Bridal Style Terminology Every Bride-to-be Should Recognize.

wedding planning, wedding, weddings,When searching for a wedding dress online or in-store, many brides may come across unfamiliar terms. While this could be due to a multitude of reasons, it’s essential to understand these terms, as they often imply a wide range of bridal styles.

Particularly for brides searching for designer bridal wedding gowns online, knowing and understanding these terms may also make it easier to find her ideal dress. However, this knowledge also helps brides shopping in-store when meeting with bridal consultants to discuss what dresses to try on. 

Silhouettes

The silhouette of her gown is the first aspect a bride should narrow in on. Think of it as the outline of the dress, its overall shape. It tells how fitted a gown is and whether it hugs certain areas of the body tighter. A few typical silhouettes are:

  • Mermaid: A mermaid style silhouette is fitted at the bust, waist, and hips while flaring out at the knee. The flare gives the effect of a mermaid tail (hence the name). This style flatters curvy body types or women with wider hips than shoulders. 
  • A-line: An a-line silhouette is fitted through the waist while flaring out softly to create an ‘A’ shape, which offers increased mobility. This style works well for all body types.
  • Ball gown: This silhouette is more on the extravagant side. The ball gown often hugs in at the waist or hips and dramatically flares out for an hourglass effect, hence why this shape works well on women with an hourglass body shape. Ball gowns look great on thin women or women with broader shoulders as it gives the illusion of wider hips. 
  • Sheath: A sheath silhouette is a perfect alternative to a voluminous dress. The style hugs the body and drops straight to the floor, which elongates the bride’s shape. Petite women may find this style flattering.
  • Jumpsuit: This style is a one-piece with a top and long connected pants. There are versions that look great on all body types.

Necklines

The next element is to learn about different necklines. Simply put, the neckline is the top edge of a dress near the neck and chest. Some of the most popular necklines include:

  • Sweetheart: Just like the name suggests, the sweetheart neckline resembles the top half of a heart and gives the bride a leaner appearance. This neckline is very popular on strapless dresses. 
  • High neck: A high neckline dress provides the most coverage of any bridal style and comes up to the base of the neck or above.
  • Off-the-shoulder: The off-the-shoulder neckline is perfect for summer weddings, as it highlights the collarbones and shoulders with its draped sleeves. 
  • V-neck: A v-neckline is ideal for brides looking for the appearance of a longer torso. V-neck dresses appear in a ‘V’ shape and usually have straps or sleeves.
  • Straight across and Square: These necklines are similar in that the dress’s edge lies in a straight line across a women’s decollete. The difference is whether the gown is strapless or not.

Sleeve Styles

Depending on the season, a bride may opt for a dress with sleeves. Some of the most popular sleeve styles include: 

  • Long sleeves: These are more of a formal style and come down to the wrist without being over-the-top. Within the category of long-sleeved dresses is variation in sleeve style. Some dresses have fitted long sleeves made from just lace, while others feature illusion lace. Bell sleeves are another option; made popular in the 1970s but are currently making a comeback. 
  • Off-the-shoulder: These sleeves are great for highlighting the bride’s shoulders and collarbones in a very chic way. 
  • Cap sleeves: These are very short and flutter from the shoulder but does not feature any fabric underneath the arm.
  • Strapless: This style means there are no straps or sleeves on the dress, highlighting the neck, shoulders, and collarbone. For a traditional bride, long gloves look elegant with a strapless ball gown.
  • Puff sleeve: A puff sleeve is fitted at the bottom of the wrist with elastic to keep it in place. It offers a youthful look and can sometimes look bohemian if done right. 
  • Spaghetti strap: These are more of a dainty detail and hold up the dress without covering the arms.

Waistlines

The waistline may seem insignificant compared to the other elements of a wedding dress. However, it adds a signature defining area to the silhouette. Some popular waistline styles to consider are: 

  • Basque waistline: The seams on the basque create a ‘U’ or ‘V’ shape in the front and are on hourglass ball gowns.
  • Empire waistline: This waistline sits just below the bust and is high and raised, creating a tall and slender appearance. 
  • Dropped waistline: This waistline drops to the thighs, creating a leaner and longer torso. This is not necessarily the same as the mermaid style.
  • Medium/natural waistline: This waistline sits at the bride’s natural waist, offering more comfort. 

Trains

The train of a wedding dress adds extra length to the end of the dress. The most common train styles include: 

  • Sweep: This is the shortest train for a dress, at about 10 inches long, and is perfect for outdoor weddings. 
  • Court: The court train is the same size as the sweep, except it extends from the waist rather than the hem. 
  • Chapel: This is 3 feet from the waist and is perfect for brides who want simple.
  • Cathedral: This train is 6 feet from the waist and suits indoor weddings the best.

Terminology Is Helpful 

With so much variation in the style of wedding dresses, researching and understanding bridal terminology before shopping can make the experience much less stressful. It’s helpful for brides to understand what they want but also for when it comes to explaining what kind of dress they’re looking for with ease. 

 

Collaborative post with our brand partner.

What Happens When your Wedding Becomes a Disaster By Catherine Balavage.

wedding planning, wedding, weddings,There are many things that a bride wants her fiancé to say to her on the morning of their wedding, but ‘I don’t think I can get married today’ is not one of them, but that is what my husband said to me. Now it was not a complete surprise. We had spent the night in A&E, only getting back home at 4am. We then went to bed and I tried to sleep despite the growing anxiety inside of me. I had no idea if the wedding I had spent over a year planning would go ahead. It was not just the thought of not getting married and letting all of our guests down: we had also spent a fortune on deposits and alcohol. It seemed there was no going back now. If we did not get married today then I had no idea when it would be possible again. 

My parents were full of smiles as I went to get some breakfast. My mother asked if I was excited to be getting married today, I had to hold back the tears as I said to her that I was not sure that I would be. I went back into the room to check on my fiancé and he was in a lot of pain. In the end the stress got too much and I actually fainted. Cue a comedy moment where my fiancé yelled for my father while I lay on the carpet, face down, saying ‘I’m fine, I’m fine, just give me a minute’. It’s funny now, but it wasn’t then. 

My fiancé had been ill the day before our wedding and it had got progressively worse. A combination of some dodgy food and having two stag parties the weekend before the wedding, which I had explicitly told him NOT to do, but no one listened to me. All brides-to-be listen to me: do not allow your fiancé to have the stag do anywhere near your actual wedding date.

I calmly told him that we should get married today and that he had it in him. He still seemed unsure so I called for an emergency doctors appointment. Luckily the receptionist was sympathetic and I got an appointment. The doctor seemed shocked when we said it was our wedding day and prescribed some medication to help my fiancé to get through the next few hours. We called the best man to come along to our flat to help my fiancé get ready and pep him up. Our maid of honour was amazing and called the venue and told them that the groom was ill and to keep water on hand. The next couple of hours were hell. At no moment did I know whether or not I was actually going to get married. The only option I had was to keep as calm as possible, get ready and make sure my fiancé had everything he needed. 

The flat was full of people which helped. My family were there, as were my bridesmaids, the wedding photographer, the best man and his girlfriend. I had to stay calm and keep in control. If I didn’t there would be no wedding. The make up artist arrived and did everyone’s make-up and we got ready. Very slowly the start of the wedding crept forward and it was time for my fiancé to head to the venue which, thankfully, was very close. 

wedding, weddings, wedding venue, london rowing club, wedding planning

Credit: Holly Thomas

My father drove him to the venue but before he left he told me to not be late or he was not sure that the wedding could go ahead. Cue more panic. I was determined to not be late but my father took longer than me to get ready and then the make-up artist decided she wanted to go to the bathroom as we were about to leave. I could have screamed. Everything seemed to be against us.

I was wearing my wedding dress, veil and tiara. I was all dressed up for this particular event but still unsure if I would end the day a married woman. At this point I got quite firm with people and we headed to the venue. As I stood outside the door of the room we were to get married in I was so relieved. ‘I am nervous’ I said to my father. I felt like a blender had gone off inside of me. I was so near and I just wanted to marry the love of my life. 

Finally we were announced. I walked in and there he was: my fiancé had been sitting in a chair but when he saw me he stood up and smiled at me. I will never forget the look on his face, nor the rush of love I felt when I looked at him. In the end we did get married, but my (now) husband was in a lot of pain and after the wedding breakfast we headed back to A&E. My husband then spent five days in hospital. We missed our mini moon and our reception. I look back on my wedding day with both happiness and pain. It was both one of the worst days of my life, yet it had its own joy and special memories. Bookmarked with A&E visits and missed opportunity, I would love to do it all again properly, especially as my poor husband feels like he missed his own wedding. But the important thing is that we got married. We spent the days after our wedding apart and have still not managed to go on our honeymoon six years later. Initially that was because we had some amazing news not long after our wedding: I was pregnant with our first child. I was worried the stress might have upset the baby but our son is a tough one. We had our daughter two years later. Our seventh anniversary is in July and we are as happy as ever. So it was not a disaster after all. 

The other good thing that came out of this is my wedding book which I wrote to help other couples avoid disaster. You can buy my wedding planning book here.

 

Sorry I Can’t… I Have To Ride My Unicorn

Cute and innocent, it’s the stuff that dreams are made of… let’s face it, we all love unicorns.  Just listen to Google, they’ll tell you that the search for ‘unicorn’ has grown significantly since over the past few years.

But this is no ordinary (ordinary?) unicorn…

The Unicorn
74cm x 46cm x15cm
Over 20,000 Swarovski crystals in 5 different shades
One of a kind. No. 3 in the Stevenson Brothers / Fernandes Collection.

In case you’re out of the loop, crystals are very much trending it right now.

Fernandes Exquisite Creations have teamed up with Stevenson Brothers (Kent) to create a limited-edition, bespoke collection of equines, two of which are the crystal zebra and the newly-added unicorn.

Fernandes Exquisite Creations always work with unexpected items and combinations, transforming the everyday into desirable luxury.

Stevenson Brothers are known for their elegant and beautifully crafted products, an aesthetic which Fernandes Exquisite Creations harmonise into their hand-crafted Swarovski crystal designs.

Currently, only one of each piece exists in the entire world.

Fernandes Exquisite Creations are also known for jazzing up objects, in particular with their crystal rocking horse.  This hand-built horse, made from 82,000 crystals, was a world first, valued around 100,000 euros.

The second in the series is the stunning new CRYSTAL ZEBRA which sparkles and shines from every angle. Over 80,000 hand-placed Swarovski crystals cover this limited edition rocking zebra, which was created in partnership with Fernandes Exquisite Creations, and is set to turn heads wherever it goes.

This is only the second horse created by Stevenson Brothers Rocking Horses together with Fernandes Exquisite Creations. The first piece created between these two companies, was the subject of a Channel 4 documentary showcasing the world’s most luxurious toys. CRYSTAL, who featured on the show and was also embellished with over 80,000 Swarovski crystals, was then sold and the beautiful CRYSTAL ZEBRA was then released for sale.

About Fernandes Exquisite Creations…

Fernandes Exquisite Creations was founded on the principles of quality and exclusivity.

Every member of their team works to produce unique, hand finished items, working expertly on every detail with each individual client or company to ensure everyone receives the very best in luxury they have come to expect from them. However big or small, every aspect of their work designed by you, or Fernandes Exquisite Creations, is produced with precision and care using the highest quality materials available.

Everything they create is 100% unique, whether you want a Swarovski crystal rocking horse or absolutely anything embellished in beautiful crystals – all bespoke and an exquisite creation.

www.fernandesexquisitecreations.com

About Stevenson Brothers…

Today, Stevenson Brothers are being commissioned to make an increasing number of bespoke rocking horses that look like a client’s real horse. They offer a unique bespoke rocking horse service where a favourite horse is reproduced in wood to last for generations.

They are often able to use real tail hair and can mount horse shoes on the base, using mostly home grown timber for all of their horses, including the bespoke models, with Oak and Chestnut supplied by Windsor Great Park Estates.

Contact Stevenson Brothers on 01233 820 363 or email sue@stevensonbros.com to find out more about their bespoke service.

http://www.stevensonbros.com/

 

Déjà-Vu Boutique Offers The Ultimate Christmas Gift… Bring On The Stellé Bling!

It’s around about now, a week before Christmas,  that the ideal gift for that special person is nowhere to be found, and time is running out!

So before you resort to the obligatory perfume and last-minute gift voucher, I’m about to save the day. 

Introducing…

holiday-gifts-for-her-2014-clutch-speaker-stelle-audio

Stellé Audio Mini-Clutch (Dazzling Diamond)

The Dazzling Diamond mini-clutch is quite possibly the ultimate bling accessory this season – perfect for Christmas parties, a thoughtful birthday or prom gift to squirrel away or the ultimate gift for the bride-to-be!  But this clutch has a hidden secret.  It’s not just a clutch bag, it’s a high-tech, state-of-the-art box of magic which will pair with any Bluetooth device, with a built-in speaker for hands-free calls, lasting up to 15 hours once charged, so can even be used to charge your phone if it’s running out of juice!

Personally, this clutch accompanies every evening event I attend, not just because of its dazzling looks, but teamed up with my phone, I can make and receive calls when space is limited or I need a conference-call type conversation with other members of my team.  The Dazzling Diamond mini-clutch is packed along with the Louboutins for cruising, allowing me to listen to internet radio anywhere in the world with a crisp and clear sound quality expected of a superior brand such as Stellé.

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The clutch opens up to reveal an inside pocket – big enough to hold a lipstick, a bank card and a little cash… but the opposite side is dedicated to a larger than average sized mirror!

The bag comes complete with an across-the-body chain and a detachable chunky plastic quality bracelet featuring the Stelle logo – so stylish!

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Offering the best in sound quality and design, the Stellé Mini-Clutch Speakereffortlessly pairs with any Bluetooth-enabled device, has a built-in speakerphone for hands-free calls and can connect to non-Bluetooth devices via aux-in jack and can charge any USB-enabled device.     

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You’ll find the Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker available for purchase at Déjà-Vu Boutique Ipswich, offering a ‘chic & unique’ shopping experience.

Renowned for being the top-to-toe ‘unique boutique’ in the area, you’re sure to be inspired by the gorgeous fashion, bags, jewellery and accessories on show, shop in style within their elegant surroundings – their ranges are hand-selected specifically so that customers can find something different in-store and not ‘run of the mill’, with ethical chemical and cruielty-free beauty ranges perfectly complimenting their in-store offer, providing something different from other shops.

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http://www.dejavuboutique.co.uk

The Stellé Audio Mini-Clutch is also available in metallic purple…

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…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS… STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…STOP PRESS…

I understand quantities of the Dazzling Diamond are extremely low for Christmas 2015 and the metallic purple clutch has sold out completely in-store, but both products are available to pre-order for 2016.

 

Technical details about the Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker …

The Stellé Mini-Clutch Speaker includes a powerful six-watt stereo digital amplifier, delivering optimal audio performance, a stereo speaker system with two 1-inch full range drivers and bass radiator, built-in microphone for Speakerphone capabilities and a Bluetooth® wireless range of up to 50 feet.

Product Dimensions: 6.4” (W) x 4.3” (H) x 2.9” (D)

Product Weight 1.5 lbs.

Pocket fits mobile devices up to 5.5” x 2.75”, including the iPhone 6.

Price: Dazzling Diamond – £169 (plus postage and packing) – please call for stock availability for Christmas delivery!  Metallic Purple – £129 (plus postage and packing) (2016 pre-order only)

 

About Deja-Vu Boutique…

116

No. 10 Norwich Road
Ipswich
IP1 2NG
(Close to Coes)

Opening Times

Monday Closed
Tuesday 10:00 am – 5.30pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:30pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 5:30pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6.00pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 6.00pm
Sunday Closed

 

Tel: 01473 404592

info@dejavuboutique.co.uk

 

 

 

5 Fab Tips for the Bridal Sale Season

wedding planning, wedding, weddings,5 Fab Tips for the Bridal Sale Season. WeddingDressSampleSale.com, serves up 5 fab tips for making your bridal sample sale season a resounding success.

 

Research– Go to WeddingDressSampleSale.com, tick the filter boxes refining your dress preferences and browse the matching results to find the designer gown of your dreams. Click on each dress to discover more, including a detailed description and your nearest local stockist. You can conveniently email or call them directly from the website.

 

With more than 40 listed bridal boutiques and designers showcasing their sample dresses on WeddingDressSampleSale.com, you can even book your appointment with genuine hands on boutiques all in one place, saving yourself a lot of time and effort time endlessly trawling the web for those special bridal bargains.

 

Be flexible– If the dress you reallyreally want is not in your size, do not despair! First find out if could it be adjusted and re-fitted for you by a skilled seamstress. What if it turns out that your dream dress neither satisfies you nor compliments your figure? Don’t give up! Try different styles and settle for the one you feel most beautiful and comfortable in. Never feel pressured in to buying a dress just to get it out of the way. It’s your big day after all.

 

Dress appropriately– Wear appropriate underwear to help you easily slip in and out of your dresses when and where you need to. You will want to see how it will all look on your big day, so make sure you bring a strapless bra, heels (unless you are going for some fab flats) and if need be, tights. Don’t overdo the make up or jewellery to the point that it can catch and mark your dress.

 

Check it out thoroughly – Sample dresses are usually sold ‘’as seen’, usually meaning that no returns or refunds. Check the dress for missing beads, stains and tears. Factor in the extra costs such as dry cleaning, alterations and repairs on top of the price.

 

Bring a trusted friend with you.  Having an extra pair of eyes and some good old honest feedback will come in handy when dress hunting. It will also help you drop the not quite not sure dresses quickly and make you feel more confident that you have made the right choice.

You can buy The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity by our editor, Catherine, for only 99p. It has had great reviews and is full of great advice. It is all you need to plan your big day.

 

 

Win Tickets To The UK’s Biggest Wedding Show This Autumn

mVRziGT4qb85QSObAbZzI40IiG_98tqVKZ-slWAgzgM25 – 27 September London Olympia | 2 – 4 October 2015 Birmingham NEC

24 – 25 October Manchester Central

Immerse yourself in inspiration heaven and shop ‘til you drop at the UK’s biggest wedding show this autumn. From exquisite wedding gowns to fabulous flowers, striking stationery to mouth-watering cakes and honeymoon hideaways to show-stopping entertainment, you can try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day, under one roof.

Take a seat at the spectacular Catwalk Show, where the latest bridal trends are brought to life by the nation’s finest designers, boutiques and retailers including Alfred Angelo, Allure Bridals, Ian Stuart, Jenny Packham, Maggie Sottero, Eliza Jane Howell, Enzoani, Berketex Bride, Debenhams and many more.

With beautiful bridesmaid dresses, elegant mother of the bride attire and suave groomswear, as well as bridal beauty and hair trends from bareMinerals and Fudge Professional, the Catwalk Show provides style inspiration for the entire bridal party.im6FerwjNKctAWyfybOWPL-avieKg573gR5etQKmmBE,hCbt3-4L4vb2Gpmgy6I8QuHGnq0oYSGsfmCkxFyMXYE,pdf9SOs7GDVqYu3yHv77yVpJDHxKYQBW5ub_lnB15bc

Browse an unrivalled selection of wedding dresses under one roof in the Bridal Boutique and Designer Area.

The Bridal Boutique brings together the nation’s leading bridal boutiques and retailers, while the Designer Area showcases couture creations and offers bespoke opportunities from the finest designers including Katya Katya Shehurina, Qiana Bridal, Ivory & Co, Hazaar of London, Zaeem Jamal and many more. From short and sweet tea-length dresses and vintage designs to glamourous ballgowns fit for a princess, there is something to suit every style, shape and budget.

Head to the Wedding Theatre* to discover all you need to know about big day beauty, hair and style.

The National Wedding Show’s glam squad will share their Top 10 Tips for achieving your perfect wedding day look, with demonstrations, tips and tricks for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom. During each session, one lucky bride will be selected for a makeover live on stage and presented to the audience in a breath-taking ‘big reveal’.

Discover breathtaking blooms in the Designer Flower Market, where you can find fabulous floral displays in a plethora of colours together with expert advice from a host of top florists. Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional fairytale wedding or planning your very own winter wonderland, there are stylish solutions for all themes and colour schemes.

If you need help transforming your venue in to a spectacular backdrop for your big day, seek inspiration from The National Wedding Show’s host of wedding planners and stylists. Discover everything from dazzling lighting to stylish tableware and signage to create your perfect setting. And if you’re ready to register for a gift list or book the honeymoon of your dreams, your high-street favourites will be on hand to help, including John Lewis, Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Sandals and Turquoise Holidays.

Round off an exciting day of shopping in the Afternoon Tea Room, where you can treat your bridal party to tea and cake, or head to the Champagne Bar – with a glass of bubbly in hand, you can kick back, relax and raise a toast to your future happiness!

Get ahead of the crowds and enjoy the show in style with VIP tickets. The exclusive package includes fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, a complimentary glass of Freixenet, a mini make-under from bareMinerals, the latest issues of You & Your Wedding  and Perfect Wedding magazines and a goody box full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.

Frost Magazine has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer 5 lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!  Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? To be in with the chance of winning this fantastic prize, follow @Frostmag on Twitter or Instagram, or like us on Facebook. Alternatively, sign up to our newsletter. Or subscribe to Frost Magazine TV on YouTube here: http://t.co/9etf8j0kkz.Then comment below saying what you did. Competition finishes at the end August.

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save up to £5 off the door price**. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486.

*London and Birmingham only

**Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 (London and Birmingham) and £18 (Manchester) at midnight the day before opening

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk 

Facebook – www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow 

Twitter – @nationalwedding / #TNWS | Instagram – thenationalweddingshow

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Terms and Conditions –

• Only available on standard advance adult tickets

• Offer valid on any one day

• Offer valid on tickets purchased via telephone or internet

• Offer subject to availability

• Offer only valid on Autumn 2015 National Wedding Shows at Olympia, the NEC and Manchester

Central

• Ocean Media reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time.

• Transaction fees apply

• Ticket price includes a free show guide

VENUE & DATES
25 – 27 September London Olympia | 2 – 4 October 2015 Birmingham NEC | 24 – 25 October Manchester Central

 

If you are getting married then get your hands on a copy of The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity. It has great advice on planning your perfect wedding and is written by our editor, Catherine Balavage. It is also available in Ebook format and is a great guide for wedding planning.

 

 

John Lewis Announces New Branded Womenswear And Lifestyle Concept…

John-Lewis-announces-new-branded-womenswear-and-lifestyle-concept-1024x583John Lewis has announced the creation of FOUND at John Lewis, a new fashion and lifestyle concept. Set in a boutique shopping environment, FOUND at John Lewis will introduce new and niche contemporary womenswear, accessories, beauty, homeware and technology brands. As part of the launch, 27 new brands will be introduced including BZR by Bruns Bazaar, Des Petits Hauts and Samsøe & Samsøe which will feature alongside accessory offerings from the likes of Nike, Asics Onitsuka Tiger and Jessie Harris Jewellery. Designer homeware will also be available from brands such as Tom Dixon, Normann Cophenhagen and Poole Pottery as well as stationery from The School of Life alongside innovative technology brands such as MightyPurse, Braven and Skinny Dip London. Beauty products from niche brands such as Grown Alchemist and Maison Margiela will also be available. A central feature of FOUND at John Lewis will be Denim Wardrobe by Trilogy following its successful launch earlier in the year at Peter Jones and online where J Brand, Paige Denim and American Vintage brands were introduced. FOUND at John Lewis will be launching at the new John Lewis Birmingham Store when it opens on September 24 and will also be available online from the same date. Extending over a 4,000 sq. ft. shopping space, the Birmingham FOUND at John Lewis will be home to a pop up brand installation which will evolve every six weeks as well as housing a Joe and Juice café. The FOUND at John Lewis concept will then be rolled out to the John Lewis Liverpool store in November.

www.johnlewis.com
@johnlewisretail

Planning Tips For Your Dream Wedding

wedding, weddings, wedding planning, wedding book, wedding advice, wedding tips, wedding planning tips, wedding survival guideMany women have dreamed of their wedding day since they were little girls. Although I didn’t and had no idea what I wanted on my big day after getting engaged. I had to start getting some ideas together and make what felt like a million decisions. It was fun but it was stressful. To cut down the stress for other brides I wrote my wedding planning book. Hopefully it will make the journey easier for other brides. In the meantime, here are some tips for creating your dream wedding.

Your Dream Wedding: Wants And Compromises.

You may have a specific idea of your wedding in mind but the reality will probably be different. This doesn’t need to be a bad thing. Just choose the things that you are not willing to negotiate on. When you know what is most important and worth spending money on you can focus on that and then look at cheaper options for other things. Or rope family and friends in. Most will be happy to help.

Budget.

This is the tough one but you need to work out what it is and then you need to stick to it. Enquire if any family members can help and then sit down with your fiancé and have a proper discussion about what you can and cannot afford. There is no point in going into debt for a wedding or taking out a loan. It is only one day of your life, an important one, but one day. You can have an amazing wedding on a small budget. No one should start their married life in debt. Watch out for the ‘W’ bomb. As in ‘wedding’. The W word makes everyone vastly put their prices up.

Guessing cost.

Always overestimate. That way you won’t be left short. Always remember VAT. Some venues and suppliers will be coy about whether VAT is included but ask them and get a direct answer and then make a note of it.

How much it will cost.

This is the question. The answer is: quite a bit. My husband and I managed to get married for less than £10,000. We paid for the majority of this ourselves but did have some family members contribute. Not bad when the average wedding costs £21,000. Spreadsheets are your friend. Negotiating will also be your friend. Try to get money off everything. Don’t take the first quote and rope family and friends into the planning if money is tight.

Controlling Costs.

This is very important. Watch out for VAT and always account for everything. Use a spreadsheet if you can. Keep an eye on the small things as they can all add up.

Dealing With Suppliers.

When dealing with suppliers always remember that you are the customer. Be polite but always be firm. Read the small print and make your wishes clear. More importantly, don’t pay any final invoices until everything has been checked. One supplier charged us for VAT despite the fact they said they wouldn’t. Hmm. Always be careful.

Hatton Gardens. 

Hatton Gardens is the area in London where all of the jewellers are located. You can get a very good deal here.

Spreadsheets

Spreadsheets are your friend. If you don’t know how to do one then quickly brush up your skills. They will be your saving grace. Have one for your wedding budget and one for your wedding guest list. For the wedding guest list one, leave space for information such as dietary requirements, RSVP received, gift given and thank you card sent.

Organisation Tips

Have everyone’s contact details to hand. Use spreadsheets and have plenty ‘to do’ lists. Make sure your partner pulls his or her weight. Weddings are hard and stressful to organise, don’t go it alone.

Wedding Planner: To Go It Alone Or Hire Help.

If I had the money I would have hired a wedding planner in an instant. However, they are expensive and you don’t really need one. I am not saying that in a rude way, they will save time and probably a lot of money but weighing up the cost is important. Your venue might have a wedding planner or venue coordinator onsite. If so, this is a tremendous bonus.

If you get a wedding planner make sure you check their recommendations and also have a clear idea of what you want. It is their job to take your ideas and make them into the wedding of your dreams. Don’t accept anything less, budget permitting.

If you are getting married then get your hands on a copy of The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity. It has great advice on planning your perfect wedding and is written by our editor, Catherine Balavage. It is also available in Ebook format and is a great guide for wedding planning.