November 2016 - Bridebook

How to: Avoid Being a Hangry Bride

With an overwhelming feeling of excitement on your big day, food may be the last thing on your mind. Avoid becoming a hangry bride by making sure to eat when you can. Knowing what to eat (and not to eat) can be tricky though. Here is our go to guide…

What TO eat:

1. Start the day by having a light breakfast, making sure to include a mixture of wholegrains and healthy fats to help beat the bloat. As long as you remember to eat, your day has got off to a great start.

2. Depending on the time of our wedding ceremony, it might be long time coming until your next meal so make sure you enlist a bridesmaid to keep some healthy, high protein snacks close by such as almonds.

3. For most brides, dinner will be at the wedding. When it comes to choosing your wedding meal, make sure to choose a mixture of lean proteins and vegetables, which will give you that energy to dance the night away.

4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day.

What NOT to eat:

1. If you want to stay dry in your wedding dress avoid caffeinated drinks and spicy foods on the lead up to the big day! These two stimulants can activate your central nervous system which triggers you to sweat.

2. Skip the pre- dinner champagne. Especially, if it’s been a while since you ate. The bubbles will fill your stomach with air making you feel bloated.

3. Avoid milk and dairy products. These should be fine in moderation, but can lead to an irritated stomach if you are already feeling anxious.

4. It’s easy to reach for the sugary snacks for an extra boost of energy but this can easily backfire and lead to a blood sugar crash! #weddingvibekill

With everything going on it will be easy to forget or simply not have time to eat, but don’t make this the case. Fuel up when you can!

Happy Planning!

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How to: Get Enough Sleep Before Your Wedding

Everything You Need to Know about Page Boys

The role of a page boy at a wedding is an honorary position typically given to a young boy who plays a special part in the wedding ceremony. Because the role of a page boy is relatively small, they’re not necessarily imperative, but if you have a boy of appropriate age in your family, asking them to be a page boy is a thoughtful and loving gesture. Plus, it allows you to get a few ‘ahhs’ from your guests before the tears start to flow as you exchange your vows.

In this post, we’ll take a look at what a page boy is, what they wear, and their responsibilities as part of your big day, as well as some helpful tips for ensuring everything goes down without a hitch.

What are page boys?

Photo © James Merrick Photography | See their Bridebook profile

A page boy is a young boy, often a family member or close relative of the couple, who is selected to take on a special role in the wedding ceremony. The page boy’s role may vary depending on cultural traditions and individual preferences, but it generally involves assisting the wedding party or symbolically participating in the event.

But don’t worry, a page boy is more of a symbolic role, so you don’t need to worry too much about something going wrong if your page boy misbehaves or you don’t have a boy of the right age in your family.

Why is a page boy called a page boy?

‘Page’ is a medieval word that refers to a male attendant or servant to noble figures or knights. A page would work in a castle or home from between the ages of 7 to 14 in exchange for food, lodgings, clothes and a basic education.

Today, the term has evolved to mean a young boy who has a small role at a wedding, and will help in a small, token way, such as by helping to hold the train of the bride’s wedding dress, throw flowers or petals, or simply look adorable in a little suit as they walk down the aisle.

How old can a page boy be for a wedding?

Photo © John Hope Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Typically, page boys are aged between 3 and 10. This is because boys younger than 3 can be much harder to give instructions to, and boys older than 10 may be given responsibilities much closer to that of an usher (if in fact, they want to play a role in your wedding at all).

Is there a difference between a page boy and a ring bearer?

Photo © Cyrus Mehta Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Yes, there are differences between a page boy and a ring bearer. At modern weddings, because there isn’t as much need for someone to help the bride with a long train on her dress, the role of a page boy is far more honorary than it used to be. Meanwhile, a ring bearer has an important role to play, as they carry the ring pillow down the aisle so the happy couple can exchange rings during the ceremony.

Do you need a page boy at your wedding?

Photo © Paul Roland Williams | See their Bridebook profile

Page boys are traditionally seen at weddings, especially if you’ve invited a lot of guests and would like to include younger family members in the ceremony. However, if your wedding is small, there are no boys under the age of 10 in your family, or you simply don’t want one, there’s nothing to say you need a page boy. As we highlighted above, it’s more of an honorary position these days and is seen more as a loving gesture than giving someone in your family a job that could make or break the big day.

In our guide to alternative wedding ideas, we even cover how it’s common for couples these days to have a page girl instead of a page boy. It’s your wedding, so do whatever you want!

Can you have 3 page boys at your wedding?

Unlike the ring bearer, of which there is usually only one, you’re welcome to have as many page boys at your wedding as you like. If you have a particularly large family, you might want to have a maximum of three. After all, a group of young lads getting together can sometimes lead to trouble. But, nothing’s stopping you from having a dozen or more if you want to make sure everyone has a role in your wedding (just be prepared for a little mischief).

What does the page boy do on the morning of the wedding?

Photo © Paul Swift Photography | See their Bridebook profile

On the morning of the wedding, the page boy can do whatever they feel comfortable doing as everyone prepares for the day ahead. If close to the groom, the page boy might enjoy getting ready with the groom and his family, as well as the best man and ushers. This might depend on whether or not the page boy’s parents will be close by and how well they know others who will be there.

Speak to the page boy’s parents and talk to them about what they think their son would prefer to do. If they’re very young, you don’t want to scare them or make them feel anxious, and they may want to be close to their parents. If this is the case, then fine. Remember, when it comes to modern weddings the page boy isn’t likely to have a major role in the ceremony itself.

What is a page boy’s role?

Photo © Alexa Poppe Wedding & Event Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Traditionally page boys are in charge of carrying the bride’s train down the aisle, but nowadays, with fewer brides choosing to have long, flowing trains, their responsibilities have evolved. That being said, if you do have a dress with a long train, asking the page boy to uphold this traditional part of the job should be something they can do without any issues.

Today, the page boy might have a dual role where they also carry the rings down the aisle. However, this depends on the age of your page boy and if you trust them to safely hold on to the rings. What a responsibility for the little man! If you’re worried about your precious rings disappearing, you may like to replace them with replicas and have your page boy carry those down the aisle instead. You can squirrel your actual rings away with one of your bridesmaids or ushers so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.

Other things you might ask your page boy to do could be:

Hold a symbolic object – The page boy may be tasked with holding a symbolic object, such as a ring cushion, a bouquet or a special item that represents the couple’s love or cultural traditions. The page boy presents this object during the ceremony to the appropriate person.
Escort the flower girl – In some cases, the page boy may accompany and walk down the aisle with the flower girl or another young member of the wedding party. This adds a sweet and charming touch to the procession.
Scatter petals – If you don’t have any little girls in the family or you know a page boy would enjoy it, why not have them scatter petals down the aisle as an adorable and romantic gesture?
Carry a sign – You might ask your page boy to carry a sign down the aisle that says something like, ‘Here comes the bride’ or ‘Please stand’, which gives them an important but very cute thing to do.

Do page boys throw flowers or petals?

Photo © LB Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Scattering petals or flowers isn’t exclusive to flower girls. Both page boys and flower girls can be invited to scatter petals while walking down the aisle, which acts as a symbolic gesture of happiness for the bride to follow. Whoever you choose to scatter petals (if this is something you choose at all), it’ll definitely make for some wonderful photo opportunities.

What does a page boy wear?

Photo © Steve Ayres Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Page boys are a fantastic combination of smart and cute, so you’re welcome to dress them in any style that’s in keeping with your wedding. This could be a tuxedo or a suit with a waistcoat and tie. If you have some Celtic blood in your family, take it to the next level of cuteness by dressing your page boy in a kilt with a tiny sporran.

Do page boys need to match the groom?

It’s common for the page boy to wear an outfit similar to that of the groom, but that’s not something set in stone. So, be as adventurous as you like. But, when it comes time for photos, the groom, best man, ushers and page boys will all look equally as fabulous if there’s some cohesion.

Do page boys wear buttonholes?

Yes, along with the groom, dads, best man and ushers, the page boy will usually wear a buttonhole. Just make sure the page boy understands it might be delicate and become damaged if fiddled with.

Do you buy the page boy a gift?

Photo © Jane Ball Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Like you might do for other members of the wedding party such as the bridesmaids and mums, you might also want to show your page boys and flower girls how much of a great job they did by giving them a small gift. It doesn’t have to be something big and expensive (and definitely not a bottle of wine) but a small toy, game or teddy bear would likely be hugely appreciated.

5 tips for a successful page boy experience

Photo © Ebourne Images | See their Bridebook profile

Excited to have a close friend or family member take on the role of page boy at your wedding? Just bear in mind these five tips so it all goes exactly as planned:

Make sure your page boy attends any wedding rehearsals to familiarise them with the ceremony proceedings and their specific role. Encourage them to ask questions, listen to instructions and practise their tasks so they can feel confident on the wedding day.
Make sure the parents of your page boy know exactly what the page boy has to wear and where they’re going to get ready on the morning of the big day. It’s often a miniature version of the groomsmen’s attire or a suit that matches the wedding theme. Make sure the page boy’s clothes fit well and are comfortable to wear throughout the day (which will prevent fidgeting).
Make sure everyone knows what time to arrive at the wedding venue, allowing ample time for preparation and to get dressed. Being punctual ensures stress and anxiety are kept to a minimum, which can otherwise rub off on your page boy.
Be thoughtful and understanding towards your page boy, but remind them to be on their best behaviour throughout the day. Make sure they know how important their role is and that they can ask you questions at any point if they’re not sure about something.
While it’s your day and you or your wedding planner will be in charge, keep your page boy included so they don’t feel like yet another grown-up is telling them what to do. Ask them what they’d like to do and let them make some decisions to help them feel included.

Remember, younger boys are more likely to throw a tantrum during the wedding ceremony or, even worse, may completely refuse to take part. To avoid either situation, you may wish to have a slightly older page boy or not have one at all…remember that page boys are by no means an absolute must for a wedding.

If the little man does throw a wobbly on the day, then bribing him with sweets, toys or other special treats is certainly an option to consider (but we didn’t tell you that!).

Finally, to make your page boy feel even more special or to give him a bit of encouragement, consider buying him a small ‘Thank You’ present. Not On The High Street has a whole page dedicated to presents for page boys.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Planning your wedding is a wonderful and exciting time, so hopefully this guide has helped answer your questions about page boys. Sign up to Bridebook today to access our range of tools and resources to make planning your wedding simple and stress-free.

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Happy Planning!

Pre-Wedding Date Nights

While wedding planning, you can sometimes get so wrapped up with all the celebrations and organising, down time with your significant other is often the last thing on your mind. Here at Bridebook we believe its crucial to have regular pre-wedding date nights. While they don’t have to be fancy, it is important that they are just about the two of you! Take a read of our top 5 pre-wedding date ideas:

1. Wine tasting evening: Have a look to see if any of your local wine store holds a tasting evening. Choose a day that works for both of you and go have fun! If wine isn’t your thing, check out chocolate or cheese shops too.

2. Gourmet picnic: Cruise the supermarket aisles and load your trolley with all the delicacies you can find. Now head to the most romantic spot in town – away from all the stresses of finding the perfect dress and choosing your dream venue.

3. Plan to have breakfast together: Life is busy… we get that! Try setting your alarm half an hour earlier and plan to have breakfast together. Too busy for an eggs on toast moment? Meet for coffee together once a week instead.

4. Take a class together: Discovering something new together can add that extra spark to your relationship. Whether its learning a new language or taking a cooking class – go and enjoy the time you’re spending together.

5. Mini getaway: Even if its less than a mile away from your own bed, choose a hotel and get away for the night– just the two of you! Have a wander around the local shops, go for a long walk or try a new place for dinner. Sometimes a small getaway is just what you need!

Happy Dating!

5 Steps To Your Dream Bridal Body

Do you want to kick start your exercise routine ahead of your big day? Want to break free from the sweaty, smelly gym environment? Well, we have just the thing! Introducing…BARREtoned which will (literally) “shake” you in to that dress you’ve been dreaming of. We had the chance to speak with the owner of BARREtoned to find out her top 5 tips to achieving that dream bridal body:

Get the Guns Out

Reverse push-ups and bicep curls are a great way to sculpt those arms in preparation for the big day! Don’t fret, you won’t “bulk up”…just create long, lean, beautiful muscles.

Work for a Peachy Booty

“Folder-over” at the barre, is one of the best exercises to get that heart pumping and calories burning as well as creating a lifted booty and stronger thighs!

Hour Glass Silhouette

Trim your waist with our infamous “pretzel” (not the one you eat). You’ll definitely feel this one the next day!

Long Lean Thighs

Forget standing around and discussing your latest tutu… we’ve got shaking to do! Burn through a ton of calories with about 5-7 minutes of shaking per class.

Flat abs for the Honeymoon After?

Not a problem! At the end of each class we have a 15 minute concentrated core workout. After as little as 8 sessions you’ll really start noticing a difference in your body. You’ll feel re-energised, stronger and leaner.

More about BARREtoned:

BARREtoned is one of London’s finest ballet barre studios, located in Notting Hill. BARREtoned offers a full body workout using small controlled movements to work each muscle group to exhaustion. They cater for total beginners as well as seasoned gym-goers. It’s super fun (we promise), time passes quickly AND it actually works.

BARREtoned are kindly offering all Bridebook brides:

50% off the first month of BARREtoned’s “Bridal Special” making it only £85 and £170 thereafter (6 month contract).

FREE BARREtoned tank top, grippy socks and a BARREtoned tote bag.

A complimentary private “Hen Do” class for up to 11 of your friends.

Don’t live in London? BARREtoned provide online classes too so you can take their class from wherever you like. Contact the studio to claim your discount code.

Contact their studio:

|| [email protected] || 0207 229 8668 ||

Happy Shaking!

River Cottage’s Top Tips on Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Menu

Written by River Cottage

River Cottage was founded by TV chef High Fearnley-Whittingstall and are considered experts in the food industry, with a range of food TV series, cookery courses, restaurants and food events.

Bridebook.co.uk river cottage wedding menu tips collage

River Cottage has given millions of TV viewers a taste for great cooking since 1998, when Hugh first brought his famous food ethos to Channel 4. Our hard-hitting campaigns have changed the eating habits of a nation and improved the welfare and sustainability of animals and fish.

River Cottage HQ, found on the Devon and Dorset border, is home to everything we do and is the base for our Cookery and Chefs’ School, unique dining experiences and wedding celebrations.

Bridebook.co.uk summer fruits wedding cake

We aim to teach and inspire people to grow, source and cook food in ways that enhance their lives, increase their well-being, and connect them more closely to natural, sustainable and ethical sources of food.

Head Chef, Gelf Alderson runs the busy kitchens and Cookery School at River Cottage HQ. Here are his top tips to help you choose your perfect wedding menu:

Your Favourite Foods

Don’t try and please other people too much! Never forget that it’s your special day and no one else’s. Make sure your favourite foods are featured, at River Cottage we design each wedding menu with the couple and when they can’t agree on a certain item we just put both on the menu.

Bridebook.co.uk perfect meat platter for a casual country wedding

Add Some Theatre

Have some sharing plates or a little theatre involved in your menu. We have lovely outdoor cooking areas on the farm including our wood fired pizza oven which guest can gather around and design their own pizzas with the chefs. It helps raise the atmosphere and connect the guests with their location, and having lots of dishes down the table to share gives your guest who don’t know each other a convenient ice breaker creating a lovely buzz at the table.

Bridebook.co.uk freshly baked pizza for wedding guests

Include Something Different

Put a good amount of trust in the chef designing the menu with you but also don’t be afraid to ask for the unusual! At River Cottage we have an incredibly talented brigade of chefs with a multitude of experience. Although we specialise in local organic food, if you fancy something more unusual they can recreate more exotic food with ingredients from our own gardens, British food is a lot more versatile and exiting than people sometimes think.

Bridebook.co.uk pear and meringue desserts for a wedding

A Good Start

The food on arrival is essential not only are people starting to get hungry after the ceremony but it really sets the mood. Although traditional canapes can fit the day sometimes it’s nice to break the mould by getting the BBQs fired up or having a more refined afternoon tea, giving everyone plenty of energy for the wellie wanging and afternoon games!

Bridebook.co.uk homemade dips and bread for wedding snacks

Late Night Feasts

Don’t forget to have something planned for the evening, it doesn’t need to be too involved but your guests will need something to keep them going. From wood fired pizzas to a slow cooked hog roast with soft organic rolls you can have a really memorable end to your special day.

Bridebook.co.uk freshly baked scones go down a treat

Want some of this gorgeous food at your own wedding? River Cottage is fully licensed to hold weddings and is (if you ask us) one of the most perfect venues for a beautiful country wedding!

River Cottage HQ – Your Perfect Country Wedding Venue

Tie the knot and celebrate one of the best days of your life at Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s iconic River Cottage HQ, based in 65 acres of organic farmland and just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Jurassic Coast. River Cottage is a unique wedding venue where the bride and groom share centre stage with the food. Couples design their menu with the River Cottage chefs, using the finest home grown, local and seasonal ingredients to wow their guests.

Bridebook.co.uk chefs in action prepping the wedding meal

Fully licensed to conduct civil ceremonies and partnerships, couples can get hitched in Hugh’s famous farmhouse, beautifully refurbished barn with breath-taking views across the Axe Valley or walled garden.

The barn is a glorious space any time of the year and can seat 70 people across two long banquet tables. During the summer months a further 30 can dine on the adjoining covered decking area. In the evening with tables cleared the maximum capacity is 120 with plenty of room to dance the night away.

Bridebook.co.uk gorgeous barn wedding in Devon

The walled garden is a gorgeous, tranquil environment for a blessing which takes place underneath a hazel arch woven in climbing sweet peas whilst guests sit on benches and straw bales to watch the happy couple.

Bridebook.co.uk gorgeous summer garden wedding

Have you fallen in love with the gorgeous River Cottage as much as we have? Be sure to check out their Bridebook profile and enquire today!

Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!

Shortlist and book all of your favourite suppliers in one place

Stay on track with our live checklist

Keep your wallet happy with our state of the art budgeting tool

Add your nearest and dearest to your guestlist

His ‘n’ Hers Wedding Gifts: The Wedding Shop’s Ultimate Guide

Written by The Wedding Shop

The Wedding Shop is the UK’s longest established independent wedding gift list service with over 450 brands and over 27 years in the industry.

Bridebook.co.uk bride and groom with wedding gifts

The gift list rules are changing. Gone are the days of heavy Mother-of-the-Bride involvement and overly bride-centred list. Your gift list should be seen as an amazing opportunity for you both to choose things that you will enjoy and treasure using together.

The Wedding Shop has pulled together the ultimate modern-day His ‘n’ Hers gift list just for Bridebook. See Bridebook’s complete gift list comparison right here for even more options.

Think of it like this – your gift list is essentially shopping without opening your own wallet! The Wedding Shop have over 350 great brands to choose from as well as the option to create personalised cash funds with no hidden fees. Plus if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they will source it for you.

There really is something to suit every couple!

The Entertainers

Add all the right ingredients to your gift list to make you the hosts with the most, taking your post-work drinks, Saturday night dinner parties or even a big family gathering to the next level. You will be the envy of all your friends with all the right tools to become the ultimate at-home bartenders.

The Outdoor Explorers

If you relish every moment to go and explore the great outdoors, make sure your list is packed with outdoor essentials such as the perfect picnic set or even his ‘n’ hers matching bikes.

Plus, regardless of its’ shape or size, make the most of your outdoor space all year round by investing in good quality garden furniture and a top notch BBQ that you will actually want to venture outdoors to enjoy.

The Lazy Weekenders

If your perfect weekend starts with an indulgent lie-in, make sure you do it right, starting with the most romantic breakfast in bed with all the trimmings and by that we don’t mean bacon but beautiful china, luxurious cushions and soft bedding.

The Tech Lovers

If it’s new technology that you both love, treat yourselves to the latest home gadgets or quality sound system to ramp up the fun factor in your home. There is also never a better time to invest in a quality camera or camcorder to make sure you capture all the amazing moments you will share together in the years to come.

The Adrenaline Junkies

Always wanted to do a tandem skydive together or go on that once in a life time road trip? Pick from hundreds for out of this world experiences or create personalised cash funds that your guests can contribute knowing they are helping you make memories that are going to last a lifetime.

Pick Your Gift List Today!

About The Wedding Shop;

Voted Best Gift List Provider 2017, The Wedding Shop is the UK’s longest established independent gift list service with over 27 years in the industry. Our service is designed for couples who want unrivalled choice, flexibility and exceptional service all in one place. Create your dream gift list that is entirely unique to you, with absolutely no hidden fees.

Chose from over 350 brands and combine products you love with honeymoon contributions, personalised cash funds, memorable experience days, annual subscriptions or even a charity fund that is close to your heart.
Visit one of our four beautiful showrooms or build your list entirely online, your very own personal Gift List Advisor is on hand to offer any advice or guidance you may need.
Plus you can build your list on the go with The Wedding Shop App. The handy barcode scanner means you can add products to your list while you out and about.

As well as unlimited choice, you will receive full financial guarantee, free UK delivery, and a lifetime discount of 10%.

It’s the gift list that keeps on giving!

Spotify’s Top 10 First Dance Songs

bridebook.co.uk - first dance wedding — Photo courtesy of Jana Williams Photography

After analysing thousands of playlists titled ‘First Dance’, Spotify has identified the most popular first dance songs in the U.K. And the best part? They have shared it with Bridebook and all our lovely couples planning their perfect wedding day.

Check out their mix of swoon-worthy classics if you need a little song-spiration or just want to listen to some romantic tunes as you plan.

Happy listening!

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud

Etta James – At Last

John Legend – All of Me

Lonestar – Amazed

Jack Johnson – Better Together

Al Green – Let’s Stay Together

Christina Perri – A Thousand Years

Adele – Make You Feel My Love

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours

The Goo Goo Dolls – Iris

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Jo Malone London on Scenting Your Wedding Day

Written by Jo Malone London

Jo Malone London are at the forefront of perfumery, curating collaborations between London’s leading creative talent and world-renowned master perfumers, thereby offering bespoke luxury fragrances immersed in the modern British culture.

When planning a wedding, one is always keeping in mind the whole picture – from matching your stationery, to your flowers, to your dress, to your venue, to your everything, we know you brides have it down to a tee. But why limit yourself to just one of the senses?

Bridebook was lucky enough to partner with Jo Malone London, the British scent powerhouse, to learn the best ways to up the wedding game with scent – from pre-wedding pampering, to picking the perfect scent for your venue, read on to hear what Jo Malone London has to share on perfecting the scent element to your wedding. Enjoy!

www.bridebook.co.uk-jo-malone — All photos courtesy of Jo Malone London

The Night Before

Here at Jo Malone London we know that in the lead up to your wedding day, there are many different elements that the bride and groom have to consider. Firstly though – a moment for you! This is going to be a busy day and the best way to start is with a peaceful and pampering session. Take an indulgent bath infused with our Red Roses Bath Oil. Follow with a rich Body Crème such as Blackberry & Bay or Nectarine Blossom & Honey.

The Body Crème will help hold your fragrance, leaving a trail of your scent throughout the day. Then accessorise and layer with your favourite Jo Malone London scent. This fragrance can reflect your personality or capture a special moment and what could be more special than your wedding.

Style Your Scent

Choosing a fragrance to suit your dress is also something to consider. Depending on the season you may have a different kind of dress design; something more structured in the winter or more floaty and light in the summer.

Your scent can change to work with both and perfectly fit the atmosphere. Chiffon dresses are light and airy so something like English Pear & Freesia with Wild Bluebell creates a cool floral fragrance, dewy with wild flowers and a fruity pear note.

Peony & Blush Suede was inspired by the Cecil Beaton era and the English Ballroom with romance and fashion – this would be the perfect scent for a satin gown. It’s an opulent and flirtatious scent that fits with this aesthetic.

His & Her Pairing

Lots of brides and grooms do like to complement each other on their wedding day with their fragrances. All of our boutiques offer a complimentary wedding consultation service where our wedding stylists can help with combining signature scents for both bride and groom, as well as other members of the bridal party.

A wonderful bridal scent is Orange Blossom. A traditional bloom in floral bouquets, Orange Blossom is a symbol for good fortune and happiness for a newly-wedded couple. Alternatively, and perhaps more unusual, is the combination of Peony & Blush Suede with Red Roses. Like a freshly cut bouquet the voluptuous blend of seven exquisite roses adds modern romance with a clean and surprisingly fresh lift.

All of these fragrance combinations will interlace perfectly with the groom’s more masculine Amber & Lavender. Together these offer a clean and aromatic fragrance combined with a floral freshness – the perfect match.

The Complete Sensorial Experience

It is nice to think of all of the fragrances, from your personal scent, to the venue and location together. They should go together but not be the same necessarily. For the venue think about the mood you want to create. I.e. an English countryside wedding can be emphasised with vibrant and verdant Blackberry & Bay.

Scented candles add touches of style to the aisle, tables and reception space, and create an aroma to envelop the guests, for a lasting memory. The flicker of Orange Blossom candles scattered around the ceremony venue is incredibly romantic and enchanting. Seated for the speeches, surprise guests with a hand-bowed Travel Candle or Bath Oil; a thoughtful touch for them to take home.

To complete the sensorial experience at your wedding, lightly spritz a linen spray over napkins and the table cloth to lift the scent of the candles and floral arrangements.

About Jo Malone

At Jo Malone London we orchestrate a world of bespoke luxury and fragrance that is immersed in the modern British culture. By curating collaborations between world-renowned master perfumers and London’s leading creative talent, we are enduringly at the forefront of perfumery.

At Jo Malone London our signature is elegantly simple allowing you to recognise the ingredients within the fragrance; our scents are transparent and modern.

Fragrance combining is a key part of our philosophy, allowing each customer to find a fragrance combination unique to them. This can be through layering bath and body products with fragrance or spritzing two different colognes; it’s a personal choice for each individual.

Happy Planning!

Harrods’ 6 Gifts You’d Never Think Of Adding To Your List

Now, we love a practical gift list just as much as the next person, but sometimes you can’t help but throw in one or two indulgent pieces. Harrods’ Gift Bureau is helping us all out by giving some seriously swoon-worthy gift ideas that will completely transform your wedding gift list from ‘the usual’ to ‘the extraordinary’. And who knows, maybe you have a long lost uncle who just needs an excuse to splash some cash on you…

Christofle Mood Cutlery Egg

This is a more modern and functional way for the style conscious couple to store their cutlery. More and more young couples are steering away from the classic wooden casket and opting for this fun and functional piece that will last you a lifetime. Price from £750.

Fornasseti Plates

Again, the younger generation getting married is stepping away from the traditional floral china and starting to collect and add unique pieces that really reflect their personality and style. Fornasseti is a great example of this, perfect for the quirky couple. Plates from £115.

Lorenzo Quinn Artwork

Art work is now becoming an even more popular gift that will continue to hold value and be a joy to own throughout your marriage for years to come. The gorgeous sculptural pieces from Lorenzo Quinn are continuously popular. With prices starting at £1,500 upwards, you can always have family and friends contribute together to buy pieces like these.

Jura Smart Connect Coffee Machine

This is the most functional and unusual item on the list, but the top quality coffee machines by Jura have truly revolutionised the way you can drink your tea and coffee. With the Z6 Carbon machine one can make coffee while sitting on the sofa or in bed using your smart phone. An amazing and fun piece especially on a lazy Sunday! And don’t forget the smart kettle so that you can boil your cuppa before you get home and create the temperature you wish to keep it at. From £99.95.

Gold Bullion

The Harrods Bank and Gold Bullion, located next to our Gift Bureau, have these gorgeous small gold pieces and unique collectables that would add real character to your gift list. Again, this is a piece to have and hold forever and would be a perfect future heirloom.

Abercrombie & Kent Honeymoon

This is an increasingly popular gift, and rightly so! It allows family and friends to contribute towards your honeymoon of a lifetime, organised by Harrods partners Abercrombie and Kent. Tailoring the most amazing and unusual vacations you can think of, perfectly tailored to you as a couple.

Dying to get your hands on some of these items? Check out the Gift Bureau at Harrods in store or online here!

Happy Planning! For more gift inspiration have a read of The Wedding Shop’s ultimate gift guide here.

All Your Wedding Wine Questions Answered, by The Ritz

Brides and grooms to be can be forgiven for getting a little carried away focusing on their wedding breakfast menu and forgetting about the all important wine. And rightly so! If you’re not already a wine buff, it can be awfully confusing and there is just so much to choose from meaning you don’t even know where to start. But luckily for us, our wonderful partners at The Ritz London, one of the most beautiful wedding venues in London, has shared with us their sommelier, Giovanni Ferlito’s expertise to help us navigate the incredible world of wines. Read this Q&A to get every question you have about picking your wedding wine answered!

Q: Choosing wine can seem daunting, how do you recommend a couple prepares for the selection process? And how far in advance of their wedding should a couple begin their wine selection?

Selecting the wines for the wedding should be an enjoyable moment of the preparations.

The best thing to do is to ask the sommelier of your venue (if it has one) for recommendations and to taste the wines in advance, possibly during the menu tasting to test if the pairings work well.

There is no need to be too fussy and for the wine choices to be too complicated, try rather to think about a wine that can be easily enjoyed by everyone during the wedding.

I would recommend to choose the wines when the menu is already decided in order to select wines that could easily match the menu without overpowering the dishes or being too light.

Normally I would choose a white wine to start and a red wine for the main course and if there is also a middle course why not to try an orange wine or an oloroso sherry to spice up the selection!

Q: What is the usual process when helping couples select their wedding wine?

First of all I will ask the couple if they know what their guests would normally like to drink to start to have an idea of what could be a good recommendation.

Then I will look at the menu and discuss it with the couple to find together a few options that could work. During the menu tasting I will let them sample the pre-selected wines and decide together the final choice as the balance of the wine pairing is, for me the most important factor.

Finally, it is important to respect the wedding budget and normally (unless there are a lot of wine lovers amongst the guests) I wouldn’t suggest to go crazy with selecting very fine wines. I would rather focus on picking the right wine and trying to please everyone.

Q: What should a couple consider when choosing a wine/champagne for the toast?

Prosecco is always a smart choice considering the price and it is a good option thanks to its freshness and fruity character. Why not to twist it with some Aperol, ice cubes, soda water and an orange slice to serve it as a Spritz, the Classic Italian aperitif!

English sparkling wines are doing extremely well and my favourites are Nyetimber for a crisp, elegant style and Gusbourne for a more rich, round style. I have just this month introduced them on The Ritz wine list for the first time in the 110 year history of the hotel.

And of course champagne is a classic and still my favourite!
Choose a non-vintage for crispness and fresh fruit notes or a vintage for more length, complexity and nutty finish.

Finally have you ever considered a Demi Sec Champagne? It’s slightly sweet on the finish, perfect perhaps to be served with the cake. A true treat fitting for the occasion.

Q: Could you guide couples on the essential factors in choosing wines to pair with their menu?

One of the most important factors to consider is the richness of the dish as we want the dish and the wine to have the same weight. It is very important to find the right balance as the wine could overpower the dish or be too flat. For example a light and delicate dish needs a light wine with a subtle taste while a rich and intense dish needs a full body wine with a strong backbone.

It is also important that the ingredients of the dish also match the aroma and flavours of the wine and just as with any food pairing, it helps to think of either complementary or contrasting flavors.

Personally I am a big fan of red wine with fish. I think it is a very interesting pairing as long as the red is delicate, light and with very soft tannins. If served slightly cooler, even better.

The perfect one would be a German or Alsatian Pinot Noir.

Just be careful with spicy food… my recommendation is to balance the spiciness up with an aromatic and slightly sweet Riesling or Gewurztraminer.

Q: Do you have any creative ideas for making your wine selection special and not just about taste?

A wine pairing for me is the best way to travel around the fascinating world of wine. The wine selection should be an interesting wine discovery with wines made from different grapes from different country.

Try also to explore less known styles or wine regions, such as orange wines from Georgia, Palo Cortado Sherry or crisp white wines from Portugal.

To make the experience even more interesting I would use different format and also glasses with all different shapes obviously according to the wine.

All in all, the wine pairing is a wonderful opportunity to give your meal a little personality! If one of you is from a wine region, including one of those wines in the meal can be a very nice touch.

Q: What are the best wines to go with cheese or dessert?

Sweet wines!

The savoury and cream character of some soft or blue cheese works perfectly well with a dessert wine as the residual sugar will balance the saltiness while the acidity will cut through the creaminess.

Q: How should couples alter their wine taste and choice according to the season of their wedding?

Seasonality is very important and this is another reason why it is better to choose the wine after you’ve decided on your wedding menu as it should also reflect the season.

Q: Could you explain any considerations a bride and groom should have on the timing of the wine serving?

I would always recommend to start from white wine and then move to red wine and also in crescendo from a lighter to a stronger style. Between white and red I could possibly suggest a rose or an orange wine. Once on a red wine, I wouldn’t recommend to go back to a white wine. After the red I would either serve a sweet dessert wine of a fortified wine such as a Port.

Q: Which wines does your dream wedding wine list consist of?

All of these wines are not only delicious and versatile, but also provide enough variety to keep things interesting.

Purity Billecart-Salmon Rose NV – Vallée de la Marne, Champagne

Freshness Riesling Kabinett Sharzhofberger, Egon Müller 2012 – Mosel, Germany

Complexity Tsitska, Lagvinari 2013 – Imereti, Georgia

Elegance Gevrey-Chambertin, Philippe Pacalet 2011 – Burgundy, France

Delicacy Passito di Pantelleria “Ben Ryé” 2013, Donnafugata – Sicily, Italy

Q: What has been your favourite wedding experience?

At my wedding when I opened a bottle of Champagne with the classic Sabrage!

Sabrage is a technique for opening a champagne bottle with a saber used for ceremonial occasions. This became popular in France after the spectacular victories across all Europe the cavalry of Napoleon which gave them plenty of reason to celebrate.

Q: If you were a wine which would you be?

I would be a seductive Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuit, Burgundy.

Pure, elegant, fresh, with raspberry and cherry notes and a vibrant rose petal and spice finish…

Happy Planning!

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Pol Roger’s 3 Step Guide to Serving Champagne at Your Wedding

Written by Pol Roger

Pol Roger is regarded as an expert in the champagne industry, having been a champagne producer for over 150 years and currently producing over 110,000 cases of champagne annually.

No one put champagne better than the late Sir Winston Churchill: “In defeat I need it, in victory I deserve it.” – and we are sure that Churchill would agree with us that when you’re planning your wedding you always deserve it!

As much as you will enjoy guzzling the bubbly throughout your engagement, we have asked the esteemed Champagne Pol Roger to guide us through some of the ins and outs of incorporating champagne in your nuptials.

Having been producing exceptional champagne for over 165 years, holding an unrivalled reputation for quality, and being the champagne of choice for the royal wedding – it is needless to say that Pol Roger knows what they’re talking about!

bridebook.co.uk-pol-roger-bottle-and-glasses — Courtesy of Pol Roger

The Proposal

The proposal is the ideal moment to splurge on that flawless glass of bubbly, as you celebrate the journey the two of you have just embarked on. To emulate our greatest exponent, Sir Winston Churchill, the Vintage Champagne is the right choice for this ‘victory’.

Vintage champagnes, such as Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006, are produced only when all the necessary components of climate, grape quality and ripeness at harvest come together for the winemaker to produce a wine of optimum intensity, structure and balance which will carry the distinctive character of the year.

It’s a classic and with a beautiful glass of bubbly in your hand, that private moment between you and your fiancee becomes extra special.

bridebook.co.uk-pol-roger-on-engagement-champagne-on-beach — Courtesy of Pol Roger

The Reception

Following the emotionally charged ceremony, a glass of cold, refreshing champagne is perfect for a reception. As this is when the canapes will be served, be sure to choose a champagne that has a freshness to it, but with sufficient backbone to be drunk with an array of foods.

Non-vintages, such Pol Roger Brut Reserve, are the perfect choice for the reception. Our apéritif champagne is the definitive house-style, composed from 30 still base wines drawn from at least two vintages, and the three varieties of Champagne, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier blended in equal portions.

The champagne is dominated by notes of stone fruits, rich nuttiness and a hint of honey supporting the freshness of the acidity.

bridebook.co.uk-pol-roger-wedding-reception-champagne-being-served — Courtesy of Pol Roger

The Toast

All too often the same champagne is served for the toast, as is used for the reception. However we recommend serving a champagne that has a slightly higher dosage, stands out to reflect this special moment in your wedding, and complements your cake perfectly.

You should look for champagnes such as the Pol Roger Rich, a demi-sec, that has a gentle sweetness of the wine, but is tempered by a refreshing acidity that cuts through to leave the palate cleansed – thus making it the perfect toast to serve with your sweet wedding cake.

bridebook.co.uk-pol-roger-in-ice-bucket-at-wedding — Courtesy of Pol Roger

The Excellence of Champagne Pol Roger

Maison Pol Roger owns 91 hectares of vineyards on prime sites in the Champagne region of France. The cellars run for 7km and are on three levels, the deepest known as the ‘cave de prise de mousse’ at 34m below street level.

As the name suggests this is where the wine undergoes its secondary fermentation in bottle. The fact that this deep cellar is at 9°C or less, rather than a normal cellar temperature of 11-12°C, prolongs this fermentation and contributes to the quality and particular style of the wines and their famously fine bubbles.

Happy Planning!

Other articles you may be interested in:

La Perla’s Guide to Gorgeous Wedding Lingerie

Written by La Perla

La Perla is a luxury fashion house with over 60 years of experience in the fashion industry, and regarded as experts in luxury women clothing including lingerie.

Everything that La Perla embodies aligns perfectly with the wonderful world of weddings: elegant, precious, and with just a hint of surprise.

Lingerie holds special meaning for every woman and luxury wedding lingerie is the perfect way to make that magic moment even more magical with amazing pieces that are just as special as the day itself.

So if you know you want to treat both yourself and your partner with some jaw-dropping lingerie, La Perla is here to get you finding the perfect pieces.

Bridebook.co.uk - lingerie la perla robe

The Lingerie Beneath the Dress

There are no fixed rules when it comes to choosing what to wear beneath your wedding dress. It’s the dress that steals the scene and generally it’s important that your lingerie is the same colour, preferably in smooth, lightweight fabrics, such as tulle.

Essential lines and a soft satin sheen characterise the bandeau bra and stretch silk briefs from the La Perla Silk Flair collection. The removable straps make this bra perfect under a dress with full décolleté.

The La Perla Shape Allure garments are for all those women who adore more romantic pieces. They have been made with special Lycra® Beauty yarn and Leavers lace inserts to create a seductive shaping effect.

Bridebook.co.uk wedding dress lingerie la perla — The smooth silk and removable straps make this piece perfect for your big day lingerie

The Contemporary Trousseau

The trousseau is an idea that has to be brought up-to-date with modern times and thought of as a set of precious garments that accompany the bride into a new stage of her life.

A truly elegant trousseau should always feature some matching lingerie and nightwear, like the coordinated pairings of lingerie and nightdresses and babydolls and robes created by La Perla.

A bride should treat herself to a La Perla Maison set, one of the iconic collections from the La Perla brand which combines the allure of silk satin with the sumptuousness of the floral embroidery that is hand finished using the Italian frastaglio technique.

Bridebook.co.uk la perla silk and lace lingerie — Keep your trousseau fun and flirty by picking pieces that mix materials and textures

Lingerie is a Girl’s Best Friend

A bridal shower is a truly special event, particularly for the bride’s friends. It is a chance for them to express their joy at sharing such an important time in her life.

It is also the perfect time for a gift from one woman to another; something special such as a slip, one of the most sensual and on-trend lingerie garments.

La Perla offers a wide range in fine Leavers lace with floral decoration, tulle which hides and reveals, and flowing silk satin. Something extra special: create an exclusive bridal wish list dedicated to your closest friends at a La Perla boutique.

Bridebook.co.uk la perla two piece with lace cutout — Look for pieces with modern designs and accents to add a sense of occasion

…Something blue

It’s always best to respect traditions, even if we are at the start of the third millennium. Creativity and a touch of elegance are essential. La Perla offers a jewelled garment to respect the “something blue” rule.

The La Perla Made to Measure suspender strap in silk satin can be personalised with gold hooks and a string of sapphires. A unique lucky charm that can be transformed into a bracelet for a precious keepsake from the big day.

Bridebook.co.uk La Perla made to measure strap — Don’t forget your something blue!

B for Bride, B for Bustier

Romantic, seductive and ultra-feminine. The bustier is one of those garments that all women should have in their wardrobe, and a true symbol of La Perla style. Every bride must have at least one bustier in her honeymoon suitcase.

What other garment is so versatile and ideally suited to creating a multitude of day and evening looks? Those who are truly romantic can choose an iconic model such as the La Perla Heritage bustier in Cluny lace with fine openwork, strings in silk satin and a front fastening with metal hooks that evoke a vintage feel.

True addicts that want to wear a bustier under their wedding dress have the special La Perla Frames model in transparent tulle which enhances the figure.

Bridebook.co.uk la perla bustier — There’s nothing more feminine than a gorgeous bustier like this one

Now it’s your turn to go our and pick your perfect set? Have you fallen in love with La Perla’s pieces? Be sure to check out their Bridebook profile and book a fitting today!