Table of contents for Special 2016 in Perfect Wedding

It’s all about the dress, surely? We love a fantastic reception, adore an amazing honeymoon, and don’t even get us started on the romance of actually being married... but there’s no doubt about it, for many girls one of the most exciting aspects of their wedding planning is finding ‘the one’. With more and more incredible dresses out there, it’s difficult to know where to start. Choice is always great, but can also be overwhelming. This issue we’ve treated you to fabulous dresses from amazing designers all over the world, but we’ve also covered practical tips about dress shapes and budgets; included favourite dresses from boutiques; and chosen gorgeous high-street gowns you’ll love. Time to start shopping! Out & about... The Wedding Shop showed us their gift list pieces and…

Dress hunt! I was searching for my dream wedding dress for a good six months and nowhere seemed to have a short wedding gown that didn’t look like a fancy dress outfit. I was finally saved by your beautiful dress feature in the January issue that had so many gorgeous short styles! So, thank you PW! I’m on my way to my local bridal boutique now (mag in hand!). Monica Lucas, by email Designer vs high street! Where’s your wedding dress from? Emma Mason My dress was from Allure Bridals – it was beautifully made with the sort of details you just can’t seem to get on the high street Laura Oswald I dreamt of owning an Ian Stuart gown, but never thought I could afford one – then there…

Appy Couple This combines your own W-day website and interactive app to share details of your day with your guests. Perfect for getting everyone involved. My Wedding by Hitched All your big-day planning tools in one place. This handy app includes a budget planner, to-do list, guest list manager and table planner. Total life-saver! Pinterest Seriously, what did we do before Pinterest? The app version of our favourite scrapbook website is perfect for showing your dream W-day style to suppliers. The Wedding Snap App Instead of having to wait for your friends to share their pics of your day on Facebook, this app collects them all together throughout the day. My Fitness Pal App We swear by this easy-to-use calorie counter and exercise log. Excellent for keeping track of your…

"Romantic, glamorous and sensual" David Tutera for Mon Cheri is a romantic, glamorous and sensual collection yet simultaneously classic and contemporary, with a touch of colour. Mon Cheri continues the tradition of white and ivory gowns combined with unique shades of pink, stone, gold, champagne and ice. A little something for every bride. David Tutera for Mon Cheri offers today’s fashion-conscious bride high-quality fabrics, hand-beaded Swarovski crystals and an impeccable fit in a variety of both modern and traditional silhouettes ranging from form-fitting dresses to formal, voluminous ball gowns. The David Tutera for Mon Cheri collection marries the best from past eras with today’s fashion trends. Web: mon-cheri.co.uk…

“THERE IS A WEIGHTLESS ESSENCE TO PALLAS COUTURE DESIGNS THAT EFFORTLESSLY CONTOUR THE BODY. AMILIE BY PALLAS COUTURE IS THE PERFECT REPRESENTATION OF WHIMSICAL, MODERN TEXTURE AND DETAILING. HIGH SLITS AND CUT OUTS ARE KEY TRENDS FOR 2016.” KATIE, MORGAN DAVIES BRIDAL IN LONDON “WE HAVE CHOSEN KIMBERLY BY ENZOANI FOR ITS VERSATILE AND CLASSIC LOOK. THIS GOWN WOULD LOOK AMAZING IN CHURCH WITH A TRADITIONAL VEIL, BUT WOULD EQUALLY LOOK STUNNING FOR A BARN WEDDING, THANKS TO ITS SOFT, FLUID LINES.” ROB AND ANDREW, CREATIQUES BRIDAL BOUTIQUE IN SOUTHSEA “WE LOVE THE STUNNING SIMPLICITY OF SANDRINA BY MAGGIE SOTTERO, ESPECIALLY HOW THE ELEGANT SPAGHETTI STRAPS GIVE WAY TO A PLUNGING BACK, EDGED WITH LACE APPLIQUÉ. THIS GOWN IS PERFECT FOR BRIDES WANTING BOTH A ROMANTIC LOOK AND A SEXY…

CONTACT: BERTABRIDAL.COM…

THE BRIDAL ROOM Based in the Midlands, The Bridal Room is an award-winning, family-run boutique. Offering brides a relaxed yet indulgent bridal appointment, they really will style you from head to toe! The Bridal Room Broadway is nestled in the lovely village of Broadway in Worcestershire and stocks Justin Alexander, Sottero & Midgley, Enzoani, Nicola Anne and Alba Rosa. The Bridal Room Atherstone is a pretty boutique set in Warwickshire and offers brides-to-be amazing designer ex-sample gowns, from just £299! They also stock Sweetheart Gowns and Alba Rosa. Tel : 01386 859070 Web : thebridalroombroadway.co.uk HANNAH ELIZABETH A charming Parisian-inspired bridal boutique situated in the heart of Botley Village, Hampshire. Stocking a stunning selection of gowns and vintage-inspired accessories for your special day. Tel : 023 8178 1911 Web :…

18 MONTHS Announce your engagement! Talk with your fiancé about the kind of day you’d like Choose the type of ceremony you’d like Set your wedding budget (and start saving!) Look at venue ideas Set a goal and make a start on your fitness and diet plan 12 MONTHS Start thinking about dates Choose bridesmaids and then ask them Compile a guest list Arrange the wedding licence with the registrar Book the registrar and the time of the ceremony Start a scrapbook Book a photographer Start looking for your wedding dress 9 MONTHS Visit possible venues and then book your date! Book the caterer Order your dress Book the florist Order your cake Buy your stationery 6 MONTHS Book transport Choose your bridesmaid dresses and accessories Choose groomsmen’s outfits and…

…VENUE Are you available on our date? Are you licensed for civil ceremonies? How many guests can we have to each part of our day? Exactly what’s in our package? What’s the cancellation policy? Will we have exclusive use? Is there guest accommodation, and is it discounted? Do you have mandatory suppliers? …CATERERS Do you provide glassware, crockery and silverwear? Is there an extra cost for serving staff? Do you have a separate menu for photographers/suppliers? How many weddings are you catering for on the day? Have you worked here before? Will you handle the table names and place setting? Can we have a menu tasting? Can you cater for vegetarians/ guests with food allergies? … BOUTIQUE Will I need to book an appointment? How long is the appointment? Who…

Gemma Simon and Ross Webb tied the knot in a rustic marquee wedding at Court Farm, Kent on 23rd May 2015 “Ross’ dad and step-mum own a beautiful farm overlooking the Kent countryside, so we didn’t have to look far to find our wedding venue! As well as offering the rustic setting we were hoping for, it was also close to home and the beautiful village church where we wanted to hold our ceremony. We loved the idea of a romantic, rustic marquee wedding, but also incorporated elements inspired by the farm setting. Decorated hay bales made great seating areas, and I arrived on one of the farms’ tractors! We decorated our marquee with a mixture of wildflowers and more traditional blooms, and each table had a different display of…

WILD AND FREE Create a rustic table centrepiece with flowering mint and powder blue eryngium BRILLIANT BRIGHTS Add a fresh scent to your colour-pop bouquet with a delicate spray of rosemary and mint BOX IT UP! Fresh flower planters work to decorate indoors and out. Bulk up your arrangement with sage and dill ONE FOR THE BOYS... A touch of evergreen rosemary will give your buttonholes a boost! IT’S IN THE MIX An eclectic bunch is given an aromatic lift with sprigs of fresh mint and rosemary ENGLISH ROSE Update your traditional rose bouquet with fragrant sage and leafy foliage…

Daytime guest capacity Evening guest capacity Meal cost per head Allows outside caterers SEASONAL SCENERY Whether you want a cosy winter wedding or an outdoor ceremony in summer, the surrounding scenery makes Birtsmorton Court a breathtaking setting for your day. There’s even a pretty church on site should you want a traditional ceremony. birtsmortoncourt.com CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY Fancy hiring your own Georgian mansion for the weekend, complete with ballroom, bar, an opulent snug, snooker room and seven acres of grounds? Then take a look at the newly-refurbished Eaves Hall in Lancashire. There’s even a choice of bridal suites, 29 bedrooms and a lodge for all your guests – what more could you want?! eaveshall.co.uk LONDON LUXE Celebrate your day in style at The Marble Arch by Montcalm, a gorgeous luxury…

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s filled with sunshine and romance, there are few places more perfect than the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, and just a four and a half hour flight from the UK, this is an unforgettable destination to become newlyweds. Forget the stress of planning and let Thomson Weddings arrange everything for you – all you need to do is choose your setting! Whether it’s the beach, a chapel, a luxury resort or any other venue of your choice, their expert team are on hand to guide you through the whole process. What’s more, they will tailor everything to your budget. Thomson Weddings have been helping couples plan their day for over two decades and have…

EXERCISE OF THE MONTH WORK YOUR WHOLE BODY: SQUAT DOWN AND PLACE BOTH HANDS APART ON THE FLOOR, THEN KICK YOUR LEGS BACK, BEFORE PULLING THEM BACK IN AND JUMPING UP. Rebounding – a workout using a small trampoline – is one of the latest fitness crazes and its long list of benefits include improved cardio fitness, circulation, strength and digestion. It even promises to slow down ageing – count us in! Find out more at rebound-uk.com ANYTHING BUT DULL Forget head-to-toe black – be brave and bold when you’re working out with the latest sportswear prints. Think geometrics, tie-dye, safari… it’s a colour riot! RAW BEAUTY Need a health and beauty boost after the long winter? Introduce more raw food to your diet to maximise your nutrient intake. Try…

Sparkle on your big day with this stunning number Stylist CHARLOTTE ELLIS “This Nurit Hen Haute Couture dress is absolutely gorgeous. The delicate embellishment sparkles in the light and will leave you looking stunning on your big day. The built-in bra adds extra support and accentuates your figure. Keep things chic with simple blooms. This pearl Jon Richard hair slide finishes the look perfectly. Stunning." Make-up NIGEL BARNES “This look is all about glowing skin. Start by applying a moisturiser and letting it absorb for 10 minutes. Conceal any imperfections, then sweep a powder foundation over your skin for a light look that lasts – plus, you can pop it in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day! " "Lighty brush out your curls for that pretty, tousled look" Hair…

NEWS FASHION TRENDS BUYS CELEBS BEAUTY Plan your day IN STYLE Head to MOST CURIOUS, the coolest wedding fair around, in London and Norwich this March, for creative and unique big-day inspiration. UP YOUR SLEEVE... We‘ve got K-Middy to thank for bringing long-sleeved wedding gowns back, but as much as we love a simple lace look, for 2016 it’s all about making a statement. Think transparent ‘70s styles with cute cuffs. Worth the splurge! It doesn’t matter if your usual underwear falls firmly in the ‘had for 10 years and hasn’t let me down yet’ category, when it comes to your wedding it’s time to up the stakes. Think you haven’t got a chance of finding sexy lingerie in larger sizes? Adina Reay creates stunning designs with amazing support in…

1 HOW TO TELL A SUPPLIER YOU’RE UNHAPPY Florists, caterers, photographers, venue co-ordinators – there’s a lot of people to liaise with during wedding planning so it’s no surprise that things can get a bit fraught. Think of them as your team of expert helpers – communicate clearly what you want and what you don’t want from the start, and get your groom involved too. Avoid issues by having confidence in your decisions, but if a problem arises, nip it in the bud straight away rather than letting it fester. 2 HOW TO EXPLAIN KIDS AREN’T INVITED Ooh, it’s a tricky one, isn’t it? The older you are when you get married, the more likely you are to have friends with little ones in tow – and that can bump…

The UK Wedding Awards 2016 will reward your favourite wedding brands – all the individuals and independents, the high-street favourites and the designer brands who help make your journey from just-engaged to married couple as fun and magical as possible. This is your chance to tell us who you love. CATEGORIES Best Bridal Designer Best Bridal Accessories Best Bridal Collection Best Groomswear Best High Street Retailer Best Jewellery Best Mother of the Bride Retailer Best Wedding Boutique Best Barn Venue Best Castle Venue Best Coastal Venue Best Country Venue Best Historic Venue Best Sporting Venue Best Stately Home Best Wedding Photographer Best Wedding Stationery Best Wedding Cake Company Best Wedding Florist Best Wedding Travel Company Best Retailer Gift List Terms and conditions: Voting/competition closes at 11.59pm on 10 February 2016.…

STYLE STEALS UNDER £500 If you’re on a miniature budget, hit the high-street for some serious style wins or take a look at ASOS’s new bridal collection. Shorter, tea-length dresses are great for retro-lovers and sample sales are worth a look, too! SAVVY SPENDER UNDER £1,000 With a bit more to spend, head to a stockist of labels Wtoo by Watters, David’s Bridal and Jasmine Bridal – all of which offer on-trend designs in this price range. Luxe up your look by adding a belt, headpiece or veil. LUXE FOR LESS UNDER £1,500 Fancy a big dress or lots of detailing? Up the budget and go for one of these super-chic designs. Think embroidered lace, diamanté embellishments and full skirts. Plunging necklines are also a hot trend for 2016. BLOW…

A-LINE THIS SIMPLE FIT AND FLARE STYLE FLATTERS MOST SHAPES. THE TOP HALF IS PERFECT FOR SHOWING OFF A SMALL WAIST, THEN THE LOOSE, FLOWING SKIRT HIDES WIDE HIPS A TREAT. BALLGOWN WITH A STRUCTURED OR CORSETED TOP AND A STUNNING FULL SKIRT, THIS STYLE WILL HELP CREATE A GORGEOUS HOURGLASS SHAPE THAT NIPS IN THE WAIST. HIGH LOW DIPPED HEMS (HIGH AT THE FRONT AND LOW AT THE BACK) ARE SO ON-TREND FOR 2016. IT’S A HIGH-FASHION LOOK PERFECT FOR BRIDES WHO WANT TO SHOW OFF THEIR LEGS. SHIFT FIGURE-HUGGING NOT YOUR STYLE? A LOOSE SHIFT DRESS WILL SKIM OVER ANY LUMPS AND BUMPS, AND WILL HIDE A TUMMY. SLINKY THIS SLEEK, FITTED STYLE IS THE EPITOME OF ELEGANCE. PERFECT FOR TALLER BRIDES OR GIRLS WHO WANT TO SHOW…

CONTACT: KITTYANDDULCIE.COM…

The first thing to do is sit down with your fiancé and talk openly about the kind of day you want. The main ceremony options are: 1 CHURCH OF ENGLAND You may have to attend a number of Sunday services beforehand. The marriage can be authorised by calling banns on three consecutive Sundays three months before the day, or by obtaining a common licence. Church fees are from £415, with extra costs for choir, organ, etc. In Scotland, banns aren’t necessary, but 15 days’ notice must be given at a register office. 2 ROMAN CATHOLIC Take your baptism and confirmation certificates to your priest at least six months before — if one of you is unbaptised then the priest needs to give permission. You may have to attend marriage preparation…

Beth Fisher and Terry Smith held their English country garden wedding in Gloucestershire on 25th May 2015 “Terry and I wanted a traditional English country garden wedding, complete with country church and barn venue. Our ceremony was held at a beautiful 15th-century church with stained glass windows – it only held 80 guests so gave our service a really intimate feel. We then went on to The Great Tythe Barn in Tetbury for our reception. We were awestruck by the traditional features as soon as we walked in, plus we loved that guests could stay on-site. We had a 40-minute drive from the church to the wedding and were worried people would get hungry, so handed out flapjacks and cookies after the ceremony to keep everybody going until the reception!…

Holly Yates and Damien Winwood added lots of personal touches to their relaxed summer wedding on 22nd August 2015 “As soon as we pulled up to The Letchworth Centre for Healthy Living, we felt a warmth towards it. It was unique and rustic with wooden floors, high ceilings and white walls – the perfect blank canvas for a really personal wedding day. One of the things that sealed it for us was the beautiful ceremony room where we could hold our humanist service. Our celebrant, Jackie Hartley, was fantastic, and reading our personal vows to one another was one of the most emotional moments of the day. Writing them was easy as they came straight from the heart, but reading them was a different story – half way through I…

Choosing just one theme can be tricky – what if you love bright, contemporary colours and the elegance of more delicate details? This styled shoot at Islington’s Dead Dolls House shows you how to combine the two. “Inspired by the quirky glamour of the Victorian venue, we contrasted pops of colour with doll-like softness to appeal to brides and grooms for their city wedding,” says director Kiki-Sunshine Boonwaat. Warm gold accessories tied everything together perfectly for a look that’s anything but dull. CONTRIBUTORS Photographer Kate Nielen (katenielen.com) Venue Dead Dolls House, Islington (thedeaddollsclub.com) Art direction Kiki-Sunshine Boonwaat (chosenwedding.com) Props and styling Laura Stevens at Hey Style (heystyle.co.uk) Flowers Boom Blooms (boomblooms.co.uk) Paper flowers Comeuppance (comeuppance.co.uk) Cake Butter Beautiful (butterbeautifullondon.com) Stationery Jennifer’s Paper (jenniferspaper.com) Dresses Laura Hall at Lorie X (loriex.co.uk)…

GREENWAY HOTEL AND SPA, GLOUCESTERSHIRE For large weddings, the marquee in the grounds of this picturesque 16th-century manor house would be perfect. thegreenwayhotelandspa.com THORNTON MANOR, WIRRAL Choose from marquees by the lakeside, in the walled garden or in the secret woodland – all are equally magical. thorntonmanor.co.uk RIVERSIDE MARQUEE, BERKSHIRE Say your vows overlooking the Thames before treating your guests to a boat trip on the river! riversidemarquee.co.uk TOURNERBURY ESTATE, HAMPSHIRE With the sea on one side and woodland on the other, this luxury marquee is in the most beautiful setting. tournerbury.com ARDINGTON HOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE This beautiful stately home has a heated marquee by the river for up to 200 guests. ardingtonhouse.com HEVER CASTLE, KENT Although this childhood home of Anne Boleyn doesn’t have a permanent marquee, its beautiful Winter…

“Just one step to dewy, even skin – how did I ever live without this cream?” “Ideal for using in-between trims, this nourishing cream really helped to smooth out my hair.” “I’m a massive fan of this creamy eyeshadow – it’s a gorge colour and it lasts!” “My go-to palette for a night out. I love a little bit of shimmer!” “This mascara totally delivers when it comes to maximum lash impact.” “This luxurious oil removed every trace of make-up and left my skin silky-soft.” “This rich cream smells great and absorbs quickly. I’ll be using it everyday from now on.”…

NOT A ONE TRICK PONY! Chunky side fringe + textured pony = sophisticated chic. Bravo, Taylor! SIDE SWEEPER Got a fringe? Not a problem! Just comb neatly to the side like Selena has. Easy peasy! PLAYING UP Model of the moment Emily Ratajkowski shows us how to work the side-swept updo ALL HAIL THE LOB Rosie H-W is really embracing her on-trend long bob with a relaxed side parting BRING IT BACK The super-simple ear tuck is sported here by Emma Watson GO FOR GLAM Hair goddess and all-round mega-babe Nicole has polished curls totally nailed! Go online for more hair ideas: planyourperfectwedding.com…

TAKE ME THERE! STAY at the Sandals LaSource Grenada for an all-inclusive stay like no other! EXPLORE the phenomenal spice markets (the perfect place to pick up little gifts). BOOK a stay from just £215 per person per night. sandals.co.uk SANDY SHORES AWAIT! The sun-soaked paradise of Zanzibar is known for its beautiful beaches (Google it!) and it’s also home to the amazing Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa. As well as its stunning sea views, you can enjoy fine-dining and relaxing spa treatments at this luxury resort. Book from £465pn. whitesandvillas.com GRENADA WHERE? An island in the southeast Caribbean. WHY? Along with the quietest beaches in the Caribbean, this tropical island also has a luscious rainforest. WHEN? January–April is high season when rainfall is at its lowest, but…

ARIES MAR 21–APR 19 The sun in the most sociable part of your chart is helping you take the world by storm, Aries – anyone and everyone wants to be your friend! Make the most of this vibe by joining a new club or organizing some fun get-togethers. TAURUS APR 20–MAY 20 Stop hiding your light, Taurus! Modesty and shyness have held you back in your career but the time is now right to go for it and push yourself forward – and your fiancé is in your corner all the way. Now is your time to shine bright. GEMINI MAY 21–JUNE 22 Got that ‘itchy feet’ feeling, Gemini? Travel is on the horizon – it’s the perfect time for an adventurous honeymoon or relaxing pre-wedding getaway. See if you…

1 That your shoes weren’t actually in the sale. Or your ‘something borrowed’. They were in fact a triple-figure purchase. Yikes… 2 When you said you’d given up carbs and he had to as well, you were bending the truth slightly. You managed one day, then pigged out on a Pret chicken and bacon baguette in your lunch break. #dietfail 3 You lost your engagement ring last Friday night. After three nights’ of no sleep and a lot of phone calls to friends/bar managers, you found it in your boot. MASSIVE sigh of relief. 4 The Valentine’s Day underwear he bought you doesn’t fit. You wish you were a size 10 but hey, you’re still getting over those festive cheese and wine binges. 5 When you promised you weren’t going…

JO BRYANT Who? Jo is an etiquette consultant based in Sussex, and specialises in weddings. Her top tip? “When planning your wedding, think about the practicalities and comfort for guests at all times – they are as important as the bride and bridegroom.” Jo shares more advice on p61. KIKI-SUNSHINE BOONWAAT Who? As the founder of Chosen Wedding Fair, Kiki is an expert in everything wedding. She loves the creativity involved in the wedding industry. “It’s the only industry I know where everyone works so wonderfully together to prioritise making something truly special.” Turn to p216 to see the gorgeous styled shoot that Kiki created. SOPHIA APOSTOLIDES Who? Sophia is the founder of gorgeous bridal brand, Sophia Tolli. Advises brides to “really soak up the special day that they have…

"The gowns exude elegance accented with femininity" Sophia Tolli’s bridal gowns exude elegance and are accented with feminity. With its unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional fit, the Sophia Tolli collection provides an array of gorgeous, show-stopping bridal gowns to choose from. The celebrated Australian wedding dress designer uses sweetheart necklines, rich, beaded lace and sheer shoulder details to slim and accentuate the bride’s best assets. Sophia’s bridal gown collections flatter a woman’s body through the use of soft laces, textures and light-weight layering. In addition, Sophia often puts the spotlight on glamorous backs. The versatility of the designs ensures there is a gown for every wedding theme and style. “My collection has two distinct feelings: soft classic romanticism and traditional bridal drama. My signature style will always be gowns with an…

BRITISH LUXE Loved Monica Vinader’s Fiji friendship bracelets? Then check out the new pieces in her Riva collection – perfect for the contemporary bride. monicavinader.com With this dress… Big on our fashion radar this month is talented Israeli designer Berta Balilti – we watched her dresses wow the crowds at New York Bridal Week and her jaw-droppingly beautiful 2016 collection is now available in UK stockists. Turn to p116 to see more of her must-have designs. ALL ABOUT THE LACE If you’re searching for a dress that will give you elegance and wow factor, you’ll love Italian designer Anna Tumas’s 2016 collection. Effortlessly chic, her designs are handmade using delicate embroidery and luxurious fabrics. Available exclusively at Mode Bridal modebridal.co.uk Old-school glamour Want timeless style for W-day?…

Eliza Jane Howell epitomises elegance and glamour with a wide range of iconic, vintage-style gowns that are made with luxury fabrics and adorned with decadent beading. This stunning Thelma dress features flattering cap sleeves, a glamorous plunging neckline and a beautiful puddle train. Team it with sparkling jewels and faux fur for a truly fabulous ’20s look. One PWreader will win this exact gown – so for your chance of being the lucky winner, enter our competition now! For more information, visit elizajanehowell.com THE PRIZE: The Thelma gown from Eliza Jane Howell HOW TO ENTER: To enter, text ELIZA, followed by your name, email address and wedding date to 87474. Texts will be charged at £1 plus your standard network tariff rate. Or enter online at planyourperfectwedding.com Competition closes 24/02/16.…

“Our bride is contemporary, but appreciates classic bridal fashion” WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DESIGNER? I grew up surrounded by fashion. I had many of my clothes made for me by my late aunt – an amazingly talented seamstress – so, from a young age, I would choose fabrics with her, select colours and sit on her cutting table to watch the end result emerge. From that age, I knew I wanted to become a fashion designer. WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Many things... artwork, nature, movies and history, to name but a few. I also always try to imagine what kind of woman I’m designing each gown for. The bride is always at the forefront of my thinking. DO YOU HAVE ANY TREND PREDICTIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD? Silhouettes…

OUR EXPERTS ALEXANDRIA SCHIEFNER As a luxury wedding planner and founder of Alexandria Events, Alexandria knows how to throw a party. KEN O’ROURKE Charles Worthington ambassador Ken has over 30 years experience and has worked with many high-profile celebs! SARAH BUSSEY Head Designer at Ivory & Co., Sarah loves creating beautiful dresses to make brides’ dreams come true. DAN GILL Dan is the managing director of catering company Dine, which has been established in the world of catering for 17 years! FASHION Q I’ve always dreamt of having a princess dress, but I want one that’s not too fussy. Where can I find a dress with a happy medium? Carly, 27 SARAH: It is definitely possible to get a subtle, princess-style dress that’s show-stopping, but still very elegant.…

Q What is the difference between civil partnership and marriage? A: Apart from the wording and process of the actual ceremonies, the main differences come down to legalities. For example, civil partners do not have the same pension rights as married couples. Visit gov.uk for a detailed guide to the comparisons. Q Can I convert my civil partnership to a marriage? A: Yes – you can visit your local register office for a straightforward conversion or have a ceremony at an approved venue with a registrar. You’ll both need to be present and bring proof of ID and of your civil partnership – you’ll then be issued with a marriage certificate. For more info, visit thegayweddingguide.co.uk Q Can same-sex couples have a church wedding? A: Yes, but only if the…

Anne Pao and Russell Dunkley held their colour-filled wedding in De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa on 1st April 2015 “Travel isn’t just a passion for Russell and I – it’s integral to how we first met, so was an obvious choice for our wedding theme! We first started chatting after meeting on the tarmac at Dar es Salaam airport in 2012 and were sat only a row apart on the flight – the rest is history! We’re also both nature enthusiasts, and loved the idea of having an outdoor wedding reception. We went to visit De Hoop Nature Reserve and were absolutely blown away. Given that we had guests coming from Europe and the United States, it also really served as a true destination wedding in that it offered…

Joanna Elsmore and Ryan Welch held their fun-filled wedding at Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire on 1st August 2015 “Ryan and I wanted our ceremony to have a very traditional, romantic feel, but wanted the rest of the day to have a real party atmosphere with lots of entertainment for our guests. They were dancing on their chairs and around their tables before their starters even came out, so we definitely did a good job! Our venue, Hedsor House, had real wow factor and was the ideal setting for a big celebration. We chose a white, pink and silver colour scheme, and brought the space to life with lots of beautiful flowers. Euphoric Flowers were amazing to work with and totally brought my vision to life. The flowers in the wedding breakfast…

Style tip Double your décor as favours and place names by tying name tags around pretty single-stem vases. Bold yellow blooms are the perfect way to bring sunshine to your day – even if those spring showers appear!…

Crafty hen do For a hen do with a difference, book a Teas & Dos party at London’s Drink, Shop & Do. Tuck into afternoon tea (complete with cocktails, of course!) and have a go at one of the wedding-themed workshops – we fancy the origami wedding bouquet and garter making. Visit drinkshopdo.com. FABULOUS FONTS If you’re planning to hand-write your place cards or even your wedding stationery, you might as well do it beautifully! Quill London have a Beginners’ Modern Calligraphy class for just £49 to help you get your script up to speed, and classes run throughout the year. Book yours at quilllondon.com. READER OFFER The Cookie Jar is available for the special price of £11.99 including postage and packaging (RRP £16.99) by telephoning Macmillan Direct on 01256…

GOSFIELD HALL, ESSEX This former Royal residence has a gorgeous oak-panelled gallery for your ceremony, complete with 120ft aisle, and offers exclusive use of the 20 beautiful bedroom suites for you and your guests. countryhouseweddings.co.uk/ gosfield-hall LEEZ PRIORY, CHELMSFORD A magnificent Tudor mansion, set in 40 acres of parkland with lakes, lawns and a sweeping driveway. The bride and bridesmaids can even stay in a hidden cottage within the grounds the night before! leez-priory.co.uk ST AUDRIES PARK, SOMERSET With views of the Quantock Hills and a spectacular mansion house to party in, St Audries Park is one of the South West’s leading venues. Its glass orangery is the perfect place for a romantic ceremony, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and old-world elegance. countryhouseweddings.co.uk/ somerset-st-audries-park CLEARWELL CASTLE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE Set within the stunning Forest of…

THE PANEL DESIGNER Katie Adams “I’m new to the world of hair primers and I’m keen to see the results.” READER Kristie Rollings “Hopefully a hair primer will make sure my W-day style stays in for longer.” WE TEST HAIR PRIMERS HAIRDRESSER’S INVISIBLE OIL PRIMER, BUMBLE AND BUMBLE. £20.50 Katie says “I love the fact that this one comes with heat protection. Plus, it left my hair looking de-frizzed and so soft!” Kristie says “Finally, my static hair is tamed! I love this primer.” ANTI-FRIZZ PRIMER, JOHN FRIEDA £9.99 Katie says “This one is very rich so it’s probably best for brides with thicker hair as it weighed my locks down a bit.” Kristie says “The pump dispenser made it really easy to use. My hair felt great when I…

1 Is there any better way to celebrate the big day than with something decent to sip on? With two bottles of Veuve Clicquot for just £55 and six bottles of Kumala Western Cape for £16 onboard a P&O ferry from Dover to Calais, the answer is obvious, and won’t hurt your wallet. 2 Smelling as beautiful as the bridal bouquet is an absolute must. But it needn’t break the piggybank. Make the congregation’s nostrils thoroughly jealous with Paco Rabanne Olympéa EDP 80ml for £55.20 (RRP £69) and Jimmy Choo Illicit EDP 100ml at just £62.40 (RRP £78) onboard. 3 Why not show the bridesmaids some love without burning a hole in your (wedding dress) pocket? Elegant Orelia Thank You Gift Cards are the perfect way of saying, well, thank…

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