Innholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2016 i You and Your Wedding

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Tell us about your wedding plans for our annual 21st Century Bride Survey and be in with a chance to win a five-star getaway to Scotland WORTH £3000 ! Turn to page 147 for details Over the years, I’ve been to more weddings than I can count on all of my limbs combined and have held pretty much every key role (bride, bridesmaid, matron of honour, even best “man” at my dad and stepmum’s celebration). But a few summers ago I found myself in quite possibly the most high-pressure one of all: ceremony musician. Let me explain: I sing with the all-female Lips Choir (think pop harmonies, not hymns), and one of our fellow choristers, Lucy, was tying the knot, rustic-style, in a Gloucestershire…

You might want to cut down the guest list to a select few with this extravagant boxed invitation, but – with room for your invite and information cards plus a secret layer to hide a gift – the spurge will pay dividends when it comes to style. For a budget-friendly twist, check out Candy Floss Creations’s range of foodie favours from £1 and add one to your invitations as a special treat. • Luxury dupioni silk gift-box invite, from £60, ER Stationery…

You’re known for your embellished shoes and accessories. Did moving into jewellery feel like a natural transition? Yes, completely natural. The DNA of our Emmy London collection lends itself so well to jewellery because of all the intricate embellishments that we do. From meeting brides I get a good insight into what they’re looking for and how they want to complete the look, so it’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Obviously, my area of expertise is in shoes and leather, so I wanted to do it with the experts, and H Samuel seemed like the perfect choice. How did you translate your aesthetic from shoes to jewellery? I started the design process by looking at our shoes and working out what makes our brand…

TELL US, FACEBOOK BRIDES! Your top song picks for a more unusual frst dance? Rebecca W Shut Up And Dance by Walk The Moon. Neither of us want to shuffe uncomfortably around the dance foor, so we’re just going to have a boogie. Verity M We had Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody. One of my favourite photos is of my new husband spinning me around with our guests throwing some serious shapes in the background! Val W We had Pearl Jam’s Future Days – my husband’s choice. Even the aunts and uncles were dancing. STEAL THESE DETAILS Check out a new real wedding on Twitter, Instagram and the website every week THE FORUM CONVERSATIONS YOU NEED TO JOIN  youandyourwedding.co.uk/forum Brides-to-be talk dress dilemmas... “I’ve realised it’s so not me! I tried…

There’s a lot to take care of when you’re getting married, so when it comes to your gift list, why not let the experts help you? Established more than 25 years ago, The Wedding Shop is the leading gift list provider, offering you everything you could want, all in one place. The Wedding Shop’s in-house team of buyers travel internationally throughout the year to curate a luxurious collection of thousands of stylish and elegant products, from tableware and gadgets to furniture and even antiques. There are more than 350 of the world’s best brands for you to choose from, including Wedgwood, Kate Spade, The White Company, Le Creuset, Missoni Home and many more. New additions to the service this year include honeymoon, charity and cash contributions, too, making the free…

LIGHT FANTASTIC Brilliant pools of illumination generated a magical atmosphere, complemented by extraordinary foral artistry. THE COUPLE Sophie & Gary Sophie Johnson, 26, and Gary Linton, 30, held their ceremony and reception at The Orangery in Settrington, North Yorkshire Picture the scene: an oh-so-elegant bride steps on to a petal-strewn aisle, framed by family and friends. At the end of the room, her groom awaits, bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles. Luxuriant white blooms hover, cloud-like, above it all. No, we’re not describing a moment from a silver-screen wedding; this was Sophie and Gary’s Yorkshire celebration. With help from planner Sue White, of the White Wedding & Event Company, the pair threw a party that had an A-list-worthy sense of style – but also a very personal sense…

Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath June will see the unveiling of a “wedding garden” for outdoor ceremonies at this refined hotel. There are no photos yet, but this image gives an idea of how lovely it should be.royalcrescent.co.uk Victorian Bath House, London This Grade II-listed gem was recently refurbished to dazzling effect, creating a one-of-a-kind space for an opulent reception in the heart of the City.victorianbathhouse.co.uk Dundas Castle, Edinburgh From this year, you can say “I do” on the rooftop of the 15th-century keep at this spectacular castle. The views have to be seen to be believed.dundascastle.co.uk…

A good wedding gift is… “personal andpractical. Go for something that’s useful, but still a bit of a luxury – something that you’d love, but might not necessarily be able to splash out on yourselves” Melissa “My flat is a mixture of contemporary and functional. I love pieces that tell a story or have a history. I have a burnt orange and white ’60s kitchen from eBay and a ’70s 11-piece sofa that looks like it belonged to Hugh Hefner! ” Jasmine…

WINNER Ellis You & Your Wedding JULIA SCIRROTTO “With more than 100 years in the business, Ellis knows how to create an unforgettable wedding-day look, offering gorgeous gowns at an amazing price point. I love that this brand keeps its finger on the fashion pulse while helping brides to look and feel their most beautiful.” WINNER Sandals Perfect Wedding MICHELLE ROYLE “It’s been so difficult to choose from all the fantastic companies I deal with, but I settled on all-inclusive romantic-getaway specialist Sandals. Its customer service is second to none and the choice of Caribbean resorts is incredible. Perfect for honeymooners!” WINNER Clearwell Castle hitched.co.uk CAROLINE HENDRY “There are many reasons why this Grade II-listed mansion is my winner, but one of the biggest has to be the stunning ballroom…

STYLING TIP Who says a lace look wouldn’t benefit from a bit of extra drama? Finish with a cathedral-length veil, worn at the crown of your head STYLING TIP Classic and chic – the high updo, accessorised with an embellished headband – teams beautifully with striking make-up…

“Pop a corsage in your suitcase when packing for a wedding abroad – a great option that won’t wilt in the heat!” Sally Kvalheim, hair and make-up artist SPECIAL THANKS The Y&YW fashion team stayed and shot on location at Velassaru Maldives and flew with Qatar Airways Just a 25-minute speedboat ride away from the airport lies the tranquil island of Velassaru. Villas and bungalows dot the resort’s white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue seas, and there are fve dining venues and two bars. Immerse yourself in island life with experiences both on and under the water for a truly unforgettable trip.velassaru.com; qatarairways.com THE DRESSES We packed light slip dresses, ideal for a destination wedding THE THEME Modern elegance against a jungle backdrop of lush green leaves THE ACCESSORIES To…

Stylish mothers (and guests!) need look no further than this simple palette for sophisticated big-day dressing. No longer a no-no, slimming black is the top choice for those after a figure-flattering option. And with a quick change of accessories or jacket you can rework the look for multiple wedding-season events. TOP TIP Add bold gold statement jewellery to lift your look…

FOR… THICKER-LOOKING HAIR Aveda Thicker, Fuller Hair Certified Artist, from £64, salons nationwide Fed up with having flat, fine hair, I booked in to see Christoph at Aveda for a haircut that promised to give me the thicker, fuller mane I craved. My hair was washed and prepped using the three-step Invati system comprising shampoo, conditioner and scalp revitaliser. With Ayurvedic herbs including turmeric and ginseng, the system is proven to reduce hair loss due to breakage. Christoph then demonstrated his prowess with the scissors, and soon I was staring in the mirror in awe of how much bounce and body my new hair exuded. Alison Yau, fashion and beauty co-ordinator FOR… LONGER HAIR Viviscal Hair Growth Programme, £49.95 for one month’s supply After two years of hair growing (I…

You know what I love best about big-day beauty planning? The fact that, unlike the dress (which obviously remains under wraps until your aisle debut), you get to experiment and pamper yourself with a range of new products for months beforehand. And nothing’s more transformative than an amazing haircare set. With that in mind, we’ve dedicated our latest Beauty Box to treating your tresses to a little TLC. This fabulous edit includes products from great brands Percy & Reed, Weleda and Operation: Glam. Best of all, they’re all full-sized – no minis like some other beauty boxes – so you get more than £100 worth of products for only £24.99. Locks of love to you! Percy & Reed Reassuringly Firm Session Hold Hairspray (RRP £12) Firm is exactly what this…

I did a lot of sprinting on my honeymoon. I also spent a fair amount of time picking food out of both my own and my new husband’s hair. Not your typical romantic newlywed activities. All of this was thanks to the third person we’d invited along: our 21-month-old son, Harry. As toddlers don’t understand the concept of relaxation or have any sense of danger, a lot of our Cornish beach break was spent chasing him and shouting as he ran towards the sea, seemingly determined to dive into the waves head first. Meanwhile, most meals resembled feeding time at the zoo rather than candlelit dinners for two. The familymoon – where couples take their child or children on their honeymoon – is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with…

1 THINK OUTSIDE “THEMES” Unless you met at a Star Wars convention, a reception look doesn’t need to be based around a particular theme. “Focus on your story instead,” says Michelle Kelly. “I prefer to think of it as a concept, which will provide a narrative to the day and should run through every single detail, giving direction, focus and fow to your celebration. A wedding is your story, told creatively. Celebrate your quirks, the things you love about each other and the passions you have in life.” 2 PRIORITISE LIKE A PRO In a perfect world you’d have foral chandeliers, a botanical backdrop, a vintage photo booth, sequin tablecloths… but, to ensure there’s room left in the budget to actually feed your guests, you’ll need to compromise. “Prioritise your…

CAKE Want wow factor? When it comes to deciding your cake style, think outside the usual sources of inspiration. The stunning confection at this shoot was designed to mirror the city architecture surrounding the venue, displayed on a bed of ferns to draw the eye in. FLOWERS Big-day floristry isn’t just about blooms. “Greenery can change the ambience of a space, and plants such as ferns and succulents provide a textured, architectural aesthetic that is difficult to achieve with flowers alone,” says Michelle. Blend frothy florals with tactile foliage for a strong yet elegant look. CONSISTENCY “Every element worked together to create the overall look and feel – we always try to ensure there’s a thread of familiarity across our designs so there’s a sense of flow and continuity,” explains…

1 Doris Loves Super-cool ideas like battery-operated light-up letters and tattoo stations. Covers England, Wales and parts of Scotland. dorisloves.co.uk 2 The China Library Cardiff-based specialist in vintage china and glassware, along with cute props and a caravan photo booth. thechinalibrary.co.uk 3 Inspire Hire The go-to for props to suit a wide range of styles, from rustic to glamorous. Covers Cornwall and the South West. inspire-hire.co.uk 4 Vowed & Amazed With gold shimmer walls, lawn flamingos and even a bouncy castle, this site is made for the flamboyant couple. vowedand amazed.co.uk 5 Pudding Bridge Check out the Sequin Collection – metallic linens for serious sparkle – and the Booth In A Box – all you need for a DIY photo booth. puddingbridge.co.uk 6 Coco Luminaire Illuminated signs in a variety…

Party politics How do you approach the idea of having a joint sten/hag do with your maid of honour and best man without cutting them out of the planning process? MrsWebsterToBe Y&YW says: We love a combined stag and hen, but if your MoH and best man have been excitedly plotting the ultimate parties for each of you, you’re quite right to be concerned about hurt feelings. Let them know as soon as possible, so they don’t put too many plans in place. If you can, tell them in person, perhaps over drinks or dinner. Make it clear that this isn’t about a lack of faith in their abilities – you know they’d do a great job – but it’s what you both really want. Before you do this, however,…

THE BRIEF MOOD All the best bits of an English summer garden party – pretty cakes, fruit punch and rolling countryside views – plus straight-from-a-stately-home decor and fowers PALETTE A twist on an old classic. Subtle shades of pink and gold against a lush green and ivory backdrop VENUE The sweeping grounds and stylish Lakeside Arbour at Hendra Barns in the sun-soaked Cornish countryside It’s no secret that gold and blush are a wedding palette match made in heaven. While we’ve seen all number of gorgeous real weddings working this romantic look recently, the stunning reception shoot over the next few pages proves that the combo has just taken on a new super-luxe vibe. To glam up the classic colour scheme, stylist Elle Winsor-Grime used subtle champagne gold and pared…

Blame it on the Bake Off: home baking is soaring in popularity – 19% of people now bake at least once a week, according to a Waitrose survey*. Inspired by the amazing #GBBO contestants’ creations, Mary Berry wannabes are getting Insta-happy with snaps of their gravity-defying sponges and intricate decorations. There’s a wealth of baking blogs offering advice on everything from producing the perfect icing to crafting sugar flowers. So it’s easy to see why making your own wedding cake may seem both easy and on trend. You could save yourself some cash, too, and add a wonderfully personal touch to the day. But is this a DIY step too far? Before you start ordering industrial quantities of flour, ask yourself the following questions. WILL YOU HAVE TIME? The last…

’’I wanted a natural and fresh look to fit with the lovely surroundings – we chose seasonal flowers in white and soft blush pink, herbs and greenery’’ THE COUPLE Dominique & James Dominique Fox, 30, and James Cooper, 30, held their ceremony and reception at Castello di Bibbione, Tuscany “Our friends said it was like watching a lightning bolt hit when James and I met!” says Dominique. The couple, who went to the same university but didn’t cross paths until a party two years after graduation, started planning their wedding after a romantic proposal on London’s South Bank. “We’d always wanted to get married abroad – when do you ever get to spend a couple of days with all your friends and family?” With a terrace overlooking the rolling Tuscan…

THE COUPLE Angie & Dag Angie Marlow, 35, and Dag Wetterwald, 45, held their ceremony and reception at Gaynes Park, Essex “Holding my husband’s hand as I met him at the end of the aisle was one of my favourite moments of the day,” says Angie, who was so bowled over by Dag that, after a year together, she signed up for a university course to learn his native tongue, Norwegian. Their romantic ceremony took place in Gaynes Park’s orangery, set amid a flower-filled walled garden that was decorated for the occasion with lanterns and hearts in the trees. After the couple exchanged vows under an arch of gypsophila, they and their 120 guests moved to the converted barn for dinner and dancing, with a DJ keeping the party going…

1 Time capsule Write secret love letters to each other, then place these in a box with a special bottle of wine. During the ceremony, nail the box shut – the idea being that you’ll open it together on your 10th anniversary. For extra aww-factor, ask both sets of parents to help you hammer in a couple of nails. 2 Tie the knot After the legal bit, why not hold a commitment ceremony? Handfasting involves a celebrant joining your hands together with cord or ribbon, tied to symbolise infinity. Don’t worry, they’ll untie you in time for the drinks reception! 3 Ring-a-ding-ding Pass the rings around; your family and friends can hold them briefly and silently share their good wishes, to bring you luck. 4 Human league Humanist celebrations (humanism.org.…

Your bridesmaids love their dresses; now complete their look and make them sparkle on your special day. With hundreds of options for dazzling jewellery, heavenly heels, sparkling sashes, stylish bags and pretty Pashminas, the online shop at dessy.co.uk has all you need to accessorise your girls from head to toe (plus finds for the guys, too!). From the versatile Twist dress that allows your girls to create their own style, from classic to sexy, in more than 25 colours, to the cutest co-ordinating ballet flats, Dessy has you covered. HOW TO CLAIM To claim your 20% discount at dessy.co.uk and receive free delivery on orders over £75, enter code YYW2016 at the online checkout. Offer ends 15 July 2016. Terms and conditions Promoter: Immediate Media Company Limited. Offer ends at…

Pastels sometimes get a bad rep, but really, there’s something out there to suit almost everyone. The trick is for maids to opt for slightly different shades of the same colour – fairer complexions will want to avoid the lightest hues for fear of looking washed out, while the darker your skintone, the more options you have to work with. TOP TIP Mix or match with pastel accessories for a pretty, put-together look LITTLE MAIDS SO SWEET Little girls will love wearing candy hues and twirling around in tutu skirts CATWALK INSPIRATION…

The name of the game is “undone elegance”, and the rules are simple: curl, weave and braid your locks into a touchable, effortless-looking style. It’s the perfect aesthetic when your big-day outfit calls for a ’do that’s gorgeous and glam but not too “done”, and teams well with a range of accessories. “The hairstyles are imaginative but not too overpowering,” explains Rachel Attwell, managing director of Luella’s Boudoir, who came up with the brief for this shoot to complement her debut dress collection, in collaboration with designer Charlotte Casadejus. The result is a series of easy-to-wear, seriously stunning looks that last all day. “They’re durable styles that will hold their shape, but they’re also romantic and loose,” explains hairstylist Laia Martín. “And personally, I also think it’s nice when a…

Western wonder: THE OITAVOS, PORTUGAL PERFECT FOR: Culture vultures looking for relaxation and adventure in a rustic setting JOURNEY TIME: 2 hours and 35 minutes* by air, plus a 20-minute drive When you’re in the beautiful natural surroundings of Portugal’s Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, it would be criminal not to have a constant view of the rolling dunes and Atlantic Ocean. Which, we imagine, is the reason why architect José Amaral Anahory decided to create The Oitavos, close to Europe’s most westerly point, out of little more than glass. The facade is modern and sleek, but step inside and the wonder unfolds. Warm Portuguese sun floods the cool minimalist rooms, where you can wake up to a spectacular sunrise. The Turkish bath in the spa is particularly chic with its floor-to-ceiling…

• Look for hotels that offer kids’ clubs, activities and babysitting services so you can enjoy some time together while the children are being entertained. • Get your baby a passport. If you haven’t changed your name, remember to pack your marriage certificate or deed poll confirmation to prove you're the child's parent. Visit gov.uk. • Research your airline rights. On some airlines you can purchase seats for your infant while on others you can’t. The same applies to how many items you can take on board with you free of charge. And not all airlines allow free priority boarding for families. If you’re taking baby food on board, make the most of Boots’ Order & Collect service, which allows you to pre-order food and collect it once you’re through…

Head And Heart, John Martyn “The lyrics are gorgeous and really summed up how I feel about my husband. However, he admitted on our honeymoon (after a few glasses of wine) that he actually hated the tune! Oh well.” Yelena Gloria, Vivaldi (with choir, chamber organ and trumpet) “I got carried away with the music and basically staged a sort of concert with added wedding bits – during the ceremony, I also had Bach, Monteverdi, Handel and Christmas carols.” Georgia Here Comes The Sun, The Beatles “I chose this because it’s my favourite song and it sounds so optimistic.” Deborah Trumpet voluntary “I had trumpets, played by my brothers – having trumpeters herald your arrival does make you feel terribly important!” Dorrie La Vie En Rose (English acoustic version) “This…

• Mix prints to bring a rustic, relaxed feel to your day. To avoid print overload try to pick out key colours that can pull the designs together. Don't be afraid to mix feminine forals with standout spots. • Brighten up your cake table with some printed paper napkins, which are handy for guests taking a slice on their way out. Adding a tablecloth or cover in a bright colour or design will make sure that your cake stands out in the wedding pictures. • If you have family members or friends baking little extras for you, tie them into the look with decorative accessories like our Highgate Ditsy cup cake bake kit, which comes complete with cases and little fags. • Why not dress your table with a statement…

USE DARK TAPER CANDLES TO CATCH THE EYE AND CREATE A WARM, ROMANTIC GLOW When it comes to glittery decor, the inner magpie in even the most minimalist of brides can get carried away. This elegant evening look, however, is a masterclass in how to go big on sparkle without going OTT. “I imagined a soirée from days gone by, full of candlelight, cocktails and calligraphy,” says stylist Kirsten Butler, aka The Little Wedding Helper. The sophisticated style was centred around the pairing of navy sequin linens with gold details. “Sequin cloths are versatile and work well on all tables in large venues or just the top or cake table in smaller spaces,” says Kirsten. “To break up a dark backdrop, use floral table arrangements with plenty of soft green…

THE MANTELPIECE ARRANGEMENT WORKS AS BOTH CEREMONY BACKDROP AND TABLE RUNNER When you think romance, chances are the colour scheme you’ll picture is all about pastels. But, as this shoot shows, deep hues can produce an equally enchanting effect. Stylist Rebecca D’Amato Kobus and florist Jay Archer paired navy blue and gold decor with winter blooms in rich tones. “The idea was to create a modern city look full of timeless details,” explains Rebecca. Jay was keen to highlight the variety of flowers available outside spring and summer, using delphiniums, waxflower, anemones, dahlia, mimosa and snapdragon, to create the pretty arrangements. Her top tip? “Add visual interest by combining small and large flowers.” SO SWEET An on-trend marbling effect ran through several elements, including the cake and stationery. TABLE TALK…

STRIPES Sometimes it’s the simplest of details that instantly show your guests what your day is all about. With this flirty 1950s theme, it was the red-striped fabric – used in everything from the napkin ties to the drinks station – that pulled the look together. “I used various different widths of stripe to avoid the overall appearance looking too matchy-matchy,” says Elle. TABLEWARE Add pops of your main shade to your table set-up with coloured wine glasses, candleholders that help to emit a romantic glow, and contemporary milk glass vases filled with single-stem flowers. STATIONERY A bold reception look calls for standout stationery to set the tone of the day. “This design captures the retro American feel I was after,” says Elle. “Black, white and cherry red is fun…

“We love the frothy skirt. This is ultramodern meets Victorian chic – keep jewels low key” PETA HUNT, EDITOR-AT-LARGE ON THE COVER DRESS, £3500, RUTH MILLIAM. EARRINGS, £275, FEI LIU. STYLING BY PETA HUNT ASSISTED BY ALISON YAU. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JASON MOORE. HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY SALLY KVALHEIM USING PHILIP KINGSLEY AND NARS. THE FASHION TEAM STAYED AND SHOT ON LOCATION AT VELASSARU, MALDIVES (VELASSARU.COM) AND FLEW WITH QATAR AIRWAYS (QATARAIRWAYS.COM)…

Be the queen bee We’re buzzing with delight at designer to the stars Theo Fennell’s new bee motif. Collection WATCH! Whatever your style, there’s a new range just for you Tiers of joy Yes, you can have your cake and wear it, too! Clutch, £35, Aldo THE RESULT Garden-fresh maids NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Chunky, mod-style block heels are big news for summer – and this lovely leather pair by Topshop nails the look at a very affordable £59. HOT NEWS VISIT AMANDA WAKELEY’S TRANSFORMED FULHAM ROAD BRIDAL STORE…

PROJECT ONE: Cement vase Dig into your recycling bin for plastic containers that will comfortably hold the jars. Using rapid-set cement does mean you have to work quickly when inserting them! YOU WILL NEED • An old spoon • Rapid-set cement mix • An old mixing bowl • A plastic container, such as a laundry detergent sachet box • Glass bottles or tall jars • Paper towels • A craft knife • Fine sandpaper 1 Using an old spoon, mix the cement powder in a bowl with water, according to the packet instructions. The mixture should be the thickness of yoghurt. Working quickly, pour a little of the mixed cement into the base of your mould, then tap the mould to get rid of any air bubbles. Place the glass…

What gives the wow factor? A wash of colour projected on to a backdrop, like trees or a wall, looks very effective. Another popular option is festoon lighting, which works brilliantly to create a walkway or perimeter boundary. Any technical tips? The main issue is the power supply. It’s always worth using a selection of power sources if possible to eliminate pulling too much power from a single supply or having to deal with a sudden power outage if a problem occurs. Your top 2016 trends? Controlled lighting, which allows you to programme different lighting effects throughout an event, will continue to be huge this year as technology now allows for some stunning displays. You can change the colours during the wedding, timed to coincide with specific cues, to add…

THE COUPLE Gala & Pablo Gala Ortin, 27, and Pablo Larrazabal, 32, held their ceremony and reception at Bell Recó, Barcelona This is a story of love at first sight: when Gala met Pablo in a Barcelona nightclub; and then when she found the dress she’d wear to marry him. “As soon as I put it on and saw myself in the mirror, I started shaking and crying,” she says. “I’d dreamed of this dress since I was a child.” Her stunning silk strapless Pronovias gown wasn’t the only fairy-tale element of the day. The couple chose to say “I do” at stately home Bell Recó, just 30 minutes from Barcelona, with its magical grounds dotted with ornate fountains and ponds – ideal for their romantic outdoor ceremony. Loosely inspired…

Think outside THE BOX Everyone loves an edible favour. Wow the crowd by choosing something unexpected, like these amazing biscuits. Or, take homemade treats to the next level through the presentation – these mini picnic baskets and pretty boxes are simply adorable. If you go chic and simple with a takeaway treat such as chocolate stirrers, and add interest through stylish labels. SO HOT! PLAYFUL DETAILS Inspired by Alice Through The Looking Glass (hitting cinemas in May), we’re in the mood for some decorative quirkiness. Channel your inner Mad Hatter. DESIGNER INVITES We have much love for Paperless Post’s collaborations with amazing names like Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, Kate Spade New York and now, hot US stationer Rife Paper Co. MONOGRAMS Use your initials to create…

FASHION Best Bridal Accessories WINNER Richard Designs SHORTLIST: • Britten • By Harriet • Charlotte Mills Bridal • David’s Bridal • Debbie Carlisle • Freya Rose • Glitzy Secrets • Hermione Harbutt • Ivory & Co Best Bridal Collection WINNER Alfred Angelo SHORTLIST: • Adele Laurent • David’s Bridal • Eliza Jane Howell • Ellis • Ian Stuart Bride • Katya Katya Shehurina • Kelsey Rose • Kitty & Dulcie • Sanyukta Shrestha Best Bridal Designer WINNER Eliza Jane Howell SHORTLIST: • Belle & Bunty • Charlotte Balbier • Enzoani • Ian Stuart Bride • Katya Katya Shehurina • Madeline Isaac-James • Naomi Neoh • Sanyukta Shrestha • Stephanie Allin Couture Best Bridesmaid Collection WINNER Dessy SHORTLIST: • Alexia Designs • Alfred Angelo • Asos • Chi Chi London •…

Be a true head-turner with a dress as beautiful from the back as it is from the front – fringing, a deep V and a romantic halo will keep all eyes on you during the ceremony…

STYLING TIP If the back of your wedding dress is super-low, cover up with a stylish cape for the ceremony STYLING TIP If you’re going for bold statement hair accessories, stick to white. For a boho feel, try fresh flowers…

DIY HAIR MASK At Y&YW, we love a bit of at-home pampering, so apply a slick of this super-hydrating hair mask by Alexis Wolfer, author of Radiant Bride (Running Press, £13.48), while you sit back and tick those items off your to-do list... INGREDIENTS: • 1 ripe avocado • 1 egg (room temperature) • 2tbsp coconut oil (at room temperature) or olive oil METHOD: In a small plastic bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Mix the avocado, egg and oil until well combined. Apply the mixture to towel-dried hair from root to end. (If you have very oily hair, avoid your scalp). Cover with a shower cap and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes before shampooing out. Style as usual. SCENTSATIONAL Refresh…

When you’re juggling work, wedding planning and – oh yeah – your relationship, wholesome eating can fall by the wayside. But with her new healthy-living bible, Keep It Real, wellness expert and British Vogue contributing editor Calgary Avansino outlines real-life solutions and feel-good recipes for the time-pressed – perfect for busy brides to be. “Just like getting married, eating well is a life-long commitment that should feel like a natural part of your being,” she says. “It’s all about finding ways to do this without stress, excessive time or expense. My recipes are quick and easy and – while they will help you to lose weight – they will also leave you feeling happier and more energised.” We’ll eat to that! Calgary’s foodie rules for busy brides 1 MAKE BREAKFAST…

SEND INVITES EIGHT TO 12 WEEKS BEFORE THE DAY CONFIRM FINAL NUMBERS WITH VENUE DRAW UP A RUNNING ORDER & DISTRIBUTE TO SUPPLIERS ORDER THANK-YOU CARDS FINALISE MENU RECONFIRM ALL BOOKINGS CHOOSE READINGS, HYMNS AND CEREMONY MUSIC CHOOSE FAVOURS & GIFTS FOR WEDDING PARTY SET THE SEATING PLAN MAKE FINAL PAYMENTS (TRACK THE TOTAL ON A SPREADSHEET) REMIND BRIDESMAIDS, USHERS ETC OF ANY ON-THE-DAY DUTIES SEND READINGS TO SPEAKERS (AND BRING EXTRA COPIES ON THE DAY) ›…

They say it’s all in the details, and while that can mean maintaining impeccable planning spreadsheets and balancing your big-day budget down to the penny, here at You & Your Wedding we firmly believe the expression also includes the creative touches that really make a wedding special: a beautifully worded invitation, a fragrant floral centrepiece, or a cake that looks almost too good to cut. Which is why we’ve put together our first-ever supplement dedicated exclusively to wedding styling, from table settings and colour schemes to favours, stationery and cakes. Inside you’ll find the hottest decorative themes brought brilliantly to life by some of the wedding industry’s most creative suppliers, plus inspiring product edits and exclusive expert advice – including styling tips from Christine Hafsten, design director at Cath Kidston,…