http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/rss.php?feed=newswire WeddingPath NewsWire en-us http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/50/1709/ Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, the mastermind behind the wedding of David and Victoria Beckham, the civil ceremony of Sir Elton John and David Furnish as well as Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly’s royal nuptials shares five top wedding trends this season.1. For wedding gowns, classic white, cream or ivory are still the main trend as they don't date in photographs. For signature colours, which run all the way through from bridesmaid dresses to decorations, rich burgundy is big this year, as is lilac. 2. Go for something different and contemporary with your flowers - get plenty of movement and colour. Fuchsia vanda orchids are very popular this year mixed with vivid oranges. The London based florist In Water has some great new ideas. 3. It is a lovely touch to place gifts on the tables at weddings and personalised wedding favours are particularly big. My favourite gift company is Etoile de Mer Occasions who are amazingly creative and focus on gifts which capture the personality of the bride and groom. Examples include personalised silver ornaments and jars of honey or sweets. 4. Try a wedding list with a difference and ask your guests to make a donation to Breakthrough Breast Cancer as an alternative to traditional wedding presents. It's a really special way of showing your support and the money you raise will help fund life-saving research, campaigning and education work. Once you have set up a list you'll receive a bespoke donation card which can be sent to guests with the wedding invite. 5. For the reception, instead of having a traditional marquee, why not try a tent with a more contemporary structure. Tents are really on-trend, there are a lot of quirky varieties such as tepees or Bedouin style and if you choose an open variety guests can also enjoy the beautiful views and setting of your wedding. I would recommend the tent company Liquid Canvas. Click to read more planning ideas...Grand FinaleAll Planned Out http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/47/1527/ A honeymoon in Kenya gives you the chance to relax by the beach as well as get the adrenalin-rush of a safari. And for luxury all the way, we have fallen for this Mara and Kenyan coast mix.Imagine starting your honeymoon in the Kenyan bush. Ol Seki, located north-east of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, has six uniquely designed rounded tents positioned on wooden platforms with dramatic 270-degree panoramic views. The luxurious Maasai inspired tents are more five-star hotel than campsite, yet at the same time you are totally immersed in the wilderness. From bush picnics to sundowners, night game drives to stunning walks across the plains, you'll get your holiday-of-a-lifetime experience, ticking off the big five or swooping up at sunrise in a hot air balloon. After the adrenalin and excitement of the bush, you can fly to the beautiful Kenyan cost of Lamu for ultra luxurious relaxation in the exclusivity of the boutique hotel at Kizingoni Beach. With a personal chef, private pool, exclusive speed boat with captain, home grown food and an abundance of exciting activities, all in a picture perfect setting - who's complaining? Romantic strolls along the golden sand, a private dhow sunset cruise with cold drinks and freshly caught oysters - you'll be left with plenty of full-on romantic memories.To find out more contact Imagine Africa on 020 7622 5114 or go to imagineafrica.co.uk http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/42/1826/ For pretty feet that’ll look gorgeous in those strappy wedding shoes as well as on honeymoon, start the pampering now…In the weeks before your big day, treat your feet to weekly pedicures – but if the cost of salon pedis will blow the budget, why not pamper your tootsies at home instead.First, fill a bowl with warm water and add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil to refresh tired feet. Take the phone off the hook and relax with your feet in the water for a few minutes. Dry gently and, using a pumice, buff areas of dry skin, including the balls of your feet and your heels. If you don’t like using a pumice, a great foot scrub will do the trick. We like Montagne Jeunesse Mint Foot Scrub, with sweet summery watermelon and cooling balm mint, it has a deodorising formula to fight odour, and will leave your feet feeling smooth and fresh.Then finish off with a rich foot cream such as the heavenly Montagne Jeunesse Foot Lotion, containing spearmint and balm mint to gently smooth away any roughness.Conveniently packed in handy single use sachets, Montagne Jeunesse beauty treats are also great for taking on honeymoon. Priced at 99p each, they are available from ASDA or online.click to read more beauty ideasImage © iStockphoto http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/48/1386/ Sharon & David16 August 2008 They Met Sharon and David first met in a nightclub, through mutual friends and were amazed that they hadn’t met before with so many friends in common! Right from the start, it was true love and David proved to be the ultimate romantic. One weekend he whisked Sharon away on a surprise trip to Pisa and proposed over a candlelit dinner near the Leaning Tower itself. Wedding Venue David and Sharon had no hesitation over choosing a venue. Sharon had always dreamed of marrying in Garfield House in Stepps, Glasgow and they both loved the venue's intimate atmosphere. It also had a great reputation - the couple had only ever heard good things about it. And as an added bonus, the resident toastmaster was at their disposal for the big day, making sure that everything ran smoothly. The Theme At first the couple were undecided on a theme, but as the plans progressed, Sharon's favourite flower, daisies, started becoming a regular feature. Soft purple and ivory set the colour scheme with the table stationery being decorated with purple gerbera daisies on ivory card. The tables at the reception were also decorated with scattered crystals and pretty candle holders as well as favours for the adults and party packs for the children. To round of the theme, there were plenty of traditional Scottish touches, including kilts, as well as a piper and ceilidh band for the evening.What They Wore Sharon wore a strapless dress with ruching on the beaded bodice, from Signature Brides in Glasgow. She modified the dress a little, adding a longer train and a corset back, giving it a unique couture look. The bride accessorized with a crystal tiara from Amanda Wyatt, adding a touch of sparkle, and hand-made pearl and crystal jewellery from Jewelllery by Jo as well as shoes from Bhs.The groom wore his own kilt, of Balfour tartan, and hired the rest of the traditional Scottish wear from Kiltpin in Falkirk. He teamed it with a blue ruche tie with the other men in the wedding party wearing Heart of Scotland tartan with purple ruche ties. They all wore thistles as buttonholes, keeping in with the Scottish theme.The bride had two bridesmaids, her cousins, who wore Victorian lilac two-piece dresses by Dessy along with co-ordinating crystal and pearl jewellery, designed by Jewellery by Jo. Sharon also had two flower girls who wore ivory beaded dresses with ballet pumps from John Lewis and tiaras from Debenhams.The Cake The couple had a two-tiered cake, decorated with ivory icing and stunning icing flowers draped down the side. The cake was made by Goodfellow and Steven in Broughty Ferry and was a present from Sharon’s aunt. The couple didn’t see it until the day and were absolutely thrilled!The Flowers The bride carried a traditional bouquet of white gerbera daisies with bear grass and crystals with the bridesmaids carrying hand-tied white gerberas with bear grass and purple organza. The flowers used to decorate the ceremony followed suit as did the table centres at the reception with the addition of greenery and thistles, keeping a Scottish touch. First Dance The newly married couple danced to ‘The Air That I Breathe’ by the Hollies followed by a father and daughter dance to ‘My Girl’ by The Temptations. The music continued into the evening with traditional Scottish music as well as a disco later on. A Moment To Remember Sharon found the most memorable part of the day was the intimate ceremony and seeing all of the people they loved there as well as walking down the aisle and seeing David. Sharon also loved the speeches from David, her father and the best men!Honeymoon After the couple spent their first night in the Honeymoon Suite at the hotel, they went on an adventurous honeymoon, spending four nights in LA and then toured America. They managed to visit the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Yosemite, San Francisco as well as Universal Studios, taking in a show in Las Vegas as well as visiting Alcatraz and the Hoover Dam. Not only that but one of the bridesmaids and workmate had already emailed all of the hotels they were staying in, getting room upgrades in some and special treats in others!Any Advice Sharon advises to, ‘Shop around for the best value for money. Always remember that it’s your day and don’t feel under pressure to do things you don’t want to.’ Sharon also comments, ‘Use the WeddingPath forums and pick up lots of tips, especially from those just married as these are the people in the know!’ Whilst David says, ‘Allow yourself plenty of time in the morning before the wedding and don’t worry about your speech – it’s easier than you think!’Sharon & David’s Contact Book:Venue: Garfield House Hotel, Stepps in Glasgow www.bw-garfieldhouse.co.ukPhotographer: Fiona Brims Photography www.fionabrimsphotography.co.ukDress: Signature Brides, Glasgow 0141 221 7791Groomswear: Kiltpin www.kiltpin.comCake: Goodfellow & Steven 01382 477 214Flowers: Bonny Bouquets 01324 841 860 http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/46/1110/ Indigo Sky Events have the ultimate online guide for grooms, packed with hints and tips on getting it right on the day. Just click the link below to watch the Webinar. Harassed bridegrooms-to-be can call on web savvy wedding planner, Trisha Dash-O’Toole at Indigo Sky Events, to soothe their pre-nuptial nerves. The screening of a new advisory webinar has been especially designed with grooms in mind - offering helpful hints and tips - so they know what’s expected of them on their big day.Indigo Sky’s ‘Groom’s Guide’ webinar features helpful advice on how to choose the very best Best Man and highlights what to bear in mind whilst planning and preparing the perfect speech. Other topics include surviving the stag do, choosing and briefing the ushers, selecting witnesses and choosing the ideal outfit – not forgetting the Groom’s own grooming ritual, so he’s looking good, on top form for the special day that lies ahead!Grooms are reminded that traditionally the planning of the honeymoon is their concern – although nowadays couples tend to plan their honeymoon together – and they’re supplied with a guide on the logistics involved. They’re taken through the dos and don’ts of remembering the rings and choosing an appropriate gift for the bride-to-be to cherish, as a lasting memento of the big day.As Indigo Sky founder, Trisha Dash-O’Toole observed, the groom has a vital role to play on the big day, but often feels just a little left out as he plays second fiddle to his bride-to-be. "All-to-often, the groom feels like he’s playing something of a supporting role as the focus of attention is undoubtedly upon the bride-to-be. However, there’s so much for him to remember in order to ensure that he plays his part perfectly and in line with the bigger picture". “For example, the groom needs to plan his speech, decide on his gift for the bride and he also needs to know that it’s perfectly OK for him to allocate special time for himself and his bride on the big day. However, this won’t happen by accident and he needs to make a special effort to ensure it’s factored in to the day’s itinerary!” The advisory webinars are proving convenient for time-poor brides and grooms-to-be: ‘’Feedback has been excellent and visitors have really enjoyed the immediacy, accessibility and personalised approach of the webinar format.”For regularly updated details of future Indigo Sky webinar screening dates, visit indigoskyevents.comTo view the webinar click the YouTube links: [video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRwk5L_NmOA[/video][video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPRa7VaSuog&feature=related[/video]click to read more planning advice...click to download the WP grooms fact sheet... Photo © Moss Bros, iStockphoto http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/41/1109/ WeddingPath brides will love the dresses in this week's gallery, perfect for a wedding abroad or a sizzling hot summer celebration. →Milano (from £975) is a princess line gown lined in silk satin with an assymetric bodice and pretty applique work with embroidered flowers and orchids scattered all over. Joyce Young Collections (0141 946 0660 joyceyoungcollections.com). ←Style 1010 (from £120) is ideal for long-haul packing. One of the new Sandals Destination Wedding Gowns, it features cotton lace over a strapless dress with a trumpet skirt, sweep train and renaissance sash. Dessy Collection (sandalsdresses.com). →Valetta (from £1300) is a romantic strapless empire lace gown with a beaded bodice and delicate floral detailing (01903 813382 augustajones.com). Click to read what WP brides are saying about getting married abroad.. click to see more wedding dresses... click to download the WP choosing your dress fact sheet... http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/43/1021/ Your wedding bouquet is the finishing touch to your big day outfit whether you choose a trailing design for a romantic look or a smaller wired bouquet to suit a petite figure. Ferry Lane Florist has come up with three stunning designs we know you'll love!ARM IN ARMWhat it's like: over the arm bouquet of calla lilies with aspidistra leaves, finished with black and silver organza ribbon and pearl studs.Perfect for: brides wearing an elegant, simple dress.Expect to pay: from £45.TRAILING IVYWhat it's like: this bouquet of phalaenopsis orchids and white roses is finished with trailing ivy and pearls.Perfect for: more traditional weddings with a modern flavour.Expect to pay: from £85. PETITE BRIDEWhat it's like:a wired bouquet of phalaenopsis orchids with greenery and grasses.Perfect for: a smaller ceremony in an intimate setting, or a petite figure.Expect to pay: from £55.For more ideas on your wedding day flowers visit the new wedding gallery at The Flowers & Plants Association at flowers.org.uk. click to read more styling ideas...click to download the WP flowers fact sheet... http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/45/994/ We love gift list ideas which offer something for everyone, whether it is a donation to a charity or a contribution to a developing country. This week we look at a gift list company with 'fair trade' principles.At new wedding gift list company Fairgift®, everything is fairly traded and traceable back to the original producer and their community.“The idea is simple really” says Fairgift founder Brian Walmsley who set up Fairgift on returning to the UK after living in Tanzania and being unable to find anything similar when setting up his own wedding gift list with his fiancé Jo. “There are now hundreds of outstanding fairly traded products available in the world, across dozens of different categories. By bringing them all together for the first time people have access to a fantastic range of gifts from which to choose. It’s perfect for either a last minute gift or for setting up an exciting and original wedding list.”Fairgift products are predominantly handmade and manufactured in small quantities by skilled craft makers across Latin America, Asia and Africa. Perfect for a wedding gift list, the range covers bespoke ethical products for the home and garden including large items of furniture such as stylish tables as well as gorgeous bed linen, stunning wedding albums and beautiful household accessories. Through every product purchased, Fairgift is able to advance the fight against poverty by ensuring sustainable income and good working conditions. Setting up a gift list with Fairgift is simply a matter of logging onto the website fairgift.co.uk, completing a few personal details and clicking onto your selected items. Photos of all Fairgift's products can be seen on the website or viewed in person at the company’s showroom in Henley on Thames (0870 803 3226).click for more gift list ideas...click to download the WP gift fact sheet.. http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/44/1012/ If wedding guests are travelling from far and wide for your big day, look into accommodation options. Remember to offer suggestions for all budgets, from B&B to five-star luxury. At the budget end, we love the funky nitenite hotels.Call it the credit crunch, bur Mintel predict that the budget hotel sector is set to rise by 38 per cent over the next five years. Good news for wedding guests who want more splash for their cash than a B&B with too much chintz and restricting curfew hours. Leading the way for a new budget hotel group called nitenite, the recently-opened nitenite Birmingham (0845 8909099) has 104 boutique-style rooms in the heart of the city, close to the uber-cool shopping mall, Mailbox. Rates start at £44.95 for a double room with a 42" plasma TV, en-suite power shower and Egyptian cotton bed linen. Funky natural decor is created with high quality furnishings in leather and cherrywood.If your guests are comfortable with the idea of a luxury yacht cabin with no sea views (none of the rooms have windows!), nitenite Birmingham is a stylish bolthole for after-the-wedding celebrations - that won't cost the earth. On the morning after, guests can head to the Cafe Bar for breakfast or check out the brunchtime scene on Brindleyplace, Broad Street and The Mailbox.click to read more venue ideas...click to download the WP venue fact sheet... http://news.weddingpath.co.uk/newsdetail/50/1615/ If you're thinking about using a wedding planner, be sure to choose someone that you are comfortable working with and have 100% confidence in their professional expertise.Wedding planner, Helen Carter has come on board this week to share some top tips on choosing a wedding planner. 1. Who's there? Firstly, find out who is available in your area. Supplier directories and magazines are a good starting point, whilst the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners is an excellent source of thoroughly vetted professional planners.2. Detail counts. Once you have a list of planners, visit their website and spend some time finding out exactly what they offer and how they work. Do they come across in a professional manner? If the website is poorly laid out or there are lots of spelling mistakes, this gives the impression that they haven’t put in a great deal of thought or paid much attention to detail.3. Shortlists. Make a list of those that you are interested in and contact them directly. Do they seem approachable and knowledgeable? Do they take an interest in your wedding and take the time to explain their services in more detail?4. Meet Me. Arrange to meet 2-3 on your shortlist. Many planners offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your wedding and explain how they can help with your preparations5. How amazing! During the consultation, are they enthusiastic about your wedding? Do they understand what you want and offer ideas on how it may be achieved? Remember that they will want to offer their professional opinion, but if they don’t seem to have taken on board what you are looking for then they might not be right for you6. Past & present. Ask them questions about their work. For example, how long have they been in business? How many weddings have they done? Do they have a portfolio of previous weddings for you to view? Also make sure that they have public liability insurance.7. Getting along. It’s incredibly important that you get along with your planner, so do you actually like them?! They may be brilliant at their job, but if your personalities clash you could be in for a bumpy ride instead of enjoying a seamless partnership.8. How much? Find out how they charge for their services – are you expected to pay a fixed fee or a percentage of your budget? This is very important, as fees will vary from planner to planner. Make sure you are also aware of any additional charges, such as travel expenses, that may add to the overall cost.9. In touch. Ask how often they will be in contact with you. I personally think this is one of the most important questions to ask, as handing over your wedding arrangements isn’t easy and you want to be sure that you’re going to be kept up-to-date with your preparations.10. It's written. After the consultation, most planners will provide a written proposal that summarises your meeting and outlines the work to be completed. Does it cover what you discussed? Is the quotation as you expected? If not, contact the planner and ask them to explain the differencesTo find out more about Helen Carter, go to helencarterweddings.co.uk.Click here >to read Wedding Planner Advice:articles, top tips and information to help with your wedding planning.Photo © Stephen Sutton, PR Photography.