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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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Inspiration
Candy-kitsch ideas for your wedding
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Tried and tested
We sniff out the best perfumes on the market
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Bedford and around
Some beautiful big-day settings in the north of Bedfordshire
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Hair accessories
Pretty pieces to complete your bridal look
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Videography
We dispel common misconceptions about having a wedding video
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Dream destinations
Our writers share their dream honeymoons
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Eastern promise
We look at venues in the Bishop's
Stortford region in the east of Herts
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
| Wedding of the Year 2010 |
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A new year, hot prize and brand new title are up for grabs.
Last year our Wedding of the Year competition was a huge success - readers from all over the county entered for their chance to be crowned with the title. So this year we've decided to run the competition again; only we've upped the ante with a one-night break for two worth £1,000.
Throughout the year, we'll be looking for couples whose Hertfordshire or Bedfordshire based weddings have taken place in 2010.
Every issue we'll reveal the shortlisted couples, and readers can vote online for their favourite.
The winner of each issue will go through to the grand final, which will be held in spring next year.
If you'd like to put your wedding forward, visit
www.yourhertsbedswedding.com and follow the Wedding of the Year link.
For more information see page 57 of the current issue. |
| Eastern promise |
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We head to Bishop's Stortford in east Herts in search of superb settings for the big event.
Down Hall Hotel, Hatfield Heath
Down Hall is an established country house hotel situated just outside Hatfield Heath, six miles from Bishop's Stortford. The 16th century property is set amid 110 acres of woodland and parkland, and truly has the wow factor. Any couple who wants to play lord and lady of the manor for the day is sure to feel right at home among its opulent interiors.
It might come as a surprise that this grand old venue operates a green policy, and its staff make a huge effort to keep its carbon footprint as small as possible.
With 99 individually designed bedrooms, the happy couple can take advantage of complimentary accommodation on the wedding night, and guests can also make use of discounted rates.
Contact:
www.downhall.co.uk.
For more Bishop's Stortford venues, see pages 18 - 26 of the current issue. |
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| Springing into action |
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At long last: the cold spell is well and truly behind us. I don't know about you, but I find a bit of pampering goes a long way to putting a sprightly spring back in my step.
So, if you need the same treatment, take a look at our beauty pages in this issue for a selection of bridal must-haves.
It's a good job that pampering's perked me up a bit, because it's all systems go here in the County Wedding Magazines studio.
Apart from the fact that we're launching yet another title in our portfolio (Your Manchester Wedding), we've been industriously putting together an issue that's jam packed full of fabulous features, so enjoy!
If you're planning your wedding and have some stories and top tips to share, write to me!
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| Lisa Morgan, Editor |
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| Make sure your email editor@yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| An elegant affair |
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Alice and Panos had a beautiful, traditional wedding day at Fanhams Hall Hotel in Ware.
Setting the scene
The couple opted for Fanhams Hall Hotel in Ware to host their ceremony and reception. "Fanhams Hall is about as close as you can get to a dream venue," says Alice. "It has the country manor architecture that oozes history. Plus, the venue is so well organised that it can hold two weddings on the same day and avoid any crossing of paths."
Alice wore a beautiful dress called Carmella by designer Sophia Tolli. It was in diamond white and featured Swarovski crystals across the bodice.
"It was the very first dress I tried on," says Alice. "I tried on another 12 dresses, but none of them compared to it. It was tight at the top, came in at the waist and then out over my hips; it fit my figure perfectly."
Louise wore a dusky pink dress, which was ruched at the waist and finished with a corsage on the side.
Panos chose a traditional style three-quarter length black jacket with grey pinstriped trousers. He completed the look with an ivory waistcoat, cravat and hanky.
For more information on Alice and Panos' elegant wedding, see pages 28 - 32 of the current issue. |
| Romance through the ages |
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Get ready for a '20s, '30s and '40s revival, with a fresh take on classic vintage gowns.
The 1920s, '30s and '40s graced us with so many fashion icons: Greta Garbo, Katherine Hepburn, Bette Davies, and Jean Harlow; all women who would go on to inspire some of today's biggest bridal designers, from the lavish frills of Ian Stuart to the country-vintage designs of Claire Pettibone.
One thing is for sure though: anyone can wear a vintage inspired design. If you picture yourself as a bit of a 1920s flapper girl on your wedding day, this look has an emphasis on women who have a slight, slender shape. The sleek gowns are shaped like tunics, and some have intricate detailing on a low-slung waist and panelled skirts. Brides looking to reflect the 1920s era should finish their look, just like couture designer Lindsay Fleming has, with pretty detailed headdresses adorned with feathers, and strings upon strings of pearls.
For more information on finding the perfect vintage gown for your big day, see pages 42 - 44 of the current issue. |
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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... |
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| Five steps to the perfect seating plan |
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It's a difficult job at the best of times, but when your big day is just around the corner, putting together a seating plan for 50 or more guests can seem like mission impossible. It's an important task, too; even if yours is a casual affair, letting guests choose their own seats could result in complete chaos.
I'm sorry to say that this is an area where wedding planners have no choice but to take a back seat: after all, you and your fiancé are the ones who know all of your guests and, most importantly, the family dynamics. But don't fret - County Wedding Magazines has put together a foolproof guide to getting your table plan done and dusted, so you can relax and enjoy the run-up to your big day.
For a five step guide to the perfect seating plan, see pages 85 & 86 of the current issue. |
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| Getting married in Herts & Beds or know someone who is? 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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