PLANNING Wedding Week Notes 25/08

Amanda Hinton - Sat 30 Aug 2008

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Look back on this week's best reads on WeddingPath by clicking on the links to some of our favourites. Can't find what you're looking for? Go to News Categories on the home page and scroll through the sections you are looking for.

25/08 FASHION Let's Shop 2... boutique insider

26/08 GROOMS Off the Cuff... match & set
26/08 REAL WEDDING Better Together... lilac day

27/08 FASHION What a Gem!... new collection
27/08 WEDDING GOSSIP Girl in a White Dress...

28/08 VENUE Up Close & Personal... Soho venue
28/08 HONEYMOON Twice the Romance... twin it

29/08 GIFTS Arty Party... gallery gifts
29/08 RECEPTIONS Shaken Not Stirred... cheers!

Have a great weekend!

Photo © iStockphotos

Posted in category: Planning

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PLANNING Happy Hens 10

Amanda Hinton - Fri 29 Aug 2008

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If you are planning your hen night, you might be interested in the receent findings on a poll organised by Travelodge. Hen and stag celebrations abroad are on the down and Pink Ladies in Liverpool are top of the crop.

A recent poll survey revealed some fascinating facts and figures on just what girls and guys are up to when celebrating their last night of freedom.

Home is best according to Travelodge, commenting "Our research has revealed couples are ‘coming back home’ to celebrate their last days of being single, before tying the knot. Our records show the most popular destinations for a UK hen and stag event are: London, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool and surprisingly locations such as Harrogate, Kendal, Perth, St Austell and Isle of White are hitting the hen and stag radar this year”.

The poll of 4,000 adults found men will attend on average two stag events this year, costing an average of £370.21 each time. The biggest expense of £120 going on travelling and accommodation followed by £107 being spent on an outfit and gimmicks for the groom while the customary stripper accounting for £57.93. A total of £85.63 will be splashed out on food and drinks.

In comparison, women will only go on one hen night this year, at a cost of £323.41. Just over £111 of that will be spent on accommodation and travelling to and from the party with £94.04 being shelled out on embarrassing outfits and props for the bride-to-be. Food and drink will cost another £68.21 and almost £50 will be spent on entertainment for the night.

The poll also found that 46% of people think dressing up is all part of a traditional hen or stag night, with devil horns being the most popular outfit for women, followed by personalised t-shirts and dressing in a particular colour (red and pink being the most popular).

City by city, the poll revealed some top costume trends:

London - devil horns
Manchester - personalised t-shirts
Newcastle - red colour theme
Edinburgh - fairy
Birmingham - French maid
Leeds - cheer leaders
Glasgow - angel
Bristol - nurse
Liverpool - pink ladies
Bath - bling/diamonds

TOP TIP: Get fab accessories for your hen night from diamon-t.com. 

click to read more hen ideas >

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RECEPTION Shaken Not Stirred

Cheryl I'Anson - Fri 29 Aug 2008

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Brides looking for something a bit more contemporary at their wedding than the usual champagne, should try these new professionally prepared cocktails-in-a-bottle from west eleven.

Perfect for an evening reception, these tasty cocktails have maximum taste and zero fuss. There are three cocktails to choose from, each with a contemporary twist to bring them bang up to date: Passionfruit Mai Tai, Pomegranate Cosmo (very Sex & the City) and Elderflower Collins; and they all offer a super-chic and distinctive alternative to champagne.

No need for shakers, juicers, muddlers, or expensive barmen. Just make sure there are plenty of chilled bottles of west eleven to be shaken, poured over lots of ice and offered to your guests. (We recommend you get someone else to do the shaking and pouring though – you wouldn’t want to ruin your dress!)

Each bottle provides two servings so it’s a great cash-saving alternative to fizz, too. For a neat finishing touch, add a sprig of mint for the Mai Tai or a few pomegranate seeds on the Cosmo.

The three west eleven cocktails are now available from selected Sainsbury’s stores nationwide for £2.99 a bottle. Each one is made from the finest ingredients including 100% grain vodka, hand-blended Jamaican and Cuban rums and natural fruit. There are no preservatives, artificial colours or sweeteners so you can have a guilt-free tipple on your big day.
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Posted in category: Reception

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GIFTS Arty Party

Amanda Hinton - Fri 29 Aug 2008

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If you already have the perfect home, putting together a gift list at a gallery could be the perfect solution. Anstey Galleries’ gift list service offers a collection of artistic delights that will remind the happy couple of their special day forever.

With an increasing number of couples living together before they finally get hitched, conventional gift lists which include saucepans and duvets, are no longer always appropriate. A piece of artwork, such as a sculpture, painting or even jewellery, is a fresh and exciting wedding gift and will last a lifetime.

Gift List Consultant Katie Herridge explains: “At Anstey Galleries we offer an alternative to traditional wedding lists and believe that guests would love to buy the bride and groom an original piece of art that will remind of them of their big day.

“More practical gifts were ideal when couples left their respective family homes and moved in together after getting married but with more people choosing to live with their partner before they wed, a gift list is the perfect opportunity to transform their house into a home with original art. With work starting from £25 and the facility for guests to contribute towards more expensive items that the couple has chosen, we have gifts for all budgets.”

The nationwide service provides customers with a friendly consultant to help with art selection so there is no need to be apprehensive and once gifts are selected the list can be conveniently viewed and purchased securely online. The gallery also offers an invaluable gift monitoring service to help with thank you cards, gift wrapping and complimentary delivery. Further, if that is not enough, the bride and groom receive 5% discount on all purchases over £100 for life!

For more information on Anstey Galleries' gift list service call 01423 500102 or go to ansteygalleries.co.uk.

click to read more gift ideas >

Posted in category: Gift Lists

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WEDDING GOSSIP Agyness Deyn & Albert Hammond Jr

Amanda Hinton - Thu 28 Aug 2008

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CELEBRITY SNIPPETS
Agyness is said to be 'besotted' with Albert. The two certainly seem to be very much in love. Do you think it will be marriage next? Read more to find out what we think and tell us your verdict.

WHO: Agyness Deyn and Albert Hammond Junior
BACKGROUND: Model of the moment and singer, Agyness has fallen in love again after her split from long-term boyfriend Josh Hubbard, with Strokes guitarist Albert. The Lancashire lass is said to be more than happy with her new man and looks the picture of contentment, as it seems that their relationship is going from strength to strength.
LOVE SIGNS: Although the couple are keeping quiet on their relationship they have been spotted with very public shows of affection with kisses on the sidewalks in New York to lunches in London. Even though the couple have been dating for only a couple of months they have already attended high glamour events together including Elton John’s prestigious White Tie and Tiara Ball, where she reportedly couldn’t keep her hands off her new beau. Think that their sartorial style proves that they’re a match made in heaven or is this just a young romance?
OUR VERDICT: Not Very Likely
Photo © PR Photos

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Posted in category: Wedding Gossip

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HONEYMOON Twice the Romance

Cheryl I'Anson - Thu 28 Aug 2008

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Treat yourself and your new husband to a fabulous twin-centre honeymoon to enjoy the best that Cyprus and Egypt has to offer...

Cyprus – also known as the ‘island of love’ – has long been a favourite with British honeymooners and offers the perfect place to unwind for a week after your wedding before heading to Egypt to explore ancient sites and experience some olde worlde glamour at a historic hotel.

In Cyprus one of hotels attracting a ‘hip’ crowd is the five-star Londa Hotel in Limassol – it boasts beautiful rooms decorated with white marble and contrasting black wood. The honeymoon suite offers a huge round bed, Jacuzzi and fabulous sea views, while the spa, health and fitness centre has more than 50 treatments to pamper you and your new husband. The vibrant Caprice at Londa restaurant is the place to be seen. The restaurant’s minimalist interiors are the perfect setting for the Mediterranean cuisine served with a twist. Enjoy dishes such as Marsala glazed lamb shank and seafood risotto.

After a week of sunning yourselves in Cyprus, why not transfer to Luxor for a stay at the majestic five-star Winter Palace Hotel. Built in 1886, the hotel offers a glamorous base for exploring the sights of Luxor. Set on the banks of the River Nile and close to the Luxor Temple, it offers a splendid ambience complete with great facilities, including the smart 1886 Restaurant. Its superb location means you can take a cruise down the Nile or visit the nearby Temple of Karnak and Valley of the Kings.

Prices for this two-centre holiday include flights, bed and breakfast accommodation and transfers. For reservations contact Planet Holidays on 0871 871 2234 or book online at Planet Holidays.

Posted in category: Honeymoon

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VENUE Up Close And Personal

Cheryl I'Anson - Thu 28 Aug 2008

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For an intimate wedding that doesn’t scrimp on style, why not hold your reception at Richard Corrigan at Lindsay House in London’s trendy Soho.

With a capacity of just 33 guests, you can be guaranteed a cosy reception in this elegant Michelin-starred restaurant.

Richard Corrigan at Lindsay House specialises in small weddings and has five private dining rooms for you and your party ranging from six to 33 guests.

The inviting, cosy décor adds to the overall ambiance and the careful service sets just the right tone – friendly, not stuffy. Each room has an individual style, creating a warm and simple but effective atmosphere, down to original floorboards, panelling and fireplaces.

Richard Corrigan at Lindsay House offers a fabulous menu selection created using carefully sourced ingredients and includes Ceviche of stone bass with black olive and brandade, Terrine of foie gras, pressed with apple, celeriac and hazelnuts, and steamed fillet of sole, with razor clams, lettuce & peas.

For more information contact 020 7439 0450 or email richardcorrigan@lindsayhouse.co.uk

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Posted in category: Venues

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WEDDING GOSSIP Girl In a White Dress 20

Cheryl I'Anson - Wed 27 Aug 2008

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Our resident bride and wedding expert, Cheryl, is back from her big day and floating on a wedding-induced cloud of loveliness, and will be talking weddings with you every week...

The personal touch (2)
I ran out of space a bit last week on my ramblings about personalising your big day - so here are some more ideas for adding an individual touch to your wedding...

There is an array of tasty treats on offer to give guests as favours, but if you’re a bit of a Nigella in the kitchen, why not wow your guests with these homemade cookie favours shaped like mini wedding cakes.

Or how about having personalised cake toppers? Michelle Sugar Art fashions lifelike models based on photos of you and your H2B to sit atop your wedding cake. She’ll create anything you want themed on your jobs, pets or hobbies to give a humorous touch to your cake.

You don’t need to have loads of imagination or creative skills to personalise your day – it can be anything from using the same flowers your mum had in her bouquet to just getting married on a date that’s special to you both. There’s no end of fun you can have making your day your own – and best of all, it can be a great way of saving a bit of cash to put towards something important. Like your shoes.

Let us know what you're planning to do to make your day even more special...

Photo © MarthaStewartWeddings

Posted in category: Wedding Gossip

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BEAUTY Revealing Moment

Cheryl I'Anson - Wed 27 Aug 2008

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We’re all busy pampering and preening ourselves in time for the big day, but there’s one area that many brides don't pay attention to – the décolletage…

No matter what style of dress you’re planning to wear, your décolletage will no doubt be on show so make sure it looks its best with new Bio Satine Shimmering Bust Oil from Florame, France’s leading independent producer of organic aromatherapy.

Designed to tone and firm the bust and décolleté, this 100% natural oil contains a unique blend of organic essential oils, including orange blossom, patchouli and rosewood, which help tighten and regenerate the skin, creating a more youthful look to the décolleté.

Iridescent mother-of-pearl powder is added, which gives the décolleté a shimmering, satin appearance, and a natural vitamin-E compound helps to fight the ageing process. And best of all, it’s not tested on animals and doesn’t contain any synthetic colours or fragrances – and the packaging is recyclable too.

Apply daily using fingertips in gentle massaging strokes. Priced from £22.99 for 50ml, the Shimmering Bust Oil is available from Florame and independent retailers.

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Posted in category: Beauty

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FASHION What a Gem!

Amanda Hinton - Wed 27 Aug 2008

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Anyone looking for wedding day glitz and glamour will love brand new jewellery collection, Shefaly. Affordable and irresistibly sparkly, we take a look at some of the collection highlights.

If real diamonds and platinum are not in the wedding budget, Shefaly House of Jewels has a collection of bridal costume jewellery that is next best in the dazzledom ranks. Fine Swarovski crystal sits beside gorgeous Czech stones in a stunning collection of real statement costume jewellery. For the ultimate fairytale princess look, we love this Crystal Belle necklace set (£130). The set includes a necklace, made up of over 100 crystals, a bracelet and a pair of matching earrings.

You'll also find a fabulous collection of crystal hair accessories including tiaras, pins and chunky hair claws such as as this pretty Butterfly Hair Claw (£22).

And if your man want a slice of the glitz, check out the sparkly cufflinks, including these Moonbeam cufflinks (£35). Designed by Shefaly herself, crystal cufflinks are the ultimate in wedding day bling and will definitely make your man stand out from the crowd!

Shefaly is available online at shefaly.co.uk or by mail order on 0118 950 2398.

Click to read more ideas on accessories >

Posted in category: Fashion

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