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| OUT NOW |
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Get budget-savvy
How to get the reception look you want... for less
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One step ahead
New season styles straight off the catwalk
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Country cool
Heritage-style attire for fashion-forward grooms
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Hot topic
Experts answer questions on sharing the responsibility
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Hidden beauty
Undecided about wearing a veil? Our guide will give you plenty of ideas
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Home brew
How to choose wine from one of the many vineyards across England and Wales
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Get your groove on
How to choose the all-important first dance song
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Desert dreams
Danielle Wilkins explores the romantic side of Sharm El Sheikh
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Old world charm
Historical venues in which to wed
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With this ring
Experts from across the county share their advice on how to pick the perfect wedding band
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 24th February 2012 |
| Our big day: Penelope and Bernhard |
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| Image provided by Dominic Whiten Photography |
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Penelope Short and Bernhard Klebe enjoyed a grand celebration with personal touches on 10th September, 2011 at Winters Barn, Canterbury. A purple and ivory colour scheme gave a luxurious feel to their day
Penelope and Bernhard met while at work and it wasn't long before they started dating. "Bernie is not only my best friend but is also honest and trustworthy," describes Penelope. Bernhard adds, "Penny is dependable, kind and a good confidante. She has a playful side and is the best cook ever."
Bernhard decided to pop the question while the couple were on holiday in Madeira, Portugal. "I had planned to propose at some point during the trip but had no idea when and where specifically," he says. Penelope adds, "It was a lovely sunny day and we were sat by a koi pond when Bernie asked me - it was the perfect proposal." As soon as the couple returned home they began to plan their nuptials.
Turn to page 37 of the current issue for Penelope's account of the big day. |
| Snappy dresser |
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| Image provided by www.slaters.co.uk |
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Once you've found your dream gown and chosen the bridesmaids' dress, it's time to turn to your attention to your other half and get him suited and booted for the big day. "Most grooms should look for their outfit six months before the wedding, but there is never such a thing as too early and as soon as you've decided on your colour scheme, you can start searching," says Nikki Leverington, a director from Bridal Gowns at Jodi in Maidstone.
"Tailcoats or morning suits are the most popular styles for weddings, but other requested designs include the Prince Edward jacket, the frock coat, and the lounge suit. Waistcoats and ties usually coordinate with the bride's and maids' outfits," adds Nikki.
Fran Smith from Birchington Brides, located in Westgate says, "We recommend grooms have a good look around before deciding on their suit. A lot of independent stores do great suit hire with a more personalised service, compared to the large national chains."
To read on turn to page 47 of the current issue. |
| Message in a bottle |
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There are hundreds of vineyards in England and Wales and if you're planning a wedding, using regional wine suppliers could really make it sparkle
When planning your wedding, there's one thing you can be sure of; wine is almost certainly going to feature. Whether it's a lively flute of bubbly to stoke excitement for the rest of the day, or a chilled glass of dry white to nurse during the wedding breakfast; your wine choices set the tone of the event.
The UK is one of the world's most prolific plonk importers, with an estimated 1.7 billion bottles arriving on our shores in 2010. We reap the benefits of grapes grown in France,
Italy and Australia and fermentations from these countries have educated our palates on the delights of Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, Chardonnay and champagne.
However, there are now hundreds of vineyards on our home turf producing thousands of bottles of wine each year. And if you're planning a wedding themed around your area, sourcing red, white, rose and sparkling from a local producer in England or Wales is an interesting way to reinforce the ethos behind your big day.
To read on see page 93 of the current issue. |
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| Wedded bliss |
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It's with great happiness that I am writing my first letter as a newlywed! Fresh from our nuptials I am full of the joys of married life and our fantastic honeymoon to Thailand. As editor of the region's leading wedding magazine I was lucky enough to get fresh inspiration on a daily basis and put a lot of thought into the planning process. There was nothing better than seeing all our efforts come to fruition - everything was exactly as we had imagined it.
Many people said to me during the run up to the big day not to sweat the small stuff, but having now experienced the wedding of my dreams I have to totally disagree. Yes, paying attention to the most minute details can add some stress and anxiety, however when I saw the beautiful barn decorated with all the little extras, it made the day what it was. Many guests commented on the individual place cards, the beautiful table displays and the quirky decorations, which made it all worthwhile.
Those of you yet to embark on your own fairytale wedding are in for a treat - this issue includes features on how to source outfits for those all-important bridesmaids, choosing your wedding rings, this year's bridalwear trends, as well as inspiring stories and ideas from two beautiful couples. And for brides- and grooms-to-be planning their winter honeymoon escape, Danielle Wilkins discovers an oasis of calm in Sharm El Sheikh while Rowena heads to Dubai.
Enjoy!
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| Louise Prance, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yourkentwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
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| Win your wedding entertainment worth £750 |
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Blue Attic provides a range of live music, whether you're looking for classic swinging 60s tunes or modern-day hits. Established in 2005, the group formed at Cardiff University where each member studied, and have since played for a range of audiences across the UK and Europe. The band members include Rick Pearson on vocals and guitar, Dave Jennings on drums, Trevor Boxall on bass and Thom Chapman on saxophone. Taking its influences from rock `n' roll groups, such as The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, and Van Morrison to more modern-day guitar groups, such as Franz Ferdinand and The Strokes, the band can play a range of songs to get your wedding party up on the dancefloor.
If you're still on the hunt for your wedding entertainment, Blue Attic can enhance the setting of your nuptials and will also take requests from guests. For more information about the band, visit www.blueatticband.com
Blue Attic is giving readers the chance to win live music performed at their wedding. The prize includes two sets, each lasting between 45-60 minutes at the evening reception. |
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| Enter here |
| Date for the diary |
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Introducing a brand new wedding show from Clarion Events - Wedding Week at Bluewater, held on 9th to 12th of February, 2012. Featuring exhibitors, wedding planners, stylists and more, the event will offer brides and grooms plenty of ideas for the big day. The latest bridal trends will also be displayed on the catwalk and the wedding workshops will have plenty of top tips and hints.
To find out more, visit www.weddingweekatbluewater.com |
| Worn with love |
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Lovett & Co is proud to announce the launch of a new jewellery collection with a retro twist, now being stocked at Fenwicks, Canterbury. The pieces are already a hit with celebs on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, and the inspiration behind the pieces comes from the 1920s era and stretches through to the '50s. The range includes pearl necklaces, diamante earrings and art deco-inspired lockets.
For more information, telephone 01273 230 114 or visit www.lovettandco.co.uk |
| Thanet, Shepway and Dover |
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Hayne Barn House
Hayne Barn House is a Tudor house located in Shepway. Ceremonies are held in the Prince's Salon, and for more intimate weddings the breakfast can take place in the elegant reading room, with both spaces accommodating up to 53 guests. For larger wedding parties, there is a marquee which seats up to 100 guests. The house has retained much of its original features and the building was once used as the hunting pavilion for the Prince of Wales. Newlyweds and their guests have complete privacy on the big day as the wedding party has exclusive use of the venue.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01303 262 555 www.haynebarnweddings.com
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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.yourkentwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Getting married in Kent or know someone who is and would like to receive future newsletters? To forward this email to a friend click here |
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| 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. |
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| Find your local wedding suppliers... |
| Pines Calyx |
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| Image provided by www.awakeimaging.com |
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Are you looking to host an eco-friendly wedding? Then the Pines Calyx is the venue for you. The design of the building has not only received a handful of awards, but is also recognised as the UK's most sustainable wedding venue. Guests can enjoy the six acres of grounds and the large garden terrace is only a stone's throw away from St Margarets Bay beach. Pines Calyx can cater for up to 80 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast and a maximum of 150 people for the evening festivities.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01304 851 737 www.pinescalyx.co.uk |
| Band of love |
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| Image provided by www.weddingringstudio.co.uk |
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Your wedding ring is a lasting token of the big day and the promises you've made together as husband and wife. Experts from across the county share their advice on how to pick the perfect style
Decisions decisions
"When choosing your wedding ring there are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration," says Lucino Ferragamo, owner of The Wedding Ring Studio, located in Bluewater. "Do your research beforehand and look into the different designs that grab your attention. Once you have some inspiration, you can then decide on more intricate details such as which stones or diamonds you'd like and the type of metal, such as gold or platinum."
Claire Hearnden from The Bill Skinner Studio in Otford says: "We find a lot of couples like to go bespoke and design their own ring. Brides and grooms usually have an idea of what they're looking for but at the studio we have an in-house design team who can advise couples on the different options available," she says. "Recently, we've noticed men are going for simple styles, whereas women love lots of detail."
"My advice to brides and grooms is to keep it simple if you're on a budget. You don't have to have diamonds, and there are many different stones which make a nice alternative. It's important to remember you'll have your wedding ring on for the rest of your life, so choose wisely."
To read on turn to page 59 of the current issue. |
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