Wedding special
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Latest 7 presents the all important information to planning your perfect wedding day
Every weekend in Brighton’s nightlife there is a hen do or stag party – it’s definitely the place to be! Our atmospheric city has everything from lively bars and great shows to beautiful accommodation. So why stop the celebrations there? Plan your wedding day right here in Brighton too. We have a selection of venues to suit different needs, whether it be the unique Royal Pavilion or the picturesque Hilton hotel along the seafront. It’s time to get organised and start planning!
There is no need to stress over the organisation of your perfect wedding, all you need is preparation. We’ve made our own ‘countdown to your wedding day’ below, to help you take it step by step in time for you to walk down the aisle with ease.
As we all know, the financial climate is difficult, but don’t let that deter you from the perfect wedding day. Brighton has an array of venues to suit all budgets. Low or high, it is possible to make it special.
It’s increasingly popular for the bride to give a speech, alongside or instead of the traditional groom’s speech. It’s a chance for the bride to let the guests see her perspective on the marriage, her family and friends, and the big day itself. Make your day memorable by including this modern-day twist, whether your wedding is traditional or not, you are surrounded by close friends and family, so why not make a speech for them to talk and laugh about in years to come?
Depending what stage your planning is at, you may or may not have your wedding dress (although we’re pretty sure it’s the first thing on a bride to be’s list!). Either way, you may not have heard of ‘Trash the Dress’ – a trend sweeping its way across the UK. Read more on making your fairy tale wedding extraordinary and memorable with unique wedding photos here in your essential guide.
We have all the information and ideas you need to make your big day perfect. Whether your partner has just popped the question or you’re on the later stages of choosing a venue, here you will find everything you need to know.
Words: Becky Harris
The countdown to your wedding day
Straight away
Set your budget
Pick a wedding date and venue
Provisionally book venue and reception
Contact registrar to check their availability
Send out Save The Date cards to friends and relatives
9–12 months to go
Book photographer/video
Book your toastmaster
Book reception venue, caterers and music
Plan and book the decoration of the room
Book your honeymoon
Take out wedding insurance
Book appointments to enter notice with Registrar Office, or meet priest/minister/rabbi
Pay deposit to confirm venue
Plan bride’s dress and menswear
6 months to go
Draw up a guest list
Book your transport
Decide on your chief bridesmaid/best man
Order stationery and table favours
Choose outfits for bridesmaid, best man and ushers
Purchase your wedding rings
Choose your gift list company
3 months to go
Visit reception venue to decide on menu and wines
Start a beauty routine for skin and hair
Choose a florist and discuss requirements
Check passports
Book overnight hotel if necessary
Choose and order wedding cake
Arrange Order Of Service/music readings
2 months to go
Send out invitations
Send out list of local accommodation to guests
Re-confirm all bookings
Buy accessories: tiara, veil, lingerie, cufflinks and shoes
Choose and order presents for your attendants
Buy a guest book
Book wedding day hair and make-up appointments
1 month to go
Have final dress fitting
Arrange stag/hen nights/weekends
Give wedding party a list of duties
Chase up guests who have not replied
Confirm final number of guests with caterers
Pay registrars’ final fees for ceremony
Order travellers cheques/currency
1 week to go
Contact registration staff to finalise arrangements
Call all bookings and confirm times
Pick up dress
Ensure all hired garments are collected in time
Pack for honeymoon/first night
Have final hair and make-up practice
1 day to go
Help to decorate the venue, if necessary
Have honeymoon luggage sent to venue
Relax and have an early night
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
Royal Pavilion
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 Red Drawing Room can be booked for wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships throughout the year and can seat a total of 44 people. Retaining much of George IV’s original 1820s decorative scheme, the room features red dragon wallpaper and palm tree pillars.
Situated on the first floor the King William IV Room offers an elegant setting for both day and evening receptions. Decorated in Chinese style, this room features beautiful hand-painted wallpaper and Chinese lanterns. The room accommodates 60 people for a seated dinner.
The Royal Pavilion is also delighted to be in partnership with the prestigious events caterer Peyton Events (www.peytonevents.co.uk).
New for 2013!
The stunning Music Room in the Royal Pavilion is now licensed for evening ceremonies of up to 90, and Preston Manor, a beautiful Edwardian manor house situated just on the outskirts of Brighton, is licensed for ceremonies of up to 30.
Contact the Functions Team on 03000 290905,
email pavilionweddings@brighton-hove.gov.uk
or visit www.brighton-hove-pavilion.org.uk
Latest Musicbar
Latest Musicbar prides itself on hosting the best parties in town. Whether you want your wedding party to be a big bash or something more intimate the team will work to your budget and cater to all your requirements to make your event a 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 their fabulous chefs take the strain. The space can be professionally decorated or kept simple with linen tablecloths, flowers and candles supplied at no extra cost. As Latest Musicbar is also a renowned live venue, they do love a band for a party and can help you source entertainment including bands, DJs and cabaret performers with use of their PA and DJ equipment included in the hire fee. Just tell them what you want and they will do their 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
“What a treat, honestly, it was so great to have staff with initiative and knew what they were doing, your staff were AMAZING, intelligent, pleasant and versatile. The venue was brilliant too, we couldn’t have asked for more. I was so impressed at how everything flowed and how suited the venue was for the wedding.”
– K
Have a look at what more 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 on 01273 687171 or email: bookings@thelatest.co.uk. Latest Music Bar, 14-17 Manchester Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF, www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar
The Bandstand
Beautiful and truly majestic, The Bandstand venue stands like a statue on Brighton’s vibrant seafront offering unrivalled views over the sea.
Grade II Listed, the ornate architecture is magnificently detailed offering the perfect choice for couples wanting an elegant beachside experience in the most elegant of settings. There really is no other venue quite like this.
To match The Bandstand’s unique and unrivalled setting, they are proud to offer The Bandstand Cafe’s outstanding hospitality.
Whatever your theme or budget they can offer a comprehensive service from dressing the venue to devising your menu in conjunction with top class chefs. From traditional seaside fare and canapés and champagne on The Bandstand, to a la carte at their nearby restaurants, Brassiere Pascal or Kenzi, they are here to help make your perfect day perfectly special!
The Bandstand,
Kings Road Arches,
Brighton,
BN1 2LN,
01273 292712.
To make initial enquiries please email vanessa.weild@brighton-hove.gov.uk or debbie@bandstandbrighton.co.uk
The Quaint Queer Weird Wedding Spectacular
The Quaint Queer Weird Wedding Spectacular is coming to Brighton and opens its doors on Sunday 8 September at Proud Cabaret in St George’s Road, Kemp Town, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.
The 18+ event is themed ‘Bygone to Bondage’. Guests, who are being encouraged to ‘dress to impress’, will be transported to the event through a Narnia inspired entrance, with welcome shots on the door for the first 100 attendees. Throughout the day, there will be cabaret entertainment from the infamous Joe Black and burlesque dances by Bruise Violet.
Exhibitors include Am Statik, Jed Phoenix, Angels Carrying Savage Weapons, Louise Mackay Harnesses, Death and Glory Taxidermy, Emma Lucy Photography, Brighton Dungeon, Jo Scott Clairvoyant and Fat Cakes to name just a few!
The Quaint Queer Weird Wedding Spectacular, Sunday 8 September, Proud Cabaret, St George’s Road, Kemp Town, 10.30am–4.30pm. To find out more and for the chance to win VIP entry & a bottle of bubbly, see http://quaintqueerweird.com/win/
Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel
Whether you are looking to hold your ceremony, civil partnership or wedding breakfast, the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel has an outstanding choice of function rooms. These include three that are licensed for Wedding Civil Ceremonies and Civil Partnership Ceremonies; two have also been recently renovated. The magnificent Clarence Suite, a grand converted chapel with a unique barrelled ceiling which has been given a new lease of life adapting the vintage style and enhancing its grandeur. The Ambassador Suite is refurbished in tones of subtle greys, purple and mother of pearl, which all enhance the beautifully painted fresco circular coffered ceiling. There is also the large and elegant Regency Suite in tones of reds and creams which can accommodate up to 250 guests.
To arrange a viewing of the hotel and facilities, and to discuss your specific requirements, please contact their wedding coordinator on 01273 720710 or email enquiries.brightonmet@hilton.com
A new way to express yourself on your wedding day
Fire, earth & water
Becky Harris finds there’s a new way to express yourself on your wedding day
Wedding gowns are seen as one of the most important parts of a bride’s day; everyone has their eyes on the bride, so the dress has to be breathtakingly beautiful. However, once the day is over, many brides simply say goodbye to their wedding dress, selling it on or boxing it up for the loft. So, why not do something unique with your dress and make it an occasion to remember?
“The trend sees brides deliberately ruining their dress to create artistic and unusual, quirky photographs”
The ‘Trash the Dress’ trend has made its way across the pond from America. The trend sees brides deliberately ‘ruining’ their wedding gown to create artistic and unusual, quirky photographs. While we’re not sure the number of brides ready to trash a gown they have spent hundreds, if not thousands or pounds on, is actually that high, it certainly makes for some of the most unique wedding shots you will ever see!
It’s a chance to be fun and creative with your own ideas and locations: be photographed underwater or splashing about in the sea with your groom by Brighton Pier; clamber to rooftops for impressive aerial views, or even play with spray paint around some of the Lanes’ urban street art.
Okay, you may still not be over one point: you are essentially trashing your dress; the thought of accidentally spilling red wine may work up enough of a cold sweat. Just be 100 per cent sure before you sign up to Trash the Dress with a photographer.
The beauty of ‘trash the dress’ is that you can pick and choose how and where the photographs will be taken and how extreme the scenario. In a lot of cases, the dress can finish end up mark free with no damage (after a dip in the sea for example).
This new craze is something to consider when planning your wedding; it’s a unique and exciting way to express yourself and make your wedding memorable.
Find out more at www.trash-the-dress.co.uk
