OUT NOW
September/October 2011

September/October 2011
 
Engagement shoots
We look at the appeal of pre-wedding photography

Keeping calm on your big day
Tips on how to keep your inner bridezilla at bay

Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms

Slick shot
Sophisticated attire for modern grooms

Eco-friendly weddings
How you can reduce your carbon footprint on the big day

Flowergirl fashion
Pretty dresses the little ones will love

Thank you gifts
What to give your nearest and dearest

Transport ideas
How to arrive on the big day

Out of the ordinary venues
Unique and unusual places in which to wed

Wedding timeline
A month-to-month guide on how to plan your wedding

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
28th October 2011

My best friend's wedding
 
My best friend's wedding
 
There's no denying that all eyes will be on the bride as she walks down the aisle, but as the bridesmaids are the unsung heroes of the big day, it's only fair that they look their best too. We give you the low-down on how to dress your nearest and dearest

Bridesmaids' dress check list

  • Get the measurements of all your attendants and discuss any concerns they may have about the style or fit of the dresses early on.

  • Work out the colour scheme of the wedding and bear this in mind when deciding on the perfect hue...

  • ... but don't be scared of breaking from tradition. If you want blue bridesmaids' dresses but don't want the same colour scheme that's fine - just make sure the colour you decide on for the decorations don't clash too badly with the dresses.

  • Think fashion. It's perfectly acceptable to opt for black, white or cream for your nearest and dearest. Channel your inner Duchess of Cambridge and put your friends in cream satin numbers for a touch of class - just make sure they're different enough from your own dress.

  • Have fun. Choosing the dresses and the subsequent fittings is one of the more enjoyable elements of the entire planning process and will be something you and your friends will remember for years to come.

  • Leave enough time to deal with any unexpected problems - accidental pregnancies are a common headache for brides-to-be and their maids.

Don't forget... the bridesmaids' dresses could dictate the colour scheme for the entire day, so choose carefully.

To read on see page 41 of the current issue.

Do a charity a favour at your wedding
 
Do a charity a favour at your wedding
 
Cancer Research UK is offering happy couples an alternative choice in wedding favours with its range of pin badge designs and personalised favour cards to complement anyone's big day.

Couples planning to tie the knot can order life-saving wedding favours at www.giveincelebration.org/favours. There are a range of elegant pin badges to choose from including two exclusive designs, created by luxury wedding dress designer Jenny Packham.

Cancer Research UK's wedding favours are a unique way of thanking your guests for celebrating your wedding. They also provide a personal way for the bride and groom to celebrate a friend or family member surviving cancer or to remember someone close to them.

The next chapter
This issue is jam-packed with ideas to help you plan your nuptials, such as the insightful feature on how to dress the bridesmaids on page 41 and some insider advice on page 89 on the fantastic array of transport options in the region - we'll make sure you arrive in style.

And if you've decided to organise a more quirky affair, check out our unique and unusual venues feature on page 23 where we look at some of the more alternative settings the area has to offer.

Whatever you decide, the one bit of advice that comes up time and time again from our real brides is just to relax and enjoy the entire process, from the moment you say 'I do', to the moment the last reveller leaves the dancefloor - I know I will!

Happy reading!

Louise Prance, Editor
 
Make sure your email editor@anessexwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news

Win a set of luxury wedding stationery
 
Win a set of luxury wedding stationery
 
Angels Creations is an Essex-based boutique that specialises in producing luxurious wedding stationery to set the standard for your big day. The company uses bespoke embossing and every piece of stationery is both hand-pressed and hand-finished.

Clare Andress and her sister set up the boutique in Great Yeldham five years ago. Clare tells us more: "Whilst looking for stationery for our own weddings, we both realised there was a gap in the market for luxurious, bespoke stationery at an affordable price. We were eager to move quickly with our designs so we purchased a 1950s Autovic press which enabled us to bring our customers' ideas to life."

The boutique also specialises in favour boxes which can be made to fit your requirements, no matter what size or shape. And, if you're not really the creative type, Angels Creations has a variety of ranges you can choose from, including the Signature and Buckles & Bows designs.

The company creates the following: save-the-date cards, wedding and evening invitations, order of service, menus, favour boxes, table plans, and name cards. See the company at The National Wedding Show from 30th September - 2nd October, 2011 on Stand C23.

Visit www.angelscreations.co.uk for more information.

The winner will receive a complete set of luxury wedding stationery up to the value of £750 to ensure a stylish tone is established from the first save-the-date card to the last favour box. The full set will be designed and produced by the team at Angels Creations to the exact specifications you want for your big day.
 
Enter here

Couture cakes
 
Couture cakes
 
Gidea Park-based cake boutique The Little Pink Cake Company has recently relaunched with a new website. The company specialises in exquisite bespoke wedding cakes, cupcakes and dessert tables, all individually designed to match the theme and colours of your big day.

Owner Lisa Davidson tells us: "I studied art and design at university and have always had a passion for baking gorgeous cakes so I decided to combine the two. I love to incorporate bold colours and patterns but also don't shy away from simple, elegant designs."

The Little Pink Cake Company will be exhibiting at The Essex Wedding Show, Chelmsford County Wedding Fair and Orsett Hall Wedding Fair.

For more information visit www.thelittlepinkcakecompany.com

Subscribe
 
To buy a copy for just £2.95 post free or to order a subscription of six issues for just £15, please visit our web site...
www.anessexwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000

Giveaways
 
We have some terrific prizes up for grabs
Click here to enter

Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
Take a look at our regularly updated Find a Supplier feature on our website where you find profiles, photographs and contact information from businesses in your area who will help you with your dream wedding.
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...


Child's play
 
Child's play
 
Weddings are family occasions and there is often a lot of pressure on couples to invite children to their big day. One of the biggest concerns is that younger guests will get bored and irritable, leading to tantrums and tears. The solution to this problem? Book the right entertainment. We have a host of ideas to suit all couples...

Middle of the road
Clowns, mime artists and magicians: youngsters will love these traditional performers. They are great for involving the children in the day and when hiring a professional, you can rest assured that they are experienced at keeping their attention. If you have the budget, why not have two performers for different times of the day? Instead of just having a few tables designated for the children, you could provide entire areas outside.

TIP: Giant garden games are fun for all, not just the children but the young at heart too. Dot them around the venue's exterior to add an interactive element to the day

TIP: Scatter cushions and blankets around the venue to act as an inviting area for nap times.

For more entertainment ideas see page 95 of the current issue.

Redbridge venues
 
Redbridge venues
 
We take a look at some of the area's top spots in which to tie the know

London Darbar
If you want a show-stopping event to mark your big day, look no further than the London Darbar banqueting suites which has a sophisticated mood lighting system to create a cool setting.

The suites can hold up to 180 guests while the venue offers services such as catering, entertainment, and decoration, as well as more unusual options including ice sculptures, chocolate fountains, fire breathers, special effects and much more.

For more information call 0208 518 3533 or visit www.londondarbar.com

For more venues in Redbridge see page 17 of the current issue.


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