Latest 7’s guide to planning your perfect wedding day
Let’s stick together…
There’s no need to end up stressed over the organisation of your perfect wedding; all you need is preparation. And we’re here to help!
Brighton is renowned for its lively, bohemian atmosphere, and can offer everything from bustling bars and great shows to quaint history and unusual seaside accommodation. It’s the place to be, and that’s why the city plays host to hen and stag parties most weekends, the whole year round. But why not go one step further and plan your entire wedding day here, too? We’ve brought together a selection of the city’s best and most interesting venues and event planners, all experienced in catering to the needs of a bespoke wedding party, and right on your doorstep to boot.
We’ve even made our own cut-out-and-keep ‘countdown to your wedding day’ check list below, to help you take it step by step in time for you to walk down the aisle, with ease.
With so many modern weddings breaking the mould of tradition, too, we’ve included a few unusual suggestions to give your wedding that special something, whatever your taste and whatever it is you want to achieve on the day.
We’ve also brought together vintage wedding experts Doily Days, beautiful, handcrafted wedding accessories from Lulalupin, photography from Page & Picture, wedding venue inspiration from the Royal Pavilion and Drakes boutique hotel, plus a wedding style guide for beauty tips and tricks as the big day approaches.
We have all the information and ideas you need to make your wedding perfect. Whether your partner (or even you, yourself) has just popped the question, or you’re on the later stages of choosing a venue, you will find everything you need to know right here.
Here’s raising a glass in toast to you and yours in preparation for a beautiful day!
Words: Louise Bevan
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
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 bridesmaids, 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!
DOILY DAYS
Doily Days has been an established local wedding brand since 2009. Founder, Helen Ruff, started out by hiring vintage china, and styling and managing vintage-themed weddings. She designed a retro living room set for a wedding in 2012 and, this year, she put together a dining room set for a live styled shoot at The Brighton Centre. In 2013 Doily Days launched their free wedding magazine which comes out twice a year and is distributed at wedding fairs.
This year sees the launch of Doily Days Mini Bar, a pop-up bar service. The Mini Bar comprise two faux, free-standing walls which are wallpapered with original vintage paper. The walls are adorned with vintage props such as antlers, flying ducks and old record covers. Fridges run along the back wall and there is a main service area with an additional prop – the 1950s boat bar! The kitsch cocktail bar comes fully styled with a pineapple ice bucket, Babycham and cocktail umbrellas. The uniform for staff is retro tabards and vintage headscarves. Doily days can take care of everything; glass hire, a fully stocked bar and they can even provide reception cocktails, table wine and bubbly for your speeches.
Contact Helen with your requirements
helen@doilydays.co.uk
07795 076 553
www.doilydays.co.uk
MANDALA MOSAICS
MandalaMosaicsUK wishes to welcome readers to this special wedding feature with a quirky story, illustrated by a loving couple, the bridesmaid (a young “girl with a pearl earring”), and a mini car providing transport to a surfing holiday … rendered in mosaic form, of course.
When the newlywed couple return from their honeymoon, they are happy that their home reflects their dynamic personalities, tastes, and the aspirations which enhance their lifestyle.
Their welcoming kitchen encourages friends to visit; they admire the beautiful mosaic splashback above the Aga stove – it’s a pleasure to look at. It is a skilled copy of a favourite photograph of theirs.
They enjoy telling guests that each individual tile was cut and filed by a master craftsman, so the finished product is smooth, safe to touch and easy to clean – they love to watch the light playing and dancing across the surface of this beautiful mosaic, thinking: “Is this a splashback? Or is it a work of classical fine art?!”
The newly married husband is happy with MandalaMosaicsUK, who have provided a practical solution to a tricky landscaping problem in the front garden; he is now greeted by a calm atmosphere that is promoted by the mixture of abstract mosaic designs with floral patterns.
In their study/play room, a mosaic mural is emblazoned with a realistic picture of football action – a portrait of the husband’s favourite player diving for a header, emblazoned in his team colours, which cleverly doubles as a sliding door to the drinks cabinet.
In the wetroom, the couple are surrounded by a rainforest and a floor of purple flowers that evokes spring, even in the depths of winter. Underfloor heating keeps the mirror from steaming up – all done efficiently with ceramic tiles.
In the hallway, there is a huge marble wall, but husband and wife know that it is actually a mosaic wall made to look like a solid block of marble – a huge saving that they will allude to only if someone asks. Fortunately, no one does, so they just smile graciously when friends remark about how expensive it is to install marble.
They marvel at the ease and convenience of installing these wonderful, enduring mosaics, which were installed promptly with guarantees at a reasonable price. All designs were done in consultation free of charge – now all they have to do is contact MandalaMosaicsUK again for a family portrait … including the new edition!
If you would like to view our show room, or meet to discuss ideas and projects or organise workshops, please contact edi@mandalalmosaics.uk or phone 01273 623469 or 07790 920 614 or through Mandala Mosaics on Facebook. www.mandalamosaics.uk/
LULALUPIN
Do you want your wedding attire to sing class and exude unique one-off bespoke style, handcrafted with your very special day celebrated from stylish conception to opulent delivery? So does Lulalupin.
Lulalupin specialises in Victoriana, steampunk and fairy-tale collars, cuffs and head-pieces, together with a range of accessories including fabric bridal bouquets and button-holes. You can consult with proprietor artisan Lucienne Strong to create a look that will ensure that you, your bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groom and wedding party deliver just the impact you are after.
You can visit Lucienne’s studio and browse existing pieces, or, if you have particular ideas in mind, you can just come round for a cup of tea and chat about what it is you want creating!
Once the basic concept has been agreed, she will begin making the piece. A second consultation will also be arranged so that you have the opportunity to see how the piece is developing. At this point, you will be able to have further input, such as adding details or a personal touch.
You can get in touch with Lucienne through www.lulalupin.co.uk, at Lulalupinsew on facebook, or by calling 07939 029149
PAGE & PICTURE
Sam Stephenson is the photographer behind Page & Picture, capturing special moments at weddings and civil ceremonies across Sussex and beyond. Sam specialises in taking relaxed, fun and modern images by combining traditional wedding photography with a contemporary twist. This unique approach not only adds an extra emotional depth to his pictures, but also captures the atmosphere and treasured moments of the day often missed.
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime, unique occasion and Sam has a specially tailored package to cater to all needs, including a free consultation, engagement portraits and documentation of every part of the special day for just £900. From your preparations beforehand to your first dance in the evening, all the moments that make a wedding day special are beautifully captured, resulting in a striking selection of documentary and traditionally styled images in both colour and black and white.
Before the big day a complimentary engagement portrait session is offered free of charge, giving couples the chance to see the way Sam works, and get an idea of what to expect on the day of the wedding in a relaxed environment. These photographs will supplement the final wedding portfolio with a beautiful selection of modern, casual and natural portraits.
With 10 years of professional photography experience, Sam’s reassuring presence will keep those big day nerves at bay, leaving you to relax and enjoy your wedding.
To find out about Sam’s 2014/15 availability and to view more from his gorgeous portfolio of work visit www.pageandpicture.com and get in touch today.
Win a Hen Party Picnic with Cin Cin!
Cin Cin is a charming, vintage 1972 Fiat van that brings unique, colourful and fun catering to weddings and events. Based in Hove and serving throughout Sussex, Cin Cin provides fresh, authentic Italian Prosecco and antipasti with a focus on cured meats, artisan cheeses and fresh olives.
The creation of David Toscano, Cin Cin aims to deliver a unique and elegant experience that your wedding guests will never forget. And in this month’s Wedding Special, David is offering brides-to-be the chance to win a Hen Party picnic in Sussex for 20 lucky ladies, to sample his Prosecco and antipasti al fresco!
To win this fantastic prize, simply answer the question below:
What make of van is Cin Cin?
To be in with a chance to win, email editorial@thelatest.co.uk with the name of the competition in the subject box and your answer to the question in the body of the email. Alternatively, write to us at the address at the front of the magazine. Don’t forget to give your name, address and telephone number.
Prize valid for 12 months from draw; closing date for entries is Monday 25 August 2014.
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.
For the first time ever, the Music Room, one of the Royal Pavilion’s two magnificent state rooms, is available for magical evening weddings and seats a total of 90 people. Featured widely in news media around the globe, this stunning room was the setting for one of the first same sex weddings to take place in the UK.
Its extraordinary interior is lit by beautiful lotus-shaped chandeliers, with walls featuring red and gold chinoserie-style canvases and a domed ceiling of hundreds of gilded plaster cockleshells.
For more intimate daytime weddings, the Red Drawing Room can be booked throughout the year and seats 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.
For more information visit www.brighton-hove-pavilion.org.uk Or contact the Weddings Team
Tel: 03000 290905
Email: pavilionweddings@brighton-hove.gov.uk
QUICK FIT HOVE
At Quick Fit Hove, empowering fitness for women, we let our members do the talking! Visit our website for more testimonials and to find out what we do: www.quickfithove.co.uk
“In just seven months I’ve not only toned every muscle in my body and lost inches where I didn’t even know you could loose inches (!) but also lost 38lb going from 12 stone 10 lbs to 10 stone. Most importantly, my BMI dropped to 20.6 from 26.6 and my body fat – 24.6% from 35.8%, all thanks to doing your fit ‘n mix classes 3-4 times a week! I cannot thank you, Kerry and Linda, enough for how much you have helped me achieve such fantastic results in just seven months. All of your classes are so different, yet collated together they all have helped change my body bit by bit.”
– Louisa Buck
“All the instructors are fantastic – you have the best team I’ve ever come across. Karen, especially, goes the extra mile, and individually supports everyone with such professionalism which makes you feel safe and confident to do that bit more. All of this with a great sense of humour, creating a relaxed but work-focused atmosphere.”
– Jenni Hawkey
“I would like to share my appreciation for Quick Fit and my enjoyment of the classes run by yourself, Cleria (LOVE your music), Kerry and Linda. Four years ago my arthritic syndrome was diagnosed, with inflammation and pain in many joints and hips, and I gained a huge amount of weight as a result. I was in a bad way when I first met you and began the Slim Fit program two years ago, but I lost a considerable amount on it to begin with, and began to regain some confidence. Your classes and the whole ethos of Quick Fit has been a salvation!”
– Gillian Bendelow
“I would just like to thank Cleria and the rest of the Quick Fit team for everything they do. I joined the gym in January, as I am a bridesmaid this year and wanted to get fitter and more toned. The wedding is this weekend and I now feel better prepared to walk down the aisle to support my friend. It really was the best new year’s resolution and I look forward to continuing in my new healthier life.”
– Kerry Moss
“Thank you, Cleria, for being a fab motivating instructor. I am particularly grateful for the hula hoop tuition!”
– Patricia Burrow
“Linda’s new warrior moves in the Fit’nMix do not only make you strong on the outside, they make you feel strong in the inside!”
– Lizbeth Ruffman
I Do … at drakes
Voted by Conde Nast Traveller as “one of the 50 hottest hotels in the world”, this stunning 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 impression from the moment of arrival at this stylish, double fronted Regency townhouse.
With 20 bedrooms, drakes is the perfect size for Exclusive Use Weddings. Take over the entire hotel to ensure your guests are the only guests, receiving the most personal service from the delightful front-of-house and restaurant teams.
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 sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant at drakes. Bespoke menus are created together with the Head Chef to reflect your individual taste and style. An additional 25 guests are welcome to join the celebrations at the evening receptiondrakes has the ultimate first night accommodation – a capacious, triple aspect circular room featuring a super king, hand-made bed and free standing bath, providing breathtaking sea views through the floor to ceiling windows. This is certainly the most romantic room in Brighton!
The beachfront setting with views of the iconic Brighton Pier is uniquely picturesque, yet drakes is just half an hour from Gatwick airport by car or train and 50 minutes from London.
Contact the drakes Events Manager to arrange a show round of this superb hotel and help you plan your perfect wedding.
Drakes Hotel, Bar and Restaurant, 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE
01273 696934 www.drakesofbrighton.com
Personalised pampering
When it comes to putting a personal stamp on your wedding day preparations, it’s all in the details …
There are so many ways to put your own stamp on your wedding day, be it in the preparations you make, the decor, or even the very ring on your finger. Why not take inspiration from the following beautiful items and add a touch of bespoke flavour to the day you say “I do” …
Brass Monkeys of Hove is a unique jewellery shop selling work by over 45 British designer-makers. In addition to the beautiful work on display, Brass Monkeys also love making bespoke pieces. If you’re looking for a wedding or engagement ring, or to remake old jewellery into something new, they would love to help.
(Pictured: ring by Hannah Bedford)
01273 725170
www.brassmonkeys.co
Let’s not forget something special for the groom: a great accessory for off-beat wedding fashionistas, this Woodford gold plated pocket watch oozes vintage class, and would make an eye-catching addition to a dapper suit. £94.99 from www.mensgiftcompany.co.uk
A perfect homage to the love story on your wedding day, or perhaps an ideal gift for newlywed book-lovers, this Pride and Prejudice framed quote is romance encapsulated. £24.95 from www.in-spaces.com
You’ll want to feel your glowing best on the big day! The soothing ‘Million Dollar’ facial moisturiser from Lush has protective sunscreens, making it perfect for sun-kissed outdoor weddings the year round. Lush products are packed full of natural ingredients, and best of all are non-animal tested. £32.50 from www.lush.co.uk or Lush stores nationwide.
How about something delicate and vintage-inspired for a touch of class at the wedding breakfast? Like, perhaps, these English bone china tea cups and saucers, designed by Sara Smith. Set of four: £290 from www.in-spaces.com
