West Weddings

Spring West Weddings is now out!

2012-02-17T15:31:00.001Z

It may be grey outside but spring is definitely on the way. And with this in mind, the spring edition of West Weddings is full of gorgeous articles and features inspired by sunshine, macaroons, flowers and other such lovely things.

Our real weddings features ceremonies in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Bristol; we take a look at new gowns from Ian Stuart, Mark Lesley, Essense, Kate Sherford and Justin Alexander; we look at cufflinks for men; and Sharon Diamond gives us her take on this season's trends.

Our cover shoot took place at The Grange in Winterbourne, which was a beautiful setting for our fab frocks from new bridal shop Allison Jayne and gorgeous groom's attire from Anne Harding.

You can pick up West Weddings for free in a number of places across the South West, as well as being able to access it online at www.west-weddings.co.uk. Happy reading!

Guild of Professional Wedding Services fair

2012-02-01T14:45:00.002Z

Calling all brides and grooms! The Guild of Professional Wedding Services' spring wedding fair will be held at Old Down Manor in Tockington, Bristol, on Sunday 19th February 2012.

As you can see from their website, this beautiful venue perfectly sets the scene for the fair.

As a Guild member, Old Down Manor will be joined by 25+ Guild members on the day and will be opening its doors to the sounds of Bath Spa String Quartet playing on the staircase, with sparkling wine or soft drinks available for all couples as they arrive and food available in the cafe for those that get hungry!

Workshops and demonstrations will be held throughout the day incorporating bridal hair by Milano's and bridal makeup by B-Lush, with a wonderful selection of wedding dresses and bridesmaids attire from Bride at Home plus menswear from The Original Mobile Menswear.

The ceremony room will be filled with Guild members and Old Down Manor will also display a civil wedding set-up for all those wishing to get married at the venue to get a feel of what it would look like.

Wedding cars will be on show at the entrance to Old Down with flowers by Jacaranda, Bus Station Florists and Tiger Lily. Photography will be represented by Aston Hue Photography, Studiowise Photography, Simon Barnes Photography and Photography by Sarah Cameron.

Chair covers, balloons, chocolate fountains, stationery, a dove releasing company and many more will also be on hand to discuss all your wedding requirements.

All this is completely free with the fayre open from 11am until 3pm. For more information, please visit the Guild's site.

Twinkle, twinkle

2012-01-20T15:11:00.001Z

We here at West Weddings are a bit like magpies. We love bright, sparkly, pretty things, which is why we love new specialist boutique Bridezillas.

For brides searching for the perfect accessories, Bridezillas is definitely set to become your new favourite shop. With tiaras, jewellery, shoes, gifts and more on offer, this bridal emporium is full to the brim of beautiful trimmings to make your day even more special.

Bridezillas is the brainchild of Amanda Davis-Harrison and came about after she was making arrangements for her own wedding. “I spent far too much time trekking around department stores, high street shops and searching the internet for the right accessories. It was then that my dream of Bridezillas was born. I want to give brides a wonderful experience and provide them with somewhere they can bring their maid of honour and bridesmaids to relax, have fun and take time to try on and choose their accessories,” says Amanda. And Bridezillas provides just that. For the full special experience, brides can even book a VIP appointment and benefit from having the entire shop to themselves and the undivided attention of Amanda and her capable staff. We love the idea of having the time and privacy to browse to your heart's desire - a great way to ensure you end up with just the right accessories.

Bridezillas is found in Keynsham, ideally placed between Bath and Bristol. Stocking designers such as Amanda Wyatt, Ivory & Co and Fifi, you'll definitely find something to treat yourself with!

Local Wedding Network Group Offers One Stop Shop to Brides to Be

2012-01-05T13:31:00.000Z

Daunted by the prospect of organising your forthcoming wedding? Not sure who to contact? Want a recommendation on a local supplier?

A group of local wedding suppliers and Reverend Andy Bryant of St Peter’s and St Nicholas’ Churches have joined forces to form the Portishead Wedding Network. Chairperson Georgina Hunter, wedding planner at Inspiral Parties says, “Planning your own wedding is time consuming and stressful. It can take hundreds of hours to organise and then there is the added worry that suppliers won’t deliver.The aim of Portishead Wedding Network is to help take the stress out of organising the big day. Couples can waste arduous hours in front of the computer researching venues, bridal shops, florists, cars, planners, photographers and other suppliers and do not often realise that there are many top quality suppliers right here in their local area.”

At Portishead Wedding Network all new members are vetted and have been recommended and invited to join by other group members who have previously worked together. Vice Chair, Jo Ashman of Jo Ashman Weddings comments “Our group offers reassurance to couples that its members will provide a quality service so the couples can relax and enjoy their special day. Our members offer a personal approachable service with honesty and integrity being of the upmost importance.” There are a maximum of three suppliers for each type of business and it is proving so popular that there is even a waiting list for some suppliers to join!

The Portishead Wedding Network is open to any wedding suppliers within the local area. "We are always looking for new members to join our growing Network,” says founder member and Secretary, Joanna Brown of Katherine Jo Bridal Design. “Portishead Wedding Network offers couples a full range of wedding services from dresses to venues.”

Portishead Wedding Network will be holding its first wedding fayre for all future wedding couples from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 25 February 2012 at St Peter’s Church, Church Road in Portishead. There will be live fashion shows at 12pm and 2.30pm. Entry is FREE and each bride will receive a complimentary goody bag and a copy of the spring edition of West Weddings.

If you are a supplier to the wedding industry and would like to exhibit at the fayre, there are a few stands remaining. Please telephone 07775 783059 or 01275 846270 or alternatively email your contact details to info@inspiralparties.com and one of the members will contact you.

Brides can find the list of members at www.pwnweddings.co.uk

Grooming the groom

2011-11-28T10:39:00.001Z

Although on these pages we tend to focus on the bride, we like to consider the men from time to time. After all, they take centre stage on their wedding day too. So with this in mind, West Weddings went in search of tips to ensure your groom looks as groomed as he can be...

Don't worry, we’re not necessarily advocating that you start using ‘guyliner’ or foundation (although more power to you if you do want to give these a go), but in the run up to your wedding, it’s definitely time to get groomed.

Kate Moss checks the quality of Jamie HInce's grooming on their wedding day

Starting at the top, make sure that your hair is at its best. Bristol barbers RSR are experts when it comes to making grooms look good. Owner and lead stylist Rachael has been at the razor’s edge of men’s grooming for 15 years, and has a wealth of ideas for men wanting to rock a stylish haircut on their wedding day.

“It’s fashionable at the moment for men to not look overly styled,” says Rachael. “The most popular cut is a short back and sides but longer on top, similar to the way men wore their hair in the 1940s. The main difference nowadays is the products. Dry and matte waxes and creams create texture and movement but without looking overly wet or greasy.” Rachael recommends American Crew Fiber wax or Fudge Matte Hed texture paste.

For your wedding haircut, preparation is key. Rachael advises coming in a week to ten days before the wedding for a cut. “It takes about three days for hair to settle down,” she says. “So you want to make sure that you give it enough time for any sharp edges to soften.” RSR can also wash and style your hair on the day, ensuring that your new cut is shown off to its full advantage.

When it comes to your skin, don’t think that moisturiser is just for your bride - men’s skin needs as just as much care as women’s. There are lots of products on the market now that are designed specifically for you, with big names such as Nivea and L’Oreal creating whole ranges based on the specific needs of men’s skin. If exfoliator and eye roll-on gel seem a bit too much effort, however, at least take the time to use moisturiser on a daily basis to ensure your skin looks smooth and in tip-top condition for the photographs.

If the thought of walking into a shop and buying male moisturiser causes you to shudder with horror, a more cunning option is to buy a cream that both you and your new wife can use. Eternal Skincare’s aloe super hydrating moisturiser is unscented, meaning it’s suitable for both men and women. It also multitasks as a face cream, body moisturiser, after sun and massage lotion, so you’ll have more room in the suitcase when you go away on honeymoon.

Eternal Skincare's aloe cream is a clever multi-tasker

A visit to a spa is also an option for some body TLC – after all, why should pampering be just for the ladies? Robin James Aveda spa in Bristol offers a number of treatments tailored specifically for men. These range from stress-relieving massages and facials to more adventurous options including eyebrow shaping, manicures and pedicures. There is even a back and chest wax for those of you who can handle the pain! Robin James also has a ‘groomsmen’ package, which combines a number of treatments for you and your best men plus lunch or afternoon tea and champagne. This is the perfect chance to relax and unwind before the big day.

You’ll be looking at your wedding photos for years to come so it’s definitely worth investing some time and effort into your appearance. After all, your wedding suit might date but a good hairstyle and clear skin never go out of fashion.

Pretty pieces for your home

2011-11-08T14:39:00.000Z

Need a gift for the married couple? Want a gift for yourself? Take a look at these wooden wonders.

Etsy. We simply have to stop meeting like this. I like you, I do, but I have commitments, bills, rent, cat food. I can't see you anymore... well... maybe just once more. Or twice.

All of the items for sale at Uncommon Handmade are to die for. I love woody, crafty items and what is really drawing me to these is the almost unfinished quality. Take this chandelier for example, it's available in plain wood (arguably pretty in it's own right) and pre-painted. For all of you out there with itchy fingers this means you can decorate your own pretty chandelier.Wedding reception decor anyone?

Costing just over £35 (and that's before the postage from the USA) it is not a cheap option. But there is something incredibly fun about it. I cannot help but picture grooms with rolled up shirt sleeves, open fires and a thick, cosy rug to cuddle down on. Heaven!

Not all of their products evoke such a woodsy setting though - some are positively sun kissed. So if you're suffering from some seasonal blues, feast your eyes on these...

Tangerine wall clock £23, Bamboo doily clock £20,

Mini fridge magnets £6

These would make lovely gifts for a new couple or even just for yourself. So why not treat somebody special?

Hannah xxx

Pretty wedding confetti

2011-11-01T14:23:00.000Z

I love books. I love vintage. Confetti, well, I don’t dislike it... especially when it combines all three of these lovely things.

Taking a stroll through Etsy led me to these pretty confetti packets. The lovely lady behind Scrap Shoppe is a self-confessed diet coke drinker, chocolate eater and lover of all things pretty.

Prices vary depending on the shape, paper and quantity. The maple leaves cost approx. £9.62 for 365 and are about an inch in size. Not being a confetti aficionado I could not tell you how far this will go but I CAN tell you that using these super sweet leaves, birds, butterflies or hearts will make any table display extra lovely (I’ve said love/lovely far too many times).

Am I right? Are these pretty? YES!

Hannah xxx

P.S For anyone crafty (who wouldn't start sobbing at the thought of cutting up books) why not have a go yourself? Pop to a craft shop, pick up a shaped hole punch and away you go!

West Weddings Winter 2011 out soon!

2011-10-25T14:30:00.000+01:00

West Weddings Winter 2011 is out next month. To wet your appetite here’s a sneaky peak at what to expect inside: Keep your eyes peeled for our beautiful shoot at Cadbury House with modern and vintage styling (spot the oxymoron readers). We have a feature on pregnant brides, the infamous best man speech and reception entertainers.

Lily Allen looked stunning in her vintage inspired wedding outfit

and the cast of Sex and the City look fab for Miranda's big day.

But what will our verdict be?

Both Lily Allen and Sarah Jessica Parker are cropping up in the’ What’s Hot and What’s Not’ feature this edition. But who’s is hot and who’s cooling faster than an unattended bath?

Find out next month!

Hannah xxx

A sense of place

2011-10-19T13:32:00.000+01:00

Couples are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions in the West Country. With stately homes and castles, boats and barns, and even a planetarium, it can be hard deciding what to choose for your wedding day. So because we’re nice like that, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best venues in the area to help you make your decision. Sit back, put your feet up, grab a cup of tea and read on…

Park life

Set in 90 acres of rolling green countryside, the newly renovated 16th century country estate of Ellenborough Park is the very picture of a romantic English country house, with its centuries of history, stately limestone architecture, detailed Tudor-style interior and sumptuous furnishings.

There are several places within the grounds where vows can be exchanged, from the beautifully carved sandstone gazebo to the Ellenborough Gallery with its lofty ceilings, glass fronted balcony with tiered seating and original arched windows.

For couples needing to unwind before the big day, the hotel’s onsite spa offers a range of treatments, as well as bespoke wedding make-up and hair services for the wedding day itself.

Tudor treasure

Looking for the wow factor? With its magnificent medieval architecture, impressive Tudor Hall, luxurious bedrooms and walled gardens, Thornbury Castle certainly has this in spades.
If you’re a foodie, the castle has an excellent pedigree when it comes to food and has won many prestigious awards over the years. Head chef Mark Veale uses locally-sourced, seasonal produce for his modern British menu, and will create a delicious wedding breakfast for you and your guests to enjoy.

After the ceremony couples can choose to stay in a variety of luxurious bedchambers including the Duke’s Bedchamber, where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn once slept and which features an impressive antique four-poster, an open fire and a freestanding bathtub. Or you could opt to spend your first night as a married couple in the Woodstock with its arrow slit windows and secret bathroom.

Bathing in elegance

A visual reminder of Bath’s rich history, Bath’s Historic Buildings are perfect for couples who are inspired by architecture and elegance - or for those who secretly want to be in the pages of a Jane Austen novel for the day. The complex provides a number of venues licensed for civil ceremonies. The Assembly Rooms can offer couples the choice of the Grand Ballroom or the unique Octagon - one of the most popular venues in Bath for civil ceremonies. Or, for something a little different, how about a torch lit ceremony next to the steaming waters of the Roman Baths?

For receptions, you’re equally spoilt for choice. The range of rooms available means Bath’s Historic Buildings can cater for guests ranging from 20 to 300. Go on, unleash your inner Elizabeth and Mr Darcy…

Sweetness and light

Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, set in beautiful North Somerset countryside, provides a fantastic mix of traditional and modern for your wedding day. Couples can enjoy luxury surroundings with stunning views and locations for wedding photos, as well as dedicated staff to make the day memorable.
The hotel can cater for large or small marital celebrations from wedding ceremonies to wedding receptions and evening celebrations. It’s licensed to hold civil marriage ceremonies and same gender commitment ceremonies any day of the week and has a number of rooms available for this. Our favourite is the outdoors thatched gazebo, with its spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside. The beautiful lake and garden will also provide a great backdrop for your photos – as will the hotel’s lifesize fibreglass cow!

Courting luxury

Sometimes it seems that venues are just made for weddings, and that’s certainly true of Tortworth Court. Lords, knights and dukes all played their part in weaving a rich historical fabric into the building, and today the house is a combination of Victorian splendour and contemporary luxury ideal for weddings.

Tortworth Court has a number of rooms licensed for civil ceremonies and can cater for a range of different-sized receptions. Choose from the grandeur of Moreton’s Library, steeped in character and tradition, or the sublime Orangery with its ornate glass panels. The newly-refurbished Westminster Suite is ideal for larger weddings, or a marquee can also be erected in the grounds, perfect for those mellow summer days.

Fairytale ending

If you dream of being a princess for the day, Berkeley Castle is the venue for you. Made from warm pink stone that glows softly in the sunset, it is intimate in scale, with uneven battlements, small towers and arched doors.

The castle is licensed to hold civil wedding and civil partnership ceremonies in six of the public rooms. In order to ensure exclusivity for couples, the facility is closed to the public on Fridays and Saturdays.

Winter weddings are particularly romantic there, with real fires in the Great Hall and the Long Drawing Room offering a special welcome and atmosphere on a frosty afternoon. Throughout the spring and summer, meanwhile, the gardens and grounds are a stunning backdrop for photographs, which include the Elizabethan terraces, the ornamental lily pond with high-jet fountain (originally the eighth Earl’s swimming pool!) and the mature pine and yew trees surrounding the lawns.

A day at the races

Imagine having a wedding with stunning views across the beautiful Bath countryside. Well, that can be yours at Bath Racecourse, where an exquisite backdrop provides the perfect setting to celebrate your marriage.

Bath Racecourse can cater for every type of wedding, from large wedding receptions to more intimate celebrations. It is also fully licensed for civil weddings and partnership ceremonies, so can accommodate you from ceremony to wedding breakfast through to reception. With a capacity of up to 500, the racecourse is also becoming a popular venue for Asian weddings.

A dedicated event organiser will be with you from start to finish, assisting with preparations, so you can be sure that your wedding will be a runaway success.

Sweeping statement

If a city wedding in the heart of the heritage city of Bath is what you’re after, then look no further than the Royal Crescent Hotel. Sitting in the impressive sweep of Bath’s premier street, the unique character of this hotel makes it an ideal setting for a wedding. Licensed for weddings and civil partnership ceremonies, the property offers an impressive number of elegant rooms in which to mark the occasion.
Set within an acre of grounds and gardens, the hotel can offer award-winning dining as well as the unique Bath House Spa, in-house floristry and the Lady Sophina, a beautiful vintage Thames river launch for private charter - perfect for a post-wedding boat party.

Inn fashion

The Holiday Inn Bristol Filton is an ideal location for a Bristol wedding. It is conveniently located near the M4 motorway and Bristol Airport, yet has beautifully tranquil grounds that form the perfect backdrop for your day.

Holiday Inn Bristol Filton is fully licensed to hold civil ceremonies for up to 280 guests in its bright function rooms. The team of experienced hotel wedding coordinators are dedicated to helping with your arrangements and can advise on all elements of the special day to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Enter your wedding ceremony in style with a red carpet on arrival while the services of your wedding host will keep arrangements running to time. Family and friends are also well looked after with discounts available for their accommodation. And with bespoke wedding packages starting from just £999, this venue is as affordable as it is stylish.

To the manor born

Nestled alongside Castle Combe village in the wooded Bybrook Valley, the Manor House Hotel and Golf Club offers two choices of venues for couples looking to get married in this idyllic Cotswolds spot.

The 14^th century manor house is one of the most romantic destinations in the South West to celebrate your marriage and is licensed for ceremonies. For those who like the outdoors, the garden pavilion, which incorporates fluted columns and ornate intricate patterned panels on an octagonal floor plan, is perfect for an outside wedding reception.

Next to the hotel is The Clubhouse, which boasts contemporary décor, breathtaking views of the wooded valley and its own lake – wonderful for the photographs.

This article was written by Helen and first appeared in West Weddings' sister publication Folio, a monthly magazine celebrating the best in Bristol and Bath. Folio publishes a wedding guide twice a year, so keep an eye out for the next one in Spring 2012.

A gem of an idea

2011-10-12T13:11:00.000+01:00

Marilyn Monroe sang that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and ever since the deBeers advert campaigns of the 1930s, diamonds have been the favoured stone for engagement rings. If you’d like something a little different, however, there are lots of other gemstones available for those wanting to rock the non-diamond look. The list of alternative stones to diamonds is endless, ranging from the better-known rubies, emeralds, pearls and sapphires to semi-precious stones such as tourmalines, moonstones, topazes and peridots.

Aquamarine ring from Diana Porter

One beautiful alternative to diamonds is aquamarine; with its light blue colour and subtle sparkle it is becoming increasingly popular. Diana Porter, the jewellers on Bristol’s Park Street, sells a 9-carat white gold ring set with a princes cut aquamarine (pictured), and with prices for this starting at £600, it can be a much more affordable option than a diamond. Another idea for a less-expensive yet still beautiful stone is to use spinels, which are a type of gemstone that closely resemble more expensive rubies. If you like the rich red hue of a ruby but don’t have a budget to accommodate this, then a spinel can be a much more affordable alternative.

Clare Chandler, who runs Bristol jewellers Clifton Rocks, uses a range of stones in her work. One of her latest pieces was an unusual stack ring that used the customer’s own gold and featured sapphires, aquamarine and amethyst. Clare says: “I have had people using this style of wedding ring to represent them and their children's birthstones.” By selecting an engagement ring that features a stone personal to you in this way, you’ve instantly made it a talking point!

Stack ring from Clifton Rocks

You can take this a step further and have your engagement ring made as a one-off design especially for you, which is a great way to ensure that you can customise it exactly the way you want. "I can source any stone that the customers requires," says Julie Anne Palmer, who specialises in bespoke jewellery. "I will work with the customer through the making process to ensure the ring is exactly as they wanted." And as John Titcombe Jewellers say, who also offer a bespoke service, "the designs are only limited by your imagination!"

In this era of thrift and vintage, there is always the option of refashioning an heirloom piece to create something new. Perhaps you have a ring from a family member that doesn’t suit you, or an old brooch that you don’t wear any more. Diana Porter recently made a tourmaline ring for a customer who wanted to put a gemstone to good use. “The tourmaline stone was a customer’s own, which is a wonderful way to keep an heirloom yet have a contemporary design that suits the customer.”

When it comes to wedding bands, gold and platinum have certainly dominated the market for quite some time, but recently couples have started looking for alternative metals and designs. One metal that is becoming popular is palladium, which is from the same group of metals as platinum but with the added bonus of being cheaper than its more expensive cousin. Clare has certainly seen an increase in the use of palladium. “We sell a palladium slate ring which has been really popular for men buying a wedding band.” This trend has also been seen at Diana Porter. “Palladium is great alternative to traditional metals of gold and platinum. Its silvery colour is close to that of platinum but is lightweight and more affordable.” Another option is zirconium, a grey-white metal that Julie Anne has used for wedding bands and which can be grooved to create an unusual texture.

Palladium ring from Clifton Rocks

Grooved zirconium ring from Julie Anne Palmer

As well as an alternative metal for wedding bands, there are other ways you can personalise your wedding band so it’s unique to you. Diana Porter is well known for her etching and customers are utilising this by having their own words etched around rings. This can be great for a wedding ring, with the date of the wedding picked out in Roman numerals – simple yet beautiful.

Maybe it’s time to rewrite that song…

This article first appeared in West Weddings' sister publication Folio, a monthly magazine celebrating the best of Bristol and Bath. Folio publishes a wedding guide every six months, so keep an eye out for the next one in Spring 2012.

Creating the wow factor

2011-10-10T13:18:00.001+01:00

So it’s time to shop for the dress. That’s right. The big one. The one everybody is asking about. Your wedding dress. But with so many styles and so many fabrics, the world of wedding couture can often be an overwhelming one. Luckily, the sheer number of styles out there means you have the freedom to express yourself and show a little of that great personality. Go on, be brave!

With vintage refusing to budge, it would be easy to think that the only options a bride has these days were short dresses with a full skirt and nipped-in waist, but if the thought of a beehive barnet and pillar-box red lipstick have you quaking in your boots, the retro trend is not compulsory.

“Brides don’t want to be bland any more,” says Carina from Carina Baverstock Couture. “Today's bride wants to express her uniqueness and personality and, above all, ‘relaxed elegance’. Gowns are less structured than, say, five years ago; these dresses now appear stiff, awkward and unnatural. Brides want pure lines enhanced by good cut tailoring. Simplicity is the keyword – think Pippa Middleton – with stunning embellishments of feathers or Chantilly lace. Colour is changing dramatically from classic ivory to soft hues of honey, golden champagne and moonlight silvers – fabulous for pale English complexions.”

If you’re a Kate and not a Pippa (sorry but we’re still not over THAT dress), then think lace and classic lines. Kate’s skirt was full but by no means gypsy wedding size, so don’t be put off by acres of material. In order to achieve some shape to the skirt why not pile the pleats on the back and rock a bustle? That’s what Kate did and the narrower silhouette would also work well with a longer train and veil.

If flowers are your forte, then blousy blooms and floral hairpieces are for you. Designer Claire Pettibone (available through Carina Baverstock Couture) uses flowers in many of her designs with a 70s-inspired print, floral embroidery or a statement corsage.

Claire Pettibone Mystere dress

But if vintage really does have you salivating quicker than a slice of cake, don’t be afraid to go for it. With celebrities such as Lily Allen and Kate Moss giving vintage the nod of approval, it’s sure to be a favourite style for brides this autumn. All you need to do is pick a period; they’re all there from floor-sweeping silks to feather-trimmed micro minis or full skirts and bows. For the full effect match hair and make-up to the decade of the dress, or add a contemporary edge by matching it with something ultra sleek and modern. Designers such as Matthew Williamson and Jenny Packham (also available through Carina Baverstock Couture) have pulled influence from the past to create their latest collections.

Regardless of what style you go for, there’s always something about having a dress that has been designed with you in mind and with you making changes to it along the way. If you can find a designer who understands exactly what you’re looking for, then you’re onto a winner. Alison Miles, a wedding dress designer, is adamant that a bespoke gown is the way to go. “Brides are always looking for good value and having a dress made to measure can represent excellent value. Made to measure means made to flatter. The fabrics used are often of much better quality, which give a wonderfully rich look. High-quality craftsmanship means strapless dresses don’t slip down and individually made inner corsetry is very comfortable to wear. The level of service is often much higher and fittings can be arranged outside normal working hours to make life easier for a busy bride. The designer will often dress the bride on the wedding day to ensure ‘the look’ is exactly as the bride and designer had planned.”

An Alison Miles bespoke dress

When choosing the fabric for your dress Alison recommends softer, more romantic materials, which are popular at the moment. “Pearls and rhinestones being used alongside soft, flowing fabrics such as tulle, organza and soft crepe satin. Lace is popular but as part of a dress, rather than all over, as lace can be very expensive. Texture is increasingly important, with ruching and pleating swathing the figure then falling away into extravagant trains. It can also be added with flowers scattered onto the dress – over the skirt or shoulder.”

Alison is also a firm advocate for wedding dresses with sleeves. Not only do they leave brides free to dance without the fear of a dancefloor wardrobe malfunction, they provide cover up in the cooler autumn months. Alison says: “Fewer dresses that I make are completely strapless, with many now having cap sleeves or shoulder coverings in lace, chiffon or georgette.”

Whether it’s floral bohemia, Royal-influenced or a full-out vintage treasure, the important thing is that you love your dress. There’s something to be said for a bride wearing something that really means something to her. Don’t be swayed by what you think you should wear. It can be hard at times if someone else is paying for the dress or suggests styles you wouldn’t necessarily go for but, as Carina says, brides can afford to be a little more daring these days – you can too.

This article was written by Hannah and first appeared in West Weddings's sister publication Folio, a monthly magazine celebrating the best of Bristol and Bath. Folio publishes a wedding guide twice a year, so keep an eye out for the next edition in Spring 2012.

2011-10-07T13:13:00.000+01:00

For those of you who know The Little Wedding Helper, I love weddings that look & feel a little different - weddings that step outside the box.

http://www.greenweddingshoes.com/

When I came across these chair decorations I instantly loved them. Chair ribbons are an amazing alternative to chair covers and sashes; which are still very popular but not a decoration that all couples want. By simply looping ribbon on the back of a chair you can create a breathtaking look that combines colour and movement to your reception.

They're perfect for the DIY bride and with a few simple measurements, to cut the ribbon to the correct length, the sky really is the limit when it comes to colour combinations. I love the simplicity of this decoration.

It will add style to your reception but would also look fab at any other celebration you may be wanting to make that extra bit special.

http://www.emmalinebride.com/

Kirsten is a venue stylist and runs her own business The Little Wedding Helper. To discuss how she can help make your special day as fabulous as possible visit her website and get in touch.

Hannah adds: There are plenty of haberdasheries around so you shouldn't be hard pushed to find a good supply of ribbon near you. If you are struggling to find the style or colour you want then why not check out these handy websites: Josy Rose, Not On The Highstreet and Fantastic Ribbons. Why not try ribbon with a printed detail? You could have the names of the bride and groom printed along it's length, the date of the wedding or even memorable quotes that inspire you. Guests could take a length home with them as a keepsake of the day.

This printed ribbon is from TheLonelyHeart on Etsy.

Enjoy xxx

Intimate baby shower at Goldbrick House

2011-10-02T11:10:00.001+01:00

Not to scare any brides out there but sometimes, just sometimes, you have a baby. And so I didn't think it would be too out of place to share the baby shower I threw for my future-sister-in-law the other week at the gorgeous Goldbrick House.

I knew that Elly loves vintage crockery so was keen to get Ali Cook from Bristol Vintage on board as soon as possible. They have a range of options for brides wanting to include beautiful crockery for their special day, without having to find and store it yourself. My person favourite is the high tea package which has everything you need for a summery celebration; it even includes scones and cupcakes.

The other thing I knew needed including were sweets. And lots of them! Elly has a major sweet tooth and loved the idea of having a candy buffet. As an extra special treat I asked Steph of How2IDo to put together some tasty treats for the guests. Steph recently started putting her candy buffets and will match the ribbons, the dishes and the colour of the sweets to the theme of your big day. Because our theme was bright colours (not so much of a theme, I know) she made sure her corner of the table was just as colourful. But here's another thing; Elly and most of her family are vegetarian so Steph went above and beyond to make sure as many of the sweets were vegetarian friendly. All but two were and they were clearly marked so we had absolutely no problems. Perfection.

We put together goody bags for the guests. I ordered bags that matched the colour theme, and paper clipped a thank you note to the front. The bags included a copy of a Beatrix Potter book, a ginger biscuit made by Elly and a copy her baby scan.

Because I was so busy running around on the day I completely forgot to take better pictures of The Library, the room we used at Goldbrick House. Unlike a lot of venues you do not pay to hire the room and pay for the bar on top, there is simply a deposit paid before the event and a minimum bar spend which varies depending on the time of day. We arranged to have hot and cold drinks so a coffee and tea table was set up in one corner, a small bar in the other, larger tables for the food and a small table for gifts. The space is pretty, bright and tucked away from the rest of the venue so you really feel like the space is yours.

The pictures aren't brilliant but I just had to share them. The shower was a triumph and it was all thanks to local Bristol businesses coming together and making it happen.

Enjoy the sunshine,

Hannah xxx

Win your dream wedding...

2011-09-26T16:17:00.002+01:00

Win your dream wedding and honeymoon while raising money for a fantastic cause as well!

Wedding planner Snapdragon Weddings is offering one lucky couple a wedding at Bailbrook House in Bath on the 17th of June 2012, with a value of over £20,000. All you need to do is buy a £5 ticket for their charity raffle. All proceeds will pay for equipment at the new Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit for premature babies at Bath Royal United Hospital. Top wedding suppliers from the area have kindly donated their products and services for free.