Category Archives: The Wedding Diary

From Yes To I Do: The Wedding Guide For A Modern Bride Review | Weddings

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From Yes To I Do: The Wedding Guide For A Modern Bride, Review, book reviewAfter the initial joy of being engaged comes something else: realising just how hard and expensive it is planning a wedding. You need all the help you can get. I am planning my wedding at the moment and, trust me, it gets overwhelming. Step in From Yes to I Do: A Wedding Guide for a Modern Bride Can this guide save money, tears and tantrums? Let’s find out.

I immediately have faith in the book when I read that Lucy Tobin is married and has planned a wedding. Few things are worse than a guide book from someone who has no experience of the subject at hand. The book gets all of the nitty gritty our of the way first: the administration and finer details. The budget, the practical business of getting married…even then the book is not boring. It is well written and not stuffy. I love the graphs, tables and the ‘I wish I’d thought of that’ scenarios from real couples.

The Top 10 Money Saving ideas is brilliant and has already saved me a ton of money. There are so many things you just don’t think of. The book also tells you how much other people spend on weddings, and what celebrities paid: the depressing thing about the celebrity list is how many of them are actually still married; five out of twelve. I love the illustrations in the book too.

From Yes To I Do covers everything from the running order, the speeches and what music to use when. This guide really is invaluable. The chapter on how much booze to have and how to save costs is invaluable. I love all of the facts that I have learned and it is fun too. Don’t get married without it. A wonderful and thoroughly researched book. And a bargain when you think about how much bridal magazines cost.

From Yes to I Do: A Wedding Guide for a Modern Bride

Silver Fit For a Bride: The Royal Mint’s Lucky Silver Sixpence | Weddings

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It is always the little touches that moves something from great to extraordinary and at Frost we have been knee-deep in wedding stuff, researching and reviewing for our wedding special which will also be turned into a book.

This silver sixpence is one of those little things. It is a wonderful, beautiful and classy touch. The packaging the lucky silver sixpence comes in is stunning, it comes with information and The Royal Mint Lucky Silver Sixpence in a white box. There is also more information on the six pence and a note in an envelope you can give to the bride. This a wonderful little touch for a wedding that can then be passed along the generations.

The Royal Mint Silver Sixpence

A wedding is an occasion that deserves an everlasting gift to mark the joy and happiness experienced by all on the special day, and offering silver to the bride as a token of luck is a long-standing tradition that no wedding should be without.

We all know the traditional wedding rhyme telling brides to wear or carry “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”, but giving the bride a silver sixpence was integral to the original poem. Traditionally, the father of the bride would place this in her left shoe to symbolise him wishing her prosperity, love and happiness in her marriage.

The full text of the verse is:

“Something old, something new,

Something borrowed, something blue,

And a silver sixpence in your shoe”

 

As no bride should go down the aisle without this silver sixpence, The Royal Mint has a limited number of authentic silver coins which were struck by The Royal Mint between 1920 and 1946 when it was located at Tower Hill in London.

Only the finest of those have been selected that have survived to the present day, and each one has been fully authenticated. Beautifully presented in a bridal-white gift box, it comes with a booklet which can be personalised with your own greetings.

The wedding silver sixpence is available to buy for £30 at The Royal Mint

 

“Eternal mementos that newlyweds will be able to cherish forever and can be passed on from one generation to the next”

 

 

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Is Getting Married An Achievement? | Weddings

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wedding diary, engagement, engagement ring, getting married, planning a wedding, marriage, engagement,I feel I am about to kick up a feminist hornet’s nest. Or maybe just a hornet’s nest generally. As marriage is now far from being the done thing it has become something else: controversial. Marriage used to be common, most people did it and to not be married was frowned upon. The face of marriage has changed and it may have taken until 2013 for same-sex marriage to be legal in Britain, but finally it is. (For same-sex couples marriage really is an achievement)

But let’s get back to the case in point. Is getting married an achievement? It is certainly one of life’s milestones. A marker for growing up and going into the next stage of your life.  In the current issue of Red Magazine (November 2013) writer Emma Barnett wrote in an article titled, ‘Who’s Afraid Of The F-Word’, that at a mentoring morning at The London Eye she was asked to say something cool about herself. She spotted her soon-to-be wedding venue and said,”I’m getting married in that building next month.” Glowering from a fellow mentor ensued and she reprimanded Barnett for using ‘getting married’ as an inspirational thing for young women. “How was that a good example?” the woman hissed. I am with Emma Barnett on this. Some lightheartedness is needed. It is completely okay, and completely feminist to personally think that getting married is inspirational.

At an event recently I was in a circle with lots of other women. We all had to list our achievements and say what we wanted in the future. Most of the women wanted to be married with kids and have their own business. So maybe this is a gender thing. Women still want to have it all.

Let’s use work as a metaphor: you go on dates (job interviews) and meet people. After the preliminary stage you start to date (the trial basis) then you become girlfriend and boyfriend. If both are compatible and work well together they become a partnership (marriage). If marriage isn’t an achievement, then finding someone to marry certainly is. After all; the dating industry is worth over £2 billion.

During the hype of The Royal Wedding it is fair to say that I, along with my female friends, were looking at how happy Kate Middleton looked and wondering when our boyfriends would propose. After all Kate had waited years for William to propose, gaining the nickname ‘Waity Katy’ by the press during that time. Everyone felt sorry for this long-suffering royal girlfriend. But didn’t she have the last laugh? Beaming in the engagement photo, you can’t say she did not have a look of achievement on her face, and a wedding watched by billions of people which cost millions. (Taxpayers millions but that’s another matter) It is fair to say that 2011 was the year that women stated to rethink marriage. Almost as a lifestyle aspiration. Or at least their feet dragging boyfriends. Who wants to be someone’s girlfriend when you can be their wife? Quite a few people I am sure, but no female I actually know. To be fair to my now fiancee, in 2011 we had only been dating for a year.

For the cynical and anti-marriage of you I will make it easier to not to get annoyed. After all of the bad dates, dodging of wandering hands, tears over inappropriate men (or women. Whichever is your ticket) what I will say is that finding someone to love and who loves you back is an achievement, and finding the love of your life even more so. Which brings me on to my main point: When I asked my friends whether marriage was an achievement this is what they had to say:

Paul Harrison Dakers; Staying married is an achievement – getting married is easy . . . . .

John Nelson; Depends on how smooth, fun and enjoyable the experience of the wedding vs. going through the ritual and the costs creating stress. Also, I would argue that the getting married part is much easier than keeping the marriage healthy and happy ’till death do you part. Now THAT is the challenge

Shimelle Laine ‏@glittershim: @Balavage my biggest wonder about it all has been that I spent 28 years of my life thinking I would never want to marry. Never say never! I love being married but can’t think that *getting* married is the achievement. Staying happy forever, perhaps that.

‏@threestain @Balavage: it is an achievement to get through the planning. And a blessed relief to be married. And fun :)

So it would seem that finding The One is an achievement and staying married is an achievement and so is planning and getting through the actual wedding. But just getting married is just getting married.

Personally, to me getting married is an achievement. I never thought I would find The One. I never used to even want to get married, too much of a career girl. But I am now older and wiser. I know that you can have a career and a personal life, and more importantly, I know that the latter is much more important than the former; while women thought for years to have our place in the workforce, this doesn’t mean we have to forsake everything else and see marriage and babies as old fashioned things our mothers did. A career will never keep you warm at night. But this is just my opinion. Everyone is different. For me marriage is like sex: you don’t want to do it just for the sake of it, only with the right person at the right time.

What do you think?

If you are getting married then check out my wedding planning book. It tells you all you need to know about planning weddings.

 

Quintessentially Weddings launches luxury Atelier: The world’s finest wedding artisans, all in one house

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This October will see the launch of the Quintessentially Weddings Atelier, bringing the world’s finest wedding artisans all in one house for the discerning, style conscious bride and groom.

Reimagining the wedding show, the Quintessentially Wedding Atelier presents a unique, ‘behind the scenes’, experiential showcase of couture designers, artisanal crafts and luxury products, from statement designer gowns to fine jewels, innovative wedding gastronomy to the ancient art of calligraphy.

Hosted over two days on 26th and 27th October, the By-Appointment-Only event – held at the beautiful Robert Adam Georgian Townhouse, 29 Portland Place – will allow guests to immerse themselves in authentic luxury as designers and luminaires reveal the secrets of their highly skilled crafts.

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Headlining with a Spring and Fall 2014 Bridal Collection – the latter being seen for the first time in the UK – iconic fashion house Oscar de la Renta will be making their debut onto the London show scene at the Atelier with a selection of beautiful gowns from their bridal collections. The house (first established in 1965) opened a store on Mount Street earlier this year with a dedicated bridal salon that will be brought to life as part of the Atelier.

Diamond master craftsmen, engravers and gemologists from iconic jeweller, Tiffany & Co will be demonstrating their skills in a pop-up version of their New York emporium alongside archival pieces, including a diamond brooch given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton.

Guests will discover interactive master classes and workshops with some of the world’s most coveted luxury brands and designers. There will be a stunning parade of gowns throughout the event from world class designers including Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Johanna Johnson, Valentino, Peter Langner and Marchesa in association with Browns Bride, as well as access to the experts from Alice Temperley and Roland Mouret, who will showcase their collection designed for the thoroughly modern, fashion conscious bride. Quintessentially Vodka will be mixed by The Connaught Hotel’s world champion mixologist, and canapés and tasters will be provided by legendary luxury department store Harrods, debuting their gourmet catering. Royal photographer Hugo Bernard and Royal Wedding cake maker Fiona Cairns will be on hand to add a regal touch to proceedings.

Winston Churchill’s beautiful stately home, Blenheim Palace, will collaborate with artisan stationers Cutture to create a 3D theatrical set and upstairs, hidden in an intimate boudoir, Agent Provocateur will introduce their latest never-seen-before collections and lead talks on the Trousseau – the ‘hope chest’ received by a bride upon her marriage overflowing with gems, lacy sweet nothings and ballgowns to entertain in.

There will be a Groom’s Tailoring Salon for bespoke attire, sartorial elegance classes from insider experts, as well as top tips from leading make-up artists, stylists and nutritionists.

Adding substance to style, the Quintessentially Weddings Atelier will showcase the knowledge, passion and talent behind each expert. The Atelier will provide an unrivalled opportunity to forge connections with brands and talent that can transform a wedding into a luxuriously adventurous and truly memorable affair. With further names to be announced, stay tuned…

26th – 27th October 2013

10am – 6pm

29 Portland Place, London

Tickets are complimentary. Places are limited.

For further information and to register visit

www.quintessentiallyweddings.com/atelier

Top Beauty Tips for Brides

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Photo credit: TrueMalyugin

We have some Top Beauty Tips for Brides from highly experienced facial therapist Amanda Elias; the brains behind effective yet affordable skincare brand, Bravura London. Amanda really knows her stuff so enjoy.

How to Prep Your Skin for a Wedding

Don’t try any new products, skincare, hair care, make-up, even washing powder 3 weeks before your wedding, any kind of a reaction could take a couple of weeks to calm down and that’s the last thing you need before your big day!

Don’t leave it until the last minute to think about your skin, the longer you have to correct any skin issues, the better! Using products that contain AHA’s will help to remove dead skin which tends to leave our skin looking dull and lifeless, removing this dead layer will leave your skin looking fresher and more vibrant.

If you’re getting married abroad, make sure you wear SPF 50 as soon as you arrive and re-apply regularly. Don’t risk sunbathing, you don’t want to get married looking like a lobster! Don’t forget your ears, lips and the back of your neck.

To avoid any fake tan disasters before your wedding, book yourself in for a spray tan the day before, you’re a lot less likely to end up with any streaky patches. Make sure you have a trial tan before the big day to make sure the colour suits you and to avoid any chance of a reaction.

Make-up sits better on exfoliated skin, using a cleanser that contains AHA’s daily can help to remove the dead skin so that your foundation lasts longer.

If you suffer with blackheads or hormonal spots on your chin, try using a salicylic acid product daily. This will help to exfoliating the skin and clear out the pores, salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect so it’s great for spots that can also become inflamed.

If you have a lot of redness left over from acne, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a short course of hydrocortisone which can dramatically help to reduce the discolouration.

There’s going to be a lot of focus on your hands on your big day, to keep your hands and nails in peak condition, massage sweet almond oil in to your hands and nails daily, a month before the wedding. By your big day your nails will be stronger and your hands will be supper soft. If your hands tend to be flaky, mix a little olive oil and sugar, gently massage in to your hands, wash away and then apply your sweet almond oil.

Don’t forget your lips, wear a good quality lip balm and re-apply regularly throughout the day, especially before bed. Do this for at least a week before your wedding and your lips will be super soft and kiss ready.

Do you have any beauty tips?

The Wedding Diary Part One: Engagement

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wedding diary, engagement, engagement ring, getting married, planning a wedding, marriage, engagement, Well I finally did it. I managed to find someone who will put up with me for the rest of my life. Most little girls dream came true when my boyfriend of three years whisked my off to Paris on the Eurostar for our anniversary and proposed. I ecstatically said yes and upon our return bought far too many wedding magazines, and realised just how hard planning a wedding was going to be. Don’t get me wrong. I am not exactly fazed by planning big things. I planned the launch party for Frost Magazine and had over 300 guests. It went off without a hitch even though the venue canceled on us a few days before. I have also made a full length feature film. I have the skills and the staying power but what I don’t have is £21,000 to spend on a party. Only one person has mentioned the outdated thing of the women’s parents paying, all of my friends paid for their own wedding and I am not asking my parents for money. I am the editor of this magazine, a freelance writer and actor.

Somehow this is not even the issue. Neither my fiancee or I think it is reasonable to spend that amount of money on one day of your life. Other difficulties are that my family live in Scotland and my fiance’s family live in England. Getting all of these people together in a convenient, reasonably priced venue doesn’t feel like the easiest thing.

Also as a half catholic, half protestant agnostic I have found out that I cannot even get married in a church because I was not christened as my parents, quite rightly, wanted me to choose my own religion. If I want to get married I will have to attend church or do a course. Neither of these seem appealing and I don’t have a lot of free time.

So join my on my journey from engaged woman to bride. I will be writing lots of wedding articles and advice to go along with my personal experience. Please comment and tell me your thoughts and give any advice. We are planning to get married in June of next year so we don’t actually have much time to get everything done. It is all quite exciting and scary.

We have a brillaint article on buying the perfect engagement ring if you want to send it to your boyfriend to drop some hints.

Until next time, enjoy the sun.