Table of contents for Fashion Special 2018 in Perfect Wedding

Once you’re engaged, the barage of questions start – whether you’ve chosen the venue; if you’ll be having a religious ceremony; have you set a date; whether Uncle Brian can invite his girlfriend of two minutes, and, of course, what sort of dress you’re looking for. If you literally don’t know where to begin with the dress search, we suggest that you first look at the type of venue you’ve booked/are hoping to book. It’s all very well having a sexy, fitted fishtail gown in a grand manor house, but it might seem slightly out of kilter at your festival, woodland wedding. Equally, a big skirt and veil combination will look amazing as you walk the large aisle of a church, but on a beach in Ibiza? Not so much.…

Emily and Paul “Paul and I got engaged a day before our 10-year anniversary while we were away at Disneyland Paris.” Georgina and Peter “We had spent a day wine-tasting while on holiday in France, when Peter asked me to marry him.” Kate and Adam “Adam asked me to marry him while we were away on a bucket-list trip – staying in a glass igloo in Finland!” Mary and James “James took me to Lake Garda for my birthday and proposed on our balcony overlooking the lake.”…

1. VENUE The venue is often the biggest spend, so if you want to save money here it pays to think outside the box. Instead of country houses and hotels, consider places that aren’t traditional venues such as village halls, schools and art galleries. If you’re after a laid-back do, see if you can hire out a local field for your celebration. If your parents or in-laws have a big garden, why not think about holding your reception at home? The savings are huge, plus you get to totally put your stamp on it – win, win! Another way to shave some zeros off your spend is to book off-peak, whether that’s mid-week or in the evening. And don’t be afraid to haggle on price! 2. Stationery If you’re on…

BARN Ahh, a barn – one of our favourite venues to dress for! Up the romance with a dash of lace in your dress and wait for the “oohs” as you float down that aisle. DESTINATION Saying your ‘I do’s in the sun, or just love the laid-back look? Light, floaty fabrics are beach-wedding ready and easily packable. Simply kick off your heels and you’re good to go! CASTLE A high drama setting calls for a high drama wedding dress. You’ll feel like every inch the bride in a full-skirted, glamorous knock-out gown. CITY HALL Low-key, chic and oh-so slick – city hall brides are some of the coolest around. Work the look with a fuss-free dress or jumpsuit for a seriously fashion-forward vibe. FESTIVAL If you’re throwing a wedfest,…

THIS FITTED GOWN IS MADE FOR GLIDING DOWN THE AISLE GO FOR EXTRA GLAMOUR WITH A LONG, FLOWING SKIRT CONTACT: KENNETHWINSTON.COM…

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…

SARAH SLATER AND DAVID CARR SAID ‘I DO’ AT ROCKLIFFE HALL IN DARLINGTON ON FEBRUARY 18TH 2017 “Our wedding was a really classic affair. We wanted everything to be clean and elegant with touches of white and gold. Our ceremony took place at Rockliffe Hall in their breathtaking Victorian orangery, which we chose for its stunning glass ceilings and abundance of natural light. The grandness of this incredible room allowed for an unforgettable entrance. When choosing my dress, I knew I wanted a simple, timeless gown which exuded effortless style. I fell in love with a design by Rosa Clará (which had a full satin skirt and a short hem at the front to show off my shoes). It was as light as air, allowing me to move gracefully. I…

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Harry Potter and Downton Abbey both filmed scenes at this beautiful, historic castle. alnwickcastle.com Luton Hoo, Bedfordshire A stunning five-star hotel that featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral. hitched.co.uk Somerset House, London Full of contemporary arts and culture, this stylish building was where some of Love Actually was shot. somersethouse.org.uk Kenwood House, London One of London’s hidden gems, as seen in Notting Hill, with decadent chandeliers and idyllic photo opportunities. english-heritage.org.uk FOR MORE AMAZING VENUES, VISIT HITCHED.CO.UK…

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WHITE OUT Our stunning cover bouquet was created by Lavender Green Flowers – an all- white arrangement will create a beautiful impact on your wedding day. BLUSHING BRIDE “I love this make-up look – a sweet sun-kissed glow is a must for any bride on her big day. Sweep your chosen blusher across the apple of your cheek for a pretty flush of pink. For the hair, I used the Paul Mitchell Neuro Curl to achieve big, loose waves and finished with a shine spray. Gorgeous!”…

TEAM DREAM Bridal fashion legend, Jenny Packham, has teamed up with shoe designer L.K.Bennett to create the ultimate big-day shoe collection. Want. Them. All! BELLE BOHEME If you’re a no-shoes kinda bride, the new collection from Minna ( minna.co.uk ) will be your dream come true. Think sheer fabrics, fluid lines and pretty lace sleeves. 3 NEW BRIDAL fragrances YOU’LL LOVE! These new scents are 100% wedding-worthy THE EYES HAVE IT Bridal make-up doesn’t have to mean barely-there – we’re all about a smouldering eye. The new Eyes of Tom Ford collection has jumped right to the top of our lust list – think rich shades, suede-like textures and intense kohls. tomford.com ROCK PANTONE’S COLOUR OF THE YEAR Ultra Violet is officially the hottest colour trend right now. Here’s how…

FASHION FIRST There’s something seriously striking about the Fall 2018 drop from Zuhair Murad. The gowns feel wild and untamed, yet so romantic – layers of tulle, dramatic overskirts, and strategically placed detailing all add up to a fierce aesthetic. Brides who dare to be different, these are for you. zuhairmurad.com JUMP TO IT As far as bridesmaid style goes, jumpsuits are the latest trend to hit the big time and we’re all over the look. Modern, cool and so timeless – what’s not to love? Here are just a few of our faves… RIGHT ON CUE Just when we thought our obsession with tassels was over, these beauties drop! Forget earrings, the coolest brides are wearing them on their feet – push the boat out and treat yourself to…

BOHO HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GLAM THIS GOWN IS MADE FOR A MODERN DAY PRINCESS CONTACT: SASSIHOLFORD.COM…

GO GREEN SAM SMITH PUTS A TWIST ON TRADITION, STYLING UP A CLASSIC BLACK SUIT WITH A FLASH OF GREEN. SUAVE STYLE MADE IN CHELSEA’S RESIDENT STYLE GURU OLIVER PROUDLOCK SHOWS US HOW TO WORK A COOL, PATTERNED THREE-PIECE SUIT.…

The first thing to do is talk openly with your fiancé about the 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 £456 in your home parish, 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 talks…

ALEXANDRA MAMATOVA AND DANIEL CALVER GOT MARRIED AT ARTINA VILLA IN ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE ON FRIDAY 5TH MAY 2017 “We have friends and family all over the world, including Moscow, London, Dubai and Geneva, so we wanted to get married somewhere that was accessible for everyone. We also wanted to celebrate for more than a day, so we decided to incorporate a seven-day holiday around the wedding and invite people to come and stay for as long as they could. Having the wedding in May, in Greece, was ideal. The sea was warm and the countryside was green and full of spring flowers. The villa itself was exceptional – sheer perfection! The look of our day was Grecian elegance – olive leaves, white peonies. draped linens and rustic furniture. The day…

MAUREEN WATT AND PIETER GRAHAM CELEBRATED THEIR WEDDING AT CASTLE CULCREUCH IN FINTRY ON 17TH JUNE 2017 “We wanted somewhere quintessentially Scottish for our wedding, and Castle Culcreuch was just that. It took our breath away with its beautiful grounds, rolling hills and views of the loch. Inside, the castle had roaring log fires and plenty of room for all our guests to stay. Even though Pieter isn’t Scottish per say, his family name ‘Graham’ is and they have their own tartan, so our colour scheme was based around the white, dark navy and dark green of this. We really wanted the wedding to be unique, so we designed a lot of it ourselves. Our tables were numbered with images of us when we were one year old, two years…

Elevate your cake to another level of wow with super-stylish calligraphy detail across the main tier Set in the atmospheric venue of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, this beautiful shoot is the perfect moodboard for a sumptuous wedding celebration. “Using a rich colour scheme of orange, gold and deep red, carried through from the whimsical floral displays to the dramatic multi-tiered cake, we wanted to create a luxurious, vintage style,” explains stylist Alexandra Rose. Romantic handwritten calligraphy love notes, tactile table settings and touches of copper make this a seriously hot wedding theme for 2018. CONTRIBUTORS Photography Weddings by Nicola & Glen (weddingsbynicolaandglen.com) Venue The Bodleian Library (bodleian.ox.ac.uk) Planning, styling and flowers Alexandra Rose Weddings (alexandraroseweddings.com) Cake MonAnnie Cakes (monanniecakes.com) Catering Ross and Ross Food (rossandrossfood.co.uk) Calligraphy MangoTree London (instagram.com/mangotreelondon) Bridal wear…

OH SO SWEET Hen do causing dilemmas? Don’t worry, we’ve found the perfect solution. A Macaron and Martini-making workshop at Ohlala’s HQ in London. Not only will you learn two essential life skills but you get to eat and drink unlimited macarons and martinis (yes really!). Just don’t forget to invite us, OK? Book now at ohlala.co 1. IT’S A GOLD GLITTER BALL THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR MARQUEE INTO A DISCO TENT. NEED WE SAY MORE? SPINNING GOLD GLITTER BALL, DOTTIE EVENTS AND HIRE £200 INCLUDING LIGHTS 2. WHO NEEDS A PHOTO BOOTH WHEN YOU HAVE A VINTAGE BACKDROP AS BEAUTIFUL AS THIS? ODETTE SHUTTERS, VIRGINIA’S VINTAGE HIRE £30 A PAIR 3. GO RUSTIC WITH YOUR SWEET STATION! DOUGHNUTS OPTIONAL… SWEET STATION, THE LITTLE LENDING COMPANY £60 SAVE ON STYLING…

BEST FOR A CHIC CITY W-DAY ANDAZ LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET, LONDON Located in the heart of East London, right by Liverpool Street station, this beautiful Victorian building is the epitome of Cool Britannia. Inside, the incredible staircases and modern furnishings deliver the wow-factor – we loved our boutique room complete with free minibar! The hotel boasts a number of wedding packages, but for an unforgettable day hunt out the secret Masonic Temple room. Prices from £169 per night in a Queen Room. londonliverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.com BEST FOR A COUNTRYSIDE WEDDING ELLENBOROUGH PARK, CHELTENHAM Sitting in stunning grounds overlooking the Cheltenham Racecourse, Ellenborough Park is a beautiful manor house perfect for a stunning Cotswolds’ wedding. Our stay involved relaxing in our gorgeous suite – complete with roll top bath – indulging in afternoon…

MASCARAS LONG, FLUTTERY LASHES ARE ON EVERY BRIDES WISH LIST. BUT WHICH OF THESE DELIVERS? 1. LASTING IMPRESSION MASCARA, ELIZABETH ARDEN £22 CHRISTIANNE One sweep of this gave me longer, thicker lashes – I’m impressed. LUCY-ROSE This really made the most of my fine lashes and didn’t budge all day. I absolutely love this mascara! 2. LASH PRINCESS, ESSENCE £3.30 CHRISTIANNE It’s a great price, but this did smudge a bit during the day. LUCY-ROSE The formula is very thick, so I struggled to apply this mascara without it clumping on my lashes. 3. SUPER LONG LASHES, BENECOS £7.95 CHRISTIANNE If you’re after dramatic, false-lash effect mascara, this is a great buy at a very reasonable price. LUCY-ROSE Natural and animal-friendly, this did a very good job of separating and…

If you’ve always dreamt of getting married abroad, basked in sun and enjoying local delicacies and traditions with your loved ones, then you definitely need to consider Croatia. Every day that we spent exploring the Istria region confirmed that this is the place to be for romance! Staying at the Rivalmare hotel (northistria.com/en/rivalmare), in Novigrad, was such a joy. Situated right on the seafront, this boutique hotel only has 12 rooms, meaning you get a truly personalised stay. With stunning views, this would be the perfect place to check in for a post-wedding minimoon. The nearby city of Rovinj, well-known for being one of the most romantic Mediterranean cities, offers a number of wedding venues, most notably Hotel Katarina (maistra.com/island-hotelkatarina-rovinj), accessible only by boat. Imagine holding your reception al fresco,…

AQUARIUS JAN 21–FEB 19 Don’t feel guilty about spending money on yourself. Getting a new look will give you lots of pleasure and projecting a fashionable image will improve your prospects for success. Putting yourself out for your partner’s family by doing them a special favour will please them. PISCES FEB 20–MAR 20 If there’s something troubling you, the best thing you can do is confront others. Keeping worries to yourself could cause problems. Anyone can say those three little words but the best way to measure your partner’s feelings is to pay attention to their loving actions. ARIES MAR 21–APR 20 Life is settling into a nice routine – but, Aries, you don’t particularly like routine. You want surprise, excitement, and some drama even, so that relationships don’t become…

Pinch-me moments Real bride Kat was thrilled to see her stunning photos in our ‘Real Bride Style Icons’ feature. “Our wedding was featured in Perfect Wedding magazine,”she posted. “Someone pinch me!” MODERN BRIDE This incredible embellished two-piece combo (with super cute ring bearer) is a total winner on Pinterest, with loads of you saving it for dress inspo. SCENT-SATIONAL WANT TO SMELL LIKE A GODDESS ALL DAY LONG? OUR LONG-LASTING PERFUME HACKS WENT DOWN AN ABSOLUTE STORM ON THE WEBSITE THIS MONTH. WHO KNEW YOU SHOULD NEVER RUB YOUR WRISTS TOGETHER?! SUPER SUCCULENTS Thought cute mini cacti were the ultimate on-trend big day favour? Well, we can do one better – these adorable (and delicious) succulent cupcakes were a huge hit on Instagram. 61 % OF YOU GUESSED THAT YOUR…

GORGEOUS W-DAY DÉCOR IDEAS TO WOW YOUR GUESTS Save these snaps of amazing set-ups and genius wedding inspo ALL OF YOUR WEDDING DAY PLANNING SORTED WITH ONE EASY CLICK We’ve got all your big day problems sorted – from bridesmaid dress stresses to guest list panic THE TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RIGHT NOW From chic stripes to high splits – we have all the gowns you need to see PREPARE TO PIN! GORGEOUS DETAILS YOU NEED TO SAVE Take a look at our boards of beautiful bouquets and oh-so cute favours HOW TO BEAT THE WEDSTRESS AND ACTUALLY ENJOY YOUR DAY Sort your wedmin with must-read advice from the planning experts…

BOTANICAL DETAILS FLORAL GOWNS HAVE NEVER BEEN PRETTIER THAN THESE TRAILING BEAUTIES. CHOOSE SHEER ILLUSION NECKLINES WITH TATTOO FLORAL LACE THAT BLOSSOMS AND BLOOMS OVER YOUR SHOULDERS, DÉCOLLETAGE AND BACK. COMBINE THE STYLE WITH LAYERS OF DREAMY TULLE FOR A ROMANTIC BIG DAY LOOK. DETACHED SLEEVES WE HAVE LOVED THE OFF-THE-SHOULDER TREND EVER SINCE AMAL CLOONEY ROCKED THAT AMAZING OSCAR DE LA RENTA GOWN BACK IN 2014, BUT THE CLASSIC NECKLINE HAS HAD A HIGH-FASHION OVERHAUL. THE RESULT IS SERIOUSLY SEXY BARE SHOULDERS COMBINED WITH DRAMATIC STATEMENT SLEEVES – LOVE. SLEEK & SIMPLE NOT A FAN OF LOTS OF FUSSY DETAILS? CHIC, ELEGANT SILHOUETTES ARE GOING TO BE HUGE, WITH MANY DESIGNERS OPTING FOR SIMPLE, FORM-FITTING GOWNS THAT LEAVE BRIDES FREE TO SHOW OFF THEIR NATURAL STYLE. TEAM WITH A…

OUR EXPERTS SARAH LINDSAY  Celebrity Trainer, ROAR fitness ANDREA BAUER-KADHIM  Director, Wild Peacock Fine Food and Events JACOB FLYNN  Press Executive, Paradox London Pink JOANNA RHODES Managing Director and Owner of Hayford & Rhodes CHARLIE BREAR  Creative Director & Founder at Charlie Brear CHRISTOPHER MILLS  Creative Director at The Events Mill FASHION Q. We’re having a ceremony at a registry office, but going on to our marquee reception later. What sort of dress would work for both? Lauren, 31 CHARLIE: With the wedding being split into two different locations, it’s the perfect opportunity to create two unique looks for your day. A simple dress such as our Salentino gown can be transformed into a bespoke look for the ceremony by layering with a beautiful separate, such as our Keala top,…

...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 silverware? 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 should…

JADE MASON AND JACK ASHTON CELEBRATED THEIR DAY IN A MARQUEE IN THE LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE ON 24TH JUNE 2017 “Jack and I both grew up in farming families and spent a lot of our childhood in the local countryside, so when it came to getting married, a country wedding was the only option! We hired a marquee and used my parents’ field, meaning we had no restrictions on noise and guest numbers and could invite our large circle of friends and family. We wanted a really relaxed day and our colour scheme reflected that – natural creams and botanical greens with a hint of pretty blush pink. The whole look was rustic with a glamorous twist. With a large white marquee to fill, we decided to go big on flowers,…

JOANNE GREENSHIELDS AND BEN CROWTHER WED AT WELLINGTON BARN, WILTSHIRE ON SUNDAY 7TH MAY 2017 “Ben and I knew that we wanted a country wedding, and so the moment we saw our venue we fell in love! We didn’t even bother viewing any others – it was so peaceful and you could see nothing but fields all around it. The barn itself offered breathtaking views and the rustic, down-to-earth feel that we wanted for our day. We liked the idea of having bunting, but struggled to find any that matched our colour scheme of sage green with hints of gold. We decided to source material ourselves and tasked Ben’s grandma with the job of making 150 metres of it! We also collected jars that we decorated with hessian and lace,…

1 SUSPENDED CAKES Move over tassel backdrops, the cake table has a brand new styling trend to show off. That’s right… #cakeswings are trending. 2. UNDO YOUR BOUQUET JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT FLOWERS COULDN’T GET ANY MORE WILD, THE LOOK FOR 2018 IS ‘BARELY DONE’. IMAGINE YOU’VE JUST SCOOPED THEM UP FROM THE MEADOW… 3 MEALS ON WHEELS Want to wow your guests with the latest catering trend? “There’s been a move towards more relaxed food of late,” says Sandy Moretta, Director of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners (ukawp.com). “Whether it’s fish and chips, pizza, carts of deli meats or a series of food stations offering a wide variety of cuisines, guests love the surprise.” 4 The new CHANDELIER Beautiful crystal chandeliers never fail to impress, but if you…

LONG HAIR, DON’T CARE Dreaming of luscious, long locks for your wedding day but your hair isn’t quite as ‘Rapunzel’ as you’d like it to be? If time’s running out, there’s a totally simple solution – Luxe Volume Clip-in extensions from Hair Rehab London. They’ll seamlessly blend in with your hair to create a voluminous, au-naturale look. We won’t tell if you don’t! W-DAY TREAT Go all out for your day and treat yourself to Tom Ford’s Black Orchid Hair Mist (£50) SULTRY MAKE-UP The gorgeous Bella Hadid is the face of the NARS Colour Collection, a range that features some seriously cool, shimmery products. And who better to take wedding make-up inspo from than a Victoria’s Secret model? PUCKER UP With all that chatting, smiling and kissing (obvs!) on…

DON’T WORRY, BE APPY There really is an App for everything these days – even to help combat your emotional health. My Possible Self is the UK’s first self-help app that contains content clinically proven to relieve the symptoms of stress, anxiety and mild depression. mypossibleself.com THE HUNT IS ON Thought you’d heard of every type of diet possible? Bet you haven’t come across the Hadza diet. Inspired by the Hadza tribe, a small group of hunter-gatherers in Tanzania, it involves eating seasonal food, filling up on fibre, cutting out processed foods and eating only when you’re hungry. Healthy gut, here we come!…

SPOT ORANGUTANS IN BORNEO Fancy meeting some of the world’s rarest apes in an away-from-it-all jungle paradise? Yes, us too! In Borneo you can observe orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, then relax in your very own jungle lodge on the Kinabatangan River. Take a river cruise for the chance to see orangutans in the wild, plus pygmy elephants, playful monkeys and lots more, before returning to your lodge to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the forest. BOOK IT! Virgin Holidays (virginholidays.co.uk) offer a 10-day Jungles and Orangutans guided tour, including flights, accommodation and some meals, from £1,599pp. SEARCH FOR POLAR BEARS IN THE ARCTIC Don your thermals for a polar adventure in the Norwegian Arctic, where you’ll board the MS Expedition to explore breathtaking icy landscapes…