Wedding special: Keep calm & say ‘I do’
Make your dream wedding a reality with our ultimate guide to planning your big day
With every proposal comes a wedding, and with Valentine’s Day this week, could 2013 be the year of your special day? Perhaps your partner’s already popped that sparkling ring on your finger, and your feeling flustered just thinking about organising the best day of your life. If so, look no further than this week’s wedding extravaganza. Here, you will find everything your heart desires in order to help you prepare and plan for your perfect wedding.
In today’s times, there is an increasing amount of pressure on us to provide an extravagant day of celebration for our loved ones. However, it is important to remember that your fairytale wedding is possible whatever your budget. An unforgettable day can be achieved with careful planning. From assessing your finances wisely and compiling a guest list, to deciding on the venue and your wedding attire, there are just so many important decisions to be made.
In order to avoid those ‘Bridezilla’ moments, why not start by using our handy checklist below – every couple needs one. Simply tick it off as you complete each task.
The city of Brighton boasts a fantastic array of traditional, charming and downright quirky locations to celebrate your special day. From Hotel Seattle situated in the picturesque Marina to the exquisite Royal Pavilion, Brighton has something for everyone.
For catering ideas look no further than Circa Events, who will create a sumptuous feast of exactly what you want on your special day. Also in this special issue, we have some fabulous fashion and beauty ideas, not to mention our fantastic competition for brides to be with one of Brighton’s trendiest hair salons, Forde Hair.
Across these pages, you will find everything to help you plan your dream wedding. From bridalwear to local venues, we have all the ideas to make your wedding the happiest day of your life.
Word: Pippa Masson
Beaus & belles
Dress for your big day with the perfect gown from The O Zone & find stunning outfits for the rest of the wedding party too.
A prospective bride is faced with an overwhelming choice of shops, a staggering spectrum of prices and a dizzying array of (often contradictory) advice from magazines, websites and blogs. It is for this reason that the team at The O Zone, a bridal boutique in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine, has spent almost a decade honing its product range and industry knowledge with a focus on paying close attention to three vital areas: a stunning selection of beautiful gowns, fitting expertise and attentive service.
“Our main objective is to ensure that every bride feels totally relaxed and confident”
Company co-director Christine said: “One thing we hear time and again from brides is that they find real choice at The O Zone. We involve the whole team in the buying process, from the seamstress to the Saturday staff. Each designer is carefully chosen to provide something unique: from the flamboyant luxury of Ian Stuart, to the 1950s charm of Lou Lou, Sophia Tolli’s fascination with old Hollywood glamour, vintage inspired Belle and Bunty, fabulous fit from Amanda Wyatt, fashion forward and feminine Charlotte Balbier and British designer Chanticleer, The O Zone bride is spoilt for choice.”
This variety extends to pricing which co director Deborah knows is at the forefront of most people’s minds: “We always keep an eye on how much our clients are looking to spend, and we use this information to guide our buying so that we’re not filling our shop with gowns that would totally blow the budget for most people.”
Currently there are simple, understated dresses from £300 right up to show-stopping gowns that come in at £3,000, and everything in-between. What is really important, though, is that The O Zone’s team of consultants are trained to work with a bride so that she gets the maximum value out of her designated budget.
Christine said “We have an informal approach to bridal appointments, so that brides can feel at home, as comfortable as possible to ask as may questions as they wish. Their wedding dress is probably the most important and expensive dress they will ever buy. As consultants, our role is to listen to what a bride wants and then provide the knowledge and experience that will help them to find a dress that ticks all their boxes, flatters their shape and sits comfortably within their budget. We know how stressful planning a wedding can be, so our main objective is to ensure that every bride feels totally relaxed and confident about her dress in the lead-up to her wedding and that she will look and feel amazing on the day itself. If we’ve done that then we feel we’ve done our job well.”
To make the wedding planning even easier, The O Zone is currently the only independent formal menswear hire company in central Brighton and their two-storey building also houses a vibrant collection of bridesmaid dresses. Menswear options range from traditional morning suits to modern, lightweight three-piece suits and tuxedos. Bridesmaid’s dresses are courtesy of New York-based company Dessy, who will also provide waistcoats, ties, cravats and pocket squares to perfectly co-ordinate with a couple’s colour scheme. Dessy’s house style is a perfect balance of classical elegance and high-fashion influences, and includes junior versions of many styles and some seriously cute flowergirl dresses for the little ones.
As well as working closely with clients, the team at The O Zone pride themselves on maintaining excellent working relationships with all of their designers and regularly host designer events. Coming up on February 16th and 17th is the much-anticipated Ian Stuart designer weekend. April 20th sees the annual visit of Tracey Salt, Head Designer of British label Chanticleer, to meet brides and work with them to find the perfect dress from her current collection. Designer days, like all weekends, operate by appointment only, so drop them a line or pop in to make your appointment.
The Ozone, 21-23 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1RB, 01273 739500, www.ozoneweddings.co.uk
Win!
A must-have prize for brides-to-be: a wedding hair & make-up trial with Forde Hair
Award-winning hairdresser Gary Forde opened his first salon in Brighton in 2007 in St James’s Street, Kemp Town. With 25 years’ experience in the business, Gary has established an extensive client base and a team of talented hairdressers. In addition to the boutique Kemp Town salon a new flagship store ‘Forde Hair North Street’ opened in central Brighton in January 2013.
Gary’s creative outlook has been incorporated into both salons’ unique and distinctive design bringing shabby chic, royalist memorabilia, pop art and high fashion together to create a fabulous visual environment. The atmosphere in both salons is relaxed and friendly, and the Forde Hair team take pride in going the extra mile for clients, including a free breakfast or lunch with every cut and colour booked. With competitive prices Forde Hair present upmarket salons that are accessible to all.
Gary won The Nation’s Favourite Hairdresser Award in 2010 and is a specialist in hair-up. He is offering Latest 7 readers an exciting prize for one lucky bride-to-be and her guest:
The ultimate pampering day
• Free hair trial and make-up and nails
• Light lunch for 2
• A bottle of bubbly
• Before and after photos
For the chance to win, just tell us:
Where can Gary Forde’s new flagship store be found?
Email competitions@thelatest.co.uk with ‘Forde Hair’ in the subject box and your answer to the question in the body of the email. Don’t forget to leave your name, wedding date, and contact details. Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Closing date for entries: 25 February 2012.
From the heart
It’s National Heart month & the British Heart Foundation is spreading the love
Whether it’s dressing up for Valentine’s Day, your best friend’s wedding or simply a day at work, be sure to ‘rock up in red’ like The Saturdays’ Mollie King in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Dress in red (red tie, red dress, red socks or red nail polish!) on a planned day in February with friends, family and colleagues and pay £2 to help raise funds for BHF.
Funds raised will go directly towards vital research, support and care for those suffering with heart and circulatory disease.
Another way to spread the love is hrough BHF Love Notes. If you’ve recently got engaged or are planning a wedding, or simply want to let a loved one know you’re thinking of them, make a love note this February. The Saturdays’ Mollie King has declared her love, along with TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Fern Britton. To get involved, pop down to your local BHF Shop between now and Valentine’s Day and, in exchange for a suggested donation of £1, you too can declare your love by posting a heart-shaped love note in a BHF Shop window for all to see. A unique wedding proposal perhaps?
To order your free Rock Up In Red fundraising pack, just go to bhf.org.uk/red or call the hotline on 0300 330 0645.
To find out more about BHF’s Love Notes visit: www.bhf.org.uk/lovenotes
Support the BHF with these fantastic products:
This red fascinator is perfect for a winter wedding. £5.99, available from www.giftshop.bhf.org.uk, 0845 246 4050 and BHF Shops.
Dozen Red Roses– The perfect Valentine’s Day gift and ideal if you’re planning on popping the question this week! Already planning a wedding? Roses will make a lovely gift for mothers of the bride and groom, and bridesmaids, with money going to a good cause. Available from arenaflowers.com, £24.99 with 20% of the sale price going to the BHF.
The Bridal Hair Company
If you’re looking for something exquisite for your wedding hair and make up The Bridal Hair Company can tailor all of your requirements for your special day. Anne Matthews has a wealth of experience, trained both classically and in high fashion in Covent Garden 30 years ago. Anne’s speciality is vintage retro where she can creates glamorous 1940s waves and 1950s chignons.
A new trend this year is mid-summer night’s dream with romantic dishevelled curls with fresh flowers woven through the hair. Whatever your look or style: classic, traditional or something a little different, you can be sure Anne will be there for you to create the perfect look.
For a phone consultation please call Anne on 07779 637 508
Brass Monkeys
Brass Monkeys has quickly established a reputation for selling beautiful, unusual and affordable handmade and bespoke jewellery, including a wide selection of rings to suit any taste and budget.
They are stocked by over 45 established and emerging British designer-makers as well as having their own on-site workshops to enable those special commissions.
Antique display cabinets and warm décor provide a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, allowing you to browse and try things on at your leisure. Everyone that works at Brass Monkeys is a maker, so there’s always someone on hand to offer a friendly welcome and provide advice and suggestions for gifts for bridesmaids and other special wedding party guests.
Brass Monkeys, Brass Monkeys, 109 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5DP, 01273 725170, www.brassmonkeys.co
Stylish Events
Stylish Events have already started another exciting season of bridal wedding shows at popular venues across Sussex and Hampshire. Their events will feature an incredibly wide range of exhibitors from bridalwear, entertainment, florists, jewellers, wedding photography, menswear, toastmasters, videographers, wedding cakes, potential wedding venues and much more.
A special highlight at their events are the spectacular fashion shows, choreographed by Times Two Productions with their professional London Models. There will be two of these during the day and they should not be missed as they will feature some of the latest trends in bridalwear, bridesmaids, occasionwear and menswear. There will also be new ideas that add that special touch to the events of the day to make it even more memorable.
Tracey Rainford from Stylish Events said: We have had another busy start to this season with a full selection of exhibitors for your special day and inspiration from our fashion shows.”
There is also the chance to win £1,000 of holiday vouchers by entering at one or more of the spring shows. Stylish Events Ltd are offering this prize in association with Classic Collection Holidays. (Terms and conditions apply – please visit the Stylish Events website for more information).
Stylish Events also offer each visiting bride a bridal bag full of useful information with the show guide for every bride to take away. Entry to the show costs £2 and parking is free.
For a full list of shows please visit www.stylisheventsfayres.com for more details or see their advert.
Hotel Seattle, Brighton Marina
“What a wonderful day, made even more special by the staff. From our first show round (which took our breath way) to the last guest stumbling to bed, they all made us feel like VIPs.”
Overlooking the water and out to sea. Stunning views and stunning surroundings rarely come together, but at Seattle they really do. The hotel offers stunning wedding breakfasts for up to 80 guests. Light filled rooms, with ceiling to floor windows open out onto a private deck with views across the Marina and out to sea. A unique venue for Brighton.
Great food and drink is their passion, from formal sit down wedding breakfasts to informal “no forks required” gatherings, all tailored to suit your day. Their welcoming staff will ensure that on the day everyone is kept happy, allowing you and your partner to relax and enjoy every moment. As the last good-byes are said, you can just take a short stroll along to your bedroom, and enjoy some time to yourselves…
But the best way is to see for yourself – come to their wedding showcase day on Sunday 24 February 2013, 11am–4pm
Hotel Seattle, Brighton Marina, Brighton, BN2 5WA, 01273 679799, www.hotelseattlebrighton.com
The Royal Pavilion, Brighton
The Royal Pavilion, former residence of King George IV, combines Oriental extravagance with English eccentricity, and offers a unique venue for civil wedding ceremonies and receptions in the heart of Brighton. The Royal Pavilion Functions Team has over 17 years of experience and is pleased to offer a friendly and personal service. From your first site visit to your special day they are on hand to help make sure everything runs smoothly.
The Royal Pavilion is also delighted to be in partnership with the prestigious events caterer Peyton Events. With over 20 years’ experience in creating bespoke events, weddings and conferences, their experienced team will bring a superior level of creativity and innovative food and design complemented by impeccable service.
On Sunday 10 March 2013 (11am–4pm) visit the Royal Pavilion Wedding Showcase for free when you bring along the advert below. Come and see the historic Red Drawing Room where civil ceremonies take place and the beautiful William IV Room which can be hired for receptions. Visitors will be welcomed by the Royal Pavilion Functions Team as Harpist Andrew Ballantyne plays in the Red Drawing Room. Peyton Events will also be on hand to showcase their menus alongside a selection of fabulous table designs.
The Royal Pavilion, 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE
Royal Pavilion Functions Team: 03000 290905
pavilionweddings@brighton-hove.gov.uk
www.brighton-hove-pavilion.org.uk
Peyton Events:
Tom Crocker tom@peytonevents.co.uk
www.peytonevents.co.uk
Latest Musicbar
Latest Music Bar pride themselves on hosting the best parties in town. Whether you want your wedding party to be a big bash or something more intimate we will work to your budget and cater to all your requirements to make your event a real night to remember. You can hire one or both floors of the venue for parties of up to 200 people, provide your own catering or let our fabulous chefs take the strain. The space can be professionally decorated or kept simple with linen tablecloths, flowers and candles supplied by us at no extra cost. As we’re also a renowned live venue we do love a band for a party and can help you source entertainment including bands, djs and cabaret performers and use of our pa and dj equipment is included in the hire fee. Just tell us what you want and we’ll do our utmost to make it happen.
“We just wanted to say a massive thank you for last night, we had the best time at our wedding! All the staff were so friendly and helpful, and everything was so well organised. We really appreciate all the hard work you put into the afternoon and evening and the food was delicious! Thanks again for everything”
Laura and Oli
“Having such friendly staff (who also know what they are doing and have a can-do attitude) made such a difference to our and our guests’ experience of our very special day”
Sarah-Jane and Mike
“My wife and I had such an amazing reception at the Latest Musicbar, the help we had organising the event, the food cooked in-house, the staff (with great character) and most noticeably the value of the entire day and night. We, and all our friends who attended, had such an amazing night that the reception will go down as one of the parties of our lives. Finding the Latest Musicbar was a godsend, all our guests and ourselves will be remembering the venue and recommending it to anyone who needs a location for a great party in Brighton. Once again, thank you Angi and your team”
Sam & Louise
“Dear all at Latest musicbar, Thank you for looking after us and creating the space for us to have such a wonderful wedding”
Love William and Peter
Have a look at what previous couples have said about their wedding party at the Latest Musicbar www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar/brighton-party-wedding-venue
To book your perfect party please call Ruth or Jenni on 01273 687171
or email: bookings@thelatest.co.uk
Latest Music Bar, 14-17 Manchester Street Brighton, BN2 1TF, www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar
Chichester Cathedral
If you are looking for a venue with elegance, character and ambience, set within a unique location, then Chichester Cathedral has a choice of venues to suit any occasion.
At Chichester Cathedral they fully understand the need for careful co-ordination and attention to detail. You can be confident that every aspect of your reception will be taken care of by the professional team, leaving you free to enjoy every moment of your special day. They have a variety of facilities available for hire depending on your preference and the size of reception you are planning. From the historic ambience of the medieval Vicars’ Hall to the elegant tranquility of George Bell House, there is something to suit every wedding. Alternatively, if you prefer a marquee reception, there are two delightful locations to choose from within the Cathedral precincts: the secluded, walled garden of George Bell House, which can accommodate 150 for a seated wedding breakfast, and the Royal Chantry garden with its wonderful views of the Cathedral for more intimate receptions of up to 80 guests. The menus are designed to offer you a range of choices throughout the seasons, or if you prefer, they will tailor-make menus to suit both your preferences and budget.
If you are looking for a venue with a difference, then please contact the team at Chichester Cathedral and they will be delighted to help you create your perfect wedding reception.
Chichester Cathedral, Cathedral Cloisters, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1PX, 01243 813586, bookings@chichestercathedral.org.uk, www.chichestercathedral.org.uk
