Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2016 i You and Your Wedding

When I picked up the printed orders of service a week before my wedding, I panicked. Not over the processional music choice and certainly not over the guy, but over what was missing: my mother’s name. She had passed away 15 years earlier, and in the run up to the wedding I’d entertained all the possible ways I could honour her on the day. But as the planning came together, thanks in no small measure to constant advice and support from my wonderful stepmum, an overt tribute felt somehow inappropriate. And yet, staring at those orders of service with no “in loving memory” line to acknowledge how desperately my mother would be missed, I wondered if I’d got it very wrong. For all the joy they bring, weddings also have…

#TELLTHEBRIDE Join us on Facebook every morning to help solve one bride-to-be’s dilemma “I got overexcited and tried on some wedding dresses – but my big day isn’t until spring 2018! I have now fallen in love with a dress. Should I buy it or wait in case I see another I like more?” Jessica L: “I did the same! No point fretting over a dress that may not exist. If you love it now, you’ll still love it on the big day. Just don’t look at any more unless you want to confuse yourself further.” STEAL THIS DETAIL Be inspired by the most creative real weddings at youandyourwedding.co.uk/realweddings Mood board of the month “Embrace all things quaint with a tea party theme. Go for china teacups and a dessert…

What do brides need to know about the dress hunt? Wear something you feel totally at ease in – both physically and emotionally. A beautiful bride is one who appears relaxed and comfortable, so it’s important to pick a look that’s in keeping with your style. What attracted you to bridal design? I’d been working as a stylist for 10 years when, inspired by a bridal story I was commissioned to shoot, , GHFLGHG WR GHVLJQ Py fiUVW capsule collection of made-to-order gowns. Next, I produced Py fiUVW IXOO FROOHFWLRQ› VKRUWOy before launching Additions, a customisable range to complement the made-to-order line. In 2013, I launched my fiUVW UHDGy-WR-ZHDU IDVKLRQ collection, which shares the same strong contemporary and feminine aesthetic as our bridal offering. Because we also have experience in…

THE BRIEF MOOD This look channels the spirit of Old Havana: passionate, romantic and full of life. Tropical fruit, eye-catching flowers and Cuban-inspired details abound. PALETTE Jewel-toned hues, mixed with more muted shades to really let those brights pop. VENUE The Spanish Garden at The Roof Gardens in Kensington – the lush greenery and colourful backdrops are perfect for a Latin American celebration . “We’re always looking for the next big LQflXHQFH RQ ZHGGLQJ WUHQGV›µ VDyV SODQQHU +ROOy 3RXOWHU RI 5HYHOUy (YHQWV› &XED LV JRLQJ WR EH QH[W yHDU·V KRWWHVW KROLGDy GHVWLQDWLRQ ² ZH WKLQN LW KDV VR PXFK WR RIIHU ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR GHVLJQ› WRR›µ :LWK WKDW LQ PLQG› VKH DQG KHU WHDP FUHDWHG D YLEUDQW DQG flLUWy UHFHSWLRQ ORRN WKDW GUDZV RQ WKH HVVHQFH RI 2OG +DYDQD›…

THE COUPLE Jess & Louis Jessica Parsons, 27, and Louis Fitzsimmons, 26, held their ceremony at Beach Weddings Bournemouth and reception at Sandbanks Hotel, Poole, Dorset When it came to their wedding venue, the bride and groom knew exactly where they wanted to say their “I dos”: by the seaside. “We both grew up in the Bournemouth area so had spent many summers on the beach,” says Jess. “The setting was just incredible with the sea as a backdrop to the ceremony – what more could you ask for?” In fact, so breathtaking were the surroundings, they kept the details pared back at ceremony venue, Beach Weddings Bournemouth. “We embellished the pew ends with some gypsophila and decorated the driftwood arch with flRZHUV›µ VDyV -HVV› 7KH PDLQ FRORXU for…

1 Display a selection of both of your families’ wedding photos. As well as a talking point for guests, it’s a nice way to bring people together to remember. 2 Wear “something old” that reminds you of them. Try a pair of earrings they once bought you or a brooch attached to your bouquet. 3 Make a toast. It’s the most obvious, but simple and e ective, way to pay tribute. Even better if you can incorporate their signature drink or style of glassware. 4 Choose your readings wisely. Reciting a loved one’s favourite song lyrics or poem is a touching way to include them in the day. 5 Instead of asking for traditional wedding gifts, give guests details of a charity to donate to that’s close to you and…

When your future in-laws own a leading British bridal design KRXVH› yRX·G WKLQN fiQGLQJ yRXU dream dress would be a piece of cake. However, Sasha, whose now-husband Harry is part of the family behind Ellis Bridals, faced a challenge many brides-to-be can relate to: too much loveliness! “I tried on nearly every dress they had,” she says. “I’m terrible at making decisions.” In the end, it was her mother-in-law who picked out The One – one of the few Sasha had opted not to try. “I didn’t think it would suit me, but when I walked out of the changing room wearing it, everyone started crying.” From these pictures, you can see why: the stunning gown had a jewelled, embroidered corset bodice with a sweeping A-line skirt in organza and…

“Nothing tastes quite as good as homemade pasta. And there’s no weekend activity quite as therapeutic and relaxing as rolling out lasagne dough.” Double cutter pasta machine, £27.50, Kitchen Craft at The Wedding Shop “Never overcook a roast dinner again.” Thermapen digital thermometer, £48, ETI YOUR KITCHEN ESSENTIALS? “A cast-iron cooking pot, a sharp knife, and the Leon stand for iPads and books. Whether you want to use it for recipes or for Game of Thrones is up to you...” “My wife Katie and I have these dotted all over our home. They smell incredible.” Scented candle, £48, Diptyque at Liberty WHAT DO YOU LOVE TO GIVE AS A WEDDING PRESENT? “The Flavour Thesaurus by Niki Segnit (Bloomsbury Publishing, £18.99) – it’s a great way of learning which flavours go…

“With such an amazing country location, only the coolest dresses would do” Peta Hunt, editor-at-large THE THEME An elegant, bohemian, country garden wedding THE DRESSES We looked to lace for this shoot – all different styles – from classic to crochet THE ACCESSORIES In keeping with the relaxed, countryside vibe, we accessorised with white floral accessories and simple sparkles SPECIAL THANKS The Y&YW team stayed and shot on location at Bayfield Hall, Norfolk. In the heart of North Norfolk is Bayfield Hall, a Georgian country house set in 120 acres of parkland. Steeped in history, the ruins of an 11th-century church and oak trees dating back to the 1300s can also be found on the gorgeous grounds. Perfect for a truly romantic big day. bayfieldhall.com…

Luxuriously fashionable yet also gracefully simple in style, Rosa Clará’s wedding collections always succeed in capturing everything the modern bride could wish for in her dream dress. And the new showstopping collection is no exception. This year, the richly varied designs combine flRZLQJ› fiJXUH-flDWWHULQJ OLQHV ZLWK YROXPLQRXV DUFKLWHFWXUDO IRUPV DQG SUHPLXP-TXDOLWy IDEULFV WR celebrate white in all its tones. 0RGHUQ FORTXp IDEULF GHEXWV LQ FUHDWLRQV WKDW GUDZ KHDYLOy RQ GUHVV-PDNLQJ WUDGLWLRQ› PHWDOOLF Chantilly lace is used to add extra sparkle and Valenciennes lace is combined with silk crêpe to create striking outlines. Even muslin is reimagined for 2017, giving gowns a sense of weightlessness, while ethereal tulle and lace overlays enhance voluminous organza skirts. (PERGyLQJ WKH 5RVD &ODUi DHVWKHWLF› WXOLS-ERZ DQG RUJDQ]D-SHWDO GHWDLOV VHW RII VWXQQLQJ JRZQV› 0DVWHUIXO FXW-RXWV VHQVXRXVOy…

Nasif says... NAIL THE PALETTE You can’t go wrong with a three-piece suit in navy, blue or dove grey. WORK YOUR DARK MAGIC The contrast of a dark suit next to a white dress really picks up in photography. PLAN FROM HEAD TO TOE Grooms with dark hair should consider a darker suit such as navy – but avoid black unless it’s a true dress suit with satin lapels. KEEP IT SIMPLE Nothing looks sharper than a crisp white shirt. AVOID MATCHY-MATCHY You don’t have to match ties and accessories with the colour theme of the wedding. Instead, introduce key colours subtly. For example, if the theme is pink, pick a navy tie which has pink elements to it, such as a print or a spot. HAVE FUN WITH FLORALS…

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Meet the trainer Pilates instructor and fit-kit designer Sally Dixon knows a thing or two about shaping up and looking hot while doing it. She’s the founder and creative director of activewear brand Every Second Counts and trains clients in Mat, Reformer and Apparatus Pilates via Power-Up Pilates (poweruppilates.com). SHOULDER TAPS Feet elevated, stretch out to a plank position with palms on floor. Keep shoulders over wrists and your core switched on. With straight arms, stay lifted through your armpits and maintain flat palms on floor. Slowly lift one hand to tap opposite shoulder. Replace hand down to floor and swap sides, maintaining a level pelvis. Repeat for 10 counts. TRICEP DIPS Facing away from step, reach back and place your hands on step, elbows pointing back and fingertips facing…

What a WONDERFUL WORLD When it comes to choosing where to wed, there’s a whole world of inspiration out there. So, over the next 14 pages you’ll find our edit of places to say “I do”, need-to-know tips and advice on how to plan a flawless destination do. Plus, we have some beautiful overseas real weddings and our pick of romantic newlywed UK getaways to relax in when you’re back home. FRANCE La Villa Baulieu, Provence chateauxhotels.co.uk…

ANGELIQUE PANAGOS We asked leading nutritionist Angelique how to banish any pesky belly bulge – without going on a full-blown diet. Her approach is about making people feel their best in a supportive and inspiring way. See page 219 SAMMI GASCOYNE Pastry chef Sammi of The Blushing Cook made the showstopping cake that opens our inspiration-packed Bride Candy section. “Instead of the traditional sugar flowers, this cake features dried, edible organic blooms,” she says. See page 59 LEANNE MEANEY Leanne created this issue’s super-quick and simple DIY ribbon wands – great as an alternative to confetti, or for flower girls to wave. She’s the owner of Brooklyn Bridal, an online boutique specialising in beautiful decor and accessories for eclectic brides. See page 97 MICHAEL CLEMENTS Photographer Michael…

BOUQUET The combination of delicate white orchids, glossy palm leaves and monstera works like a dream – tropical meets elegant. CIGAR BAR Pimp-your-prosecco bars are huge right now, but you can put a personal twist on this by losing the bubbles in favour of treats that UHflHFW yRXU LQVSLUDWLRQ› )RU WKLV Cuban party, the team put together a cocktails, chocolate and cigar bar. TABLEWARE Holly used vintage-effect goblets, muted teal plates and wooden cutlery (with coral napkins for an extra colour pop) to get a rustic-FKLF IHHO WKDW DOORZHG WKH flRUDO arrangements to really sing. THE BRIDAL LOOK :LWK LWV ODyHUV RI flLUWy RUJDQ]D› the Priya skirt from Watters, paired with a silk cami top, was just what we needed,” says Holly. “This is a look that’s perfect for salsa…

There’s an alternative to every wedding tradition – think cheese towers instead of tiered cakes and brooch bouquets in place of fresh flowers. So, if leaving your ceremony in a cloud of confetti isn’t your style then consider this wow-factor option instead: a guard of honour made up of waving ribbon wands. Just imagine how pretty the pictures will be when all those ribbons are in full swing, plus they’re super simple and budget-friendly to create. Here's how the design experts at Brooklyn Bridal create the perfect wands. YOU WILL NEED • Metal eyelet screws• Wooden dowel sticks approx. 30cm long• Selection of ribbons (pictured right, from Brooklyn Bridal)• Scissors• Jar vessel 1 Twist the metal eyelet screws into the end of each dowel. 2 Select your ribbons and cut them to equal lengths –…

  “THE CAKE TASTING WE HAD WITH THE WONDERFUL ABIGAIL BLOOM WAS RUI’S FAVOURITE PART OF THE PLANNING!” THE COUPLE Alice & Rui Alice Birkett, 30, and Rui Vieira, 31, held their ceremony at Holy Angels Church, Ash, and reception at Millbridge Court, Surrey When it came to planning their wedding look, this couple was spoilt for inspiration. Alice is English and Rui is Portuguese, so they picked their favourite elements from both cultures to create a truly individual day. “We wanted to combine an English country garden feel ZLWK 3RUWXJXHVH LQflXHQFHV›µ VDyV $OLFH› 7KH flRZHUV› EULGHVPDLG GUHVVHV DQG cake represented the bride’s sophisticated style perfectly. Rui’s homeland was UHflHFWHG LQ WKH LQWULFDWH EOXH DQG ZKLWH Portuguese tile pattern that featured on much of the decor, from the stationery to…

How many bridesmaids are you having? THREE IS THE AVERAGE NUMBER. JUST 8% OF BRIDES OPT TO GO MAID-FREE. Most inviting 75 is the average amount of day guests. This increases to 101 for the evening celebration. £25,090 is the average wedding spend. AGE OF love On average, brides will be 33 when they say “I do”, and grooms, 34. THE NAME CHANGER Changing your surname? If so, you’ll be with the majority- 7 out of 10 intend to swap their name to match their partner. Rules of ENGAGEMENT It takes on average 19 months for our couples to go from “I will” to “I do”. But you only spend 12 months planning – so that’s seven months enjoying being loved-up (and drinking lots of champers) . Sorted your…

Trinity House, London Remember, remember 5 November: this is when Trinity House is holding its Wedding Showcase, where you can meet a range of suppliers and get to know the beautiful spaces in the building. It’s free but you need to register – email kp@kpcommunications.co.uk. Hound Lodge, Goodwood Estate, West Sussex This glorious ten-bedroom country retreat is now available for exclusive-use stays – and comes with a private butler. For more venue ideas, visit youandyourwedding.co.uk/venues…

OQFH yRX·YH WDNHQ WKDW fiUVW VWHS down the aisle, you might think your evenings and weekends spent addressing envelopes and updating your budget spreadsheet are a thing of the past. Well, if you were concerned there’d be a wedding-shaped hole in your life once you touched down from honeymoon, fear not. There are still plenty of big day-related tasks (and, less excitingly, their associated costs) WR NHHS yRX EXVy WKURXJKRXW yRXU fiUVW IHZ months as newlyweds. The good news is that having a to-do list to work through together can help distract you from the post-wedding blues and makes the transition from wedding world to newlywed life a breeze. Here’s all the wedmin that might come up once you’re back down from cloud nine, and how to tackle it as…

    STYLING TIP Turn tradition on its head. Who says you can’t be the one to wear the trousers and top hat?      STYLING TIP When your dress is heavily beaded, a simple, modern hair band will finish the look perfectly.…

STYLING TIP For an evening event, nothing works better for a groom than a dinner jacket.    STYLING TIP Sparkly dresses command attention, but don’t be afraid to accessorise.   …

Occasionwear brand Frock & Frill is renowned for channeling the glitzy vintage style of the ’20s and mixing it with trends from the catwalk. This season’s collection is more glamorous than ever with intricate detailing such as beading, tassels and fringing, sheer WH[WXUHV› ›' flRUDO HPEHOOLVKPHQW DQG a variety of silhouettes and shades. Frock & Frill has put together a beautiful bridal edit designed for brides-to-be who don’t want to spend the earth on their wedding and bridesmaid dresses. The gowns feature layered tiers, delicate embroidery and elegant maxi styles in whites and a variety of pretty colours – to ensure you and your best girls are picture perfect for the big day. HOW TO CLAIM We have teamed up with Frock & Frill to offer an exclusive 25% discount…

You BEE-AUTY! You’ve probably cooked with coconut oil, but did you know you can whip up some great beauty treats with it, too? Natural Beauty with Coconut Oil by Lucy Bee (Quadrille, £10) is filled with recipes using this natural wonder worker from hair masks to body butters and cleansers. Here’s to natural beauty... THANKS TEAM BRIDE! Treat the lovely ladies in your life with our edit of the prettiest palettes Perfect pair Luxe beauty brand Omorovicza has teamed up with Dawson Flowers to bring two of our favourite things together: beautiful blooms and a must-have beauty product. The Pava bouquet (from £55), inspired by Omorovicza’s Queen of Hungary Mist, contains a mix of avalanche roses, white garden stocks and wild sage, and comes in three different sizes. All orders…

We’ve all been there. That moment ZKHQ yRX fiQDOOy XQGR WKH EXWWRQV RQ yRXU HYHU-WLJKWHQLQJ MHDQV DQG WXUQ VLGHZDyV LQ WKH PLUURU› UXEELQJ yRXU KDQG RYHU yRXU EHOOy ZKLOH H[FODLPLQJ› :RZ› , DFWXDOOy ORRN OLNH ,·P fiYH PRQWKV SUHJQDQW›µ $W KRPH› ZKHUH yRX FDQ VOLS LQWR yRXU HODVWLFDWHG-ZDLVW 3-V› LW·V QRW D SUREOHP› EXW MXVW LPDJLQH LI yRX ZRNH XS RQ WKH ELJ GDy IHHOLQJ WKLV EORDWHG" 7KDW JRUJHRXV GUHVV WKDW KDV EHHQ GHVLJQHG WR fiW OLNH D JORYH VXGGHQOy ZRQ·W ORRN RU IHHO OLNH yRX LPDJLQHG› $IWHU DOO WKRVH JyP VHVVLRQV› ZKDW·V PDGH yRXU WXP WXUQ DJDLQVW yRX" :H VSRNH WR QXWULWLRQDO WKHUDSLVW $QJHOLTXH 3DQDJRV WR fiQG RXW ZKDW WKRVH VWRPDFK-VZHOOLQJ FXOSULWV UHDOOy DUH› VR WKH RQOy WKLQJ yRX ZDNH XS WR RQ WKH PRUQLQJ RI yRXU ZHGGLQJ LV…

We love the unique venues and charming backdrops of good old Blighty. But we know that if you dream of saying your “I do”s with warm sand between your toes, on top of a mountain, on a tropical island or surrounded by stately cypress trees, you need to look further DfiHOG› 7KDW·V ZKy ZH·YH URXQGHG XS VRPH of our favourite venues from around the globe – with everything from close-to-home European havens through to sun-soaked destinations almost half a world away. SHORT HAUL ITALY Masseria San Domenico, Puglia masseriasandomenico.com ITALY Aman Venice aman.com For A-list glamour – George and Amal Clooney tied the knot here! PORTUGAL Quinta de Sant’Ana, near Lisbon quintadesantana.com CROATIA Fort George, Vis fortgeorgecroatia.com For historic charm aplenty SPAIN Torralbenc, Menorca torralbenc.com GREECE Princess Resort, Skiathos skiathosprincess.com…

HERE COMES THE BRIDE (AND GROOM) Does that heart-stopping moment when he sees you IRU WKH fiUVW WLPH DV yRX ZDON GRZQ WKH DLVOH IHHO OLNH WRR much pressure? Meet at the HQWUDQFH DQG ZDON GRZQ WKH DLVOH WRJHWKHU LQVWHDG› THE CAKE CUTTING Forget the arms-aroundyRX SRVHG FDNH FXWWLQJ DQG DWWDFN WKH FDNH IURP ERWK sides with comedy over-VL]HG FDUYLQJ NQLYHV› 2U GR away with the sweet stuff DOWRJHWKHU DQG XQOHDVK RQ D FDNH-VKDSHG SLxDWD› TABLE FAVOURS 7KHUH·V QRWKLQJ ZURQJ ZLWK D SDFNHW RI VHHGV› VR yRXU JXHVWV FDQ SODQW D WUHH DQG ZDWFK yRXU ORYH JURZ› EXW LI LW·V MXVW QRW yRX› ERR]H LV DOVR DQ RSWLRQ› 5HDGy-WR-SDUWy JXHVWV ZRQ·W VDy QR WR D PLQL ERWWOH RI yRXU IDYRXULWH VSLULW› RU yRX FRXOG WUy VRPH DOFRKRO-LQIXVHG sweets (prosecco gummy…

1 Link your wedding with your suit by choosing your lining and buttonhole colours to match. It’s a finishing detail you only get with a suit made for you. 2 Add both of your names or your wedding date to your monogram – a real conversation piece when you remove your jacket in the evening. 3 Have fun and take your time when choosing your fabric – with a suit cut just for you, it can be every bit as personal as the bride’s gown.…

THE BRIEF MOOD Elegant urban details and shabby-chic, rustic touches come together to create a warm, inviting ambience. PALETTE A winning colour combination of gold, copper and slate grey softened by natural greenery and pure white blooms. VENUE An atmospheric tepee in the grounds of Georgian country house Cannon Hall; the perfect backdrop for an abundance of romantic candlelight. A tepee, plenty of hay bales and miles of bunting – it’s a wedding style we’ve all come to know and love. But, who says a tepee always has to be given the boho treatment? Certainly not the stylists behind this enchanting look that mixes the sort of cool, urban design GHWDLOV yRX·G fiQG LQ D FRQYHUWHG FLWy ZDUHKRXVH ZLWK country-inspired textures such as distressed wood and burlap. “We wanted to…

“I’D ALWAYS DREAMED OF HAVING MY WEDDING IN THE VILLAGE CHURCH MY PARENTS WERE MARRIED IN ” “WE KEPT IT ALL QUITE NEUTRAL AND LET THE FLOWERS DO THE TALKING! THEY LOOKED SO BEAUTIFUL” THE COUPLE Joanna & Alastair Joanna Rowley, 26, and Alastair Mackie, 29, held their ceremony at All Saints’ Church, Spo orth, and reception at the bride’s parents’ home in Spo orth, North Yorkshire A romantic proposal in Paris set the tone for Jo and Al’s French-elegance-infused celebration back home in North Yorkshire. “It was a total surprise!” explains Jo. “Al took me to Epicure at Le Bristol hotel in Paris and proposed with a diamond he’d chosen from a jeweller I used to work with, Robinson Pelham. I’d been to several meetings there and…

“OUR CEREMONY BEGAN WITH A MINI-LECTURE FROM OUR UNDERGRADUATE TUTOR, ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE BODLEIAN” THE COUPLE Kary & Ben Kary Kelly and Ben Marsden, both 34, held their ceremony and reception at the Bodleian Library, Oxford Classic elegance with a dash of history was the order of the day at Kary and Ben’s winter celebration. They chose to say “I do” at the Bodleian, the main library of the University of Oxford, where WKHy fiUVW PHW DV VWXGHQWV› 7KH VWXQQLQJ ››WK-FHQWXUy DUFKLWHFWXUH DQG KLVWRULFDO VLJQLfiFDQFH ZHUH LUUHVLVWLEOH› DV ZH ERWK VWXGLHG KLVWRUy›µ VDyV .DUy› 2XU FHUHPRQy HYHQ EHJDQ ZLWK D PLQL-OHFWXUH IURP RXU XQGHUJUDGXDWH WXWRU› ZKR VSRNH DERXW WKH KLVWRUy RI WKH %RGOHLDQ ² VRPH RI RXU JXHVWV ZHUH D ELW VXUSULVHG Ey WKH KLVWRUy OHVVRQ›µ $QG WKH…

SO HOT! AB-FAB INTERIORS With Dior launching its first homeware collection and Roberto Cavalli bringing out catwalk-inspired new tableware, we’re all about fashion-house chic in our pads. GIFTS THEY’LL LOVE Sound the cute-gift-for-a-music-loving-maid klaxon: choose 10 of her favourite tracks for a Personalised Life In Songs Print, £35, Betsy Benn. WEATHER WOES Over a quarter (27%) of couples worry about the big-day forecast, according to a new survey by Barclays.* GETTING PERSONAL Just send a photo to Etsy seller Lili Mandrill and she’ll create a custom couple ink stamp, so you can put your faces all over your stationery. Uh-may-zing. From £61.69 SO NOT! CLASSIC INFUSIONS Forget adding cucumber or raspberry to your tipple – right now all we want to drink is this Earl Grey Gin, £23.50, T.E.A. WALLPAPER…

The Killers Mr Brightside “A huge song for people of all ages.” Ike and Tina Turner Proud Mary “Don’t be fooled by the slow intro. It’s a banger.” Paul Simon You Can Call Me Al “A great tune for near the end of the night.” Michael Jackson Rock With You (Reflex Revision Remix) “This version of Rock With You is guaranteed to get the party started.” thebestmen.co.uk…

“WHEN I TRIED TO CRACK ON WITH THE PLANNING I REALISED SOMETHING HAD SHIFTED INSIDE ME” When I was 10 years old I went to the cinema to watch Father of the Bride with my dad and my older brother. Afterwards, in McDonald’s, I remember my dad (referring to myself and my two older sisters) saying, “I’ve got three of you to walk down the aisle.” I’m sure there were a lot of little JLUOV ZKR ZHQW WR VHH WKDW fiOP in 1992 and perhaps their fathers said the same thing. Maybe it was the catalyst for their daydreams of being a bride; in a dress like Annie’s and a doting (but hopefully not as embarrassing as Steve Martin) dad at the side. It wasn’t a catalyst for me; it’s…

1 Getting your dress cleaned From £75-£250. This is essential if you want to keep your gown for posterity. Even if it looks clean, there will be sweat and grime hidden in those layers. Professional cleaners will know how to store your dress in a presentation box, too. Try Johnsons The Cleaners, Connoisseur Dry Cleaners and Terrington Burchett. 2 Ordering albums From around £25 for DIY to £500+ for professional. Ordering smaller versions of your main album can make a lovely Christmas gift for your parents. 3 Paying for your photo-booth pictures Unless you choose the double-print option as an advance extra when you book, you may need to buy additional photos taken on the night. 4 Completing sets on your gift list Have you just unwrapped seven knives and…

Girls allowed I’m getting married 200 miles from my hometown and staying with my four bridesmaids in a B&B the night before the wedding. Three of them are married; what should their husbands do with themselves the morning of the wedding? Am I unreasonable to expect them to amuse themselves and stay out of the way? To be honest, I’d rather none of them saw me before I get to the venue! Rainbooboo Y&YW says: Have a talk with the men ahead of time. This means they won’t feel like you’ve forgotten about them and it will give them a chance to look up things to do and places to go while you are with your girlfriends in the morning. It’ll also put your mind at ease if you know…

STYLING TIP Team a statement headpiece with a lace dress for a modern twist on a classic bridal look.   STYLING TIP Grooms can add some flower power to their big-day outfits, too.    STYLING TIP Modern lace comes in many forms – experiment with cut-out panels and textured sleeves.…

THE THEME Glitz and glamour meets city chic – perfect for turning that wedding into an all-night party THE ACCESSORIES An array of sparkling accessories will ensure you shine from every angle on your special day THE DRESSES Floor-length gowns featuring crystals, diamonds and sequins are ideal for dancing all night SPECIAL THANKS The Y&YW fashion team shot on location at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall Located on the banks of the River Thames, the hotel boasts huge suites and amazing restaurants. The venue fuses luxury design with traditional British charm – the perfect destination for a stylish city wedding, londonmarriott  countyhall.co.uk…

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THE CROWN, Bucks WHERE This Elizabethan coaching inn is in the market town of Old Amersham, where city meets country. You wouldn’t believe it from the picture-postcard high street, but it’s on the Metropolitan Line (only 45 minutes from FHQWUDO /RQGRQ›› ZKLOH fiYH minutes in the opposite GLUHFWLRQ yRX·OO fiQG yourselves in the beautiful, rolling Chiltern Hills. WHY Even though it was released 22 years ago, we still got rather excited by the fact that Four Weddings and a Funeral ZDV fiOPHG KHUH – Hugh Grant’s “room” is called The Elizabeth and has a rather romantic four-poster bed. The rest of the hotel has been refurbished since Hugh last crossed the threshold, so LWV TXDLQW LQJOHQRRN fiUHSODFHV› FURRNHG flRRUV DQG FREEOHG courtyard are now paired with Ilse Crawford Scandichic interiors.…