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Inspiration
Ideas on how to add that 'something blue'
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Tried and tested
Our team members give their hair the deep conditioning treatment
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Getting hitched... without a hitch
Our no-nonsense guide to arranging your ceremony
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Weddings through the ages
We take a peek at big days from the '50s through to the 'oos
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The big day after
Fun ideas to beat the post-nuptial blues
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Precious paradise
Rowena shares the Far East's best kept secret...the Palawan Islands
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 23 July 2010 |
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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 |
| Precious paradise |
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The Palawan islands are the Philippines' last frontier and the Far East's best kept secret. Rowena Marella-Daw discovers why this piece of heaven is worth keeping to yourself.
There are two types of travellers: those who play safe and follow the familiar route, and those who prefer to explore the lesser trodden path. If you're the latter, then the islands of Palawan in the Philippines have some surprises in store. Of the 7,107 islands that make up the archipelago, the province of Palawan takes the lion's share in terms of exceptional beauty and biodiversity. In fact, in the November-December 2007 issue of National Geographic Traveler, an independent panel gave Palawan the highest score among island destinations in east and southeast Asia, beating more popular destinations such as Bali, Lombok and Phuket.
Considered the country's final frontier, Palawan is protected by the Sulu Sea to the east and the South China Sea to the west. Its many limestone cliffs cradle deserted white sand coves, tranquil lagoons and mangroves, while beneath its emerald waters, coral reefs teem with life. On land, dramatic landscapes provide the perfect habitat for endemic species such as the swiftlet, Palawan hornbill, peacock pheasant, bearcat, and the anteater.
For more information on the Palawan Islands, see pages 98=102 of the current issue. |
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Back in the 1950s, and even through to the '80s, people followed a set formula. Now, couples strive to make their day totally and utterly original by breaking ties with tradition and finding inventive ways of making it personal. For example, just yesterday I saw a place name which was made using Scrabble tiles. Just when I thought I'd seen it all, some bright button of a bride has an inspired idea, leading me to ponder the endless possibilities of creativity.
The Herts and Beds counties are full of such inspiration, which is why readers love our real wedding features. This issue we're giving you two to nose through - Victoria and Alan's fun wedding at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral was a particularly original day (page 64).
Finally, this is my very last issue as editor of Your Herts & Beds Wedding as I will be moving on to pastures new. I've been wowed by the region's special days over the past few years, and during this time I have very much enjoyed watching them become even more imaginative and personal. I wish you all good luck with the rest of your planning, and I hope each and every one of you has sunshine on your big day.
Best wishes for the future
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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 |
| Win a weekend 'hair holiday' |
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Give your locks some much-needed pampering before the big day, with a break in The Cotswolds courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Stuart Holmes.
Top hairstylist Stuart Holmes relocated from London to Cheltenham in 2003, where he established his luxurious hair and beauty salon with his wife Sara. After the move, many of his clients started to regularly travel from London for their appointments so Stuart decided to team up with two of the area's most exclusive hotels to launch the Hair Holiday package. This enables clients to make a relaxing weekend of having their hair done and enjoying some pampering too. Over the past six years the Stuart Holmes Hair and Beauty Spa has gone from strength to strength and now employs 20 professional staff.
For more information about Stuart Holmes and the Hair Holiday packages, visit www.stuartholmeshairholiday.co.uk |
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| Enter here |
| Rural romance |
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An outdoor service and a barn dance reception complete with haystacks made Victoria and Alan's wedding a true countryside affair.
Victoria Ralph and Alan Culf met at church, where they were training to provide an outreach service called Whots. "It runs on a Saturday, and people come if they have physical pain, and we pray for their healing," explains Victoria. "Alan and I got along instantly, and every time we saw each other it was like meeting up with an old friend.
The turning point was when I needed his help moving into a new place, and to my surprise he kept coming over to fix things for me week after week."
Victoria arrived at the ceremony with her dad and maid of honour, Rebecca, in a Cadillac. I remember wondering when she was going to show up, when all of a sudden the silence was shattered by the rumblings of the V8 and the sound of all the birds flying away.
Alan's mother went scouting around the local villages in search of a hall where we could hold a hog roast and barn dance. She found Potten End village hall and came back with pictures. When we saw it, we fell in love with it.
For more information and pictures of Victoria and Alan's big day, see pages 64-67 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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| The best laid plans |
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Pencils at the ready! We chat to some of the region's leading wedding planners to hear their words of wisdom when it comes to organising your big day.
1. Set a realistic budget
Whether money is tight or plentiful, you'll need to set a budget. Set aside some quiet time to prioritise and try to be realistic from the outset. Also be sure to track your spending as you go - a simple Excel spreadsheet should suffice.
2. Make a list
There are lots of different aspects of a wedding to organise, so before it all starts to get to you, take a deep breath and make a list - a long one if needs be! Over the course of your planning you'll discover that you've made quite a few lists - the guest list, the supplier list, the gift list, the DJ's play list, even a things-to-do-in the-last-few-weeks list. Just be sure to commit all your ideas to paper so you can sort out what needs doing first.
3. Do nothing
Once your list is in place and you know exactly what you need to do? sit back and do nothing. There is no initial hurry to book all your suppliers, so my advice is to sit and relax for a while. Cosy up on the sofa and gather some ideas for your wedding. Take inspiration from other couples' weddings in magazines and you'll begin to get an idea of the trends and styles you like, and those that you don't. You can also source suppliers this way and begin to discover those with excellent reputations.
For more professional top tips to plan the perfect wedding, see pages 81 & 82 of the current issue. |
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