While your wedding day is a celebration of your love for one another, it’s become customary to shower your guests with a little affection too, in the form of a wedding favour. 

Originally introduced at high-society weddings in Europe as a way for the rich to provide their guests with a gift for attending their wedding, they were known as bonbonniere, a box covered in crystal, porcelain or gold, which was encrusted with precious stones. Inside the box were bonbons or other confectionary – which were particularly desirable at the time as sugar was an expensive treat. 

BRIDAL couples looking for a room with a view can now say ‘I do’ at one of the UK’s most prestigious venues.

BALTIC Gateshead, on the south bank of the River Tyne, is offering three of its most impressive spaces for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

And top of the list – quite literally – is its rooftop restaurant Six, which is famous for its panoramic views of Tyneside and its iconic Tyne Bridge.

Six can hold wedding breakfasts for up to 120 guests, while its viewing box – overlooking the river - is an ideal setting for smaller ceremonies and canapés receptions.

Whilst every bride wants to look her best on her big day, it’s fair to say that she also wants her reception room to be dressed in its best too.  When it comes to creating the perfect table dressings, brides in the know turn to Frette, purveyors of some of the finest linens in the world for almost 160 years.  Brides who use Frette are in good company too, since their linens have been featured everywhere from the altar of St. Peter’s basilica to the dining car of the Orient Express.

Whilst every bride wants to look her best on her big day, it’s fair to say that she also wants her reception room to be dressed in its best too.  When it comes to creating the perfect table dressings, brides in the know turn to Frette, purveyors of some of the finest linens in the world for almost 160 years.  Brides who use Frette are in good company too, since their linens have been featured everywhere from the altar of St. Peter’s basilica to the dining car of the Orient Express.

Trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver provides her Top Tips on how to get your hair in perfect shape for the big day.  

Sally-Ann Tarver recommends undertaking a 12 month action plan for planning for the perfect hair day in advance encompassing the following stages:

Stage 1 - Ensure your hair is growing well – diet, supplements, laser therapy, stimulants to increase hair growth speed. 

Located in the beautiful Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, Perrygrove is a family tourist attraction set in 22 acres of farmland and natural woodland.

2018 wedding dates are filling up – get in touch now to secure your special day!

At Perrygrove, our narrow-gauge steam engines trundle up and down the railway line giving rides to excited people of all ages, from the very young to grandparents. Our trains are fully enclosed and seat up to 100 people per train whatever the weather. 

What better way to transport your guests along with you in style on your wedding journey? 

For the Ethical bride in search of the perfect wedding day jewels, look no further than Arctic Circle Diamonds and their stunning Northen Lights collecitons featuring sculptural rings, pendants and earring crafted in Fairtrade gold and set with scintillating Arctic Circle Canadian diamonds.

This day to evening wear diamond collection is designed for women seeking elegant and eye- catching diamonds perfectly suited to add a touch of glamour to any evening or bridal look, but is subtle enough to wear everyday. Combining Sarah Jordan’s signature flowing style with Arctic Circle’s Canadian diamonds and Fairtrade gold, Northern Lights pays homage to the shimmer and shapes of the aurora borealis, witnessed over the Arctic region where the diamonds are mined.

As every bride and husband-to-be knows, one of the highlights of getting married is the celebrations with family and friends that come before the big day. But there’s more to Hen and Stag parties than a night on the town, and with the pressure to plan the perfect party, why not make it as memorable as possible by taking a weekend away? With everything from top-class theatre trips in the UK, to cocktail classes in Barcelona or brewery tours in Prague, short break specialist Super Break has a wealth of Hen and Stag breaks that will help make the occasion unforgettable.

Perfect getaways that will make the Hen happy…

The Great Hall of Oakham Castle, built in 1180, is a beautiful and dramatic setting for your unique wedding.

The Hall can hold up to 120 people and is conveniently situated in Oakham town centre, yet sits in its own peaceful grounds. There’s some free parking on site, and easy walking access to other car parks, and a selection of excellent hotels, pubs and cafés perfect for either your reception or accommodation.