Dream Weddings Magazine - Dorset & Hampshire - issue.34

Y O U R F R E E L O C A L W E D D I N G M A G A Z I N E 

dream 

WEDDINGS 

in Dorset 

& Hampshire 

AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 • ISSUE 34 

Set the 

scene 

From barnstorming 

Boho to spectacular 

stately home 

Razzle 

Dazzle’em 

How to choose the 

all-important dress 

DON’T MISS OUR 

FANTASTIC WEBSITE: 

WWW.DREAM-WEDDINGS-MAGAZINE.CO.UK 

PICTURE 

PERFECT 

Also find us on: 

Fairytale 

effect 

A sprinkling of magic 

dust for the perfect 

wedding day 

Retro black & white photos 

capture all the fun of the day

contents 

congratulations... 

You’ve found the man or woman of your dreams and 

you’re embarking on one of the happiest adventures of 

your life. The months ahead will be full of the most 

delicious decisions (what to wear, which flowers to carry, 

how to decorate the tables at the reception) and some 

stressful ones: if we invite Great Aunt Agatha, can we rely 

on her not to come? Should we have an intimate wedding 

breakfast or a buffet for scores of friends? Will it rain? 

However daunting the whole organisation seems at the 

outset, this is one celebration everyone wants to be a 

spectacular success and you will find good wishes and 

friendly faces wherever you turn for help. Planning your 

wedding starts here and now and in this issue of Dream 

Weddings you will find tips and hints on every aspect of 

your big day, from the latest collections of gowns to 

ideas on music, from wedding day etiquette to up-todate 

fashions in flowers. 

You’ll also find advertisements from a whole army 

of local businesses, all with plenty of experience to 

call on. They will work with your ideas, offer 

creative suggestions of their own and find 

solutions to match every budget. They know the 

shortcuts and the pitfalls - and they’re fully 

aware of how important it is to you that 

everything runs smoothly. 

So turn the page, start planning your 

big day. 

And enjoy every minute of it! 

P2-17 DESIGNER 

DAZZLE 

P22-23 - GO CRAZY.. GO BLACK & WHITE! 

AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 • ISSUE 34 

C O V E R P I C T U R E B Y C P P H O T O G R A P H Y, 

T E L E P H O N E : 0 7 9 1 7 1 1 6 6 3 0 • W W W. C AT PA R S O N S . C O M 

DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of 

advertisements and editorial in this publication, County Magazines Ltd 

cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused directly or 

indirectly by the contents of this magazine. The views expressed are not 

necessarily those of the publisher or editor. While every care is taken with 

material submitted for publication, no liability for loss or damage can be 

accepted by the publisher or its agents. 

FOLLOW 

US ON: 

EDITOR 

ADVERTISING 

ACCOUNTS 

DESIGN 

DISTRIBUTION 

JULIA SNOW 

HELEN JOHNSON, 

EVE SZEREMETA 

MADELINE RIGGS 

TOM HUTTON 

JANE GREY 

PUBLISHER COUNTY MAGAZINES LTD, 

THE GRANGE, STOKEINTEIGNHEAD, 

NEWTON ABBOT, DEVON TQ12 4QH. 

TELEPHONE: 01626 873364 

EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@COUNTYMAGAZINES.CO.UK 

www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk 

Visit our website at 


2-17 Glamour & glitz 

Showstopping international designer 

collections for tomorrow’s beautiful brides 

18-19 Man of the moment 

Make sure the men in your bridal party 

look (nearly) as gorgeous as the bride 

20-21 Hearts & flowers 

Contemporary bridal flowers and 

mouthwatering wedding cakes 

22-23 Picture perfect 

Retro black & white photographs capture 

all those special moments in the day 

25-31 Plan for perfection 

Follow our step-by-step guide to the whole 

process and you’ll never put a foot wrong 

P18-19 ...& DON’T FORGET THE FELLAS! 

32-33 My fair lady 

Keep up to date with the latest wedding 

trends at the region’s top wedding fairs 

34-37 Yummy Mummy! 

Check out the latest styles for the 

fashionista that is your Mum 

38-51 A rip-roaring reception 

Top venues for every style of wedding - 

and how to dress them to impress 

52-53 Join the party 

Entertainment to light up your evening – 

and cater for your sweet-toothed guests 

54-56 Brides’ directory 

Classified guide plus our handy round-up 

of autumn wedding fairs near you 

D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E • 1

MAIN PICTURE: NICOLE SPOSE AT 

CHERISHED BRIDAL WEAR IN BOURNEMOUTH 

ALFRED ANGELO AT CLOUD NINE IN 

LOCKS HEATH AND CHERISHED 

BRIDAL WEAR IN BOURNEMOUTH 

Pretty as 

a princess... 

Cinderella style or sleek and slinky; luscious lace, shimmering 

satin or a confection of tulle; off-the-shoulder, illusion neckline, 

dramatic back; mini, maxi, tea-length: the brand new 2017 

collections offer tomorrow’s lucky brides more choice than 

there’s ever been before. 

And it’s all at a bridal boutique near you! 

Try on lots of different styles – you’ll soon get a feel for what’s right for you 

– and take time to savour the whole experience. Have fun! 

2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E

ABOVE & BELOW: NICOLE SPOSE AT 

CHERISHED BRIDAL WEAR IN BOURNEMOUTH 

ALFRED ANGELO AT CLOUD NINE IN 

LOCKS HEATH AND CHERISHED 

BRIDAL WEAR IN BOURNEMOUTH 


ART COUTURE AT SPECIAL 

OCCASIONS IN POOLE 

...or 

cool 

as an 

ice 

LEFT & INSET RIGHT: 

KENNETH WINSTON AT 

NEW FOREST & DORSET 

BRIDES IN HIGHCLIFFE 


PICTURED & INSET LEFT: 

ETERNITY BRIDE AT SPECIAL 


queen? 

You’re Queen for the Day, so set your sights on the regal 

look. It’s not so much about what you wear as how you 

wear it. And never, never let the dress wear you. 

Supremely confident, unfailingly gracious, sail through 

the day with your chin held high and your shoulders back in the 

certain knowledge that you are beautiful, stylish and worth all 

the admiration that comes your way. 

Divine dignity is the keynote – at least until you let your hair 

down at the evening party. 


PICTURED: STELLA YORK AT 

MINSTER DESIGNS IN 

WIMBORNE AND TILLY MINT 

WEDDINGS IN FLEET 

Feminine... 

and 


fabulous! 


Big 

Over half of today’s brides 

are a size 14 or more and 

long gone are the days 

when larger brides were 

routinely snubbed in 

bridal shops... 


MAIN PICTURE & LEFT: 

LOVE BY CHRISTINA WU AT 

SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

IN POOLE 

RIGHT AND BELOW: 

BEAUTIFUL BRIDES PLUS 

BY SPECIAL DAY AT NEW 

FOREST & DORSET 

BRIDES IN HIGHCLIFFE 

AND CLOUD NINE IN 

LOCKS HEATH 

is beautiful... 

Both designers and boutiques have woken up 

to the fact that plus-size brides want to be 

beautiful too: international bridal houses 

have launched their own plus-size 

collections and bridal shops who stock 

them are witness to their popularity. 

There’s nothing more disheartening for a generously 

proportioned bride than finding nothing to try on in the 

shops she visits, so do a little homework before you go. 

Call the bridal stores in advance and ask what choice 

they have for you to try on in your size. If you want our 

top tip: get your underwear professionally fitted to 

enhance all your good points, and wear it when you 

head out on your big adventure. Then simply get on 

with loving the experience. 


special 

ART COUTURE AT 

SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

IN POOLE 

occasions 

bridal house 

Now celebrating 20 years helping brides find their dream 

weddings gowns, Special Occasions has built an 

enviable reputation not just for beautiful dresses 

but also for the friendliness and professionalism of 

their service. 

The elegant bridal house in Poole is home to a fabulous 

collection of wedding dresses and gorgeous accessories, 

from city chic to romantic and elegant. Dresses range from 

6 to 28. 

Special Occasions is renowned for the quality and fit of their 

dresses, which can be individually styled with a variety of 

design changes. 

Manageress Gina said: ‘It is important to us that brides enjoy 

their experience with us from their first visit to the 

final dress fitting. 

“We pride ourselves on creating a relaxed 

and comfortable atmosphere – which is 

also fun for the bride and her party.’ 

Appointments are recommended so you 

can make the most of the impeccable 

personal service offered by the 

experienced and friendly staff. 

ETERNITY BRIDE AT SPECIAL 


55 Commercial Road, Lower Parkstone, Poole, Dorset

where 

happy 

endings 

begin! 

THIS PAGE: CHRISTINA WU 

AT SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

IN POOLE 

BH14 0JB • Tel: 01202 740072 • www.specialoccasionsweddings.co.uk 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 4:30pm 

Saturday 9:30 till 5pm. Brides are always welcome to browse, 

but appointments are recommended, especially on Saturdays

Stunning gowns from 

Kenneth Winston, Ella 

Rosa and Femme 

(for the curvier bride) 

Something for every 

budget Sizes 6 to 34 

Top it off 

with a tiara 

Appointments only 

Tel: 01425 616939 or 

078513 85116 

www.newforestbrides.co.uk 

404 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5HE. 

Traditional or contemporary, worn 

with or without a veil, the tiara is 

the headdress of choice for today’s 

brides. ‘Tiaras complement any 

style of gown,’ says Ros Woodhouse of 

Tiaras and Crowns ‘and can be worn with 

upswept, worn down or short hairstyles.’ 

When you’re choosing your tiara bear in 

mind that it should suit the shape of your 

face, your wedding hairstyle and the style of your gown. 

‘Diamante tiaras go with any colour of gown, says Ros, ‘while tiaras with 

pearls should match either your jewellery or your gown.’ 

Tiaras and Crowns has a fantastic selection of bridal headdresses to 

complement every bride. 

For more information, call 01305 

814950 or visit the website at www.tiarasandcrowns.net. 

www.tiarasandcrowns.net 

1 2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E

Make it 

easy on 

yourself... 

PICTURED: MADELINE GARDNER NEW 

YORK AT TILLY MINT WEDDINGS IN FLEET 

Shopping for your dress should be an occasion of unadulterated joy, but it can turn 

into a bit of a minefield, so we’ve put together our 10 top tips to make it the 

experience of a lifetime. Here you go: 

Tell it like it is 

If you really hate a dress you’re trying on, say so. Bridal assistants work on 

their own experience of what is going to suit your shape and your feedback, 

so tell them what you like – and what you don’t – about the styles they give 

you to try on. 

Take a break 

If you start getting overwhelmed by all the dresses out there, take some time 

out to think it all over. It’s supposed to be the most exciting shopping of your 

life, so as soon as you find yourself becoming confused, just stop. If you’ve 

been sensible and given yourself plenty of time, you can ease up on the 

pressure to find the one. 

Stay inside your budget 

If a dress is definitely out of your price range, don’t try it on. That’s a recipe for 

tears and disappointment. It can be tempting to try on that really expensive dress 

‘just to see’, but that can make it very difficult to step back and consider more 

realistic options. 

Don’t buy a dress that’s too small now 

You may be intending to lose a dress size or two, but remember it’s easy to take dresses 

in – and almost impossible to let them out. Start your diet or your workout regime before 

you start looking, not afterwards. 

Choose your friends carefully 

...and take just one or two (and an absolute maximum of four) dress shopping with 

you. The more people you take, the more opinions they will have – which can just 

end up confusing you. 

Start looking early 

...at least six or seven months before the wedding. Dresses are usually 

ordered individually and you need time to ensure delivery and 

make any adjustments required by the final fittings. 

D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E • 1 3

Address: 1082 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6DS - Tel: 01202 432800 

Monday 11am till 4pm, Tuesday 10am till 4pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 10am 

till 4pm, Friday 11am till 4pm and Saturday 10am till 5pm. Sundays 

appointment only. Evening appointments available on request. 

Official stockists for 

Alfred Angelo & Nicole 

Spose bridal gowns 

find ‘the one’ again... 

Designers 

Madeline Gardner New York 

Stella York 

Pronovias 

Diane Harbridge 

Ivory & Co 

" 

I just wanted to say Thank you so much for such a 

lovely experience on Sat. We all had a fantastic time 

with you at your beautiful shop and I really appreciate 

all your help with finding my perfect dress. 

The whole experience was perfect from start to finish 

and I can’t wait to come back when the dress arrives 

and sort out all the finishing touches. 

I would not hesitate in recommending you 

to any bride in the future " Kara 

Tel: 01252 621950 • www.tillymint.co.uk 

148 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4BE 


...and 

love the 

experience 

PICTURED: CHRISTINA 

WU AT SPECIAL 


Wear sensible underwear! 

Proper foundation garments, regardless of your shape or size, make trying on 

a variety of dresses so much easier and they will all fit better too! 

Less is more when it comes to make-up 

Wedding dresses look better without heavy make-up, especially lipstick which 

can transfer easily onto the dress. 

You don’t have to cry 

Lots of brides cry when they find the perfect dress, but it isn’t essential. Choose 

the dress that makes you feel beautiful, not the one that makes you cry! 

Make an appointment if you can 

Lots of boutiques offer you the chance to browse and try on on spec, but for 

individual full on service an appointment will ensure you get all the 

attention you deserve. You may even get the whole boutique to 

yourself, so you really can relax and love the experience. 


Uniquely 

you... 

THIS PAGE: 

NEW SEPARATES RANGE 

FROM MARTINA LIANA 

EXCLUSIVELY AT 

MINSTER DESIGNS IN 

WIMBORNE 

Become the bride you’ve always dreamt of at Minster 

Designs in Wimborne. This independent boutique, 

owned by professional creative stylist Oxana, offers a 

huge range of bridal collections from mainstream to 

niche and priced from £800 to £2,500. 

Among their leading international designers are Martina Liana, 

Stella York and Sorella Vita by Essense of Australia, St. Patrick 

and White One by Pronovias, LouLou and also a new and 

exclusive Separates collection. Each offers something unique 

and different. 

Minster Designs also offers a personal tailoring and fitting 

service in-house. Designer and bridal specialist Oxana will 

personally tailor your dress until it is perfect for you, allowing 

special requirements and unique design ideas to be 

incorporated. 

Oxana and her team want you have an exceptional wedding 

dress shopping experience so they work by appointment only, 

ensuring there is only one bride in the boutique at any one time 

and she will have the team’s full attention. They’ll fit round your 

busy schedule as well, with special late appointments available. 

There’s a complete range of hand-picked accessories, 

bridesmaids’ dresses and even formal suit hire for the men in 

the bridal party. 

With everything styled to perfection under one roof, it’s little 

surprise that Minster Designs was named winner of the New 

Business Venus Awards in Dorset for 2015 and is a national 

finalist for 2016. 

Oxana and her team create a relaxed and unique experience for 

every bride – and a glass of bubbly is always on hand to make 

your entire bridal experience extra special. 

For more details, call 01202 986040 or visit the website at 

website at www.minsterdesigns.com 


Preparing for 

your special day? 

Visit Gibb Menswear for all 

your formal wear needs. 

We provide outfits for hire 

for all occasions, 

whether it be a wedding, business 

function or black tie event, there 

is something for everyone! 

We also specialise 

in men’s outfitting 

GIBB MENSWEAR 

62a Bargates, Christchurch, Dorset 

01202 489621 

www.gibbmenswear.co.uk 

Groom 

PICTURED: PERFECTLY SUITED AT CHAS H BAKER 

The men’s formal hire 

department at Chas 

H. Baker in 

Salisbury aims to 

fulfil the groom’s dream of 

wearing the perfect outfit. 

They set out to create a 

relaxing atmosphere where 

grooms and their partners 

can take time to select the 

look they want to achieve, 

considering their huge range 

of different styles from 

classic morning suits to 

their new blue and light grey 

lounge suits matched with a 

large range of waistcoats. 

The formal hire department 

also runs alongside the 

store’s wide range of quality 

menswear selling high 

quality brands such as Gant, 

Meyer, Barbour, Magee, 

Seidensticker/ Olymp shirts and a large selection of suits from Label and 

country jackets from Douglas and Graham, Gurteen and many more 

ranges. 

Chas H. Baker, established in the city over 100 years ago, is still run by 

the same family – a testimony to its outstanding reputation for quality 

menswear and traditional service 

For more information, call 01722 324234 or visit the website at 

www.salisbury-suit-hire.com. 


BELOW: FORMAL WEAR BY GIBB MENSWEAR 

with a view 

Hired formal wear or an excuse to splash out 

on a beautifully tailored suit? Tomorrow’s 

groom is relishing the prospect of cutting a 

dash at his own wedding almost as much 

as the bride is enjoying choosing her dress – and 

the trends are every bit as varied. 

From traditional striped trousers and tailcoat 

through swirling Highland dress to lounge suits, 

dinner jackets and even casual separates. 

The rule today is that there are no rules – except 

one: whatever you do, match the bride’s style. If 

she’s going for a glorious traditional wedding dress, 

you’ll look ridiculous if you turn up in jeans and T- 

shirt. Conversely, if she’s going boho with flowers in 

her hair, top hat and tails are unlikely to be an option 

for you. 

Most grooms choose to hire their formal outfits – 

but do make sure you choose a reputable outfitter, 

who will fit you properly. It’s a good idea for the 

bride and groom to go for the initial consultation on 

their own. Then they can choose exactly what the 

men in the bridal party are going to wear. 

Arrange a fitting for everyone well in advance of the 

big day and expect to pick up your suits a couple of 

days before the wedding. If you’re going on 

honeymoon immediately after the wedding, do 

organise for all the hired suits to be returned a 

couple of days later. 

Silver grey tails and 

Royal blue suits 

are the colours 

trending for the stylish 

groom, say Gibb 

Menswear. The formal 

hire specialist has been 

dressing the men of 

Dorset and Hampshire for 

over 30 years and has 

both the resources and 

the experience to meet 

every need. 

Whether it’s top hat and 

tails, tuxedo or a kilt, 

formal wear or casual, to 

hire or to buy, the 

Christchurch men’s 

outfitter offers a wide 

range of styles and 

accessories, combined with first class service. 

For details, call 01202 489621 or visit 

www.gibbmenswear.co.uk. 


Award winning bespoke wedding cakes 

tel. 01202 539120 | mob. 07789 000387 

email. coastcakes@btinternet.com 

www.coastcakes.co.uk 

Blooming 

Anaturalistic approach and an 

exacting eye for detail marks out 

Bloom Floristry as one of the 

county’s top florists. Victoria and her 

team are genuinely inspired by the 

freshest, most perfect seasonal flowers 

and bring that enthusiasm to everything 

they do. 


www.bloomfloristry.com. 


delicious! 

Among all the details of your wedding, there’s 

nothing more important than your flowers and your 

cake. Both celebrate the occasion in a very special 

way, both are focal points of your reception decor 

and both should complement the style, theme and colours of 

your wedding. 

That said, there’s an almost limitless choice in everything 

from bouquet shapes to cake decoration and an early visit to 

both your florist and your cake designer will help you narrow 

the field and make the final decision easier. 

PICTURED: 

Jennifer Bronsell of 

Bournemouth-based Coast Cakes 

is an award-winning cake 

artist who is a preferred supplier 

to many of the top wedding 

venues in Dorset and Hampshire. 

A qualified chef, she promises 

both excellent service and 

outstanding quality. 

For details, call 01202 

539120 or visit 

www.coastcakes.co.uk. 


PHOTO BY CP PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY LINUS MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY 

Capture the moment 


PHOTO BY 

PARADOX 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY 

PARADOX 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY PARADOX PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO 

BY CP 

PHOTOGRAPHY 


PHOTO BY HOLLY MARSH PHOTOGRAPHY 

inBlack 


& white 

PHOTO BY 

LINUS MORAN 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY 

HOLLY MARSH 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY 

LINUS MORAN 

PHOTOGRAPHY 


PHOTO BY HOLLY MARSH 

PHOTOGRAPHY 


Real Weddings... 

We’d love to hear your stories and see your wedding pictures so we 

can share your joy with nervous and excited brides-to-be everywhere. 

Did you have an amazing proposal? 

What are you planning for your wedding? 

Will it be here or abroad? 

Photos by Linus Moran Photography 

WEDDINGSW dream Contact us through our website at 


2 4 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E 

Follow us on:

The Engagement 

Traditionally, the first thing to do after telling 

your family and close friends about your 

forthcoming marriage is to announce your 

engagement in your local and/or a national 

newspaper. Do check how much it will cost 

before you place the announcement. 

It will usually read: 

The engagement is announced between Michael, 

elder son of Mr and Mrs David Jones, of Downend, 

Bristol and Jennifer Anne, only daughter of Mr and 

Mrs Simon Hayes, of Marlborough, Wiltshire. 

Though the habit of giving engagement presents 

has now fallen somewhat into disuse, if you are 

lucky enough to receive some, don’t forget to write 

and thank the senders. 

Getting down 

to Business 

The very first things you must decide about 

your wedding are where, when - and how 

much. The most popular days for weddings 

are Saturdays and the most popular months are 

from May right through to September. If your 

plans follow that pattern, be aware that the most 

popular venues get booked up very early, so set 

the date and book the venues as soon as 

possible after your engagement. 

Talk to both sets of parents about setting 

budgets and who is going to pay for what. 

It is increasingly common for bridesmaids to pay 

for their own dresses, but if they do you should 

allow them some say in what they are going to 

wear. If you plan to pay for them yourself, you 

can choose their outfits. 

Your wedding will probably be the biggest 

party you ever throw - which means it will 

probably also be the most expensive. So it’s 

vital that you set your budget and stick to it. 

Nowadays it’s becoming much more common 

for the bride and groom themselves and even 

the groom’s parents to contribute towards the 

cost. Again, whoever is contributing to the 

cost should have some say in how the money 

is spent. 

INSURANCE 

Plan ahead for 

your perfect day 

So how much is it all 

going to cost? 

Basically, the answer is as much or as little as 

you want it to. An intimate ceremony with 

lunch in your favourite pub for your closest 

family and friends can be every bit as special as a 

huge event at a top venue for hundreds of guests. 

If you’re working on a limited budget, decide what’s 

most important to you and spend your money on 

that. Maybe you want a really spectacular dress and 

are prepared to do without a flashy car to take you 

to the reception. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted 

to arrive at your wedding in a pony and trap, and will 

settle for fewer guests. 

Whatever you decide, do remember that many 

guests may be coming a long way and spending 

a lot of money simply to attend your wedding, so 

it’s often better to look after a small number of 

people well than to invite more than you can 

comfortably cater for. 

The important thing is that it’s your day and the last 

thing you want to be worrying about is how you’re 

going to find the money to pay for it. So be realistic 

when you’re setting your budget - and remember 

that, with a little imagination, you can make your 

money go a lot further. 

Your budget will need to cover: 

• Wedding ring(s) 

• Wedding dress 

• Bridesmaids’ and attendants’ outfits 

• Groom’s suit 

• Stationery 

• Flowers 

• Fees for the ceremony 

• Reception venue, food and drink 

• Wedding cake 

• Photographs/video 

• Wedding transport 

• Thank you gifts for best man and attendants 

• Going away outfits 

• Honeymoon 

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 

TO ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW 

- AND THEN SOME... 

TRADITIONALLY, 

the bride’s parents pay for: 

• Announcements in the newspapers 

• All the wedding stationery 

• Bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses 

• Transport for the bridal party to the 

ceremony and from the ceremony 

to the reception 

• Flowers for the church and the reception 

• The reception itself 

• The wedding cake 

The groom 

traditionally pays for: 

• All the fees - whether for church 

officials (including vicar, organist, 

choir, bellringers) or for the registrar 

and civil licence. 

• Bouquets for the bride and 

bridesmaids, sprays of flowers for the 

bride’s mother and his own mother and 

buttonholes for himself, the best man 

and the ushers. 

• Engagement and wedding rings for the 

bride. 

• Presents for the best man and the 

bride’s attendants. 

• Transport to the ceremony for himself 

and the best man and to the reception for 

himself and the bride 

• The honeymoon. 

Planning Makes Perfect 

cut out and keep 

Much though we hate to say it, things can 

go wrong at a wedding and it’s some 

consolation to know that you won’t lose 

out financially if they do. Insurance policies on 

offer cover everything from damage to your 

wedding dress to loss of deposits due to 

cancellation of the wedding and theft of wedding 

presents. Do get quotes before you decide which 

one to take out - and do read the small print to 

see exactly what each policy covers. 

Should unforeseen circumstances mean the 

postponment or cancellation of your wedding, 

guests can either be notified by telephone or by 

a personal or printed note saying: 

Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes announce that the 

wedding of their daughter Jennifer Anne to Mr 

Michael Jones will be postponed until (date)/will 

not now take place. If you have announced the 

engagement in the newspaper, it would be 

appropriate to place a similarly worded notice 

there too. 



The invitations... 

Your wedding stationery is the first clue day. 

your guests will have about the style of Invitations should be sent out six weeks before 

your wedding, so it’s worth taking time to the wedding (see panel for suggested 

choose something appropriate. wording), but many couples now use an early 

If you’re planning a big formal affair, stiff cards and warning system in the form of a Save the Date 

high quality envelopes will sing and dance card – particularly useful if your wedding is 

traditional glamour. 

planned for the busy summer months when 

If your wedding theme is vintage or rustic, some of your most desired guests are likely to 

you can go for floral decoration or vintage be taking holidays. 

lace embellishments. Chic and classical? Allow your stationer or printer about three 

Try contemporary stripes or bold colours. Going months to complete your order. 

for a theme? Then match your stationery to it. Apart from Save the Date and invitation 

Once you’re chosen the style, all your wedding cards, you’re going to need order of service 

stationery should be in keeping, presenting a sheets (one for each guest plus a few 

unified theme for the whole 

spares), menus for the reception, place cards, 

perhaps a table plan. 

It’s always a good idea to include maps with your 

invitations to help guests find their way easily, plus 

details of where guests can park and, for those 

who are coming long distances, a selection of 

recommended accommodation. 

For guests of the groom’s family, the groom’s 

mother should send a list of names and addresses 

to the bride’s mother so she can issue the 

invitations. 

As a matter of courtesy, an invitation should be 

English Rose 

...and what they should say 

The traditional invitation, with the 

bride’s mother and father acting as 

hosts, is worded as follows: 

Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the 

pleasure of your company at the marriage of 

their daughter Jennifer Anne to Mr Michael 

Jones at St Benedict’s Church, 

Bournemouth on Saturday August 19th at 

2pm and afterwards at The County Hotel, 

Bournemouth RSVP 10 Marigold Gardens, 

Bournemouth 

In this form, the names of the guests 

are handwritten in the top left hand 

corner of the invitation. 

Alternatively a space is left in the invitation 

for the guests’ names: 


pleasure of the company of 

........................................................ 

at the marriage of their daughter 

Jennifer Anne (etc) 

Invitations for civil ceremonies and 

partnerships follow the same pattern. 

Make it clear precisely who is being 

invited. For a married couple, Mr and 

Mrs John Jeffries; for a family, Mr and 

Mrs John Jeffries, Jeremy and Jemima. 

If you’re hosting the wedding 

yourselves, change the 

wording accordingly. 

Invitations to the evening reception 

only should be worded as follows: 

BELOW: Invitations by Hand 

sent to the groom’s parents and to the minister 

and his wife. When ordering your invitations, 

remember you’ll only need one for each family, 

plus a few spares for emergencies. 

“...It’s always a 

good idea to 

include maps with 

your invitations to 

help guests find 

their way easily...” 

LEFT: English Rose Wedding Stationery 

BELOW: Coral Wedding Invitations 



pleasure of your company at an 

evening reception to celebrate the 

marriage of their daughter Jennifer 

Anne to Mr Michael Jones at The 

County Hotel, Bournemouth on 

Saturday August 19th at 8pm 

RSVP 10 Marigold Gardens, 

Bournemouth 

cut out and keep


REGISTER OFFICE 

To marry at a register office or building approved 

for civil ceremonies, your first step is to contact 

the registrar and/or venue to confirm registrar 

and date are available. 

Then both bride and groom must each give 

notice of the wedding in person at the register 

office covering the area where they live (and 

where they must have been in residence for at 

least seven days). 

If you both live in the same district you should 

attend the register office together - but whether 

you do or not, ring your local office first as many 

now operate appointment systems. 

Each of you will have to produce evidence of your 

name, age, marital status and nationality - for 

example, a current valid full passport. If you 

don’t have one, you’ll need two documents - for 

example a birth certificate and utility bill. 

The fee for giving notice is £35 each and, 

normally, notices should be with the registrar 

about eight weeks before the marriage. If either of 

you have been married before, the notices should 

be given 10 weeks before. 

The minimum period before the date of the 

proposed marriage is 28 days, but if you leave 

things as late as this you could be faced with the 

need to postpone your marriage. 

In exceptional circumstances the Registrar 

General may consider waiving the waiting period. 

A notice of marriage is valid for 12 months. 

THE NORMAL ORDER 

OF SERVICE FOR A 

CHURCH WEDDING IS: 

Entrance of the bride • 

Hymn • The marriage • Prayers 

Hymn or psalm • Blessing 

Signing of the register • Recessional 

LICENSED VENUES 

Over the past few years since a change 

in the law many thousands of venues 

throughout the country have become 

licensed to hold civil weddings. They range 

from hotels to stately homes, zoos to football 

clubs. You still have to give notice of your 

intention to marry in the same way as you do 

for register office weddings and, in the same 

way, you can personalise the ceremony to 

suit yourselves although no religious music 

is allowed. Though this option costs more 

than a register office ceremony - you will 

have to pay for the hire of the room and it 

costs more to have the registrar travel to you 

- it is becoming increasingly popular as 

the trend away from church weddings 

continues. 

The Ceremony 

church or civil 

Religious or civil, register office or one of the new approved 

venues, a wedding can take place on any day of the week 

between 8am and 6pm. While most still take place on Saturdays, 

Fridays are gaining in popularity allowing guests travelling a fair 

distance to make a long weekend of the celebrations. 

Church Weddings 

The Church of England welcomes couples 

who want to marry in church whatever 

their beliefs, whether or not they are 

christened and whether or not they are regular 

churchgoers, though same sex couples are 

currently limited to civil ceremonies. 

A marriage conducted in church will include 

asking for God’s guidance and blessing, adding 

a spiritual dimension to the ceremony which 

many couples find particularly special and 

moving. 

Your first step is to find a church, which need 

not necessarily be your local one, and arrange 

an appointment with the vicar so you can get to 

know him or her and complete some forms. 

The vicar will explain the church fees and the 

system of reading the banns. 

Banns are the public announcement of your 

marriage and legally must be called in church 

for three Sundays during the three months 

before the wedding. They have to be read in the 

parish where each of you lives and also 

in the church where you will 

marry, if this is different. 

Although the vows you make 

to each other in church are 

those which have been 

handed down through 

generations, you still have a 

huge amount of influence 

over the service. 

You can choose your hymns 

and music, readings and 

what prayers you would like 

and family and friends can 

contribute to the service. 

Though the Roman Catholic church does not 

condone divorce, there are some 

circumstances in which the Church of 

England will marry divorced people, so it’s 

worth consulting your vicar. Even if you are 

limited to a civil ceremony, some ministers 

will offer a Service of Blessing afterwards. 

It’s important to establish early on what the 

church’s policy is on photographs or video 

being taken during the service, whetherany 

secular music is allowed and on the throwing of 

confetti within the church grounds. 

Ask too about other couples marrying on the 

same day as it may be possible to share the 

cost of the church flowers. 

Religious services in churches outside the 

established Church of England require a licence 

from the authorised registrar of your area and 

will have different requirements, so see your 

priest or minister as early as possible. 


Marrying abroad 

Second 

Marriages 

Combining your wedding with the holiday of a lifetime is gaining in popularity with exotic destinations luring 

an increasing number of couples. The sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, the Maldives and Bali are 

among the most popular choices and many tour operators now offer all-inclusive packages. The legal 

requirements for each country may differ but generally if a marriage is recognised as legally binding in the 

country in which it takes place, it will be recognised in the UK as well. Consult your tour operator and allow at 

least three months for all the paperwork to be properly processed. 




The Best Man 

If the bride is the star of the wedding show, the 

best man is the kingpin of a successful wedding 

day, so make sure your groom chooses him with 

care. However tempting it might be to choose the 

joker who’s the life and soul of every party, you’re 

far better off with someone who will take his 

responsibilities seriously, keep all the 

organisation under control and leave you to 

enjoy your day without any niggling worries 

about how many guests have been stranded at 

the church. The part that worries most best 

men is the speech, but that should be the least 

of their problems. The best man’s job, in a 

nutshell, is to support the groom both in the 

run-up to the wedding and on the day itself. 

• Check the transport for the bridal party both to 

the ceremony and from there to the reception 

• Organise accommodation for the groom and 

himself the night before the wedding 

• He might also be asked to help with 

accommodation for guests and to liaise with 

live musicians or disco both before and during 

the reception. 

PHOTO BY HOLLY MARSH PHOTOGRAPHY 

• Liaise with the toastmaster or, if there isn’t 

one, assume those duties himself - these 

include announcing the speeches and the 

cutting of the cake 

• Reply to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids 

with a brief, polite and - if possible - funny speech 

before reading out the cards and telegrams 

• Announce the newlyweds’ departure from the 

reception and ensure they have all 

their tickets and luggage 

• Make sure all the guests have 

transport to their accommodation 

• Arrange for any wedding presents 

taken to the reception to be taken 

home 

• Take the groom’s wedding clothes 

from the reception and, if necessary, 

return hired suits. 

Before the wedding, 

the best man should: 

• Make sure he keeps himself up to date with 

all the arrangements, liaising regularly with 

the groom and the bride’s family 

• Check the hiring, cleaning or collecting of suits 

for himself and the groom 

• Check the ordering of the flowers for the bride 

and her attendants, sprays for the two 

mothers and buttonholes for himself, the 

groom and other immediate members of the 

families 

• Check the printing and collection of order of 

service sheets and make sure that the ushers 

know what their duties are 

• Check arrangements for the first night and 

honeymoon are in place and that necessary 

passports and visas are in order 

• Organise the groom’s stag night - preferably 

some days in advance of the wedding - and 

make sure the groom gets home safely 

afterwards 

• Check the rings have been collected 

On the day 

• Take the groom’s going away clothes to the 

reception venue 

• Check the service sheets are delivered to the 

church for the ushers to hand out to guests as 

they arrive 

• Make sure the groom arrives for the ceremony in 

good time 

• Hold the ring(s) until the appropriate moment in 

the ceremony when they should be handed to 

the groom or the minister 

• Pay all the church fees on the groom’s behalf 

before the ceremony 

• Sign the register as a witness to the marriage 

• Get the bridal party together for photographs 

• Make sure the ushers arrange lifts to the 

reception for any guests who need them 

• Escort the bride and groom to the bridal car and 

then escort the bridesmaids to the reception 

The speech 

When it comes to the speech, all the 

advice is: Resist the temptation to 

tell any juicy stories whatsoever 

from the couple’s past. The escapades may have 

been hilarious, but now is not the time for 

embarrassing reminders about past romances 

or past quarrels between the happy pair. 

Because the best man’s speech is generally 

regarded as the prime entertainment at the 

reception, getting it together can be a daunting 

prospect - but don’t panic. If you can tell jokes - 

clean ones, please - that’s fine, but a short, 

polite and sincere speech wishing the couple 

every happiness will fit the bill just as well. 

Unless you’re experienced at this sort of thing, 

write down exactly what you want to say and 

practise it. Don’t be tempted to wing it on the day. 

The three essential parts of the speech are to 

thank the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids 

for his kind words about them, to read the cards 

and telegrams that have arrived and to 

announce the cutting of the cake. 

The chief bridesmaid 

The bride’s equivalent of a best man also needs to be chosen with care as it is she who will support the 

bride in the run-up to the ceremony and on the day itself. Though her duties aren’t as arduous as those 

of her male equivalent, they’re every bit as important in ensuring the bride has a worry-free day. 


THE CHIEF BRIDESMAID: 

• Arranges the hen night and make sure the bride gets home safely 

• Arranges for the bride’s going away outfit and honeymoon 

luggage to be taken to the reception venue 

• Helps the bride to dress for the ceremony 

• Makes sure the flowers and bouquets have arrived on schedule 

• Supervises the other bridesmaids and attendants and 

assembles them at the church ready for the arrival of the bride 

• Arranges the bride’s dress and veil before the procession 

down the aisle 

• Takes the bride’s bouquet at the start of the wedding service and carries it to the vestry ready to give 

back to the bride after the signing of the register 

• Keeps an eye on young attendants during the reception 

• Helps the bride change from her wedding dress into her going away outfit 

• Arranges for the wedding dress to be returned home 


THE USHERS 

Church weddings normally have 

three ushers who should arrive at 

the church about 40 minutes before 

the wedding is due to start. 

Their principal job is to hand out the order 

of service sheets to guests as they arrive 

and show them to their seats - friends and 

family of the bride on the left of the 

aisle, friends and family of the groom on 

the right. 

They should make sure one of them pays 

special attention to the groom’s parents and 

the bride’s mother as they arrive and 

escorts them to their places. 

They should also help the best man 

organise lifts to the reception for guests 

who may need them. 

cut out and keep


Who does what 

- and when... 

If you think military precision takes the fun out of a 

wedding, you’d be wrong. The essence of a trouble-free 

day is that everyone knows where they’re supposed 

to be and what they’re supposed to be doing. 

Your civil 

ceremony explained 

Gone are the days when a civil marriage was a 

hasty 15-minute affair, conducted in a small 

room at the register office. Nowadays many 

register offices have light, spacious ceremony 

rooms or suites accommodating reasonably large 

wedding parties and even a separate bride’s 

waiting room and garden for photographs. 

A large number of venues are now also licensed 

for civil ceremonies and the only major restriction 

is that no religious music or reading may be used. 

Otherwise, you may personalise your ceremony in 

terms of vows, readings, music, dedicating 

candles and lots more. The registrar will offer help 

and advice in planning your ceremony and will 

normally meet you a few weeks in advance to go 

over the format which could be: 

• Pre-arrival music 

• Entrance music 

• Welcome by the registrar 

• Reading 

• Legal declarations and vows 

• Promises and exchange of rings 

• Signing the register 

• Reading or music 

• Presentation of the certificate 

• Leaving music 

You can also have a ‘dual’ ceremony – after a 

short ceremony at the register office to fulfil the 

legal requirements, you can have a further 

ceremony of your choosing in front of family and 

friends on the beach or in a woodland glade, for 

instance. 

Most registrars will try to be as flexible as 

possible to accommodate individual requests 

and they will lead you through your declarations, 

vows and promises. 

The one thing you must do is agree all of your 

selections in advance to ensure they comply with 

the law. 

GOODBYE AND 

GOOD LUCK 

The bride and groom should always be 

the first to leave the reception. 

The best man announces their 

departure after they have changed into 

their going away clothes and, if the 

bride is going to throw her bouquet, 

she should do so just before she 

leaves for her honeymoon. 

At the Reception 

The formal receiving line at the reception should take 

the following order: 

Bride’s parents 

Groom’s parents 

Bride and Groom 

Chief bridesmaid 

and best man 

After the meal, the best 

man (or toastmaster, if you 

have one) introduces the 

speeches in the following 

order: 

The bride’s father (or an 

old family friend) always 

speaks first, welcoming 

the guests to the 

reception and his new 

son-in-law to the family. 

He will complement the 

bride and often thanks her mother for their many happy 

years together. He ends by proposing the toast to the 

bride and groom. 

The groom replies to his father-in-law’s toast, thanking 

him and the bride’s mother for their daughter, for their 

welcome into the family and for the reception (the 

wording can be discreetly changed here if the 

newlyweds and/or the groom’s parents have contributed 

to the expense). 

He thanks the guests for coming to celebrate the day 

and for the presents they have given. He thanks his best 

man and the bride’s attendants for the help they have 

given to the bride. He then proposes the toast to the 

bridesmaids. 


Order of service 

The order of service is variable and your 

minister or priest will advise you. Often a 

hymn is sung after the bride’s procession, 

followed by readings and an address by the 

minister. 

The marriage itself follows. The minister asks: 

“Who giveth this woman to be married to this 

man?” and the bride’s father silently gives his 

daughter’s right hand to the minister, who passes 

it to the groom. 

The bride’s father takes his seat beside the bride’s 

mother. 

The vows are made and the best man may either 

pass the ring(s) to the groom or they may be 

placed on the minister’s prayer book before he 

passes them to the groom. 

Arrival at the 

church 

The ushers should arrive about 40 minutes before 

the ceremony is due to begin 

The groom and best man should arrive about 15 

minutes before the ceremony is due to begin 

The bridesmaids and attendants should arrive about 

five minutes before the ceremony is due to begin 

The bride’s mother should be the last to arrive before 

the bride - when she is shown to her seat that is a 

signal to the congregation that the wedding is about 

to start 

The bride will be met on her arrival at the church by 

the minister, who precedes the bride and her father 

down the aisle As the congregation rises, the groom 

and best man take their places at the chancel steps 

The order of the bride’s procession is: Minister, 

Bride on her father’s right arm, Attendants. 

Now girl power 

is more firmly 

established, it is 

not uncommon 

now for the bride to 

say a few words and 

if she chooses to do 

so, she should speak 

after her new 

husband. This is a 

good opportunity for 

her to thank all the 

people who have 

helped her plan the big day, to thank her own parents 

for all their support and to thank the groom’s parents 

for welcoming her into their family. 

Last of the speeches is always the best man, who 

replies to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids, 

wishes the happy couple well, read the cards and 

telegrams and announces the cutting of the cake. 

Many weddings now include an evening dance or 

disco. Before it begins, the best man should make 

sure the bride and groom are ready to take the floor 

first, followed by the bride’s parents, the groom’s 

parents, the best man and chief bridesmaid. 

The best man then returns to his seat. 

After the ceremony, the minister leads the 

couple to the altar for prayers, possibly a hymn 

or psalm and a final blessing. The minister then 

leads the couple to the vestry to sign the register 

and they are usually joined by their parents, the 

best man and the chief bridesmaid. The signing 

of the register must be witnessed by two adults 

and it is at this point that the bride raises her veil. 

While this is taking place, the choir may sing or 

the organist play a piece of music. 

The bridal procession then leaves the church in 

the following order: 

Bride and groom 

Young attendants 

Chief bridesmaid with the best man 

Bride’s mother with the groom’s father 

Groom’s mother with the bride’s father. 

If you are having bells, they will peal out at 

this point. 



Those all-important 

The Photographs 

If you’re anything like most brides, your wedding 

day will fly by all too quickly and the best way of 

reliving it in the months and years to come will be 

through your photographs. 

Though lots of your friends and family will take 

pictures on the day, it’s always a good idea to book 

a professional photographer for shots you can look 

back on with pleasure. 

Your choice of photographer should be based on 

whether you like the type of work he or she does. 

Visit a selection and ask to see examples of their 

work from recent weddings. See how the 

photographer has chosen his settings and make 

sure there’s a mixture of different types of shots. If 

the firm you visit employs several photographers, 

find out who has taken the pictures you like best and 

make sure you book that specific photographer for 

your day - and find out what happens if that 

photographer is suddenly not available. 

Discuss whether you want formally posed shots, or 

whether you would like the photographer to take 

informal pictures as they happen. Find out whether 

proofs will be available at the reception. 

Your photographer may well know the church and 

the reception venue you have chosen, but if he 

doesn’t, check he will visit both before the day so he 

can choose the best locations. 

Make sure you get a written quotation which 

specifies exactly how many 

photographs will be taken, at 

what points during the day 

and how much extra prints 

will cost. 

If you want photographs 

taken in the church, check 

that the priest is happy for 

this to happen and at what 

points during the service. 

details 

The Cake 

Ideally your cake should be ordered at least 

three months before the wedding. Though 

the tradition is for a multi-tiered fruit cake, 

the rich variety of styles and designs now 

means you can have anything from profiteroles 

to a rich chocolate fudge. The only thing to 

remember is that it will have to be big enough 

to give everyone a slice at the reception and to 

send slices to absent friends. Traditionally the 

top tier of a wedding cake was kept for the 

christening of the first child - if you want to 

follow that tradition, you’ll have to opt for a cake 

that will last that long. Ask to see designs of 

wedding cake and find out whether bakers will 

create one to your own specifications. Try to 

match the style of cake to the style of your 

wedding - and remember that you can save 

money on the reception by choosing a wedding 

The Transport 

It’s lovely to have a luxury chauffeur-driven limousine to drive you to the ceremony - and it’s also a 

practical choice. You can be sure you’ll arrive on time and with all that room in the car, you won’t have 

to worry about your dress getting creased. 

Normally the best man drives the groom to the ceremony and then takes the car to the reception. But 

you will need transport for the bride’s mother and bridesmaids (who usually travel together) and for the 

bride and her father to the ceremony and for the principals from 

the ceremony to the reception. Whether you want a traditional 

Rolls Royce, a classic Daimler, a convertible Cadillac, a stretch 

The Video 

Much the same advice applies to choosing a videographer 

as to choosing a photographer. Make sure you see 

samples of recent work, make sure the videographer 

you get is the one whose work you like best. 

Again check with the priest first whether he is prepared 

to give permission for filming during the ceremony. 


cake which will double as a dessert. If you do 

this, you might want to cut your cake early at the 

reception, so it can be cut up ready to serve at 

the appropriate time. 

You will need the cake to be delivered to the 

reception venue on the morning of the wedding - 

and don’t forget to check that the venue has a 

cake stand and knife you can use. 

limo or even a horse and carriage, contact a variety of 

companies in your area and ask to see the cars themselves, not 

just pictures of them. 

Some companies offer a service which includes flowers in the 

cars and a glass of champagne for the bride and groom on their 

way to the reception. Check exactly what’s included in the price 

and get a written quotation. 

The Flowers 

The cost of your flowers depends very much on the time of year, so if you 

want a huge display don’t choose the middle of winter when you’ll have to 

pay a fortune for sufficient blooms. 

Spring and early summer are when the biggest choice of blooms is available - it’s 

something of a myth that flowers are easy to come by in the height of summer - 

though at other times of year dramatic effects can be achieved with foliage. 

Your florist will help you match both the colours and the arrangement of your flowers to the 

style of the wedding, teasing out the shades of your bridesmaids’ dresses, matching the 

men’s buttonholes and styling the arrangements for both church and reception to help 

you create an atmosphere which may be country style, dreamily romantic, classically 

elegant or even based on a theme. 


PHOTO BY CP 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

cut out and keep


As this is likely to be 

the most expensive 

part of your wedding 

day, it’s important to 

set the standard early on in your 

planning. Popular venues get 

booked up well in advance, 

particularly on Saturdays during 

the peak wedding months so 

make sure of your choice by 

booking as early as you can. Do 

also make sure you confirm all 

the details with the venue in 

writing, paying particular 

attention to what is included in 

the price. 

Depending on your budget, you 

can have anything from a buffet 

catered for at home by family and friends to 

hiring outside caterers for a church or village hall 

to a formal sit-down meal at a hotel followed by 

an evening dance. 

A sit-down meal is obviously the most expensive 

option, but there are all sorts of alternatives from 

drinks and canapes to a buffet or even a 

barbecue. Whichever you choose, do make sure 

there are plenty of chairs for people to sit down 

while they’re eating - standing up balancing a 

drink and a plate while trying to eat is virtually 

never comfortable for guests. 

If you choose a hotel, do try to eat there and 

sample the food before making your booking. 

Check such details as corkage, parking space and 

whether the hotel will offer a cake stand and knife 

and a room for the bride and groom to change 

into their going away outfits. Many hotels offer a 

package which includes the services of a 

toastmaster and a complimentary room for 

the first night of the honeymoon. Once 

you have chosen your venue, confirm in 

writing what you understand is included 

in the price. 

Drinks for your guests will take up a 

large part of your budget. It’s 

reasonable to assume each will drink 

one or two glasses on arrival at the 

reception, three or four glasses with 

their meal and another glass with the 

toasts. 

A right royal reception 

Whether it’s a small buffet for a few close family and friends or a lavish do at 

the smartest of venues, your reception is the big celebration of your wedding - 

a chance for people to share your happiness and an opportunity for you to 

thank them for their presents and for coming to see you married. 

Though champagne is the traditional 

wedding drink, you can offer sherry, 


Chief bridesmaid 

Pimms or Bucks Fizz on arrival and wine with the 

meal, saving the champagne - or, indeed a good 

sparkling wine - for the toasts. For reference, you 

will get between 10 and 12 glasses of sherry to 

each bottle and between six and eight glasses of 

wine or champagne per bottle. Do remember to 

provide plenty of soft drinks for children and 

adults who prefer them or who may be driving. 

Allow between half and one litre per person. 

There can be a long break between ceremony and 

reception while photographs are being taken and 

some couples are now offering a glass of sherry 

outside the church and perhaps live music to 

entertain guests as they arrive at the reception. 

The usual order of events at the reception is: 

The receiving line 

The meal 

Speeches and toasts 

Cutting of the cake (though some couples prefer to 

Top Table Seating Plan 

Groom’s father 

Bride’s mother 

Groom 

Bride 

Bride’s father 

Groom’s mother 

Best Man 

do this before the speeches to 

allow it to be cut and served) 

Departure of bride and groom 

If you are having a sit-down meal, it 

is essential to have a seating plan. 

Try to put together tables of people 

who you think will get on well 

together. The top table seating plan 

for a sit-down meal is shown below. 

Don’t feel hidebound by what you 

think a traditional wedding breakfast 

should consists of - nowadays 

anything goes, from bangers and 

mash and jam roly-poly to pasta with 

wedding cake for dessert. It’s also 

worth remembering you may need to 

cater for vegetarians or guests on 

special diets. 

Do give considerable thought to the room and table 

decorations and the lighting at your reception. Flowers 

should match the theme colours of the wedding and a 

little money spent on atmospheric lighting can make 

an enormous difference. 

Favours for guests range from the traditional small 

baskets of sugared almonds or fortune cookies to little 

books of love poems. 

Crackers and balloons always help create an 

atmosphere and many couple now put a disposable 

camera on each table, so guests can record for you 

the parts of your reception that you missed on 

the day! 

If you are having a number of small children at your 

wedding, it’s worth giving some thought as to whether 

you can organise a creche - both to stop the 

youngsters getting bored and to give their parents a 

chance to enjoy themselves without worrying 

about what their offspring are up to. 

WHATEVER THE SIZE OF YOUR RECEPTION, 

it’s always nice to have a formal or semiformal 

receiving line to welcome your 

guests. This ensures that you get the 

chance to meet everybody and 

accept their congratulations. 

The bride’s parents, as the hosts are 

usually first in the receiving line, 

followed by the groom’s parents, 

the bride and groom and then the 

bridesmaids and attendants. 



Forthcoming Dorset Events 

11 

Sept 

Wedding Fair 

Parley Country Club 

12 noon - 3pm 

275 Christchurch Rd 

West Parley, Ferndown BH22 8SQ 

18 

Sept 

Vintage Wedding Fair 

& Bridal Boot Sale 

10am - 3pm 

Bournemouth Pier, Bar Key West 

Bournemouth BH2 5AA 

2 

Oct 

Wedding Fair 

1pm - 4pm 

Thistle Hotel Poole Quay 

The Quay, Poole BH15 1HD 

9 

Oct 

Wedding Venue Open Day 

The Garden Room 

12 noon - 3pm 

Cranborne Garden Centre 

Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5PP 

16 

Oct 

Vintage Wedding Fair 

& Bridal Boot Sale 

12 noon -3pm 

The Victorian Barn, 

Dairy House Farm 

Woolland, Blandford Forum 

DT11 0EY 

Free Entry and 

Bridal Magazines 

4th September 

Holiday Inn Hotel, Eastleigh 

11th September 

Holiday Inn Hotel, Southsea 


Winchester Royal Hotel, 

Winchester 


Holiday Inn Hotel 

Basingstoke 

All fairs 11am until 3.30pm 

2nd October 

Langstone Hotel 

Hayling 

9th October 

The Inn Lodge Hotel 

Portsmouth 

16th October 

Marriott Hotel and 

Country Club 

Meon Valley 

Shedfield 

30th October 

Holiday Inn Hotel 

Titchfield, Fareham 

Tel: 02380 560073 or 07885 834476 

For a comprehensive list of all our shows, please 

visit www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk 


All’s 

fair...PHOTOS BY LINUS MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY 

Bold make-up, Hollywood glamour, healthy canapés and menus, pink 

Champagne, colourful wedding shoes and unique venues are all set to 

dominate the wedding scene. Never before has there been so much 

emphasis on individualism and originality. 

With this in mind, Bournemouth Pavilion’s Wedding Fair returns in September to 

show the very best of the region’s exclusive celebration services. Whether it’s a 

wedding at home or abroad, this year’s show will bring an abundance of inspiring 

ideas to add warmth, sparkle and, most of all, exclusivity. 

The fair runs from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 17 and 11am to 4pm on 

Sunday, September 18. 

Around 70 local and regional industry specialists are 

expected to exhibit, including bridal and menswear, 

venues, cars, photography, photo booths, sweet carts, 

stationery, accessories, wedding breakfasts, and 

more. 

‘More and more couples are wanting to create their 

own distinctive day. Because we are able to attract a 

great range of talented event specialists, our wedding 

fairs remain as popular as ever,’ says BH Live Director 

of Venues Pat Coyne. ‘We estimate that more than 

40,000 people have come to us over the past 21 years 

and this year we hope to attract a record crowd.’ 

Stands will occupy the whole of the Grade II listed Art 

Deco ballroom. Wedding cars will be on show outside 

the main entrance. 

An all-day entry ticket costs £2 per person and includes an exclusive 

show guide. 

Tickets can be bought online at bhlivetickets.co.uk, by phone on 0844 576 3000 

or at Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre box offices. 

Visitors can also pay on the day. 

For a round-up of wedding fairs near 

you, see Dates for your Diary on page 56 

More dates 

& venues 

added regularly 

Secret Garden 

Wedding Fayre 

Winchester 

Cathedral Garden 

Marquee 

Sunday 18th 

September 

11am - 3pm 

Vintage 

Wedding Fayre 

Mercure Winchester 

Wessex Hotel 

Sunday 

2nd October - 

1pm - 4:30pm 

Wedding 

Spectacular 

Holiday Inn 

Winchester 

Sunday 

23rd October 

2016 - 

11 am - 3pm 

Please visit www.littlestarevents.co.uk 

07894 915114 • e: gem@littlestarevents.co.uk 


Going for 

PICTURED: STUNNING RINGS 

BY CHARLES NOBEL IN NEW 

MILTON AND FORUM 

JEWELLERS IN BROADSTONE 

gold 

When the guests 

have left and the 

dress has been 

carefully packed 

away, when the flowers have 

faded and the honeymoon is 

over, there is one part of your 

wedding that will be with you 

every day for the rest of your 

life. So it’s worth spending 

time choosing the perfect 

wedding ring. 

Bespoke wedding rings are increasingly popular and will commonly cost 

around the same as an off-the-peg ring of similar quality. This could be your 

heirloom of the future, so consult a reputable jeweller who will be delighted 

to offer help and advice. 

Traditionally your wedding ring will be the same material as your 

engagement ring. White gold, platinum and palladium have become the 

most popular contemporary styles and rose gold has seen a surge in 

popularity, as has mixing and matching metals and, of course, there’s 

always the wedding band set with diamonds. If you’re choosing yellow gold, 

– go for 14- or 18-carat, which is stronger than 22-carat and so more 

suitable for everyday wear. 

Consider how your wedding band will sit with your engagement ring. 

Aesthetically they should be similar in width, but if your engagement ring 

has a very large central stone, you might like to think about a shaped 

wedding band or one which interlocks with the stone. 


ABOVE: LINEA RAFFAELLI AT FAB FROCKS IN WESTBOURNE 

Mum’s 

the word... 

Fitted and formal, elegant but casual, relaxed and 

floaty: the new collections for the Mother of the 

Bride and wedding guests are the most versatile – 

and the most tempting – ever. 

Dresses have ruching, beautiful lace bodies and sleeves, 

beading and scallops. Formal jackets are boxy, edge-toedge 

and mainly collarless, but for a less formal look there 

are soft, floaty, feminine styles – and all of them will take 

you to any number of occasions after the wedding. 

RIGHT: ZEILA AT FAB FROCKS IN WESTBOURNE 

Looking for the perfect handbag to match that 

fabulous outfit? Poole-based Rosemary Ringrose 

has been designing and making handbags for over 

20 years – notably for Jimmy Choo and other well known 

designers. Her own range has been lovingly created 

using fine silks, satins and leather and she also offers a 

LEFT: CABOTINE 

AT FAB FROCKS 

IN WESTBOURNE 

bespoke and colour matching service, making the 

perfectly styled bag for your outfit. You can even 

supply your own material if you wish. 

For For more more information, call call 01202 01202 738064 738064 

or visit or visit www.roseringrosehandbags.co.uk. 


Specialists in Occasion 

Wear & Millinery 

One of the 

largest stockists 

in the south 

for Mother 

of the Bride 

& wedding 

guests. 

Sizes 8 to 28 

School Road 

Fawley Village 

Southampton 

SO45 1EA 

FREE Parking 

OPEN: 9am to 5pm 

Mon to Sat 

Tel: 02380 894500 

www.charismafashions.com 


...and the 

word is 

RIGHT: ZEILA AT 

FAB FROCKS OF 

WESTBOURNE 

yummy! 

Choosing her outfit can be as mindboggling 

for the Mother of the 

Bride as it can be for the bride 

herself, so here are our top tips: 

Consider the style of the wedding... 

and match your outfit to it. Formal society 

weddings demand equally formal clothes, 

which would look quite out of place at a 

boho wedding in a field or on a sunny 

beach. 

CONDICI AT 

FAB FROCKS OF 

WESTBOURNE 

AND CHARISMA 

OF FAWLEY 

Accessorise with care 

You can make or break an outfit with 

accessories. Always take your outfit with 

you when you’re making a decision and 

use the expertise of the shop assistants 

shamelessly. 

CABOTINE AT 

FAB FROCKS OF 

WESTBOURNE 

Be comfortable 

It’s going to be a long day and you don’t 

want to be worrying about whether your 

fascinator will stay on or how soon you 

can kick off your shoes. 

Above all, make sure you wear your 

outfit, don’t let it wear you. 


▼ Hooke Court, near Beaminster 

Hooke Court offers a choice of 

four fabulous venues for your 

marriage ceremony and 

wedding reception. With a choice of 

historic or contemporary rooms they 

can help you plan your wedding to 

your own personal style. Whether it’s 

an intimate candlelit ceremony for 20 

guests or a grand affair for 200 friends 

and family they can assist you to make 

your dream wedding a reality. 

Set in beautiful grounds, Hooke Court 

offers a myriad of stunning locations 

to capture your cherished memories, 

from a quiet romantic moment PHOTO BY PARADOX PHOTOGRAPHY 

overlooking the lake to a treasured 

photo with all of your family and friends gathered in front of the beautiful 14th 

century manor house. 

A member of the management team will help you plan the whole day, ensuring 

you make the most of all 

PHOTO BY LINUS MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY Hooke Court has to offer. 

They will also be on hand 

until the last guest leaves to 

ensure that you can relax and 

enjoy your special day. 

Perhaps you might like to 

extend your celebrations by 

offering your guests the 

opportunity to stay the night 

at Hooke Court, which can be 

hired exclusively. 

Call 01308 862260 to 

arrange a visit to see all 

that Hooke Court has to 

offer or visit www.venuehire 

dorset.co.uk. 


▼Kingston Country Courtyard, Corfe Castle 

dreamvenues 

Kingston Country Courtyard 

gives you a taste of 

farmstead life in an area of 

outstanding natural beauty. Set 

on a ridge amid the beautiful 

Purbeck hills, it offers 

spectacular views stretching 

from historic Corfe Castle to the 

north to the Isle of Wight to the 

east. Nearby are the golden 

sands of Studland Bay and 

Kimmeridge and the Dorset 

Coastal Path. 

The beautifully restored 16th 

century barn is a blank canvas on 

which couples can create their 

unique wedding day. It is licensed for civil 

ceremonies, so you can marry outside under a 

pretty pagoda or inside the barn itself. 

Wedding co-ordinators Bobbie and Lara work 

closely with each individual couple’s ideas and the 

barn is hired for two and a half days, so there’s 

plenty of time to decorate 

however you choose. 

The high-beamed barn 

can be simply strung with 

fairy lights and ivy or 

adorned with handmade 

pompoms, lanterns, 

vintage china, seaside 

themes, rustic hay bales 

or simply clever lighting 

of the Purbeck stone 

walls. 

On-site caterers have 

over 25 years’ experience 

and each menu is tailored 

to personal tastes. 

With 25 en suite rooms available for guests, 

often the celebrations start the day before – and 

there’s a deluxe honeymoon suite for the 

happy couple. 

For further details call 01929 481066 or visit the 

website at www.kingstoncountrycourtyard.com. 

Aly and Julia are two friends who have 

collected authentic beautiful teapots, 

cups, saucers, plates, milk jugs and 

cake stands over many years. 

Blissfully Vintage, based in Bournemouth, has 

been successfully supplying vintage and 

country-inspired weddings and celebratory 

events since 2013 and their stunning vintage 

china will add colour and interest to your 

reception – as well as providing an unfailing 

talking point. 

For more details and a free, no obligation 

quote, call 07806 356633 (Aly) or 07889 

905185 (Julia) or visit 

www.blissfullyvintage.com. 

Your ceremony 

in Southampton 

Licensed 

Venue or 

Register 

Office 

Weddings, Civil 

Partnerships and 

Renewal of Vows 

Tel: 02380 915327 

email: registrars@southampton.gov.uk 

6a, Bugle Street, Southampton • www.southampton.gov.uk 

The perfect place to hire 

pretty vintage china for your 

special celebration. 

Contact Aly- 07806 356633 

or Julia - 07889 905185 

hello@blissfullyvintage.com 

www.blissfullyvintage.com 

Based in Dorset 


2016 Wedding 

Open Day 

11am - 3pm 

Sunday 

23rd October 


dreamvenues 

▼The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, Poole 

Set against a dramatic backdrop of 10 acres of manicured gardens, the 

stunning Italian Villa is one of the UK’s best wedding venues, offering 

chic sophistication, impeccable service and mouth-watering cuisine. 

And it can be exclusively yours for your wedding. 

Voted Best Venue at the National Wedding Awards and also Most Popular Allinclusive 

Venue, Worldwide in the International Wedding Expert Awards, the 

multi-award winning Italian Villa offers three floors of unrivalled elegance. 

It is licensed for civil ceremonies and, with a balcony that overlooks the 

stunning Italian Garden, you can be sure that your wedding photos will be 

PHOTO BY DAVID 

WHEELER PHOTOGRAPHY 

sensational! 

Book The Italian Villa and you’ll 

enjoy full exclusivity of this 

luxurious, fairytale venue – and 

really WOW your guests! You don’t 

have to worry about bumping into 

other hotel guests or finding staff 

attending to others’ needs. You will 

be the only priority and their 

impeccable standards mean every 

couple and their guests are treated 

like the VIPs they are. 

The villa can cater for intimate 

receptions for 60, or can provide a 

relaxed setting for up to 250 by 

using the direct access into the spectacular Italian Garden. 

There are lifts to all three floors, air conditioning, built-in sound system and 

speakers, a stage, and audio-visual screens. 

And with catering from the award-winning Beales Gourmet, your guests will 

savour spectacular cuisine from this talented team of chefs. 

See the venue for yourself at the Autumn Wedding Open Day on Sunday, 

October 23 from 11am to 3pm or for more information, call 01202 816074 

or visit the website at www. www.the-italian-villa.co.uk. 

W E D D I N G FA I R 

Sunday 9th October • 11am - 3pm 


£2695.00 

Sunday Offer 

Based on 40 adult guests 

Valid until April 2017 

PACKAGE INCLUDES: 

A glass of bucks fizz or pimms 

for your drinks reception 

3 course wedding breakfast from 

our 2 rosette restaurant 

Half a bottle of house wine 

per person 

Unlimited still and 

sparkling water 

Tea or coffee included 

Use of cake stand and knife 

Personalised place cards 

A glass of prosecco for 

speeches 

Guaranteed sole wedding 

on the day 

Evening buffet 

Complimentary bridal suite 

for your wedding night 

Discounted accommodation 

for all wedding guests 

Dedicated wedding coordinator 

S TA N W E L L H O U S E 

B O U T I Q U E H O T E L 

C O N TAC T T E L E P H O N E 0 1 5 9 0 6 7 7 1 2 3 • W W W. S TA N W E L L H O U S E . C O M 

Weekend Showcase 

Saturday & Sunday 

7th & 8th January 2017 

11.00am-4.00pm Free Entry 

Your perfect day awaits... 

A choice of two fabulous venues with a picturesque 

backdrop for your ceremony & reception 

See the region’s leading 

wedding retailers 

& specialists 

64 Christchurch Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH228ST. 

Tel: 01202593499 E-mail: weddings@dudsburygolfclub.co.uk 


Pennsylvania Castle is a very special place to escape to. 

Positioned upon a cliff top, overlooking the sea, it is a truly unique venue of pure luxury and elegance. 

Licensed for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, with lavish interiors and extensive terraces. 

The Castle is hired exclusively for your wedding day. 

Contact the Castle team on 01305 820659 or visit www.thepenn.co.uk 

Photos by Angela Vincent, Ed Peers & Jude Middleton 

Wedding packages from £3765* 

Now 

licensed 

for 

marriages 

*Prices correct at time of going to print 


TIGER LILY OCCASIONS 

Wedding and Event Hire Specialists 

CHAIR COVERS - CENTREPIECES 

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS - TABLE LINEN 

VENUE DECORATION - CANDY BUFFETS 

EDIBLE PALM TREES - PICK 'N' MIX STAND 

GIANT GARDEN GAMES - CANDY FLOSS 

*WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE* 

Poole-based Tiger Lily 

Occasions specialises in hiring 

those little extras which make 

your wedding stand out from the 

crowd. Services range 

from chair covers, centrepieces and 

accessories to chocolate fountain and 

pick ’n’ mix hire. They even have 

giant garden games. 

Call 0784 5000 454 or visit 

www.tigerlilyoccasions.com. 

▼ 

WWW.TIGERLILYOCCASIONS.COM 

Email: TIGERLILYOCCASIONS@LIVE.CO.UK 

PHONE: 07845 000454 

Adding the 

Beautiful chair covers & sashes, 

elegant table decorations & bespoke 

wedding stationery 

Tel: 07584 495639 

sales@ekcreations.co.uk 

www.ekcreations.co.uk 

EK Creations work closely with 

their clients to ensure all 

expectations and requests are 

met, to the highest possible 

standard. Emma and her team provide 

a personal, yet professional service, to 

ensure every bridal couple have the 

memorable Wow! factor, they deserve. 

Their decorative chair covers and 

extensive array of coloured chair 

sashes allow EK Creations to create a 

unique feel to every event. They 

also make bespoke, hand-crafted 

stationery and have a stunning 

selection of table centrepieces and 

decorations for those finishing 

touches. 

All of their products are of the highest 

quality and standard. 

For details, call 07584 495639, or visit www.ekcreations.co.uk. 


Wow! 

factor 

Your One Stop Wedding Shop 

Balloons • Chair Covers & Sashes 

Sweet Carts • Table Centrepieces 

Table Linen • Gifts and much, much more... 

One stop party and wedding 

shop Balloon a Room Events is 

one of Dorset's finest wedding 

and event decor companies. 

The family-run business, based in Corfe 

Mullen, Broadstone and Poole, prides 

itself on providing exactly what the 

customer desires or dreams of and no 

job is too big or too small. 

There are balloons, chair covers, sweet 

carts and much more - and there’s a huge selection of special touches to 

buy too, from confetti to attendants’ gifts. Consultations are free and you 

can see everything for yourself at the showroom in Poole. 

For more details, call 01202 621550 or visit 

www.balloonaroomweddings.co.uk. 

Tel: 01202 621550 

www.balloonaroomweddings.co.uk 

Unit 3, Birch Copse, Technology Road, 

Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH 



Unique wedding and civil ceremony 

venues available in Southampton 

If you’re looking for that perfect place for your wedding or civil ceremony, 

there are three gems in Southampton that should be top of your list. 

Tudor House & Garden 

Located in Southampton’s Old Town, Tudor House offers 

couples a unique and beautiful setting. From the 16th 

century Banqueting Hall, to the lovely Georgian Room 

overlooking the Tudor knot garden, the house and gardens 

provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. 

Westgate Hall 

Set in the heart of Southampton’s Old Town, this 15th 

century timber-framed building provides a wonderful 

setting for ceremonies and receptions. With its vaulted 

ceilings and exposed beams, the hall has been 

restored to create a venue with outstanding character. 

Southampton City Art Gallery 

The Gallery is one of the most stunning venues for 

ceremonies in the city. Paintings and sculptures provide 

a beautiful backdrop for couples seeking somewhere 

unique, with ample space for guests to enjoy this 

harmonious setting. 

For more information 

Please call 023 8083 4536 or email museums@southampton.gov.uk 

www.southampton.gov.uk/museums 

Quote ref: Dream Weddings

▼The Custom House, Poole 

PHOTO BY TELL YOUR STORY PHOTOGRAPHY 

U N I Q U E G E O R G I A N V E N U E W I T H W A T E R S I D E V I E W S 

Apanoramic view over Poole Harbour and Quay is just one of the attractions 

of the historic Custom House as your reception venue. Its elevated position 

commands uninterrupted sea views. Elegant decor complements its 

beamed ceilings and character nooks and crannies. Sumptuous food, fine wines 

and friendly staff ensure both you and your guests will be well looked after. 

And, as a bonus, for all but the 

most intimate weddings, the 

whole of the building is yours 

for the day. Your guests can 

meet in the informal 

downstairs cafe bar, with an al 

fresco patio for fine days, then 

dine in the elegant dining 

room, spilling out onto the 

wonderful sweeping outside 

staircase which is perfect for 

photographs. 

The Custom House has been perfecting its wedding service for nearly 20 years and 

offers couples the chance to build whatever they like into their reception. Couples 

are invited to discuss their requirements over a cup of coffee and staff are happy 

to organise cake, flowers and evening entertainment if required. Up to 70 guests 

can be catered for a sit-down meal, or 120 for a buffet. For more intimate 

receptions, the Beamed Room upstairs, with its lovely waterside views, seats 30 

for a meal or 50 for a buffet. 

For more information, contact 01202 676767 or visit the website at 

www.customhouse.co.uk. 

W E D D I N G B R E A K F A S T S U P T O 7 0 , E V E N I N G 

R E C E P T I O N S U P T O 1 2 0 P L U S B E A U T I F U L R O O M 

F O R I N T I M A T E W E D D I N G S U N D E R 3 0 . 

THE QUAY, POOLE, BH15 1HP 

TELEPHONE 01202 676767 

email: info@customhouse.co.uk • www.customhouse.co.uk 


▼Merley House, Wimborne 

Merley House is 

a stunning 18th 

century Georgian 

manor house just south of 

Wimborne, Dorset. If you 

are looking for a venue for 

your whole day then look 

no further! They offer 

exclusivity for you and your 

guests and a friendly 

personal service tailored to 

your needs. 

The ground floor has 

four state rooms each 

individually decorated with period features, 

enchanting ceilings and impressive fireplaces. 

The classic entrance hall and dramatic staircase 

provide you with wonderful photograph 

opportunities while your guests enjoy the wide 

variety of sumptuous food and fine beverages. On 

the first floor you have use of the bridal suite which 

dreamvenues 

offers fantastic photo opportunities, including use 

of the three balconies. 

There are packages to suit every budget and 

discounts for weekday and winter weddings. 

If you are interested in viewing the venue, contact 

the events team on 01202 885024 or 

enquiries@merleyhouseevents.co.uk. 

Divine 

decadence... 

For sheer indulgent 

decadence, you can’t beat a 

chocolate fountain at your reception. Dip 

bite-sized pieces of fresh fruit, homemade 

biscuits and other goodies in a warm 

cascade of luxury Belgian chocolate and 

savour the sensation. Well established 

family business, Chocolate Fountains of 

Dorset, offers packages to suit all budgets, 

starting at just £275 for two fountains. 

Call 01202 890033 or visit 

www.chocolatefountainsofdorset.co.uk 

for more details. 

▼ 

Photo by Linus Moran Photography 

A choice 

of3 rooms... 

The Council Chamber 

Domed ceiling, curved 

seating & 

Oak panels 

Weddings up to 130 

The Willows 

An elegant room 

with crystal 

chandeliers 

Weddings up to 50 

Town Hall, Bournemouth • Weddings and civil partnerships 

The Laurels 

A cosy, 

intimate room 

Weddings 

up to 10 

Tel: 01202 454945 • www.bournemouth.gov.uk/living • e: registrars@bournemouth.gov.uk 



Wedding 

fair, 

see our 

website 

for more 

details

dreamvenues 

▼ University of Winchester, Winchester 

Licensed for civil ceremonies, the University of Winchester offers two 

great locations where you can celebrate your wedding in style: whether 

you prefer traditional and elegant or modern and striking, they have 

the right venue for you. For 

traditional and elegant weddings, 

the Grade II listed Victorian 

building (the West Downs 

Centre) is the perfect setting 

offering style, charm and 

character for up to 110 guests. 

Picture beautiful oak panelling, a 

PHOTO BY HOLLY 

MARSH PHOTOGRAPHY 

restored parquet wooden floor 

and raised gallery offering a 

stunning backdrop as you 

enter your wedding breakfast, sweeping down the grand staircase as the 

newly announced Mr and Mrs. If you are looking for a more modern and 

contemporary feel, the Dining Hall is a bright and sunny space with a modern 

twist, best suited to larger weddings for up to 250 guests. 

In the evening, you can choose to move downstairs to the Vault Venue, to 

incorporate a funky feel for your evening reception. 

For more details, call 01962 827322 or visit the website at 

www.winchester.ac.uk/conferences. 

Avington Park 


A stunning setting 

for ceremonies and 

receptions, from the 

grandest wedding 

to a small intimate 

gathering, this 

beautiful stately home in magnificent parkland 

offers exclusive use to make your day truly 

memorable. 

Images courtesy of Dave Burlison and Jacques Eloff 

Tel: 01962 779260 • www.avingtonpark.co.uk 

Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1DB 

e: enquiries@avingtonpark.co.uk 


Classic Fireworks believe in 

giving a personal service and 

with our guidance and skill we 

aim to offer whatever you 

require to create a spectacular 

display. 

We can provide for any event 

from Weddings and Civil 

Ceremonies to corporate and 

other important events. 

We also specialise in low 

noise fireworks to suit the 

most sensitive of locations. 

• Indoor and outdoor flames 

• Confetti cannons 

• Snow and bubble machines 

are also available. 

Lance work fire pictures are 

available - initials, red hearts, 

champagne bottles and more... 


Nothing entertains like a 

firework display and the 

stunning colours and effects 

will captivate all your guests 

and make a memorable ending to the 

most perfect of days. 

Classic Fireworks provide breathtaking 

professional firework displays, designed 

to your specific requirements. 

They can choreograph a display to music 

so you can enjoy the fireworks dancing to 

your favourite song or even light up the 

sky with lance work of your names, 

heart, initials or champagne bottle. 

And their dancing flames choreographed 

to music are 10 metres to 15 

metres high. 

Worried about the noise? They specialise 

in low noise fireworks to suit even the 

most sensitive locations - and if you want 

a white wedding, they can even provide 

snow. 

Classic Fireworks pride themselves on 

providing a first class tailor made service 

offering value for money. As a nationwide 

company they cover Dorset and Hampshire with no 

extra costs. 

Safety is paramount: all staff members are highly 

trained and experienced and the company is a 

member of the Explosives Industry Group and the 

British Pyrotechnics Association. 

For more details, call 0844 800 8542 or visit the 

website at www.classicfireworks.co.uk. 

Make your wedding 

day even sweeter 

by choosing from a selection of 

sweet bars, candy crates, 

wedding favours, party 

bags and even 

personalised sweets 

from Dorset-based 

Keep it Sweet. 

For more details, call 

01202 486256 or visit 

www.keepitsweet.co.uk. 

▼ 

And finally... 

All the atmosphere 

and excitement of a 

real casino with 

none of the risks, that’s 

what’s on offer from 

Absolute Fun Casino who 

will bring quality full size 

blackjack and roulette 

tables (staffed by 

professional croupiers) to 

your reception, where all 

your guests are given a 

piece of personalised fun 

money with your names, 

date and venue printed 

on it. 

Your guests bring this to 

the gaming tables where they will be taught to play and be entertained. This is a great icebreaker 

which will bring your families and friends together and the winner will receive a framed 

certificate and a bottle of Champagne. 

Call 01202 600699 or visit www.absolutefuncasino.co.uk for more information. 

Guaranteed to appeal to both the big and 

the little kids at your reception is a 

bespoke handmade vintage-style sweet 

cart from Happy Hearts Candy Cart. 

Owners Rachel and Adam love to decorate the 

cart to match your individual theme – and it’s a 

great mingling point for your guests. 


www.hirecandycart.co.uk. 


Hampshire 

R E G I S T R A T I O N 

S E R V I C E S 

ALDERSHOT 

30, Grosvenor Rd. Aldershot GU11 3EB 

ALTON 

4, Queen's Rd. Alton GU34 1HU 

ANDOVER 

Beech Hurst, Weyhill Rd. Andover SP10 3AJ 

BASINGSTOKE 

Goldings, London Rd. Basingstoke RG21 4AN 

EASTLEIGH 

Eastleigh Library, 1st Floor Swan Centre, Eastleigh SO50 5SF 

FAREHAM 

4, Osborn Rd. South, Fareham PO16 7DG 

GOSPORT 

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport PO12 1BT 

HAVANT 

1st Floor, Havant Library, Meridian Centre, Havant PO9 1UN 

LYMINGTON 

Lymington Library, North Close, Lymington SO41 9BW 

PETERSFIELD 

Petersfield Library, 27, The Square, Petersfield GU32 3HH 

RINGWOOD 

Ringwood Gateway, The Furlong, Ringwood BH24 1AT 

ROMSEY 

Romsey Town Hall, 1, Market Place, Romsey SO51 8YZ 

TOTTON 

Totton Hub, 1, High Street, Totton SO40 8YZ 

WINCHESTER 

Castle Hill, High Street, Winchester SO23 8HU 

For more information please contact us on 0845 603 5637 

or visit www3.hants.gov.uk/registration.htm

Dream Weddings Directory • www.dreamwed.co.uk For more information on advertising call 01626 873364 

CAKES CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Speciality, Celebration Cakes & Sugarcraft 

South Street, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3LU 

Tel: 01935 816245 

email: info@filigranacakes.co.uk 

filigranacakes.co.uk 

CANDY CARTS 

ENTERTAINMENT 

LET THIS 

SPACE WORK 

FOR YOU 

FULL COLOUR 

ADVERTISING 

FOR AS LITTLE AS 

£99.00 

FOR 6 MONTHS 

tel: 01626 873364 

for details or visit 

www.dreamwed.co.uk 

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE 

Rosemary 

Ringrose 

Handbags 

Exclusive range of 

handmade bags using 

fine silks, satins & leather. 

Colour matching and 

bespoke service available. 

For an appointment please call 

01202 738064 

www.roseringrosehandbags.co.uk 

TOASTMASTER 

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dates for your diary 

AUGUST 17: Mercure Dolphin Hotel, Southampton, Hampshire (6 to 

9pm, contact 02380 386460 or www.dolphin-southampton.com) 

SEPTEMBER 3: Wedding Fayre in the Square, Wimborne (10am to 4pm), 

contact 07715 293080 or www.siennagraceweddings.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 4: Carlton Hotel, Grove Road, Bournemouth (11am 

to 3pm, contact 07429 110573 or www.thelittlewhiteheart.com) 

SEPTEMBER 4: Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End (10.30am to 

3pm, contact 01903 366163 or www.stylisheventsfayres.com) 

SEPTEMBER 4: Holiday Inn, Eastleigh (11am to 3.30pm, 

contact 07885 834 476 or 

www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 11: Parley Country Club, West Parley (12noon to 

3pm, contact 07472 550567 or www.v-a-productions.com) 

SEPTEMBER 14: Bournemouth Highcliffe Marriott Hotel, St 

Michael’s Road, West Cliff (6 to 8pm, contact 01202 557702) 

SEPTEMBER 17 & 18: Bournemouth Pavilion (10am to 5pm on 

Saturday, 11am to 4pm on Sunday, contact 0844 576 3000 or 

bhlivetickets.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 18: Winchester Royal Hotel (11am to 3.30pm, 

contact 023 8056 0073 or www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 18: Open Day, Millstream Bistro, Walford Mill, 

Knobcrook (10am to 4pm, contact 07715 293080 or 

www.siennagraceweddings.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 18: MacDonald Botley Park, 

Winchester Road, Boorley Green (11am to 3.30pm, contact 

07894 253981 or www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 18: Winchester Cathedral, Garden Marquee & Paul 

Woodhouse Suite (11am to 3pm, contact 07894 915114 or 

01420 565997 or www.littlestarevents.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 18: Bournemouth Pier Vintage Wedding Fair & 

Bridal Boot Sale (10am to 3.30pm, call 07472 550567 or 

www.v-a-productions.com) 

SEPTEMBER 25: The Orangery Suite, Merley House Lane, 

Wimborne (11am to 3pm, contact 07427 162282 or 

www.cjpromotions-events.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 25: Crown Hotel, Blandford Forum (10am to 3pm, 

contact 01258 456626 or www.crownhotelblandford.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 25: Riviera Hotel, Alum Chine Bournemouth (noon 

to 4pm, contact 07429 110573 or www.thelittlewhiteheart.com) 

SEPTEMBER 25: Littledown Centre, Bournemouth (11am to 

3pm, contact 01202 741650 or www.weddingdaze.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 26: Christchurch Harbour Hotel (6 to 8pm, contact 

01202 483434 or www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 2: Grand Harbour Hotel, West Quay Road, 

Southampton (10.30am to 3.30pm, contact 01329 227 437 or 

www.pmnweddingfayres.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 2: Holiday Inn, Southampton (11am to 3.30pm, 

contact 07894 253981 or www.uniqueweddingfayres.co.uk 

OCTOBER 2: Norton Park Hotel, Sutton Scotney (11am to 

3.30pm, contact 07825 156716 or 

www.captivatingevents.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 2: Upton House, Upton Country Park, Poole, (11am 

to 4pm, contact 01202 262753 or www.uptoncountrypark.org) 

OCTOBER 2: Canford School, Canford Magna (11am to 3pm, 

contact 01202 741650 or www.weddingdaze.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 2: Thistle Hotel, Poole Quay (1 to 4pm, 

contact 07472 550567 or www.v-a-productions.com) 

OCTOBER 2: Mercure Wessex Hotel, Winchester 

(1 to 4.30pm, contact 07894 915114 or 01420 565997 or 

www.littlestarevents.co.uk) 

calling wedding fair organisers 

OCTOBER 2: Mercure Southampton Centre Dolphin Hotel 

(6 to 9pm, contact 02380 386460 or www.dolphinsouthampton.com) 

OCTOBER 9: Wedding Showcase, Merley House, Wimborne 

(contact 01202 885024 or www.merleyhouseevents.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 9: Kingston Maurward House, near Dorchester 

(11am to 3pm, contact 01305 215050 or www.kmc.ac.uk) 

OCTOBER 9: Marwell Hotel, Colden Common (11am to 3pm, 

contact 01962 777681 or www.marwellhotel.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 9: Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Liphook (11am to 

3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


OCTOBER 9: Rhinefield House, Brockenhurst (10.30am to 3pm, 

contact 01903 366163 or www.stylisheventsfayres.com) 

OCTOBER 9: Wedding Open Day, The Garden Room, Cranborne 

Garden Centre (12noon to 3pm, contact 07472 550567 or 

www.v-a-productions.com 

OCTOBER 16: Victorian Barn, Dairy House Farm, Woolland 

(12noon to 3pm, contact 07472550567 or v-aproductions.com) 

OCTOBER 16: Meon Valley Marriott Hotel, Shedfield 

(11am to 3.30pm, contact 01329 833455 or 

www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 16: Lainston House Hotel, Sparsholt, 



OCTOBER 23: The Italian Villa at Compton Acres (11am to 3pm, 

contact 01202 816074 or www.the-italian-villa.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 23: Highcliffe Castle (10am to 4pm, contact 01425 

278807 or www.highcliffecastle.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 23: Chilworth Manor Hotel, near Southampton 

(11am to 3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or www. 

pmnweddingfayres.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 23: Lighthouse Arts Centre, Poole (11am to 3pm, 

contact 01202 741650 or www.weddingdaze.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 23: East Horton Golf Club, Mortimers Lane, Fair Oak 

(11am to 3pm, contact 02380 602111) 

OCTOBER 23: Holiday Inn, Winchester (11 am to 3pm, contact 

07894 915114 or 01420 565997 or www.littlestarevents.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 30: Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth (11am to 

3.30pm, contact 01202 204917 or www.britanniahotels.com) 

OCTOBER 30: De Vere Venues New Place, Shirrell Heath 

(11.30am to 4pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


OCTOBER 30: Queens Hotel, Bournemouth (11am to 3pm, 

contact 07717 507690 or www.tietheknotceremonies.co.uk) 

NOVEMBER 6: Hilton at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton 



NOVEMBER 6: Ocean View Hotel, Bournemouth (1 to 4pm, 

contact 07427162282 or www.cjpromotions-events.co.uk) 

JANUARY 7 & 8, 2017: Dudsbury Golf Club, Ferndown 

(11am to 4pm, contact 01202 593499 or 

weddings@dudsburygolfclub.co.uk) 

JANUARY 15, 2017: Weymouth Pavilion (11am to 4pm, 

contact 01305 783225 or www.weymouthpavilion.com) 

Organisers of Spring 2017 wedding fairs who would like to have their dates 

included in the next issue of Dream Weddings magazine should email 

editorial@countymagazines.co.uk by December 2, 2016. 

Please mention Dream Weddings magazine when replying to advertisements 

Check out our great website www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk 

FOLLOW 

US ON: 

Wedding fairs are a great source of ideas for brides as well as a 

way of finding everything you need under one roof - and there’s 

bound to be one near you soon. So make a note of these dates, 

but do check locally nearer the time as they may change. 

index to advertisers 

BRIDAL ACCESSORIES 

Tiaras & Crowns....................................12 

BRIDAL FASHION 

Cherished Bridal Wear...........................14 

Cloud Nine.............................................12 

Minster Designs ....................................17 

New Forest & Dorset Brides..................12 

Special Occasions Bridal House.......10/11 

Tilly Mint Weddings...............................14 

CAKES 

Coast Cakes...........................................20 

Filigrana.................................................55 

FIREWORKS 

Classic Fireworks...................................52 

FLOWERS 

Bloom Floristry......................................20 

FOOD & DRINK 

Beales Gourmet.....................................41 

FUN CASINO 

Absolute Fun Casino..............................55 

JEWELLERS 

Charles Nobel.......................................IBC 

Forum Jewellers ....................................34 

MENSWEAR 

Chas H Baker.........................................18 

Gibb Menswear .....................................18 

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE 

Charisma of Fawley ...............................36 

Fab Frocks of Westbourne ....................36 

Rosemary Ringrose Handbags .............55 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

CP Photography ....................................55 

Holly Marsh Photography .....................55 

Linus Moran Photography ....................34 

Paradox Photography............................20 

REGISTER OFFICES 

Bournemouth Register Office................49 

Hampshire Registration Services..........54 

Poole Guildhall ......................................52 

Southampton Register Office................39 

SPECIAL TOUCHES 

Balloon a Room Weddings....................45 

Blissfully Vintage ...................................39 

Chocolate Fountains of Dorset..............55 

EK Creations..........................................44 

Happy Hearts Candy Cart ......................55 

Keep it Sweet.........................................52 

Tiger Lily Occasions ..............................44 

TOASTMASTER 

Brian Cox...............................................55 

WEDDING PLANNING 

Bournemouth Pavilion Wedding Fair.....33 

Little Star Events ...................................33 

PMN Wedding Fayres............................32 

Stylish Events........................................33 

VA productions wedding fairs...............32 

Wedding Exhibition Promotions............32 

VENUES 

Athelhampton House & Gardens...........50 

Avington Park........................................51 

The Custom House................................48 

Dudsbury Golf Club...............................42 

The Grange at Oborne ...........................50 

Hallmark Carlton Hotel .........................IFC 

Hallmark East Cliff Hotel ......................IFC 

Hallmark West Cliff Hotel ....................IFC 

Harbour Heights Hotel........................OBC 

Highcliffe Castle.....................................51 

Hooke Court ..........................................38 

The Italian Villa......................................40 

Kingston Country Courtyard..................38 

Kingston Maurward...............................41 

Lord Bute...............................................43 

Macdonald Elmers Court.......................46 

Meon Valley Marriott Hotel....................46 

Merley House ........................................48 

Old Thorns.............................................40 

Pennsylvania Castle...............................43 

Southampton City Art Gallery................47 

Stanwell House......................................42 

Tudor House & Garden..........................47 

University of Winchester .......................50 

Westgate Hall ........................................47 


charles noble 

Individually 

hand crafted 

E XC E P T I O N A L B E S P O K E 

WEDDING RINGS CREATED BY 

LOCAL FAMILY JEWELLERS 

CHARLESNOBEL.COM | 01425 616 347 | 86 STATION RD, NEW MILTON, HAMPSHIRE BH25 6LQ

Dream Weddings Magazine - Dorset & Hampshire - issue.34

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