are ill?q When will I receive my photographs?q How can my family and friends

view and order photographs?

KeyQuestion #1Can I seeexamples ofyour work?

What questionsshould I be asking?

Use our handy checklist tokeep track of all the questions

you should be asking yourwedding suppliers.



Venueq Is the venue available on the date I want?q Do you have a room that is big/small enough

to accommodate my guests comfortably?q What is the distance from

my ceremony venue?q Will other weddings be

taking place on thesame day as mine?

q Do you provide in-house catering?

q Is accommodationavailable for guests? Will itbe offered at a discounted rate?

q Am I able to have a marquee/fireworks/liveband/ candles?

q Can I choose my own supplier of theseservices or do you have your own preferredsuppliers?

q If I want, can I have a late bar?

Catererq Can I choose items from different menus

and packages?q Do you have any testimonials I can see?q Do you offer a menu tasting service? Will I

have to pay for it?q What does your service include? Do I need to

source my own waiting staff?q Do you provide alcohol or could I find it

cheaper myself elsewhere?q If I provide my own wine, how much will you

charge me for corkage?

Entertainmentq Does the DJ have a versatile playlist?q Will they be able to play requests on the night

or do these need to be submittedbeforehand?

q Does the band play recorded music while theyare having a break?

q Can the band provide a demo CD?q Do you need to be included in our numbers

for the caterer?q Will you need a room to get changed in?q How long will you need to get set up?q Will you visit the venue beforehand?

Key

Question #2

Does your

quote include

any added

charges and

VAT?

Cake maker q Do you have any testimonials I can see?q Can I choose from a selection of fillings?q Is it possible to sample the different cake

fillings available?q Can I have a cake made up of different

flavoured layers?q Will you come to the venue to assemble the

cake on the day?q Does the price include a cake stand?q When does the balance need to be paid?

Floristq Are you the recommended florist of my

venue/any other venues?q How many weddings will you be doing on the

same day as mine?q Will the florist I have consulted be the person

who actually does the flowers on the day?q What seasonal flowers

could you recommendfor the time of year Iam getting marriedin?

q Is there amaximum distanceyou will travel toarrange the flowers inthe venue?

q Do you charge for any breakages?q How long do you need to set up?

Dress shop q Is there a fee to try on dresses and do I need

to make an appointment?q Will there be other girls trying on dresses at

the same time?q How long can I have an appointment for?q Is there a maximum number of dresses I

can try on?q How many people can I bring with me?q How much do alterations cost?q How many fittings will I need to have?q What do I need to bring with me, e.g. shoes,

lingerie, veil etc.q Will I need to collect my dress when it is

ready, or can I have it delivered? ♥

KeyQuestion #3Can yourservices beadapted to suitmy budget?



When you visit a potential wedding venue there may be certain aspects that you absolutely love and somethat you don’t love quite so much! If you are concernedabout the decor then there is no need to worry, there arecompanies that can provide you with services that cantransform a typical function room into a breathtaking visionthat you and your guests will never forget.

If you are after a dreamy, romanticatmosphere why not go for swags oftulle, clusters of white balloons andtwinkling fairy lights. You can create asophisticated, timeless look by usingthe same items but add in sumptuousfloral arrangements and candles.

Whatever look you want to create,there will be someone who can createit for you. But be mindful of thecanvas you are working with. If yourvenue is a historic building then youdon’t want to cover beautiful plushwalls with 12 ft banners. So don’t fightagainst what you have to work withbut consider your surroundingscarefully 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

Be careful not to clutter the venue with too much decoration though,less is usually more! A good venue decorator will help and guide youmake the right choices to create a stunning look so that when yourguests arrive, they think WOW. ♥



The average bride spends 250 hoursplanning her dream wedding, theequivalent of six weeks full time work,trying to put together the most magicaland memorable day of her life. There isreal skill involved in turning that fantasyinto reality and an experienced weddingco-ordinator will be able to help yourealise your dreams, whether on a small orgrand scale, traditional or contemporary,in a city or countryside setting.

A wedding co-ordinator can save you valuabletime searching for the right venue or supplier.They can reduce stress, save you money and helpprovide professional event co-ordination on theday. Some of the key elements of what a weddingco-ordinator can do for you are:

• 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 withseating plans without offending relatives;

• Deal with the hire of any outfits and ensurethey are returned on time;

• Advise on any new trends, suggesting creativeways to make your wedding unique;

• Manage the invoices from suppliers and adviseyou 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 managethe bridal party and ushers, reminding them oftheir responsibilities.

An increasingly popular choice for those brideswho have planned their own wedding day is tohire an 'on-the-day' co-ordinator who can takecare of the day behind the scenes. They can helpwith 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 turnedup or the venue has been dressed incorrectly?

An 'on-the-day' co-ordinator can solve anyproblems quickly and quietly to ensure everythingruns smoothly in exactly the way you want,leaving you free to enjoy your special day. ♥

Making life easier with a

WeddingCo-ordinator

Save valuable time and minimisestress with a Wedding Co-ordinator



Chair covers are a fabulous way to transform aroom from drab to dreamy and create a welcomingambience for guests. These days, chair covers arebecoming ever more popular and are now seen asa wedding day must-have.

Covers are usually provided by independentvenue dressers or specialist chair cover companiesor the ceremony/reception venue. It is an idea tochoose a company who is familiar with the venue,as this will ensure that they are aware of the styleand shape of the chairs. Most chair covercompanies will arrive in good time to help dressthe venue and usually arrange with the hotel topick them up the next day – one little less worry.

Some companies do offer chair covers online,however theses will be delivered to your home andit will be your responsibility to dress the chairs onthe day. As you won’t be doing this yourself it willbe up to the venue staff to dress the chairs.However, venues may charge extra for this service,so it is advisable to hire instead of buy. ♥

Sitting Pretty On Your Wedding Day



Why not try avibrant red andblooming rose

theme to seteveryone’s heart

fluttering, creatinga truly romanticlook? Ideal for aWinter wedding.



Opposite page:Red Disposable Cameras £2.99 Bright Red Freeze Dry Petals £24.99Personalised French Red Wine withGift Box £14.99

Products compliment a range available from www.confetti.co.uk

Red Metallic Hearts £1.99

Rose Petals £19.99

Country Market Alpine Laevnder Soap £2.99

Red Rose Scented Tea Light£4.99 for 8 pack

Red Heart Balloon £1.99



}~

Be true toyourself... don’t

be afraid tobreak the rules

Photography by fotografy by J. Cardosowww.fotografy.co.uk



Victoria and Stephen met at a friend’s party. Theywere friends for the next five years before sharinga kiss that changed their lives forever. Stephenproposed during a holiday in Italy. Stephen hadbought a pair of brogues and hidden a temporaryengagement ring (made from a scrabble piecewith the letter V on it) inside them. Stephen gaveVictoria her gift and insisted that she try them on.She found the ring box and when she opened itStephen proposed. “I was stunned, it was sounexpected, perfect really – just the two of us,very personal and completely honest, the way Ihad hoped it always would be.”

On a lovely bright day in July at our Lady’sBishop Eton, Victoria and Stephen were married.“We had a traditional service, but wantedeveryone to relax and enjoy themselves so weasked the priest if it would be possible to have afew tunes of our own. We chose two Beatlestunes All You Need Is Love and Got To Get You IntoMy Life, which ended up turning into a mass sing-along with 130 guests joining in.”

Breaking from the tradition of a hotel or manorhouse, the reception was held at the Static Gallery

in Liverpool City Centre, an art gallery and studiospace in an old converted industrial workshop.“The perfect venue for us, it reflected who we are.”

Victoria’s Dress: Southport Bridal GalleryBridesmaids’ Dresses: Jane McNicholl DesignsMenswear: Austin Reed HireFlowers: The Bouquet FactoryCake: Lizzies LarderWedding Rings: Kraft JewellersStationery: J Hughes Wedding StationeryPhotographer: fotografy by J. Cardoso p.107Transport: Silver Lady Wedding Cars

Honeymoon: Tuscany, Italy

A note from Victoria: “Be true to yourself. It’s a daythat celebrates you and your love for each other,so don’t be afraid to break the rules. Follow thetraditions that are important to you, but make upyour own rules and don’t feel restricted by whatother people expect a wedding to be. Make surethe food is good, the wine free flowing and inviteguests who enjoy celebrating. Then relax andenjoy the best day of your life.” ♥


The CarIt is important to book your transport about 6 months aheadand visit car companies that are local so that they are familiarwith the route and have a good idea of traffic conditions.

Cars usually have white ribbons running along the front butthese can be changed to match the theme of the day if you wish.The price usually includes a complementary bottle ofchampagne; however there may be extras, such as requestedmusic, for an extra charge. You also need to know how many carsyou will need: Which car will take you, which car will take thebridesmaids. As the bridesmaids usually arrive before the bride itis advisable to have separate cars that leave at different times.

The CarriageIf you really want to go for the Wow factor on your wedding day,then a horse drawn carriage is for you. The carriages themselvescan range from the classic Landau to fairytale replicas. Again, it isvery important to visit the carriage company well in advance soyou can view the carriages and decide what you want for the day.

You must remember that the horses will have to stand still forlong periods of time and traffic on the road can prove stressfulfor them so choose a reputable company that has goodexperience with horses. Finally, don’t forget that horses movemuch slower than cars, so make sure you leave enough time toget to the church and that the roads are suitable for the ride. ♥

Wedding cars have beengetting brides to the church instyle for years. It’s one aspectthat usually stays true totradition, with brides optingfor vintage or classical carssuch as a Rolls Royce, Daimler,Bentley or Limousine fortransport. However, for themore adventurous bride thereare other alternatives that aresure to make an impression asyou pull up to the church.Other options include: Horsedrawn carriage, VW Vans,Mustangs, Lamborghinis andeven Beetles or Minis.


Your carriage awaitsWeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 7:55 PM Page 82

If you want your day tohave some fun andpersonality, why not go fora themed wedding?

Your theme can be as elaborate or as subtle as you wish but having atheme, even just a colour theme, can help you focus as you plan yourwedding day.

There are some fabulous wedding theme ideas out there but you should choose something that will reflect your personali-ties. It’s something you should choose very early on in yourplanning as everything else will revolve around the theme.You could create a mood board which will help you focuson the colours and styles that you like. Do this by goingthrough wedding magazines and cutting out anythingthat you think looks pretty and you would like for yourwedding day. The end result will help you visualisehow your wedding day will look.

Here are some ideas for wedding themes.Even if none of them grab you, atleast you will know what you don’twant!

Vintage – Pretty china, bird cages andbunting can give a romantic feel to yourday.

Medieval – A sumptuous banquetin a castle and scroll-styleinvitations, this has themakings of a wedding toremember!

Winter Wonderland – A winterwedding can have a dramaticfeel with twinkling fairy lights, avelvet-cloaked bride, and whiteflowers tied with red ribbon. Togo all the way, why not hire asnow machine!

1920s – Book an Art Deco-stylevenue, a jazz band and servecocktails to help recreatethe fun-loving spirit ofthe 1920s. ♥



An artistic florist will be able to suggest a range of stunning designs foryour wedding bouquet and floralarrangements that complement yourdress, the theme of your wedding andthe ceremony venue.

Make sure you are prepared for your consultation.Try to take with you samples of the fabric that willmake up your dress, and colour swatches for yourgown, the bridesmaids’ dresses and groom'sformalwear, as the florist will need thisinformation to help them prepare ideas ofbeautiful arrangements for you.

The traditional colours for a bridal bouquet areivory and white, but don't be afraid to add a hintof colour for that element of understated sophisti-cation. The groom's buttonhole should be worn onhis left lapel, and should echo the bride's bouquet.This is to celebrate the tradition of a Knightwearing his Lady's colours to display his love. The

ushers and

groomsmen should wear a slightly differentflower on their lapel, but it should also feature inthe main bouquet. Bridesmaids’ flowers will alsodiffer from your bouquet, but should stillcoordinate with the general floral theme, asshould corsages for the mothers and buttonholesfor 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 breathrepresents innocence. Silk flowers are becomingmore popular too, enabling you to chooseexquisite imitators that will last a lifetime. Buyingflowers in season can save you money, so pickflowers according to the time of year and be eco-friendly too!

It is always a good idea to request that yourflorist give you an itemised bill in advance, andmake sure that you in turn supply the florist withthe names, addresses, and times for delivery of yourbouquet, buttonholes, corsages and floral arrange-ments. You'll need a number of other floral piecesfor your wedding, including displays for the altar,centrepieces for reception tables, sprays for

candelabra, corsages for those who assist withvarious reception duties, and floral "tokens"

for special guests. Ask yourflorist for guidance. Theirartistry, knowledge ofwedding protocol and abilityto listen to your needs will

ensure that you'll get goodvalue for your money, and

have the perfect floralaccents to enhance your

wedding day. ♥

Blooming marvellous!




Be inspired with all

things pink! From hot

pink to baby pink,

these ideas will help

you create a truly

fabulous look.



Opposite page:Hot Pink Ombre Effect Butterfly TableNumbers £6.99 pack of 10Table Number Holder £4.99 eachButterfly Place Cards for Glasses £4.99 pack of 10Mini Birdcage Favour/Table Decoration £2.99 each(filling sold separately)

Products compliment a range available from ww.confetti.co.uk

Create your own CarnivalPlace Tags £2.99 pack of 10(ribbon available separately)

Emma PersonalisedClassic Gift Pack

£19.99

Cerise Foil Chocolate Hearts500g £14.99 or 3 packs for £39.99

Hot Pink DisposableCamera £2.99



Wedding cakes have been a staple of a traditional Britishwedding since the Tudors’ first creation measuring awhopping 30” x 16”. However it wasn’t until the Victorian erathat tiers where first introduced that mirror the cakes werecognise today. It is thought that a London baker tookinspiration from the aptly named St Bride’s Churchspire to design Queen Victoria’s wedding cake.This started a trend among the Royals who where thenchallenged to make bigger and better cakes every time.

Traditionally, fruit cake is preferred for weddings. Howevernowadays wedding cakes can be any style, shape, flavour andcolour you want; from lemon, vanilla sponge, chocolate, fruit orcarrot cake, designs and styles can be unique and add alittle extra Wow factor to the day. Somebrides are even opting for hundreds ofcupcakes, meringues, profiteroles in a stack oreven going against all tradition and choosing achocolate fountain.

You should visit a cake designer at least 6months before your wedding so you are aware ofthe choices on offer and you can gain an idea ofhow you want your cake to look. Most cakedesigners will require some details such as thenumber of guests, the colour of the bride’s andbridesmaids’ dresses and the colour of theflowers. On the day the cake will bedelivered and set up by the confec-tioner, but do check if this service isincluded in the price.

The cake’s first cut should be madeby the bride and groom as thissignifies their shared future together.Some couples tend to save the top tierof a rich fruit cake until thechristening of their first child.

Whatever you decide to go for, choosingthe cake will be lots of fun! ♥See over the page for some cake inspiration!

Yummy Scrummy Cakes

}~

Nowadays yourwedding cake can beany style, shape, flavourand colour you want



CakeInspiration

Images courtesy ofGreenhalghswww.greenhalghs.com



Your wedding stationery will give your guests thefirst hint of the style and colour theme of yourwedding. You may be looking for something quitesimple and contemporary, elegant and romantic orelaborate and bold – whatever you decide to go for,you won’t be disappointed with the choiceavailable. So what items are you likely to need?

Save the Date Cards – to make sure all your familyand friends keep their diary free on the chosen day.

Invitations – Remember that you will only need oneper family but it’s always wise to order a few extrajust in case.

Reply Cards – these can be included with yourinvitations to encourage a prompt response fromyour guests.

Order of Service – Usually you would give one toeach guest at a church wedding but when thinkingof numbers consider friends coming to watch whomay not be invited to the day time.

Table Plan/Place Cards/Menus – can all be designedto match the colour and theme of your weddingand add that bit of luxury and formality to theevent. ♥

Announce your wedding in styleYour stationery can be the

first indication of the themeof your wedding


When you start considering what type ofmusic and entertainment you would likeat your wedding, you will realise that thechoice is endless. Should you go for a DJ,a live singer, a band or a combination –whatever you decide make sure they aregoing to hit the right note to ensure youhave the party of a lifetime.

Arranging your wedding music really should behigh priority as popular DJs, bands and singers getbooked up well in advance. Ideally you shouldhear the DJ, singer or band before you book them

to make sure they will create the rightatmosphere for you and your guests.Your DJ or band should discuss with you

what type of music you would like for yourfirst dance and a good DJ or bandleader will

gather all the guests together to make it avery special time.

Close-up magic can provide the perfect icebreaker for a wedding reception. A goodmagician will mingle with your guestsperforming a range of miracles in front of theireyes. They will move from group to group

engaging guests with theirmagic and leave them withsomething shared to talkabout, even if they have justmet.

An experienced weddingmagician will know how toapproach different groups or

single guests, when to entertain atable, and how to work with the

serving staff to help you achieveyour perfect day.The magician will entertain your

guests when they are left alone whileyou are busy with the photographer. He can

provide a show for each table during thewedding breakfast, entertain on a larger scalewhile your reception room is being transformedfrom day to evening, or engage your evening


For some fun and magic why not hire a Magician?

Getting it righton the night} ~

Popular DJs, bands andsingers get booked well in advance



guests on their arrival. Speak to yourwedding magician about how long youwould like them to stay, some will offerentertainment for a couple of hours, whileothers will be more flexible and offer arange of different packages designed tobest suit your plans.

Fireworks are becoming an increasinglypopular and spectacular finale to theday's events. When deciding whether youwish to pursue this unique spectacle,there are some basic rules to follow. Thevenue must of course be of a suitable size,and the owner will need to give theirpermission. The larger the display, thelarger the display area required, and a sitevisit with the company is essential.

There are many alternative displaysavailable, ranging from just a fireworkdrawing to a full display and, ideally yourfirework company should be offeringmany variables and clearly setting out allthe costs involved. Pictures in fireworkscan be designed and personalised to thebride and groom, these can be visuallystunning, last for about a minute and area novel way to end the main show. If thenoise due to large explosions is an issue,speak to the company as they should beable to offer a reduced noise display thatis still colourful and spectacular.

Firework displays should provide goodvalue for money. Ask your chosen fireworkcompany to show you references fromprevious clients, meet with them todiscuss your requirements and ask for aquote. You should also ask them toprovide a copy of their insurancedocuments

Finally, do inform your photographer/videographer in advance about thedisplay so they can be prepared tocapture the spectacle. If they require anyspecialist knowledge on the filming offireworks, the firework company shouldbe able to assist. ♥

Why not end the eveningwith a magnificentfireworks display?


100

Photography by Azure Imageswww.azureimages.co.uk


Amy first met Mark in February 2006 when shesat next to him at a mutual friend’s wedding.Three years later, Mark surprised Amy with ticketsto London and whilst there he took her out to afancy restaurant. When they arrived Mark gotdown on one knee with the ring and popped thequestion and of course Amy said yes.

The ceremony was held at the beautiful StJoseph’s church at midday on 12th June.Afterwards the reception was held at KinmelManor Hotel in Abergele, North Wales. The hotelis situated in the rural surroundings of Abergelewhich provides beautiful scenery and it also hasextensive gardens which gave perfect photographopportunities. “We chose this venue because it’ssuch a lovely place with great food and sceneryand the people are fantastic.”

Amy’s Dress: Cariad BrideBridesmaids’ Dresses: BHSMenswear: The ManshopFlowers: First Choice FloristInvitations: Valentine’s OccasionsWedding Rings: PeersPhotographer: Azure Images p.109Transport: Ride in Style CarsVenue Decoration: The Celebration Chair Cover Co.Cake: Carly Cakes

Memorable Moments: “The speeches will alwaysbe remembered and our first dance. We shockedeveryone by choreographing it ourselves. Also,being introduced as Mr and Mrs Rogers at themeal to all our family and friends was a veryspecial moment.”

Honeymoon: The Cotswolds

A Note From Amy: “Do not panic, everything willbe fine. The day goes so fast so enjoy it as muchas you can and most of all have fun!” ♥

}~

Being introduced asMr and Mrs Rogers to all

our family and friends wasa very special moment




Choosing the right wedding photogra-pher can seem daunting. There are afew key things to look out for that willhelp you make the right choice. Youneed to feel personally comfortablewith your wedding photographer –they’ll be capturing your emotions andworking closely with your family andfriends on your special day.Some wedding photographers favour atraditional approach with others offeringmore contemporary images. Some photogra-phers will be able to provide you with acombination of styles. Make sure you seeexamples of their relevant work to get a goodfeel whether they are the right choice for you.

It’s important that you understand exactlywhat you’ll be getting from your photographer. Althoughmany now offer straight-forward packages do not be afraidto clarify exactly what your photographer will do on theday itself and provide you with after the event. Do checkyou know what’s included in the price and what will costextra.

It’s worth arranging your photographer early in yourplanning as good photographers often get booked well inadvance.

To form an idea of the types of photographs you wantcaptured take a look at as many examples as you can.Discuss this with your photographer and any friends whohave recently got married.Often friends or relatives who are keen amateurs offertheir services for free. Whilst it may be tempting totake them up for reasons of politeness or economy,you do not want to take risks with your preciousphotographs! If you want to guarantee highquality wedding photographs then you’reprobably best to leave the task to the profes-sionals. To avoid causing offence to Uncle Bob, maybeyou could offer him the important role of capturing candidimages of the guests through the day? ♥

Photographsto lastforever

Images courtesy of fotografy



Chief Bridesmaid/Maid of HonourWhen considering who to choose to beyour Chief Bridesmaid rememberthat you will need somebody youcan rely on, who will be your rockand a shoulder to cry on in timesof stress but also someone youtrust to be completely honest and agood organiser (for hen nightpurposes!).

Whether you choose your sister or aclose friend, their role will start longbefore the wedding day and some ofthe duties involve:

• Helping the Bride choose her dress.• Organise the hen party.• Organise an Emergency Kit for on the day

(nail file, safety pins, needle & thread etc).• Attend the wedding rehearsal.• Help the Bride dress on the day and arrange

the veil and train before the Bride heads offdown the aisle.

• Take the bouquet from the Bride duringthe service.

• Be available for anything the Bride mightneed you for!

What about the Best Man?It is always an honour to be asked to be a BestMan and the role can vary depending on howmuch help the Groom needs. There are howevercertain traditional duties that should fall to theBest Man and they are:

• Organise the stag party (but make surenothing terrible happens to the Groom!)

• Attend the wedding rehearsal.• Travel with the Groom to the ceremony, keep

him calm and make sure he’s on time.• Take very good care of the wedding rings

until they are required by the vicar/registrar.• Escort the Chief Bridesmaid down the aisle

after the wedding ceremony.• The Big One – The Best Man’s Speech!

Your ‘attendants’

}~

Their role will startlong before the

wedding day



Wedding traditions have been kept

alive through generations with the

belief that they will 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.

Bride to the Left of the Groom

Usually the bride stands to the left of the

groom during the ceremony. This originated

from when the groom would have his

sword in his right hand to fight off any men

wanting to take his bride from him.

Buttonholes

In Medieval times a Knight would wear his

lady’s colours as a symbol of his love. This

has evolved to the groom wearing a flower

that matches his bride’s bouquet to declare

his love and represent unity.

Omens of good luck

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.

The Veil

Veils were originally worn by roman brides

with the belief that it would disguise the

bride and outwit evil sprits. The veil was

introduced to Britain in the eighteen

hundreds where the bride associated it

with chastity and modesty. ♥

It’s traditional!



...stunning ice sculptures, a yummychocolate fountain, a candy buffet or for aromantic 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 includeengraved names and dates, are a fantastic andunique way to introduce a real wow at anywedding. Why not include a chocolate fountain at your

reception? Your guests are sure to enjoy theindulgence offered as an extra treat. Speak tosuppliers about the type of chocolate they use - isit 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 trendin Candy Buffets or Pick ‘n’ Mix display stands.Packed full of delicious sweeties, they not onlyadd fun and colour to the wedding reception butare a wonderful way to take people back to their

childhood days andare a fantastic talking point.

A gorgeousspread of candywill be set up at thereception where guestscan browse and indulgetheir sweet tooths. Thesweets will be displayed inelegant glass jars and canbe used as part of thedessert or set out as a "makeyour own" party favour tablewith decorative bags thatguests can take home with them.

For that extra romantic touch,what better way is there tocelebrate your love than releasing doves?The dove has long been a symbol ofFreedom, Love, and Peace, and is viewedworldwide as a messenger of serenity. ♥

For something different why not try...



Boudoir originally comes fromthe French word “Bouder”meaning “to pout or sulk”. It isalso used to describe a lady’sbedroom, dressing room orprivate sitting room which canlead to thoughts of beautifuland elegant things. Boudoirphotography involves tasteful,artistic images, in various stagesof boudoir attire.

It is through Boudoir photography that a womanis made to feel good about her body and to feelconfident about her appearance. Whilst paintingscapture the beauty of a woman according to howthe artist sees her, photography captures thewoman as she is.

There are so many different genres of boudoirphotography ranging from vintage, burlesque, pin-up and bridal boudoir. A good Boudoir photogra-pher will work on producing intimate images thatare beautifully lit, showing elegance and classicsophistication.

Take time out to discover the world of Boudoirphotography, where you will have fun in relaxedand comfortable surroundings, whilst producing aportfolio of images that make you look gorgeous,seductive, radiant and empowered.

Boudoir shoots are a special and uniqueexperience and an album of your shots wouldmake a perfect present for your Groom on yourwedding day – we are pretty sure he’d love it! ♥



Modern wedding videos have moved on frombeing basic documentaries of weddings. Cameras,production software and the creativity of videog-raphers are continually improving meaning theend products are generally very professional. Tryto view as many examples of wedding videos asyou can to form opinions of what the possibilitiesare and what you would like.

When speaking to videographers it is importantyou speak to the actual person who will be doingthe filming. Obvious questions include the cost,what will be filmed, by how many people, what

the finished video will look like and how manycopies you will receive. Make sure you see someof their finished videos and the videographerunderstands what you want and doesn’t get toobogged down talking about the technology!

So if you want to make sure the sights andsounds of your wedding day are captured in away you'll want to watch over and over again,get a professional to do the job - just like youdid with the dress, the photographer, theflowers.. . ♥

Capturethe laughter

Wedding videos and DVD productionsare an excellent way of capturing yourspecial day. Many couples will rankwedding videography much lower ontheir lists than other wedding dayessentials - however, failing to find thecash to fund one may be a decisionyou regret later.



Your Wedding Gift Wish List!What a great opportunity tocreate a wish list of all yourmost favourite things!What shall you ask for? Well the gifts you choosewill depend on what stage of your life you are at.If you are a young couple just setting up hometogether for the first time you will need all thebasics: china, pots and pans, bed linen, towels andglassware etc.

For couples getting married in their thirties it ismore likely that you own a home or have livedtogether, so you probably already have most ofthe basic household items. If this is the case youmay wish to consider asking for more luxuriousitems like garden furniture, or state-of-the-artkitchen equipment. You could suggest a group offriends or relatives club together to buy the moreexpensive gifts between them.

Gift List Top Tips• Create your gift list at least three months

before the wedding day to take account oforder and delivery lead times.

• You should allow at least a monthto compile your list, and it’s unlikelythat you will choose all your itemsin one session.

• Cater for all budgets whenchoosing items for your list. Youdon’t want anyone to feelpressured into buying a gift theycannot afford.

• Include a wide variety of gifts soyour guests have plenty tochoose from.

• Try and think ahead – you maynot be interested in a fancydinner service now but it couldcome in useful later on.

• If you choose to compile a listat a large department store,make sure you sign up asearly as possible.

• Keep a note of all thepeople who bought you agift and what they boughtyou – this will help withyour Thank You notes.

• Consider taking outwedding insurance tocover all your gifts.



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

Choosing the style, metal and colourYour style of wedding ring should reflect yourown personal style; it should also complimentyour engagement ring and can also be chosen tomatch your groom's ring if you wish. Weddingrings come in a variety of metals, colours andstyles. When choosing rings it’s best to go for acolour or style you’re not likely to get bored with,so it’s best not to follow high fashion. Consideryour personality and your engagement ring style –if your engagement ring is classic, vintage,unusual or even bespoke, then your wedding ringwill 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 thatmatch in some way, either in their metal or pattern.

Choosing your ringsIt’s best to decide on a design at least two tothree months before the big day, although youwill 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 spendsome time looking at what is available.

Specialist wedding ring makers allow you todesign your own rings and have them made – theultimate in wearing your own individual style. Aspecialist ring designer and maker will be able totranslate your style requirements into a uniquewedding ring or rings just for you. An alternativecould be personalising your rings with anengraving of the date of your wedding or apersonal message.

Make sure it fits!If you are buying your wedding rings from ajewellers then they will measure your fingers in-store to size the rings. If you choose to buy yourrings online, many companies will now send out aring measurer before you place your order so youcan be sure to order the correct size. Whenmeasuring, it’s worth remembering that yourfingers will swell up in the heat, shrink in the coldand get bigger as the day goes on. Most jewellersrecommend measuring in the afternoon when youare warm for a snug fit and then re-measuringagain in the morning when you are cool to ensurethe ring size is perfect. Achieving the correct fit isvital, as nothing else you own will compete withthe number of hours you will wear your wedding ring. ♥

The Circle of Love

Images courtesy of www.ringworkshop.co.uk



Image courtesy of fotografy.co.uk

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Sunday 10th July 2011Brook Meadow HotelHeath Lane, Childer Thornton,South Wirral, CH66 7NSTime: 12 - 4pm% 0151 625 2918

Sunday 21st August 2011Bodidris Hall Wedding FayreLlandegla, Wrexham, North Wales, LL11 3ALTime: 11am - 4pm% Ruth on 07515 475 667

Sunday 4th September 2011Holiday Inn Ellesmere PortWaterways, Lower Mersey Street, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 2ALTime: 11am-4pm% Leanne Deponeo on 0151 356 8111

Sunday 4th September 2011Ramada Encore Wedding FayreRamada Encore Crewe, Crewe Business Park, Electra Way, Crewe, Cheshire. CW1 6XBTime: 11am - 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

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Sunday 11th September 2011Hilton Hotel Liverpool3 Thomas Steers Way, Liverpool, L1 8LWTime: 11am - 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Sunday 11th September 2011Pryors Hayes Golf Club Wedding FayreWillington Road, Oscroft, Tarvin, Chester, CH3 8NLTime: 11am - 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

Sunday 11th September 2011Thornton Hall HotelNeston Road, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JFTime: 12- 4pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 11th September 2011Village Hotel Wedding FayreCheadle Road, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 1HWTime: 12- 4pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September 2011 St Georges Hall Wedding ShowWilliam Brown Street, Liverpool, L1 1JJ Time: 10am - 5pm% UK Wedding Shows on 01704 517979

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September 2011The Triangle Manchester Wedding Show37 Hanging Ditch, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3TRTime: Sat 10am – 5pm and Sun 11am – 5pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 2279179

Sunday 18th September 2011The Quay Hotel & SpaDeganwy Quay, Conwy, LL31 9DJTime: 12 - 4pm% Funky Sunflower Events on 07914 806410

Sunday 18th September2011Crabwall Manor Parkgate Road, ChesterTime: 12 - 4pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 18th September 2011Mollington Banastre Hotel Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 6NNTime: 12 - 4pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 18th September 2011 Haslington HallHolmshaw Lane, Haslington, CW1 5TJTime: 11am - 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

Sunday 18th September 2011 Shrigly HallShrigley Park, Pott Shrigley, Nr. Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 5SB Time: 11am - 3pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 25th September 2011Aintree Racecourse Ormskirk Road, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5ASTime: 11am – 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 0179

Sunday 25th September 2011Brook Meadow HotelHeath Lane, Childer Thornton, South Wirral, CH66 7NSTime: 12 - 4pm% 0151 625 2918

Sunday 25th September 2011 Combermere Abbey Combermere, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 4AJTime: 11am- 3pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 25th September 2011The Widnes Wedding Show at The Best Western Everglades Park HotelDerby Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 3UJTime: 11am - 4pm% 0151 495 5500

Sunday 25th September 2011Manchester Airport Marriot Hotel Wedding FayreHale Road, Hale Barns, Altrincham, WA15 8XWTime: 11 - 3pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 25th September 2011The Wild Pheasant Hotel Wedding FayreBerwyn Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales, L20 8ADTime: 11am - 4pm% Ruth on 07515 475 667



Sunday 25th September 2011Ramada Encore Haydock Galway Crescent, Piele Road, Haydock, WA11 0GRTime: 11am - 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

Sunday 2nd October 2011Hallmark Hotel Stanley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 3LDTime: 11am – 3pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 2nd October 2011Chester Racecourse Wedding ShowThe Racecourse, Chester, CH1 2LYTime: 10am – 4pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 2nd October 2011Croxteth Hall & Country ParkCroxteth Hall Lane, Liverpool, L12 0HBTime: 11am – 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Sunday 2nd October 2011Inglewood Manor Badgers Rake Lane, Ledsham, South Wirral, Cheshire, CH66 8PFTime: 12 – 4pm% 0151 339 5105

Sunday 2nd October 2011The Wynnstay Arms HotelYorke Street, Wrexham, LL13 8LPTime: 11am - 4pm% Ruth on 07515 475 667

Sunday 2nd October 2011The Kinmel Manor HotelSt. Georges Road, Abergele, Conwy, LL22 9ASTime: 11am - 4pm% Celebration Wedding Fayres on 07725 257460

Sunday 2nd October 2011Forest Hills Hotel Open DayOverton Hill, Frodsham, Cheshire, WA6 6HHTime: 12 – 3pm% 01928 735255

Sunday 2nd October 2011Belle EpoqueKing Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6DTTime: 1pm – 5pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Thursday 6th October 2011The Imperial Hotel Llandudno, Conwy, North Wales, LL30 1APTime: 5:30pm – 9pm% Celebration Wedding Fayres on 07725 257460

Sunday 9th October 2011Suites Hotel, KnowsleyRibblers Lane, Knowsley, Liverpool, L34 9HATime: 12:30 – 4pm% UK Wedding Shows on 01704 517979

Sunday 9th October 2011Willington HallWillington, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 0NBTime: 11-3pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 9th October 2011Cottons Hotel Manchester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0SU. Time: 12 - 4pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 9th October 2011Mottram Hall Wilmslow Road, Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, SK10 4QT. Time: 12 - 4pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 9th October 2011Carden ParkChester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQTime: 11am - 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Sunday 9th October 2011The Carreg Mon Hotel Ffordd Caergybi, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Gwynedd, LL61 5YHTime: 11am – 4pm% Celebration Wedding Fayres on 07725 257460

Sunday 9th October 2011Cranage Hall Byley Lane, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 8EWTime: 11:30am - 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656



Sunday 9th October 2011Holiday Inn Haydock Lodge Lane, Newton Le Willows, Haydock, WA12 0JGTime: 12 – 4pm% Suzanne or Karen on 01942 868330

Sunday 9th October 2011 Wallasey Town HallBrighton Street, Wallasey, Wirral, CH44 8EDTime: 12 – 4pm% Funky Sunflower Events on 07914 806410

Sunday 16th October 2011Devonshire House Hotel293-297 Edge Lane, Fairfield, Liverpool, L7 9LDTime: 12:30 – 4pm% UK Wedding Shows on 01704 882 050

Sunday 16th October 2011Craxton Wood Hotel1 Parkgate Road, Ledsham, Cheshire, CH66 9PBTime: 12-4pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 16th October 2011Arley Hall Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NATime: 11am – 3pm% Wedding Link on 0161 925 4289

Sunday 16th October 2011Crowne Plaza LiverpoolSt Nicholas Place, Princes Dock, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1QWTime: 11am - 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Sunday 16th October 2011 Hartford Golf ClubBurrows Hill, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 3APTime: 11:30am – 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

Monday 17th October 2011 Stobart Stadium Wedding EveningLowerhouse Lane, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7DZTime: 6pm – 9pm% 0151 510 6000

Thursday 20th October 2011Ramada ChesterWhitchurch Road, Christleton, Chester, CH3 5QLTime: 7pm – 9pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 23rd October 2011Liverpool Football ClubAnfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0THTime: 12 - 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Sunday 23rd October 2011The Bryn Howel HotelTrevor, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 7UWTime: 11am – 4pm% Ruth on 07515 475 667

Sunday 23rd October 2011Lion Quays Waterside ResortMoreton, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3ENTime: 11am - 3pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 23rd October 2011Macdonald Hill Valley HotelTarporley Road, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 4JHTime: 11.30am - 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

Sunday 30th October 2011aBode ChesterGrosvenor Road, Chester, CH1 2DJTime: 12 – 4pm% KeeDays on 07738 058 656

Sunday 30th October 2011Hard Days Night Hotel Central Buildings, North John St, Liverpool, L2 6RRTime: 12 - 4pm% Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Sunday 30th October 2011 Radission Blu Liverpool107 Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L3 9BDTime: 12 – 4pm% Funky Sunflower Events on 07914 806410

30th October 2011Ness GardensNess Botanic Gardens, Ness, Neston,South Wirral, CH64 4AYTime: 11am – 3pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Saturday 5th November 2011Bron Eifion Country House Hotel Criccieth, Gwynedd, LL52 0SATime: 12 – 4pm% Mary on 01766 522385



Sunday 13th November 2011Vale Royal Abbey Whitegate, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2BSTime: 11am – 3pm% 01606 301291Sunday 13th November 2011Faenol Fawr Country House HotelBodelwyddan, St. Asaph, Denbighshire, North Wales, LL18 5UNTime: 12 – 4pm% Funky Sunflower Events on 07914 806410

Sunday 13th November 2011The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & SpaWrexham Road, Pulford, Chester, CH4 9DGTime: 12 - 4pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 27th November 2011The Fir Grove Hotel Knutsford Old Road, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 2LDTime: 12 - 4pm% Flaunt Events on 01244 539117

Sunday 8th January 2012Floral Pavilion Theatre Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JSTime: 12 - 4pm% 0151 625 2918

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th January 2012The Liverpool Wedding ShowThe Grand Marquee, Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4ANTime: 10am – 5pm % Bliss Wedding Shows on 0151 227 9179

Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd January 2012Gordale Nursery & Garden CentreChester High Road, Burton, South Wirral, CH64 8TFTime: 11am-4pm% Joanne on 0151 336 2116

This diary is correct to the best of ourknowledge at the time of going to print.Please check local advertising or contactthe named organiser for confirmationbefore travelling.

For details on how to include your event inThe Wedding Guide’s Diary please contactGillian Lane on 0151 638 3008.



Talking about the budgetwon’t be the most romanticconversation you’re going to

have when it comes to planning your bigday, but overspending isn’t very romantic either.

One of the first things you need to do when youstart planning your dream wedding is decide who’spaying for what. The most important thing toconsider is to plan the type of wedding you can re-alistically afford. It is not ideal to start married lifein debt. Remember, it is how you spend your moneythat counts, not how much you have to spend.

Traditionally, the fatherof the bride handled themajority of the expenses,with the groom chippingin for ceremony fees and asuitably fabulous, surprisehoneymoon. But, times arechanging. Many contemporarycouples choose to pay for the bulk of theirwedding themselves, or even to split the coststhree ways – between them and both sets ofparents. The question for who pays for what reallycomes down to who is willing and able.

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

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

The Groom’s Family• Honeymoon• Stag Party• Wedding clothes• Travelling expenses/hotel bills• Wedding gift for newlyweds• Shipment of wedding gifts

to new home

A traditional breakdown of the expenses:

Who pays?WeddingGuide_template_Layout 1 02/07/2011 8:09 PM Page 131


12 months before:q Choose a wedding dateq Decide on a budgetq Make a list of guests and decide on numbersq Book your Church/Ceremony locationq Book your reception venue/caterers q Send out “Save The Date” cardsq Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Manq Start looking for The Dress!q Choose and book your photographerq Choose and book your videographerq Take out insurance coverq Start thinking about the Honeymoonq Confirm bookings in writing

8 months before:q Choose bridesmaids’ dressesq Choose the music, hymns and readings for the ceremonyq Order wedding stationeryq Book entertainmentq Choose and order your wedding cakeq Make an appointment with your chosen floristq Select a Toastmaster

6 months before:q Give Notice of Marriageq Purchase or hire menswearq Order venue decoration/chair coversq Select your wedding ringsq Book a make-up artist/hairdresser and arrange a trial

Don’t panic! Theremay be a huge

amount to do in therun up to your bigday, but our handy

checklist is designedto help you through

the next twelvemonths.



4 months before:q Send out your wedding invitationsq Check your passport expiry dateq Check if you will need visas or vaccinations for your

honeymoon destinationq Choose attendants’ giftsq Buy shoes, lingerie and accessoriesq Choose a Gift Listq Order favoursq Start thinking about a seating planq Book your wedding night accommodationq Attend initial fitting for your wedding dressq Make arrangements for Hen and Stag partiesq Arrange fittings for the menswearq Buy a going away outfit and honeymoon clothesq Organise a rehearsal and let relevant people know

1 month before:q Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dressq Call guests who have not responded to your invitationq Buy a wedding gift for each otherq Arrange for a final fitting for your bridesmaids, ushers and

best man and arrange when to collect the outfitsq Confirm timings with the venue and all relevant suppliersq Finalise the seating planq Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 Weeks Before:q Make a note of wedding gifts as they arriveq Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant

peopleq Arrange to change your name if appropriateq Speak to all your suppliers to confirm details

1 week before:q Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids’

dresses and the menswearq Arrange for your order of service to be given to the ministerq Pack for your honeymoonq Have all your beauty treatmentsq Book the groom a hair cutq Organise an emergency kit for on the dayq Drink plenty of water and have some early nights

Relax and enjoy this time – all your hard work is about to come to fruition!

Imag

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the wedding guide (merseyside, cheshire, shropshire and north wales edition) autumn/winter 2011

Documents

pm page c1weddingguide

pm page c2weddingguide

dream wedding

wedding guide andwelcome

z of wedding suppliers

wedding fayre diary

accessoriesboda bridal

penkett road