Wedding feature: Happily ever after
Latest 7 presents the all important information to planning your perfect wedding day
We all know howhttp://thelatest.co.uk/wp-admin/post-new.php important every wedding day is: not only is it the start of your happily ever after, but it is one day split into seconds, each of which is a reflection of your very own style, vision of life, and the connection you have with your partner. So, of course you want the day to be perfect. From the wedding dress to the tablecloths, no detail is too small to think about.
To organise your perfect wedding can be stressful, but the good thing is that there is always professional help you can use, so if you are not completely sure what you want your wedding to look like, they are the people that can turn your ideas into fabulous day.
For 2014 there are some stunning new trends that will make your wedding not only the day you start your new life, but an amazing fashion sensation, full with perfect matching colours, amazing dresses and suits, delicious food, magical flowers and a ceremony that will be remembered.
The most important thing about your wedding is to personalise it to you. It’s become increasingly important for couples to make their wedding reflect a more unique perspective and see their perfect day as an extension of how they have carefully curated their own home and personal style. The bride and groom’s vision must be woven into every detail.
Blue is a popular colour choice for weddings in 2014, in combination with bright colors to almost saturation point. Hot colour combos like cranberry and bold pink or red and orange are sought-after looks too.
If you like your outfit patterned there is place for them this year, just keep patterns as bold as you can. Floral print is still in the spotlight and you can mix florals with bolder graphic patterns for the perfect print clash.
Speaking of colours, the best colour for the floor of your venue? Grey – as everything will shine on it. It’s time to hunt around those venues!
Invitations, meanwhile, are getting smaller, and lovely little freehand illustrations adorn them.
If you love nature and would love to get married outdoors, the ‘glamping wedding’ is increasingly popular.
Alternatively, if you’re not keen on relying on the weather, bring the outside in. Trees, plants and foliage used as décor will make your wedding exotic and modern, with a natural feel a soft, picturesque touch.
No matter what theme you and your partner choose, and whatever venue, don’t be afraid to create the wedding that will make you happy. Your day is all about you, who you are and who you love. So make it special.
Words: Savina Radeva
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
The Wedding Venues
Latest Musicbar
With very affordable room hire prices, centrally located and within easy walking distance of the town hall, pavilion, pier and station, Latest Music Bar is the ideal wedding reception venue. We pride ourselves on hosting the best parties in town, whether you want a big bash or something more intimate we will work to your budget and cater to all your requirements to make your event one 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 with buffets available from only £6 per head.
The space can be professionally decorated to a theme or kept simple with linen tablecloths, flowers, candles and bunting supplied by us at no extra cost. Our drinks are sold at pub prices and there are always special offers available. As we’re a renowned live venue we do love a band for a party and can help you source entertainment including bands, djs and cabaret performers. Photobooths, Elvis, classic cars, even dressmakers, our address book is full of contacts for all sorts of extras you might enjoy on the day. 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.
To book your perfect wedding party please call Ruth or Stella on 01273 687171 or email: bookings@thelatest.co.uk.
Latest Musicbar, Manchester
Street, Brighton, www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar
Customer testimonials
“I would just like to say a huge ‘THANK YOU!’ for making our wedding reception such a pleasure – we had an absolutely fantastic time and so did all of our guests. James was simply amazing! He was on hand constantly sorting, organising and arranging everything which needed it. Our guests have also commented on how excellent the service was and how friendly the staff were. Thank you all for making our day truly special!”
“Just to congratulate you on your hospitality at the wedding on Saturday everyone remarked on the food and the fantastic staff. thank you you and I will recommend you to everyone.
“Just wanted to thank all the staff at the Latest Music Bar for hosting our wedding reception party Saturday, it was fantastic! The best party ever!”
Preston Manor
Preston Manor is a charming historic house situated on the outskirts of Brighton. Home to the Stanford family for over 130 years the Manor evokes a wonderful atmosphere of Edwardian living.
Preston Manor is the perfect venue for couples looking for an elegant and intimate setting for a civil wedding ceremony and drinks reception.
Ceremonies take place in the Dining Room, decorated in a classic style with sweeping views across the croquet lawn and historic Preston Park. The room can be hired on Saturdays throughout the year and can accommodate up to 30 people including the couple. Ceremonies are performed by the Brighton & Hove Register Office and an additional fee is payable directly to them for this service.
Photographs can be taken in the grounds of the manor and the enchanting walled garden.
Preston Manor is also delighted to be in partnership with the prestigious events caterer Peyton Events. Peyton Events has over 20 years’ experience in creating bespoke, corporate and private events as well as beautiful weddings. With The Great British Menu judge Oliver Peyton at the helm, the company brings a superior level of creativity and innovative food and design complimented by impeccable service.
Wedding showcase On Sunday 2 March Preston Manor opens its doors for a Wedding Showcase from 12pm–3pm. This is a chance to meet the Weddings Team and in-house caterers Peyton Events, and find out more about hiring this charming Edwardian manor house for your special day.
Harpist Andrew Ballantyne will entertain visitors by playing in the Entrance Hall and the ceremony room will be decorated with flowers kindly provided by Blooms for Business.
Entry to the Preston Manor Wedding Showcase is free but please call 03000 290905 to book a place.
Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD,
Functions Team:03000 290905, pavilionweddings@brighton-hove.gov.uk
www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk
Peyton events: contact Laura Davis for more information on
01273 261526 or visit www.peytonevents.co.uk
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 settings to suit any occasion. Whether it is a small social gathering, a large formal corporate event, wedding reception or dinner, Chichester Cathedral is the perfect location to match your requirements.
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.
A variety of facilities are available for hire depending on your preference and the size of reception that you are planning. From the historic ambience of the medieval Vicars’ Hall to the elegant tranquillity of George Bell House, there is something to suit every occasion.
The menus are designed to offer you a range of choices throughout the season, or if you prefer, bespoke menus can be tailor made to suit your specifications and budget.
If you are looking for a venue with a difference, contact Chichester Cathedral as they will be delighted
to help you create the perfect day.
Chichester Cathedral, The Royal Chantry, Cathedral Cloisters, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1PX, 01243 813586, www.chichestercathedral.org.uk
drakes of Brighton
Voted by Conde Nast Traveller as “One of the 50 hottest hotels in the world”, this stunning seafront boutique hotel is never stuffy or formal, but is about laid-back glamour and total relaxation. Their philosophy is to treat guests as treasured friends coming to stay and this is exactly the sensation from the minute you walk through the door of this stylish, double-fronted Regency town house.
With 20 bedrooms, drakes is the perfect size for Exclusive Use Weddings. Taking over the entire hotel ensures your guests are the only guests, receiving the most personal service from the charming front of house team.
Vows can be exchanged in the Reception Lounge, intimately set for up to 40 guests against the stylish backdrop of the hotel and superb sea views.
Award-winning Modern European cuisine is served in the elegant Restaurant at drakes – it really is the real “jewel in the drakes crown”. Bespoke menus are available to reflect your individual taste and style. Twenty-five additional guests can join in the evening reception.
drakes has the ultimate first night accommodation – a capacious, triple aspect circular room featuring a super-king bed and free-standing bath in front of floor to ceiling windows, offering breathtaking sea views. It’s certainly the most romantic room in Brighton!
The beachfront setting with views of the iconic Brighton Pier is uniquely picturesque, yet Brighton is just half an hour from Gatwick airport by car or train and 50 minutes from London.
drakes Hotel, 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE, 01273 696934, www.drakesofbrighton.com
