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Notts Weddings

Lancs Weddings, Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

As couples plan for their big day for 2022 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough. You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels. Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than any other aspect. The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.

Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!

12 months before…
Choose a wedding date
Decide on a budget
Make a list of guests and decide on numbers
Book your Church/Ceremony location. Book your reception venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer

8 months before…
Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
Book entertainment
Choose and order your wedding cake
Make an appointment with your chosen florist

6 months before…
Give Notice of Marriage
Purchase or hire menswear
Select your wedding rings

4 months before…
Send out your wedding invitations
Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear

1 month before…
Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man.
Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 weeks before…
Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant people

1 week before…
Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear
Have all your beauty treatments
Drink plenty of water and have some early nights
Relax and enjoy this time – all your hard work is about to come to completion!

Lancashire News, Lancs Weddings, Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

Getting married isn’t just about going on honeymoon, but it sure is an exciting plus to the whole shebang! But how do you go about milking the special occasion for all its worth? Everyone loves an upgrade and if you can’t get one when you’re going on your honeymoon then when can you? It’s the perfect opportunity to be pampered and spoiled, especially after all the stress of the wedding planning is over. Calling first class!

There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather than like a scruff bag (albeit a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class.
This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very well-heeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early. This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades. Don’t forget to check again when you reach the gate in case an upgrade has become available since you checked-in.
Another hot tip for making it more likely to receive an upgrade is to fly on a Saturday as this is when business travellers are usually at home, meaning you have less competition.

Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon. Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards getting an upgrade is to tell everyone that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newly-weds on honeymoon.
If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable. Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up.

Tell everyone you meet that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know, it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit! The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day trips that you intend to do whilst you’re away. Live like an A-lister. Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go! If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment, then take a leaf out of @RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’

Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

Since Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed that wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships in registration offices or Council approved premises could recommence from Saturday 4 July following the updated Government guidelines 28 have taken place.

The Nottinghamshire County Council Registration team is reminding couples of the new guidelines due to coronavirus which mean that their ceremony will perhaps be slightly different to what was originally planned.

There are five registration offices in Nottinghamshire where couples can now tie the knot and each location has its own maximum occupancy to allow for social distancing.  Whilst the Government guidelines allow up to 30 guests this is all based on the size of the ceremony room.

Nottinghamshire’s registration offices are based in West Bridgford, Arnold, Mansfield, Newark and Worksop and the numbers of guests varies from a total of six-people for West Bridgford and Arnold.  19-people at Mansfield, 10-people at Newark and four-people in Worksop.  In addition to these numbers there will be two registrars allowed at each office to perform the ceremony.

Ceremonies will look very different with everyone having to social distance and the ceremonies being very short with only the legal requirements taking place to ensure the partnership is legally binding.  The ceremony itself will have no readings, promises nor choice of music.  Ring exchange is allowed but the rings will need to be kept by the couple.

Councillor John Handley, Vice Chairman for the Communities and Place committee at the County Council said: “Our team of registrars are working hard to ensure our booked ceremonies can take place.  We have had almost half of the pre booked weddings cancelled or moved as some couples decide to wait for their big day when it can take place as they first planned.

“Not all our licensed premises are opening straight away, and it is the duty of the venue to ensure that the legal requirement of social distancing is adhered to.  Our team of registrars will be working with couples to ensure that the new guidelines are made clear so that everyone understands what can happen during this period. I’d like to please ask those with weddings planned, bear with us in these difficult circumstances.”

For further information on how to book a wedding or to seek any clarification if you have a wedding booked with a County Council Registrar please call the 0300 500 8080 or visit our weddings frequently asked questions.

For more information visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships/covid-19-guidance-for-small-marriages-and-civil-partnerships

Chorley & Leyland News, Chorley Leisure, Chorley Weddings, East Lancs News, East Leisure, East Weddings, Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure, Lancs Weddings, Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts Weddings

Thinking about marrying abroad but worried that your grandparents won’t be able to make it? Perhaps your close friends and family can’t afford an overseas holiday or maybe you’d rather just get away on your own. Weigh up your options here with our list of pros and cons to help you decide.
The biggest issue with getting married abroad tends to be that not everyone on your guest list will be able to make it. So if your grandmother has always dreamed of being at your wedding but is unable to travel, don’t be surprised if she seems upset when you drop the bombshell that you’ve decided to get married abroad. Do reassure anyone who can’t make it that you’ll have a second reception when you’re back in the UK.

Pros
You’ll be able to take your vows in the open air and celebrate your special day in an exotic or unusual location, with different food, flowers and music to complement your wedding.


Getting married abroad can often be less expensive than the average British wedding. Many couples buy their own tickets and, while the bride’s family may pay for the wedding package, it’s acceptable for guests to pay their own way.

You can invite just a small handful of family and friends to the wedding, so you’re only with people that you really want to celebrate with. It’s the ideal excuse for not inviting your 20 odd cousins and all their children.

Alternatively, you can jet off alone and get married in a romantic, private ceremony, just the two of you. If you book through a travel operator, they’ll do practically all the organising, leaving you plenty of time for dress shopping and planning your honeymoon!

If you’d rather be totally involved in the planning process, you can opt for a tailor-made wedding.

Cons
Friends and family might not be able to afford to travel abroad, or be able take the time to go further afield. You might upset people who’ve been left off your list – but you may be able to ease some disappointment by having a big bash when you get home. You won’t have as much control over the organising as you would at home.

You might end up regretting not inviting family members if you jet off alone. If it’s just the two of you, you’ll need to rope in a stranger to act as witness. Although your wedding abroad may work out cheaper initially, if you put on a second reception in the UK for all those who couldn’t make it, you can end up paying as much or more than you would have done if you’d married in the UK in the first place!

Even if you head for tropical climes, you can’t guarantee sunny weather. And remember, unless you head off for a second week somewhere else, you might be stuck on honeymoon with your friends and family!

Chorley & Leyland News, Chorley Weddings, East Lancs News, East Weddings, Lancashire News, Lancs Weddings, Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

Getting married isn’t just about going on honeymoon, but it sure is an exciting plus to the whole shebang! But how do you go about milking the special occasion for all its worth? Everyone loves an upgrade and if you can’t get one when you’re going on your honeymoon then when can you? It’s the perfect opportunity to be pampered and spoiled, especially after all the stress of the wedding planning is over.

Calling first class!
There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather than like a scruff bag (albeit a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class. This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very well-heeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early. This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades.

Don’t forget to check again when you reach the gate in case an upgrade has become available since you checked-in. Another hot tip for making it more likely to receive an upgrade is to fly on a Saturday as this is when business travellers are usually at home, meaning you have less competition.

Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon
Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards getting an upgrade is to tell everyone that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newly-weds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable.
Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up.

Tell everyone you meet that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know, it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit! The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day trips that you intend to do whilst you’re away.

Live like an A-lister
Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go! If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment, then take a leaf out of @RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’

Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

An award-winning British jewellery designer is expanding its business with a second outlet now open in Belvoir Castle’s beautifully restored Victorian Engine Yard retail village, opposite the main entrance to Belvoir Castle.
B Jewellery is a luxury retailer specialising in bespoke jewellery designs. Fronted by designer Belynda Faulkner, her second shop offers unique creations, workshops and a number of her jewellery collections at a larger scale.

Belynda says: “This is an exciting time for the business as we continue to grow. We create the ultimate romance for our customers with bespoke items, and where better to establish ourselves than in the shadow of beautiful Belvoir Castle? With great support from the Duchess of Rutland, we are delighted to set up shop and make the Engine Yard our second home.”

Emma, Duchess of Rutland, added: “We’re very excited to have B Jewellery join us at the Engine Yard, it’s a great addition. Belvoir Castle is a magical location for many who wish to enjoy a fairytale wedding and B Jewellery compliments this perfectly. Belynda’s jewellery is truly stunning and we know that visitors to the Engine Yard are going to fall in love with her bespoke designs.”

Located at the Engine Yard on the Leicestershire country estate, B Jewellery is now welcoming visitors and bookings for workshops and services. The shop offers a range of stunning jewellery collections, custom designs and beautiful personalisations, all crafted by hand on-site. A click and collect service is also available.

B Jewellery also offers couples the special opportunity to make their own wedding bands, or for groups to celebrate by creating silver bangles or rings.

Belynda has been in the jewellery business for more than 15 years with a BA in Silversmith, Jewellery and Allied Crafts. She has worked behind the bench, as well as in other aspects of the jewellery trade, including as a designer, product manager, diamond buyer, plus running very well-known high street jewellers for several years.

Opening hours for B Jewellery at the Engine Yard are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm. Appointments are available upon request. Contact the shop on b.jewellery@aol.co.uk.

For more information, visit www.b-jewellery.co.uk.
Facebook: B-Jewellery
Twitter: belyndafaulkner
Instagram: b.jewellery
B Jewellery is the latest addition to Belvoir Castle’s multi-million-pound artisan shopping village. The Engine Yard champions local businesses and great British brands, including a host of artisan retailers, food and drink, all within the grounds of the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Visit: www.engineyardbelvoir.com.

Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

  1. Image Quality/Style
    The quality of a photographer’s portfolio should be the first thing that captures your attention. A good photographer should be able to offer clients a variety of styles, capturing the personalities of the bride and groom and showcasing the happiness and fun of the day. Be clear on what style you would like and make sure the photographer can provide this in their portfolio. If you are drawn to a particular photographer, make sure you ask to view all of their images (not just the favourites they pick for their websites!) so that you can check the image quality is consistent throughout. Be aware that photographers have different editing techniques. If an image is heavily edited then chances are this will be a common theme within their photography portfolio and is usually an attempt to try to cover up poor quality.
    Above all, the style of the images should say something about you both as a couple. Whether you are looking for relaxed and informal photography or you would like to go for a more adventurous and contemporary style, be sure to do your homework and shop around.
  2. Personality
    As a bride and groom, you put a lot of trust and faith in your wedding photographer. In order to get the best images and a true account of the most important day of your life, it is imperative that you feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence. You can usually tell within the first 5 minutes of meeting someone, whether you feel a rapport or connection. First impressions are key and if you instantly strike a bond then you are on to a good thing. If you feel uncomfortable around your photographer for whatever reason then this will become very apparent in your wedding photos. Also, think of your guests. If your wedding photographer is approachable, friendly and down to earth, your guests will be at ease allowing the photographer to blend in and capture the day as it naturally unfolds rather than a forced and posed account. Remember, a true smile is impossible to fake so choose wisely and ensure you meet with your photographer a couple of times before confirming your booking.
  3. Value For Money/Cost
    This can often be a deciding factor for a lot of brides and grooms and although it is a vital element, it should not be the basis for your decision. High-end prices do not always guarantee the highest quality but likewise, reasonable pricing does not always depict low quality. A photographer should be open about their pricing structures and in turn, you should be clear on your budget. Neither one of you wants to waste any time so a clear dialogue right from the beginning will resolve this.
    Your photographer should offer a variety of packages to suit all and should always be flexible with pricing and what is included within each package. Your photographer is providing a service and each couple will have different expectations and requirements so do make sure that your photographer can tailor make a package to suit your needs.
    Always remember to ask about any hidden extras. Some photographers charge an additional fee for editing, VAT, creating artwork for an album or even travel and food expenses. You should always ensure that all costs are detailed in a quote before entering in to any contractual agreement.
  4. Experience
    The experience a photographer has will play a large part in the organisation and structure of the day. I am sure many photographers will agree that they have often played the role of coordinator, photographer, master of ceremonies and children’s entertainer. Taking the photos is just a small part of being a wedding photographer and without the necessary experience and the ability to perform under constant pressure important moments can be easily missed.
    Always try to choose a wedding photographer who has already worked at your wedding venue. This isn’t a necessity but your photographer must show a willingness to meet at the venue regularly, exploring the best photo locations and opportunities as well as taking the time to run through the structure of the day. It is also a good idea for the photographer to meet with the venue proprietor/wedding coordinator to make sure everyone is clear on the days agenda from start to finish.
    Ensure you ask how many weddings they have covered since they began trading and how long they have been in the business.
    This doesn’t mean that they are any less capable if they have only be trading for a short period of time but will give you a good idea of experience gained. Similarly, if a photographer has been in the business for years and has experience in abundance, you may want to check that their style has moved with the times and will meet the expectations of a modern day bride and groom.
  5. Recommendations/Word Of Mouth
    A lot of my bookings have come through recommendations from previous clients and word of mouth. If your friends and family have been happy with the quality of the service and work of a particular photographer then chances are, you will be too. Again, this should not be the main reason for your choice but should be the final piece of the jigsaw. Speak to your friends about their experiences with their wedding photographer and try to make use of tips and advice from those who have organised their own weddings. A good photographer will always be able to give you a testimonial from previous clients upon request or even provide you with contact details should you wish to hear from them directly. In conclusion, these top 5 tips should not be considered to be in any order of importance. Each point is as important as the next and when choosing the right wedding photographer for you, a combination of all of these factors should be used as a basis for your decision. May I wish you all the best of luck in your wedding planning and a long and happy future together.
Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

As couples plan for their big day for 2019 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough. You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels. Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than any other aspect.

The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size. Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!

12 months before…
Choose a wedding date
Decide on a budget
Make a list of guests and decide on numbers
Book your Church/Ceremony location
Book your reception venue/caterers
Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man
Start looking for The Dress!
Choose and book your photographer

8 months before…
Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
Book entertainment
Choose and order your wedding cake.
Make an appointment with your chosen florist

6 months before…
Give Notice of Marriage
Purchase or hire menswear
Select your wedding rings

4 months before…
Send out your wedding invitations
Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear

1 month before…
Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man
Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 weeks before…
Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant people

1 week before…
Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear
Have all your beauty treatments.
Drink plenty of water and have some early nights. Relax and enjoy this time – all your hard work is about to come to completion!

Chorley & Leyland News, Chorley Weddings, East Lancs News, East Weddings, Lancashire News, Lancs Weddings, Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

Finding the perfect venue is likely to be at the top of any newly engaged couples list. With the venue playing a vital role in the success of your day it’s the big decision you really need to get right. Just like viewing a new property it is easy to become overexcited and fall in love with a place without checking the venue can cater to your requirements, so hitched.co.uk are here to answer that question – how to choose a wedding venue?

Wait until you get the feeling Much like finding your dress, the shoes, a new home, it is true that when you view venues you will know if it is right for you. You need to be able to picture yourself there on the day and ensure the style of the building both exterior and interior will work with the theme of your wedding. Finding the right venue in our opinion is the most important factor, once you fall in love with somewhere before rushing in to anything at the very least check the following match your criteria: Is it the right location?

Where will your guests be coming from? If they are not local, choosing a venue that is easily accessible, has accommodation on site or hotels in close proximity is desirable. If you have guests coming from abroad how far is the closest international airport? These factors may play a role in your decision making.

Is the capacity right for you?
Think about whether you need a large capacity wedding venue or a smaller and more intimate wedding venue. The size of the venue is just as important, too small for your number of guests and the room will feel stuffy and overcrowded, too big and guests will feel lost and the space will feel cold. When a space is empty it is hard to imagine how it will look when filled with tables. For this reason we would always advise viewing a venue when it is set up for a wedding. If this is not possible ask to see photographs, most venues should have a photo book or slide-show. Another tip is to ask for a seating plan of the room at capacity, this will give you a good idea of how much space there is and how comfortably your guests numbers will fit.

Ask about the flow of the day
Make sure the venue representative talks you through how a typical day runs. The flow of the day is crucial, any long pauses or delays and your guests will become bored. If your ceremony and reception is in the same room how long does the turnaround take, where will the guests be and what will they be doing?

This is also relevant between the reception meal and the evening dancing. The weather in the UK can be unpredictable to say the least! If it does rain does the venue have indoor space for the reception drinks? Do they provide a master of ceremonies/manager? This takes the stress off you and is the best way to make sure all your guests are where they are meant to be at all times. 

Check the timings 
Planning the time of your ceremony is a big decision; when do the venue advise? In our experience weddings of 8-9 hours work well, any longer than this and the atmosphere dwindles towards the end, you want your wedding to end on a high! Also bear in mind where the majority of people will be coming from on the day, leave plenty of time for people to get ready and arrive. Also ask, what set up time is included in the hire fee, when will your suppliers have access to the room and when do things need to be collected?

Think about the lighting. Lighting plays an important part in any event, if your ceremony is during the day does the room have lots of natural daylight? During the evening do they provide/ let you bring in candles? Cameras will be a big part of your day so practise your smiles! Bearing this in mind what is the surrounding area around your venue like? Where will your photographs be? If you are looking at a central town hall where will you take outdoor photographs?

The view from the venue and any outdoor space is also a massive plus not only for photographs but for your guests enjoyment. Does the venue have grounds or ample outdoor space – this is useful if you have children attending and for guests to stretch their legs for ten minutes after the reception meal. Check the finer details. At the venue viewing stage you will not know every detail of your day however you must ask the venue what is not permitted…. If you envisage a romantic candlelit winter ceremony check the venue permits candles!

If you are having your ceremony at the same venue can you throw confetti? Finding these details out early in the planning stage before you book is essential, you are likely to have an idea of what your day will be like and the venue needs to be able to live up to this, for this reason write a list of…..
Make a list of your non-negotiable’s
Before viewing any venues sit down with your partner and discuss any non-negotiable’s these could include: Budget – will the venue be able to provide everything you need within your budget, is VAT included in the price, are staff gratuities added and if so are they optional? Catering – What type of cuisine would you like? Can the venue provide this?

Suppliers – do you have artistic friends that want to bake the cake or take the photographs? If so check the venue will permit this or do you need to use their recommended suppliers? Live music – if you would like a band does the venue permit this? If you would like a string quartet during reception drinks do the venue allow music outside? Fireworks, sparklers, flame eaters etc. – if you have any different entertainment ideas check your venue will allow it.

Finding your venue will be one of the big milestones in your wedding planning and will determine your date, location and therefore will impact a lot of your other wedding planning decisions. You may even want to consider finding a wedding dress that perfectly suits your venue.