July 2009
Categories
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Wedding planning pays off for TV bride
A pink theme helped one Bexley bride have her dream day, despite just missing out on a honeymoon in Barbados. Emma Runacres appeared on the Living TV show Four Weddings which sees four brides compete to win a Caribbean holiday, reports the Bexley Times. Mrs Runacres told the paper that she organised the day herself, turning to Swanley Banqueting for help with the wedding venue and catering. … Continue reading: Wedding planning pays off for TV bride » -
Wine 'is the perfect wedding gift'
Making a wedding list and ensuring that you actually receive the things you want can be quite a challenge. However, one company claims it has come up with the ideal solution – a wine list. According to Thewineweddinglist.co.uk, by asking for bottles of wine couples can make sure they get something they will use and start to build a special collection that will provide memories of their big … Continue reading: Wine 'is the perfect wedding gift' » -
White gold 'is becoming increasingly popular'
White gold is increasingly becoming the metal of choice when it comes to wedding rings. This is the opinion of Rachel Southwood, editorial director at Wedding Ideas Magazine, who said the metal has had a resurgence in popularity, with couples moving away from lighter material such as platinum. However, she noted that yellow gold is still an unpopular choice and said an increasing number of peop… Continue reading: White gold 'is becoming increasingly popular' » -
Brides 'opting for natural hair'
Brides are steering clear of formal styles and opting for loose natural-looking hair instead, it has been claimed. Rachel Southwood, editorial director at Wedding Ideas Magazine, said that although tiaras are still popular, more and more brides – particularly celebrities – are opting for hair vines, which is "almost like a beading net throughout the hair, or a fascinator style hea… Continue reading: Brides 'opting for natural hair' » -
What song would you choose for your first dance?
Choosing what song to have for the first dance is one of the most important decisions a couple can make in setting the tone for their wedding day. While it is undoubtedly a very personal choice, it seems may Britons agree on some songs being more suitable than others. For example, a poll of wedding videographers conducted by PRS for Music has revealed that Amazed by Lonestar is the most popular… Continue reading: What song would you choose for your first dance? » -
Anxious couple finally receive wedding photos
A Uttoxeter couple has spoken of their frustration after waiting for their wedding photographs for almost two years. Simon and Rebecca Waterfield were married in October 2007 but, after a year, had still not received their photos from their big day. On chasing the photographer up, they learnt that he had been involved in an accident and so told him to take his time. At the start of this year … Continue reading: Anxious couple finally receive wedding photos » -
Biker pals rev up for a wedding day to remember
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… Continue reading: Biker pals rev up for a wedding day to remember » -
Going, going, gone: The 99p wedding dress
Getting married during a recession means that, for many people, a dream ceremony can be even more expensive than it would normally be. As a result, many couples have sought to find unique and imaginative ways of cutting costs, such as involving family and friends in catering or including their annual holiday in their honeymoon. Another popular trend has been scouring the internet and secondhand… Continue reading: Going, going, gone: The 99p wedding dress » -
Third time lucky for Noel Edmonds?
TV star Noel Edmonds claims he has finally "found his soul mate" after marrying for the third time. The Deal or No Deal presenter, 60, wed make-up artist Liz Jones in a low-key ceremony that took place in Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds. Wearing a strapless gown with a diamond necklace and simple white veil and tiara, Ms Jones exchanged vows with Noel in a civil ceremony in a hotel. … Continue reading: Third time lucky for Noel Edmonds? » -
Budget well 'for a successful wedding'
Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming affair for anyone, let alone those who are doing so with the extra monetary pressures caused by the recession to think about. To make life a little bit easier, Nina Callaway suggests that looking carefully at how much they can afford to save each month is the best way for couples to establish a good wedding budget. Writing on her About.co… Continue reading: Budget well 'for a successful wedding' » -
What to do after getting engaged
Couples who have just made the happy decision to tie the knot have been offered some top tips on what to do before they start planning their big day. Writing on her About.com weddings blog, Nina Callaway reminds people that getting married is a very special and exciting event and that they should enjoy every minute of being engaged. She also thinks that purchasing a journal is a good idea as it… Continue reading: What to do after getting engaged » -
Wedding cake toppers are a "fun and novel" keepsake
Couples looking for the perfect keepsake to remind them of their wedding day may want to invest in a clay wedding cake topper. Although the delicious dessert itself will no doubt be devoured by guests, the decoration on the top can be kept forever as a memory of the special event. Sarah Pitcher from Character Creations, a firm that specialises in hand crafted polymer clay toppers, thinks that t… Continue reading: Wedding cake toppers are a "fun and novel" keepsake » -
Woman reunited with wedding ring after 33 years
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… Continue reading: Woman reunited with wedding ring after 33 years » -
Recessionista brides 'choosing something old instead of something new'
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… Continue reading: Recessionista brides 'choosing something old instead of something new' » -
Cake toppers 'help to show personality'
With venues to organise, dresses to buy and honeymoons to book, shopping around for the perfect wedding cake toppers may seem like a fairly small job. However, according to one US company, cake toppers get more attention that any other decorations and can help to establish the joint personality of a couple. "Short of the wedding dress and any other worn bridal accessories, the wedding cak… Continue reading: Cake toppers 'help to show personality' » -
Wedding cupcakes can be a 'sophisticated way to end a meal'
Couples looking for a recession-busting way of letting their guests dine in style on their wedding day wish to think outside the box when it comes to the cake. Instead of a many-tiered masterpiece, a cupcake tree is a "sophisticated way to end the momentous occasion on the sweetest of notes", the Daily News Online reports. This is when individual fairy cakes are arranged into tiers on… Continue reading: Wedding cupcakes can be a 'sophisticated way to end a meal' » -
Couple swap Gretna Green for fairytale wedding after lottery win
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… Continue reading: Couple swap Gretna Green for fairytale wedding after lottery win » -
Why flowers are the "prettiest wedding decor"
Decorating a church and making it look perfect for the special day is likely to be a big - and expensive - task for many couples. However, one website has suggested that as long as the flowers are right then the venue is bound to look attractive, as these are the "prettiest wedding decor". According to DNews.com, an abundance of blooms does not have to be expensive and by purchasing t… Continue reading: Why flowers are the "prettiest wedding decor" » -
Watch out for extra wedding dress costs
Brides-to-be have been warned to watch out for the extra costs they may be faced with when buying a gown from a wedding boutique. Cheap Wedding Success reminds people that they will probably need several fittings to ensure their dress fits perfectly on the big day. It is a good idea to check whether these sessions and the storage of the garment are included in its price tag. Brides are also a… Continue reading: Watch out for extra wedding dress costs » -
Top tips for buying a second hand wedding dress
One bride who managed to keep her wedding costs down to under £5,000 has offered some advice to women on how they can find themselves the perfect second hand wedding dress. Writing for Cheap Wedding Success, Nicola Ray suggests that charity shops, online auctions, dress agencies and online bridal stores are all great places to pick up a gown. However, she warns that there are some things t… Continue reading: Top tips for buying a second hand wedding dress » -
Cost of weddings falls, survey shows
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… Continue reading: Cost of weddings falls, survey shows » -
Mother and daughter 'opt for joint ceremony'
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 … Continue reading: Mother and daughter 'opt for joint ceremony' » -
Brides 'don't give up their dessert' for the recession
One wedding cake business owner claims that the financial cutbacks many brides-to-be are making as a result of the recession do not stop them from wanting delicious desserts. According to Renee Pratt-Snively, who runs Renee's Fine Cakes, because of the economic downturn, some people are opting for smaller, less expensive creations. This means that instead of choosing an elaborate, four-tired op… Continue reading: Brides 'don't give up their dessert' for the recession » -
Family to sell 200-year-old wedding dress
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… Continue reading: Family to sell 200-year-old wedding dress » -
How to say it with flowers and not spend a fortune
With many brides and grooms-to-be still feeling the effects of the credit crunch, one publication has offered some advice on how to say it with flowers without spending a fortune. The Press and Journal advises that nice bouquets do not have to cost the earth and a bride can have beautiful floral arrangements without the help of an expensive florist. A "striking look" can be created us… Continue reading: How to say it with flowers and not spend a fortune » -
Romantic ruffles 'steal the show at weddings'
Romance is going to be in the air this summer, not just between the many happy couples exchanging their vows, but when it comes to the bride's wedding dress, too. This is because romantic ruffles and elegant beading are set to be big trends this year, with lace and floral designs also taking centre stage, the Examiner reports. It seems as though anything goes this summer, as although old-time r… Continue reading: Romantic ruffles 'steal the show at weddings' » -
Brides add a dash of colour to their wedding dresses
It seems as though many brides-to-be are moving away from the traditional white wedding dress and opting for something with a little touch of colour. According to the Examiner, women are no longer "married to white" when it comes to choosing their gowns and ivory, soft eggshell, taupe and various pastel shades are increasing in popularity. More often than not, other members of the wed… Continue reading: Brides add a dash of colour to their wedding dresses » -
Norwich holds wedding dress exhibition
An exhibition is taking place that will allow people to go back in time to the weddings of yesteryear and see what their grandparents may have worn on their big day. The Assembly House in Norwich is holding a two-week event that will showcase gowns from the past 100 years, Evening News 24 reports. Organised by the Costume and Textile Association, the exhibition features a dress from 1898 that c… Continue reading: Norwich holds wedding dress exhibition » -
Recession-busting bloom advice
Saving money is likely to be at the forefront of many people's minds during the recession - and couples preparing for their big day are no exception. One website has offered some advice on how to hold on to a few pounds without sacrificing the quality of a celebration. The Herald points out that one costly area where savings can be made is the flowers. Buying opting for simple arrangements usi… Continue reading: Recession-busting bloom advice » -
Top tips to dine successfully at a wedding
Choosing the ideal meal for guests to enjoy can often be a big decision for brides and grooms-to-be. Although they are limited by how much they can afford to pay the caterers, the bill is still likely to take up a significant proportion of the wedding budget. Writing about the issue on her About.com weddings blog, Nina Callaway suggests "thinking outside the box" and ensuring that the… Continue reading: Top tips to dine successfully at a wedding » -
Pick the perfect dress for the perfect day
If there is one thing that a bride must be certain about on her big day, it that her wedding dress is the one she has always dreamed about. As a result, one couple who said their vows this year have offered some advice on how to pick the perfect gown. Kate and Jamie Mulhall, who tied the knot in February, told the Norwich Evening News that despite having an idea of the kind of dress they want, … Continue reading: Pick the perfect dress for the perfect day » -
Lucky Lotto winner hits wedding jackpot
Wedding bells rather than cash registers were ringing when one lucky lady won the lottery. Diane Hill scooped a cool £2.2 million when her numbers came up recently and her thoughts turned immediately to tying the knot with the man she loves. Ms Hill, a care home worker from Feltham, had been hoping to marry her partner of three years, Bob Gould, since they met but admitted to the Sun that … Continue reading: Lucky Lotto winner hits wedding jackpot » -
Top tips for the perfect wedding
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… Continue reading: Top tips for the perfect wedding » -
Brave groom organises wedding
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… Continue reading: Brave groom organises wedding » -
Happy couple have missing rings returned for big day
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… Continue reading: Happy couple have missing rings returned for big day » -
Personalised stamps 'make the perfect wedding gift'
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 … Continue reading: Personalised stamps 'make the perfect wedding gift' » -
Couples to 'take the plunge' on their wedding day
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… Continue reading: Couples to 'take the plunge' on their wedding day » -
Man retrieves wedding ring after throwing it in tollbooth
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… Continue reading: Man retrieves wedding ring after throwing it in tollbooth » -
Mrs Wedding Venues and the success of Country House
It seems as though Country House Wedding Venues (CHWV) has proven itself to be a leader in the industry, so much so that the knowledge of its founder was called upon for national television. Diana Hastie established the company is 1996 to work with venue owners looking to transform their facilities into high-performing wedding locations. With unrivalled experience of privately-owned venues acro… Continue reading: Mrs Wedding Venues and the success of Country House » -
Man makes a song and dance about Disney wedding proposal
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… Continue reading: Man makes a song and dance about Disney wedding proposal » -
Competition launched to win £1,000 bridal photo shoot
One news publication is giving a lucky bride the chance to get back in her wedding dress and enjoy having a professional set of photographs taken. The Cumberland News and Cumbrian Weddings are offering women the opportunity to win a location-based photo shoot worth £1,000. Offered by Derwent Photography of Keswick, the Shoot the Dress session is open to those who are already married or due… Continue reading: Competition launched to win £1,000 bridal photo shoot » -
Elie Saab shows off ethereal gowns at Parisian show
Brides-to-be may often turn to celebrity types for inspiration when it comes to choosing their wedding dress, but it seems that the catwalk may be a good place to look this season. World famous Lebanese designer Elie Saab send his models down the runway in a collection of shimmering ethereal white gowns at his Parisian haute couture show this week. The all-white collection of dresses was pure a… Continue reading: Elie Saab shows off ethereal gowns at Parisian show » -
I now pronounce you "pan and wife"
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… Continue reading: I now pronounce you "pan and wife" » -
Father flies to Malta to save daughter's wedding
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… Continue reading: Father flies to Malta to save daughter's wedding » -
Couple have a real shotgun wedding
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… Continue reading: Couple have a real shotgun wedding » -
School children say their vows in mock wedding ceremony
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… Continue reading: School children say their vows in mock wedding ceremony » -
Wedding day dos and don'ts
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… Continue reading: Wedding day dos and don'ts » -
Two weddings in one for Lancashire family
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… Continue reading: Two weddings in one for Lancashire family » -
Wedding dress shop is claimed by recession
It seems as though the credit crunch has claimed its latest victim as one wedding dress store has been forced to close its doors. The Madame Florence boutique at Montagu Square in Mexborough has been providing women with all kinds of sparkling creations for special occasions for 77 years. Now, the shop has been forced to close as a result of the current economic climate, the Star reports. The … Continue reading: Wedding dress shop is claimed by recession » -
Cost of weddings falls in the UK, poll shows
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… Continue reading: Cost of weddings falls in the UK, poll shows » -
Diana's gown is 'the perfect wedding dress'
Tying the knot and searching for the perfect wedding dress is a dream many women are likely to have had since they were little girls. And it seems that many of them know exactly the type of gown they would like if they could have take their pick from any celebrity. Research conducted by Living TV found that 42 per cent of women think the dress worn by Princess Diana when she married the Prince … Continue reading: Diana's gown is 'the perfect wedding dress' » -
Museum goes back in time to celebrate wartime weddings
One gallery is going back in time to show couples how weddings were done during wartime. The Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum is putting on a special event on Friday July 10th that will give people the chance to look back at weddings gone by, as well as quiz some experts. On hand to answer questions will be costume historian Gillian Stapleton and actress Lucy Adlington, the Worcester News … Continue reading: Museum goes back in time to celebrate wartime weddings » -
Newlyweds receive 24 toasters as wedding gifts
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… Continue reading: Newlyweds receive 24 toasters as wedding gifts » -
More couples 'combining weddings and honeymoons abroad'
It seems that more and more people are not just honeymooning abroad, but saying their vows overseas as well. According to Weddings & Honeymoons Abroad, there is an increasingly trend for people to combine their nuptials and the romantic getaway afterward at the same location. The firms believes that the overseas weddings industry is not one adversely affected by the recession as it claims p… Continue reading: More couples 'combining weddings and honeymoons abroad' » -
Top tips on finding the perfect recession wedding dress
With money tight for many people during the current economic downturn, brides-to-be are being urged to do some research before buying their wedding dress. The Baltimore Sun advises women to read up on the gowns so that they know they are getting good quality for their money. They should check that seams are sewn professionally and high-quality materials are used – after all, it is no good … Continue reading: Top tips on finding the perfect recession wedding dress » -
Bride adds a splash of colour with a decorating-themed wedding
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. … Continue reading: Bride adds a splash of colour with a decorating-themed wedding » -
Newlyweds 'opting for short honeymoons'
British newlyweds are shunning traditional two-week honeymoons in favour of shorter holidays, it has been revealed. A survey by Hotels.com found that three-quarters (77 per cent) of couples intend to take a post-wedding break lasting less than two weeks. Almost a third (30 per cent) plan to spend a week or less on holiday. Of those polled, 74 per cent blamed financial constraints for the lengt… Continue reading: Newlyweds 'opting for short honeymoons' » -
Consider Mauritius as the perfect honeymoon destination
Mauritius has been tipped as an ideal location for newlyweds as it has "everything they could possibly want" on their honeymoon. Airworld Tours explains that it is a popular destination as it has beaches, beautiful scenery and a warm climate for new husbands and wives to enjoy. It also has a rich and varied culture "infused with Portuguese, Chinese, Indian and other elements"… Continue reading: Consider Mauritius as the perfect honeymoon destination » -
Preen yourself to perfection before the big day
A trip to the beauty salon may be just the thing every bride needs before her big day. Although stressful elements of a wedding such as planning the reception, entertainment and seating arrangements can be done far in advance, the final pampering is a last-minute job. Therefore, the Times recommends a visit to a spa or beauty salon to get a pre-wedding preen that is likely to make every bride-t… Continue reading: Preen yourself to perfection before the big day » -
Are wedding bells to chime for Kate Moss?
It seems as though wedding bells could be in the air for Kate Moss, if recently published photographs are telling the whole story. Pictures show that the model, 35, has been out and about visiting the designer shops of Paris with boyfriend Jamie Hince. This in itself is not unusual, but the thing of note is the diamond ring that has been spotted sparkling on Kate's finger. A source stated: &qu… Continue reading: Are wedding bells to chime for Kate Moss? »