The London boutique sale will have a selection of stunning sample gowns from Sassi’s Couture Collection which is an opportunity not to be missed to acquire a Sassi Holford couture design at an unbelievable price!

Sassi’s Taunton boutique has a wide range of sample gowns at greatly reduced prices from the Sassi Holford Signature Collection, So Sassi and Enzoani.

On the morning of the first day of the sale, in both stores, it is ‘first come, first served’ but from 12 noon the sale will be by appointment only.

74 Fulham Road, London – 020 7584 1532 – London@sassiholford.com

6 The Bridge, Taunton, Somerset – 01823 256308 – Taunton@sassiholford.com

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 decided to start this website ‘The Wedding Girl’s SOS’ so I could share with other brides all the fabulous things I find and keep you up-to-date with all things ‘wedding’. Read about everything from sample sale days to the hottest honeymoon destinations, plus great tips and advice from industry experts on lots of different topics from Wedding Budgets to Flower Arrangements. I also review all the latest ‘must have products’ for brides and run regular competitions to win fabulous prizes.

So check in regularly to follow me on my journey to the altar and find out what’s hot in the world of weddings!

Contemporary couture label Beyond Burlesque, headed up by Vivienne Westwood’s specialist corsetiere designer Belinda Chorley, launches Hitched capsule collection for Autumn/Winter 13/14 .

Hitched is bespoke couture for avant-garde brides and the new capsule collection for Autumn Winter 13/14 is now available to view: short ’50s style dresses feature alongside long vintage, classically corseted fishtail skirts with pattern and texture.

This new label is about self expression and the beauty in every woman. Belinda’s signature unique wedding dresses are often shaped around a corset base to create aymmetric sculptures in silk – creations as ethereal or as seductive as the bride to be desires.

Belinda Chorley is the go-to designer for fashion insiders in search of bespoke luxury. Belinda’s path to luxury bridal couture is informed by her own progression through club culture and fetish wear to high-end couture which has seen her appointed as Vivienne Westwood’s specialist corsetiere, an affiliation that has cemented her graduation to luxury couture. She has had the privilege of dressing a cast of international leading ladies in Beyond Burlesque including Angelina Jolie, Gillian Anderson, Rebecca Bottone and Greta Scacchi.

With this in mind, here at catherinemee.com we have brought together an irresistible collection of bridal accessories including wedding bags, hair accessories, jewellery, stoles, garters and more.

Our beautiful one-off vintage hair accessories are a sure way to keep your look is as unique and individual as you.

We have a delightful range of handmade jewellery that coordinates perfectly with our hair accessories, not to mention our delicate handmade garters which are made to order and can be customised to suit your individual needs.

Catherine Mee also stock a generous selection of wedding bags, including everything from crystal encrusted clutches to handmade lace bags by a talented up and coming British designer.

Whatever your requirements, we believe in helping every bride show off their unique sense of style on their special day.

EXCLUSIVE OFFER – 10% off for Wedding Girl’s SOS readers

Shop at www.catherinemee.com now and use the Wedding Girl’s SOS discount code ‘WGSOS’ to receive a 10% discount on your order.

The purchase of a Caroline Castigliano gown is an investment in a masterpiece of luxury and style. At Caroline Castigliano everyone is passionate about their craft. Only the most luxurious fabrics and laces are used to create these exquisite designs.

For your made to measure gown, you will meet with a fully trained Castigliano Fitting Manager. Their fitters have all worked at the highest level of couture and their experience ensures a personal service and quality experience, you will have up to 20 body measurements taken so your gown will be created specifically for you. Their made to measure gowns are fashioned by technicians who skilfully drape and sew the fabric into shape, championing the traditions of quality craftsmanship. Every gown is meticulously handcrafted here in the UK to guarantee excellence.

Castigliano’s signature is a silhouette, which is unquestionably feminine and effortlessly elegant. Her unique ability to cut and construct garments, enables her to create a gown that is confident and sexy, yet exudes a deep sense of style. Everything about a Castigliano gown is unique; from the exquisite choice of fabric, to the foundation of the gown, which is created using unique corsetry and undergarments techniques.

Make an appointment at their Knightsbridge boutique and feel every part the VIP guest as they treat you to an expert consultation with their Bridal Stylist who will take you through every aspect of your day in order to help you choose your perfect gown. Relax in the luxurious surroundings of their beautiful boutique and enjoy a Bellini with a loved one while you make memories you will treasure forever!

To take advantage of this very rare opportunity – please call the Knightsbridge Boutique to book your appointment on 0207 590 9120, or visit www.carolinecastigliano.co.uk to request an appointment.

Andy along with London based Wedding and Event Planners and Stylists Perfect Events put together this jaw dropingly beautiful styled shoot to celebrate the release of the movie.

What if Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby got married?

The concept of the shoot is in essence Perfect Events take on Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby’s wedding day, with 1920s art deco styling, a palette of pastel shades with gold accents which is always so pretty and elegant for weddings.

Perfect Events selected a team of outstanding suppliers to collaborate with to bring their vision to life, choosing Down Hall a historic luxury Country House, situated in Hertfordshire/Essex countryside, which dates back to 1540 when it was sold by Henry VIII to a William Glascock, as the perfect location.

The shoot captured wonderfully by multi-award winning Andy Griffin Photography features amazing detail throughout with beautifully decorated cakes by Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium, exquisite venue décor by Mediterranean Occasions.

In true 1920s style the bride wears stunning embellished vintage gowns complete with accessories by Rock My Vintage Dress, hair and makeup by Bespoke Occasions, while the delectable groom dons attire from Cole’s Menswear.

A delightfully inspiring vintage themed shoot.

Enjoy!!

If you would like to watch a video from behind the scenes of the shoot, have a look here https://vimeo.com/62324525

Credits

Images © Andy Griffin Photography

Perfect Events – www.perfectevents4all.com Concept, Planning and Styling

Andy Griffin Photography – www.andygriffinphotography.com Photography

Down Hall – www.downhall.co.uk Shoot location

Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium –  www.elizabethscakeemporium.com Wedding Cakes and Dessert Table

Venue Stylists Mediterranean Occasions – www.venuestylist.co.uk Venue décor

Rock My Vintage Dress – www.rockmyvintagedress.com Vintage dresses, Brooch bouquets and bridal accessories

Over The Top Rentals – www.overthetoprentals.co.uk Table linen

Classic Crockery – www.classiccrockery.co.uk Vintage tableware

Lord Cars – www.lordcars.co.uk Vintage Rolls Royce

Bespoke Occasions – www.bespoke-occasions.co.uk Hair and Makeup

Rosetone Event Furniture – www.rosetone.co.uk Chiavari chairs

Picture Perfect Events – www.pictureperfecteventsuk.com Flowers and Stationery

Cole’s – www.coles-menswear.co.uk Grooms attire

Bride – Sally McDonald

Groom – www.ernestgromov.com Model

Deneemotion – www.deneemotion.com Filmed behind the scenes

If you are a fashion forward bride looking for something really special for your bridesmaids or flower girls then Baby CoCo Bellea is just the place to look!

The collection includes a ready-to-wear and couture collection full of fun and flamboyant dresses for girls aged two to fourteen. Every piece is created with a keen eye on design and beautiful fabrics.

Prices start from just £30. View the full range at www.babycocobellea.com

Her distinctive signature is of understated elegance, balance and sophistication, using the most luxurious fabrics and exquisite embellishment to create her wedding dresses. Phillipa loves ‘only the best’.

Phillipa will be coming into the shop (Fulham Road, London) on Monday the 20th of May  to share her wealth of experience and couture knowledge to a select few lucky brides. They will be able to discuss their dream gown whilst sipping on Champagne and eating cupcakes.

For further details please call: 020 7590 9771 or email: info@phillipalepley.com

The Bridal range is priced from only £199, and takes inspiration from the silhouettes made famous by the Hollywood icons of the 1950s, featuring heavy satins, pretty embellishments, and overlaid vintage lace, made ever popular by Kate Middleton at the Royal Wedding last year.

“I’ve been designing bridal gowns for years now” says Kate, 36. “Mainly my designs are bespoke made for local brides, who want something slightly different and shorter for their big day. I’ve received numerous
requests for gowns from further afield, hence opening up the three made to order dresses to the internet. I designed the range to reflect my well-known style, whilst having affordability, quality and timeless elegance at the forefront of my mind.”

In addition to the new bridal range, Kate has also added new styles to her increasingly popular bridesmaid dress collection, which has been sold to brides worldwide who want to break from tradition.

The range is available to order online from www.katefearnleyboutique.co.uk and also by appointment from Kate Fearnley Boutique:
224 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough.

Clients wishing to make appointments for made-to-measure should contact the Kate Fearnley Boutique on 01642 227344.

To view the collection visit www.bridesmaidsboutique.co.uk

With over 850,000 shops from 200 countries, Etsy gives you access to everything you could ever want to find. Whether you’re looking for handmade or vintage wedding accessories or a unique one-of-a-kind item Etsy is must-visit destination for brides.

From pretty bunting, flowery crockery and table displays, to retro hair fashion and stunning vintage wedding dresses, Etsy.com has all the inspiration a bride could possibly need to make her wedding day the most stylish in memory.

Below are a few of my favourite finds…

The ONE Dress Convertible Dress multi wrap infinity wear LONG Bridesmaid gown £83.47

These are the most amazing bridesmaids dresses ever!

They are multi-way dresses that can be worn in more than 10 different ways, making them the perfect dress to suit all different shapes and styles. The dresses can be worn halter, strapless, one shoulder and cap sleeves to mention just a few. They also come in two lengths, knee-length and maxi.

The idea is that your bridesmaids are all in the same colour dress but can each wear it in their chosen way to compliment their own shape and personal style. I think it is such a clever idea and it really does flatter everyone, it even looks fantastic on pregnant bridesmaids which is great as it can often be really difficult to find a dress that will work for both pregnant and non-pregnant bridesmaids.

They have full swing skirts that sway beautifully when you walk. The straps are then approximately 90 inches long (which is VERY long) at fist it’s confusing but as you start to wrap the straps around the body in different ways you understand why they are so long.

At £46 for the short dresses and £83 for the long dresses I think these are incredibly good value, especially as your bridesmaids can wear them to other occasions after the wedding.

The dresses come in 76 colours, so you will no doubt find the perfect colour for your wedding.

They are shipped from America, so be sure to order in plenty of time.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BLCouture

Set of 6 Custom Bridesmaid Clutches – each one is unique (£200 for 6)

I am absolutely in LOVE with these custom clutch bags, designed by Barbara of ClutchChic.

There are over 30 designs to choose from, so you can pick a unique style for each of your bridesmaids, either all in the same colour or perhaps in complimenting or clashing colours. With ruffles, bows and flowers to choose from and they can even be adorned with jewels, you will find something perfect for each of your girls.

There are over 50 colours to choose from for your outer silk and you can choose a matching or contrasting lining and any colour for the trime/lace/flower/bow detail. Then finish it off by choosing from a gold or silver frame and clasp. You can even add a personalised label inside each bag. These really do make the perfect gifts for your maids and will look fabulous in your wedding pictures.

The picture above is of the 6 clutches Barbara designed for my bridesmaids. They have a stunning champagne lining and each one is so elegant and stylish.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ClutchChic

Painted Wooden Table Numbers (1-10) £63

I was so happy when I found these wooden table numbers, they are super cute and perfect for a vintage or rustic wedding. I am planning to have crystal candelabras as my centrepieces along with vintage lace tablecloths and wasn’t sure how to number the tables. These numbers are perfect, they are approximately 5” high so not too dominating. The cork stands are really cute and they are extremely stable and won’t fall over. They can simply sit next to your centerpieces or amongst a flower arrangement. They come in a whole array of colours, you could even spray paint them with a metallic gold or silver for a glamouros evening reception.

You can buy the numbers separately or in sets of 1-10, 1-15 or 1-20. They also do matching letters so you could display your initials or spell out words like LOVE or JUST MARRIED.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OHONEFINEDAY

Custom Bridal Veil from £30

romancingtheveil offer a fabulous selection of veils, in a variety of lengths, layers and edgings to choose from. I adore this Melanie veil, it is a 72″ wide veil and is 30″ long, which just brushes your hips. It is sheer enough to show off the detailing on the back of your dress, which is a concern for some brides, but they also offer double layered and fuller veils.

The veils are done on tulle wrapped plastic combs, which won’t rip your hair if you decide to take your veil off after the ceremony like some metal combs do.

The veils come in a selection of colours; white, diamond white, ivory, cream, and spun gold. Other colors are also available on special request at no extra charge. You can also select the edging from flat cord, round cord, satin ribbon and organza ribbon.

There is also an option to add pearls, crystals and/or rhinestones. If you don’t see what you want simply contact the designer to discuss your requirements and she will be more than happy to work with you to create your perfect veil..

http://www.etsy.com/shop/romancingtheveil

Custom Ribbons and Lace Satin Bridal Wedding Shoes £163

These shoes are incredible, this designer creates the most beautiful hand adorned shoes (and matching bags). These ivory 2.5 inch satin heels have been covered in Venitian lace, pearl trim and Swarovski crystals and hand painted with golden platinum fabric paint to make the lace detail pop. There is also a fantastic bow detail to the back of the shoe for added fabulousness!

The shoes can be dyed to match any colour so why not go for a bright bold colour that will make a statement and can be worn for years to come after your wedding.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BeholdenBridal

Something Blue Garter Set £36

GarterQueen design the most beautiful garter sets (one for tossing, one for you to keep as a keepsake)

I love this new design, made with a gorgeous Smoking Blue color stretch lace, the larger keepsake garters is adorned with a delicate handmade applique beaded with Swarovsky rhinestone crystals, pearls and beads.

The toss garter is embellished with a gorgeous light blue crystal brooch and a smoking blue ribbon bow.

All the garter sets come in a selection of colours and sizes, and arrive in a gift box

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GarterQueen

Crystal Thread Hair Wrap Head Piece £58.79

So pretty and delicate looking. This bridal hair accessory is perfect for complementing a Grecian look, it has been made with Swarovski cotton string with Swarovski crystals woven into it. Each end has a small silver comb embellished with cubic zircon flowers. It is truly beautiful

To attach to your hair you simply insert one comb and then wind the thread around your head several times, and insert the remaining comb to finish.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PowderBlueBijoux

8 Chalkboard Prop Speech Bubble Message Signs – £10.65

These cute speech bubbles are perfect for adding a bit of fun to your wedding photos. You can write on both sides, with chalk or chalk marker. The messages can then be simply wiped off with a baby wipe ready for the next message.

These are fantastic if you are having a photo booth and you will have a great time looking back at all the funny messages.

The pack contains 8 assorted blank chalkboard – one of each style. If you want them all the same shape they can be purchased individually. Sizes range from 6.5″ lengths to 4.25″ lengths.

The sticks do not come included but you can adhere them to any sticks to match your colour scheme.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/isakayboutique

Set of ten 9”pom poms £18

These pom poms are perfect for decorating your venue. They can decorate your aisle (see picture), be hung from the ceiling of a marquee or hung on a string like bunting to decorate a garden. With over 80 colors, there’s sure to be one that will coordinate with your colour scheme.

The pom poms are made with premium tissue paper and measure 9 inches in diameter. They arrive flat and just need to be fluffed-up, and hung (they have a little loop for hanging).

The 9 inch pom pom is a perfect size, however, if you feel you would like a different size, there are other custom sizes available.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PartyPoms

6 handmade pink satin flowers £8

Faux flowers are perfect for decorating all different areas of your wedding, whether it’s to jazz up your table centrepieces, to decorate a plain iced wedding cake or perhaps to dress a simple sash for your bridesmaid, there a hundred ways that flowers can be used to add a simple elegant touch to your wedding.

Bidesign offer a huge selection of different coloured flowers in satin and organza in a multitude of colours.

http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/bidesign

Given unprecedented access to the venue, the massive Orangery was transformed through the use of unique floral designs (the floral tree centerpieces alone were over 6 foot tall), floral artistry, inspired table settings, Chiavari chairs and specially commissioned thrones.

The hand embroidered couture gowns worn by the beautiful models were made from the finest quality silks, satins, brocade and lace and featured the most sumptuous embellishments. These were perfectly accessorised with tiaras, jewellery and brooch bouquets made from semi precious stones in rich colours such as amethysts, garnets, rubies and pearls.

The luxurious wedding cakes in matching colours were decorated with edible gold cameos, cherubs and expertly crafted sugar flowers whilst the impressively laden dessert table featured fruit including pomegranates, figs and grapes; cupcakes, mini cakes, custom made cookies with the Marlborough Crest, bon bon jars, meringues, cake pops, petit fours, cupcakes, fondant fancies, and hand made chocolates.

Beautifully captured by Cristina Rossi photography, the images will provide brides considering this stunning location for their own wedding a whole heap of inspiration.

Images © Cristina Rossi Photography

Venue: Blenheim Palace (with special permission from His Grace, The Duke of Marlborough)

Stylist: Cedar Events

Photography: Cristina Rossi Photography

Videography: Urban Cinematography

Wedding Dresses: Kosibah

Stationery and Brooch Bouquets: The Finer Details

Jewellery and Headpieces: Rosie Weisencrantz

Shoes: Marsha Hall Handmade Shoes

Cake, Cupcakes, Cake Pops and Sweet Tables: Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium

Flowers, Thrones and Props: Essential Flowers

Make Up Artist: Kemi Kings

Hair Styling: Kasia Fortuna

Linen: Over The Top Rentals

Gold Chiavari Chairs & Clear Beaded Chargers: iAM Wedding Hire

Models: Chloe Penney, Gayle Thompson-Igwebike and Olaya Diez Del Corral

The team is very grateful to His Grace, The Duke of Marlborough, for granting such unprecedented access at a time when he was in residence, and to the wonderful team at Blenheim Palace for their support and hospitality.

Embellishing definitive looks with modern touches of cloud like romance and teaming muted hues with metallic accents for subtle sophistication, ‘A Decade of Style’ takes a turn to the future with a plethora of luxury textures and tones that have never been seen before from this leading bridal fashion house.

Each gown has an identity, a distinct look and feel, a story behind the magic; The collection captures the imagination and that’s just how Charlotte intended when designing each fashion forward piece with the bride in mind. Each bride embarks on a journey and each bride is consumed by love, and they all have their own consuming love story to tell…

www.charlottebalbier.com

Be the first to view and try on an array of couture Wedding, Bridesmaid and Mother of the Bride gowns.

This event will take place on the 25^th and 27th April  from 12-4pm and on the 26th April from 12-7.30pm.

In addition, we will hold a bridal wear Sample Sale on the 28^th April from 12-5pm. Prices start at a bargain £199!

Don’t miss out. Email now to bride@melaniepotro.com or call 07775 806084 to reserve your place.

Venue:

The Gallery – Craft Central

33-35 St Johns Square

London EC1M 4DS

For more details visit www.melaniepotro.com

Each episode will focus on two or three different groups of hens in different parts of the UK and abroad, all partying over one weekend.

They are urgently looking for great hen weekends to film, so if you are planning a brilliant last night of freedom and would like your memories captured on film, then get in touch!

For more information please email hens@truenorth.tv or call 01133 945 488

Known for their intricate designs and exquisite detail, Tiararama preserves their high level of craftsmanship as they take on this season’s trends. Each piece is strikingly contemporary in both design and in thinking, yet the tiaras subtly hint at a period of 1940s and 1950s Parisian glamour. With a high society feel these pieces feature the most luxurious materials, such as freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and opaque glass beads.

The six tiaras making up the ‘Tiararama Editions’ collection truly capture the current trends in tiaras. For the bride-to-be who desires a modern twist on a traditional veil, Valeria is the perfect piece, incorporating layers of tulle, beautifully finished with a seed bead and diamante detailing.

Liliana also provides a charming alternative to a veil, featuring ruched tulle surrounding a floral motif made entirely of seed beads. Tie the Knot is ideal for those who want something classic and simple, whilst Winter Rose offers a similarly delicate design in dazzlingly crystal. For others who want something truly statement, Hydrangea Bouquet is stunning and will definitely draw attention for all the right reasons.

Finally, Grace depicts its name impeccably, being an elaborate and elegant headband, combining diamantes and white opaque glass beads. Any stylish bride and her bridal party are bound to fall in love with one of these exciting, exclusive designs.

From creation to completion, each tiara is handmade here in Britain and involves great attention to detail and unique artistry. Therefore, any bride will undoubtedly receive the very best tiara fit to match their big day.

Prices start from £250

View the collection at www.tiararama.co.uk

Lace Bridal will introduces the eagerly-awaited and ever so stylishly feminine collection at a bridesmaid party on Sunday 28th April at the Ashley Road boutique in Hale, from 10am to 4pm.

It’s a great excuse for brides to get together with their bridesmaids, sip a glass of bubbly and devour cake, all whilst indulging in a first look of the ButtonBelle bridesmaid dresses.

The collection encompasses vintage inspired style bridesmaid’s dresses in a mix of lightweight chiffons and georgettes in soft silhouettes.

The ButtonBelle range includes knee length and maxi options in a palette of pastels made from high quality fabrics, all at affordable prices.

Katie Webster, owner of Lace Bridal ”Our brides have always asked us why we don’t offer bridesmaids dresses but in all honesty we hadn’t found the right designer in 15 years, until we discovered ButtonBelle.

“The designs and fabrics are so beautiful and feminine, and the quality of the workmanship is superior, which is in keeping with our carefully selected range of bridal designers and meets with our high standards.

“All ButtonBelle dresses are British designed, and knowing that its owner and designer Aimee Metcalf chooses the fabrics, as well as the trimmings and overseeing production, adds a special trust and lovingness to the dresses that is so important to the Lace bride and her bridesmaids.”

Aimee Metcalf of ButtonBelle adds, “We are delighted to have our dresses with Lace Bridal. They are the ideal partner for us and we very much look forward to working with them.”

Prices start from £150 RRP.

To reserve a place at the ButtonBelle bridesmaid party please call Katie or Lesley on 0161 941 7374. For more information please visit www.lacebridal.co.uk

Kate Fearnley is delighted to launch her first ever fascinator collection, to complement her Spring/Summer 2013 Riviera Cocktail collection, bound to wow wedding guests as we head into the summer season.

Inspired by retro vacations, and focussing heavily on the styles and shapes of the Hollywood icons of the 1950s, the Riviera Cocktail collection brings into mind the post-war French Riviera – sun, drinks parties at the yacht club, promenading on the Mediterranean sea fronts, and is proving highly popular with wedding guests of all ages.

Fearnley’s Fascinators are designed to match key pieces in the collection, which features Kate’s trademark bold use of colour and flattering shapes. Shades of red, aqua, strawberry, pink and purple are interspersed with black and white and vibrant splashes of yellow. The collection also includes cherry printed stretch cottons, florals, spots and paintsplash prints.

“I am constantly being asked by wedding goers for recommendations of headwear to complement my collections, so the fascinators are a long time coming” says Kate, 36. “I’ve been blown away by the response from my customers so far, and am looking forward to seeing these grace weddings and racecourses throughout the summer months.”

The fascinators are placed onto comfortable bands, designed with practicality and comfort in mind, as well as perfectly accentuating the key features of the dresses they are designed to accompany. Priced at only £45, they won’t break the bank either, to complete an outfit for the most special of summer occasion.

They are exclusively available from the Kate Fearnley boutique website www.katefearnleyboutique.co.uk

WIN A ONCE IN A LIFETIME SEVEN NIGHT HONEYMOON TO THE BEAUTIFUL GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND!

One lucky winner will kick off married life in style with an amazing honeymoon on Grand Bahama Island, staying in an ocean view room at the Grand Lucayan Resort for seven nights.

Grand Lucayan [Grandlucayan.com] is so breathtaking it’s as though it was made for romance.  Just imagine miles and miles of white soft sand, sparkling warm Caribbean Sea as the backdrop to the beginning of the rest of your lives together.  Team this with a wonderful warm climate, countless swaying palm trees, endless places for romantic dining and spaces to explore. You have the recipe for a truly perfect honeymoon experience.

Delicious breakfast daily buffet-style at the resort is included as part of the prize plus a 50 minute couples spa treatment in the indulging Senses Spa overlooking the dazzling clear waters.

Grand Lucayan is located close to the capital of Freeport and is home to over 542 stylish and spacious rooms and suites, each with either a panoramic ocean view marina view or the scenic island view.  The hotel has three outstanding swimming pools – including a quiet infinity pool, a luxurious Senses Spa and Fitness Centre, offering guests a number of pampering and relaxing treatments and top of the range fitness equipment and a selection of fitness classes, including yoga and spinning.  The resort features a challenging and picturesque 18 hole championship golf course, designed by a leading golf architect, Robert Trent Jones which caters to players of all levels.  Located just a few steps away from the resort is Treasure Bay Casino, a thrilling Las Vegas-style playground with various tables and slot machines.

Grand Lucayan offers a culinary tour of the world and offers a selection of restaurants and dining options, serving mouth-watering and international fare.

Be sure to visit Churchill’s and enjoy a wonderful romantic four-course dinner whilst sitting back and enjoying live music and entertainment.  The sophisticated China Beach Restaurant offers a unique spin on Asian cuisine with a menu inspired by the exotic South East Asia; and the relaxed Plantation Café serves a wide selection of sandwiches, freshly made pastries and Gelato – you won’t go hungry on your honeymoon!

And just as that sun is setting make sure you swim up or drop in to the Hammerheads Bar and enjoy a cocktail or two.  This relaxed and informal bar  makes an idyllic location for  that special occasion sunset as Mrs and Mrs!

Grand Lucayan celebrates a harmony of space, style, serenity and sensuous living.  The resort offers spaciously arranged rooms and suites featuring subtle, light colour schemes.  It is comprise of 542 spacious rooms and suites including five different room categories; Island View, Marina View, Ocean View, One-bedroom Ocean View Suite and the Ocean Front Lanai Suites.  All rooms and suites feature a private balcony or patio, superior bedding and bath amenities.

There’s plenty to do at the resort to keep you both amused from a range of exciting non-motorized water sports to tennis courts, basketball and volleyball all set in lush tropical surroundings.   The only decision is whether you can leave your sunbed or not!

For those who prefer a more indulgent experience, you can find a holistic retreat at Senses Spa.  The facility is a full- service spa equipped with eight treatment rooms, traditional wood saunas, Vichy showers, a hydrotherapy tub, steam rooms and facial rooms. The spa uses Pevonia Botanica skincare products that consist of natural ingredients from the earth and the ocean. Enjoy an ocean front massage underneath a Gazebo – a memory you’ll both treasure forever.

Grand Bahama is blessed with plenty to see and do. Port Lucaya Marketplace is located a stone’s throw away from the resort, and offers duty-free shops and a number of good quality restaurant and bars.  Elsewhere on the island you can try diving and dolphin experiences at the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) located in Port Lucaya Marina, just across from the resort or alternatively visit  the Lucayan National Park, a protected national park which is home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems with over six miles of caves, caverns and tunnels. Nature trails and boardwalks lead to a variety of wild birds, colourful fish and the spectacular and serene Gold Rock Beach.

 Terms and Conditions:

Seven nights accommodation for two staying in an ocean view room on a bed and breakfast basis. A 50 minute couples spa treatment is also part of the prize.   The prize must be booked by the 30th June 2013 and taken by the 31st of May  2014. The prize is subject to availability and excludes peak holiday periods including New Year, Christmas, Easter, half term and school summer holidays.  Flights are not included.

To enter:

Like The Wedding Girl’s SOS on Facebook here

Follow The WeddingGirl’s SOS on Twitter here

Then enter your details here

Amphora Aromatic’s Frankincense and Rose Face Cream is ideal for this time of year, when your skin’s taken a battering from the winter weather and the de-hydrating effects of central heating.

Using rejuvenating Frankincense & Rose oils combined with balancing and cleansing Geranium oil, this moisturiser is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin due to its richly nourishing quality.  And, it retails for only £5.95.

Part of the Amphora Aromatics range of creams, gels and bodycare products, all the products are based on traditional formulas and packed with exotic herbs, spices and essential oils.  We have five fabulous skin care hampers packed with a selection of Amphora Aromatics delicious creams and gels, based on a range of traditional formulas with essential oils at their heart.

Starting life in Bristol in the backroom of a small shop in 1984, Amphora Aromatics is now one of the UK’s largest suppliers of essential oils and aromatherapy products.  The company’s philosophy is based on creating high quality products at the best possible price.

Combining exotic herbs, spices, perfumes and oils inspired by the souks and markets of near eastern countries, Amphora Aromatics is one of  aromatherapy’s best kept secrets. www.amphora-aromatics.co.uk

We have 5 x £30 gift sets to give away.

To enter:

Like The Wedding Girl’s SOS on Facebook here

Follow The WeddingGirl’s SOS on Twitter here

Then enter your details here

NOTE: You must be subscribed to The Wedding Girl’s SOS monthly newsletter before entering any competitions

Blurb, the publishing platform, is offering two Wedding Girl’s SOS readers the chance to make their own beautiful book with a £100  voucher and runner up prize of a £50 voucher.

Personalised photo books allow you to capture precious memories from your wedding in a lovely, lasting way that’s completely unique to you. From beautiful coffee table quality books for the bride and groom, to meaningful thank you presents for the wedding party, or even bespoke guest books – personalised photo books made by you will be treasured forever.

Blurb makes it easy for anyone to design and publish their own books. No matter what your skill level, you make a book using their free bookmaking tools that give you complete creative flexibility.  Use their pre-made templates or create your own. The results are professionally printed and bound, bookshop-quality books.

Once you’ve made your book, you can order a printed or ebook version at the click of a button and can share it with friends and family online through your social networks.  To get started, download Blurb® BookSmart® from www.blurb.co.uk/booksmart

To enter:

Like The Wedding Girl’s SOS on Facebook here

Follow The WeddingGirl’s SOS on Twitter here

Then enter your details here

NOTE: You must be subscribed to The Wedding Girl’s SOS monthly newsletter before entering any competitions

Revisit a time when Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn were the style sweethearts of a nation, with vintage inspired full-length gowns in duchesse satins and exquisite silks. Floral appliqué and pearl beading details add a feminine elegance and delicate charm to the clean, fluid silhouettes.

Accessories are designed to enhance and complement each look, from satin peep toe shoes and dainty clutch bags to pearl encrusted fascinators and silk corsages. Beautifully coordinating feather boleros in pretty neutrals add the perfect finishing touch.

And, for all those brides-to-be who don’t live near a Phase Eight store but love the collection as much as we do, we have some exciting news!

Browse the bridal collection online at www.phase-eight.co.uk from the comfort of your armchair, choose which styles you like and then simply call 0207 471 4422 to order them to be delivered to your nearest store* where you can try them on at a time convenient for you.

The service is completely free of charge and will give customers the freedom to try on a selection of dresses before committing to ‘the one’…the only difficult part will be deciding which to choose!

The new bridal collection will also be housed at the brand new Flagship store in central London’s St Christopher Place, in the dedicated bridal lounge. One-on-one appointments will also be available, making it a one stop shop for the entire female bridal party, from the mother of the brides to the bridesmaids and the bride herself!

*excluding John Lewis’

The belief that every bride deserves a princess moment, is the inspiration behind top London cake designer Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium launch of their Majestic 2013 collection of wedding cakes.

With designs ranging from the Marie Antoinette, the ultimate queen of excess,  to the more contemporary Travel Queen, each cake is intricately crafted to match every bride’s inner princess style.

Available in over 45 (and counting) delicious flavours including the really decadent Triple Chocolate, Luscious Lemon, Caramel to the more bespoke Wasabi and White Chocolate,  the cakes reflect Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium commitment to treating each bride like royalty.

THE CAKES

Marie Antoinette – a decadent purple ombre cake with edible gold cherubs, cameos and handcrafted sugar flowers, this cake is perfect for the princess bride who wants a statement cake.

Vintage Princess – Decorated with edible sugar lace applique, pearls and delicately coloured sugar flowers. It’s ideal for the bride who loves everything vintage.

Travel Queen – Inspired by the Lulu Guiness vanity cases, this two tier molten yellow gold cake with it’s crocodile skin detailing on the top tier is a bold choice for the bride who loves travel.

Queen of Romance – A very tall and grand cake adorned with swags of white and pink sugar flowers with a pomander topper. A cake fit for any palace.

Pearly Queen –  Taking inspiration from Coco Chanel’s love of multi stranded pearls, this cake is for the bride who strives to be what Coco thought every girl should be classy and fabulous!

Art Deco Queen – With a strong and striking graphical style that utilises gold geometrical shapes, it is topped with soft white ostrich feathers and is perfect for an art deco aficionado.

Contemporary Princess – This cake combines the classic black, white and red colours and will bring elegance to a chic and contemporary wedding.

Classic Queen – Featuring a spiral cascade of the most realistic classic wedding sugar flowers, including roses, lilies, hydrangeas, parrot tulips, stephanotis and sugar butterflies, this cake represents classic at its best.

Avant Garde Princess – Brides who like something a little different will adore this cake based on one of the stand out dresses from Alfred Angelo’s 2013 collection. The taupe cake decorated with sugar lace motifs and finished off with a jaunty sugar bow is for the unconventional princess.

Visit Elizabeth’s website to view more of her cakes www.elizabethscakeemporium.com

Vintage Princess

Travel Queen

Classic Queen

Pearly Queen

Avant Garde Princess

Queen of Romance

 

Marie Antoinette

 

 

 

ASK THE EXPERTS

Top names in the industry such as Julia Boggio Photography, The Dreamcatchers film-makers and Cutture Stationery will be paired with the fabulous wedding planners who make up the UKAWP to offer top tips and the opportunity to ask specific questions regarding every element of your wedding day. You and Your Wedding Magazine will be hosting a talk on top trends for 2013 alongside hair and make-up demonstrations and a planner’s panel. You will also be able to have a personal tour of the sumptuous RSA House and enjoy the splendid facilities on offer.

BE INSPIRED

You will be invited to sip champagne and nibble delicious canapés courtesy of renowned event caterers Harbour and Jones whilst browsing the inspiration zone for design ideas. 5 stunning dining tables will be styled by wedding planners of the UKAWP alongside Options Hire and Tempting Cakes and Mary-Jane Vaughan Flowers, displaying the very best of what is available to hire for your wedding reception, with pricing guidelines and practical information included.

GET THE LOOK

Brides in need of style advice can meet in the boudoir where the likes of Johanna Hehir,  Two Birds Bridesmaids and Victoria Millessime can dress you from head to toe whilst hair stylists extraordinaire The Hepburn Collection and make-up expert Mariam Jensen offer consultations on how to look and feel your absolute best on the day.

FOR THE GROOMS

We would hate to leave the boys out, so head down to the RSA’s quirky vaults to try cocktails with In The Spirit Events, talk entertainment with Elegant Entertainment and Free Love DJs and Production and design bespoke tailoring with Cad and the Dandy.  Alternatively, just have a play on the Wii until your missus is ready!

EVENT DATE
Sunday 3^rd March 2013

SESSION TIMES
11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Please select either the morning or the afternoon session. This is so that we can ensure every guest has a great experience and benefits from lots of personal attention. Guest numbers are limited for each session so please book early to avoid disappointment; a very limited number of tickets will be available for purchase on the day.

TICKET PRICES
£10 for a single ticket
£15 for a double ticket (so you can bring your groom)

Add £7.50 to your ticket price to receive a 6 month subscription to You and Your Wedding at the best price you will find anywhere!

PURCHASE
By clicking here and paying via debit or credit card (preferred)

OR

By calling 01442 828061 where payments by post can be taken. Please note we do not have a credit card facility to take payments over the phone.

An email confirmation of your ticket purchase will be sent to you in advance of the event.

Visit the website at www.theweddingsanctuary.ukawp.com

What we now class as a long engagement (18 months or longer) were more-or-less the norm up until recent years – and there are a great many advantages to allowing longer to plan your wedding: With each passing pay cheque, the wedding budget can improve leaving more cash for the things that matter to you; There will be plenty of time to thoroughly research all your supplier options and only book those you really love; Venue and supplier availability will not be a difficulty; That’s 18 months of engagement events for you to enjoy a glass of bubbly at! However, it is worth noting that having longer to research your likes also means more opportunity for you to change your mind over and over (creating more work and possibly expense). It can also mean either long periods of you resting on your laurels (actually creating more stress later on) and worst of all, serious wedding-talk fatigue amongst your friends, family and co-workers!

Late lead weddings are my favourites, but they only work if you are a naturally decisive couple and already have a good few ideas in mind. Massive savings can be made by fitting your wedding amongst your venue or supplier’s other commitments (after all, this is revenue they weren’t expecting that month!), but you might also find vendor and guest availability can be an issue, and you must be sure you have the time amongst your work and other day-to-day commitments to blitz the planning.

However you choose to play things, there is a sure fire way of making sure you stay on track and don’t miss anything out:

Get organised

Begin by creating a list of all the things that you will need to do and book in order to make the wedding happen. Take inspiration from the wedding magazines which often run a regular ‘planning timetable’ near the back (although don’t take their timing suggestions as gospel!).

For example:
Church/Registrar
Reception Venue (Caterer?)
Photographer
Wedding Dress
Rings
Hair and Make-up etc, etc

At this stage, this list can be more of a brainstorm than a super detailed plan – the document is a working one that will evolve and become more detailed as you move forward, but the point is just to get you looking at the big picture.

Prioritise

Highlight all the items that really matter to you and simply can’t be missed out. You WILL need some kind of ceremony, you WILL need a venue, your photographer, dress and entertainment ARE key to the even you have in mind. Whilst their fun to look at, and it is great to have some idea of the style you want for the day, this is not the time to be bogged down with teency design and DIY details.

For each of those priority elements, expand upon your list, thinking through the steps you need to take to organise each one. For example:

For the ceremony, you might need to contact you local registrar to establish the process of giving notice so you know what documents you might need, or for a church wedding, you should call the parish office to check that you are eligible to marry there and whether you need to attend services or pre-marital classes.
Ahead of the venue search, you need to have given some thought to your budget, the number of guests you would like to invite, whereabouts in the country you would like to be based and the style of property you like (see last month’s post on finding the perfect venue)

At this stage, these are the only suppliers you should be researching. Since they are your priority elements, you should book them first, therefore establishing how much of your budget you will have left to play with for the less important parts of the day.

Work through all the elements of the planning in order of priority, listing out all the steps involved in making your final decisions. Be aware that some things may have to be thought through ahead of time: If you are inviting guests to stay in the area, you should research a range of suitable accommodation options at different price points early on so that this information can be featured in the invitations.

Delegate

Project management is all about knowing what skills and resources you have that get you to your goal, and what you need to outsource. You might be familiar with budgets, spreadsheets and deadlines – you might even have downloaded a great App or planning software that can help – but there are always going to be gaps; gaps in knowledge (like the legal side of getting married, wedding etiquette and wedding day logistics), or simply gaps in the time you have available to actually plan the wedding (researching and meeting with suppliers, chasing RSVPs, deciding on catering and decor). Don’t panic, you don’t need to be an expert to plan your own wedding, you just need to recognize when it is time to call in some help! Delegate tasks to your bridesmaids, family, friends and fiancé or pull in the professional advice of your suppliers or a wedding planner when you need it.

It is also worth noting that at some point, you are going to want to switch off and just enjoy the day so make sure you know when that point will be, and who will be at the helm from then.

Finalise

Four to six weeks prior to the wedding, you should have all your suppliers and decorative details booked, ordered or made and the focus should switch to pure logistical planning:

What are the final numbers? How many vegetarians are there? Where will everyone sit?
What time are all the suppliers expected to arrive and depart? How long will each need to set-up and clear down? Will they require catering whilst on site?
What are all the timings of the day? How long will all the hair and make-up take? What length of time should you leave for photos?
Who will be the ones to set each event space up with the decorative details? When will they be delivered to the venue and where will they be stored?
The list here is rather endless, and these are the plans that make the difference between a smooth running event and a hectic day for everyone! Take guidance from your venue and/or caterer as well as all your other suppliers about all the timings and requirements on the day.

Download Isabel’s planning schedule to help keep you on track

Planning Schedule – 6 month lead

Rachel gets much of her inspiration from twenties and thirties fashion, including old wedding photographs from this era as well as a good rummage in a vintage shop and a mooch through a gorgeous costume book or three. Rachel’s mum was always into textiles and haberdashery too, so some inspiration also comes from there. Rachel’s designs combine this love of vintage with current trends and shapes to get the best of both eras!

Leather and soft suede are a favourite to work with, as they give a soft finish perfect for bridal, but can be worn again easily.

For 2013 there are three main themes to the collection- Metallic/ muted colours- beautiful soft pinks, antique gold and silver, both in full shoe and detailing. For examples of this see Agnes, Anais and Ginger.

Twenties and a return to elegance is also a strong theme- look out for round toes and t-bars, cut-outs and lower heels. Our Emily, Cleo and Amelia shoes are perfect examples. The collection also focuses on a look which is less traditional- a move away from more traditional ‘wedding shoes’ for more individuality and wearability after the big day. Why not try a pair of Juliette for a show stopping shoe both on the big day and beyond?

All Rachel Simpson shoes are beautifully made in Spain with full leather linings and soles, making them as comfortable as they are stylish. The collection is available in stockists nationwide as well as online at www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk. You can also book an appointment at the company’s Birmingham showroom, for a truly personal shoe-shopping experience- book online or call 0121 433 5492.

It’s all about the beautiful shoes!

The ultimate in romantic retreats, the suite is reached over a private bridge through the treetops and is custom designed by the co-owner, Magdalena Fielden,  including individual pieces such as heart-shaped wall lights and a wrought iron tree decorated with pink glass hearts. In addition to the king size bed, there is a spacious lounge area where newlyweds can enjoy relaxing together. The bathroom features a whirlpool bath and a shower with multiple jets, as well as ‘his and hers’ wash basins.

True Blue Bay offers an outdoor swimming pool and tropical gardens on the edge of Prickly Bay. The owners can help couples to arrange as many or as few activities as they like, from rainforest walks to river-tubing, yachting to diving.

Find out more at www.truebluebay.com