Table of contents for September - October 2016 in You and Your Wedding

There was a viral video doing the rounds on social media a few months back showing engagement rings through the decades, which the team here at Y&YW HQ found totally mesmerising. Without a word being spoken, the procession of diamonds, gold and platinum managed to sum up a hundred years of cultural history as a modest solitaire from 1910 gave way to the intricate Art Deco vibes of the ’20s, all the way through to the disco bling of the ’70s and our current vintage-revival obsession. Weddings have always reflected the spirit of the times. Looking back at my family’s history, we went from my maternal grandma wearing a smart-but-functional suit for her marriage in the austere, Depression-era ’30s to my hippie mother sewing her own knee-length dress (paired with…

“We picked a cute couple to celebrate being in the romantic city of Paris” PETA HUNT, EDITOR-AT-LARGE ON THE COVER BRIDE: DRESS, £1220, CHARLIE BREAR. EARRINGS, £175, ERNEST JONES. RINGS, FROM A SELECTION, CLAIRE’S. GROOM: JACKET, £560, SHIRT, £90, AND TROUSERS, £230, ALL FAVOURBROOK. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DONJA PITSCH. STYLING BY PETA HUNT, ASSISTED BY ALISON YAU. HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY DIMITRI THEER. THE TEAM STAYED AND SHOT ON LOCATION AT HÔTEL PLAZA ATHÉNÉE PARIS (DORCHESTER COLLECTION.COM/EN/PARIS/ HOTEL-PLAZA-ATHENEE)…

TICK THOSE TRADITIONS Something NEW A Tatty Devine perspex dancing figure necklace, £225, to keep it playful! Something BORROWED Hire this amazing brooch from Bentley & Skinner, at a fraction of the full price: 1% plus VAT of the retail value for 24 hours. Something OLD The Cartier love bangle’s been here since the ’70s, £4600. Something BLUE Be a fashion-forward princess bride in this Miu Miu tiara, £290, from Net-a-Porter. We all SHINE on These dresses let your best girls glitter on the big day – accessorise to the max! SUCH GREAT heights Invest in these aisle-worthy ankle-biters from shoe guru Manolo Blahnik, POA. BAGSY THESE   Bring on the DRAMA Big dresses are back Galia Lahav If Kim Kardashian were to get married again, we have a feeling…

THE BRIEF MOOD This season’s must-have botanicals paired with details inspired by historical portraits, fine art and opulent interiors PALETTE Dramatic, moody hues such as plum and merlot softened by lighter feminine pastels and hints of antique silver VENUE Middle Temple Hall, a London city venue steeped in history, with grand rooms and glorious manicured gardens “Formal doesn’t have to be dull,” says wedding planner Holly Poulter from Revelry Events. And that’s exactly what she set out to show in this opulent shoot, which combines historical accents and modern florals, bringing a traditional theme into the 21st century. “We know foliage is going to be big in weddings, so we created a look that had botanicals at its heart. Instead of going down a light and airy floral route, we…

Minerals Twist the trend with blue and gold hues Club tropicana Get piña-colada-ready with a bright and floral theme Precious metals Foiled paper adds a touch of luxe to big-day invites…

THE COUPLE Philippa & Alex Philippa Bloom, 28, and Alex Ross, 28, married at New West End Synagogue, London, with a reception at Claridge’s Teenage friendship turned into lasting love for Philippa and Alex. “We first got to know each other when we were 15,” says the bride. “Although we spent years as just friends, my mum always knew I would end up with Alex!” A romantic proposal followed – a table for two on the beach in Mykonos as the sun was setting – and the couple set to work organising a classically beautiful city celebration. Planner Classico Productions helped keep stress at bay, but one thing was still on fashion stylist and blogger Philippa’s mind: the dress. “Because of my job, I felt so much pressure,” she says.…

THE COUPLE Alexandra & Peter Alexandra Joel, 29, and Peter Bebb, 39, held their ceremony at St John the Baptist Church, Hornton, and reception at Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon If there were an award for dedication to wedding dress shopping, Alexandra would win it. This stylish bride tried on 90 dresses before she found The One, a gorgeous tiered lace number by Claire Pettibone. But her hard work paid off, as the fabulous vintage-style frock became the inspiration for many of the big-day details, from the homemade lace-effect wedding cake to the antique lace used to tie both her bouquet and the stack-of-books table centres. Thankfully, Alexandra was much more decisive when she first met Peter. “At the time I was about to leave the UK to live in Australia,”…

It’s friends over family: ON AVERAGE, PEOPLE WILL PAY JUST OVER £65 FOR THEIR BEST FRIEND’S PRESENT, BUT £38 FOR A COUSIN WHO’S GETTING MARRIED. Curb your enthusiasm £111.46 is the maximum a couple should expect a guest to pay for a present, the survey says. £24.70 The minimum acceptable amount for a guest to spend on a wedding gift without it being insulting, according to The Wedding Shop’s survey. My wedding gift list Honeymoon Dinnerware Bed linen Mixer Bookends PRESENT & CORRECT 65% of guests are more likely to up their gift spend if the couple are covering their food, drinks and accommodation on the day. TOP of the list Including a gift list with your invites isn’t a breach of etiquette after all: 74% of guests prefer couples…

The Jackson Sisters I Believe In Miracles “The ’70s don’t get any better than this. Feel-good, rare and funky.” Bob Marley Is This Love (Montmartre Remix) “Add a little love to the music! A classic tune that’s beautifully updated.” Curtis Mayfield Move On Up “The Kanye West-sampled masterpiece that will have both young and old moving. An instant floor-filler.” David Bowie Let’s Dance “When the dance floor needs a lift, Bowie’s finest from the ’80s does what the title asks.”…

“IN THIS ERA OF UNCERTAINTY, WHERE MONEY IS UNIVERSALLY TIGHT, THERE’S LESS SHAME IN ADMITTING, ‘THIS IS WHAT I WANT’” Remember as a teenager when you finally asked your gran if, instead of a birthday present, she could give you money? Motivated by unwanted socks and seriously drab knitwear, you’d been trying to pop the cash question for a while but didn’t want to hurt her feelings. Truth is, when you did ask, she was relieved; finally she didn’t have to pace a department store for an hour, knowing that the part you’d enjoy the most would be the receipt. Now, some 15 years on, you find yourself in a similar situation with wedding gifts. Marrying later (the most recent UK average is 36 for men, 34 for women) and…

Still experiencing serious dress disappointment? If you weren’t entirely happy with your choice in the first place – if you felt under pressure from your mum or bridesmaids to say yes to a good-but-not-you dress, or you rushed into a decision – a change of frock might be the best solution. Here’s what you need to consider: TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR CONTRACT with the boutique where you bought it, to find out what your options and obligations are. A full refund is highly unlikely, but you may be offered partial store credit. CONTACT THE SHOP to discuss the situation – it won’t be the first time they’ve dealt with this. It’s worth asking whether there are any radical alterations they can make to bring the dress closer to what…

Caroline Bradley EDITOR OF HITCHED.CO.UK (AND A NEWLYWED – CONGRATS!) “The decision to change my name was probably one of the easiest wedding choices I had to make. Despite sentimental pangs towards my old last name, when I got engaged, I felt certain that I would lose it when we got married. Although I have always been sure about this, it wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I’ve established myself as a journalist with the name Caroline Hendry, and if I Google myself (come on, who doesn’t?), the first few pages are scattered with quotes, interviews and articles I’ve written. However, I think I’m early enough but also established enough in my career to ‘re-brand’ myself as Caroline Bradley, and I’m fairly certain all memory of me won’t be wiped…

         STYLING TIP Team a soft suit jacket with a veil for a very modern take on bridal style. Wearing a strapless dress? Either make a statement with a necklace or earrings – don’t do both!…

“Channel your inner bohemian bride and create a look that’s all your own – boho brides don’t follow the rules!” Sally Kvalheim, hair and make-up artist THE DRESSES Quirky, cool dresses with serious style for the modern bride THE THEME A modern boho wedding against a country house backdrop with funky interiors THE ACCESSORIES We picked gold-toned accessories to work with the boho dresses, giving it that slightly ’70s feel. SPECIAL THANKS The fashion team stayed and shot on location at Voewood, Norfolk In the heart of the Norfolk countryside lies this 18th-century arts and crafts house. Step behind the unassuming doors to find gorgeously decorated rooms with hangings by artists such as Kirsten Hecktermann and Chloe Mandy. A fun, fabulous venue for a wedding as original as you. voewood.com…

It’s a classic wedding colour, and there’s a good reason for it. Pastels work well for springtime ceremonies while deeper tones work for winter. Whether you choose aqua, periwinkle, or any other blue hue for your maids’ dresses, there are loads of different styles to choose from. For an easy crowd pleaser, go blue. TOP TIP Don’t be afraid to mix and match shades to suit each maid – having the same base colour will unite the whole look. WEAR WITH… LITTLE MAIDS CATWALK INSPIRATION…

IT’S A SHOE-IN If you covet couture but love a high-street fix, bridal brand Rainbow Club has a new accessories treat in store. The label has just appointed footwear protégé Joanne Stoker to lead its design team. Spotted and trained by Jimmy Choo, Joanne is currently working on her inaugural line for the label. Footwear fans can expect to see a range of contemporary silhouettes, luxe textures, sky-high heels and playful detailing. IMPORT ALERT! After decades of success across the pond, Casablanca Bridal has finally arrived in the UK. The US brand is known for its detailed designs, which include hand-beaded and lace creations. Brides can choose from three ranges: the trend-led, high-end Amare Couture, Beloved, for budget-conscious brides and Casablanca, its original, mid-priced line. CROWN JEWELS To celebrate 80…

Looking for a new scent to wear on W-day? Try and match the floral notes in a bottle to the flowers of your bouquet. It will keep the floral fragrance going long after you’ve thrown the bouquet and take you back to your special day.…

CLEAN AND SIMPLE AS SEEN AT… ANNASUL Y. AND SNOW BY ANNASUL Y. Beauty stripped back was the theme for this show, with models sporting natural-looking complexions and bridal buns for a beautifully classic style. Lauren created a clean look on the face. “I used a little powder on the skin and a soft, linen pink on the cheeks and lips,” she says. Hair was swept into a low bun with just a little bit of texture on top to build the perfect foundation for adorning with accessories. UNDONE ELEGANCE AS SEEN AT… SASSI HOLFORD “It was important to her that the hair wasn’t seen as being ‘done’, and that it had a natural flow and beauty,” Joseph says of Sassi Holford’s brief for the show. For this almost effortless…

I Found the Gown The SHOW: A chaotic glimpse inside Vows Bridal Outlet, in the US, where Oscar de la Rentas cost a grand. Elbows standard. The LESSON: How to survive sample shopping when it turns into The Hunger Games. Wear an outfit you can slip a gown over (or embrace getting your undies out in public). Four Weddings The SHOW: Come Dine with Me for big days. The LESSON: As four perfectly nice strangers descend into unhinged nit-pickery about colour schemes and how well the flints in the church’s walls were carved, you realise the only opinion on your day’s style that matters is yours. #brideboss Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids The SHOW: The girls gather in a room of duchesse satin and underlying tensions. The LESSON: One…

THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Discover everything you need for your big day at The National Wedding Show – the ultimate destination for shopping, inspiration and wedding planning. Y&YW readers can get two tickets for £20 at the London, Birmingham or Manchester shows. Visit weddingshow.seetickets.com or call 0844 8740 486 and enter the code YYW241.* THE WEDDING FAIRS Treat your bridal party to a VIP day out at The Wedding Fairs. VIPs can enjoy fast-track entry to the show, access to the Y&YW VIP lounge, a glass of premium prosecco, a bridal-beauty tote bag with products courtesy of Benefit Cosmetics and reserved seats at the catwalk shows. Visit theweddingfairs.com and book your VIP tickets using code YYW to receive a second glass of bubbly for free.**…

TELL US, FACEBOOK BRIDES! How will you combat happy tears during the vows? Becci M I’m worried I’m going to sob the whole day. A tip I’ve had is to blink a lot when welling up and to pinch the skin between my thumb and first finger. Shelley W I cried at my wedding and had a horrendous cold to boot, so was a snotty mess! The only way I could control it was by biting my lip. Victoria S I get married in eight weeks and I know I’ll cry. Friends and family know I’m emotional, so why let it be any different on my wedding day? STEAL THESE DETAILS Check out a new real wedding on Twitter, Instagram and the website every week Mood board of the month…

When you’re planning the most special day of your life, where do you start? Well, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate place to start. Whether you visit the show in London, Birmingham or Manchester, you’ll find all you need for your wedding under one roof – and enjoy a fantastic day out! The nation’s finest wedding suppliers and the hottest high-street names will be there offering everything from flowers, cakes and entertainment, to honeymoons, accessories and stationery. And, of course, there are lots of gorgeous wedding dresses to try and buy at the Bridal Boutique and Designer Boutique. Enjoy the UK’s biggest bridal fashion production, the Catwalk Show, showcasing the latest trends from leading designers and brands including Jenny Packham, Vera Wang, Coast, Debenhams and more. Meanwhile, at the…

Who says minimalism has to mean stark? Stylist Emma Riddell has created a clean, uncluttered look that’s dreamily pretty. “The overall feel is delicate softness, from the light and airy bouquet to the paper-thin wafers around the cake,” she says. The trick? Bringing together decor details that are subtle on their own but arrestingly beautiful in combination. Take the tablescape: the simply chic calligraphy menus work perfectly set against crisp linen, silk ribbons on the place settings and clear candle holders. The seasonal blooms, put together by florist Blue Sky Flowers, reflect the mood through a mix of textures: ammi, Japanese anemone, David Austin Patience roses, hellebores and astilbe, with silver dusty miller foliage and asparagus fern fronds. Don’t forget, your flowers can also do double duty as favours. “Use…

“EVERYONE THOUGHT WE WERE MAD TO HAVE PHOTOS ON THE BEACH IN WINTER, IN 40MPH WINDS” THE COUPLE Laura & Alex Laura Clark, 30, and Alex Brayshaw, 37, held their ceremony and reception at The Gallivant, East Sussex Who says seaside weddings are only for summer? Laura and Alex celebrated their love with a sparkling winter party at The Gallivant, a boutique hotel right by the famous dunes of Camber Sands. As well as their dream beachfront location, the venue has the advantage of a heated marquee – ideal for keeping guests nice and toasty. With help from stylist The Bijou Bride, Laura and Alex chose decor to reflect both the coastal location and the season, starting with a colour palette of blues, mint greens and soft greys. “Our theme…

THE COUPLE Gayle & Karsten Gayle Rinkoff, 42, and Karsten Edwards, 41, held their ceremony and reception at Es Cucons in Santa Agnès de Corona, Ibiza When Gayle and Karsten decided to get hitched in sunny Ibiza, it was a given that their three daughters would be an essential part of the big day. Marni, Sienna and Leni walked down the aisle ahead of their mother, with the youngest girl carrying a heart-shaped sign that said, “Daddy, here comes Mummy.” These mini maids dazzled in floaty frocks in different hues from Tutu Du Monde. “I wanted them to wear something with a touch of vintage and a touch of boho,” says Gayle. The bride herself wore a satin Charlie Brear gown, which the girls helped her to personalise. “They came…

SO HOT! HAPPY MAIDS Bring your A-game to your maid-wrangling by gifting them a personalised notebook from Papier – perfect for hen planning. ALL BRIGHT ON THE NIGHT Bold palettes are set to be huge say the stylistas at Notonthehighstreet.com, so dial up the colour volume. TECHNO-ROMANCE How would you feel about a proposal by drone? You can now buy an engagement package from Drones Direct that involves having the ring delivered from the air. NEW PATISSERIE MASH-UPS Cronut (croissant meets doughnut) creator Dominique Ansel is opening a London bakery this summer. Hello, cake-spiration. SO NOT! THE BOUQUET TOSS Just 33% of brides choose to follow this tradition*. Single female wedding guests around the country breathe a sigh of relief. SWEETIE TABLES We still love them really, but summer’s making…

Excited about the UK version of Say Yes to the Dress? We caught up with David Emanuel (who designed Princess Di’s dress!) for some behind-the-scenes ON DRESS DRAMATICS “The drama comes – and I’ve had a taste already – when you have an opinionated mother, sister or best friend. I love challenges. Bring it on.” ON STRAIGHT TALKING “I don’t give compliments or criticism loosely. When I say it, I mean it. If I think something looks great, I’ll say you look fabulous. If it isn’t, I’ll say it isn’t great. You’ve got to be honest. I want the brides to look stunning, so I’m not going to put them in anything I don’t think looks good.” ON BRIDAL SHOPPING SQUADS “I get why brides bring an entourage – they’re…

Tell a story. Never say: “I want money”. Instead, say: “I want money for something”. It’s the “something” that’s engaging and makes it real and personal. Be honest about what you want. Couples feel they have to pick something “acceptable”, and think it sounds better to say that they want the money for their honeymoon rather than to pay off debts. Your guests want to fund what you’ve asked them to fund. Be honest and let them decide whether they want to contribute. Work in money multiples. Always include presents worth £1, £5 and £10. People do give gifts for a fiver, but many prefer to buy lots of smaller gifts. So, where someone might have put £50 in an envelope, they could end up spending a lot more, thinking:…

“I’m a big fan of mixing colour and pattern at home to add personality. Try using fabrics and wallpapers within the same colour range, then mix with graphics and florals.” “THE LAST WEDDING GIFT I GAVE WAS… …a charm to each person engraved with their partner’s initials and wedding date, which they could keep as a token of their special day.”…

“The location was inspirational and the hotel really embodied the spirit of Paris – it was chic, fun and flirty, just like our story.” Peta Hunt, editor-at-large THE DRESSES We packed modern, elegant dresses perfect for a romantic wedding THE THEME A chic city wedding in Paris THE ACCESSORIES To complement the hotel’s red geraniums, we packed red accessories to add a pop of colour throughout SPECIAL THANKS The Y&YW team stayed and shot on location at Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris. Located on the ultra-chic Avenue Montaigne, this historic hotel is a hop, skip and jump away from the Eiffel Tower. Stylish interiors, a Dior Institut Spa and Alain Ducasse restaurant all await in this hideaway. dorchestercollection. com/en/paris/hotelplaza-athenee…

          STYLING TIP LET YOUR PERSONALITY SHINE THROUGH WITH STATEMENT ACCESSORIES. SPARKLY DRESS? KEEP YOUR HAIR ACCESSORIES TO A MINIMUM TO AVOID THE DISCO-BALL EFFECT.…

We all know the tradition about a bride not revealing her gown to her betrothed before she walks down the aisle – but what about the groom’s outfit? Turns out, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, so here’s how to choose what suits you best. (Brides, pass this page on to the groom!) TIME TO SAY “I OBJECT!” TO HER INVOLVEMENT? If you’re highly opinionated, and typically don’t take long to ponder a decision, you might be happiest choosing your suit alone. You may end up with something you don’t completely love if you’re distracted by differing opinions. You can frame this as a positive to her by positioning it as “delegation”. Planning a wedding can be stressful, and for one reason or another, a lot of the pressure often falls on…

BACKSTAGE BEAUTY Spotted at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week: the hottest beauty looks coming to an aisle near you! Every bride wants glowing skin and the models at Patricia Avendaño nailed it. Perfectly complementing the gorgeous gowns were dreamy, dewy complexions so divine you’ll want to pop this page under your make-up artist’s nose. At Inmaculada Garcia, the girls sported just-bitten lips. It’s easy to recreate this look yourself: add a sheer slick of lipstick across the lips, then build up an extra layer of colour in the centre of your pout. Hair was Pinterest-pretty over at the Isabel Sanchís and Rosa Clará shows for two very different reasons. Isabel Sanchís accessorised dresses with big, bold floral crowns, while clean and simple hair was the perfect match to the elegant dresses…

Meet the trainer Pilates instructor and fit-kit designer Sally Dixon knows a thing or two about shaping up and looking hot while doing it. She is the founder and creative director of activewear brand Every Second Counts and trains clients in Mat, Reformer and Apparatus Pilates via Power-Up Pilates (poweruppilates.com). WALKING LUNGES Stand tall, feet hip-width apart. Inhale as you take a big step forward and bend both knees to 90° until the back knee hovers above the floor. Look forward. Exhale as you activate your core, glutes and thighs, then push away with your front heel, back to the start position. Alternate legs for 20 reps. GLIDERS On a smooth surface, stand with the left foot on a folded hand towel. Bend the right knee, going into a squat,…

• FOR R&R (THAT’S RIDING AND RELAXATION)… Colorado + California Hop on horseback at Brush Creek Ranch followed by views over the Big Sur at Post Ranch Inn. From £5880pp incl. flights, scottdunn.com • FOR WILDLIFE AND WATER… Rwanda + Zanzibar Hang out with gorillas before going for a dip at Zanzibar’s Unguja Lodge. Rwanda and Zanzibar Adventure from £5180pp incl. flights, exsus.com • FOR DESERTS AND DIVING… Oman + the Maldives Relax where Oman’s red desert meets the sea, before hitting the beach at Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. From £3989pp incl. flights, turquoiseholidays.co.uk • FOR CULTURE AND NATURE… Japan + Palau Indulge in culinary delights in the Land of the Rising Sun, then visit the “underwater Serengeti” of Northern Pacific island nation Palau. Flights from uk.jal.com…

HOLLY POULTER, REVELRY EVENTS Planner Holly created a reception look full of steal-it-now details: fabulous foliage, fruit and a painted cake. She explains: “Our inspiration was classical botanical, but we did something a little more sultry.” See page 71 GEMMA ASKHAM Freelance journalist Gemma has been writing for Y&YW long before light-up letters were even a thing. Nine years later – and three months before her own big day – she explores the new (controversial?) trend of asking guests to fund the wedding. See page 138 ROSS ARMSTRONG Actor and author Ross lets us inside the mind of the modern groom in his funny (and frank) column. This issue, he tells us about his hunt for the perfect venue: “It’s where your memories and photos will be captured.…

• BOAT NECK Full-cup, seam-free bras are best as boat-neck styles tend to be fitted to the bust. A great choice for bigger boobs. • BACKLESS Have your dress maker sew cups into the bodice – but be warned, these provide minimal support. High-waisted shapewear can provide more structure. • V-NECK It’s all about the plunge bra to give you a great décolletage. • BALLGOWN If it’s got enough internal structure, you could go bra-free. Otherwise, go for a supportive strapless bra. • SWEETHEART NECKLINE A balcony bra will give you cleavage, or a bustier will cinch you in at the waist.…

1 Guest attrition: There’s no foolproof way to predict how many guests will RSVP yes, but the standard estimate is 80% for local weddings – falling to nearer 50% the further afield you go. If near-perfect attendance is a priority, stay close to home. 2 Your appetite for admin: Juggling all of a wedding’s moving parts is an epic organisational feat – which gets even more complex when done from afar. If you’re tying the knot away from home, on-the-ground assistance may help you connect the dots. 3 Price: City weddings can cost more per head, so heading out of town may give you more bang for your buck. But remember, holding the event far away may mean throwing extra events, like a welcome party, to thank guests for making…

Your wedding gift list. It’s your chance to create your ultimate wish list of all the things you’ve ever wanted or needed for your home. Things you’ll cherish even more because you’ll always associate them with your marriage. With Prezola, the award-winning leading independent gift list provider, you have an astonishing choice of over 30,000 gifts from a wide range of 300 high-street, heritage, boutique and quirky brands. You can enjoy the flexibility of combining gifts with a cash fund on one list, too, as well as a honeymoon fund. That means no matter your personal style, you can put together a gift list that truly reflects it, all from the comfort of your sofa. A friendly customer service team is also just one call away, if you need help.…

PLAN YOUR DAY WITH EASE Every love story is beautiful but yours is our favourite – that’s why we want to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible. Our free planning tools can help you at every step, from creating your budget to seating your guests. FIND BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING IDEAS We share our own tips, tricks and advice as well as bringing you all the latest wedding trends and ideas from industry experts. Team this with emotional support and plenty of photos of dogs at weddings and you have everything you need! CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VENUE The moment you book your wedding venue your vision really starts to come to life. Our venue finder features thousands of wedding venues from across the UK and your dream venue…

“STEPPING INTO THE UNDERGROUND DISCO CAVE FELT LIKE WALKING INTO A NIGHTCLUB FULL OF YOUR FAVOURITE PEOPLE” THE COUPLE Olivia & Tim Olivia Durkin, 27, and Timothy Cresswell, 33, held their ceremony at St Paul de Leon church and reception at Kingston Estate, Devon When university sweethearts Olivia and Tim started planning their wedding, the theme of the day was a given – the sea. The couple both studied marine biology in Plymouth and Tim went on to plan a nautical proposal. “We went snorkelling off the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean,” says Tim. “I dived to the bottom and came up with the ring, saying I’d found it on the seabed. I then asked Olivia to marry me.” This love story doesn’t continue with a seaside “I do”,…

“WE WANTED EVERYONE TO ENJOY THEMSELVES IN A SERENE, BEAUTIFUL SETTING” THE COUPLE Alex & Ed Alexandra Rayner, 27, and Edward Ainscoe, 27, married at St Michael and All Angels church, before celebrating at Middleton Lodge, Yorkshire For Alex and Ed, their big day wasn’t just about them – it was about family and friends, too. “I did most of the planning with my stepmum, Helen,” says Alex. “She’s the most organised person I’ve ever met!” It was Helen who helped Alex choose the venue for her August wedding to her university sweetheart Ed: Georgian country estate Middleton Lodge. “As soon as we stepped out of the car, we knew this was the place for us,” says Alex. After a traditional church service, the couple and their guests arrived at…

As you’re probably discovering, planning a wedding can be an intense experience. So take some much-needed relaxation time after the big day and pamper yourself with the alluring scents of fresh fig, succulent cassis, citrus and tomato leaf with this elegant The White Company Fresh Fig Luxury Gift Set (right), worth £45. Prezola.com is the ultimate gift-list destination with thousands of gorgeous ideas. Couples can add big brands from Le Creuset to Sophie Conran, as well as cash contributions and honeymoon funds. How to claim To receive your free gift, register your gift list at prezola.com, quoting the code YYW07. The first 500 readers will get this amazing free gift when the rest of your presents are delivered after the wedding. Offer ends 30 November 2016. Terms and conditions Offer…

Garthmyl Hall, Powys This Welsh country house has been transformed by wedding planner Julia Pugh into a stunning exclusive-use space with ballroom, 10 en-suite bedrooms, and gardens with a fountain. hitched.co.uk/wedding-venues/garthmyl-hall_2031.htm Clevedon Hall, Somerset Just in time for summer, there’s a new outdoor ceremony space at this Bristol beauty. Say “I do” in the gazebo with the gorgeous lake in sight. hitched.co.uk/wedding-venues/clevedon-hall_5438.htm…

Crowd control I have a big, close family and we love to get involved in each other’s celebrations. But I’d like to keep numbers to a minimum on W-day morning when I’m getting ready. I’ve got four flower girls and I’d love them to get dressed with me, but that means parents coming, too. How do I work out how many people should be with me? BritBride Y&YW says: Your family sound lovely, but we completely agree that sometimes a girl needs space. It’s great that you’re giving this part of your day some thought, as it’s a really special time, so you need to be surrounded by the right people. There’s no hard and fast rule about who to get ready with, but less is more. Most brides have…

It’s an ailment that all but the most style-confident of brides falls victim to: thinking you’ve chosen the wrong gown. Symptoms range from sleepless nights imagining yourself looking like Miss Havisham to frenzied last minute online searches, and before you know it you’ve got a full-blown case of the wedding dress wobbles. It’s no wonder that it’s such a common problem – you’re putting pressure on yourself to choose the perfect dress, often months before you’re even planning to wear it. Thankfully, we know how to cure the main causes of gown meltdowns, so read on and be prepared to fall back in love with your dress. The WOBBLE I’ve fallen for another frock. The WISDOM You’re typing “wedding” into Pinterest and the first search suggestion…

Ever dreamt of walking down the aisle in an Ian Stuart dress? Thanks to The National Wedding Show and Ian Stuart himself, that dream could be a reality as the British designer is offering one reader a voucher for £2500 to buy their dream dress from Ian Stuart’s flagship store in London. The winner will also receive VIP tickets to The National Wedding Show. As part of the VIP package, you’ll get reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, access to the VIP Lounge, a free glass of fizz and a goody bag. Brides-to-be will have the chance to meet Ian at The National Wedding Show in Birmingham NEC on Saturday 1 October – just head to The Wedding Theatre. Ian will divulge his tips and tricks for creating a bridal…

High-glamour fashion for bride and groom (p152), a collection of off-beat bohemian looks (p164) and the best dresses for less than £1000 (p174)…

            STYLING TIP A WHITE BIKER JACKET ADDS A PLAYFUL TOUCH FOR W-DAY – AND YOU CAN WEAR IT AGAIN! WORK YOUR SIGNATURE ACCESSORIES INTO YOUR BRIDAL LOOK – HOOP EARRINGS AND BANGLES KEEP IT COOL.…

For an instant confidence boost, go for bright and beautiful jewel tones – and don’t be afraid to clash your colours. Just make sure the shades are from the same palette. A blue-overtoned red dress and pink jacket can look fantastic together. Hot stuff indeed! TOP TIP Don’t be afraid to add accessories – but keep the clashing to three colours only.…

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your job? Beginning a new collection is my favourite. Gathering inspiration, poring over fabrics and leafing through our archive of embellishments is great fun. What inspired you for the new collection? 2017, for us, was about creating a contemporary collection that can be styled up or down depending on the bride. We also have some exclusive hand-crafted, custom-coloured embroideries – they are exquisite. Best fashion advice for a bride? If you can’t imagine that moment you have dreamed of in your perfect dress, move on. Statement earrings or necklace? Earrings every time for me – a classically elegant statement. You could look into body chains as a modern alternative, on a plunging low back it can really draw attention and give your aisle style…

Finding bridesmaid dresses that complement your big-day look while emphasising their individual styles and body shapes can be one of the tougher tasks on your to-do list. Known for its vintage-inspired designs and elegant occasion wear, luxury heritage brand Ghost has the perfect solution. Its Dye-To-Order service offers you the opportunity to order a timeless occasion dress in a style, colour and size specifically tailored to the individual and the event. Inspired by vintage glamour, the collection includes beautiful floor-length gowns, stylish mid-length dresses and shawls, and features classic Ghost designs, including the iconic slip dress and the ’30s bias-cut dress. HOW TO CLAIM Ghost is offering Y&YW readers 20% off the Dye-To-Order collection. Just enter the code yywedding online at ghost.co.uk or quote the code in Ghost’s King’s Road…

You’ve thought about your skincare routine, but what about your hands and feet? All eyes will be on your aisle outfit and if you’ve splurged on a new pair of shoes, you’ll definitely want to show them off. Our testers tried out three in-salon and at-home treatments designed to do just the trick. FOR… HEAVENLY HANDS Carol Joy London at the Dorchester Myo-Col Luxury Hand Lift, £55 for 30 mins This luxurious treatment would make for a lovely thank-you treat for mum. Or, have one yourself to make your guests as envious of your hands as your new wedding ring. The therapist begins with an exfoliating scrub, followed by the Myo-Col Luxury Lift mask and the anti-ageing Myofascial lifting massage, to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine…

BANYAN TREE LANG CÔ Vietnam is a country designed for romance, where lush green jungle coats rolling hills, and 3km sandy beaches cuddle up to clear blue seas. Banyan Tree L›ng Cô sits between the warm East Sea and the Truong Son mountain range in the heart of central Vietnam, close to three different Unesco World Heritage Sites. Culture aficionados will love exploring the temple complexes of My S o’n, the home of the Vietnamese royal family at Hué, and the ancient town of Hô . i An. When you’re ready to relax, enjoy your own secluded pool villa or a couple’s treatment at Banyan Tree Spa. Prices from £2279pp for seven nights for the price of five in a Lagoon Pool Villa with breakfast and return Emirates flights. Valid…

TYLNEY HALL HOTEL, Hampshire WHERE This impressive Grade-II listed house, dating back to the 1700s, is surrounded by 66 acres of stunning gardens, which are being lovingly restored to their former glory. While there’s everything from the South Downs National Park to pretty green spaces on the doorstep, you can get your fill of the countryside by simply walking around the hotel’s own Water Gardens, Kitchen Gardens, Italian Garden and lakes instead. WHY Downton Abbey fans will love the ornate period furnishings, marble fireplaces and shelves stocked with classic novels, all of which give you a taste of the original family’s life. The old-world charm is at its best in The Oak Room, where you can enjoy champagne cocktails, fine dining and a live pianist. Continue the stately experience…