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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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| Cover image provided by Natalie J Weddings, www.nataliejweddings.com |
| |  | Chalkboard chic
Black and white weddings are bigger than ever
| That little white dress
Real brides, readers and the County Weddings team give their verdict on the most popular short wedding dresses
| It's a girl thing
Achieve your ultimate squad goals by picking bridesmaid dresses that'll keep the whole gang happy
| Wedding wellness
Tips and tricks for feeling your big-day best
| Chatty man
Essex's Gregg Whyman gives his top tips for the ultimate best man speech
| Confessions of a... Bride(zilla)
Brides show their sassy sides and share secrets they've bottled up since the big day
| Ealing & Brent
Get a load of these local lovelies
| Togs for my #squad
Find the perfect fit for your entire bridal party with our guide to London's hottest occasionwear designers…
| Honeymoon news
From Antigua to Devon, we reveal the hottest new openings around the world for a memorable post-wedding getaway
| In the pink
Rachelle and Joe chose a pink and white colour scheme for their traditional wedding
| | Plus... | | Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more | | | | Next Issue Out | | 29th April, 2016 |
| Q&A: Fashion and beauty |
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Hat, hat, hooray!
Q My mum is desperate to wear a hat for our wedding but we’re planning a relaxed do with a spring theme. Do you have any suggestions for a hat that won’t look too formal and out of place on our big day?
A Katherine Elizabeth Millinery says: I think it’s absolutely lovely that your mum would like to wear a hat in keeping with the relaxed spring theme, I’d suggest a headpiece. These fit neatly to the side of your head and are more discreet – that way your mum can have a fabulous hairstyle too.
I’d suggest something light, for example a cream and yellow piece, but obviously it would have to coordinate with her outfit.
If you don’t want the hat to be the same colour as the dress, I’d suggest choosing a headpiece in a neutral colour, and adorning it with one or two feathers to pick up a shade in your mum’s gown. Make sure the colours suit her; to check, simply hold the hat under her chin before purchasing, you’ll quickly be able to tell whether the hat drains her or complements her complexion.
www.katherineelizabethhats.com/HatEvents
Experts answer more questions on page 108 of the current issue. |
| Togs for my #Squad |
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Find the perfect fit for your entire bridal party with our guide to London’s hottest occasionwear designers…
Bridesmaids
Dress the leading ladies in your life to impress with help from our local experts…
However much you love your best buddies, and however many boutiques you’ve trawled together, there’s something about shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses that seems to divide rather than conquer.
For a start, it’s unlikely that your friends will share the same size, shape or skin tone, so finding something to suit everyone is no mean feat.
Luckily, the top trends are in your favour. “Mixing and matching styles within a bridal party is huge right now,” explains Katherine Canegmi, associate buyer, Bridesmaids at David’s Bridal. “There are many ways to achieve this look while keeping your bridal party cohesive. Most of our brides pick the colour and length, leaving the bridesmaids to select a style to flatter.”
Catharina Eden, owner of My Eden bridal boutique agrees. “I’ve noticed that most of my brides have opted for something nontraditional for their maids. They usually friends to do the rest.”
Of course, if you want it your way or the highway, you’d better be prepared to foot the bill – you’ll find bridesmaids asked to contribute towards, or pay for their outfit will expect to have considerably more say in the matter. “In the UK, it’s generally traditional for the bride to cover the cost of her maids’ dresses, though budget-conscious brides may well ask for a monetary contribution – if that’s the case, i’s generally expected that maids would have more say in what they wear,” confirms Katherine.
As for timings, it’s always best to leave plenty of time for what can be an exhaustive search. “To avoid any additional stress, start the hunt well in advance,” advises Catharina. “For bespoke gowns, allow at least six months, if not more.”
www.davidsbridal.co.uk
www.my-eden.co.uk |
| Hot topic: Spring style |
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Whatever the weather
Q I love the idea of an outdoor wedding, but as we’re tying the knot in spring, which is a bit unpredictable. Is there a way to weather-proof our big-day plans?
A Stylish Events Dominique Douglas says: Many couples dream of a spring wedding in lovely sunshine, with their guests sipping champagne in an elegant garden. Sadly, all too many have their vision dampened by rain and a cold wind.
No matter what time of year, you’ll need to consider the weather conditions and factor in a plan B. Your wedding venue should be able to assist you with a wet weather option; this could include having your drinks reception or dinner inside, instead of in the garden. You may also be able to put up a marquee or gazebo in the garden, which can look very pretty.
The main thing to remember is not to stress over it too much. There are so many other things to consider when you’re planning your wedding, so I always suggest to my couples that they should concentrate on the things they can control, and goodness knows we cannot control the weather, especially in Britain!
www.stylishevents.com
Experts answer more spring-style questions on page 123 of the current issue. |
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| Togs for my #Squad |
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So you've sorted the venue, you've booked the photographer but what on earth are you all going to wear? Never fear, ladies, simply flick to our massive 15-page fashion special, starting on page 75. From dressing your best girls to picking out accessories to complement your dress, we've got you and your squad covered. Oh, and a special mention has to go to the fabulous shoes on page 87 and 101. Carrie Bradshaw eat your heart out.
Talking of bridesmaids, serious hat's off to cover girl and real bride Catherine, whose crew looked a picture in mix-and-match pastel, 50s-style dresses (turn to page 51 to see for yourself).
If you fancy yourself as our next cover star, then don't forget to tell us all about your big day - you can enter your nuptials for our real wedding section or fabulous Wedding of the Year competition on our website.
Happy planning!
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| Georgina Cassels, Editor |
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Make sure you email editor@yourlondon
weddingmagazine.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a honeymoon in the Seychelles, worth more than £3,000 |
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Enter now for your chance to honeymoon at not one but two Hilton spa resorts in the Seychelles
If jetting off to the Seychelles 'just married' doesn't sound dreamy enough, how about a twin-centre honeymoon where you'll experience two award-winning hotels in one trip?
The first is the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa – the only resort on the third largest island in the Seychelles, Silhouette, which boasts its own tropical forest and skyscraping mountains, and sits along a 1.5km stretch of powder-soft beach. A short 20-minute helicopter ride from Seychelles International Airport in Mahé, or a 45-minute boat trip via Bel Ombre Jetty, it's a relaxing retreat.
The villas, of which there are five types, all have a tropical-chic vibe and offer a luxurious back-to-nature experience.
As well as an infinity pool, the resort boasts the Silhouette Spa, complete with couples' therapy suites – with unrivalled views no less – and an impressive treatment menu.
Foodie couples can indulge at its excellent selection of bars and dining venues, and adventure-seekers can trek through one of the Seychelles' largest National Parks.
Mid-way through your stay, you'll swan from one beachside hideaway to another, the second being the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, situated among the coves of Beau Vallon Bay on Mahé. With a rich history as one of the Seychelles' first hotels, and with no guests under the age of 13, this resort is a haven for couples seeking luxury comfort.
Located 25 minutes from the airport, it offers a choice of three modern villa categories, including its 16 new, breathtaking Grand Oceanview Pool Villas.
Like Labriz, this resort also boasts a crystal-clear Marine Reserve, a fresh water infinity pool and a wellness spa. The Spa features a relaxation area, steam room and a whole host of holistic treatments.
Not only will this haven provide a serene spot to reflect on tying the knot but its stunning setting is known to inspire – James Bond creator Ian Fleming wrote one of his most famous 007 stories For Your Eyes Only here.
Dining at this resort is described as an epicurean experience – from pre- and post-dinner cocktails under starry skies to international fare and flavoursome grills. After a honeymoon at these two hotspots, you won't be able to imagine life anywhere else!
The prize - Three nights in a Garden Villa at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis
- Three nights in a King Hillside Villa at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis
- Boat and airport transfers included
(Flights and UK transfers not included) |
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| Enter here |
| The hot ticket |
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| Image provided by www.louisebjorling.com |
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The Wedding Fair at ExCeL, London is the ultimate day out for wedding inspiration, where you can try, buy, book and hire everything for your perfect day. Showcasing more than 150 of the finest wedding suppliers from the South East including London, Essex, Kent and Herts & Beds, everything is covered from venues to favours, transport to catering, stationery to cakes, and much more. There’ll also be eight beautiful catwalk shows throughout the two-day show with stunning gowns for every bride, as well as menswear, bridesmaids’ dresses and occasionwear, The Essential Bridalwear Collection where you can try on your favourites, free expert workshops and live entertainment too!
Don’t miss… - Creative Brides Craft Corner – Handy tips and live demonstrations to help you create a totally unique and memorable wedding.
- Prosecco Bar with bubbly aplenty!
- Plus, live entertainment stage to preview the best wedding entertainment acts.
Taking place at ExCeL, London on 16th – 17th April, 2016. Use code MEY36 to save 1/3rd off on standard tickets - www.theweddingfairs.com |
| The verve |
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| Image provided by Natalie J Weddings |
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Indie fans Catherine and Daniel planned a wedding to remember with vintage brights and personal touches galore
Having lived together for a couple of years, London -based couple Daniel and Catherine were on holiday in the Algarve when he slipped a Victorian diamond cluster ring on her finger on the beach one evening – a surprise proposal, although as Catherine admits, “I not-so-secretly hoped it would happen.”
The couple spent 11 months planning their big day, taking inspiration from their love for all things classic. “The wedding had a loose vintage theme that naturally emerged through our love for all things old and retro.” explains Catherine. Having first met in an Indie club, the couple found choosing the soundtrack to their day particularly enjoyable. “Picking music for the ceremony was the easiest part of planning our wedding,” she says. “My dad walked me down the aisle to Vitamin String Quartet’s version of God Only Knows – it’s one of my favourite songs about love. As we were getting married on a Friday, we walked out to Friday I’m in Love, by The Cure.”
Co-ordinating the whole day to run like clockwork was a far greater challenge, however, as Catherine reveals, “In hindsight, timing everything right, while allowing time for things to go wrong was the trickiest part. The Routemaster bus we’d hired was hijacked by another wedding party (don’t ask!), so there was quite a delay in getting our guests to the reception. It could have been our worst nightmare but everyone was so busy chatting in the sunshine that they didn’t seem to notice that everything wasn’t going according to plan.”
On page 51 of the current issue, Catherine tells us more about their big day.
www.nataliejweddings.com |
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A subscription for 6 issues will cost even less at just £17.60!
Alternatively, if you want to read Your London Wedding on your Smartphone or Tablet
you can order a complete eMagazine for just £1.49
To order, please visit our website at www.yourlondonweddingmagazine.com or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Forthcoming Events | | | | Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. | | | | To view more events, please visit the events page on our website. | | | | The Wedding Fair at ExCeL | | ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London E16 1XL | | Web: theweddingfairs.com/excel-london/ | | Dates: Sat, 16 Apr 2016 - Sun, 17 Apr 2016 | | Time: 10am - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday | | | | Oatlands Park Hotel Spring Wedding Show | | 146 Oatlands Dr, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9HB | | Web: www.crystalblushevents.co.uk | | Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2016 | | Time: 11am - 3pm | | |
| New venue alert! |
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Fine-dining restaurant Bombay Brasserie is now licenced to host civil marriages and partnerships. The restaurant offers two luxurious ceremony spaces, both recently refurbished to chime with the restaurant’s colonial style. The Conservatory seats 110 guests and boasts an external seating area, complete with hanging pendants and sumptuous cushions, while the glamorous Main Room with its chandeliers and grand piano, can accommodate 150 loved ones.
For more information, call 0207 370 4040 or visit the website www.bombayb.co.uk |
| All aboard! |
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Thames Luxury Charters
Thames Luxury Charters offers a fleet of boats suitable for celebrations large and small. Choose from the grand and luxurious Dixie Queen – a replica paddle steamer that resembles the cruisers of the Mississippi – fellow replica paddle steamer, the quintessentially British Elizabethan, the Edwardian, with its elegant wood-panelled interiors or the contemporary, triple-deck Erasmus, which boasts a bright, spacious layout.
These beautiful boats offer an ever-changing backdrop – a veritable show reel of London landmarks – as they cruise along the Thames. What’s more, they can dock at various piers throughout the city, allowing guests to hop on and off, not to mention oodles of photo opportunities for the happy couple.
While not licensed for ceremonies, there’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to your reception. With a maximum capacity ranging from 620 guests on the capacious Dixie Queen, to 90 friends and family on the more intimate Edwardian, there’s scope for any and every theme, and the in-house event coordinators are more than happy to realise your wildest dreams.
Ceremony licence? No
Contact: 020 7357 7751
www.thamesluxurycharters.co.uk
Turn to page 33 of the current issue for of London's riverboats. |
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