GFB Feed

Mother of the bride outfit

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:50:58 -0700

This is just a quick jog in the grey cells to let you know how difficult it can be to choose the mother of the bride outfit, and for that matter the mother of the groom outfit.
I started to look around with my mother a good 9 months before the day and got more and more confused at each shop. There were just so many differences in attitude of the shopkeepers, what seemed to be totally exorbitant prices and to be honest downright rudeness from some.
It's like we were doing them a favour to be in their shop. A couple wouldn't even let my mum try anything on.
So, with that in mind and knowing that such an event is pretty much a first for most mothers in choosing something for the wedding, I want to point you to a couple of really friendly and well stocked shops.
The first is at Norma & June Fashions in Easington Village. Not much to look at from the outside but it's like an Aladdin's cave inside. I have never seen so many different collections in any single shop and mum tried on at least a dozen outfits. She was really impressed with several of them but in true mother fashion she decided to try a few more shops.
We eventually found our way to a shop in Huddersfield called the House of Elliot. Although they didn't have as good a selection the staff were superb. Nothing was too much trouble for them and the outfit that mum liked most of all there was one by Presen. Mum decided to go back to Norma & June's though as they had everything, outfit, shoes bag, matching hat (which was actually loaned for free as part of a promotion ongoing at that time) and even specially designed necklaces and earrings in Swarovsky Crystal.
When we went for the second visit there were a couple of ladies who had come all the way from Belfast, collected at the airport then were to be taken back there after shopping. I have never heard of such special attention in any other shop and must congratulate them on their service. I have naturally sent a letter of gratitude for the professional and very friendly service we enjoyed.
When I hear so much about how things go wrong, how people have been disappointed etc I think I should mention the fantastic service we got at both these shops.
I highly recommend them to you.
By the way, the chosen outfit was one by Ian Stuart as shown below.

GuidesForBrides: What is the point in having a solar power system if you have to turn it off in a power cut?!?

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:20:35 -0700

GuidesForBrides: What is the point in having a solar power system if you have to turn it off in a power cut?!?

Re: Honeymoon as gift

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:06:47 -0700

I have just booked our honeymoon with Thomas cook and most of it is done online. I will probably put a poem in and then at the bottom put the website and ref number and telephone number below. I dont think people would be offended, if anything it means they can donate whatever amount they want, which could be nicer than being tied to a gift list. Most of my friends and family know that we would really appreciate a wonderful honeymoon rather than items for the house.

GuidesForBrides: I uploaded a YouTube video -- Moment Weddings Videography http://youtu.be/BnVxZYg9-hw?a

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:24:22 -0700

GuidesForBrides: I uploaded a YouTube video -- Moment Weddings Videography http://youtu.be/BnVxZYg9-hw?a

GuidesForBrides: I uploaded a YouTube video -- Peter Huish http://youtu.be/9cCoKeC786Y?a

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:18:59 -0700

GuidesForBrides: I uploaded a YouTube video -- Peter Huish http://youtu.be/9cCoKeC786Y?a

Wedding Dress Shopping South West

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:57:07 -0700

I am looking at arranging a wedding dress shopping day. We don't seem to have too many around where I live and would love reccommendations of nice bridal shops.

Re: UK wedding or abroad?? Help !!!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:57:35 -0700

Hi Emma

i am in the very same situation as you & yours.My other half is also in the army and we are trying to sort out how and when to get married. Going abroad is appealing as i work full time too and like the idea of having a planner so i can then just enjoy the experience. We would be taking our daughter so it would be a family location with plenty of family attractions and activities ( but not typical brits the abroad!) .

But the other part of me would love more traditional wedding, however my ideal location was used by my brother when he married a couple of years ago so feel like i couldn't use it. Recently looking at cruises.
Also difficult as not all the family members get on , so really don't know what to do! best of look to you both

kate

Re: Bridal Chat

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:19:17 -0700

Hi Jenna,

The research is for a publishing company where I work - it's purely an insight into the world of brides to be. I can give you more information if you email me on sianhogan85@gmail.com and send you a link to the company etc.

I would be so grateful if you could help. We haven't established what vouchers...any suggestions?

Thanks,

Sian

Re: Entrance music

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:59:42 -0700

It really depends on whether you're having live musicians or a recorded song. Live musicians can alter any song to make it appropriate for a ceremony - speed it up, slow it down - take away the big band sound etc. Acoustic musicians are excellent at this. I'm an acoustic musician - I'm not plugging myself - I don't work in the UK :) Our most popular song request at the moment are Chasing cars, Snowpatrol; I'm Yours Jason Mraz; I'm Yours The Script; Songbird Eva Cassidy; Somewhere over the Rainbow Eva Cassidy; Footprint Leona Lewis; At Last Etta James. There's loads but some of them couldn;t be played on a pre-recording because they're too heavy on the backing music. If you can - get an acoustic musician to play for your ceremony (average around the £275 mark) and you can choose just about anything you want then. Good luck, Deborah

Re: UK wedding or abroad?? Help !!!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:50:05 -0700

Hi Emma,

There has been a massive increase in destination weddings over the past few years - for 2 main reasons - cost & weather. Its way cheaper getting married abroad and more intimate. And of course there's the weather. I work in the Algarve - I'm not a wedding planner - but my job means that I work with Brides & Grooms and wedding planners too. Your input into your own wedding is entirely up to you - some want to hand over the whole thing to a planner others want to do it themselves entirely - some want somewhere in between. With Internet it's quite easy to find suppliers for yourself if you have the time. You can use a planner if you get stuck with something but you don't have to use them for everything. Most planners are quite happy to work this way. Getting married in Europe means that more of your friends and family are able to come along because it's cheaper to get here. The season is much longer here - May to October - booking at either end of the season will get you better prices too - avoid August - It's mad here and steaming hot! My family are coming out here next week and paid £98 return flights - that's not an unusual price at this time of year. The weather is still fantastic - a little cooler at nights and gorgeous all day long. I'm not a planner so I can't advise you as they can, but I live and work here - so if you're considering Spain, Algarve or Portugal - you can drop me an email and if I can help at all - I gladly will. Good luck, Deborah

Re: Bridal Chat

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:17:09 -0700

Hi Sian

I am in Bristol and am getting married in May 2011 so I might be interested.
What is the research for though, and what is the voucher?

Jenna

Bridal Chat

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:12:19 -0700

Hi there,

I am looking to get together a group of Brides to be, based in the South West, for a bit of a chat about Weddings. Ideally, I need about 6-8 brides, aged between 20-40.

Essentially, it's for some wedding research, but as a bride to be myself, you'll be in good company and get to mix with other brides, tell us about your wedding ideas and share your thoughts and feelings about weddings in general.

I'd like to organise it this month (September 2010!) on either a Monday or Tuesday after work, and I'm based in Bath.

There will be wine, nibbles, cupcakes and a voucher for each of you to say a big thank you for helping me out.

If you are interested and would like further details, my email address is sianhogan85@gmail.com.

Any help would be hugely appreciated!

Many thanks,

Sian Hogan

Re: Wedding hymns

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 09:57:57 -0700

Make sure that you choose hymns that your guests will know and join in with. There is nothing worse than guests leaving the bride and groom to do a duet as no one else knows the tune!
Our Trio are happy to come to weddings in Oxfordshire and surrounding areas to boost the volume of your guests, in addition to singing solos during the signing of the register... and we work for pocket money!

[www.guidesforbrides.co.uk]

Best wishes
Adam

Re: Honeymoons

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 09:23:06 -0700

Hi Keri,

I specialise in honeymoons to the Indian Ocean (The Maldives, Seychelles & Mauritius) and the Middle East (Dubai, Oman & Abu Dhabi) and would be delighted to help you find the right honeymoon for you and your partner.

I can speak from personal experience on many of the destinations and resorts we cover.

We offer a tailor made service for all our clients and we make every effort to ensure our honeymoon couples really do have that honeymoon/ holiday of a lifetime.

Kind regards,

Helen

UK wedding or abroad?? Help !!!

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 06:55:09 -0700

Hey,

I have been engaged for a few months and although the wedding isnt going to happen till 2013 time (partner in army and is here there and everywhere till then) i am having trouble deciding between us where to do it!!

He likes abroad because of the guarantee of sunshine, the slightly informal style and only having clothes friends and family there with us and just a party when we get back. But i want something in the UK where i can plan it and take a bit more of a role in the planning ...

I see why he likes doing it abroad but i have reservations about it and i wanted to know peoples experiences on having a wedding abroad and in the UK

So if you have had it abroad please tell me how you coped with organising things like flowers, photos, people over there, getting what you wanted like table decorations etc and those who had one here with the same things ...

Thanks!!

Emma

Re: Wedding hymns

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 00:50:09 -0700

Try this website [www.yourchurchwedding.org] it's CofE but the choice of songs it gives you as a sample should be ok for all christian church weddings. They even have a little sampler that will give you a 30 second bite of what the song sounds like. And best of all it's FREE! :)

Hope this helps

Ruth

Re: Honeymoons

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:48:49 -0700

Hi Keri,

Many congratulations on your forthcoming wedding, my name is Jo and I've been arranging numerous honeymoons over the past 20 years.

If you've not already thought of somewhere as yet, I can recommend suitable destinations and also source a wide variety of Tour Operators, whether it be a Mediterranean destination, further afield or even a tailor made itinerary - you don't need look for hours on the internet or queue in your local travel agents, I can take the stress out of what is sometimes a hassle of booking your Honeymoon - whatever your budget/destination - my impartial advice is free, it is at no extra charge to you!

Regards
Jo

Re: What do you think of black bridesmaids dresses?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:26:55 -0700

I recently had a bride who opted for black dresses with gold sash with hand tieds of sunflowers looked fab. Black can work with many colours eg.black and white, hot pink, golds and oranges even bright and deep red just need to bear in mind skin tone. A fall wedding with oranges, golds, reds with berries and oak leaves sounds fab.

Re: What do you think of black bridesmaids dresses?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:56:26 -0700

For what its worth I recently photographed a wedding where the bridesmaids dresses were black (first time I had come across it at a traditional wedding) and they looked great - came out really well in the b/w photos too

Simon
peagreen photography

Re: Any Kingscote Barn Brides?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:32:09 -0700

good to be brides ..congratulation!

Re: Entrance music

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:21:43 -0700

good memory!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: What do you think of black bridesmaids dresses?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:17:37 -0700

it s not beautifu as it looks

What do you think of black bridesmaids dresses?

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:55:37 -0700

I am having difficulty picking a colour for bridesmaids dresses for a Fall wedding. We are having a very casual wedding. I would warm up the black dresses with very colourful bouquets (orange, yellow, red). Do you think black bridesmaids dresses would look okay for a fall wedding? Other suggestions definately welcome!

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Platinum Wedding Cars has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dhTWCN

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:10:27 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Platinum Wedding Cars has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dhTWCN

Re: Shoes

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:47:55 -0700

As a bride 2 be with a huge shoe obsession I have found the most beautiful ivory satin shoes I have ever seen in schuh for £59.95 they are stunningly beautiful, could easily be worn after the wedding and make me feel like a true princess proof that high street shops have alternatives to traditional expansive bridal shoes. Hope this helps.

GuidesForBrides: A new review of TIME Mobile Beauty Consultants has just been posted. http://bit.ly/ae97us

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:25:30 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of TIME Mobile Beauty Consultants has just been posted. http://bit.ly/ae97us

GuidesForBrides: A new review of TIME Mobile Beauty Consultants has just been posted. http://bit.ly/cg39q0

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:19:20 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of TIME Mobile Beauty Consultants has just been posted. http://bit.ly/cg39q0

GuidesForBrides: A new review of TIME Mobile Beauty Consultants has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9CsWzx

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:13:05 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of TIME Mobile Beauty Consultants has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9CsWzx

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Divertimento has just been posted. http://bit.ly/axPuIg

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:02:46 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Divertimento has just been posted. http://bit.ly/axPuIg

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique has just been posted. http://bit.ly/aT3RXA

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:19:57 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique has just been posted. http://bit.ly/aT3RXA

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Louise Claire Millinery has just been posted. http://bit.ly/cWOouN

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:26:24 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Louise Claire Millinery has just been posted. http://bit.ly/cWOouN

Honeymoons

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:10:08 -0700

Hi I need help booking my Honeymoon... can you reccommend any good companies to book through?!

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Harrington & Cleur Bridal Boutique has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dwpBk0

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 03:27:49 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Harrington & Cleur Bridal Boutique has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dwpBk0

Re: Music ideas for a beach wedding

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:49:00 -0700

My Girl will be best for your beach wedding,I think.

Re: Entrance music

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:47:32 -0700

Different people have different taste about music, so on your big day, you only need to choose the music you like best, it will be okay!

Re: Choosing the dress!

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:44:40 -0700

You should choose the dress that not only can make you look more attractive, but also make you feel comfortable.

Re: Stylish but cheap wedding venues

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:40:50 -0700

You can get more information online or contact companies that decorate wedding venues in ayrshire

Re: Are you having a Gay Wedding in a Church?

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:36:47 -0700

very ridiculous! I am a girl, so i will never to do like that:)

Re: Tradition about paid by bridesmaids in wedding?

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:34:44 -0700

You should pay according to your own income.

Re: Wedding Favors

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 02:31:03 -0700

You can buy cheap them online.

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Brides of Berkhamsted has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9BDjv0

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:59:04 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Brides of Berkhamsted has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9BDjv0

Re: help to find a good florist for oxfordshire venue!!

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:36:52 -0700

Fabulous Flowers !!!
[www.fabulousflowers.biz]

They are v highly reccomended !!

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ian Price Photography has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9gZs3V

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 01:01:52 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ian Price Photography has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9gZs3V

GuidesForBrides: A new review of The Bridal House has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9MHQN6

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:26:38 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of The Bridal House has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9MHQN6

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ian Price Photography has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9SIhQN

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 08:30:29 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ian Price Photography has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9SIhQN

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ripley's Cakes has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dw6WFl

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:25:00 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ripley's Cakes has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dw6WFl

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ripley's Cakes has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9c4lt3

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 06:11:15 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Ripley's Cakes has just been posted. http://bit.ly/9c4lt3

GuidesForBrides: A new review of The Hickstead Hotel has just been posted. http://bit.ly/aNuVe4

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 03:21:50 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of The Hickstead Hotel has just been posted. http://bit.ly/aNuVe4

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Your Wedding Images (Purepix) has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dfEOZM

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:37:08 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Your Wedding Images (Purepix) has just been posted. http://bit.ly/dfEOZM

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Harrington & Cleur Bridal Boutique has just been posted. http://bit.ly/ciWnNE

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:35:51 -0700

GuidesForBrides: A new review of Harrington & Cleur Bridal Boutique has just been posted. http://bit.ly/ciWnNE

Wedding Stationery

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:00:00 -0700

If you are having a summer wedding, or a wedding abroad, your guests need to know plenty of time in advance in order to save up, book holidays etc. Send out your save the date cards a year before the wedding, to ensure your friends and family can secure your special date in their calenders.

All your cards need to say is something simple like:

‘Save the date
For the wedding of
Sarah and Peter
10th July 2012’

A popular trend is to create save the date fridge magnets, but most send small, one sided cards which people can pin to notice boards/walls ensuring they won’t forget your special day!

Devon Windmill

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:00:00 -0700

If you want to stay somewhere different for your honeymoon and are not keen to travel abroad, how about staying in a windmill?

Devon Windmill holidays offer a secluded and romantic location near the English Riviera, which is just 20 minutes from Torquay, Totnes and Paignton.

The windmill is located in a field looking towards Dartmoor and has the most amazing panoramic views from the top.

With full facilities located over four floors, just be careful not to drink too much champagne before descending or ascending the stairs as they are rather steep!

Outside, you can sit and enjoy the views of the countryside around or on a windy day sit and enjoy the views from the top of the tower up in the top lounge.

I would recommend the windmill to couples who will be able to manage the staircases and who are looking for something different in this country and also want to have plenty to do in the immediate area. It really has the wow factor when you arrive and see the beautiful windmill in all its glory after such a fabulous renovation. It is a bit windy sometimes, but I guess that's the fun of it. So be prepared for a windy night sometimes, however what a great location for a honeymoon or romantic break.

www.devonwindmills.co.uk

Made to Measure wedding gowns

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Wedding dresses bought from boutiques are often made to order, you will see a sample dress in the shop and when you place your order your actual dress will be made and sent to the shop. The lead times on wedding dresses can vary dramatically, but most shops will tell you that you need to order six to eight months ahead of your wedding day in order to allow time for it to be made, shipped and then altered to fit you. The last point there is important, made to order does NOT mean made to measure, you order a standard size which (unless you are lucky) will then need to be altered to fit you perfectly. It is always worth asking the shop about the cost of alterations before you order as this can substantially increase the cost of your outfit. If you are planning to lose weight for your wedding, it is worth trying to do this before you need to order your dress as most shops will not allow you to order a size that is smaller than your current size, this is because it is usually much easier to take in a dress that is too big than let out one that is too small.

Off the Peg gowns

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0700

For some idea of the prices you could pay in the UK, an off-the-peg wedding dress from a UK high street shop could, set you back anything up to around £400. A middle-of-the-range designer wedding dress could cost between £300 and £1500, and haute couture and other designer dresses can cost thousands of pounds. One important thing to bear in mind is that if you don't tell people, nobody will know what you spent on your wedding dress, shoes or accessories - so budget for what you can afford. You will certainly be able to find something suitable in every price range, and it is best to set off with a budget in mind so you don't accidentally try on and fall in love with a designer number that completely breaks the bank.

Increasingly, high street stores are producing good quality bridal outfits off the peg. These are usually considerably cheaper than the wedding dresses in bridal boutiques, but are often no less beautiful. An advantage here is that the stores often stock the dress in all sizes so you can try on the correct size for you before buying. Also, there is no waiting period for the dress to be made, unless you need to order a size that has run out, so these dresses can be bought much closer to your actual wedding date. This is handy if you are having a short engagement or are planning to change size in the months leading up to the big day. It is important to check the dress that you buy for any damage it might have sustained while being tried on in the shop.

Don’t forget - at the end of each season the shops often sell the end-of-line samples at discounted prices. Again, if you choose to buy a sample then be sure to thoroughly check it for any damage it may have sustained while being tried on in the shop. One other tip is to haggle; you may be able to get the shop to throw in some additional wedding accessories when you buy your dress.

Another tip to remember is; when trying on wedding dresses, take along shoes in a height similar to the shoes you'll be wearing at the wedding. For final alterations, have your actual wedding shoes with you if possible. The hem of your dress will be determined by the shoes you'll be wearing, so it is essential to pick your heel height before the final fitting. A last minute change to shoes with lower heels could leave your gown too long.

Thermae Bath Spa

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Set in the heart of the historic city of Bath, Thermae Bath Spa is the only place in Britain where you can bathe in natural thermal water.

Today’s visitors can relax in the warm mineral-rich waters which have made the city famous, just as the Romans and Celts did more than 2,000 years ago.

Thermae offers a unique blend of ‘old and new’, combining the New Royal Bath’s contemporary architecture with 18th century spa buildings.

Thermae Bath Spa offers the chance to relax in the suite of aroma steam rooms and bathe in the natural thermal waters of the indoor Minerva Bath with its whirlpool and waterjet neck massage, and the fantastic open-air rooftop pool which has spectacular views across the city and surrounding hills. Visitors can choose from a range of more than 50 Spa treatments and packages.

Off the Peg Wedding Dresses

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Off the peg wedding dresses are a great way to save money on your wedding. With ready made wedding dresses that are ideal if you’re having a beach wedding or even if you’re still looking for that fairytale wedding dress without breaking the bank, there are a number of place to shop for wedding gowns that are ready to go, without lengthy ordering times or the need for costly alterations.

Don’t think that you need to fore go quality or that an off the peg wedding dress means you won’t get an amazing bridal gown for your wedding, there are lots of wedding dress designs available that can compete with designer bridal gowns and only you will know that you didn’t spend thousands.

Planning your Wedding

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Our guide to finding the right place to find your perfect gown, from off the peg, designer, second hand or ex-samples.

Guides for Brides Wedding Directories

Mon, 31 May 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Guides for Brides publish Wedding Directories in 9 different regions.

We have the following guide books available for wedding businesses to advertise within:

Cheltenham & Cirencester
Wiltshire
Oxford & North Oxfordshire
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Milton Keynes & Bedfordshire
Surrey
South Oxfordshire
Hampshire

To see an interactive copy of the directory for your region, please click on one of the links below.

If you would like to advertise in any of the guide book, please email our sales team on sales@guidesforbrides.co.uk

Brides and grooms say ‘I don’t’ to credit cards and loans

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Cost-conscious brides and grooms are getting creative to finance their big day without resorting to credit cards and loans, according to new research from cashback website Quidco.com.

Just one in four engaged or recently married couples surveyed by Quidco.com* said they were using credit cards or a loan to fund their wedding, with most people relying on savings (84%) or getting a contribution from family or friends (60%).

Three in ten had asked friends and family to make contributions in kind, such as making the cake or wedding invitations, and one in four had raised extra cash by selling things they no longer needed.

Almost half (46%) of the brides and grooms surveyed said they had taken advantage of cashback and other online discounts to save hundreds of pounds on everything from the wedding dress to flowers, gifts, the honeymoon and engagement rings.

But although the average cost of a wedding has risen to more than £20,000, just one in three people had bought an insurance policy for their big day. Wedding insurance could cover costs if, for example, the ceremony had to be postponed or cancelled, adverse weather stopped most guests from attending, the venue or a supplier went out of business ahead of the wedding, or the rings were lost.

People who had bought insurance spent £46 on average, or less than a quarter of one per cent of the average wedding cost.

Nicola Frame from Quidco.com says:

“Rather than start married life in debt, brides and grooms on a budget are thinking creatively to keep their wedding costs down, by selling things on eBay, getting cashback on their spending and asking friends and family to chip in with homemade cakes and invites. But even on a tight budget, the big day is usually a major financial investment which involves a myriad of suppliers, so the small amount you save not buying insurance could turn out to be a false economy.”

London’s Original Burlesque School

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 -0700

· From Tesco cashiers to royalty – women unite to unleash their inner goddess and feel empowered!

· Explosive revival of burlesque continues as women become more frustrated with ‘societal trends’

Sharon K is a name that is hip on hot lips throughout the UK and International burlesque scene. Founder of the highly-acclaimed London school of burlesque ‘Burlesque Baby’ Sharon believes that the explosive demand for the art of the strip and the tease is due to the growing number of women seeking to rebel against societal trends - stating: “We are becoming increasingly fed up with the rubbish society ideas that women have it all between 20 and 30 and only if they are a size 8. Burlesque has a theme of encouraging all women to get involved – unleash their inner goddess, and most importantly be accepted!”

Embracing diversity is the Burlesque Baby mantra and the company has now trained over 10,000 students in the art of the classic tease. From 18 year old girls to women in their late sixties - Tesco cashiers to supermodels, city bankers to royalty - Sharon believes that all of these women are united through one desire- to feel empowered!

So whether you are looking to unleash your inner goddess and take to the stage or are simply a tired mum looking to regain your sexy sparkle, Sharon K’s classes are designed to make everyone comfortable, have a laugh and feel fantastic.

“From teaching exotic fan dances to hosting private parties - burlesque continues to amaze me. From start to finish you can visibly see each of the ladies confidence soar, with many women even going on to turn over a whole new leaf! It’s an incredibly empowering practice and provides women with really positive and achievable aspirations. ” - Sharon K

www.burlesquebaby.com/#/burlesque-hen-class/4534622401

Music for Civil Ceremonies - film soundtracks

Sun, 16 May 2010 16:00:00 -0700

If you are having a Civil Ceremony it can be a challenge to find a meaningful piece of music that doesn't have religious content. Look to instrumental versions of film soundtracks for some great classics that all your guests will recognise:

Armageddon - Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"
Batman - Seal's "Kiss From A Rose"
Dirty Dancing - "The Time of My Life"
Four Weddings & A Funeral - Wet Wet Wet's "Love Is All Around"
Grease - "Hopelessly Devoted To You"
Pulp Fiction - Chuck Berry's "You Never Can Tell"
Robin Hood - Bryan Adams's "Everything I Do, I Do it for You"
Titanic - "My Heart Will Go On"
Top Gun - "Take My Breath Away"
When Harry Met Sally - "It Had To Be You"
or
The theme tunes from Braveheart, Love Story or The Never Ending Story

Recommended wording for your advert

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:00:00 -0700

Careful wording of advert text will lead to your advert on Guides for Brides being listed on Google - very often achieving a higher ranking than you will ever achieve for your own web site.

Please scroll to the relevant category and incorporate some of the recommended wording into your descriptive text, but ONLY where RELEVANT TO YOUR BUSINESS.

Asian Weddings - incorporate some of the following words:
Asian weddings
Indian weddings
asian wedding photographer
sikh wedding photographers
asian wedding video

Wedding Balloons and Decorations - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding decorations
wedding decoration
wedding candles
wedding balloons

Bridal Extras - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding accessories
wedding shoes
wedding lingerie
wedding tiaras

Bridal Gowns - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding dresses
wedding dress
wedding gowns
wedding gown
wedding outfits
designer wedding dresses

Cakes - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding cake
wedding chocolate
wedding cake suppliers
wedding cupcakes

Catering - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding catering
wedding caterers
wedding caterer
Chocolate fountains
Wedding hog roast

Co-Ordinators - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding consultants
wedding coordinators
wedding organisers
wedding specialist
wedding designer
wedding arrangers
professional wedding planners

Music - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding music
wedding entertainment
wedding disco
wedding DJ
wedding band
Wedding dress cleaning
Store wedding dress

Entertainment - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding entertainment
hire magician
wedding creche

Favours - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding favours
wedding favour
wedding favor

Florists - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding flowers
wedding bouquet
wedding bouquets
wedding florist
wedding florists

Gift Lists - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding gift
wedding gifts
wedding presents
wedding list
wedding present

Health, Beuaty, Fitness - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding hair
wedding hairstylist
wedding hairdresser
Gyms
Wedding fitness

Hen & Stag - incorporate some of the following words:
Hen party
Stag do
Hen & stag parties

Honeymoons - incorporate some of the following words:
Honeymoons
Honeymoon ideas
Honeymoon destination

Jewellers - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding rings
wedding band
wedding ring
wedding tiaras
wedding bands
wedding jewellery
wedding jewelry
platinum wedding rings

Marquees - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding marquees
wedding marquee

Menswear - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding outfits
wedding suits
wedding wear
wedding attire

Mother of the Bride - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding outfits
wedding wear
wedding hats

Music - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding music
wedding entertainment

Photographers - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding photography
wedding photographers
wedding photographer
wedding photographs
wedding pictures
wedding photo
wedding albums
wedding album
wedding photojournalist
professional photographer
professional wedding photographer
natural wedding photography
asian wedding photographer
wedding photography packages
wedding photography tips
wedding day photos

Stationery - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding calligrapher
wedding stationery
wedding invitations
wedding binder
wedding invites
wedding calligrapher
wedding paper

Transport - incorporate some of the following words:
wedding cars
wedding car
wedding car hire

Horse drawn carriage
Horsedrawn carriages

Honeymoons - incorporate some of the following words:
Wedding toastmasters
Wedding speeches

Venues (Civil Ceremonies) - incorporate some of the following words AS APPROPRIATE:
wedding venues
wedding venue
wedding packages
wedding hotels
civil wedding venues
country house wedding
castle wedding venue
unique wedding venues
best wedding venues
green wedding venue
unusual wedding venue
castle civil wedding
civil wedding ceremonies
scottish wedding venues
dream wedding venues
exclusive wedding venues
wedding venue costs
funky wedding venues

Venues (Receptions) - incorporate some of the following words AS APPROPRIATE:
wedding venues
wedding venue
wedding reception
wedding packages
wedding hotels
wedding reception venues
historic wedding reception
wedding reception hall
ideal wedding reception
hotel wedding reception
reception venue prices
wedding venue costs
scottish wedding venues
dream wedding venues
exclusive wedding venues
wedding venue costs
funky wedding venues
wedding venue reviews
green wedding venue
unusual wedding venue

The 2010 Bridal Buyers Awards

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:00:00 -0700

ELLIE SANDERSON BRIDAL BOUTIQUE WINS COVETED BEST BRIDAL SHOP DISPLAY AWARD

Almost 600 people crammed into the Harrogate International Centre for Europe’s leading bridal awards ceremony on Monday evening (15 March). And, amidst the speeches, the big screens, the razzamatazz and after-show celebrations, 17 deserved winners were announced.

The awards were presented by comedian and TV personality Dominic Holland. “This year’s event was one of the biggest and best yet, with party goers celebrating into the early hours,” said Bridal Buyer magazine editor Susi Rogul.

The annual Bridal Buyer Awards are ‘The Oscars’ of the bridal industry calendar and are held during the British Bridal Exhibition, held in Harrogate every March. The exhibition attracts all the major bridal industry suppliers and manufacturers, and thousands of people involved in bridal retailing in the UK and further afield.

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