Issue 059 - Reflect Magazine

16 Wedding Review
17
How Do I Love Thee
Let Me Count The Ways…
If you’ve recently taken the plunge and
got engaged, Reflect would like to offer
our ‘Congratulations’ to the happy
couple. However, once the initial glow
has died down and your face no longer
aches from smiling 24 hours a day, it’s
time to get planning. With so much
to think about, your brain must be in
overdrive, but the first thing you need
to decide upon together is when you
want to tie the knot.
The season in which you choose to marry is extremely important as it dictates
everything else, from the kind of flowers you can have to whether you choose an
outdoors or indoors reception venue. The summer months are the most popular
time of year to get married, so to avoid your guests possibly having to choose
between your wedding and another, why not opt for spring, autumn or winter
nuptials.
Unless you have unlimited funds, chances are your wedding day will have to be
done on some sort of budget. If your budget doesn’t stretch to the UK average of
£18,500 (http://www.weddingsday.co.uk/average-wedding-cost), then you’ll need
to plan carefully to avoid starting married life in debt.
It can be overwhelming to know exactly where to start planning your big day, so
we would like to recommend attending one or two of the numerous wedding
shows that take place up and down the country throughout the year.
We all know that the last
few years have been tough
financially. However, financial
hardship doesn’t have to
mean making do with old,
ill-fitting clothes. Reflect
would like to recommend
the talents of alterations
extraordinaire, Julie Manning
at Friargate Alterations in
Derby. Established in 1979,
Friargate Alterations provides
an exceptional repair and
alterations service.
No job is too small for Julie,
an experienced tailor who started her career at Co-op Tailors in Derby. Julie said: “I worked
for the Co-op for ten years before it closed and started Friargate Alterations soon after. I felt the
closure of Co-op Tailors left a gap in the market for an alternations service in the heart of Derby.
The last 30 years have had their ups and downs but the last couple of years have been really
busy with people trying to save every penny they can. People have realised that just because
something doesn’t quite fit, doesn’t mean they have to throw it away; it can be altered and
transformed into something amazing!”
Julie offers alterations on every item of clothing you can think of, from shortening or
lengthening jacket sleeves to taking in, or out, dresses, including bridesmaid dresses and
bridal gowns. Julie said: “I was really busy in 2011 with brides who needed their dresses altering.
Many of them had found a bargain, either from a sample sale or from eBay, which obviously didn’t
The Perfect Fit
fit them as a wedding dress should. I found myself taking a lot of dresses both in and out last
wedding season. I was busy until Christmas with wedding dress alterations; it seems like everyone
waited until Christmas to tie the knot! Turnaround of garments varies, I can turn wedding dresses
around in about a month but I do get very busy, so once you decide that you want your dress
altered it’s best to come and see me so I can see what needs doing and get you booked in.”
As each item of clothing is different, so are Julie’s prices, however quotes can be provided
– just take the item into her. “I’ve always enjoyed sewing and altering clothes, so I don’t really
see this as a job. I’m fortunate enough to
do something I love for a living,” Julie said.
Friargate Alterations is open Mondays,
Tuesdays, Wednesday mornings,
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: pop
in to see Julie at 8 Friar Gate, Derby
DE1 1BU for a competitive quote.
Julie’s new venture for 2012 is her
‘Revival’ designer label range of
clothing. She explained: “I’ve started to
take in vintage and pre-loved designer
clothes to sell on to new homes. Obviously
these items must be in a good condition,
but I do offer a 50/50 split of the profits
with the owner of the clothing once I’ve
sold it. I have a few things on the rails
at the moment but am always on the
lookout for more.”
For more information or to discuss your alteration requirements,
please call 01332 722367
The first show we’d like to recommend to you is the London Wedding Show, which
takes place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th February at ExCel. Featuring over 150
exhibitors, both local and national, everything you could need to plan for your
wedding day is here, under one roof. All visitors also get a free goodie bag. For
more info, or for tickets, visit www.excel-london.co.uk
Alternatively, The National Wedding Show brings together over 250 exhibitors
and the UK’s largest collection of wedding dresses under one roof. Taking place
at London Kensington Olympia from February 24th to 26th and Birmingham NEC
from March 16th to 18th, The National Wedding Show 2012 promises to be bigger
and better than ever. Visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk for more information,
or to buy tickets.
British & American
Classic Cars for
Wedding hire
Choice of 20 cars from 1924
Weddings at The Hill
The Hill offers the perfect setting for a private, intimate celebration and truly
romantic photographs. This beautiful, traditional, Cotswold manor house, with
its lush gardens and secluded position, is ideally located just a few minutes’ walk
from the town of Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Downside, Stockley Lane, Calne,
Wiltshire SN11 0NF
enquiries@atwellwilson.org.uk
www.atwellwilson.org.uk
Atwell-Wilson
Wedding Cars
Prices start from £210
Please call 01249 813119
for further information.
For more information please contact our
Functions Co-ordinator
Call: 01453 764771
or email mike@occasionsatthehill.co.uk
www.occasionsatthehill.co.uk
The Hill, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 4ER