So he has just popped the big question, if you’re anything like me you have been dreaming about this day since you first met!

For those of you who don’t already know, I am the girl who is obsessed with weddings!!! I kept a blog ‘The Wedding Girl’ to vent my obsessions in weddings so as not to scare off my lovely h2b.

Due to the popularity of my blog and the constant emails I was recieving from brides-to-be asking me for help with their wedding preparations, I decided to start this website ‘The Wedding Girl’s SOS’ to help answer those oh-so-important questions every bride faces in the lead up to her wedding.

I will be answering as many questions as I can to help make your big day run as smoothly as possible. As well as answering your questions, I will be posting about all of the fabulous things I find that I think you brides-to-be will love. You will also find great tips and advice from industry experts on many different topics and be sure to check out my reviews section where I will be testing and reviewing all the latest ‘must have products’, spa treatments, cakes, services and everything else you can possibly think of for your big day!!

Every month I test out dozens of product to bring you the very best hair and beauty buys for your Big Day! I only write about the products that I love so that you don’t have to spend lots of time and money testing things out before your all important day. I hope you love these products as much as I do…

SAVE - Balton Spa Rich Day Cream Description £19.99
The is a lovely rich moisturiser from Balton Spa! Unique Moor Water with its Herbs, Plants and Minerals, combined with Sweet Almond Oil and Aloe Vera, deeply Nourish, Moisturise and Hydrate dry skin. It feels really rich on your skin but absorbs quickly leaving your skin looking and feeling beautiful.
www.balaton-spa.co.uk

SPLURGE - Clinique Comfort On Call £35
This is a fabulous rich moisturiser that is perfect for dry, sensitive and reactive skins. It feels really soothing and is ideal for dry skin that has suffered the effects if this harsh Winter. It absorbed nice and quickly but left my skin feeling really hydrated and moist.
www.clinique.co.uk

Read on…

Every month I search high and low to bring you the best products for your Honeymoon! I have spent the last 4 weeks trying out all the best hair and beauty products so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products for you to take on your honeymoon!

SAVE - Status Quo Conditioner £8.76
This conditioner from Status Quo is formulated from certified organic extracts and organic oils which help maintain the natural balance of your hair. It smells really nice and leaves your hair feeling wonderful while protecting it from UV damage.
www.organiccoloursystems.com

SPLURGE - L’Occitane Volumising Conditioner for Fine & Normal Hair £12
I really liked this silicone-free conditioner from L’Occitane, it made my hair feel really healthy and soft and it smells really fresh and invigorating, it really is a great every day shampoo.
www.loccitane.com

Read on…

Love the idea of the biggest wedding shopping extravaganza in the UK with over 250 experts on hand to turn your dreams into reality but hate the thought of crowds and queues? Well, the new VIP experience at The National Wedding Show is perfect for you. For the first time ever a limited number of VIP tickets will be available for each show and will provide exclusive access to a whole range of benefits including:

• Fast track entrance to the show – saving precious shopping time
• A complimentary makeover session courtesy of celebrity make-up artist Ariane Poole
• Reserved seating at the stunning catwalk – ensuring you have the best seats in the house!
• Benefit from exclusive show offers solely for VIP ticket holders
• Relax with a glass of bubbly in the comfort of the exclusive VIP lounge
• VIP goody bag packed full of treats

The Wedding Girl’s SOS has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer two lucky readers the chance to be at the top of the year’s most prestigious wedding guest list, absolutely free!  You and your ‘plus one’ will have access to the hottest wedding event of the season by winning a pair of VIP tickets. We’ve also bagged 3 pairs of regular tickets so at least if you miss out on the VIP experience this time you can still be a part of the greatest wedding show on earth!

Tickets are valid on Friday or Sunday and are limited to only one pair per winner.

London Olympia  19 – 21 February 2010
Birmingham NEC   5 – 7 March 2010

For more information visit the National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Click here to enter

With so many of you off to wonderful snow destinations for your honeymoon, it can prove really difficult to find a fabulous honeymoon wardrobe now that all the shops have started stocking their Summer collections. Well I have been searching high and low to bring you the best capsule wardrobe that will keep you warm and cozy on your honeymoon, whilst of course keeping you looking gorgeous and stylish!

Slope Suede Boots £49.99
These ‘Slope’ boots from Rocket Dog are absolutely fantastic, they are suede on the outside with a cozy faux sheepskin lining that will keep your feet warm and snug. They have a cute toggle detail on the side and really durable soles that will stop you from slipping on the snow or ice. They come in 4 colour options - black, tribal brown, chestnut or bark.
www.rocketdog.co.uk

The Northface Women’s Nuptse Fur Boots £81.73
These gorgeous plush boots from The North Face are perfect for snowy destinations! The water-resistant upper is stuffed with luxurious 600 fill down insulation, so your feet will be kept warm no matter how cold the temperature. They have a toughand  durable, multi-directional lugged sole and feature a lace front with fake fur trim, they really do look fantastic with skinny jeans and a big Winter coat.
www.ellis-brigham.com

Read the rest of this entry »

Choosing the catering for your big day can be a daunting experience.  In the current economic climate, many couples are trying to economise and financial situations are understandably shaping menus.  High quality food is still important however and this can be achieved on a relatively small budget with some careful thought and planning. John Hearn, Executive Chef of Tapenade shares his tips with The Wedding Girl’s SOS readers….
Start by selecting caterers at least six months in advance to give you time to discuss any requirements you have.  This also allows time to arrange tastings and tweak menus to ensure it meets your aspirations.

Most importantly, don’t panic!  Here are our top tips on shortlisting caterers and embarking on menu choices: Read on…

Brand New BRIDES ON A BUS starts 15th February at 10pm, Exclusive to Wedding TV. Here Comes The Ride!

Join I’m A Celebrity’s David Van Day for Wedding TV’s new reality series BRIDES ON A BUS.

This UK Premiere series sees ten brides-to-be travel the length and breadth of the country on a traditional double-decker bus, as they compete to win an all expenses paid wedding in Gretna Green.

The bus will travel from Lands End to Gretna Green and a host of locations in-between, where the prospective brides will complete some of the most outrageous challenges Britain has to offer.

One by one, the brides will be booted off the bus until one winner remains – May The Best Bride Wed!

For more info, please visit www.weddingtv.com

Dear wedding girl, I am getting married next week and the snow over here is insane. I want to buy some cute wellington boots that I can wear under my wedding dress. I am a country girl at heart so I think wellies will be appropriate under my gorgeous girly dress. I hope you can help.

Nina - Aberdeen

Hi Nina, I think wellies under wedding dresses are a lot more common that people think, especially with all this terrible weather at the moment. There are a few good wellington boot companies but one of my favourites is funky-wellington-boots.co.uk they stock a whole range of fantastic wellies priced at just £32. I love these ivory ones for brides, I have a pair and they are really comfy and have brilliant grip on the soles so you won’t go skidding on the ice in your beautiful dress.

Cheaper than the Caribbean whilst still offering beautiful beaches, azure seas and warm tropical weather… it is little surprise that Phuket, Thailand has been dubbed the “Jewel of the Andaman” and “Pearl of the South”.

Whilst many areas of the island have suffered from overdevelopment and tourism driven commercialisation, the past few years have seen a renaissance of sorts, thanks mostly to the opening of a number of luxurious and exclusive resorts such as the fabulous Evason resort and Six Senses Spa.

The Evason Phuket is located on Rawai beach which lies on the islands South Eastern shore, around an hour’s drive from Phuket airport, we went to find out if it was a fantastic as it sounded…

The sleek, shining new 5-series, complete with cold towels and chilled water, that arrived to deliver us from the airport to the Evason resort very much set the tone for what was to be an experience of utmost luxury. On its way to the reception, the car passes through the 64 acres of landscaped tropical gardens that surround the resort. Here we found giant palm trees swaying gently in the sea breeze and a series of picturesque ponds sprinkled with lily pads and a healthy population of colourful little frogs. The reception itself has an incredible view over the Andaman and is made up of four open-air salas (pavilions) which surround a mirror like lotus pond. At night, two burning braziers in the pond cast the whole area in a wonderful dancing orange light.

Read on…

I was very lucky to have a beautiful box of cupcakes delivered to me this afternoon from the fabulous ‘Vanilla Pink’ cupcakes. From the moment I opened the box I knew they were going to be delicious! Each cupcake was beautifully decorated with tiny hearts, and butterflies and glitter, the ultimate girlie cupcakes.

There was a fabulous variety of flavours to choose from all topped with the most scrumptious creamy buttery icing. The Flavours range from coffee, mocha, lemon, coconut, strawberry, banana and carrot to name but a few and of course classic vanilla or chocolate. My personal favourites were the Rose Water cupcake with pink Rose Water icing, which was the most subtle delicate flavour, and of course in first place it had to be the vanilla cupcake with white chocolate icing. The white chocolate icing really is perfect for those of you who want chocolate but don’t necessarily want the usual brown icing, these look stunning in a creamy white colour sprinkled with hearts or butterflies.

All the cupcakes are made with natural, locally sourced ingredients and there are no preservatives or additives.

For further information on Vanilla Pink, visit their website www.vanillapinklondon.com

Dear Wedding Girl.

I love your website and have found it a useful tool in planning my wedding. I was just wondering is it ok to give my bridesmaids pearl jewellery as gifts? I’m wearing a pearl necklace with a simple dress and my Mum and h2b’s Mum will wear simple fresh water pearl necklaces.   My bridesmaids will be wearing deep purple dresses from coast.
Can you recommend any jewellery to compliment their dress?

Janatu - Shropshire

Hi Jantu

I am such a big fan of pearls, they are so elegant and classy and they pretty much go with anything. I think as the dresses are a deep purple that Tahitian pearls or pink pearls would look just stunning. I would probably go for some simple drop pearl earrings or a single pearl pendant that each bridesmaid could wear. I know that Aye Do have a great selection of pearl jewellery at affordable prices.

Have a look at their website www.ayedo.co.uk, i’m sure you will find something perfect from their vast collection.

The wedding dance is important to every couple who is getting married and wants to impress on their big day. Whether you need to learn a wedding dance from scratch or just build up your dance-floor confidence, you can now do so in Strictly style at the exclusive Karen Hardy Studios in London.

Karen Hardy – one of Strictly Come Dancing’s biggest stars – offers private and group tuition on all dance disciplines from Ballroom to Latin at her luxurious dance studios. With a number of wedding packages available, not only can the bride and groom enjoy mastering the moves but can also choose that special piece of music that will leave their guests spellbound!

Karen and her team of professional dance coaches can evaluate your capabilities and create the perfect choreography for your music, all in the luxurious studio surroundings. Sit back and relax after your lessons with a glass of champagne in the Swarovski bar. The team can even organise a photographer to capture your special moments while you learn to dance.
Read on…

In the most impressively elegant collaboration to date, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), introduce Sandals® Weddings by Martha Stewart™. Brides and grooms can now book a destination wedding for any time after 1st January 2010 at any of the 18 Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts across the Caribbean. With six exquisite wedding themes, in the most romantic settings, Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart feature coordinated colour palettes, beautifully designed wedding décor, complementary bouquets, invitations, cakes and favours, along with à la carte items, creating a memorable experience to suit every couple’s unique preferences.

“A wedding is one of the most special moments in a person’s life,” says Joann Delgin, Director of Romance, Sandals Resorts. “We are honoured to be a part of this new relationship with Martha Stewart, offering our couples six customisable experiences from one of the most internationally-known wedding experts.”

Stated MSLO Founder Martha Stewart: “We’re delighted to be working with Sandals Resorts to guide engaged couples down the aisle and help make their destination wedding unforgettable. With an array of themes to choose from, each one offering coordinated elements and special details, every couple will be able to celebrate their special day in their own personal style.”

The six Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart themes include:
Read on…

Join internationally renowned designer Caroline Castigliano at the glamorous Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London on Thursday 28th January 2010 to launch her exquisite 2010 collection in a sensational bridal catwalk extravaganza!

The Castigliano 2010 collection is an expression of ‘relaxed feminine glamour’, each piece super chic and effortlessly luxurious. The collection holds a lot of soft tulle and lace gowns. There are key pieces with structured fishtails and statement organza gowns that are so much the signature handwriting of Caroline Castigliano. Each gown is meticulously handcrafted in England for a flawless result.

For an invitation to this exclusive event, please visit www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk

All you guests looking for something fabulous to wear will be pleased to hear that the Jacques Vert Spring/Summer 2010 collection has just launched.  The collection is led by smart, feminine and flattering occasion wear, all tailored to coordinate with weddings.

As ever, the collection moves through a spectrum of colours. There is an array of capsule ranges in colours to suit every figure and skin tone, and of course each outfit is accompanied by perfectly coordinating accessories in matching hues and patterns. Dusky pink and coco, lime and deep navy blue, lilac and cream and pearl and nickel collaborations will fit any theme, and capsules to appear for high summer feature clean white, cornflower and royal blue with crisp white capri trousers and soft chiffon layering to accompany key pieces.

Each capsule is supported by a line of colour-coordinated accessories, adding a touch of glamour to the outfit. This seasons’ headwear is fabulous, ranging from hats with wide, decadent brims and trims to more subtle yet chic fascinators available to match each collection. Shoes come in both leather and cooler coordinating fabric for summer occasions, elegant yet practical with kitten heels and comfortable slingback straps, and perfectly sized clutch purses and evening bags complete the ensemble.

You can view the entire Spring/Summer collection on their website www.jacques-vert.co.uk

This year, Beauberry House has been shortlisted by Wedding TV as Best British Wedding Venue.  In celebration of this achievement, Beauberry House are offering couples the chance to get married at the venue for a fraction of the normal price.

Weddings held at the decadent Beauberry House up to 31st March 2010 will enjoy a complimentary three course Wedding Breakfast for up to 50 guests (normally priced at £58.05 including 3 canapés, 3 course set menu and 12.5% service charge per person).  The Wedding Breakfast is traditionally the first meal shared by the married couple with their guests.

Beauberry House, a beautiful Georgian Grade II listed building set in leafy Dulwich (South East London) on the edge of Belair Park, provides the perfect setting for a romantic and contemporary wedding day. Beauberry House is one of the few venues in London that features a true country styled setting.  The venue is fully licensed to host wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships for up to 80 people.

Read on…

Calling all brides looking to save on their wedding dress or brides who are looking to sell their unused wedding dresses!!

I was recently talking to my good friends over at Savvy Cinderella about how many brides come to them with brand new wedding dresses that they want to sell for various reasons. We decided to team up and give all you brides a platform on both our sites where you can advertise your wedding dresses and where brides can put up wanted ads if they are looking for a specific dress. You can view all the dresses on our Find me a dress – Find my dress a bride page.

So if you have a dress that you want to sell, send me the details to dresses@theweddinggirl.co.uk including dress name and style, size, price paid for the dress, price wanted for the dress plus a picture and I will put that up.

If you are looking for a particular wedding dress, email me with all the details of what you are looking for including dress name and style, size, and how much you want to pay and I will put a ‘wanted’ message up.

Personal details will not go up on line – just the part of the country that you are from, all enquiries will be sent to me and then passed on to you.

All dresses must be unaltered and in excellent condition

I hope this becomes a really helpfull platform for all you savvy brides shopping for a dress on a budget!

Mira Zwillinger will be presenting her 2010 couture collection exclusively at Browns Bride on the 14th and 15th of January. You will have the chance to meet the designer whos gowns are the epitome of elegance and glamour and is renowned for sing the finest fabrics sourced from Milan and Paris.

Each bride will enjoy a champagne appointment and receive a goody bag, to make your appointment please contact brownsbride@brownsfashion.com or call 0207 514 0056/57

There is a £25 charge redeemable against any purchase.

Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, London W1

Lotus Journeys offer unique holidays swimming with wild dolphins in beautiful unspoilt locations worldwide, where you can fulfill your dream of swimming with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Their ethos is one of respect and sensitivity with the dolphins and they introduce you to this experience with expert care and guidance. They take people to beautiful places worldwide that are key locations for dolphins. In the summer they go to the Azores, in the winter they go to La Gomera in the Canary Islands. You will be welcomed into the company of people who have dedicated their lives to deepening human relationships with the dolphins and whales.

Their team love what they do with a passion. They offer a wealth of experience, expertise and sensitivity in how they introduce people to these playful and highly intelligent creatures in the wild. This provides you with the best opportunities to interact with them safely and appropriately.

Group trips or private tailor made trips are available from May-October. 7 nights starts from £780

To find out more visit www.lotusjourneys.com

Bradley House in Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire, a lovely house that has been owned by the Dukes of Somerset since it was built 300 years ago and which is available as a venue for country house weddings, celebrations and corporate events, has just launched The Coach House as a party venue.

The Coach House is an adapted old coach house and Victorian stables sited in a cobbled courtyard next to the house. It has a dining room that will seat 60 people, a room for music and dancing, a bar and the Victorian stables that are used as a quiet area for “chilling out”.

Attached to The Coach House is a marquee that can be used where the number eating exceeds 60 people. It comes in three sizes – to seat up to 90, up to 150 and up to 180 people. In its standard format it comes with wood flooring, lining, lighting and heating.
Read on…

Dear wedding girl, I am looking for some jewellerry and accessories for my wedding day that will not cost the earth, I have quite a small budget. Any ideas where I should look?

Lisa - Cornwall

Hi Lisa, I would definitely check out the samples sale section on Yarwood-White.  The Sample Sale is a selection of some of Yarwood-White’s Jewellery which has been used previously in fashion or photo shoots.  The items are not brand new but are in excellent condition and never damaged. You will find everything from jewellery to hair accessories and tiaras and you could save up to 60% off the normal price.

A lot of their normal prices are quite reasonable too so you should definitely check out their website www.yarwood-white.com

Every month I test out dozens of product to bring you the very best hair and beauty buys for your Big Day! I only write about the products that I love so that you don’t have to spend lots of time and money testing things out before your all important day. I hope you love these products as much as I do…

SAVE - Dr Bronner’s Magic Soap – Rose £4.99
This Rose body wash with its beautifully blended natural essential oils has an elegant and romantic feel. All the oils and essential oils are certified organic to the National Organic Standards Program. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles.
www.lucyrose.biz

SPLURGE - Philosophy Unconditional Love Shower Cream £19.20
I am a big fan of Philosophy products, they are all superb and this Unconditional Love shower cream is no exception. This lavish, high-foaming formula gently cleanses, conditions, and softens skin and hair, all the while surrounding you with the scent of enduring comfort. Lather up in the shower or pour in to a hot bath for a relaxing soak… what a perfect way to start your wedding morning.
Available from John Lewis

SAVE - Treaclemoon The Raspberry Kiss Body Butter £3.97
I adore the Treacle Moon range from Tesco, all the products are simply irresistible. This delicious body butter is one of my favorites, it is a rich creamy formula that instantly makes your skin feel nourished and hydrated. The intoxicating sweet raspberry scent will linger on your skin making you smell delicious.
Exclusively from Tesco
Read on….

Every month I search high and low to bring you the best products for your Honeymoon! I have spent the last 4 weeks trying out all the best hair and beauty products so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products!

SAVE - Tigi Bed Head ‘Some Like It Hot’ Conditioner £7.50
This heat & humidity resistant conditioner is fantastic. The refreshing blend of avocado, grape, aloe and cucumber forms a barrier to guard against humidity, UV rays and thermal damage. It not only leaves your hair feeling soft and silky and ready to face the sun it also smells good enough to eat.
www.jasonshankey.co.uk

SPLURGE - Bumble & Bumble Deep Conditioner £20
This is the perfect treatment for undernourished, overstressed, chemically treated hair. Bumble & Bumble Deep Treatment is a twenty minute weekly protein feast designed to effectively nurture and moisturise your hair, ideal for when your hair has been over exposed to sun and been in the sea and swimming pools day in and day out. It smells divine and it left my hair feeling like new after a week of abuse in the sun.
www.lookfantastic.com Read on…

Award winning makeup artist Sarah Brock was the winner of the Wedding Industry Awards Makeup Artist of the Year 2008 (sponsored by BRIDES Magazine) and in 2009 won the Professional Beauty Awards Makeup Specialist of the Year. She is the Director of Makeup Artistry for Daniel Sandler and has appeared on Wedding TV as a makeup expert. Sarah is known as one of the UK’s top bridal makeup artists regularly works as a makeup artist for bridal Magazines and is now going to share all her beauty secrets with The Wedding Girl’s SOS readers…

If you do not have a budget for a bridal makeup artist or you simply want to do your own makeup, here are my top tips for a flawless look on your wedding day:
Read on…

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and is best known for its numerous magnificent temples, lush tropical countryside and fiery northern Thai cuisine. It represents a slower paced and more rustic alternative to the bright lights of Bangkok and is a wonderful honeymoon destination for anyone looking for a taste of Eastern culture.

In the heart of the Chaing Mai’s old town, an area over flowing with spectacular Buddhist temples, you will find Tamarind Village which is an ideally located romantic haven from which to explore this amazing and exciting city.

The Tamarind Village was one of the first boutique hotels in Chiang Mai to be designed with Chiang Mai’s rich traditional northern Thai architecture in mind. The hotel, really a complex of smaller, individually styled cloisters arranged around a series of small courtyards and gardens, features elegant exposed dark timber beams, whitewashed walls and clay tiled roofs and is really quite beautiful. The tropical grounds are meticulously maintained and the paths that wind between them are lit-up at night by scores of candles. The centerpiece of the complex is a majestic 200 year old tamarind tree which towers over the central courtyard and was the inspiration for the hotel’s name. Read on…

Missy Mo Photography has joined forces with Jewel Piccadilly, London to bring you a Wedding Fayre like no other! It’s NOT just another wedding fayre…but a Charity Wedding Soiree. Brides and Grooms to be and their friends can enjoy a Bellini reception, an array of suppliers and an un-missable Fashion show.

Jewel Piccadilly (www.jewelpiccadilly.co.uk) is one of West Ends most chic lounge bar in London and has the perfect setting to host this unique Wedding Soiree.

Walk into the stylish and retro Bar Blanca, where you will have “access all area” to the pampering Boudoir. Beauty therapists, hair stylists and nail technicians have come together to provide you exciting tips and expert advice on gorgeous looks for your Big Day. They will be offering free 5 minute treatments so arrive early to book your place.

Make your way into the extravagant Jewel Bar to find Oscar-worthy wedding frocks, stylish bridesmaid dresses and seductive lingerie inspired by the roaring 20’s to the hippy 70’s.

Exclusive for your eyes only… Joe McCombe will showcase his designs in a fabulous 30-minute catwalk show. Gorgeous shoes are supplied by Rachel Simpson. Men will also be spoilt for choice with Vintage inspired suits supplied by Hugh Harris. Prepare to be WOWed!
Read on…

Madeline Isaac-James opens the doors to its flagship boutique to welcome in all brides-to-be to take part in week long celebrations to make their 1st Anniversary at the Farnborough boutique. Madeline Isaac-James took proud ownership of the exquisite Victoria building back in January 2008 and transformed the interior into an elegant bridal boutique haven.

From the 4th January until the 9th January all brides-to-be who visit the boutique (by appointment only) will be welcomed into the boutique by the designer herself, treated to vintage champagne and canapés as the bride-to-be gets the chance to view and try on dresses from the brand NEW 2010 collections created by the designer of the brand – Natalie Gladman. For any brides-to-be who order their dream dress during the Anniversary week will receive 10%* off the total price of their chosen Madeline Isaac-James dress AND receive a free veil** worth 69.99GBP. Before leaving the boutique brides-to-be will be presented with a Limited Edition Goody bag filled with useful wedding products! Read on…

Charlotte Balbier will be showcasing her gorgeous 2010 collection at the following locations. Be sure to phone well in advance to book an appointment.

20thDEC-11thJAN
THE DRESSING ROOMS, DERBYSHIRE
01332 873320

23rd JAN
CHOOLA, SHEFFIELD
0114 267 1303

15th FEB-20th FEB
MIRROR MIRROR, ISLINGTON, LONDON
0207 713 9022
Read on for further dates…

The White Closet is an up-market vintage-inspired bridal boutique that has just opened in the heart of West Didsbury in Manchester. They have some of the industry’s most exclusive and talented designers working with them and have created an absolute haven for brides.

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but trying on a wedding dress shouldn’t be. That’s why when you make an appointment at The White Closet, the boutique and their attention is all yours. Whether you’re after a 20s dress to reflect the Art Deco period or a quirky little white 60s smock, or something from an era in between, you’ll find a wedding dress that has been inspired by a decade that you love at The White Closet.

They are fortunate to have close relationships with their designers who they have carefully handpicked to come on board with them. This allows them to accommodate tweaks here and there to your chosen gown, if you want to, and it’s worth noting that all bridal alterations are included in the price of the gown. So take your family or friends along, have a seat and a glass of chilled champagne (or tea or coffee from their gorgeous vintage tea set!) and choose from a selection of delicious locally baked cupcakes, and get ready to experience the ultimate in wedding dress up.

The White Closet is based at 204 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LW
You can contact them to book an appointment on 0161 445 5678 or vist their website www.thewhitecloset.co.uk

Keele University is hosting its Winter Wedding Fayre at Keele Hall on Sunday 17th January, between 10am and 3.30pm.

Brides and grooms will be able to visit suppliers’ stands in the newly refurbished Keele Hall Ballroom, as well as watching live catwalk fashion shows at 12noon and 2.30pm. Visitors will also be able to see a mock civil wedding ceremony in action, offering ideas and inspiration to all.

Keele Hall, which re-opened its new Ballroom earlier this year following a major £300,000 refurbishment, is now the largest banqueting suite in Staffordshire. Keele Hall is also home to the Salvin Suite, popular for those wanting a combined civil ceremony and reception. Further wedding venues include the Comus Restaurant, offering a more contemporary choice, whilst the Hawthorns Restaurant is an ideal choice for a fuss-free reception, proving there really is something for everyone at Keele. Read on…

If you are planning to pop the question this  New Year or have already proposed then you may be interested to know that Wyboston Lakes on the Bedfordshire / Cambridgeshire border is hosting its 7th wedding fayre on 17th January.

The fayre will set the pace for the latest wedding trends in 2010 and attendees will have the opportunity to meet a broad range of local specialists and creative professionals who can help couples realise their vision for the big day.

Taking place between 11.00 am - 4.00 pm, the event will showcase over 30 bridal suppliers including florists, cake makers, jewellers, photographers and the Willows Centre, Wyboston Lakes’ wedding venue. The Willows sets the backdrop for all nuptial notions with a fashion show by Pronuptia taking centre stage at 12 noon and again at 2.00 pm. This will be the first time the company will be showcasing the exclusive Coco Couture collection. In addition, pieces designed by Amanda Wyatt, Alfred Angelo, Mon Cheri, Mori Lee, San Patrick and Dessy will be on show. Read on…

I’m really excited, series two of Wedding TV’s reality show Celebrity Hens and Stags, is starting on Thursday the 7th of January.

With many brave boyfriends having popped the question on New Year’s Eve, Celebrity Hens & Stags is the perfect inspiration for all you brides and husbands-to-be.
Featuring famous faces such as Pete Bennett from Big Brother, WAG Danielle Lloyd, Neil and Christine Hamilton, party girl Bianca Gascoigne, Blazin’ Squad member Kenzie and former Hollyoaks actor Paul Danan, each episode will see a celebrity paired with a stag or hen party. The celebrity will act as chief organiser and it’s up to them to get the hen and stag parties started. Working with leading hen and stag organisers Redseven, the celebrities will be in charge of some demanding clients!

In episode one, Pete will be lap dancing in Newcastle; in week two Danielle will be playing It’s A Knockout in Bristol; episode three will see Neil and Christine Hamilton checking out an Adonis male cabaret show in Brighton; episode four sees Kenzie living it up in London at an MTV dance class; the penultimate episode will see Paul playing drinking games in an Irish bar in Marbella, and lastly Bianca will be travelling to Riga in Latvia.

Will the surprised hen and stag parties welcome the addition of someone famous to their celebrations; will they steal the bride-to-be’s moment and will the celebrity take their leadership duties seriously? Tune in this January to find out, from Thursdays 7th January at 10pm on Wedding TV (Sky 266 & Freesat 400).

Listen up ladies, don’t miss your chance to receive up to 70% off an exquisite designer wedding dress at this amazing two-day sale. Over 1000 stunning dresses available from leading designers including Amy Michelson, Caroline Castigliano, Jenny Packham, Ronald Joyce and many more.

16th & 17th of January 2010

Tickets are strictly limited so visit www.bridaldesignersale.com to book them now!

Throughout this autumn and winter, happy couples will delight in the news that they can still host their special day at an exclusive, unique and beautiful venue, without breaking the bank even if it is last minute!

For just £69 per person* The Roof Gardens’ experienced and friendly events team will organise everything for the bride and groom’s dream wedding; all set within the beautiful acre and a half of gardens, six floors up in the heart of Kensington.

The offer includes exclusive hire of The Roof Gardens events space which comprises the Club House and three stunning themed gardens, including the four resident flamingos and a variety of other wildlife. It also includes a delicious sparkling wine reception, a 3 course wedding breakfast complete with gorgeous floral centrepieces on the tables.  Beverages include coffee and half a bottle of wine per person.

For the icing on the cake the entertainment will be supplied by a fantastic DJ helping guests to party the day away. Where better to say ‘I do?’ this year…

The offer is available for bookings made for January, February and March 2010.

*A minimum of 100 guests is required for £69 per person package

www.roofgardens.virgin.com

Building on the success of its renowned maternity bridal collection and following superb in-store success at its own bridal boutique, Madeline Isaac-James has launched two new mainstream collections for 2010.

The two latest collections, Silhouette and Platinum, are a highly desirable, eclectic mix of mainstream bridal gowns suitable for all brides – whether she is looking for a romantic, full-skirted gown to a slinky silk gown exuding classic Hollywood style and glamour.  Both collections offer unique, timeless gowns that share an air of grace and elegance with fabrics including fine silks, sumptuous satins, taffeta, organza, tulle, chiffons and luxurious laces.  The use of these fabrics, combined with subtle design features including exquisite embroidery, beading and pleats, create wonderful silhouettes for the modern bride.  Key colours for the 2010 Collection are ivory, blush pink and soft cappuccino.
Read on…

Hello wedding girl, i’m a big fan of your website! I am wondering if you can now help me with something. I am looking for some wedding invitations to go with our vintage wedding theme. Have you got any ideas.

Sally - Hertfordshire

Hi Sally, I love the vintage theme and I think these new Era Collection invitations from Pink and Blue Wedding would be perfect.

They feature a pearl and diamante embellishment and are available ivory or cream cards, providing a neutral base on which to allow the beauty of the embellishments and ribbons to shine through. To compliment your wedding theme perfectly, ribbons are available in 80 shades through their colour matching service, allowing you the luxury of fully customised stationery, although I think cream or black will look spot on.

www.pinkandbluewedding.com

Hi Wedding girl, I am looking for a gift for all my bridesmaids (I have 6), I wanted to get them all a bottle of champagne but I think that is going to be too expensive, I want to spend about £15 for each. Have you got any ideas, maybe a small bottle of  liqueur or some coll chocolates or something?

Sarah

Hi Sarah

Buying bubbly for 6 bridesmaids could definitely end up being very expensive, but I may have just the answer, this month Harvey Nichols is to launch its own label Prosecco. It will be available at Harvey Nichols Wine Shops nationwide and priced at £13.50. This would make a lovely gift at an affordable price, also a great option for having at your wedding reception.

The new Charlotte Balbier 2010 Boutique Collection will be showcased at The Dressing Rooms, Draycott, Derby from 2nd Jan- 9th Jan 2010.
Justine and Elaina at the Dressing Rooms really are making this a fabulous and exclusive event for all you 2010 brides.

They are offering every bride who orders over these event dates the following
*£100 worth of bridal accessories free with the purchase of a Charlotte Balbier gown*
*Goody bag for every bride, full of indulgent treats including a lipstick, bathing products, Brides magazine and other lovely treats*
*Pink bubbly for the bride and her family and friends who attend the app*
*The chance to win a venue stylist for your big day from Honeysuckle and castle events.
*Over 25 Charlotte Balbier gowns for your to try and find ‘your one’*

The Boutique is very much on brand with Charlotte Balbier and brides to be will walk in and feel a part of Charlotte’s world.

Book now for this exclusive event, call now on 01332 873320

www.thedressingroombridal.co.uk

With his extensive experience dressing and accessorising the bride and bridesmaids, Bruce Oldfield has been inspired to offer a new service at Beauchamp Place.  Using his designer’s skill and eye, he has created an exclusive style network offering an holistic approach to wedding planning. With partnerships forged with:  Willer for silver, glass and china ware and linens; John Carter for flowers; and Fisher Productions for the overall event plan, Mr Oldfield provides the fashionable bride with a service totally unique in its breadth and quality and all under one roof.

Visit the fabulous 3 story emporium at 27 & 34 Beauchamp Place, London, SW3

www.bruceoldfield.com

Well I have two great last minute offers for the gorgeous Brown’s Hotel in London that could be just what you are looking for.

Festive Stay at Brown’s Hotel – Brown’s gift to you is your third night free
Stay for any two consecutive nights and Brown’s will give you the third room night free.
Rooms start from £660+VAT for three nights in a Classic Room, subject to availability.

Festive Celebration at Brown’s Hotel – Enjoy a complimentary bottle of Champagne
Stay one night and enjoy a complimentary bottle of Champagne.
Rooms start from £255+VAT per night in a Classic Room.

The above packages are available between the 18th December 2009 and 10th January 2010.  To make a reservation please call 020 7493 6020, visit www.roccofortecollection.com or email reservations.browns@roccofortecollection.com.   All prices quoted are excluding VAT and are subject to availability.

Trying to find swimwear for your honeymoon in the middle of Winter can often be a very difficult task, so I have been searching high and low for the very best swimwear available! I have been testing them all out to find the very best options. Whether you are looking for a bikini, tankini or swimsuit, high leg, low leg, high waistband, low waistband, strapless, halterneck or both, I have found something for everyone, large and small, in every budget.

Poko Pano Pink Palms Bikini
I adore this polka dot and palm leaf bikini from Poko Pano. The sliding halter dot bikini top is enhanced with black disc details, and it ties at the back and neck. The bikini bottom has a large palm leaf print with a contrasting waistband of pink and white stripes. The bottom is available in Brazilian Cut (for minimal coverage) and European Cut (for more coverage). This is a really fun bikini and it’s very flattering, definitely on my favourites!
£58
www.poko-pano.com

Fantasie Corsica Bandeau Bikini
This is such a gorgeous bikini from Fantastie. It is a beautiful grey/silver colour and has detachable straps so it can be worn as a strapless bikini or as a normal bikni. Unlike many strapless bikinis this bikini gives great support to larger busts, I felt totally secure when swimming. The bikini bottoms are designed to be worn rolled up to give high coverage over the stomach or rolled down to have a thick waistband that hides all those unforgiving lumps and bumps. Extremely versatile! This was definitely another favourite!
Corsica Bandeau Bikini Top £32
Corsica Brief £25
www.fantasie.com

Read on…

On the 5th of December , for one day only Harriet Wilde will be showing her full range of shoes and matching bags at the Patrick Ludde Salon & Spa in Mayfair.

You an book an appointment to have a consultation with Harriet over a glass of champagne.

For more details and to arrange an appointment call 020 7682 2316 or contact@harrietwilde.com

www.harrietwilde.com

For one night only you can save 15% off at Luella’s Boudoir! On Thursday 10th December from 4.00 - 9.00pm they will be celebrating their fabulous South African, Bridal Dress Designer, Shane Ryding being back in town and the launch of the New Rainbow & Pure Crystal Jewellery Collections by Award Winning Designer Benedicte Lassartesse-Jones from The Real Princess Company.

During the evening both designers will be offering a fabulous 15% discount for all Shane Ryding Wedding Dress Collection and all Real Princess Jewellery orders placed on the night. They will also be continuing to offer our 10% discount on all LB Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids Dress orders placed before the 18th December.

You will require an appointment to attend this exclusive event and places are limited, so please contact us on 020 8879 7744 or email us at info@luellasboudoir.co.uk to reserve your place.

You can also visit their website www.luellasboudoir.co.uk

Every month I test out dozens of product to bring you the very best hair and beauty buys for your Big Day! I only write about the products that I love so that you don’t have to spend money testing things out before your all important day. I hope you love these products as much as I do.

SAVE - La Compagnie de Provence Wild Rose Body Milk  £13.95
La Compagnie De Provence Wild Rose body milk is simply scrumptious. The delicate Wild Rose aroma leaves you skin feeling super hydrated and the rose scent is relaxing a subtly lingers on your skin all day long. It contains: olive oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter and vitamin E to really keep your skin silky soft.
www.johnlewis.com

SPLURGE - Stella McCartney Stella In Two Body Milk £27
I really love this creamy body milk from Stella McCartney, it comes in a cute little pink square shaped bottle and it smells simply divine. It absorbed really quickly but left my skin feeling really hydrated and soft. At £27 it’s not cheap but it makes a lovely present to yourself if you think you deserve a treat!
www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Read on…

Every month I search high and low to bring you the best products for your Honeymoon! I have spent the last 4 weeks trying out all the best hair and beauty products so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products!

SAVE - Charles Worthington mineral hair spa £5.49
This lovely natural hair treatment is packed full of ingredients such as sea minerals, algae extract and kelp that work together to deeply penetrate the hair, soothing and nourishing it back to health. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off and it will leave your hair revitalised, glossy and gorgeous. For just £5.49 this is a great buy and the pot will last for ages.
www.charlesworthington.com

SPLURGE - ref hair  treatment 551 £13.30
This fabulous nourishing protein treatment for dry and damaged hair is really fantastic. Simply leave it on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse off. It leaves your hair looking silky and smooth and really helps with those pesky fly-away hairs. Contains Keratin, Silkprotein, Wheat protein, Soy protein, Sunflower oil, Olive oil, Jojobo oil, and Aloe Vera.
www.hairtec.com
Read on…

I just stumbled over your website and have quickly marked it as a ‘favourite’ on my computer - loads of really useful stuff!

I wonder if you can help - I’m getting married next May & planning on making cupcakes, and need to hire a cupcake stand.  Everywhere I’ve found on the internet wants about £50 for an acrylic stand which seems a bit steep to me.  Can you recommend anywhere that I can hire a stand for less than that?  As I’m going for quite a vintage-y/country garden type look I’m definitely up for having something a bit different to a basic acrylic stand.

Harriet - Peterborough

Hi Harriet, many hire companies have minimum orders so if it is just the cake stand you are wanting then I would recommend buying one for a similar price, you can always sell it afterward to make back some of the money.

Here are some that I love for under £40…

STAR BUY - Laura Ashley are actually doing 3 for 2 on their 3 tier bone china cake stand. They would go perfectly with your vintage theme and at £30 each you could go for one or spend £60 and get three and then you could probably sell them on after the wedding for £20 each.

www.lauraashley.com

This is also a great bargain from Very.co.uk, this opulence 3 tier cake stand in porcelain is just £10 so you could afford to buy a couple of these.

www.very.co.uk

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If you’re having trouble finding the perfect honeymoon package, look no further.  The award-winning Windjammer Landing Villa beach Resort in Saint Lucia is offering The Wedding Gir’s SOS readers the chance to win an amazing seven night Caribbean honeymoon!

The beautiful Windjammer Landing Beach Villa Resort, built into a lush green hillside in north-west Saint Lucia, was voted Saint Lucia’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2008 and is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, making it the ideal destination for your post-wedding escape to the sun.

The lucky winning couple will enjoy half board accommodation in a beautiful villa or suite for seven nights, a delicious champagne cocktail on arrival, and a romantic candlelit dinner. A dedicated personal ambassador will be on hand to help with all your holiday needs.

Read on…

Hello Wedding Girl, I have just got engaged which is all very exciting…..! Though we have not started planning yet I saw your blog so thought I’d email you!

As I am a petite-pixie size 6/8 I am thinking of going short with the wedding dress - I want to be different and the wedding is likely going to be a small ceremony (somewhere remote/beach/lochside/glen etc) with a big party at night - most likely in a village hall!  Any top tips on the best short wedding dresses and where to get them? Long sleeve short dress, almost hippy-like…..? Small budget…

Thanks, Pauline

Hi Pauline, Being so petite at a size 6/8 I think picking a short style wedding dress is a great decision. There are lots of short dresses to choose from but short dresses with long sleeves is a little harder to find. I have tried to outline a few that I think might be close to what you are looking for…

The first company I would suggest having a look at would be Dolly Couture, they are an American company who sell a whole range of short wedding dresses. They can even custom make a dress especially for you so would be able to make exactly the sort of thing you wanted with long sleeves.

www.dollycouture.com

This gorgeous tunic style wedding dress from Monsoon could be perfect, it has gorgeous embroidery and silk trim. With the floaty long sleeves it will fit perfectly with your romantic/hippy theme. £125

www.monsoon.co.uk
Read on…

I am loving the new accessories from Olivier Laudus!! He has come a long way from his original business of designing and making luxury wedding ring cushions. His online bridal boutique is now a firm favourite with brides looking for that perfect wedding accessory and he prides himself on offering, in addition to his Signature Collection of products, a selection of other unique accessories.

Just launched this week are an exciting and contemporary range of tiaras, headbands, hair combs, brooches and cuff bracelets featuring on-trend over-sized diamante, crystals and pearls. All the pieces have been handpicked by him and are both affordable yet stunning in detail, design and quality.

I absolutely adore the Baccara wedding tiara and matching hair comb. The tiara is from the vintage collection and is set on a gold frame, it features a combination of porcelain roses, Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls. It is also available in silver with ivory rose buds.

The whole accessories collection can be seen at www.olivierlaudus.co.uk and all hair accessories and jewellery come packaged in a free luxury presentation box.

Book your beauty and relaxations treatments and receive a 15% discount
off when you quote “Wedding Girl” while booking by phone or
email. Discount must be claimed by March 2010.”

www.blossomandjasmine.com

Stoke Park’s Palladian Mansion, set amongst 350 acres of outstanding beauty, is truly one of the most breathtaking wedding venues in Buckinghamshire and for the fifth consecutive year it will be holding it’s very own Wedding Open Day.

An array of wedding specialists will be on hand to guide you through and help plan every aspect of your special day to the finest detail. Dressmakers, florists, photographers, wedding cake designers and Stoke Park’s dedicated Wedding Co-ordinator will all be present to provide an extremely high standard of service.

On Sunday 10th January 2010, you will also be able to learn about the fully inclusive wedding packages that Stoke Park provides. With dining facilities for up to 120 guests, 13 SPA SPC treatment rooms situated in the award winning spa and 49 luxurious bedrooms to choose from, each individually decorated with fine antiques and all offer breathtaking views across historic gardens and landscaped parkland, Stoke Park will truly make your day a memorable occasion.

The Wedding Open Day will commence at 11.00am and finish at 4.00pm. Complimentary admission and a welcome drink will be given upon arrival.

www.stokepark.com

Lots of people have been talking about the gorgeous poppies that the X Factor contestants have been wearing so I wanted to  post to let you know where you can get them. For the third year in a row, Yarwood-White has been commissioned by X Factor stylists to create bespoke Poppies for the X Factor Finalists.

In week 4 of the live shows the contestants wore the simple but beautiful Poppies which were finished with soft velvet and a glass bead centre.

I think these would make really lovely gifts for bridesmaids. You can purchase the beautiful poppies from Yarwood-White.
They costs £35 and for every poppy sold, Yarwood-White will donate £5 to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal on your behalf.

www.yarwood-white.com

I have just come across a really cute stationery designer called Katie Druett. She has been creating innovative bespoke fine stationery for ten years.  First impressions really do count and from your save the date cards to your thank you cards and menus Katie will make sure that every aspect of your wedding stationery is perfect!

Katie has designed over 800 gorgeous pieces of stationery with diverse designs created to suit every taste, budget and occasion. Invitations, information cards, order of ceremony menu, seating plans, and place cards. Designed to complement each other and give an extremely stylish addition to your big day.

Kate is happy to keep things modern and minimal or as extravagant as you like! She will help you create a perfect wedding look with gorgeous luxury ribbons, butterflies and delicate floral patterns or a modern chic style all produced on the very highest quality card and paper.

Select your favourite elements of existing designs to create your perfect combination, or  have something brand new created just for you. Her promise is to never produce identical commissions so your stationery will be unique to your wedding only! She loves a challenge and and always aims to create the wedding stationery of your dreams!

Prices start from £2.00 per invitation including matching envelope.

If you want exquisite and exclusively designed stationery then check out her website www.druettdesigns.co.uk, London studio visits welcome. Free colour brochure. Nation-wide mail order service.

What better gift for a stylish best man than a hand tailored suit! Well now you can give them just that, aSuitThatFits.com are offering these gorgeous silk gift vouchers to spend on individually hand  tailored garments. You can choose the amount you would like to put on the voucher and with individually hand tailored suits starting at just £150 they can cater for almost any budget. What’s more, their beautiful silk gift vouchers are even personalised with your names and the receiver’s name for that bespoke touch, in beautiful calligraphy embroidery. The gift vouchers come perfectly gift wrapped in a pearlescent black box, silver tissue and red ribbon.

They will individually hand tailor the recipient’s suit to perfectly fit their body contours and their personal style, with the thousands of fabrics, styles and attributes to choose from. They have three London branches and TailorStops in 13 cities nationwide.

So if you and you hubby are looking for something really unique for your best man or perhaps your father or any other special member of your wedding party who deserves a really fantastic gift then this could be just what you are looking for.

To find out more about out Embroidered Gift Vouchers please visit www.aSuitThatFits.com or call 020 3006 7999

On the 9th of December Aruna Seth will be holding a fabulous shoe event at Whisky Mist. Take your bridesmaids along and enjoy an evening of shoes and cocktails.

Wednesday 9th of December at 9pm. VIP Luxe Room at Whisky Mist

35 Hertford Street, Mayfair, WIK 7SD.

www.arunaseth.com

Hi wedding girl,

I was hoping you could help me. A friend of mine who got married last year came round and showed me a sketch of her wedding dress. I thought it was such a lovely thing to have and was really excited at the thought of having one myself when I got married. Well, I have just chosen my dress and as I am not getting my dress custom made and have just ordered it from a store, this is something I am not going to have. Do you know if there is anywhere where I can get one or have one done, I have been looking online a lot but had no luck!

Libby

Hi Libby,

I agree, a sketch of your wedding dress is such a wonderful keepsake and something every bride should have, especially when your dress usually ends up in an attic. I know of two artists who offer this service. One is a fabulous woman called Penelope-Anne Altman (see sketch to the Left). Her 11″x14″ pencil sketches are fantastic and will be exactly what you are looking for I would imagine. The sketch will cost around £65 plus shipping and tax. You can find our more from her website www.mydreamlines.com.

If you would like a sketch of you in the dress then Jennifer Angilello is your gal. She offers a more personalised (and expensive) custom portrait of you in your dress which she creates after you send her a selection of images of you in your dress. An 11″x14″ illustration, double matted and framed will cost you around £280 plus tax and shipping costs. Find out more at www.aboutthedress.com

Whichever one you go with I’m sure it will be perfect, they are both very talented artists!

Carrie Yeo London is having a great online sample sale at the moment. All the items have been used in photo shoots either for their website or for a Wedding Magazine but they are all in perfect condition. 

You will find discounts of up to 50% off on jewellery and hair accessories.

They are all one off offers. Once they are gone, they are gone! So get over there quickly and snap up a bargain!!

Visit Carrie Yeo Sample Sale

Hi Joanna, with the weather so cold right now it is definitely a good idea to have something to keep you warm on the day. I would recommend having a look at www.wonderfulwraps.com, they stock a large range of individual and affordable bridal wraps, capes and shrugs in a wide range of materials and styles in both white and cream.  Styles to look out for include French ruche: an ivory ruched stole, hand made from natural silk, designed to add a romantic touch to a plain dress, Lace Shoulder cape:  a handmade lace shoulder cape, embroidered with flower detail, Organza Wrap: a pure silk organza wrap with silk chiffon edge, a beautiful yet simple addition to any dress and Ribbon Flower Tulle: an exquisite ivory pure silk tulle, embellished with satin flowers.

Another website to check out is www.girls-love-pearls.co.uk. Their latest collection of feather wraps, stoles, boleros and muffs have just launched. The gorgeous feather wraps are simply stunning, also new in this season are the beautiful Julie real feather wraps, featuring a ruffle look feather with luxurious satin look lining. The Milan Ostrich feather stoles are fully lined with satin and come complete with satin detachable ties and a hook and eye fastening. The Ross Marabou Feather Cape (right) is sheer luxury, the cape is fully lined with satin - it will fit beautifully around your shoulders and full length of your arms, to add that touch of glamour and is ideal for keeping the cold weather at bay! 

I’m sure between these two great sites you will find something perfect!

Listen up ladies, don’t miss your chance to receive up to 70% off an exquisite designer wedding dress at this amazing two-day sale.

Over 1000 stunning dresses available from leading designers including Amy Michelson, Caroline Castigliano, Jenny Packham, Ronald Joyce and many more.

The sale is taking place on the 28th & 29th of November

Tickets are strictly limited so visit www.bridaldesignersale.com to book them now! 

I recently came across a company that I just love!! The Wedding News is an individually designed, personalised magazine publication for all the guests and a wonderful memento for the couple themselves.

Printed in full colour and uniquely tailored to the couples’ own specifications or as a surprise gift from family or friends; this product is an unusual and beautiful addition to the day, which will keep guests entertained while they wait for the wedding breakfast or for the evening party to begin.

The memento can include amusing stories from childhood and teenage years, how the couple met, the engagement, stag and hen parties etc. It can be personalised further with photographs, anecdotes, poems, horoscopes and illustrations and can be done in the colour scheme of the wedding. A wonderful memento for the bride and groom and something the guests can take home with them as memorabilia from the wedding!  

Check out their website, you can even view samples of the magazines www.theweddingnews.co.uk

Hailed by Vogue as one of the “Top 10 American Designers” and darlings of the Hollywood set, Badgeley Mischka will be presenting their new and exciting bridesmaid dresses collection EXCLUSIVELY at Browns Bride. The Wedding Girl’s SOS readers are invited to a special even on the 12th of November where you can pre order pieces from the collection whilst receiving advice from Badgeley Mischka’s representatives who are flying in from New York especially for the event.

Enjoy a champagne appointment and Brides will receive a goody bag.

There is a £25 charge redeemable against any purchase. Please RSVP to brownsbride@brownsfashion.com or 0207 514 0056.  

Hi wedding girl, I know this might be a bit of a strange one but if anyone can help me I know it will be you. I have just blown my entire outfit budget on my dream dress and I know it sounds greedy but I really had my heart set on treating myself to some designer shoes to go with my dress (when else does a girl get to feel like a princess from head to toe). So my question is do you know anywhere that I can purchase dirt-cheap designer shoes, or maybe rent shoes, if that even exists?

Carly - London

Hi Carly, believe it or not you are the second person this week to ask me about designer shoes (on a very tight budget), well i’m pleased to say that you are in luck! I recently came across a company called Cinderella-me.co.uk that I think might just be the fairy godmother you need. Cinderella-me.co.uk is the UK’s first designer shoe hire website that allows fashion focused brides to choose from over 200+ pairs of shoes from designers including Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Gucci. Hiring a pair of designer shoes can cost a little as £40 a week.  

No pair of Shoes will be hired more than eight times to ensure they remain in fabulous condition and Cinderella-me.co.uk has very high standards, each pair of shoes goes through a rigorous process of cleaning, hygiene and quality control before they are despatched. 

This is not just a useful service for brides, but also for bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom, who are also looking to add that extra special touch to their wedding outfit.

To see the amazing selection of designer shoes go to www.cinderella-me.co.uk

Freya Rose and Joe Allen would like to invite all Wedding Girl SOS readers to their exclusive Christmas Party on the 4th of December.

Enjoy cocktails and canapes. Chat personally with the designers and best of all receive 20% off any orders you make that day. You can even find up to 70% off Freya Rose end of season lines, so their is opportunity to snap up a real bargain.

This is an RSVP only event, so if you would like to attend please email your name to info@freyarose.co.uk quoting ‘Wedding Girl SOS’ in the title.

The event is taking place between 4pm-9pm on the 4th of December at 44 Cross Street, Islington, london, N1 2BA

www.freyarose.co.uk

Every month I search high and low to bring you the best products for your Big Day I have spent the last 4 weeks trying out all the best hair and beauty products so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products!

SAVE - Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Mask £20
Now I know at £20 this doesn’t seem like a budget moisturiser but I have to say that this tube last forever, and I was even using it a few times a day after my ski trip! After skiing I had a really chapped face and my skin was so dry and cracked, this amazing miracle moisturiser does exactly what it says on the tin and completely sorts out your skin overnight. As soon as you put it on your skin you can feel the gorgeous thick cream absorb in to your skin giving it an instant moisture boost, on top of all this it smells divine which was why I couldn’t help applying it a few times in the day. You can use this every night if your skin is feeling really dry and thirsty or twice a week as a treat for your skin.
www.origins.co.uk

SPLURGE - Jo Malone Ginseng Day Moisturising Cream £38
I am a huge fan of the Jo Malone moisturisers but this is definitely one of my favorites! The Ginseng Day Moisturising Cream is a really rich luxurious face cream, that has the most delicious scent. An active ginseng complex helps boost skin’s natural resources to keep it looking and feeling well-hydrated. As soon as you put the cream on your face you can feel the richness of the cream, it is non greasy and fully absorbed in just a few minutes leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated.
www.jomalone.co.uk
Read on…

Every month I search high and low to bring you the best products for your Honeymoon! I have spent the last 4 weeks trying out all the best hair and beauty products so I can report back to you on which are the must-have, can’t-live-without products!

SAVE - Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 £13
Tis is a brilliant moisturizer if you are going to be in the sun, I put it on every day while I was in Portugal and never once had to worry about my face burning or the sun doing my skin any long term damage. It rubbed in really easily and kept my skin feeling really hydrated.
www.clinique.co.uk

SPLURGE - Skin Nanny Moisturiser with SPF 30 £24.95
I LOVE this natural face cream from Lush, it is so rich and hydrating and is just perfect for skin that has been sucked of its moisture. It contains SPF 30 so is great for protecting your face from the sun. It also smells divine, probably because it contains freshly squeezed apple juice, yummy!!
www.lush.co.uk

Read on…

Hi, I had a thought last night and it has been weighing on my mind,  I am flying out to Italy for my wedding next month and I want to be able to take my dress on the plane with me, is this going to be a problem, as it’s quite big.

Diane - Glasgow

Hi Dianne, with weddings abroad on the increase, brides are often looking for the perfect way to transport their dress on the plane with them. Most airlines will only let you take your dress onto the plane with you if you the box you take it in will fit into the overhead luggage rack. This Wedding Dress Travel Box from High Society Bride has been designed to fit into the overhead lockers of most major airlines.

The box comes in an attractive antique pink, is PH neutral and comes with acid free tissue paper for packing your gown. A convenient rope handle makes carrying easy. And the box can also be used after your wedding for safe storage of your wedding dress for ever.

Available for £45 from  www.highsocietybride.co.uk

We all love pouring over the details of real life wedding stories in magazines and on the web, but wouldn’t it be great to read your very own wedding story in a stunning, commemorative book?

Well now you can, Your Wedding Story Book is a brilliant new service providing personal wedding stories, written by professional journalists and produced in luxury, coffee-table books. By creating a beautifully written account of your celebrations, to accompany your wedding photographs, Your Wedding Story Book will help you relive all the excitement, atmosphere and joy of your very special day and provide a memorable keepsake to hand on for future generations to enjoy and feel part of the bigger picture.

Each narrative will be crafted by a professional writer, to ensure that it is lively and engaging and reflects the nuances and emotions of your big day. Creating a story book couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is simply send a high-resolution disk of your wedding photographs to Your Wedding Story Book and an experienced writer will then interview you and write up your story.

We’ll ask questions about the whole experience from the smallest finishing touches, to the unforgettable, heart-stopping moments you experienced on the day, and all those interesting behind-the-scene incidents that made your wedding unique. Your story will add context and a voice to all the emotions you felt and effort you put into your celebrations, and will be published in three, bookstore quality, luxury, coffee-table books.

Your Wedding Story Book is the inspiration of Gillian Rowe who has a wealth of experience working on glossy magazines and national newspaper supplements. Gillian knows just how to bring to life all the details of a couple’s story, from how they met, to the proposal and choosing the dress – even the best man’s speech! Your Wedding Story Book offers far more than a traditional wedding album ever could. If you are looking for something truly unique and special to capture the essence of your day, Your Wedding Story Book will help make your dreams come true.

You can find out more at www.yourweddingstorybook.com

You can view examples of the wedding story books here www.yourweddingstorybook.com/story-books

Wedding Girl I am trying to find a nice website where I can buy either a tiara or a gorgeous hair accessory for my wedding this december, I also need to find some jewellery. I feel like I have left it quite last minute but i’m hoping you can recommend somewhere so that I don’t have to spend too long online looking through hundereds of websites.

Thanks so much

Alison - Hertfordshire

Hi Alison, I actually came across a company recently that I think will be just what you are looking for. They are called Catherine Mee and they offer a stunning selection of wedding jewellery, bridal fascinators, wedding tiaras, bridesmaids gifts and wedding accessories, so i’m sure you will find all the last minute things that you need. Their Hair Accessories section includes lots of choice in hair combs, fascinators and hair pins. Their Wedding jewellery section offers a stunning range of contemporary wedding necklaces, bridal chokers, wedding bracelets, earrings and even bridesmaids jewellery. All of the items can be made to order and therefore matched up to your exact colour choice. They even stock a gorgeous range of wedding handbags, wedding shoes, handmade garters and wedding umbrellas which will finish off your wedding outfit beautifully. 

You can shop online at www.catherinemee.co.uk

Aruna Seth will be having a shoe event at the Ritz Hotel on Thursday the 12th of November 4pm - 9pm

The Ritz Hotel

Marie Antoinette Suite

150 Picadilly

London

W1J 9BR

Invitation only, you must RSVP to: Nia Thomas info@arunaseth.com

My Sugarland are hosting an evening for budding brides-to-be, engaged couples and wedding guests alike, to help prepare for the big day. Join them for an inspirational evening hosted by shop owner and former stylist to the stars, Zoe Lem. Alongside her will be Penny Merrick, Director and Founder of Tiger Lily Wedding Consultancy to advise with all aspects of the wedding arrangements.  Tiger Lily are at the forefront in wedding planning, making preparing for the special day an enjoyment rather than a strain. 

My Sugarland is a gem in the world of boutiques, not only in womens and menswear, but also in elegant bridal wear. The stunning dresses, separates and accessories are suitable for a range of clients; discerning brides as well as wedding guests. The unusual selection of bridal gowns and evening wear on offer at My Sugarland sets this bridal range apart from other bridal shops, including delicate vintage creations and beautiful dresses and separates from hard to find designer labels including Reem and Steve J and Yoni P among others. Zoe’s highly developed aesthetic ensures she is able to find a stunning selection of unusual creations from the deepest of treasure troves and understands the necessity for a truly vintage bridal look.

On this special evening, discount will be offered on all products at My Sugarland as well as complimentary bubbly and canapés. And of course, it’s not just about the dresses. Photography is a key part of any wedding day so Pippa Mackenzie has been enlisted to advise on capturing the most sentimental memories.  The Vintage Bridal Evening encapsulates all elements of wedding planning including hair, makeup and nails. Zoe has arranged for a team of beauty experts to consult on this area, specialising in looks from the 40’s and 50’s. There will also be a chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a mini nail treatment in preparation for that special day. And all evening there will be a retro DJ as well as incredible jazz singer Kate Winter; the perfect way to entertain at any wedding reception. 

7.00pm – 9.30pm, Thursday 26th November 2009 

Charlotte Casadéjus will be exhibiting at the Spirit of Christmas fair at Olympia in Kensington from Wednesday 4th until Sunday 8th November.  You can visit them on stand A47 where they will be showing a wide selection of unique gifts.

They will have everything from their ever popular monogrammed and embroidered cushions, to antique mirrors, vintage china and beaded bags. They will also have a selection of lavender bags, antique crystals and vintage jewellery.

This year they will be showcasing their antique lace tea dresses from their debut collection of evening, cocktail & wedding dresses. These will sit along side Charlotte’s famous antique lace skirts.

Visit their website www.charlottecasadejus.com

or www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

A contemporary beach addition to Northern Mozambique’s wild and rugged coastline

Opening December 2009, Coral Lodge 15.41 is a unique barefoot beach retreat situated on a peninsula within the wild and rugged untouched Varanda nature reserve in Northern Mozambique.

La Varanda, the area surrounding the lodge, is a privately owned nature reserve full of untouched beaches, dunes and mangroves. It lies only a short distance from the historical UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilha de Moçambique (Mozambique Island), the former capital of the country. Since the end of the civil war in 1992, tourism has fast become one of the country’s key resources but the area around Coral Lodge 15.41 is still largely untouched and the rugged unspoiled terrain and friendliness of the locals are a true testament to this.

This unique boutique beach retreat, comprising of only ten villas, has been designed by the renowned Dutch designer Edward Van Vliet who has tastefully combined the latest in luxury and comfort with the authentic feel of Mozambican style and pureness. He has skillfully incorporated the colours of the surroundings by using a mix of wood and textures to ensure the lodge sympathetically blends in with its surroundings.

Read on…

Hi,

I am getting married in December and one of the things I really want is to have some stunning jewellery to wear on my the day. Obviously I can’t afford to buy beautiful diamonds, it crossed my mind that maybe I can rent jewellery from somewhere, is this possible and if so do you know anywhere that offers this?

Karen - Manchester

Hi Karen, you are actually in luck, it is becoming increasingly popular to rent jewellery for your big day so that you complete your dream look without bankrupting yourself!! You can literally drape yourself in thousands of pounds worth of jewellery for only hundereds of pounds. Whether you are looking for a glamorous diamond necklace to accompany your wedding dress or a pair of elegant drop pearl earrings, www.RentYourRocks.com will probably have what you are looking for.

Rent your Rocks is the brainchild of Sophie Croydon, who after several years of working in the family fine jewellery business came up with the genius idea to loan jewels for those wanting a bit of bling without the financial commitment. Rental starts from £50 a week and delivery is within 24 hrs. All rocks arrive in a beautiful box with a pre-addressed return package making diamond wearing pure heaven.

Rent your Rocks provides the perfect solution for all those brides who want the chance to don a breathtakingly beautiful piece of jewellery without the exorbitant price tag.  From designer diamond necklaces to pretty vintage drop earrings and chunky cocktail rings, the selection is very impressive. I love this divine 4 strand cultured pearl choker. It is interspersed with white gold and diamond bars and has a stunning white gold and diamond Vintage style clasp that can be worn at the back or the front. Our tip: Wear this with your hair up to give the full effect of the diamond bars and the clasp. £1,995 Retail Value; £150 Rental Cost Per Week.

There’s also 50% off if you hire the utterly divine diamond Fleur de Lys Earrings. These new 18ct white gold diamond and pearl Fleur de Lys earrings are an elegant design which is right on trend and will complement any dress to perfection. Retail Value £2,300 ; Rental Cost Per Week £150 .

Visit their website www.RentYourRocks.com to see the full collection or call 0845 30 80 990

Surely it is every bride-to-be’s dream to start married life in the most romantic of locations, against a breathtaking backdrop of English countryside at its most dramatic and in one of the country’s most critically acclaimed castle hotels.

Well for a short period of time the wedding team at the uber luxe Bovey Castle – voted England’s Finest Castle and without a doubt one of the UK’s most idyllic and indulgent wedding locations – has an exclusive one-off promotion, that means that any couples booking and hosting their wedding ceremony and/or reception between the 1st of January and the 31st of March 2010, will receive a 50% discount off civil ceremony room hire, and a further 15% off all wedding packages! (Applicable only to new enquiries).

*As a result Civil Ceremony Room Hire starts from just £250 and Wedding Packages at just £93.50per person! Read on…

Hi Wedding Girl

I wonder if you can help. A friend of mine is getting married and she is looking for some shoes, she’s seen a few, but all the ones she likes are IVORY, but her dress is CRISP WHITE!
Can you suggest a good shop/website to check out on a budget!

Annonymous

Beleive it or not this is quite a popular question from brides. Finding White wedding shoes can be a bit of a difficult one, as you pointed out most wedding shoes come in ivory. I noticed that Elegant Steps have quite a lot of styles that come in white. Their prices also start from just £29.99

You can view all their wedding shoes at www.elegantsteps.co.uk

A new website has been launched by the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, dedicated exclusively to helping brides and grooms plan their dream Aruban wedding.

From elegant, intimate beachfront ceremonies to grand ballroom extravaganzas, the www.weddings.arubamarriott.com website is a time-saving, one-stop shop where planners and do-it-yourself brides can find information about: the various wedding locales on property (beachfront, gardens, ballrooms); packages (from traditional ceremonies to à la carte services); group rates and reservations; key staff profiles; an image gallery; and Aruban marriage requirements.

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino boasts 411 guestrooms (the most spacious on the island), each with large, private balconies overlooking lush landscape and the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea; a 6,500 square foot spa; a free-form swimming pool with cascading waterfalls; seven restaurants and cafés; and the largest casino in Aruba.

Wedding girl, please help me. I am looking for a wedding clutch bag to go with my 1920’s wedding dress. I am pretty opento any ideas, I just don’t even know where to start looking.

Please help!!

Lisa - Slough

Hi Lisa

I love the vintage handbags at Birdy Num Num, BNN is a a fantastic online emporium of vintage handbags and accessories. Each bag is lovingly restored to perfection and each given its own “style story note”, beautifully packaged in a pink silk dust bag and gift box.  There are hundreds of styles updated daily on the website including lots of amazing beaded styles that are perfect for a brides.

Pieces date back to the 1920s and the best news is that prices start from just £20!

You can view all their bags at www.birdynumnum.com

The bridal boutique your credit card dreams about…. the moment you peer through the window of White Mischief in West Sussex you know the experience of buying your bridal gown will be fun from start to finish. Trend setting and contemporary designs have been carefully selected from top European designers. Stylish accessories including bridesmaid, lingerie, shoes, headdresses are topped off by the professional service provided by a mature, dedicated team.
Squishy leather settees, air conditioning, comfy slippers and tissues for emotional mums – nothing has been left to chance!!

White Mischief will be holding a 1 day sample sale on Sunday the 1st of November. Over 100 dresses available in store from £200 from Augusta Jones, Pronovias, Solo Sposa, Carol Li, Bruidesmode Brinkman and more. Plus sample veils and tiaras available from £10.

Appointments are avaiable by calling 01273 495566

You can visit their website at www.whitemischiefbridal.com

It’s the little details that count and Boutique Souk have that notion down to a tee. They provide the ultimate in luxury travel and concierge in Morocco; their bespoke service coupled with their knowledge of the area is the perfect recipe for creating exceptional experiences and magical memories. From sourcing locations to selecting menus, organising accommodation to arranging photography, everything you require for your wedding is thought of while you embrace the magic of the moment.

Morocco is a sensory overload at its most intoxicating, from the scents and sounds that permeate the medinas of Marrakesh to the astonishing sights of the landscape. The abundance of mountains, the mud-brick kasbahs that turn blood red with the setting sun, the vibrant labyrinth souks and the tranquil, wistful riads, create an overwhelming sense that one has stumbled into a fairytale. Boutique Souk makes that Fairy tale wedding a reality, incorporating the setting with an unparalleled service.
Read on…

This month instead of my usual Hair & Beauty Hot picks I am passing you over to my other half for a low down on all the best products for grooms….

SAVE Rehab – Revive and survive £18.50
I am a big fan of the Rehab products, created by Strictly Come Dancing hair and make-up artist Lisa Hilton, they are 100% ethical and free of parabens, SLS’s and sulphates, which means they don’t harm the skin, and leave behind no chemical residue. All packaging is made from recycled glass containers and 100% recycled paper.
Rehab’s Revive-Survive is an eye-catching and stylishly packaged product for use as required, day or night. The cream is infused with tea tree and lemon giving it an invigorating, lively smell and it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue. Definitely one of my favourites!
www.asos.com

SPLURGE  The Organic Pharmacy Ultra Light Moisture Gel £29.31
This gel moisturiser was definitely one of the few that stood out from the crowd. Infused with a light, slightly spicy but definitely manly smell, this product felt great on and lasted throughout a busy day in an air conditioned office. With extracts of Aloe, Green Tea and Liquorice to soothe, this is perfect for peaking up tired skin. The moisturiser is also free from petrochemicals, preservatives and colourants and contains a boatload of antioxidants to protect the skin throughout the day.
www.theorganicpharmacy.com

Read on…

Burghley House, near Stamford in Lincolnshire, is playing host for the second year to the Essential Wedding Show on Sunday, 8th November 2009.

The Essential Wedding Show organised by EME chose one of the most spectacular wedding venues in the UK to launch its show last year and with 1,400 visitors through the door, it was a great success. With over 120 of the region’s finest wedding specialists exhibiting, visitors will be able to choose from wedding dresses and outfits to flowers, cakes and photographers to name just a few.

The Essential Weddings show will make a grand return in 2009 with the additional feature of a stylish and stunning marquee complimenting the backdrop of Burghley House and making the show one of the largest and most prestigious regional wedding shows in the UK, covering East Anglia and the East Midlands. Visitors will be able to enjoy a stunning professional catwalk show together with a canapés & drinks reception and to finish a classical firework display on the front lawn.

The show will be open from 10am to 5pm, with various catwalk shows during the day. Tickets cost £5 in advance and £7 on the day.

http://www.burghley.co.uk/html/event-details.asp?ID=17

Browns Bride will be previewing the latest collection from designer to the starts Oscar De La Renta, who trained in the Houses of Belenciaga and Lanvin.

Try the collection flown direct from New York whicst receiving advice from Oscar De La Renta’s representative during a champagne appointment. Plus receive a luxurious goody bag of gifts and ideas at the end of your appointment.

To make an appointment please contact brownsbride@brownsfashion.com or call 0207 514 0056/57

There is a £25 charge redeemable against any purchase.

You can visit their website at www.brownsfashion.com

So ladies, you’ve seen the show, now join in the fun. If you have organised the wedding of your wildest dreams but haven’t got as far as arranging your honeymoon yet, then the idea of winning the honeymoon of your dreams could be just the happy ending you are looking for!!

ITV Studios and Living are looking to recruit brides for season two of Four Weddings. If you’ve seen the show you’ll know they are looking for fun loving brides-to-be to judge and be judged on their big day for the chance to win a luxury five star honeymoon.

If you’d like your wedding to be considered then email: 4weddings@itv.com to receive an application form.

Further details will be provided if you are contacted by a representative of ITV productions.

The Designer Wedding Show is all about you. About indulging your natural sense of style. About finding every exquisite detail to make your wedding day blissful.

Everyone you’ll meet at the show has been carefully selected because they share your passion for design, style and luxury. The beautiful designer fashion show, the bars and restaurants, the whole ambience are designed to make the most valuable, inspiring and enjoyable way to source everything you need. In a single day you’ll meet more that 130 of the finest specialists and creative spirits who can help you realise your vision.

To book tickets call 0871 230 5579

Freya Rose will be showcasing her gorgeous new styles at the Designer Wedding Show this week (9th-11th of October), she has also launched this stunning 100% silk bag with a brass and mother of pearly frame!!

Freya Rose is offering an exclusive 15% off at the show and if you purchase a pair of shoes you can get the bag half price! Which is normally £119 so you will save £60!!
You must print off this offer and bring it to the show with you.

www.freyarose.co.uk

Hi

I’m getting married next year in Greece - Rhodes. We are marrying on the 3rd of September and I don’t know what flowers are in season at that time of year and what websites I can go to have a look at bridal bouqets as I live in Australia. I would like plain and simple white flowers for the day. I hope you can help or direct me in the right direction

Many thanks
Michell - Australia

Hi Michelle,  I spoke to the Flowers & Plants Association and they told me that the flowers growing in Australia are very different to the ones florists will have in their shops in Greece so it is definitely a good idea for you to do a little research. Holland is the biggest flower supplying nation in Europe and Greece import some of their flowers from there. If you want simple, white flowers, roses will always be a good choice and you will be able to buy these in Greece.

You can look at other flowers you might like to use by searching the database on flowers.org.uk, you can search for flowers by colour: www.flowers.org.uk/public/flower_search_by_colour.php
Not all the flowers on this database will be available in Greece, but it’s a good starting point, and you will be able to gather together pictures to show the florist in Greece.

You may  benefit from organising your wedding flowers through the wedding venue you have chosen in Greece. Many wedding holiday destinations have all the facilities needed to cater for brides for their big day and can organise everything required from the flowers to the catering. You should check to see if they can send you a catalogue or a list of recommended forists.

The London outpost of Parisian caterers, Nomad Food and Design, is bringing to the UK’s wedding market the super-luxe styling it is synonymous with in France.

Renowned as the caterer quite literally at the ‘cutting edge of taste’, Nomad Food and Design is adding molecular gastronomy and espuma dishes to its menus.  The experimental cooking techniques are sure to guarantee brides and grooms a day to remember and bring the meaning of a frosty reception to life!

The molecular dishes, using liquid nitrogen, add a theatrical wow to a wedding as head chef Patrick Collas dips the menu items into a ‘boiling frozen’ pool of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -180C. Headlining Nomad Food and Design’s liquid nitrogen menus include; ‘Foie gras with maple syrup and pecan nuts’, ‘Salmon with cream and pea mint’, ‘Frozen ball of tangy lemon meringue pie’ and ‘English strawberry covered in a light tiramisu cream’.

Read more…

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in the UK with nearly 46,000 people diagnosed every year. Every 11 minutes someone is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.

This month for my Hair & Beauty Hot Picks I am looking at all the fabulous products that are helping to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness month (1st-31st October).

OPI nail polish in ‘Pink Positively’
This stunning hot pink nail polish is perfect for your honeymoon! It is an amazing vibrant colour that would look stunning against tanned hands or feet. It went on really nicely and dried in about 3 minutes, I would recommend 2-3 coats for a perfect finish, depending on how strong you want the colour!
Cost:  £9.95, Donation: £2 per bottle
www.lenawhite.co.uk

Jane Iredale Christina PureMoist Lipstick in ‘Christina’
This lovely lipstick with spf 18 will not only make your lips look and feel gorgeous it will also protect them from the sun. This romantic pink colour with it’s subtle shimmer is perfect for both weddings and honeymoons. One application is all you need to achieve a perfect pout!
Cost: £15.00, Donation: £1
www.JIProducts.co.uk

Prestige Fresh Glow Baked Mineral Blush £7.99
This mineral blusher from prestige, is perfect for creating a soft natural glow, simply sweep the blush across your cheeks for a long lasting romantic flushed cheek!
Cost £7.99, Donation: £1
www.boots.com

Read on…

Legend has it that Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, rose from the foaming waves off the rocky southwest coast of Cyprus. Could there be a more romantic spot for lovers to marry than Paphos, the island capital in Roman times? Statues and mosaics remind you of the divine patron of marriage, and on a balmy jasmine-scented evening, when the fiery sun drops like a huge tangerine coin into the blue Mediterranean, you can almost feel her presence.

Cyprus is an island with spectacular scenery and a wonderful climate. Here cool, pine-clad mountains, golden beaches, lush vineyards and tranquil villages, go hand in hand with cosmopolitan towns. Greek temples, ancient Roman mosaics, and Byzantine monasteries tell the varied history of this magical island and are just waiting to be explored.

The third largest island in the Mediterranean stands at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. Throughout the ages its strategic geographical location has made it very attractive to invaders. Each conquering culture has left its imprint on the island.

Read on…

Hello Wedding girl, please can you help me, I saw a picture of Andrea McLean in her wedding dress and thought it was beautiful!! Do you know which designer this was?

Lisa - Cornwall

Hi Lisa

I agree, Andrea looked absolutely stunning!! The dress was by the fabulous Caroline Castigliano. The stunning gown with organza skirt, strapless Duchess Satin Corset and scattered crystals is called ‘Leigh-Ann’ and it is priced at £2,999.

Caroline Castigliano has seven boutiques across the UK, you can find out more or book an appointment at one of the boutiques through their website www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk

Girls, don’t miss your chance to save up to 70% off an exquisite designer wedding dress!

At this amazing two-day sale on the 17th & 18th of October you will find over 1000 stunning dresses from leading designers including Amy Michelson, Caroline Castigliano, Jenny Packham, Ronald Joyce and many more.

Tickets are strictly limited so visit www.bridaldesignersale.com to book them now!

The Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi, a national monument as much as a lived-in family home, has now opens its doors as a wedding venue. The historic buildings and beautiful gardens in the up and coming Le Marche region of Italy are one of the most romantic settings any couple could dream of for their wedding. The venue is known for its typically Italian hospitality and its refined and elegant flair.

Getting married at the Borgo Storico is just like a fairy tale come true. Couples can very much choose where they want to celebrate their wedding – there are various locations indoors and outdoors that are simply perfect for wedding celebrations and civil ceremonies can be arranged. From the seventeenth century chapel, the eighteenth century villa with its elegant salons to the historic nineteenth century romantic garden with lots of perfect spots for a marquee to celebrate under the stars. There are also eleven luxurious suites and professional kitchens on site and specialised staff are there to satisfy every request with the utmost care and attention. The rental for exclusive use of the property (until 4am in the morning/music stops at 2am) is €3,500.00.

Read on…

As the recession tightens its grip on the nation, a fab company called glo wellbeing has created a bespoke hen pamper party service that provides luxurious treatments at affordable prices.  By offering a top-to-pinky toe menu of pampering fun and indulgence, glo’s pamper parties allow hens to design their own dream party for that perfect added extra to a girlie hen weekend or in preparation for a big night out.

Kelly Skipper – Director Glo says: “We understand that some people are feeling the pinch so we wanted to create a hen pamper party service that responds to people’s changing needs.  The flexibility of our pamper parties means that our clients are totally in control of booking in treatments according to their budget.  Most people find this approach much more versatile compared to the traditional expensive spa or beauty salon packages and it means that for those who don’t want a treatment, don’t miss out on the fun.”

Treatments range from massage and manicures to facials and pedicures and prices start from as little as £12.50 per treatment. Brides-to-be also receive a bottle of exclusive glo massage oil when they book a party. With a client portfolio including Girls Aloud and Pussycat Dolls, glo helps you look and feel like a celebrity without the designer  price tag.

You can find out more or book your pamper party by calling 020 7096 0385 or visit their website www.glo-wellbeing.co.uk

The latest collection from the couturier who trained at the House of Christian Dior, arrives exclusively at Brown’s bride for two days only! You will have the opportunity to try on the elegant gowns whilst receiving personal advise from the designer. You can enjoy your appointment with a glass of champagne and each bride will leave with a goody bag of inspirational ideas.

Make an appointment by contacting brownsbride@brownsfashion.com  or 0207 514 0065/57

Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, London, W1

There is a £25 charge that is redeemable against any purchase.

Wedding girl, please help me, my sister is getting married in November and I need to find an outfit. I am in late thirties and i’m having trouble finding a stylish and gorgeous outfit that isn’t covered in sequins, everything on the high street seems to be aimed at 20 year olds. Can you recommend anywhere that I can find something special?
Laura - Middlesex

Hi Laura, I completely understand your high street/sequin dilema, but fear not! I am a big fan of Favourbrook’s occasion wear and with all the Winter weddings fast approaching they have just launched this seasons stunning collection. With lavishly embellished fabrics and beautifully tailored silhouettes, Favourbrook have the perfect attire for any Winter wedding.

For their latest collection, Favourbrook drew inspiration from the arts and crafts movement of the late 1800’s, using key colours of the period - opulent blues, golds, soft heathers and purples – all influenced by the designs of William Morris and his contemporaries.  A new shape for the season is the rose-embossed bolero, available in black and gold - perfect for throwing over their Shantung silk dress. Whilst the dusky pink cropped jacket provides an ultra feminine option for winter weddings and the velvet floral coat is a practical yet stylish choice when braving the cold.

You can view their entire collection on their website www.favourbrook.com

Gift service Lilac Blue, the sister company of Quintessentially Gifts, is re-launching its wedding list service this autumn – Lilac Blue Weddings www.lilacblueweddings.com.

Lilac Blue was set up in 2002 as a personal shopping service and Lilac Blue Weddings came to life when a customer requested to have her wedding list with the company a few years later. Lilac Blue Weddings soon established itself as an exclusive service to those in search of unusual gifts and excellent customer service.

Antoinette Hunter, Managing Director of Quintessentially Gifts, says: “ We have very much run Lilac Blue Weddings as an additional offer to our established personal shopping service, but feel that now is the time to take our service to the next level and make it available to all those couples interested in a very personal wedding list and the service that goes with it.”

Read on…

Q
I am having quite a simple outdoor country wedding next June and like the idea of having something pretty in my hair. But I hate the idea of a veil or a hat!  Any suggestions?
Alice

A
Alice, You don’t mention whether you like the idea of flowers in your hair? As you are having a summer wedding you could have some small rose buds, jasmine or even wild flowers woven into your hairstyle, or indeed, attached to a comb to prevent them falling out as the day progresses. As well as smelling divine, they add an air of spontaneity that can easily get lost amongst all the pomp & preparation of a wedding. However, if flowers aren’t your thing, then you might like these pretty vintage inspired hair combs that are decorated with Swarovski crystal flowers & foliage instead. They are made by a company called Your Something Borrowed and can be bought (£178), or borrowed (from £59). They are so pretty that you won’t want to send them back though, so be warned !
www.yoursomethingborrowed.co.uk

Yesterday I was invited to the opening of Clinique’s new flagship counter at Selfridges London….
Firstly let me say WOW!! This amazing 880 square foot space is simply gorgeous. This new shopping destination is a godsend for brides-to-be, it offers multiple levels of service, providing customers with a one-of-a-kind, custom-fit experience. New features include Clinique’s ‘diagnostic’ consultation areas which feature Clinique’s diagnostic two way mirrors, make-up ‘bars’ that encourage consumers to test and select products on their own and stand alone makeup and skin care browsing areas.

Whether you want to get your skin in to perfect condition for the big day or you are planning to do your own wedding make-up, then the knowledgeable staff at the Clinique counter will be able to help you!

Read on…

If you are looking for somewhere really special for your big day then you will be delighted to hear that Altitude 360, the largest riverside venue with a view, has announce that it is now fully licenced to host the perfect wedding.  With its heart of London views in front of London’s most famous landmarks, including The London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and The River Thames, Altitude 360 would make an amazing venue!

On the 29th floor of the Millbank Tower, Altitude 360, with a chic, modern décor, provides a blank canvas for a wedding day. The contrast of its panoramic views with its bright white marble floors and jet black leather furnishings will give any wedding a veritable wow-factor from ceremony to reception.

The versatile space can accommodate a small private ceremony for the couple and their closest family up to a large wedding reception for 600 people in one venue with its soundproof retractable walls.   The Altitude 360 experience is unrivalled in terms of style, status, elegance and distinction, ensuring that each and every wedding is truly memorable.

The dedicated events team at Altitude 360 have a refreshing approach with both flexibility and creativity, working with the couple to exceed all their expectations of the day.  Innovation lies at the very heart of Altitude 360, through its impeccable facilities and the quality of service and attention to detail from its in-house caterers and event specialists.

Altitude 360 has hosted a ‘who’s who’ of celebrities including Lily Allen, The Kooks, Sir John Major, Sir David Attenborough, David Walliams, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Jeremy Clarkson, John Howard, Presidential Nominee Senator John McCain, Kate Moss, Peter Jones, Ryhs Ifans, Girls Aloud, Stephen Fry and HRH Prince Andrew.

To find out more about hosting your wedding contact the team on 0207 627 4271 or visit the website
www.altitudelondon.com

I love these gorgeous new shoes from Aruna Seth!!!

If you love height when it comes to your heels then look no further that the stunning Gold Nappa leather shoes with grosgrain frill & diamante detailing…

The highest shoe yet from the Aruna Seth collection with a 110mm height & small platform and special padding for extra comfort!!  £395

Showroom appointments can be booked and private appointments are available at The Cadogan Hotel, 75 Sloane Street, London or contact info@arunaseth.com or +44 (0)208 773 7859

www.arunaseth.com