Tabla de contenidos para March - April 2017 en You and Your Wedding

I’ve been working in the wonderful world of weddings for… let’s just say, quite a few years. People often ask me whether I get bored of seeing the same old thing. Without missing a beat, I always say no – because it’s never “the same old thing”. Whether we’re talking about a new trend in cakes, some game-changing tech, a just-opened unique venue or an innovative way to serve food, weddings are evolving all the time. That goes for fashion, my area of expertise, too. Wedding-dress trends change as quickly as mainstream fashion. Just think how far we’ve come from Princess Di-style meringues! There’s so much choice in terms of style, fabric and price – and that choice is just getting bigger. We make sure you see the best of…

# TELLTHEBRIDE Join us on Facebook every week to help solve one bride-to-be’s dilemma “Should I sack one of my bridesmaids? She has made zero effort, not offering to help me or plan anything. I really feel like saying, ‘Obviously, you have a lot going on, you haven’t been there for the preparations, so it’s probably best if you come as a guest’.” Chrissie L: “You need to think very carefully before risking your friendship by stopping her being a bridesmaid. She must be special to you for you to have considered and asked her to be a bridesmaid in the first place!” STEAL THESE DETAILS Be inspired by the stunning real weddings at youandyourwedding.co.uk/realweddings Mood board of the month “Dreamy inky swirls and luxe stone effects make for a…

THE BRIEF MOOD An enchanted, woodland wedding straight out of a Shakespeare play, with ethereal touches and wild blooms PALETTE Berry tones mixed with pops of fuchsia, which stand out dramatically against the moody forest backdrop VENUE Woodland Weddings’ secluded glen in Buckinghamshire, where you can hold a magical festival-style big day and then camp in a bell-tent village at night “Flora and fauna were a big inspiration. The cake featured hand-painted flowers, trees, deer and sugar-craft butterflies” Everyone wants their wedding to be magical. But this beautiful big-day theme, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with its enchanted-forest setting, ethereal dresses and bewitching strings of golden lights, actually feels as if it could be straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. As well as looking to…

“AS SOON AS I SAW THE DRESS I KNEW IT WAS PERFECT. IT WAS A ONE-OFF DRESS MADE FOR A CATWALK SHOW” THE COUPLE Claudia & Ed Claudia Raperport, 31, and Ed Rustin, 34, held their ceremony and reception in the gardens of Adwell House, Oxfordshire Dreamy blue was the hero hue at Claudia and Ed’s oh-so-elegant celebration. Inspired by oriental blue and white porcelain, the couple dotted azure details throughout the day, from the delicate water glasses to the patterned napkins, which they hand-printed in the run-up to the wedding, and the stationery, which they designed and made. Even Claudia’s exquisite Stephanie Allin gown fitted beautifully with the palette. “As soon as I saw the Violet dress I knew it was perfect,” says Claudia. “It was a one-off…

THE COUPLE Africa & Jermel Africa George, 25, and Jermel Daley-Clarke, 28, held their ceremony and reception at Asylum Chapel, London This couple’s bewitching styling proves you can find gorgeous wed-spiration in the unlikeliest of places. “As gory as it sounds, we both think the death scene in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet is spectacular, so we based things on that!” explains Africa. With help from a team of creative friends, the couple set the scene with over 500 twinkling candles. Metallic touches added to the romantic, ethereal effect, from the gold-edged crockery to the mercurised glass candelabras of different heights. Other than the peonies in Africa’s bouquet, they chose to use fresh foliage from a local nursery instead of flowers – saving money without compromising on style. “We were…

Combermere Abbey, Cheshire Spend your first night in seriously stylish surroundings by staying at Combermere Abbey’s luxurious new bridal suite, The Salamanca, with interiors designed by Nina Campbell. Cluny Castle, Aberdeenshire Ready for 2018 brides, Cluny Castle is undergoing an exciting renovation that will see the West Wing apartment fully upgraded and the addition of seven glamorous new bedrooms – up to 26 guests will be able to spend the night. Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, North Yorkshire This stylish boutique hotel has launched a new exclusive-use package giving wedding parties an uninterrupted 24 hours’ use of the surroundings. For more venue inspiration, see youandyourwedding.co.uk/venues…

“AS THE BRIDE, THE PRESSURE IS OFF, AS THE SPEECH IS FREE FROM EXPECTATION” “ GO IN A WITH A POSITIVE MINDEST AND YOU CAN’T GO WRONG” Mute brides have always bugged me. I’ve watched too many funny, clever, confident female friends struck dumb at their weddings, while their fathers, grooms and best men got to rock the mic instead. I swore that if I ever got married, I’d make a speech. I didn’t want to feel like an ornament, sitting at the top table looking pretty – I wanted to be part of it. But now my own wedding is fast approaching, and there’s just one problem: I’m terrified of public speaking. Heartened by a report* which found that more brides than ever are making a speech on their…

“I like an eclectic look so recommend lots of accent accessories to bring in different colours and textures. Soft furnishings never go amiss – heaps of cushions and throws make a place feel a lot more welcoming” “Keep it classic – you can’t go wrong with good quality pieces for the kitchen. If you do go off-list, be very careful and make sure you know that the couple will love it!” Check out Clarissa’s range of sumptuous luxe bed linen and soft furnishings at prezola.com…

STYLING TIP Incorporating flowers with lace brings a modern twist to this classic look STYLING TIP Statement sleeves and oversized hoops ooze old-school ’70s glamour…

Five minutes with… Martine Harris of Essense of Australia Give us your words of wisdom for brides… Keep an open mind and allow the bridal stylists to guide you. Brides should think of their wedding-day look as more than just a dress; the most fashionable brides always add something sentimental or special to their look, such as a family heirloom tied into the bouquet, or their wedding date stitched into the inside hem of their gown. What inspired you for your new collections? The global reach that bridal fashion has achieved. Through the internet and social media, brides are exposed to so many ideas and themes, which influences the style of gown they dream of buying. This is where the inspiration to create designs that have no boundaries and can…

You’ve found your dream dress and the perfect pair of heels, all that’s left to do is find those effortlessly elegant finishing touches that will really bring your look together. Where classic design meets contemporary styling, Jon Richard creates pieces ideal for brides looking for lasting elegance. The collections feature a collaboration with luxury bridal-wear designer Alan Hannah, bringing intricate crystal, cubic zirconia and freshwater pearl together with timeless detail and contemporary charm. There’s no better place to find beautiful jewellery for you and your wedding party, so let yourself get swept away with collections designed to create lasting moments. Jon Richard has teamed up with You & Your Wedding to bring you an exclusive 25% discount on full-priced jewellery and accessory lines online. HOW TO CLAIM To receive your…

Use St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Body Polish, £10, and Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser, £10, in the run-up to ensure your body is ready to be bronzed. Perk yourself up after sleepless nights poring over table plans with Oskia’s Get Up & Glow serum, £66, designed to brighten your skin and give you a gorgeous glow. Feeling fatigued after too many hen-night proseccos? The Paula’s Choice Radiance Renewal Mask, £35, will sort you right out, making hungover skin feel as good as new. OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, £18.65, is a hero product for helping your nails grow long and strong – ideal if you want them to look long and elegant in all those close-ups of your ring.…

Disappearing act Treehotel, Sweden Sky-high swim Keemala, Phuket Thailand Jungle fever Huilo Huilo Nothofagus Hotel, Chile Out of the woods Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses, New Zealand Castle in the sky Cháteaux dans les Arbes, France Floating on air Design Hotels’ Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park, Portugal…

KARKLOOF SAFARI SPA, SOUTH AFRICA At this well-being retreat you can enjoy a classic safari as well as unlimited spa treatments, all-you-can-eat organic gourmet raw food, a range of well-being classes, mountain biking, bush walks and fly-fishing, thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk THE ALPINA GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND This luxurious mountain hotel has launched Six Senses Integrated Wellness tailor-made programmes, where experts analyse your lifestyle and suggest spa treatments, activities and nutrition to get you feeling your very best after the big day, thealpinagstaad.ch HIDEAWAY BEACH RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES We can’t think of a nicer place to detox than this paradise island, which has a Seven-Day Detox programme, mixing daily therapeutic spa treatments such as oxygen facials and anti-cellulite massages with yoga classes and water sports, hideawaybeachmaldives.com LES MANOIRS DE TOURGÉVILLE, FRANCE Relax surrounded by…

TRUE COLOURS There’s a reason you always see David Attenborough head-to-toe in light creams and khakis when he’s in Africa – black, dark blue and purple outfits attract tsetse flies, whose bites are painful and can very occasionally cause sleeping sickness. For game drives, pack this practical, yet feminine floral khaki shirt instead. Floral shirt, £55, Red Herring at Debenhams…

ELA AKSOY Stylist and wedding planner Ela is the founder of Bochic Weddings and Events. Known for creating weddings full of colour, patterns and feminine touches, she worked her magic to produce the A Midsummer Night’s Dream-styled shoot (p79) . KRISHANTHI ARMITT Launched in 2010, Cakes by Krishanthi uses Fairtrade, organic ingredients to create fantastic cakes that are unique to each couple. Krishanthi loves creating designs inspired by art, and came up with the decadent rococo-inspired theatrical cake for our shoot (p94) . AMY LAWRENSON Editorial director at Byrdie UK, Amy Lawrenson is currently planning her wedding. A qualified personal trainer and engaged to a self-confessed fitness addict, she travelled to Antigua to test out the latest trend for honeymoons that mix relaxation with wellness (p224) . CLARISSA HULSE We…

THE DRESS Amanda Wakeley LOOK 1 Dress, £4995, Amanda Wakeley. Headband, £50, Jon Richard. Hoops, £995, Links of London. Bracelet, £125, Azendi LOOK 2 Skirt, £699, Martina Liana. Headpiece, £275, Camilla Rose. Satin choker, £5.50, Claire’s. Black bracelet, £78, Butler & Wilson. Rings, £385, and £325, both Savage & Rose LOOK 3 Tulle cape, £897, Richard Designs. Crown headpiece, £175, Vintage Bridal Millinery. Cuffs, £34 each, Glitzy Secrets LOOK 4 High-neck top, £675, Sharon Bowen-Dryden. Birdcage headpiece, £65, Vintage Bridal Millinery. Belt, £250, Catherine Deane THE DRESS Sabina Motasem LOOK 1 Dress, £1885, Sabina Motasem. Long veil, £175, Crown and Glory. Headpiece, £84, Glitzy Secrets. Drop earrings, £135, Victoria Fergusson. Thin chain bracelet, £6, Accessorize. Gold ring, £260, Savage & Rose LOOK 2 Leather jacket, from £1465, Nour Hammour. Black…

30% The increase in couples sending their wedding invitation online versus sending printed invites. But you don’t have to choose – order printed invites for less tech-savvy family members and send a matching online version to other guests. M ix it up The typical wedding now includes FIVE EVENTS, and Paperless Post users prefer a variety of designs – only 20% use the same stationery suite for all their events. Most popular style? BOHO RUSTIC Write on Avoid writer’s cramp by having envelope addresses printed in a font that matches your invitation. Pace yourself when writing the thank-you notes – do a small batch each day so it doesn’t become a huge chore. APRIL  The peak month for ordering printed wedding invitations WHAT TO DO when SIX MONTHS before (minimum):…

Luciano Pavarotti Ave Maria This beautiful song gives a timeless feel and creates a magical atmosphere. John Denver Annie’s Song When sung a cappella, this will have everyone’s hair standing up on the back of their necks. Emmet Scanlan and What the Good Thought From the Inside Out This is a bit different – and I can even work with a couple to write a unique song. LMFAO Sexy and I Know It A roughed-up acoustic version of this will make for a light-hearted and bold entrance.…

Zoë Burke IS CONTENT WRITER AT Y&YW. SHE SAYS: “Last October I had to attend a wedding on my own for the first time – there was no plus-one (and I didn’t have anyone to take anywayÉ). My ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend were also on the guest list. Guess what? I survived. I was just flattered my friends had invited me to enjoy their wedding day with them. It would be entitled of me to expect them to fork out for an additional guest – someone they don’t even know – just to spare me a little social awkwardness. My Facebook feed is filling up with engagement announcements, and my shelf is stacked with wedding invitations – just as I unexpectedly find myself single for the first time since…

Choosing a wedding suit is not always the easiest of tasks, even for the most decisive of grooms. After all, there’s much to consider, from colour and cut to how to make sure it doesn’t look too nine to five. Daniel Muttitt, 37, had a distinct advantage over other grooms-to-be – he was marrying leading groomswear designer and tailor Alexandra Wood. “I completely left the decision-making to her,” he says. “I think that if a tailor knows their stuff, you shouldn’t mess with that – especially if she’s going to be your wife!” Alexandra created his effortlessly stylish sage green suit, choosing the colour based on his skin tone and their venue style. She also designed Daniel’s groomsmen suits, to ensure a balanced overall look. “These were in a classic,…

STYLING TIP Embrace your tropical surroundings and wear bright, fresh flowers in your hair STYLING TIP For maximum wow factor, team a short dress with sky-high heels…

“We chose ubercool dresses and accessories to make a bold statement in our romantic location” Peta Hunt, editor-at-large THE DRESSES Classic lace with a contemporary edge – think quirky embellishments and flattering silhouettes THE THEME Dreamy dresses in a super-cool setting – perfect for the modern bohemian THE ACCESSORIES Oversized hoops and sparkly rings add a modern twist to this timeless look SPECIAL THANKS The Y&YW team stayed and shot on location at Kuramathi Island Resort, Maldives. Set on a coral island, the resort is the ideal destination for a couples’ getaway. Try windsurfing and explore the marine life on the house reef, then wind down with a couples’ massage and a sunset dinner on the beach at one of the island’s nine à la carte restaurants. It’s the perfect…

Blushing BRIDE Move over, contouring, there’s a new trend in town and it’s ideal for bridal beauty. Draping is a softer approach to sculpting your face, delivering a fresh and romantic glow; simply dust a dark blush below your cheeks, then a lighter shade on top to soften and create a subtle radiance. We love using the Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo (£28) for this look. SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE Indulge your sweet tooth without derailing your wedding diet with one of these chocolate-inspired beauty products; totally gorgeous and guilt-free. Luscious LOCKS If you’re hoping for hair that rivals Rapunzel’s on your big day, try Maria Nila’s Head & Hair Heal range. The hardworking ingredients stimulate hair growth and strengthen your strands, while the pretty bottles will…

There’s a few months left until W-day, and with all the big-ticket items sorted, it’s time to get down to the details. But now that you’re dashing between stylist trials, preparing your documents and doing your best to finally nail that tricky seating plan, how can you find time to exercise? With Protein World’s routines, you can get a great workout in 20 minutes. Take a look at the exercises in the plan to the right – each uses techniques from high intensity interval training, which are proven to boost your metabolism for days, helping you tone up and feel fitter faster. Even better, they’re totally suitable for beginners. Combine them with Protein World’s range of smart supplements and meal plans, and you’ll be sporting that big-day glow in no…

“This dress has an old-school romantic feel with a skirt of silky tulle – perfect for a wedding abroad” PETA HUNT, EDITOR-AT-LARGE ON THE COVER BELTED DRESS, FROM £1750, ROSA CLARÁ. PINK HEADPIECE, £280, CHERISHED. ROSE-GOLD BRACELET, £40, FOLLI FOLLIE. THREE-STRAND BRACELET, £59, TED BAKER. ROSE-GOLD AND DIAMOND CUFF, £2500, LINKS OF LONDON. BOUQUET, STYLIST 'S OWN. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JASON MOORE. STYLING BY PETA HUNT, ASSISTED BY MOLLY COUGHLAN. HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY SALLY KVALHEIM. THE FASHION TEAM STAYED AND SHOT ON LOCATION AT KURAMATHI ISLAND RESORT, MALDIVES…

There’s nothing more special than watching your child walk down the aisle. And on such an unforgettable occasion, you deserve to look and feel your most sensational. Enter John Charles, a world-renowned London design house famed for its modern mother of the bride designs. Each outfit benefits from the brand’s refined signature cut, which combines gifted construction and innovative design to flatter and give you the ultimate fit. Here are some of the highlights from the latest collection in spring’s hottest shade – fresh and delicate lemon. The phenomenal shape of this dress makes it a complete showstopper. Incredibly form flattering, it’s designed to balance out your curves with a subtly pleated waist. The delicate shade, meanwhile, is enhanced by the textured jacquard, and the stunning pearl detailing on both…

FULL BLOOM Amaze guests with the most intricate, colourful, “they must be real” sugar flowers. Whether peonies perching on mini round cakes, a meadow cascading around tiers or a pastel arrangement blooming from a chocolate urn – they’re all edible! GILDED GLAMOUR Set a scene of exotic grandeur with mixed metallics and masterful detail – gold leafing, hand piping inspired by henna, tiny cupcakes sat in rococo arches and an edible Venetian mask topped with sugar netting. Not even a doll-size illuminated chandelier is too much! MODERN FAIRY TALE For a happily ever after your wedding breakfast, serve dreamy tiers of lilac and powder blue decorated with ethereal butterflies and iridescent flowers, delicate textured bas-relief, sugar woodland creatures and a magical gingerbread scene. GROWN-UP GIRLIE Let them eat cake! Make…

“SIX OF OUR FRIENDS TOOK TURNS PLAYING ’80S AND ’90S MUSIC. IT WAS A RIOTOUS PARTY AND SUCH FUN” THE COUPLE Laura & Stephen Laura Ormerod, 32, and Stephen Moody, 33, held their ceremony and reception at Château de Saint-Martory, France The fairy-tale castle setting may have been grand, but Laura and Stephen’s French celebration was all about laid-back enjoyment. “We did away with formality in favour of fun!” says the bride. “We are quite relaxed, love a party and love nature, so those themes came through in the style we chose.” The day began with a romantic ceremony under a 200-year-old oak tree on the chateau lawn. “We kept the decoration ultra-minimal – we simply draped a piece of material through the branches and had white petals on…

SO HOT! FEEL-GOOD PJS Start married life in style with these ethically made his-’n’-hers PJs, which can be monogrammed with your new initials. Sets from £105, Tales of Thread TEQUILA SLAMMERS We said never again after the last time, but these chic Himalayan-salt shot glasses have got us reaching for the Patrón; a must at your at-home hen. From £15, Root7 PERSONALISED TRADITIONS Horseshoes are said to bring luck to your big day; go for a custom-made version and it’ll add style, too. From £23.90, Wedding Horseshoes SO NOT! GROUND-LEVEL CEREMONIES Why not exchange vows in the sky? Tree Top Escape in Devon will “raise” everyone’s spirits CRACKED SCREENS A cool – and practical – gift for your maids, you can add charms and skins to this hard-wearing phone case.…

1 @blendandbloom Expect stunning seasonal displays and the occasional scenic view from florist Blend and Bloom 2 @theflowerbird We love the Flower Bird’s gorgeous floral arrangements, with everything from centrepieces to flower crowns 3 @fairynuffflowers This beautiful account has taught us we need more roses in our lives. Lots more roses 4 @gatherandbloom Be inspired by Gather & Bloom’s seriously artistic Instagram feed – you’ll be awestruck at her arrangements!…

Getting married is all about people coming together. So why can the planning process sometimes make you feel very much alone? Well, if you’re suffering from wed-solation – that feeling of isolation when it’s as if you’re carrying the whole wedding single-handed – the last thing you are is alone. Plenty of brides go through a lonely stage at some point on the road to the aisle. It’s not necessarily that your family and friends are unsupportive; more that, as with anything in life, sometimes people don’t understand what you’re going through. Already-marrieds may have forgotten their own feelings during planning; others simply may not appreciate how much effort goes into creating your unique celebration. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to overcome wed-solation. Whether you’re struggling…

STYLING TIP Don't be afraid to wear all your favourite rings at once. Bling it up STYLING TIP Team a statement dress with fuss-free hair and make-up for a super sophisticated W-day style…

Picking a shade to suit all of your best girls can be a tricky task. Step forward the little black dress: it’s timeless, glamorous and universally chic. Your maids will look and feel amazing, and you’ll have a beautiful backdrop for your own gown to really pop against. Happy days! TOP TIP Choose dresses with sparkling embellishments for maximum glamour WEAR WITH… LITTLE MAIDS TOP TIP Quirky details add a playful twist to your little maids’ style. CATWALK INSPIRATION…

MAID MUST-HAVES For gorgeous bridesmaid and guest dresses, look no further than TH&TH. After searching all over for elegant yet affordable gowns without success, the company was started by three talented friends who had been working for global fashion heavyweights. Its USP is easy-to-wear, affordable gowns in corded lace and chiffon. Prices from £135. SHINE BRIGHT Want that extra bit of sparkle on your wedding day? Check out the new range from Diamonfire. Like a diamond, each stone is cut, weighed and polished, but they are, in fact, man made. Set in silver and really sparkly (there’s a range of man-made pearls, too), these are flawless-looking stones, guaranteed to impress your relatives. Prices from £59.…

With a mind overflowing with venue visits and juggling the guest list, it’s understandable that plotting out a bridal-beauty regime might have slipped down your to-do list. However, there’s still plenty of time to get your head out of the wedding-planning diary and into the salon chair. While much of planning can be a little on the stressful side (errant RSVPs, anyone?), the beauty part is a time to relax and treat yourself to some much-deserved me-time. We’ve rounded up the key steps to take in the months and weeks before you walk down the aisle to ensure you’re looking like the goddess that you are. FIRST THINGS FIRST As soon as you’ve locked down your venue and wedding date, it’s a good idea to start looking for (and booking)…

Meet the trainer Pilates instructor and fit-kit designer Sally Dixon is the founder of Power-Up Pilates. She says: “Abdominal strength starts with the core, but we should also be paying attention to the internal and external obliques plus the rectus abdominis. We’ve broken it down into four exercises to get a full mid-section workout.” BASIC MOVE: For obliques #1 Start lying down, your knees bent, feet flat, and hands behind your head. Exhale and engage your abdominals to lift your head, neck and shoulders off the mat while rotating your torso. Release your left hand and reach towards the opposite knee. Return to the start position, repeat on the other side. Keep your pelvis stable. Do 10 reps. ADVANCE IT To up the intensity, start with your legs off the…