A Norfolk Selection-Top Venues Across Norfolk...

Today I'm going to show you some of my favourite Norfolk wedding Venues.
Hopefully some you may not of seen before,
Some venues often get thrown aside as they are to look at nothing special, but what waits inside could be your dream wedding....

Drayton Old lodge.
Drayton Old Lodge is a stunning Edwardian Country Manor. Situated in 10 acres of wooded grounds, the Old Lodge can offer you complete sole use for your wedding. Their attention to detail and impeccable standards set them apart from other venues.
They have a marquee which is linked to the main building and can accommodate for up to 200 guests. They are licensed to hold Civil Ceremony's and Civil Partnerships. Their lounge holds up to 80 guests for your ceremony.
Drayton Old Lodge pride themselves on the very best cuisine and can provide Hog roasts to BBQ'S and sit downs to buffets through to a 7 course dining experience.
To arrange a viewing and please call 01603861600.

LOOK OUT FOR THE NORFOLK BRIDES WEDDING SHOW AT DRAYTON OLD LODGE ON 7TH OCTOBER 2012.

Back To The Garden
Back to the Garden is situated in Letheringsett, just outside the historic town of Holt. They are home to a beautiful barn and restaurant that is a fantastic venue for all your pre and post wedding celebrations.
They offer a bespoke service, so if you are looking for a cold or hot buffet, a full sit down meal or a BBQ in outstanding gardens, then they can accommodate you.
On that special day itself, they have an outside catering team, (Astley Events Catering), to ensure your day goes without a hitch. Voewood is an outstanding venue, offering sheer beauty and all that a bride dreams of on one of the most important days of her life.
To arrange a meeting with their specialist team, please call Rob on 01263 715996 or email rob@back-to-the-garden.co.uk

I know what you thinking mmmmmmmm !!
However Banham Zoo offers excellent facilities, high standards of service and a professional functions team making them the ideal choice for a WOW wedding! The Zoo's has 35 acres of lush wooded grounds, and is home to some of the world's most endangered species!

The Zoo has several function rooms suitable for any occasion, and their dedicated functions team offers a one-to one planning service so you can feel confident that your every need is catered for.

They have a stunning oak-beamed Ceremony Room is licensed to hold civil ceremonies, which is tastefully decorated with open-timbered ceilings and can seat up to 70 guests.

And whats more exciting than a traditional carriage pulled by a pair of Banham Zoo's magnificent Heavy Horses or, if you are looking for something a little different, Included in the package, or why not book a live animal encounter for you and your guests!

Getting married at Banham Zoo is certainly offers a wedding to remember, due to its unique and fun setting, not to mention that any income raised from the wedding goes directly towards the care and welfare of the animals in our care and critically endangered animals worldwide.

To find out more about weddings at Banham Zoo, call 01953715318

For another wild factor wedding venue try Great Yarmouth Racecourses!

You can choose to have your wedding in either the Lord Nelson Grandstand or one of their marquees. Their wedding package can include:

• Suite set-up, tailored to suit your requirements
• Use of outdoor patio and lawn areas
• Wedding Exclusivity
• Dance Floor
• PA System
• Free Parking
• On-Site Wedding Co-ordinate to assist with planning and on call for the duration of your day

Their wedding Breakfast packages can be tailored to suite your needs depending on your requirements and budget. If you would like an example of their menu’s please contact their Wedding Co-coordinator, Jan Cooper, on 01493 845554, who will be happy to discuss the specific requirements of your day.

If you are looking for something a little different or are a racing enthusiast, why not incorporate your favourite sport into your special day? Weddings or parties held on a race day give the added value of allowing your guests to be entertained by an afternoon or evening of exciting racing.

Weston Park is located in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, Weston Park sits within a tranquil environment of glorious park and woodland and with its stunning gardens, architecture and history creating perfect backdrops for your wedding photography.

Weston Park can help with the early stages of planning right up to the big day, you'll find their staff are able to offer  advice on the running of the whole occasion, covering the little details such as floral arrangements or the larger decisions over choice of room, and wedding menus, which leaves you free to enjoy your special day.

The Ceremony Rooms include The Woodforde Room and the Panelled Room, which are both licensed to hold civil wedding ceremonies. The Woodforde Room on the first floor is beautifully beamed, light and airy with  a impressive views over beautiful parkland, and the Panelled Room on the ground floor with oak walls is full of character. Both will cater for small intimate gatherings or larger occasions. Bold or contemporary , you can decorate either room with your own theme making it your own.

   Their marquee has its own bar area and has space for up to 150 guests . The marquee is linked to the main house so your day can flow from ceremony to reception. On sunny days, your guests can relax on the private patio area overlooking the golf course, and as night comes you can enjoy the run of the house, including our oak-panelled room, lounge and bar areas where your evening entertainment can let you dance the night away. The main house can hold up to 250 guests in the evening.

At Weston Park you have sole use of the venue, so the staff can be totally on hand to ensure that you and your guests receive the personal service and attention they deserve.

Please call  01603 876314 to arrange your viewing today.

Caistor Hall is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens which makes it the perfect venue for your special day. They only allow one wedding a day so can guarantee that you and your guests will receive first class service and their full attention to ensure that your day is truly a day to remember. The Executive Chef is always on hand to discuss menus ideas and offer advice.
 The beautifully furnished function rooms have access to the gardens so your guests will be able to enjoy drinks  on the lawns during the warmer months. During those winter months guests can take coffee and liquors around the original fireplaces which sit in the function rooms and lounge area. Caistor Hall's marquee is situated within landscaped gardens and suitable for small and large weddings, from April to September. Caister hall also give the Bride and her new husband with a complimentary Four-Poster Suite with luxury Jacuzzi bathroom for the night of the wedding. Also included in their package is the use of a cake stand, cake knife, ring cushion, complimentary menu cards and table plan and they offer reduced accommodation rates for your wedding guests.
Caistor Hall is licensed for civil weddings and can comfortably accommodate up to 100 seated guests in Palm Court or up to 40 in the Garden Room for a wedding ceremony.
Caistor Hall Hotel are also licensed for civil partnerships and are pleased to offer wedding receptions for same sex couples.
Call them today to arrange a viewing on 01508 494998




Gissing Hall and its grounds offer a beautiful country setting in the heart of Norfolk.
Converted to a hotel by its present private owners, Gissing Hall gives the feel and charm of a country house, whilst providing guests with all the modern enjoyment of a hotel. The hall is surrounded by five acres of woodlands, lawns, old roses, trellising, croquet lawn and large expanse of ornamental water spanned by a bridge. which all give idle backdrops for excellent photographs.
  Gissing Hall has a  licensed ballroom, which is ideal for your civil ceremony formal but not stiff. Between the ceremony and your wedding breakfast in the splendid refurbished marquee, you and your guests can have drinks on the front lawn. Close to the ballroom is the morning room. This can be reserved for the bridal party as a base and as a retreat for peace and quiet.
 On offer is the spacious, gorgeous bridal suite. Which has a jacuzzi bathroom and its two large windows facing south over the gardens. Gissing Hall is licensed to perform civil ceremonies and civil partnerships.
 Please contact them for more details on 01379677291.

A Naughty Gift For Your Groom...

 Are you wondering what to get your groom on your big day?

 Cant find the right thing to show him how much you love him and a pair of cuff links just wont cut it ?

 Well consider how happy he would be when he opens up the most stunning picture of you he has ever seen!

Introducing Boudoir Photography By the amazing Rebecca Avis.

(This photo is of Rebecca and I think you will agree, as a mum of 5! she looks gorgeous!!)

Boudoir Photography is sensual and sexy. With the focus on making the woman feel as beautiful as possible. It's not about being in "perfect" shape, young or thin, But highlighting your best features
to create a beautiful shot.

Think of your grooms delight when he receives his secret little present on the morning of your wedding......
What could he want more then to see his bride to be looking happy, sexy and glamorous especially for him.

 Rebecca looks after the desires and fantasies of REAL people. She creates beautiful and sexy portraits which are designed to celebrate every body shape and age, Offering an exclusive, personal and Private  photography service, providing a posing and style guidance service by a female photographer.

 Providing a beautiful and classy yet still provocative gift for your partner.

How your shoot works.....
On your chosen day, you will arrive at a gorgeous hotel and be directed to your room. There waiting to greet you and put you at ease straight away will be Rebecca, the Hair stylist and the Make up Artist. This is a Woman ONLY zone.
Here you will be treated (this is an experience not just a photo shoot) You will get your hair and make up styled by professionals who will enhance your natural beauty.
As Rebecca's discusses what you would like from your shoot and what you have brought along with you.
From there she will help you get into positions which best show off your gorgeous figure and best assets whether that be your bum, eyes, waist etc and we will get some stunning shots that you will love.

Price Lists...

  £120.00 - Hair and Make up styling, Luxury room in a Hotel, 1hr photo shoot including two   changes with three edited pictures on a disc.

   £150.00 - Hair and Make up styling, luxury room in a Hotel, 1hr photo shoot including two changes with three edited pictures on a disc and one A4 print.

   £220.00 - Hair and Make up styling, Luxury room in a Hotel, 2hr photo shoot including four changes with all the pictures edited on a disc and one A4 print.

   £250.00 - Hair and Make up styling, Luxury room in a Hotel, 2hr photo shoot including four changes with a hard back photo book with up to 26 pictures in.

Catrina's Bridalwear- Mori Lee's Autumn Collection 2012.

Today I'm going to show you a new collection of bridal dresses that are coming soon to Catrinas Bridalwear in Gorleston Nr Great Yarmouth.

  Established in 2004, They are a friendly Professional run Bridal Wear shop. They stock some of the leading Designers in Bridal wear such as Mori Lee, Ronald Joyce, Victoria Jane, D'Zage, Kiss the Frog and Julietta (for the fuller figured bride).

  They also carry a large collection of Bridesmaid & prom dresses that come in a variety of colours. 

Catrinas, also offer evening appointments any evening during the week and also an interest free payment plan, to cater for all budgets,

 

 

Below are the pictures for Mori Lee's 2012 Autumn Collection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FREE WEDDING DRESS INSURANCE!

 As members of the British Bridal Retailers Association Catrina's give their brides extra confidence with their purchase knowing that they are part of a professional body.
  They are delighted to announce a new scheme which is now available to all our new brides. Brides can now buy their wedding attire from them, secure in the knowledge that it will automatically be covered up to £1000 from the date of purchase .Not only is their deposit protected but the free cover comes with the additional benefits of insurance against accidental damage/theft and financial failure of suppliers. AND did I mention its FREE!! They can offer this because they are official stockists of ALL their designers and because they are members of the British Bridal Retailers Association.

 

Evissa Weddings are proud to be associated with Catrina's Bridal wear.

 

To make a appointment to see the new collection please contact the store on 01493444544. Or pop in 82-83 High Street, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR316RQ for more information.

 

 

 

 

A Norwich Vintage Wedding....

This beautiful wedding was captured by the amazingly talanted Amy Lewin. Unbelievably it was her first solo wedding and quite obviously the first of many!

Emily and Scott Married at the Assembly House in Norwich Norfolk. A beautiful Venue situated in the heart of this historial City.
Amy really captured the heart of this wedding and with such a beautiful bride made it look effortless.

A ride in a vintage 60′s camper and also a tour of Norwich in a route master bus really set the tone of Emily & Scotts relaxed yet perfectly planned day before taking them to their evening reception at the Unthank Arms on Unthank Rd Norwich Norfolk.

Amy lewin Photography.  See our supplier of the month link for more info.

Martin and kayleigh

The wedding of Kayleigh and Martin took place on the 14th of April 2012, at Ipswich registry office.

Laird John Owen Meredith the couples photographer, from Mistley in Essex, took the couple to Christchurch Park in Ipswich where he took the couples photographs in the stunning grounds.

                                                      
The couple had a evening reception at St Clements Social Club, with balloons and a chocolate fountain supplied by Balloons Galore Suffolk www.balloonsgaloresuffolk.co.uk/

                                        
Congratulation's and all the best for the future.
xx

Photography supplied by

Laird John Owen Meredith
 Owner/Operator, Mallard Photography
2, Pleasent Place.
Beckford Road.
Mistley.
Essex.
CO11 1LE
Tel: 
www.mallardphotography.co.uk

A Royal Affair...

Well 2011 had a royal weddings and  2012 will have the first Diamond Jubilee in 115 years, so enjoy my fun ideas for a jubilee themed wedding.
                                                 

Red, White and blue...
The obvious colour theme for this is red, white and blue, maybe not the usual wedding favourites but a jubilee theme will bring colour and style to any wedding.

Attire...
You might want to choose a white dress instead of ivory, but Red has become increasingly popular for the bride's dress, you could add a trim to a  white or ivory dress with red or blue details, little jewels, motifs, tiny buttons will all look pretty or dramatic depending on the effect you may want to create. Or for something different choose red or blue as a contrasting colour for your shoes, jewellery, veil edging or even to line the dress and give a swish of colour beneath a full skirt. which would look amazing in photos,
   The bridesmaids offer the ideal way to insert some jubilee colour, either with bright dresses or softer stripes or patterns,use bold sash's for flower girls.
A tip for the guys to add a splash of colour is to use bold cuff links or a cheeky union jack bow tie!
                                                      
(dress from shortweddingdresses.co.uk)
Flowers...
Flowers are a real opportunities for using bold colours, all red, white and blue! or you try being a bit clever and choose flowers with a royal connection or name like Busy Lizzies, Sweet William (Kate's choice on the royal wedding 2011), or bold red roses.
                                                    
(flowers by smoothassilk.yolasite.com)
The decorations......
Recreate a village party theme with bunting, wooden chairs, long tables and vintage crockery or even Union Jack paper plates and cups for your evening hog roast/ fish 'n'chips or evening buffet. Use royal names for the tables so they have a Jubilee theme, maybe use royal palaces such as Sanderingham, Buckingham or former kings or queens or numbers relevant to the current Queen IE 1926, 1947, 1952, 2012 and so on.
Your wedding cake will make so many different opportunities, you can go right over the top or just include a few tiny hints using colours, motifs and models to develop the theme.  Different ribbons and toppers can add effect.
Your stationery is the first time your guests will see what the theme for your wedding will be. Try and make your own 'royal crest' using logo designers on-line.
                                        
Transport....
Wedding cars will bring memories to your day, look for companies that have blue or white cars with gorgeous red leather seats. Or for that London feel try hiring a vintage red London bus to carry your guests around in!

Candy buffets and candy trees are a hot trend for 2012 and are great for a tea party that you can add red, white and blue colours candy and sweets to.

Entertainment...
Walk down the aisle to music with a royal connections and if a photobooth is a must have item  ask them about a Union Jack backdrop or hats. A traditional Punch and Judy will bring that British feel and maybe if its a hot day hire out an ice cream bike serving blue red and yellow ice cream!

Weddings at home......

Ive been doing a lot of research about outside weddings and as those summer months are coming, I thought I would share with you a few helpful tips and advice I have put together, Outside weddings can be so personal and if you family have a big manor house or a view over the amazing English countryside then using what you have already got can be a big money saver... or maybe not ....
                                                      
There is something about about home weddings that makes them so special!  Maybe it’s that they’re a memory to a time when all family christmas's and birthday's were shared year after year under the same roof or, is it the choice of having the garden you’ve grown with and played in as a child? Whatever the reason, weddings in your own home are, well can be, simply incredible.

I'm going to show you that with a lot of DIY home weddings can be a beautiful setting for your big day and not only that but life long memories can be created.

 Although it may be more work (and more expensive) than you first thought, you won't regret saying your vows in the place that means the most to you. It's all about being prepared for what it takes to throw a wedding in your very own  home.
                                                        

You Need space to Say "I do"

Does your garden have enough space for all your guests? If not, you may need to start trimming the list.  If you plan to use a combination of indoor and outdoor space, remember that if the weather takes a turn for the worst, everyone will need to fit indoors. Will there be enough space indoors?  remember a ceremony room will need to have folding chairs with a wide enough space for an aisle,  The general size is six to ten square-feet of floor space per guest for row seating. Also remember your guests need somewhere to park.

You Can't Do It All Yourself

As you're so used to your home surroundings, consider hiring a wedding coordinator as they will give you a fresh perspective on the venue and what you can and cannot do. You may also need to hire people to help cover all the basics, for example, setting up, catering, waiters, cleaning up. Hiring a cleaning crew may be the best decision you'll make. In the days leading up to the wedding, the last thing you (or your parents) want to have to do is major housework..
                                                        

Make Your sure that you can marry at your home,

Make sure your wedding officiant will give you their blessing at your chosen location (some aren't able to perform the ceremony outside their place of worship because it's not recognised by the church). You'll want to give yourself plenty of time to find a licensed officiant who will do the honours.


Hiring out extra items.

You will need to hire out extra must have items, such as tables, chairs, dinnerware, napkins, table linens, place settings, a bar, portable loo's, and maybe a marquee/ti pee. Hire enough chairs so everyone can be seated for the ceremony. If you need more room for the reception, remove most of the chairs after the meal, keeping just enough around so half your guests can sit during the reception.
Another important item to consider is a generator, Most homes wouldn't be able to give you the extra amount of electricity needed and the last thing you need is the power to go when your caterers are cooking your meal. Have your vendors and suppliers come and visit your house so they can see what they have to work with on the day. Check that your ground space is level, remember if you intend to make an outside dance floor your need flat ground as well as the area for the cake or you could end up having a disaster! Remember you will need enough outside electricity for lighting and the DJ to use in, an out building may be a good option !

DIY decorations...

Think about what makes your home special to you, maybe its an elegant hall way, a massive oak tree in your backyard with your dads home made swing, or a gorgeous view in the country, whatever the feature use it to its full advantage for your day. Use different centrepieces from around your home, maybe a tall vase for one table and Granny's vintage candlesticks for another, try to mix-and-match vases and china. If possible use fresh, home grown flowers or use lots of outdoor lighting, such as Garden lamps, paper lanterns, and tiny white lights strung on branches will create a stunning cosy look.

                                                       

Insurance, insurance, insurance!

From your evening guests dancing on your lawn to vendors coming in and out, your home may take a bit of a beating. A good idea is to find out what your home owner's insurance covers.  It may be worth considering getting a extra policy. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers third-party liability, and with your vendors to make sure they have their own insurance policies.

It will all come together on the day...

I want to help you to be prepared, not worry you about having a wedding at home!, a home wedding is an event your family will always remember. The best thing about having your wedding at home is how personal it can be. Nothing will compare to getting ready in your childhood bedroom and coming down the old staircase in your gown. Make sure you have the right people to help, and you'll walk down your homemade aisle stress-free ready to make your dreams come true.

The little something blue........

Good morning,
You know the rhyme "something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue," we'll today I'm going to show you a little collection of something blue with a modern twist.

Most brides tend to play it safe and have blue on their garter so I wanted to show you a few things which have caught my eye !

These beautiful shoes are from martherstewartweddings.com and are beautiful! I'm such a shoe addict and these shoes would bring luck to any bride wearing them,
The next shoe picture is my favourite idea! It's fantastic! such a cute way to keep memory's from your loved ones on you special day! The perfect keepsake!
And how to make blue a statement at your wedding ! This bride brings a ultimate twist to her "something blue"
Bring your outfit alive and wear a blue headscarf instead of a traditional veil and maximise in your jewellery with chunky beads and bold colours !
Or if a hidden touch of blue is more your style then try this stunning blue ribbon garter something for you groom to enjoy ! Available from etsy.com

So I hope you enjoy my splash of colour on this Monday morning if you have any other ideas for your something blue please leave us some comments below

Gemma xx

Cakes cakes cakes.....

Oh how I love wedding cakes, The amount of detail that is put into a cake amazes me! Its such a shame to cut them !!
 Next to the bride’s wedding dress, the wedding cake makes for a great conversation piece, the more spectacular the better!
Here's a little information on how and when to sort your cake and a few of my favourite designs,
plus one or two unseal ones !
 Gemma x x

A little bit of history....
   The wedding cake symbolises fertility and prosperity. It is an old traditional for the bride to have the first bite; otherwise, she would remain childless and barren. There’s a time during the reception when the bride will cut the cake, and her husband should place his hands over the bride’s and the formal cutting of the cake will take place. The cake should always be cut from the bottom layer and never from the top, After the bride cuts the cake and both she and her groom have had their bites, the cake is quickly took to the kitchen so that it gets sliced into portions for the guests.

(bespokecelebrationcakes.co.uk) A wedgewood design.
Wedding cake costs....
Like all wedding related items, wedding cakes have a price range. Your little village baker around the corner can provide cakes at a pound per head. which you is great if you are trying to keep costs low,
In larger towns and cities, you will surely find some cake boutiques and high-priced bakers, and you could be looking at £5.00 to £8.00 per head. You’ll notice the quality right away, though. The main ingredients are fresh, and hence the cake tastes better.
The price of a cake will be normally include some main factors,

• Quality of ingredients
• Work involved
• Number of guests to be served

Speaking of the work involved in “making” a wedding cake, have you seen some cake samples?  they’re “outta this world” and simply “awesome.” some of them look like gift boxes with ornate ribbons, fragile petals and make-believe drapes. Some cakes are shaped like hearts with the daintiest of flowers surrounding them, still others looks are stunning with large bows and colourful ribbons marking each layer. The more intricate designs are a sight to behold. I wonder how much talent you need to make a wedding cake, because it does take brains!


Beautiful cakes are a welcome treat in any reception because they are natural attention-getter's. Plain cakes are ofter the most stunning and I'm a firm believer in ''less is more sometimes''
There are ways of saving on wedding cake costs, you can try and ask the baker to use the more expensive ingredients for the main cake, and the second tier that's handed out to the guests can be made of less costly ingredients. You can also cut back on the accessories and the trinkets. They seem like little items, but they do add up. Some couples have cake toppers in the form of expensive characters, a special gem-studded design, or a word/phrase with precision-cut numbers and letters. All these can cost alot.

When to order your cake...
        When planning you cake try and order it three months before your wedding date, maybe a few months earlier if you’re getting married during popular wedding months (May, June, July, August and September) and your baker is in demand.
If you have invited 100 guests to the reception, don’t give that number to your baker because he will make a cake that will serve 100-115 guests, but you must also tell your baker what the specific size should be for guests. You don’t want to serve a tiny piece of cake to show you were saving on portions, nor would you like a “big Mac” slice!
(cakesforwedding.net)
 
Flavours...
 for this you have a wide selection, Some people like butter, some prefer chocolate. Others will order a no-flour cake because of allergies. You can also order different flavors for each cake layer, maybe vanilla for the first layer, chocolate for the second and red Velvet for the third. Or go for the cheese cake or the Italian chocolate mousse one.
                                           (sweetcakes.co.nz) the profiterole cake tower!
Finalising details...
When finalising details with your baker, you may want to ask him if you could taste a sample. Some bakers will be kind enough to offer you slices without you requesting it,
You can also ask your baker if your cake will be fresh or frozen. With the price you’re paying, you’d want your cake to be as fresh as possible. Some bakers, for time purposes, bake the layers early and put them in the freezer, and take them out only when it’s time to decorate.
Finally, ask if delivery and “installation” will cost extra. Unless it’s a small cake, you wouldn’t want a DIY job on the morning of your wedding!!  It takes a professional to deliver a cake and set it up properly on the table especially if it’s a cake with lots of layers or imposing pillars and columns. As to the specific delivery time, there’s a bit of a risk if your cake is delivered two hours before the reception and it will be sitting alone and uncared for. Someone could accidentally hit it making it topple over.
Or why not try a cheese wedding cake !! (ivillage.co.uk)

Do I need a wedding planner?....

As a wedding planner myself I find it really hard when I look on social networking sites and in magazines and see brides getting stressed when planning their big day, As a planner myself I can find myself shedding a tear in not being able to help these brides. Planning your wedding should be the most exciting time of your life, most brides have been dreaming of walking down the isle since they were old enough to put a pillow case on the back of their head !
So I have put together some questions to help you understand what a professional wedding planner does and how they could help you in creating your perfect day stress free !!

                               *************************************************

Q How much will a wedding planner help towards my wedding?
A A wedding planner can plan either the whole wedding, part, or just focus on one item such as on the day co-ordination. Some couples that choose part planning just need some guidance on where to start and to manage their budget, help select venues and order equipment. If you hire a planner for the wedding day its self, its their job to ensure that everything runs ok at your venues and that all your suppliers turn up and the day runs smoothly leaving you to enjoy your big day.

Q Do you have to accept all their ideas?
A Absolutely not !! A wedding planner is here to guide and advise you, with their experience they will offer a alternative option for you to consider.

Q Can you help with my wedding abroad?
A Many wedding planners will often be happy to work with you to plan abroad. Check that they have experience and good contacts in your chosen country. Many countries have different legal rules so make sure you have been informed. Your wedding planner will also be able to help you to plan a reception back home to celebrate with friends and family who missed the ceromony.

Q Will you able to help me select a theme/style for my wedding ?
A This is what wedding planners do best ! Your planner will ask you a series of questions to help put together some ideas and gain some inspiration. Ideas from your favourite colours and places you visit to holidays you have been on, and things like your favourite music.


Q How do wedding planners charge for their services.
A Most planners charge either a fixed rate for each package or service that they offer, based on a percentage of overall budget of your wedding and will often require a upfront deposit.

Q Can I still put my ideas forward ?
A Of course !! your wedding day should be a resemblance of you and your groom.

Q 'Im only having a small wedding of 40 guests can a planner still help me ?'
A Most planners will work to any number of guests from a private service with just witnesses or a big wedding up to 500 !

Q Can you just help organise my reception ?
A A good planner will be confident in organising your reception, decorating, catering entertainment so on the day they should be there to oversee it coming together.

Q How much contact will I have with my planner ?
A depending on what type of package you have selected from them your wedding planner will be on call most of the time ! never will a question be a silly one and never should you be worried about speaking your mind if your un-happy with whats being suggested. Weddings are a day to celebrate you and your partner and your wedding should reflect this.

For Wedding Planning in the East of England visit www.evissawedding.co.uk for more info and prices.

A guide to the perfect wedding dress....

If you, like me, have been thinking or envisioning your wedding dress since you were 6, then shopping for your wedding dress can be one of the most important part of wedding. Your wedding dress will be the centrepiece of your wedding, and everyone will be dying to see it! As with me I'm sure most of you brides, will have lots of questions about wedding dress, when should it be bought, where should you go and what to expect while shopping for it. Hopefully this blog post will provide you with some guidance and hopefully answer most of your questions. So, let’s start !
( dress from cheapbridalgowns.org.uk)

                                                               When to begin.....

A short simple answer is to  START EARLY! No sooner than you have a engagement ring on your finger it wont be long before the wedding magazines comes out ! Ideally you should start looking for your wedding dresses as early as nine to twelve months before wedding date. Unless you plan to buy a ready-to-wear dress, you should have as much time as possible since most wedding dresses are custom made, a lot of fittings may be required for alterations and doing final touch ups.(Vera Wang Wedding dresses)

Where to shop.....

The most popular choice for shopping wedding dresses are the bridal shops. These are most popular because they stock a wide selection of designs, form variety of designers and you usually get a personalised service. Various boutiques in shopping malls, and large departmental stores also stock wedding dresses. You can also check out the Internet, and auction websites whilst doing a search. Check out local listings to as they will give you various options within your area.  Word of mouth recommendations are very helpful, so check out where your friends and family have brought theres from. They can help you shortlist the boutiques based on service and variety etc.

Whilst you make your short list, consider shops which fit in your budget. You will save a lot of time and effort if you know what your budget it. There is no point in enquiring about a shop which have a starting range of £1500 when your budget is £500. If you are on a tight budget, you can try you luck at secondhand shops. The designs may be a bit older,(perfect for that vintage wedding !!) or the designers not well known, and the dresses may not be super clean, but you may find a little treasure! Another option is to try a rental wedding dress. If you are not very sentimental, this can be a much cheaper option. You can check the local rentals under ' wedding hire' and also check online. The only negative here is that you may not find a wide selection and maybe the design are not as per current trends and you will probably need a dress maker to alter the dress for your size.

( stunning dresses from Debenhams)

What to expect.....

Shopping for wedding dress can be really confusing, especially if you don’t understand the about your shape and size. Before you go to a bridal boutique, you should visit a dress maker and get fitted. Knowing your shape and size will help you understand what shape dress will look best. When looking at dresses, familiarised yourself with the gown, with things like the fabric, finishes, neckline, waistline, sleeve style etc.

When you visit the shop, you probably will be left with a specific salesperson. This is the person with whom you are going to deal with untill you receive your wedding dress. She would usually ask you about your wedding, the time lines, the formality of the wedding, what time of the year etc. She would also ask you if you have anything particular in mind for your wedding dress. She will look at your body shape and may suggest to you what kind of dress would suit you best.

If like me, you have done a bit of homework and know what your looking for, the salesperson will know and she would know that she is talking to someone who knows what she wants! While talking with her, try to get ideas from her. She is the one who knows about wedding dresses the most since this is what she does, what looks awful on a hanger may be your dream dress once on !

When you enter into changing room, keep your mind open. You should try all dresses which salesperson brings for you. Try all different types of dresses on and take a picture, Then you can decide which dress you feel most comfortable in and like the shape of. Most of the gowns can be customised to your style, things like taking the body of one and skirt of another, or adding or taking away straps. You can always ask for embellishments like beads and sequins. However remember, all  customisations can add to the cost of your wedding dress.

Don’t rush to finalise your wedding dress. Remember to take your good friends and immediate family members. Take any hairpieces with you and also try on veils. Birdcage veils are right in with the vintage look, see if you can have it included with your dress. Most salons have a no-return policy on wedding gowns, so make sure you are 100% happy! Go with your instincts and visualise yourself wearing that dress on your wedding day. If you feel nice about it, you should probably go for it !

And here it is !! My wedding dress !! I loved the tight bodice top with the sequin detail. Under the  skirt I had a 5 hoop underskirt on to kick the train out. I really felt like a princess !  

Here's to making you feel like a princess, happy shopping,

Gemma x x x

Wedding gift lists.....

 Well the venue's selected, you have the perfect dress, your dad's getting nervous about his speech and all the tiny details are left, Now comes the fun bit - Time to arrange your wedding gift list.

     For any one like me who absolutely adores shopping, I cant think of anything more appealing than putting together my ultimate shopping list and then have somebody else pay for it! The two big question are where to place it, and what items to pick !! so here I will give you a idea of my favourite places on the high street to get you started !!
Happy Shopping Gemma x x

High street Gift lists

* John Lewis
Whatever you need for your new life together, at John Lewis, it has it all! With thousands of products to choose from you will be spoilt for choice, with everything you need to furnish your home and start your new life together. From Wedgwood to bed linen there is nothing that the John Lewis Gift List doesn’t cater for. A fabulous  collection of famous brands, from Vera Wang to Conran and Nick Munro wait for you. You can even choose John Lewis gift vouchers for great flexibility.

* House of Fraser 

Planning your wedding should be fun, exciting and stress-free. That’s why at House of Fraser they   created The Wedding List which is available in selected stores and online.
There service to you is led by their dedicated Concierge team, making their contribution to your special day.
You can request an information brochure, register now online or make an appointment with your Concierge to create your wedding list.
At House of Fraser, you’ll find every gift exceeds your expectations, from practical and innovative products to the luxurious and indulgent. You can choose from quality, well-established brands and endlessly stylish exclusive lines, with a price range to match anyone’s budget.
Once you have opened your Wedding List at House of Fraser, there are treats in store for all members of the wedding party. There website will tell you more about their service and the extensive range of stylish and distinctive gifts. Their Concierge team is available to assist you in store, online or by phone.

The gifts !!

ideas by beforethebigday.co.uk

Delonghi coffee maker and Kitchenaid mixer at House of Fraser

Gifts from £18 at Debenhams