The average cost of a wedding in the UK has decreased, one expert has claimed. According to Ashley Roberts, event director at the National Wedding Show, people are spending about £19,000 on their big day instead of £20,000. Although there are some things they are not willing to compromise on, such as the bride's wedding dress, they are reducing costs by inviting fewer people to evenin…
It is not often that chocolate and cheese are combined for a meal. Although a deliciously indulgent dessert at a wedding reception may be followed by a selection of stilton, brie and Wensleydale with crackers, they are unlikely to be served together. Unless the bride and groom have chosen a cake made by Tanys Pullin, that is. The 46-year-old cordon bleu chef has created a four-tier chocolate …
It is thought that the number of gay marriages and civil partnerships taking place in the UK is likely to continue at a steady pace this year. Gino Meriano, gay rights campaigner for same-sex families and founder of the Gay Wedding Show, said that there have been some reports stating that civil partnerships were down by 46 per cent. However, he claimed that this was "complete baloney&q…
Hen parties are changing and instead of spending a small fortune on a weekend away with the girls, many brides-to-be are now opting for much tamer affairs. The Guardian reports that there is now an increasing trend for crafty activities that are better suited to people on a budget. Baseera Green, a personal assistant, told the publication that she went to lindy hop lessons with her friends and …
When couples are organising their wedding, the date they walk down the aisle is likely to be one that remains etched on their minds forever. However, some men do have a tendency to forget their anniversary when the date arrives each year, even if they remember the occasion as if it were yesterday. One way in which couples could ensure the event never slips from their minds no matter how many de…
While many couples may want to send out decorative wedding invitations to tell people about their big day, one couple from Germany have taken the concept one step further. Darina Goldin and Niko Losse sent invites for their wedding, which will take place in May, out in the form of an 8-bit video game, similar to Super Mario Bros. To discover information about the ceremony, their friends and f…
Peterlee resident Shane Marsh steeled more than just his nerves before his wedding in August, reports the Sunderland Echo. That is because he had three-inch metal rods inserted into his toes to allow him to walk down the aisle. Mr Marsh suffered from a problem known as "hammer toe" and had the rods put in place to help straighten his feet and allow him to walk properly. During the he…
The biggest lottery winner in the UK can finally wed his girlfriend after scooping £56 million. Skydiving fan Nigel Page, 43, had been with 41-year-old Justine Laycock for eight years but until now, lack of funds has prevented them from tying the knot. The couple are also being urged to wed so that Justine can officially share the giant jackpot with her partner. Justine's father Colin Pal…
One couple have shown that people do not have to hold a traditional church wedding to have the day of their dreams. Karen and Mike Smith, from Shetland, decided to have a pagan ceremony as neither of them attend church and a civil union seemed "a little clinical and restrictive". Instead, they hired a self- catering National Trust property and invited 30 friends and family member…
After spending months carefully planning a wedding, a bride and groom may feel defeated if something goes wrong on the big day. But luckily for one couple, help was at hand when the chef who was meant to be providing food for their reception got stuck in the snow. Susan Stern and Matt Kozack from the US tied the knot over the weekend and in just four hours, managed to turn what could have been …
Katie Hopkins, a former contestant on BBC show The Apprentice, is set to marry her fiance on screen. She will be taking part in a celebrity edition of Four Weddings, a reality programme that airs on Living TV. Katie will be competing against Wag Lizzie Cundy, impressionist Francine Lewis and 80s pop star David Van Day to be crowned winner of the show, the Press Association reports. The celebs …
Many women may dream of a white wedding, but one bride and groom took the concept one step further when they tied the knot over the weekend. After saying "I do", Kelly and Paul Brae swapped their shoes for ski boots and headed for the slopes of Cairngorm Mountain for a celebratory slide in the snow. Kelly braved the chilly weather in her white strapless wedding dress, while the groom …
Men may have to get a move on if they are planning on getting down on one knee and popping the question, as a new survey has revealed that some women are getting impatient. Conducted by Sunshine.co.uk, research found that one in ten women would consider making a proposal themselves rather than waiting for their boyfriend. Of those that do want their man to make the gesture, only 18 per cent sai…
The world's most expensive wedding cake has been created in the US. It was made by Delicious Cakes bakery in Dallas along with the Dallas Gold and Silver Exchange and is worth an amazing $1.3 million (£805,152). On display at the Dallas Bridal Show this weekend, the impressive nine-tier dessert is decorated using silver dust icing and 1,200 carats worth of diamonds. It weighs in at ar…
One bride-to-be has described how she is planning to cut the cost of her wedding and embarrassing her future husband using a wedding cake is one of her solutions. Writing for the Advocate, April Brandon explained that instead of an extravagant cake "sculpted to look like the Millennium Falcon", she and her partner will be serving up two smaller desserts. However, to make them…
Following the revelation that comedian David Walliams asked his girlfriend Lara Stone to marry him by hiding the wedding ring in a burger, the Sun has spoken to an expert about why the proposal is so important. Psychologist and marriage guru Jane McCartney says that men who make a surprise proposal are "willing to make a bold statement for love", as it is a move that takes a lot of cou…
New research has revealed that January is the least popular time for people to get married in the UK. According to statistics released by Ecclesiastical, only 1.7 per cent of all weddings take place in the first month of the year. Dave Simms, personal lines manager at the wedding insurance firm, said that it is unlikely to be the weather putting people off, as December can be just as cold. &qu…
When it comes to wedding cakes, finding a delicious-looking dessert that tastes as good as it looks will be important for most couples. Ordering a cake that the bride can wear may not be high on the agenda. However, a wedding dress cake has been created and pictures of it have been posted on the Gather and Nest blog. According to the author, the masterpiece was baked by Lukka Sigurdardottir an…
One woman has described the days leading up to her wedding and how it was a stressful, but enjoyable occasion. Writing for the Sun News, Stephanie Granados said that for her, the funnest part of the preparations was her hen party with her "amazing sisters and best friends". She also had a decorating party the day before the wedding to get the venue ready for the occasion and cited t…
The importance of finding a good wedding photographer has been highlighted by the plight of one couple from Orrell Park. Clare and Peter Ibbotson were charged £850 for a 60-page book of photos from their nuptials in May 2008. However, they decided to take legal action against Southport photographer Andrew Bate when the images had still not materialised 18 months later. The problem aro…
The father of one bride has been awarded £400 after a wedding venue served cheap Lambrini instead of sparkling wine at a reception. Sheonagh and Andy Taylor had arranged with Mains Castle in Dundee that 90 glasses of sparkling wine should be served at the event, costing £3.60 a glass. However, instead of a quality wine, owners Eva and Victor Peterson provided Lambrini, a cheap…
One couple are aiming to beat the credit crunch by proving that people do not have to spend a fortune to have the wedding day of their dreams. Cathy Edwards and Kevin Fritz, who live in Greensboro in the US, are not planning to spend more than $4,000 (£2,464) on their big day and have plenty of money-saving ideas. The Winston-Salem Journal reports that they are going to buy a tier of cupca…
Although most people are aware of how expensive weddings can be, many do not realise the true cost of a honeymoon, it has been revealed. New research conducted by travel insurance provider P J Hayman showed that 30 per cent of respondents thought their romantic getaway would cost between £501 and £1,000 per person. In fact, the average cost of a honeymoon is about £3,220 and co…
One businesswoman has described how nervous she was when she baked her first ever wedding cake . Speaking to EADT 24, Tammy Tokley explained how she launched a cake-making business Truly Scrumptious Cakes - after friends and family were impressed with a Dennis the Menace dessert she made for her young son. She also said that making a wedding cake was the hardest thing she's had to do,…
Saving up for a wedding can take a long time for many couples, especially following the recent economic downturn that caused many people to tighten their purse strings. However, one couple in the US have come up with a novel way of raising the cash for their ceremony, as well as helping the environment. Andrea Parrish, 25, and 29-year-old Peter Geyer from Washington are collecting aluminium can…
A weather girl got a surprise she did not forecast - when her boyfriend got down on one knee live on air. Kim Perez, who works for the American network The Weather Channel, was in the middle of a live broadcast when her boyfriend Marty Cunningham popped the question live on air. Standing in front of a huge screen showing the map of America, it slowly changed to a giant heart, before displayin…
The first gay couple to be married in Latin America have tied the knot in Argentina. Jose Maria Di Bello and Alex Freyre has planned to tie the knot this month in Buenos Aires, but after facing difficulties they moved the ceremony to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the capital of Tierra del Fuego province. State and Federal officials presided over the ceremony, while gay rights…
Marriages help to support people through ill health and times of financial hardship, a survey has discovered. Research carried out by the University of British Columbia found that during times of illness, having a 'second earner' in the household helps to financially support the 'main earner' during times of crisis. Additionally, the strength of a partnership is shown to increase with time, m…
Marriages which combine the influences of two different cultures or religions can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved, according to one journalist. Writing in the Observer, Anushka Asthana wrote how her marriage to her husband Toby - which merged his English background and her Indian heritage - was a " magical journey that benefits all families involved". She recalled the…
The Conservative Party has claimed that marriage needs to be promoted as a "more widespread institution" in order to tackle social divisions in the UK. While the party claims that tying the knot encourages couples to stay together, which may be better for any children they have, Labour argued that this does not matter. According to the BBC, schools secretary Ed Balls has accused the T…
One couple who recently had to change their wedding plans because of snowy weather claim their day was better than the one they originally planned. Maggie Wunderlich and Daniel Keck, who married at St Mary's Catholic Church in Hagerstown, US, both enjoy winter sports and so decided on a festive wedding. However, when they big day arrived, their photographer and the restaurant they booked for …
A winter wedding could be the perfect way to tie the knot for many couples, especially if they get that magical dusting of snow for the occasion. However, one bride and groom feared that the chilly weather could prevent them from tying the knot recently. Karen Rawlins and Jonathan Lee almost called off their ceremony in Kent at the weekend as the heavy snowfall mean they could not reach the 9…
One bride ensured that she really shone for her friends and family on her big day with a rather special wedding dress. Lindsay Roberts had her gown wired with over 300 LED light bulbs that were turned on using a remote control during her first dance with her new husband, eLightBulbs reports. A clip of the frock has now been put on video-sharing website YouTube and increasing numbers of women ar…
There have been many unusual internet phenomenons over the years and now it seems that a wedding video has taken cyber space by storm. A clip of one couple's big day that was posted on video sharing portal YouTube has become the third most watched clip on the website in 2009. JK Wedding Entrance Dance shows various members of a wedding party as they enter the venue and then proceed to skip, dan…
It may be traditional for the man to propose to his girlfriend, but one woman decided to take matters into her own hands and get down on one knee in some very special surroundings. Sarah Dawson, 43, asked her partner James Moss to marry her at Babbacombe Model Village in Devon. She had miniature figures of the pair dressed in wedding attire and sitting in a horse-drawn carriage created to ride …
One expert has offered women some advice if they are planning a wedding day later on in life. Writing for the Belfast Telegraph, Dr Victoria Lukats advises one reader that "a white silk dress with a full skirt, a long train and a veil might be over the top, but there are plenty of stylish alternatives". She suggests visiting plenty of bridal boutiques to get a feel for what is out the…
When people decide to tie the knot, they will undoubtedly want to tell all their friends and family the good news as soon as possible. However, one groom may have taken things a little bit further than most when he got out his mobile phone and updated his status on Twitter while standing at the altar. Dana Hanna, from Maryland in the US, paused just as he and his fiancee were about to be pronou…
One couple decided to break with tradition for their recent wedding and add an unusual twist to proceedings. Nigel and Alex Harvard dressed as Dracula and his bride for their big day, with the lucky lady snapping up a bargain gown for £300 on the internet, the Hounslow Chronicle reports. She explained that because she had been married before, she did not want the usual kind of ceremony in …
The old saying goes "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" and one wedding dress fitter thought that while she would always be on hand to make others look beautiful on their big day, she would never walk down the aisle herself. However, after fitting more than 14,000 dresses for their brides, Shelly Jory, 39, finally tied the knot herself, the Express reports. She has managed a brid…
Many couples may be keen to make an entrance on their big day, whether it is in a limousine, Rolls Royce or a horse and carriage. But one pair who recently tied the knot decided on a slightly more unusual mode of transport, This is Wiltshire reports. Pete Johns and Fran Groat arrived in style in a vintage 1867 Swindon Corporation bus for their ceremony at Swindon's register office on Saturday. …
One generous woman has decided to donate her wedding dress to an auction in order to raise money for charity. Vicky Taylor, the wife of Truro MP Matthew Taylor, will see brides-to-be bid on her Jenny Packham gown with the hope of generating funds for Cornwall's Women's Domestic Violence Support Network, This is the West Country reports. The Glitz and Glamour auction will take place at Claremont…
There can't be many people who expect to find love when they are taking out their bins, but it seems as though romance can blossom among the refuse bags. Binman Robbie Clare and refuse truck driver Josie Martin met when they were doing their rounds and now live together in Bramley with Josie's two children from her first marriage. They are planning their wedding for May 2010 but, according to t…
When it comes to unusual wedding venues, a cemetery may not be everybody's idea of the perfect setting. However, one couple decided to fulfil their dream of having their marriage blessed in a graveyard at the weekend making them the first in the UK to do so. Samantha Smyth and Paul Adams planned to marry at Wisbech General Cemetery but discovered their wedding would not be legally recogn…
After a bride has spent months carefully planning her wedding, she will probably be full of nerves as she stands waiting for her future husband at the altar. So to learn that your man is not going to turn up is probably a woman's worst nightmare. When this happened to Teanne Harris, who was set to have a Halloween-themed ceremony. she refused to let her misfortune get her down and instead, used…
Most brides will probably want to arrive at the venue in style on their wedding day, whether it is in a stretched limousine or a vintage Rolls Royce. One couple from Messingham who certainly made an entrance on their big day are Michelle and Matt Gregory, as the bride pulled up in an articulated lorry. Matt runs CG Haulage and explained that fuel prices mean many lorry drivers are suffering at …
One couple have successfully sued a company that provided them with a fake wedding cake on their big day. Tony and Aimee West ordered a three-tiered sponge decorated with white and dark chocolate and were no doubt looking forward to tucking into the dessert after cutting the first slice. However, they were astonished when they sank the knife into the cake to find that it was made of polystyrene…
It may be one of the scariest nights of the year, but this did not stop one couple from celebrating Halloween and their marriage in one go. Peter and Tracy Loff, from Hucclecote, wed surrounded by not the usual smart suits and fancy fascinators, but a host of ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Their ceremony took place at the Spa Road Register Office in Gloucester and was followed by a reception at Hu…
The economic downturn may be causing many people to tighten their purse strings and watch their bank account a little more closely, but it does not seem to be preventing couples from tying the knot. New statistics have revealed that during October, there was an increase in demand for wedding venues and it ended up being the busiest month for bookings in 2009. Published by The Wedding Report, th…
As far as wedding receptions go, the cake is likely to be one of the star attractions that everyone admires and looks forward to eating after they have enjoyed a delicious meal. Although there are all manner of fantastic creations on offer for couples to choose from, one man selected a design that really caught the eye of his friends and family. Bob Parsons, from Baltimore in the US, had a life…
A couple who were left disappointed by the quality of their wedding snaps have renewed their vows. Marc and Sylvia Day were in the news recently when they sued their photographer Gareth Bowers over the poor quality of the prints he provided. In many snaps guests had their heads cut off and the tripod fell over during the filming of a video. Since then, the couple, who paid £1,400 for the …
Prime minister Gordon Brown is set to announce that the Palace of Westminster should open its doors to civil partnerships. As part of a drive for equality in the UK, he will state that groups such as the disabled, ethnic minorities, women and gay people need to be better represented at the building. Currently, only certain citizens, such as peers, MPs and their descendents, can tie the knot at …
Couples are bound to want delicious food served at their wedding reception, however one woman went the extra mile to ensure that only the best ingredients were used at her daughter's nuptials. When asked to cater for her offspring's celebration, Marlena Spieler explained that she decided on a Mediterranean-themed feast and only authentic Italian buffalo mozzarella would do. However, writ…
A hotel has come to the rescue of one couple after their original wedding venue pulled out just three days before the big event. Newlyweds Steve and Gina Watson said they were "shocked and pretty panicky" when they were faced with the prospect of finding a new location at such short notice. Luckily, the Cambridge Belfry hotel in Cambourne stepped up to the challenge and offered to hos…
A couple have sued their wedding photographer after he provided them with a less than perfect set of snaps for their big day. Marc and Sylvia Day claimed damages from Gareth Bowers of Fresh Images, after he produced images with bad lighting awkward angles and guests with their heads missing from the pictures. The couple's names were also spelt wrong on the thank you cards, which featured some o…
One newlywed has given some ideas to couples on how they may able to keep the little ones entertained on their wedding day. Sabrina McGill, marketing manager at Country House Wedding Venues, said that having an activity box packed with fun things to do, such as toys, reading books and colouring books can be the ideal way to keep kids happy as their parents enjoy a meal at the reception. She als…
Two motorcycle fans have tied the knot in a ceremony that took place two years to the day after they met at a biker's rally. Karen Bottomley, 43, and Richard Bacon, 48, first met at the White Lion in Mytholmroyd before getting together at a motorcycling event, the Halifax Courier reports. Now, the pair, who are both from Luddenden Foot, have exchanged their vows at St Mary's Church surrounded b…
One bride has proved that couples do not need to spend a fortune to have the perfect wedding day although they may need luck on their side. Colette Clark was overjoyed recently when she won a package at the three-star Buckatree Hall near Telford, Shropshire, after bidding just £51 for the prize. The hotel decided to put the wedding up for auction following a last-minute cancellation…
It may be easier than many people think to go green on their big day and the place to start could be with their food. This is according to the Knot, which states that the availability of organic produce means that more often than not, caterers are happy to accommodate requests for a more environmentally-conscious menu. Choosing greener fare does not have to create extra work for those preparing…
One football fan had a wedding to remember recently, as his bride arranged for the whole affair to be themed around Bolton Wanderers. David Grundy, 45, has supported the team all his life and knew that when he married his partner Julie, 44, he wanted a Wanderers-style wedding. The couple said their vows at Horwich Parish Church because it has a blue carpet and there were plenty of blue and whit…
Although the recession means people are tightening their purse strings and reining in the spending, it is not preventing them from falling in love. This is according to Martin Rapaport, chairman of the Rapaport Group, who recently said that no matter what happens to the economy "people will continue to get married and will continue to get loved-up". Speaking at International Jewellery…
Any couples working in the emergency services may have noticed that today could be a particularly good day to tie the knot. This is because the date - September 9th 2009 means that anyone exchanging their vows will be doing so on 09/09/09. One couple that are taking advantage of this opportunity are 30-year-old PC Jacqueline Felton and PC Michael Aldred, 29. According to the Daily Mail,…
When it comes to organising a wedding, more often than not the bride takes hold of the reins and does most of the work. However, one man from Leicester recently proved that the groom may be just as capable of arranging the ceremony. Ritesh Ravel was given three weeks and £12,000 to organise his nuptials to fiancee Sheena Gokani after he was chosen to take part in the BBC 3 programme Don't …
It seems as though one couple got two celebrations for the price of one on their wedding day, as they tied the knot and enjoyed two christenings at the same time. Newlyweds Rachel and John Young spent just £2,000 on their nuptials when they wed at St Mary Magdalene Church near Bridgend recently, Wales Online reports. However, their marriage was not the only cause for celebration, as, once …
One bride has spoken of her disappointment after plans to hold her wedding at her dream venue fell through. Lucy Maskew booked Caverswall Castle, a Grade I listed building, for her big day on October 10th 2009 a special date as it is also her 11-year anniversary. However, she was devastated to learn from some local residents that the venue may not have the correct license to conduct wedd…
One bride beat the credit crunch and found her dream wedding dress for just 99p on internet auction site eBay. Natalie Mapletoft, 30, explained that although she could not afford the £700 gown she had her heart set on, she felt like a princess in her bargain find. Mrs Mapletoft and new husband Lee cut the costs of their nuptials from £11,000 to £5,000 by purchasing things such as…
Many Derry brides have been angered by one wedding photographer who took their money and failed to deliver the albums of their special days. Edel Payne was paid up to £1,500 in cash upfront but has still not given some couples their precious snaps, the Derry Jounal reports. As a result, other brides-to-be in the area have cancelled their bookings with the photographer at the expense…
Designer Kath Kidston is currently a great source of inspiration for many brides-to-be organising their big day. This is according to wedding planner Kate Mulhal, who told the Daily Mail that a trend for home-spun style decorations and ceremonies is emerging. She also claimed that the recession is not preventing some people from splashing out on their nuptials, as she has found that the average…
Brides and grooms-to-be will no doubt have weddings on the brain at all times in the run up to their big day. However, one industry commentator has urged them to avoid "anything with the word wedding in it" if they want to be kind to their bank balance when planning their nuptials. In an article for the St Petersburg Times, Dalia Colon explained that instead of buying expensive statio…
One couple have proved that people do not need to spend a fortune to have the wedding day of their dreams. Ben Alty and Karolina Nowakowska from Chorley, Lancashire spent just £1,000 on their nuptials because they did not want to get into debt. To cut costs, they decided to hold their reception in a double garage and the bride found her gown for £30 in a Cancer Research charity shop. …
One bride has explained how she brought a little Jamaican flavour to the food served on her wedding day. Speaking to the Telegraph, Predencia Gabbidon, 50, a life coach from Jamaica, explained that she wanted to represent the different cultures she and husband Andrew Dixon, 53, from Birmingham, were brought up in. The couple opted to serve their guests a traditional English meal when they sat d…
Fed up of eating the same old food at every wedding she has been to, one bride has decided to serve up something a little different on her big day. Melissa Williams told the Independent that she has been to far too many receptions where she has eaten "an unidentifiable fish course followed by medallions of mediocre meat". Therefore, she has chosen to feed her guests something she is s…
If the wedding bells were ringing, it's unlikely that they'd have been heard at one wedding this weekend. When Michael Collins headed to the register office on Saturday to tie the knot with fiancee Carole Eastman, he did so on the back of a boom tricycle, the Southern Daily Echo reports. And he wasn't alone, as passers by would testify. Around 40 of the couple's biker friends were on hand to re…
A woman who misplaced her wedding ring 33 years ago has finally been reunited with the precious piece of jewellery. Anthea Capewell, 60, lost her wedding and engagement rings under a hedge back in 1976 when they flew off her finger as she shut her garden gate. Despite extensive searching with a metal detector, she was only able to locate the engagement band and moved out of the house in Staplef…
A new generation of 'recessionista brides' opting for budget-friendly nuptials is emerging as a result of the economic downturn, it has been suggested. They are opting for something borrowed instead of something new when it comes to their wedding dresses and many are making their own invitations, Gazette.net reports. As a result, some wedding dress boutiques are changing their merchandise and f…
One couple who were planning to hop on a motorbike and speed off to Gretna Green for their nuptials changed their plans after winning £7.5 million on the lottery. Mark Cunningham, a stuntman who appeared in the third Harry Potter film, popped the question to Jane Surtees at Christmas 2007 by sending her a text message saying: "Will you marry me?" A delighted Jane said yes and the…
A new survey has revealed that the cost of the average wedding has fallen. According to The Wedding Report, the price of tying the knot has gone down by 14 per cent, from $19,212 (£11,637) in the first quarter of 2009 to $16,546 in the second quarter. This was based on a survey of 909 couples plus wedding vendors and businesses. Despite the overall decrease in spending, it would seem as t…
A mother and daughter from Staffordshire made the headlines this week when they opted for a recession-busting joint wedding. Sharon Bunn and Katie Lear married their partners, Aiden Lowe and Chris Hughes, in a ceremony last Monday at Hanley Registry Office, the Sentinel reports. The couples, who both got engaged around the same time, said their vows in front of 30 friends and relatives, ending …
The saying goes "something old, something new", although one family probably have dresses dating back earlier than most to offer brides. The Menzies, from Humbie in East Lothian, are the owners of two garments a wedding gown and a going away outfit dating back to 1829. According to the Scotsman, the outfits are now being sent to an auction of textiles and are expected to…
One happy couple have offered some top tips on how to ensure that the big day runs smoothly and nothing goes wrong when vows are exchanged. Jamie and Kate Mulhall wed in February and told the Norwich Evening News that the key to a successful day is budget and time management. They suggest setting out a checklist that allows couples to keep track of all the different elements of their wedding da…
For many men, the idea of organising a wedding it likely to fill them with terror. However, one groom-to-be decided to take the plunge and make the arrangements for his nuptials, while being filmed by a television crew. Jamie Mulhall, a business director from Norwich, made all the plans for his big day with the help of events manager Julie Ann Gage, Norwich Evening News reports. Although the w…
A couple who feared their wedding rings were gone for good were elated to have them returned by a mystery mailer on the morning of their big day. Last Thursday, Jane and Adrian Wadey from Huntingdon paid for and collected their bands and also withdrew £200 of the £431 they needed to pay the vicar for the church service. However, they were frantic when they did some shopping after comp…
Attending a wedding and finding the perfect gift for the bride and groom can be an expensive affair. However, one website has offered some advice on the perfect present that will not break the bank at a time when many people are feeling the effects of the credit crunch. Lovemoney.com suggests getting the happy couple a set of personalised stamps, which are available from the Royal Mail for the …
When it comes to unusual weddings it seems as though there could be a new trend about to hit the industry. Pro Dive International, a scuba diving shop in the US, is planning to offer underwater ocean weddings to couples searching for something a little different when they wed. The store is currently looking for pastors, priests and other members of the clergy who are willing to don a mask and t…
One lucky man was overjoyed to get his wedding ring back after losing it at a toll booth recently. Rodger Moore, 51, was on his way to catch a flight home after attending a family wedding in Texas when he passed through the Dallas North Tollway. After searching around in his pockets for some change, he threw the money into the basket only for his wedding ring to fly off down the chute at the sa…
As far as unusual wedding proposals go, this may have been have one of the most memorable. One man recently got down on bended knee to propose to his girlfriend in the middle of the Disneyland resort in Florida. While the couple were walking down the busy Main Street in the theme park, the man suddenly pulled a megaphone from his bag, the Sun reports. He then launched into a song and dance, mu…
Wedding rings can often be an expensive part of getting married, but this was not the case for one gold panning enthusiast. Instead of visiting a jewelers for her band, Daisy Thurkettle-Roper headed to the rivers of Britain. Ever since she was the three years old, Ms Thurkettle-Roper, now 25, has prospected for gold in streams around the country, keeping every bit of the precious metal she disc…
One father is going the extra mile to ensure that everything goes right for his child on her big day. Alan Lisle is rushing to Malta, where his daughter Katie is due to get married, after the register office informed her that they had not received some important documents required for the ceremony. The Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph reports that Ms Lisle has been planning her big day for ov…
One couple gave a new meaning to the term 'shotgun wedding' when they incorporated the weapons into their ceremony. Lisa Illston and her new husband Andy, a hunting enthusiast, also wore outdoor clothing and exchanged vows under a beech tree in the gardens of a bed and breakfast in Lhanbryde. They decided to have a hunting-themed ceremony, the Press & Journal reports, because they wanted to…
A group of primary school children have organised a pretend wedding to aid their learning and understanding of families and relationships. The pupils, from Frome, held their ceremony at Christ Church and each class had the responsibility of planning the occasion, thisissomerset.co.uk reports. Seven-year-old Lacey was the blushing bride and she had four bridesmaids and four page boys accompany h…
As their big days approach, it is it likely that the nerves will be kicking in and the stress levels rising for many brides and grooms-to-be. To help combat these jitters, the Guardian has offered a list of essential dos and don'ts to ensure the wedding runs smoothly. The news provider advises brides that less is often more when it comes to the dress and simple elegance is most effective. Empl…
One mother and daughter have shared in each other's wedding joy after tying the knot in a double ceremony. Linda Clements, from Darwen, divorced her husband William two years ago after more than 25 years of marriage. However, they decided they had made a mistake and announced they were to remarry at a family dinner last November, the Lancashire Telegraph reports. Linda then got a surprise when…
New research shows that the cost of weddings is going down in the UK. Living TV surveyed 400 people and discovered that the average cost of a celebration has fallen from £20,273 last year to £15,261 in 2009. However, for family and friends coming to watch the happy couple tie the knot, it can still be an expensive affair. The average person pays £361 to join in the nuptials, inc…
One couple should have no problem getting breakfast ready in the morning after they received no less than 24 toasters from their wedding guests. Claire and Stuart Linley had requested that the 160 people that attended their celebration gave cash or vouchers towards a honeymoon. Therefore they were surprised when they received a pile of gifts all in a similarly shaped box. It turned out that th…
Many people like to introduce a colour theme for their wedding to ensure that the venue looks stunning on the big day. However, one bride decided to go one better and base her decorations around her job. Sylvia Murray owns a painting and decorating business Decor Syl and decided to incorporate this into her reception at the Greenhill Hotel in Wigton, the Times and Star reports. …
It was lights, camera, action at Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire recently as the estate provided the backdrop for a new wedding television programme. The new series, called Four Weddings, will be aired for the first time on LIVING TV on Monday 6th July, Gazette reports. In the show, four couples will battle it out in an attempt to win the ultimate prize of a dream honeymoon. To do this they m…
More and more couples are deciding to soak up the sun and hit the beach to exchange their vows, according to one company. MyGatsby.com states that summer 2010 is going to the time for seaside weddings in sunny overseas locations. What is more, the firm can provide unique, themed invitations for the event which tie in with the natural colour schemes of the ocean and the sand. The products featu…
It is a traditional part of the wedding reception for the bride and groom to take to the dancefloor for their first waltz as a married couple. However, although this is usually a slow sway to a classic song, one husband and wife decided to introduce their own dance routine and the video has now become a YouTube phenomenon. Brian and Katie married two years ago and the footage of their wedding d…
The most popular day last year for people in Northern Ireland (NI) to get married was August 8th. Figures from the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) reveal that there were 139 weddings on that Friday, compared to the average 100 marriages on a typical Saturday in the summer. Over 1,400 marriages took place in August last year. The number of marriages registered in the country during 200…
Making a speech at the reception is likely to be a very daunting prospect for anyone involved in a wedding party. Therefore, any best man trembling in his boots at the thought may like to take note of some top tips offered by one business. Published on Living Lake Country, Generally Speaking Toastmasters club advises that getting plenty of practice and staying sober are two of the first things …
Everyone knows that the wedding dress can be one of the most important things any bride-to-be has to make a decision about. However, choosing the perfect outfit can also be a big decision for guests and as a result, seattlepi.com has offered some handy hints and tips. The website claims that the most important thing to remember is not to wear white to a wedding. This colour should be reserved f…
One couple went back in time to the days of yore to celebrate their wedding day at the weekend. Mel Knight, 57, wed his partner of three years Wendy Nicholson in a ceremony that would not have looked out of place in the time of King Arthur. The couple, who married at Oakham Castle at the weekend, had a medieval-style ceremony and wore clothes of the era as they said their vows in front of a cou…
Most people arranging a wedding expect it to be a costly and time-consuming affair. However, one man went against the odds and managed to organise his nuptials in just three hours. Writing about the event on his blog, David Howell, a 34-year-old golfer who has previously been ranked as number nine in the world, explains how he arranged his wedding to fiancee Emily Doughty, 30, in record time. …
Despite the ongoing recession in the UK, research has shown that many people are not being deterred from packing their suitcase and heading somewhere hot for their wedding. According to a study conducted by LV=, over the past 18 months 2.8 million Brits have attended a ceremony that took place abroad. Furthermore, by the end of this year, another 1.4 million people say the nuptials of their nea…
As far as wedding trends go it may be one of the more unusual crazes, but this is not stopping couples from including their pets in their ceremonies. It has been claimed that although many people may find the idea of having their dog by their side as they walk down the aisle a little strange, it is proving to be rather popular. Many people often consider their pet to be part of family and it se…
One bride decided to break with tradition on her wedding day and introduce a few quirky changes to her nuptials at the weekend. Gillian Stone wed Robert Schifreen on Saturday and had two baby goats instead of bouquets for her young bridesmaids to lead down the aisle. The day started off at Freezeland Farm, Ninfield, before the ceremony, complete with its animal extras, took place at the Manor B…
The tireless work of friends and family helped ensure that a seemingly ruined wedding in Scotland went according to plan. Only a late night shopping spree and the last-minute shift of would-be caterers made sure guests at the wedding of Stewart and Valerie Denholm did not go hungry, the Daily Record reports. The couple were let down at the 11th hour by their caterers, so the bride's parents mad…
A pair of Elvis Presley fans have enjoyed a wedding ceremony that paid homage to their hero. Steve and Barbara Caprice renewed their vows near the beach of Porthcawl, South Wales, in a recreation of the wedding scene from the Blue Hawaii movie, which starred Elvis. Mr Caprice splits his time between his duties as a church minister and as an Elvis impersonator, roles which prepared him well for …
Two fans of motorbike racing are preparing for their dream wedding at this year's Manx TT event. Liz Warden and lover Alan Head, both from Rugby, will tie the knot in a bike-themed ceremony at Douglas registry office, the BBC reports. The stag and hen nights will be held in the TT beer tent on the island's promenade and Liz will arrive in a red dress at the venue on the back of a bike ridden by…
A couple who were planning on staging their wedding at the launch of a music festival have had their dream dashed after the location for the event was changed. However, Brett Crane and Rachel Holliday are not letting the disruption stop them and still intend to get married at their chosen venue. The pair were engaged at Bfestival at the Bower House in Eskdale last year and had planned to tie th…
A bride-to-be in Cheshire has had her wedding plans thrown into disarray as her dream dress shrank after being dry cleaned. Kelly Faulkner found her perfect gown on a shop rail and took it to be cleaned ahead of her big day on June 19th, the Warrington Guardian reports. However, the air hostess from Fairfield found that when she later tried on the dress, it wouldn't fit across her back and was …
A bride in Devon almost missed her honeymoon after she was persuaded by an Elvis impersonator to join in with his performance at her reception, it has been reported. According to the South Devon Herald Express, property manager Clare Powlesland injured her knee doing the splits when she joined the singer onstage at Dartington Hall following her marriage to husband Stephen. She was forced to vis…
Japanese couples worried about whether enough people will attend their weddings can now hire friends and family members for a day, it has been reported. According to Reuters, a company in Tokyo is renting out fake friends and family members from US$200 (£123) per day. Office Agents, the firm running the service, often supplies bogus bosses and colleagues for weddings, as it is tradition fo…
While people preparing for their big day can claim to have fallen head over heels in love with their partner, one couple will have the chance to actually float upside down when they say "I do". Noah Fulmor and Erin Finnegan plan to exchange their vows on a plane that has been specially adapted and is able to perform a series of swoops to provide several minutes of weightlessness during…
One pie-lover got more than he bargained for on his wedding day as he and his wife were presented with a giant Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. Rob and Amy Eccles, who married at the Holy Trinity Church in Barrow-upon-Soar, cut up their giant snack and served it with the buffet as guests enjoyed the reception. Although the treat cost £75, best man Richard Perkins, who organised its delivery, told …
It seems that one mother and daughter were so keen to share in each other's wedding experiences that they got married on the same day at the same venue. Diane Robinson exchanged vows with her partner Keith Brierwood at Stafford Register Office yesterday. Minutes later she was followed up the aisle by her mother Susan Helps who said "I do" with her fiance George Wood, the Sentinel repo…
Busy mum Carrie Steel not only looks after her five children, but also five Siberian husky dogs. Therefore, when it came to her wedding day at the weekend, she decided that her pet pooches should be involved in proceedings and arrived at the church on a cart pulled by two of them. According to the Yorkshire Post, Ms Steel, who wed her partner of 11 years Damian Short, tucked in her wedding dres…
A Banstead bride decided she wanted something a little different for her wedding day recently and used a touch of fairy dust to bring some enchantment to proceedings. Lady Rosemaris Chanie, 49, has always been fascinated by fairytales and decided that she wanted to add a little mystery and magic of her own as she exchanged her vows. The bride, who wed for the sixth time, had a pair of wings att…
Plans by easyJet to offer sky-high weddings for couples have been scrapped after a local authority refused to give the idea the go-ahead. Luton borough council rejected the application for pilots to be authorised to officiate weddings as the law does not allow for civil partnerships or marriages to take place on an aircraft. The airline claims it has previously received requests from people int…
The cost of putting on a wedding is the subject of many a debate, but a new survey has shed light on what the supporting cast end up paying. According to Halifax, wedding guests can spend up to £624.10 on the wedding experience - from the stag or hen weekend to the big day itself. Guests will spend an average of £113.30 on clothes, £43.70 on drinks at the reception, £108.60 …
With the credit crunch continuing around the world, cash-strapped couples are no doubt looking for ways to lower the costs of their nuptials. Although this may mean sacrificing the extravagant wedding cake or the perfect princess gown, one news provider claims that this may not be such a bad thing. The Monterey County Herald has stated that instead of fussing about decorations and details, coup…
One woman is getting ready for the FA cup final this weekend by showing her support for Everton in her wedding shop. Cathy Whitby, who owns Captivating Brides in Crosby Road North and is a life-long fan of the club, has used Everton FC flags to deck out the front of her store, including the window displays. Special sashes have been made to adorn the wedding dresses while the grooms wear on show…
One car-crazy couple decided to embrace their passion for motorcars and include their Seat Leon Cupra K1 in their wedding ceremony. Stephanie Garner and Peter Janes, both 34, held their nuptials at Goodwood racing circuit in west Sussex and arrived at the event in matching cars. While Stephanie roared up in the couple's beloved Candy White K1, Peter had a Speed Blue version which was loaned to …
Couples looking to renew wedding vows might like to take inspiration from the UK's longest living married couple. Frank and Anita Milford have just celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary and are now within touching distance of the record for the country's longest married couple ever. The pair are aged 101 and 100 respectively and have two children and a number of grandchildren and great-gran…
A bride whose dream plans were hit by a series of snags has ended up getting married thanks to a recycling website. Martha Ryder had envisaged her wedding day would be a no-expenses-spared affair, but after her fiance fell ill she had to think about ways to cut costs. According to the BBC, she obtained various accessories and essentials from the internet portal Freecycle, which aims to keep unw…
One couple decided to do things a little differently on their wedding day and ditched the idea of a traditional iced cake. Instead Andrew and Amy Doyle decided upon a 13-inch pork pie as neither of them like cake. The Knutsford Guardian reports that a butcher was commissioned by the pair to ensure they got the tastiest pie available for their big day and the couple tried out several options bef…
For many people, losing a wedding ring could be one of the worst things imaginable. Therefore 59-year-old Bob Mack may have been over the moon when he misplaced his as it eventually turned up, albeit on a different continent. Mr Mack, from Rochester, Minnesota, first noticed his band was missing when he was helping a group of church volunteers pack a container full of medical equipment and supp…
Brides are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to organising their own weddings and are saving themselves money in the process, it has been claimed. According to Dailypress.com, many people consider spending around $22,000 (£14,500) or more on their nuptials to be unrealistic during a recession. To cut costs, the website states that some are going for the DIY, hands-on approa…
One couple from Newport have decided to go back in time to say their vows. Chris and Lyndon Hales held a 1940s themed ceremony as they tied the knot at Newport registry office on May 2nd to pay tribute to the era of the Second World War. The couple donned vintage clothing for the occasion after travelling down to London to find suitable attire, the South Wales Argus reports. After meeting on a…
A competition is being run in the north-east of England which is helping one couple to have their perfect wedding while raising money for charity. The Five Brides, One Wedding contest is being organised by Beamish Hall Hotel, near Stanley County Durham, and Metro Radio, the Northern Echo reports. One lucky couple which raises the most money for the Cash For Kids charity will win a £25,000 …
Couples trying to beat the crunch and plan a low-cost wedding may find that one church offers the ideal solution. St Hild and St Helen's church in Dawdon has become the first to offer free weddings, the Sunderland Echo reports. It also offers to lend people wedding dresses and morning suits so that brides and grooms can still look picture-perfect on their big day without breaking the bank. One…
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Although Koreans often choose a western ceremony when they get married, some still like to take the more traditional option, it has been reported. The Korea Times describes how a traditional marriage event consists of uihon, daerye and hurve. Before the big day, the groom's family send wedding gifts and documents to the bride's before the daerya ceremony. Wearing elaborate dress throughout, th…
After being told he had ten years to live, one man has defied the odds to celebrate his diamond wedding anniversary. Army veteran Horace Eales, 82, suffered four heart attacks and underwent a quadruple heart bypass 20 years ago, WalesOnline reports. Despite various health scares, he has lived to tell the tale and is now about to celebrate marrying his wife Valerie, 78, in 1949. Mr Eales said: …
Cash-strapped couples may now have an answer to their prayers in the form of a £999 wedding package. Budget hotel chain Holiday Inn is offering brides and grooms a civil ceremony, a DJ for the evening, a disco room, a wedding planner and catering for a fraction of the £20,000 the average ceremony costs. Although the food is a buffet rather than a sit down meal, the package is proving …
Cheesy smiles and forced poses are no longer what make a good set of wedding photographs and memories of the big day, it has been claimed. Photographer Kelsy Nielson told Canada.com that it is much better to ask the bride and groom to just be themselves so that the "magic" of their nuptials can be captured candidly. He believes this method is currently the biggest trend in wedding pho…
It is likely that women may love the opportunity provided by a wedding to get dolled up in their favourite dress and jewels. However, it is probably a different story for men and as a result, one website has offered some handy hints about what would be suitable to wear to the event. According to Here Is The City, the invitation can often provide a clue as to what would be appropriate attire as …
One groom risked coming to a grizzly end at his wedding recently as he chose a bear to be his best man. Casey Anderson, 33, hand-reared Brutus, a 7 ft 8 ins grizzy bear, after he was born into captivity and was unable to be released back into the wild. Over the years Casey developed a strong bond with his furry company and, as such, decided it was only right that he should be involved in his ma…
A couple were the lucky winners of a wedding competition after their families and friends cut out a staggering 1,200 coupons from the Clydebank Post. Gerry and Audrey Donachie won a £3,000 wedding reception courtesy of the news provider and Radnor Park Hotel and described the day as a "fairytale wedding". The couple claim that without the help of their friends furiously snipping …
One couple had a double reason to celebrate at the weekend, as not only did they complete the London marathon, but they tied the knot while doing so. Rachel Pitt and Garry Keates took time out from the 25-mile London race to go on a one kilometre detour and become the first couple to say their vows in a Christian ceremony during the event. Rachel, 37, wore a white dress teamed with some special…
By cutting back on the number of sweet treats on offer at the reception, people could find that they are able to save themselves money on their big day. According to WHAS11.com, this is a top tip for thrifty couples as many often find that dessert gets abandoned by guests who are already full from a large meal and plenty of champagne. Another idea is to be a little shrewder with the centrepiece…
It seems as though many couples are looking to get away from the gloomy British weather and soak up some sun when they tie the knot. Salt Beach at Kingscliff in northern New South Wales, Australia, is fast becoming one of the most popular wedding locations in the country. This may be because many couples are now becoming more adventurous with their wedding plans and deciding to break the mould …
A Jordan fan who decided to stage her own 'fairytale' ceremony has been named in Metro's top five weird and wacky weddings. This is because Carly O'Brien, 16, said her vows wearing a dress which weighed a record-breaking 25 stone. It included 30 layers of chiffon and an 18-metre train, both of which were decorated in 3,000 faux diamonds. Carly, who is a dress size four and 5 ft 3 in tall, had …
An eco-chic wedding could be the perfect way for couples to celebrate in style but without breaking the bank balance, it would seem. Speaking to the Times, Ria Lockie, founder of The Ethical Occasions Company, described how she managed to hold a three-day extravaganza for her nuptials at a cost of just over £10,000. Although this is still a significant amount of money, it is much less than…
Most brides spend hours choosing the ideal wedding dress, however, one woman spent more time in make-up than she did picking the perfect frock. Christine England, 40 and Keith Green, 44, had to spend three hours getting ready to walk down the aisle as they chose to dress up as characters from the animated Shrek films. The couple were covered in green paint and wore full costume to get married a…
Any couples looking for something a little unusual at their wedding ceremony may find that one new product is the perfect option. The Wedding Robot, which is custom made by LittleIsland, is designed to be used in place of greeting parties on the big day. Costing the yen equivalent of around £1,380, the robot has a human-like appearance and is designed to resemble the person getting married…
A kind-hearted couple have decided to charge their guests to attend their wedding reception in order to raise money for charity. Dave Medlam and Sharon Llewellyn, from Pentrebane, Cardiff, are planning to raise money for Breast Cancer Care Cymru by turning their big day into a pink-themed charity event. As well as paying the entrance fee for the reception at Cardiff Bowls Club at Sophia Gardens…
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A couple visiting the Croots Farm Shop and Kitchen in Derbyshire won a competition to name a Shire horse foal born recently on the farm. On the day of their golden wedding anniversary, Jane and Keith Yarnell visited the farm shop where Jane entered the competition to name the baby horse, which kicked its way into the world on March 29th. The winning name she chose was Golden Boy, in honour of…
One couple is proving that as the recession continues in the UK, the perfect wedding celebration does not have to cost a fortune. Nicola Blakey and Mike Gwaspari from Grimsby are set to tie the knot in June and have organised their entire day, plus the honeymoon, for less than £2,500. Some of the bargains include ten bridesmaids' dresses which cost a total of £219 and Nicola's wedding…
A couple who tied the knot recently decided upon a decidedly British mode of transport to take them to their ceremony. WA Today reports that Sara Doyle and John Mackenney, who married in Australia, used black London taxi cabs as wedding cars on their big day. After meeting at an R.E.M. concert in Hyde Park in the UK's capital, it seems as though the vehicles were a fitting addition to the cerem…
A couple who recently celebrated 60 years of marriage did so in style - with the full wedding party from their original celebration. Harold Thompson, 82 and his wife Joan, 80, were joined by the best man and all of the bridesmaids from their big day more than half a century ago, the Lancashire Telegraph reports. More than 40 family members also turned up at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-M…
Man's best friend turned into the best man at the wedding of one couple in the US recently. Andy MacDonald held his wedding celebration at his cousin's house just outside Seattle and had 100 of his family and friends there to see him say "I do". Determined not to let his pet pooch Inge miss out on the nuptials, Mr MacDonald also got her involved in the ceremony as she had the honour o…
One women hoping to win her dream wedding has donned a white gown in a series of publicity stunts for a Runaway Bride competition. Organised by Radio Wyvern, the challenge sees two would-be-brides given £10, a mobile phone and a chaperone before being dropped off in the secret location. They then have to get as far away as possible in 24 hours, the Malvern Gazette reports. Hoping to win t…
Fans of Sex and City or Vivienne Westwood may want to start saving for their wedding dress as they could be the owner of their own fairy-tale designer gown. According to Vogue, brides-to-be now have the opportunity to get a made-to-order version of the dress Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw wears in the film. However, they may wish to start placing orders quickly, as the gowns t…
One of the oldest couples in the UK have become the second pair to ever celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary. Walter Postings, known as Wally and wife Beatrice, known as Pete, are both 100 and married on 27th March 1929. The couple, from Burnhan in Somerset, celebrated by holding a special get-together at Tudor Lodge residential home, surrounded by friends and family. Mr Postings revealed …
It seems as though it may still be possible to have a wedding day to remember despite the current economic climate and tightening of purse strings. One couple from Nottingham managed to celebrate their big day in style for the very reasonable cost of £700, the Sun reports. Nikki and Brett Stevenson married in June 2005 and spent £100 on their rings and the same amount on a pub recepti…
The force was with one Star Wars fan on his wedding day recently as his bride was accompanied down the aisle by none other than Darth Vader. Stuart Robinson, 35, is a long-time fan of the films and wrote to Jim'll Fix It as a child, asking to meet the characters. After hearing that his request was never granted, his bride Jessica, 30, hired Darth Vader to walk with her to the sound of the weddi…
Two youngsters had the sound of wedding bells instead of school bells ringing in their ears as they tied the knot recently. Emily Woodcock and Alfie Ferneyhough, both aged four, said "I do" in front of friends and family at St Saviours Church in Smallthorne this week, the Sentinal reports. Their wedding was arranged for educational purposes and the happy couple posed for photographs a…
An eco-chic wedding can often work out to be cheaper than a more traditional affair, it has been suggested. The Chester Chronicle's Low Carbon blog reports that the average wedding costs around £20,000 and emits 15 tonnes of CO2. However, it is claimed that by making small changes, couples can turn their white wedding into a much greener affair. One of the easiest ways is to have the even…
A newly-wed has set up her own business to provide wedding breakfast entertainment for those tying the knot. Lynn Jinks, from Bromsgrove, has established Table Tasks which provides enjoyable activities ranging from the civilised to laugh-out-loud fun and frolics depending on the client. She set up the company with the help of Business Link West Midlands and hopes that the current wedding fayre …
One bridesmaid took the idea of an environmentally friendly wedding to a new extreme recently when she chose not to fly to her best friend's big day in Australia. However, Barbara Haddill, 30, did not miss the event, as she avoided the carbon emissions produced by airplanes by making the journey via land and sea instead. Ms Haddill travelled across 18 countries on buses, trains, bicycles, boats…
It may be traditional to throw confetti at a bride and groom on their big day, but a new trend in China is seeing couples pay to be showered with butterflies. People are spending as much as £1,000 to have the insects at their wedding and Chinese butterfly farmers claim demand is picking up, despite the economic downturn. The bride and groom are encouraged to dress colourfully and dab thems…
One women who has "always dreamed of a big white wedding" can finally have her wish after winning a competition. Nadia Goode, 28, from Downley was voted by readers of the Bucks Free Press as the winner of the publication's Bride of the Year 2009 competition. Her prize was a wedding package worth over £7,500 to make her special day with fiance Christopher Bowd even more memorable.…
For couples who want to jet off abroad for their big day, but without sacrificing the traditional of an English wedding, Austria may be the perfect location, it has been claimed. With many similarities to a British wedding when it comes to the ceremony and speeches, Austria is increasing in popularity, Weddings and Honeymoons Abroad states. It is also much cheaper to get married abroad than it …
One couple in the US have requested something a little unusual from their wedding guests ahead of their big day. Instead of the usual toasters and other useful household objects normally given as gifts, 29-year-old Kristen Myers and Chris Heckman, 30, have asked their friends and family to donate to a local streetcar project. The Cincinnati couple made the request on their wedding web site and …
A new trend is emerging in the world of weddings, although it is one that may not be every bride's cup of tea. The 'trash the dress' movement encourages brides to don their wedding gown one more time after their big day, but in an unusual location that can be captured on film. One bride getting into the idea recently was Anna Woozley, 30, from Binfield, who was photographed jumping into a publi…
Barbie is trying to win the hearts of the Japanese with a new bridal collection that has been launched especially for adults in the country. The new bridal range features bows, ruffles and gowns embroidered with the famous doll's logo, Reuters reports. It is hoped that the collection will wow older consumers in Japan, as the industry is proving difficult to break into for Barbie's creators Matt…
One couple may have had double the reason to celebrate recently as they got married and extended their family in the space of 20 hours. Laura Bowen, 21, from Cardiff, tied that knot with her fiance Neil, 42, and was still wearing her wedding dress when she went into labour, the Mirror reports. The unexpected birth came a week early and the couple's son was born just 20 hours after they said I d…
There has been an increase in the number of couples choosing to go abroad and soak up the sun on their big day, it has been claimed. The Liverpool Echo reports that many travel companies are now offering brides and grooms-to-be wedding packages, which include free ceremonies if guests book a certain number of rooms. However, Beverly King, wedding co-ordinator at the Jolly Ranch resort in Antigu…
When it comes to unusual or exotic wedding venues, it may be that that they cannot beat the plans of one bride and groom-to-be. A former Craigavon couple, who now live in Australia, has made enquires about tying the knot millions of miles away in space, Portadown Times reports. They have popped the question to with the hope of being able to say I do when Richard Branson's latest venture,…
A group of fashion textile students are aiming to raise money for the Big C cancer charity by reinventing old wedding dresses. According to the Advertiser 24, the pupils, who are studying at City College Norwich, transformed gowns they purchased from the Big C shop in the city into a range of new items including underwear and lace gloves. The creations will now go on display at The Forum, as pa…
One woman who waited seven years for her boyfriend to propose to her decided to take matter into her own hands after winning a radio competition. Carly Hammond, from Merstham, proposed to her boyfriend, Wes Parker, live on air after bagging a dream wedding prize on Radio Mercury. The bride had just one week to secretly organise her big day after the public voted her to win the Secret Bride comp…
The robbery of a wedding dress shop in Edinburgh was prevented when staff refused to hand over any money and told the criminals to leave, it has been reported. According to the BBC, a gang of four entered Hutchinson Terrace on Wednesday and demanded cash, with one of the suspects holding what turned out to be an imitation shotgun. However, the brave shopkeeper refused and ushered them from the …
Everyone knows that it is traditional to shower the happy couple with gifts on their wedding day. However, new research has discovered that many brides receive well-meaning presents and then simply put them in a cupboard never again to see the light of day. A survey conducted by Direct Line revealed that 24 per cent of women admit they have stashed away their wedding gifts. Many others have al…
To ensure that the weather does not ruin a beautiful wedding, couples planning to marry outdoors should develop a bad weather wedding plan, one newspaper has reported. According to the Washington Post, it is a good idea to consider where and how the ceremony can be moved to if there is rain or extreme heat. Caterers, florists, musicians and any other key aspects of the wedding should be kept in…
To celebrate the 80th birthday of Bertie Bassett, the well-known character associated with Liquorice Allsorts, what could be the sweetest wedding ever has taken place. Bertie Bassett has tied the knot with Betty, who has been created as the face of Bassetts' new Red Liquorice Allsorts. The ceremony took place at the Bassett's factory in Sheffield and over 60 workers were given time off to join …
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Many couples are having to think twice about tying the knot because of the recession, according to a new survey. Think tank Civitas has conducted research which revealed that nearly 80 per cent of young British couples who live together want to get married. However, because of the increasing numbers of job losses across the country they say they would reconsider their wedding plans and delay th…
A bridesmaid has found a way to get in shape for her cousin's wedding and save up some money for her own big day all in one go. Lindsie Thornhill, 24, who works in Borders at Glasgow Fort, has decided to give up alcohol and take-away food in preparation for the two celebrations, the Daily Record reports. She has estimated that she will save herself between £150 and £200 a week, as wel…
One bride has saved herself some money and created a unique gown for her wedding by making her dress out of paper. Sadie Shaffer, who teaches art at a school in the US, originally purchased bridal magazines to cut out images and get inspiration for her big day, the Times Record News reports. After the costs started to mount she had the ingenious idea of using the publications to create h…
Weddings are increasingly changing to reflect the more diverse nature of today's society, one industry expert has claimed. In the opinion of Yolande Adams from the Ottawa Wedding Show, the days of formal ceremonies with white dresses and traditional vows are now long gone. Instead, she claims that many couples are now getting married when they are older or have children. People are also choosi…
For one couple, what started off as an office romance has now led to the wedding of their dreams aboard the HMS Trincomalee at Hartlepool Marina. Carrie Fisher and new husband Ben Edwards met when Carrie, 22, began working at the EDF call centre in Sunderland, the Hartlepool Mail reports. Ben, 25, had already been working at the firm for two years and they began dating when a friend-of-a-friend…
A bride from Dewsbury has turned her wedding day into a musical extravaganza in what is set to be the latest wedding craze marryoke. Caroline Coates and her partner Andy starred in a music video of their big day as they mimed to the song That's How You Know from their favourite film Enchanted, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports. The Disney-loving couple's wedding guests, including parent…
Sales of maternity bridal wear are increasing, suggesting that women are no longer afraid to show off their baby bumps on their big day. According to the Daily Mail, an estimated 20,000 British brides were pregnant when they tied the knot last year. This is in contrast to previous decades when it was seen as a taboo, especially if the bride wore white. Tiffany London, founder of Tiffany Rose, …
This year's Valentine's Day looks set to be extra special for 14 lucky couples in America. They have been selected from over 400 applicants on Brides.com to exchange their vows at the top of the Empire State Building on the only day of the year when it allows wedding ceremonies. Even more exciting is that for the first time in the building's history, two brides will be being saying "I do&q…
There are some things which brides may never compromise on and one of the most traditional aspects of a wedding is one of them, research has revealed. According to a survey by the National Wedding Show, 78 per cent of women demanded that their new husband carried them over the threshold of their homes after their big day. The act is considered to be good luck for newlyweds for two reasons, Mari…
A photographer has described how nerve-racking, yet enjoyable he found being asked to capture his best friend's wedding on film. Writing for Livemint.com, David Stott explained how he felt privileged to be asked, but nervous about undertaking such an important task. To ensure that he was up for the challenge, he prepared in advance by using the internet to research the work of professional wedd…
A dog has been chosen to be the guest of honour at one woman's wedding after he saved her life. Zoe Christie, 21, was out walking in Ottery St Mary, Devon, in November 2004 when she became lost and developed hypothermia, the Telegraph reports. She was severely ill and it is unlikely she would have survived were it not for one persistent pooch. John Richards was walking his dog, Boris, who foun…
A man recently reduced a bride and her guests to tears with his wedding present to her, although luckily they were tears of happiness. Hugh Nicholson, a Scottish musician and songwriter, composed a romantic ballad called My Guiding Star for the wedding of his long-term friend Tom O'Hare and his fiancee Emma Sykes, East Kilbride News reports. Mr O'Hare, a Glasgow film producer who has his own co…
It can often take years for couples to plan their perfect wedding day, however this was not the case for one bride and groom from Liverpool. Jenny Gannon, nee, Westcott, and husband Daniel, who live in Allerton, arranged their celebration in just 10 days, the Biggleswade Chronicle reports. The couple decided to get married on New Year's Eve as they celebrated the ninth anniversary of their enga…
One lucky couple who accidentally left their wedding gifts in the back of a New York taxi have been reunited with their presents. A collection of cheques, cards and other special keepsakes were lost by Christine Herrick and David Fitzhenry on Sunday, prompting a frantic search. The newlyweds then flew out to Mexico on their honeymoon, thinking the precious gifts had been lost forever. However,…
A new reality TV series could see one couple say their vows in front of millions of people as their wedding is streamed live on MySpace. The new programme, Get Married on MySpace, is being created by Endemol and the ceremony will be planned by users of the social networking site. They will choose every detail of the big day, including the bride's dress, the wedding venue and even the rings exch…
The release of new film Bride Wars sees its stars, Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, turn into Bridezillas as they fight for the perfect big day. However, one wedding planner has revealed to the Ledger-Enquirer, that in real life, brides are usually far better behaved. Lynda Johnson, wedding and event consultant for The Garrett-Bullock House, says that having the help of a professional can often h…
A fast food restaurant may not be many couples' venue of choice when it comes to deciding where to tie the knot However, Caragh Brooks, 21 and husband Paul, 30, from Normal in Illinois, chose their local Taco Bell Mexican restaurant as the place to say I do. It cost them $200 (£137) and employees decorated the restaurant with streamers and balloons for the ceremony. Caragh is originally f…
A Ukrainian bride getting married in London is advertising for wedding guests because her family and friends cannot make the event. She has posted an online advert for "decent" guests and needs 30 people to attend the ceremony in her family's place. Although her partner has guests and her parents will be present, the woman even needs a bridesmaid to accompany her up the aisle. The br…
One Middlesbrough football club fan got the wedding cake of his dreams recently when he tied the knot on the tropical island of Bali. Sean Kiernan, 40, lives in Australia after spending much of his life in the north-east of England, Gazette Live reports. Therefore, to surprise him on their wedding day, his wife Melissa, 37, had the club's red lion crest iced on top of their wedding cake. She a…
It seems as though one family likes to make sure they have double the occasion to celebrate over the festive period as it has become a tradition for members to get married over Christmas. The Longridge and Ribble Valley News and Advertiser has reported on one family whose third generation in 60 years celebrated their big day during the holidays. Claire Smith, a schoolteacher, followed in the fo…
A couple have walked up the aisle together for the 60th time as they celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary. Margaret and John Beauvoisin have renewed their vows every year since 1950 after marrying in 1948, taking their rings off to be blessed each time. The only year they have ever missed their vows was 1949 when Mr Beauvoisin was stationed in Bermuda with the Royal Navy. The couple's d…
Couples in Leicestershire are being given the chance to enter a competition to win a free wedding ceremony. The BBC reports that the prize is being offered by the county council in a bid to show that getting hitched does not have to be too expensive an affair. Winners can receive either a free wedding or civil partnership at one of six registry offices across the county where a basic ceremony w…
The friends and family of one couple may soon be receiving some luxury invitations after the bride and groom-to-be won a competition. Ben Johnson and Jenni Haddock won a £15,000 Fantasy Wedding competition organised by the Southport Visitor. As part of their prize the lucky couple went to local business Amor Designs to choose the stationery for their big day. They were then able to come u…
One couple ended their wedding day in style with a ride on a big wheel in Bradford. Martyn and Kelly Lewis were married at Bradford City Hall before being asked if they wanted a special ride on the attraction to round off their celebrations, the Bradford Telegraph and Argus reports. Many of the guests from their wedding also joined the couple on the ride. Mr Lewis, 30, said: "When the Cou…
A tiny bride who suffers from a rare kind of dwarfism underwent an operation to make her taller for her wedding day. Tiffanie Didonato, 27, previously measured just 3ft 6inches and has now been through bone-lengthening procedures to take her to a height of 4ft 10. She walked down the aisle in October and says she is now looking forward to living a normal life over Christmas. "All I ever w…
One lucky newlywed couple will get to see wedding photos taken for them on their honeymoon after a story in the Yorkshire Post. The newspaper writes that Sarah and Barry Reid were on holiday in Cephalonia, Greece when they met Norwegian couple Nils and Kaia Mortensen. Mr and Mrs Mortensen offered to take photographs of the Reids as they were without a camera. However, Mrs Mortensen had her pur…
A couple whose home was destroyed by a fire last month have put the past behind them and tied the knot. Ron Sharrard, a beach warden in Brean, and Angela Davies lived in a wooden chalet which was gutted by a large blaze last month, Burnham-On-Sea.com reports. However, they have now overcome these events to exchange vows in St Bridget's Church in Brean, surrounded by their family and friends. M…
A woman who used to work at a garden centre creating wedding bouquets and flower arrangements has just celebrated her diamond wedding anniversary. Fred and Barbara Evans, from Nuneaton, found romance when they were both in a production of The Belle of New York by the Nuneaton Operatic Society, the Coventry Telegraph reports. The couple married in December 1948 and together ran Nuneaton Nursery …
A couple have been forced to get married twice in the same month after their first wedding was declared to be unlawful. The trainee vicar who married Sam and Michelle Marles was not qualified to perform the ceremony without supervision but had to step up as the original register was ill with vertigo. This meant that the wedding was not legally binding and the vows were declared null and void. …
A private detective who posed as a wedding guest in Spain has been fined £53,700 after gatecrashing the happy couples reception to collect evidence against the owners of the venue. He was employed by the Spanish General Society of Authors and Editors (SGAE), which protects the rights of musicians and artists to their work, who suspected that the owners of La Doma restaurant were not paying …
People can often propose to their other half in unusual places, however one mum got an early Christmas present this year when her partner proposed in Santa's Grotto. Dom Hennessy made arrangements for the surprise at a Grotto at Woodcote Green Garden Centre when he took his daughter there with her mother and his partner Sarah Brick, the Croydon Guardian reports. The ring was wrapped up and smug…
A couple from Wigan chose a slightly more unusual form of transport to get them to the church on time as they hitched a lift in a newly restored bus to tour the town after their big event. Andrew Garrity and Paula Halsall boarded a perfectly-restored Leyland Titan double-decker Wigan Corporation bus along with their 65 guests after the ceremony, Wigan Today reports. Mr Garrity, 36, who works as…
There is one bride in the UK who may be left blushing if the dress she is wearing in her wedding photographs is recognised and reported by anyone. A hand-made, £2,500 dress and matching pearl necklace have been stolen from Natalia Misslin Designs in Scotland, the Scotsman reports. The thief smashed the window of the shop and left everything else untouched apart from the gown and the jewels…
One couple with a love of gaming have decided to make their big day especially memorable by having a Halo-themed wedding. According to Electricpig, Desirai Labrada (29) and John Henry (26), are to marry in January after they met while playing the popular computer game Halo. Ms Labrada had the idea for the unusual wedding and they will have a Halo ringworld-shaped wedding cake while the musical …
A couple who had an environmentally friendly wedding have now recycled their day for others to enjoy. The Yorkshire Evening Post has reported on the story of Stuart and Lucy Bannister who tied the knot after spending just £4,000 on their big event. Now the couple from Bingley have sold everything from table cloths to teapots and second-hand cake stands at a vintage fair so that other peopl…
It appears that one lucky bride has found herself a real bargain for her wedding day in the form of a £150 charity shop wedding dress. According to the Derbyshire Evening Telegraph, Yvonne Steele spotted the perfect bridal bodice and skirt at St Giles' Hospice shop in Swadlincote. Ms Steele has been the deputy manager there for two years and it has a selection of gowns on offer, the majori…
A bride has put her wedding on hold so that she can use the money she saved for the event to help her sister who has been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Melissa Huggins had to postpone her wedding when she was told she needed £100,000 for lifesaving treatment for her condition in the US, the Daily Mail reports. After hearing the news her sister Katrina then cancelled her own wedding plans …