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Fit and fabulous
Get in tip-top shape for your big day with help from our experts
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Let them eat cake
We showcase some designs that look too good to eat
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Future forecasts
The County Wedding Magazines team predicts the must-have trends for 2012
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Marriage Ref
We tackle your pre- and post- wedding dilemmas
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Steal their style
Our real wedding brides always have fantastic style, we pick three of our favourites
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The ultimate etiquette survival guide
What to do, and when to do it
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Spotlight on Bedford
We check out some of the finest venues in which to wed locally
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Wild luxury
Jennifer Kettle samples the delights of South Africa and Zambia
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Make a statement
Show-stopping hair accessories for the big day
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Ooh la lace
Be inspired by one of this season's most romantic trends
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 20th January 2012 |
| You get out what you put in |
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With the bride being the star attraction on the big day, it's understandable most want to look their best, and getting in shape is often high on the to-do list. We speak to the region's experts about how to look and feel great when you say 'I do'
You are what you eat
There's no denying that to get in great shape you have to assess your diet. As the saying goes, you are what you eat, and this rings true when trying to shift the pounds.
Super foods Superfoods are a category of foods given their name thanks to their low calorie and high nutritious content. There are plenty to choose from, but start by introducing the ones below into your diet and you'll see the benefits before long.
Turkey An excellent alternative to red meat, Turkey is a lean protein option. Create a delicious stir-fry with leafy green vegetables for a healthy, low calorie dinner.
Berries Easy to prepare and a perfect snack to satiate your sweet tooth, berries are packed full of vitamin C, fibre and phytonutrients.
Try: Blueberries, raspberries, cherries and blackberries
Nuts These often get a bad reputation as being high in fat. However, as it's unsaturated fat, you will reap the benefits of introducing a handful of nuts a day into your diet. They are full of heart-healthy antioxidants, protein and vitamins.
Try: Cashew nuts, macadamias, Brazil nuts, pistachios and walnuts
To read on see page 83 of the current issue. |
| Hot topic: Getting your timings right |
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Floral arrangements
Q - My fiance proposed to me last month and I'm in the early stages of planning our big day. I'm clueless about the process of ordering flowers and wondered if you could advise how long it takes a florist to organise wedding blooms, from ordering to delivery?
A - Tracy says: Select your florist in good time, up to a year in advance is advisable. At the first meeting discuss the type of flowers you would like and what will work to complement both your colour scheme and dress design. Six months prior to your wedding date another meeting could be scheduled to take care of any changes in style or design that may have occurred. Final details should be confirmed one month before your wedding, with final payment being made too. |
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| Here comes the bride |
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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. And 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 lead to some stress and anxiety, however when I saw the beautiful barn decorated with all the little extras, it made the day what it was.
For all you lucky brides-to-be yet to enjoy your big day, we have an issue jam-packed with inspiration to help you through the planning process.
Enjoy!
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| Louise Prance, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a photography package worth £1,495 |
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Kate Everall Photography, based in Milton Keynes, is one of the leading wedding photographers in the region and has a modern and relaxed approach, capturing the day's events as they unfold. "I've been photographing weddings professionally for six years now, and I do it because I love everything about it: the excitement, emotion, dressing up, ceremony, details and more. If I can capture all those elements in pictures for newlyweds, in a way that doesn't intrude on their day, then it's fantastic. My aim is to produce a great memento of a special celebration," says Kate.
Choosing your photographer is one of the most important aspects of planning your nuptials and the photos will be ever-lasting memories for you to treasure. For more information about Kate Everall Photography call 01908 463 757 or visit www.kateeverallphotography.com
Your Herts & Beds Wedding has teamed up with Kate Everall Photography to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a fantastic wedding photography package. The prize includes:
- Pre-wedding consultation
- Full day coverage
- A luxury coffee table book with 50 images
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| Enter here |
| Money saving experts |
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Planning a wedding is exciting and fun... but it can also be time-consuming, stressful and, let's face it, expensive. But what if there was a way to cut down on those last three issues?
Timeless Inspirations Wedding & Event Planning can save you money through negotiating the best deals with trusted suppliers; take the pressure off the bride and groom, and the stress out of the wedding. Qualified wedding and event coordinator Sarah Webb says: "Hiring a wedding planner does not have to cost a fortune, I can work to any budget and level of service to meet the bride and groom's requirements, from finding a venue or suppliers to full co-ordination." The company also offers on-the-day co-ordination, enabling their clients to simply relax and enjoy the day.
Timeless Inspirations is passionate, dedicated to going the extra mile and have plenty of fresh ideas and developments - such as the company's recently launched Candy Buffet and Chair Cover services. Timeless Inspirations also organises wedding exhibitions in the Herts, Beds and Essex areas.
For more information visit www.timelessinspirations.co.uk or call Sarah on 01992 501534. |
| Dyrham Park Country Club |
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Dyrham Park Country Club is set in over 200 acres of parkland with views across the Hertfordshire countryside, with the lawns, lakes and trees making ideal backgrounds for your wedding snaps.
The Grand hall - with its sweeping staircase and Minstrel's Gallery - is the perfect place to say 'I do' while the function rooms overlooking the grounds can play host to your wedding breakfast of up to 200 guests.
The Club's highly experienced team of international Chefs provide a variety of delicious menus to suit most tastes and budgets while the experienced events and banqueting team ensure that every detail is taken care of. |
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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.yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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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... |
| Ooh la lace |
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| Image provided by www.cymbeline.com |
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Love is in the air for one of this season's most romantic trends
The moment the nation switched on their televisions to see Catherine Middleton step out in her stunning Sarah Burton gown, bridalwear designers all around the world knew that lace would be a hit for 2012. The following month, they were already showcasing their own take on the trend, with many teaming butterfly, three-quarter-length or full-length lace sleeves with simple silk dupion or taffeta gowns.
And while designers such as Alan Hannah, Ian Stuart and Johanna Hehir have been experimenting with French Chantilly lace overlays, if an all-over lace gown isn't for you, another great way to incorporate this romantic trend into your look is in the form of a bolero or veil. The Vintage Wedding Dress company recently showed off some stunning accessories on the runway, with a selection of scalloped-edged veils and pretty lace sashes. |
| Spotlight on Bedford |
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Bedford Swan Hotel
Set on the banks of the River Ouse, in the heart of the historic market town of Bedford, this venue offers the ideal location for a stunning waterside wedding. The Bedford Swan Hotel dates back to the 18th century and boasts a range of characterful rooms in which to hold your event.
The State Room, which can hold receptions for up to 90 guests, has breathtaking views over the water, and its vast windows and high ceiling ensure it is always flooded with light. For couples with a larger celebration in mind, the impressive wood-panelled Coach Room can accommodate up to 180 daytime guests and 250 revellers in the evening. Plus, this beautiful room benefits from exclusive use of a private sun terrace overlooking the embankment and river - perfect for alfresco celebrations in the warmer months.
The hotel also offers 113 recently refurbished en suite bedrooms, meaning your guests can dance the night away without having to worry about the journey home.
Ceremony licence: Yes
Contact: 01234 346 565
www.bedfordswanhotel.co.uk
For more venues in Bedford turn to page 17 of the current issue. |
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