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It's all in the detail
Set the theme of your big day with your wedding stationery
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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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Hot topic
Experts answer questions on colour coordination
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With this ring...
Get your wedding jewellery spot on with our top tips and expert advice
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Get your groove on
How to choose the all-important first dance song
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Snap happy
Local photographers showcase some wedding album must-haves
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Local lovelies
Tie the knot in Hitchin, Stevenage and Letchworth
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Rural retreat
Escape to the country for your big day at one of these picture perfect settings
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 23rd March 2012 |
The Hatfield House Wedding Fair - Sunday 5th February 2012.
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Hatfield House is holding a wedding fair on Sunday 5th February, 2012. Over 50 companies, including John Lewis, Welwyn, will be exhibiting and there will be two fashion shows held at 12.30pm and 2.30pm by Confetti Bridal, Tring, where a wide range of wedding dresses from The Wedding Workshop, Ampthill and Mia Sposa, Cockfosters will be modelled. There will also be a range of outfits on show for the mother-of-the-bride from Elenis Fashions, Luton and Menswear - Waterers, St Albans.
A guided tour of the house will be available on the day, giving you an insider's look at the collection of pictures, furnishings and historic armour on display. The House was built by Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to King James I from 1607 to 1611 and has been in the Cecil family for 400 years.
The fair is open from 11am-4pm with complimentary car parking and admission. Hatfield House is a five minute walk from Hatfield train station. Visit the website www.wedding-exhibitions-uk.co.uk for more information. |
| Dazzling designs |
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| Image provided by www.kellyspence.com |
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Let your accessories do the talking and complement your bridal look with some beautiful jewellery
Your big day jewellery choices span more than just your wedding band and, depending on the gown you choose, can be as understated or over-the-top as you like. A simple dress gives the green light to go all out glam with a statement necklace, drop earrings or a headpiece fit for a princess, while a gown adorned with detailed embellishment calls for understated yet elegant accessories such as classic pearl studs and a delicate bracelet.
Its all in the detail
With such a wide range of options available, it's important to choose something that best suits you. Kelly Spence, owner and manager of Kelly Spence Bridal Accessory Design, creates bespoke pieces for brides-to-be and designs a wide range of styles. "Two trends that seem to be emerging for 2012 are the glamorous styles of the '20s and '30s and the fun and frivolity of the 1950s," says Kelly. "Think beaded side headbands and glittering Swarovski crystal forehead bands, or pretty satin bows and birdcage veils."
Gail Ramsay, owner of Gails Crystals designs, has noticed a trend emerging since the nuptials of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last year: "Since the Royal wedding, many brides are looking for more classic jewellery; pearls and diamantes have been our best sellers thanks to the wedding and this looks set to continue into 2012."
And just as you spend time searching for a dress that matches your own style, the same care should be given to your accessories. "Its important each piece is unique to the bride - bespoke jewellery is beneficial when looking for a perfect complement to your bridal attire," says Gail.
To read one see page 41 of the current issue. |
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| Vintage dreams |
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One of the things I love most about my job is seeing all the fantastic real weddings drop into my inbox. The creativity and personal touches are thoroughly inspiring and give me food for thought when putting together features for you to enjoy. I constantly draw on the quirky details and fresh outlooks on the world of weddings, and in turn hope to provide you with some further insight throughout the magazine.
One thing that has become clear is how many of you have fallen in love with the vintage trend - whether you're planning a country-garden celebration littered with quaint floral china and wild flowers; or are opting for a 1920s do with art deco accents, it seems you can't get enough of vintage-chic in all its variants. And our real brides this issue are no exception; Karina and Neil drew inspiration from the pretty grounds of their venue, while Jo and Chris added quirky elements to give their wedding a vintage vibe.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did,
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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 |
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| Win a luxurious pre-wedding break worth £750 |
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Enjoy a romantic getaway at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa
Planning a wedding can be stressful, which is why many couples choose to enjoy a pre-wedding weekend away before the big day and Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa provides the perfect base for brides- and grooms-to-be. Situated on the edge of some of Bedfordshire's most idyllic countryside, the hotel teams both breathtaking beauty with a luxurious spa offering and golf course. The 18th century manor house, is set in 1,000 acres of parkland and has stunning architecture - making it a fitting location for a grand celebration.
A perfect complement to this stunning venue, the hotel spa is fully equipped to cater for every rejuvenation need. Stocking all the big spa staples, guests are left spoilt for choice.
Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa also boasts 193 luxurious suites, offering guests four-poster beds and opulent surroundings in which to rest and rejuvenate before the big day.
In a further draw for newlyweds-to-be the venue plays host to the Luxury Wedding Show on 26th February, 2012. The event showcases a wide range of wedding suppliers from every aspect of the industry including fashion, jewellery, stationery, favours and food, with each exhibitor sharing a similar love for all things luxury.
For more information call 01582 698 808 or visit the website www.lutonhoo.co.uk
Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is offering readers the chance to win a romantic one-night stay for two. The prize includes:
- An overnight stay for two
- Dinner for two in Adams Brasserie
- A Full English breakfast each in the morning
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| Enter here |
| Love in the country |
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| Image provided by Gareth Squance Photography |
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The Priory, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
The Priory provides a country setting with a contemporary edge - perfect for couples looking for the best of both worlds. Located near to the A1, but within a secluded rural setting, the venue can host civil ceremonies in the barn or, weather permitting, in the gazebo in the grounds. Accommodating up to 150 people, the menu is always bespoke, giving newlyweds-to-be total control over their food. The venue does not have overnight accommodation, but has a special arrangement with the Cromwell Hotel in Old Town, Stevenage.
Wedding licence: Yes
Maximum capacity: 150
Contact: 01438 748 647, www.thepriory.net
Don't forget... to get some al fresco snaps. The countryside setting will make a great backdrop for your photographs.
For more rural venues turn to page 23 of the current issue. |
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| Getting married in Herts & Beds 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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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... |
| Snap shot |
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| Image provided by Peter Hearl Photography |
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A picture is worth a thousand words, so make sure your wedding album is made up of the best. The region's finest photographers showcase their work
"A formal image of the bride and groom is a must for any wedding album" - Peter Hearl
For more image ideas turn to page 53 of the current issue. |
| Sweet treats |
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If you're looking for a cake with a difference, the Alternative Cake Company may have the design for you. The talented team can cater to bespoke orders ranging from traditional three-tier fruit cakes to unique creations such as replicas of the Guggenheim museum and White Hart Lane football stadium.
Why not try before you buy and treat your future husband to a mouth-watering taster this Valentine's Day? The company has created this vanilla sponge cake with champagne and white truffle filling complemented by a generous helping of strawberry jam.
Priced at just £35 (extra charge for delivery), the company is also offering £100 off your wedding cake order should you book a consultation and tasting session before Valentine's Day.
Call 01438 225 326 or visit the website www.alternativecake.co.uk for more details. |
| Hot topic: Family matters |
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Let them eat cake
Q - My dream wedding cake would be made of creamy Belgian chocolate, but my mother-in-law is lactose intolerant. Can you recommend a suitable option that is similar in texture but is safe for her to enjoy?
A - Michelle Shulman says: Catering for dietary requirements is a more common problem than people realise, but the good news is you don't have to substitute your chocolate cake. Discuss your mother-in-law's intolerances with your designer. A good cake maker should be able to create a gorgeous chocolate creation using lactose-free ingredients, so the texture and taste will be the same. You can then opt to have this for your whole cake, or why not keep the top tier lactose-free for your mother in law, and have the rest of it in the Belgian chocolate for yourselves? |
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