GIFTS Window Shopping

Cheryl I'Anson - Fri 21 Nov 2008

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Setting up your gift list is one of the most fun parts of wedding planning, but it’s not always easy to find everything you want under one roof. Now there’s a new way to make sure you get exactly what you want.

What I’d Love offers a free, secure, online facility that lets you compile your gift list from a wide range of independent businesses, boutiques, department stores and even food retailers, offering quirky and original gifts from all over the UK.

Unlike a wedding list held at a single store, yoy can add products from any retailer on the internet, compiling one definitive list for your guests to browse through. Just with any wedding list, you’ll get your own list number and, as products are bought, the list is automatically updated.

You can shop around everywhere from Amazon to Debenhams and John Lewis to the White Company. You'll also find a fabulous range of more original products, from gorgeous antique-style furniture at Sprout to organic cotton aprons and tea towels at Ochre and Ocre. For traditional linen, we love the range of classic, organic sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers from Luma.

And if it’s eco products you’re after, check out the accessories and homeware at Biome. Priced at just £13, the unusual bamboo bath tray was made in Bhopal, India by survivors of the disastrous gas leak. Or your guests can club together to buy larger items, such as a state-of-the-art, luxe garden barbecue.

To find out more, go to www.whatidlove.co.uk.

Posted in category: Gift Lists

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VENUE Regency Style

Cheryl I'Anson - Thu 20 Nov 2008

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With its handsome Regency architecture and stunning views, Fishmore Hall makes a perfect wedding location all year round. This boutique country house hotel overlooking the charming town of Ludlow offers unrivalled views over the pretty Shropshire countryside.

Inside the beautifully restored Regency house, there are 15 luxurious contemporary bedrooms that can sleep up to 30 guests, giving you exclusive use of the hotel for your wedding weekend. And if you hire the Restaurant on an exclusive basis, the hotel will offer a complimentary bridal suite for you both.

There are two rooms which are licensed for civil ceremonies. The Lounge is ideally suited for smaller intimate ceremonies, while the Restaurant with its views overlooking Clee Hill can seat up to 60 guests. And if you’re planning a larger reception, a marquee can be erected on the lawn.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinator will help you with all your plans, from the menus to the flowers, and decorations to the photographer. The hotel also offers a selection of wedding packages to suit all budgets, which include a glass of prosecco or champagne on arrival; canapés including caramelised anchovy and onion pastry, chicken satay and dim sum; a choice of menus of dishes such as Cornish mackerel, pan fried salmon, and white chocolate crème brulee; coffee and petit fours; half a bottle of wine per person and a glass of fizz for the toasts.

To make a booking or for more information, call 01584 875148 or visit the website.

Posted in category: Venues

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WEDDING GOSSIP Girl In A White Dress 31

Cheryl I'Anson - Wed 19 Nov 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...

Beat those nerves

Everyone’s suffered from the odd bout of nerves in their time, but nothing is more likely to set off a swarm of butterflies in your tummy than the thought of walking down the aisle in sky-scraper heels in front of a crowd of your closest friends and rellies.

Even if you’ve imagined that moment a trillion times in your head, when it comes to it it can still seem a bit daunting. So here are some tips to help you beat the nerves and stay calm and focused for your big entrance…

1. Cut out the junk
In the weeks before the big day, try to cut out or cut down the amount of salt, refined sugar, tea, coffee and alcohol as these are all stimulants that will have your heart fluttering – and not in a loved-up way sadly. Instead pack your diet full with bananas, green leafy veg, fish and oats, which are all natural stress-busters.

2. Work it out
You might already be tackling your new pre-wedding exercise regime like an Olympic champion, but if you’re not it’s time to get on your bike. Frequent aerobic activity raises your fitness and energy levels, which releases ‘feelgood’ endorphins and helps relax tense muscles.

3. Sleep it off
Sleep is the best relaxer of all, so get plenty in the lead-up to your wedding. A poor sleep pattern is a strong stress trigger, leading to irritability and nerves so aim to be in bed before midnight and/or to get eight hours of ZZZs a night.

4. Deep breaths
If you’re feeling nervous, stop and take a long deep breath, breathing in for four then out for five, relaxing your shoulders as you breathe out. And try visualising what it is that’s making you nervous, such as aisle moment or the first dance and picture yourself smiling and enjoying it and you’ll start to associate those things with feeling happy.

5. Don’t sweat it
There are many little things that might go wrong on the day but chances are you won’t even notice so try not to focus on the small things as they'll only make you more nervous, and think about the reason you’re wearing that lovely white dress – you’re about to marry the man of your dreams and it doesn’t get more wonderful than that! Good luck!

Photos © iStockPhotos

Posted in category: Wedding Gossip

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