Meet That Girl, London’s Favourite Fitness Programme!

Here at Bridebook we are super lucky to have teamed up with the amazing ‘That Girl‘ to provide you with exclusive exercises to help achieve that dream wedding body. Before we get started let’s meet Christina Howells, one of the UK’s leading female trainers and co-founder of That Girl with Charli Cohen, London’s favourite fitness program.

Hot Tip! Receive 20% off your That Girl membership with discount code : bridebook20

Bridebook.co.uk that girl trainer

Tell us about That Girl and how is it different from other fitness programs?

That Girl is different, and we are proud of our brand and what we offer.  That Girl is of course great workouts all designed by me but we are more than just great workouts! That Girl is a holistic lifestyle approach addressing physical, mental and spiritual health. Sometime good training and nutrition isn’t enough to help someone make the changes they want but most plans don’t look at what else might be happening such as hormonal imbalances, excessive stress and low body confidence.  That Girl is a community and we work alongside some of the best globally renowned experts in the wellbeing industry including London’s leading Life Coach, Jacqueline Hurst and nutritionist Robert Hobson. This enables us to meet more of our customers needs than ever.

When you join That Girl community or train with us in person we want it be one of the best deacons of your life and the best part is you will have finished your workout in the time it takes you to get to the gym and back. 

You’re “the fashion industry’s favourite trainer” – what do you think it is about your training style that appeals to so many?

There are a number of things that I think appeal to my clients, certainly my intense passion to help both women and men achieve their results, my knowledge and experience and my ability to emphasise with each individuals world and work with their unique person they are. I remind my clients they are more than their measurements and together we focus on their health and well-being as well as body aesthetic. I help them to see “they can” by regressing an exercise to progress them to where they want to be.  

One rule though, when you work with me exercise is a non-notable part of their day, it does not have to be the gym but it has to be movement and hopefully my enthusiasm becomes so infectious this becomes more of an enjoyable habit to my clients.

Bridebook.co.uk that girl article

 

Do brides-to-be have to secure a personal trainer to get their dream body or can they have just as much success following online plans like yours?

There are so many free workouts on the web you certainly need to find a good structure if you want to get results. On line training is now far more advanced and some of the most sought after trainers in the industry offer online programmes, which allows you to train with the best at a fraction of the cost. Of course having a one to one trainer is still the ultimate but with plans like that girl that have supported systems such as our Facebook page and options to email for help you can get closer than ever to a one to one session.  If you have the budget then yes a trainer is a fantastic experience and of course will always be more individualised.   

 

What’s your favourite thing about your job, and in particular working with brides-to-be?

The best part about my job is I don’t feel like I go to work, as I love what I do and its part of my life. Brides usually have clear goals, which are a great start, but as a trainer it’s very important to help the bride to be to also focus on her health, stress reduction, eating nutritious food rather than extreme dieting and exercise. It’s about making long-term changes that last way beyond your wedding – they are for life.

What parts of the body do you get the most requests for help with by brides-to-be?

That depends a lot on the dress, at first the bride will come with her areas she is most concerned about which gives me a starting point and of course are important as this is hopefully the start of the new them. Once the dress is chosen I do adjust the training to ensure she looks the best she can on her big day.

If there was just one piece of advice you could give to brides-to-be looking to get fit and healthy for their wedding, what would it be?

Don’t focus on others and what they are doing or not doing but rather focus on you and what you need and want to achieve for you.

 

What is your favourite go to move you can do anywhere, anytime?

Lunges as you can do so many variations that you really do get to work the entire leg musculature and butt.

Don’t Forget! All Bridebook users receive a  20% discount with the code bridebook20

Bridebook.co.uk the free online wedding planner

Wedding Stationery Ideas – Smart Wedding Invitations by Paperless Post

bridebook.co.uk paperless post collage

Here at Bridebook we tend to consider ourselves slightly tech obsessed (as is obvious from the super exciting state-of-the-art planning tools we created just for you!), so when we had a chance to chat with the modern stationary extraordinaires at Paperless Post we got very excited.

Leader in all things eco-friendly, forward thinking, and stylish, Paperless Post is the go-to for all couples who love beautiful design paired with seamless technology. So who better to guide you through the ins and outs of stylishly smart  wedding stationery? Read on below to get some insight from the pros:

Bridebook.co.uk the free online wedding planner

You’ve got enough to worry about before the big day. With our wedding invitations timeline, we’re making every aspect of your wedding stationery—from picking a colour palette and designing a custom invitation to managing and writing your thank you notes—stress-free and easy. We’ve laid out everything you’ll need to do and when you need to do it so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

bridebook.co.uk paperless posts save the dates

The early bird gets the long weekend.

You’ll need to find a venue and settle on a date first, but once you have, the save the date should be sent out as soon as possible. We recommend sending them out 4-6 months before your wedding date to ensure that your guests are available to attend. All the save the date needs to include are your names, the date, and a city—just enough information for guests to start thinking about travel plans, but not enough to give everything away (especially if the details aren’t totally settled yet).

We often suggest sending save the dates out online—not only because getting the word out early is key, but because our online save the dates can collect guests’ mailing addresses for your paper invitations with ease.

bridebook.co.uk paperless post wedding suites

Wedding invitations that reflect your personal style.

The official wedding invitation should follow the save the date within a couple of months, about 2–4 months before the wedding, after a majority of the event details are ironed out. Paper invitations—available on paperlesspost.com flat-printed, foil-stamped, engraved, letterpressed, or thermographed—are a beautiful keepsake for guests to remember your wedding by. (Plus, if you collected mailing addresses with your online save the date, it’ll be easy to order pre-addressed envelopes for each of your guests.)

Depending on the style of your wedding, you might want to choose an invitation designed by one of the world’s leading fashion houses—like Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, or Kate Spade New York—or contact our Personal Design Service specialists to order custom artwork based on your venue or vision.

bridebook.co.uk wedding invitations by paperless post on ipad

Hens, I do.

In the months approaching your wedding date, there will be plenty of parties thrown in your honour, most importantly your hen party. The hosts of the event will most likely take care of all the heavy lifting, sending out the invitations about one month before each event and including links to the event’s gift registry. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the party.

bridebook.co.uk paperless post wedding menus with a lslice of cake

Walk the aisle, then wine and dine.

As your wedding date approaches, it’s time to start thinking about day-of stationery items like menus and programs that are useful for tying your entire event together. If you didn’t already select a matching set of menus and programs while ordering your wedding invitations, order a pair that complements the colours and feel of the venue.

Order them no less than one month before the wedding day to ensure that they arrive with plenty of time to spare.

bridebook.co.uk paperless post stationery with pen

Thank you and you and you.

After the wedding has come and gone, it’s time to relax and enjoy life as a newlywed. Don’t worry about writing your thank you notes until after the honeymoon, but do order the stationery beforehand so there are no to-dos looming over you while you holiday (do yourself an even bigger favour and order pre-addressed envelopes for each guest while you’re at it.)

As long as you order them some time before you leave for your trip, a pristine box of thank you notes will be waiting for you when you get back.

bridebook.co.uk paperless post modern style wedding invitations

When all is said and done, we want you to be able to look back on the wedding planning process with a sigh of nostalgia, not relief. To make good on that wish, we have a talented, kind team of design specialists at the ready to help you every step of the way. Whether you need a custom watercolour motif for your stationery suite or just a little hand-holding, we’re here to make everything just a little bit simpler.

Happy Planning!

Top 7 Wedding Trends For 2017

Curious about what 2017 has in store for the wonderful world of weddings? Well, not to panic, because it’s here: Bridebook’s list of the Top 7 Wedding Trends you should expect to see in 2017.  And don’t forget, we’re not just trend spotters, but also problem solvers. We have all the wedding planning tools you’ll need in the run-up (better yet, they’re free!), as well as the UK’s #1 Wedding Planning App. We’re your new best friend – and thrilled to be so, too.

 

Bridebook.co.uk wedding trends 2017

 

Original Forms of Transport

2017 will bring new and modern ways of arriving at your wedding. We’re talking speed boating, parachuting, rowing (check out the amazing boat photo by Lars May below!) or even paragliding down the aisle! Never mind the wind swept look, it will add a complete WOW factor to your big day. Not feeling brave enough? Get some encouragement from our “Flying Bride” article; yes, a bride that actually flew down the aisle being held up by 250 helium filled balloons (all thanks to The Molecule Show)!

Bridebook.co.uk rowing boat transport

Bridebook.co.uk flying bride

 

Blank Canvas Venues

This year, we’re saying ENOUGH to the hair-pulling vision-ruining frustration that can accompany short approved supplier lists and no blu-tack rules. Instead, couples are taking their wedding by the horns, and looking to fairly blank venues to be able to make their big day completely their own.  of the spreadsheet and hair-pulling nonsense that has been associated with wedding planning for so long. Instead, introduce yourself to the UK’s largest wedding venue directory, where you can find the perfect place for your big day – whether that’s a renovated farm or a disused pickle factory.

Bridebook.co.uk bride and groom in front of white wall 

Dress Less Bride

Who says you have to wear a dress at your wedding? The “dress-less” bride is one of the hottest wedding trends that has continued on from 2016. Look no further than bridal companies, House of Ollichon and Yolan Cris who will kit you out head to toe with a completely unique look.

Bridebook.co.uk modern bride

 

Half Day Weddings

If you have a half day wedding, you could save yourself a small fortune. Have fun getting inventive with your eating options and serve your guests high tea or brunch instead of a full-blown wedding breakfast. Your guests will still love the food you serve and love the experience, but you’ll have saved some cash that could go elsewhere.

Bridebook.co.uk high tea wedding table set up

 

Dessert Wine 

Instead of the usual champagne toast,  serving dessert wine instead is actually much cheaper. Plus it has the extra benefit of being nice and sugary to get your guests all fired up for the dance floor!

Bridebook.co.uk dessert wine toast

 

Sharing Plates

Continuing the wedding breakfast theme – sharing plates are another hot 2017 wedding trend.  They’ll create a great atmosphere around the table as your guests all share a meal together. It also allows your guests to be in control of their portion sizes. More roast potatoes for me, please! Top tip – make sure your table isn’t too cluttered with glassware, flowers or centerpieces to allow ample space for you and your fellow diners. 

Bridebook.co.uk the free online wedding planner

 

Virtual Reality – Film Your Wedding in 360

The rise of wedding videography has been well documented, and 2017 is going to see it get an upgrade. The Christmas present of choice, Virtual Reality, is set to be the next big thing. With VR videographers and apps soon to pour into the market you’re going to want to have your big day filmed in 360, so you can re-live your big day, anytime you like!

Bridebook.co.uk Wedding videographer in field 

Happy Planning! 

 

How To: Look After Your Engagement Ring

Congratulations, you’re engaged!  You’ve been dreaming of this ring for years, and now that it’s a permanent fixture on your left hand, you’re going to want to ensure it stays looking sparkly and new for many more. After all, you need to guarantee that you can see the glint in your peripheral vision when you’re searching for venues in our online directory, right?

Bridebook.co.uk engagement ring

 

Insurance

This should be first on your list of things to do – you never know what could happen to your brand new piece of bling. It sounds like an obvious thing to do, but we hear far too many heartbreaking stories about rings being lost or stolen…make sure you don’t have one of these to tell! Remember to add this to your specific total on our free budgeting tool, too; that way you can keep all of your costs together in one place.

 

Leave it to the professionals 

Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning of your ring with professionals. Whatever you do…don’t do this at home, because you run the risk of damaging the ring more. With regular maintenance and cleaning, you can ensure your diamond stays in tip-top condition and stays firmly in place.

 

Avoid harsh chemicals 

Fancy a bit of spring cleaning? Your best bet is to take your ring off! But remember to store it in a safe, dry place. You could, of course, alternatively wear gloves, but if your ring has a stone or a setting, it’s likely to rip the material. 

 

Take Care

Yes, diamonds are famed for their strength as one of the world’s hardest natural materials, but that doesn’t mean they can’t chip! Be careful not to knock your ring against other hard surfaces.  

Happy Planning! 

 

More wedding planning advice below: 

Tips to The Groom: Writing Your Wedding Speech 

Wedding Survival Kit: 28 Items You’ll Need

73 Must-See Wedding Venues in The UK

Introduction: Your Wedding Venue

Bridebook.co.uk Rustic candlelit barn wedding venue

Usually the news of engagement (wahoo!) results in the couple being swamped with endless well wishes, congratulations and bubbly. You’re also probably being asked the inevitable questions of when and where, which means that one of the first exciting jobs as a newly engaged couple is looking for the perfect wedding venue. Hurrah! Have a look at our venue directory (it’s the biggest in the UK, though we don’t like to brag too much) and get some cogs whirring – but before you start booking viewings, hold your horses and read our introduction on all you need to know!

1. Budget

Finding the perfect wedding venue is an important task, as prices can range from £1000 to as much as £6000, which naturally demands a large portion of your wedding budget. Even if you are working on a very tight budget, you can still have the venue of your dreams, especially if you read some of our venue saving tips here – there’s something for everyone!

2. Guests

Once you have decided on a budget, have a think about the number of guests you would like to invite. Don’t panic though, as exact numbers at this stage are not a necessity, just make sure you don’t go to viewings at smaller venues when you are planning to have 200 guests, and large venues when you are aiming for an intimate wedding of 20.  Time is precious people!

3. Location

Location, location, location! Now’s the time to start thinking where you would like your wedding reception to be. If you are getting married in a church, the reception should not be too far away, so that you and your guests don’t spend half the day travelling and encountering potential traffic jams (this will only exhaust and stress you out).

If you want to get married at your reception venue, then we recommend you look for separate rooms within the building: one for the ceremony and the other for the party. It’s possible to have one room for both, but it takes time to turn the room around, so you’ll need to entertain the guests for the changeover.

4. Seasons

Consider the season in which you would like to get married and the style you want your wedding to be in. No longer are rustic weddings in gorgeous marquees limited to summer and chic hotel ballrooms reserved for winter weddings. With the proper organisation, you can have your perfect wedding in the venue of your dreams, no matter the weather (marquees can be heated and hotels often boast gorgeous outdoor terraces and balconies). Sneaky tip: make sure your theme and venue compliment each other and reflect your personalities as a couple. (Have a look at some of our venue ideas here)

5. Do your research

Once you have considered all of the above – research, research, research! Look at venue galleries, read reviews and get inspired. Once you have a collection of your favourites go ahead and book some viewings! Have a look at the questions to ask here – we are always thinking of you!

Happy Planning!

An Insider’s Guide to a Deliciously Healthy & Happy Engagement

bridebook.co.uk deliciously ella with some of her food

Alongside our free wedding planning tools, we also bring you expert advice from the industry’s creme de la creme. We were super lucky to chat to Ella Woodward – aka Deliciously Ella! The biggest food blogger of the moment and bride to be. She gives us her tips on feeling good on the wedding run up.

Briebook.co.uk-deliciously-ella-holding-a-bowl-of-cereal-smiling

 

What can be achieved by eating and cooking in the Deliciously Ella way? (What are example dishes for breakfast, snacks, pudding etc)

Eating and cooking like this has really helped me be my healthiest and happiest and hopefully it can help others too! My favourite foods at the moment are smashed avocado on rye toast with lots of lemon, black pepper and chili; pasta arrabbiata and warming bowls of porridge with nut butter and berries, I also love the oaty banana breakfast bars and Chocolate Ganache Cake from the Mae Deli, the deli my fiancé and I recently opened.

bridebook.co.uk deliciously ella bars

 

How far in advance of your wedding should you start your healthy eating regime?

We try to make sure healthy eating is more of a lifestyle for us than a short spanned diet so I’m not sure, but recently I realised my wedding was not long away at all so booked in some of my favourite classes like yoga and boxing to get myself feeling really great!

 

What can you do 9 months in advance?

Look forward to your wedding! And if you want to make changes to your diet, then start introducing more fruit and veg and cutting back on refined sugar.

bridebook.co.uk deliciouslly ella salad

 

What can you do 4 months in advance?

Maybe eating all the foods that you know make you feel amazing. Lots of green and colourful vegetables! And like above, book in some of your favourite works outs or try to get to the gym a few times a week.

What would you recommend eating the night before and the morning of the big day? (to be glowing / no bloating etc)?

We have a rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding, so no doubt I’ll be eating lots of lovely food! But I think to try and help with those things maybe a warm vegetable salad for dinner and a smoothie, chia pudding or avocado on toast for breakfast, and lots of small snacks on hand so you don’t get exhausted.

Where and when are you getting married? What part of the day are you most excited about?

We’re getting married in April in the Caribbean, and to be honest I’m excited for all of it – I’m sure it will be amazing.

Bridebook.co.uk-Deliciously-ellla-smiling

 

Happy Planning!

 

Moët & Chandon’s Guide To Champagne Celebrations

Bridebook.co.uk Monroe cheering with a glass of champagne

 

Weddings are one of the most emotive and memorable moments – the ultimate champagne celebration. With exquisite taste, a rich heritage and a spirit of glamorous spontaneity champagne promises one stylish celebration… let your champagne choice reflect your personality with Moët & Chandon’s bridal guide to champagne. 

The Classic Bride

Bridebook.co.uk moet champagne on marble with leaves

With a classic style your celebration is traditional without being stale. Drawing inspiration from icons including Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton you want your guests to raise a toast at your wedding reception that conveys quality.
 
Your aim is to celebrate in style with a wedding reception filled with glamourous guests sipping champagne out of coupes and dancing the night away to romantic tunes. For a sophisticated touch of glamour à la Marilyn Monroe serve the iconic Moët Impérial perfectly chilled at 8-9°C.
 
Founded in 1743 and a favourite of Madame Pompadour, Moët & Chandon quickly became an icon of elegance and quality – grapes are still handpicked to this date, yeast carefully selected for fermentation and the wine gracefully aged in the House’s legendary cellars. Granted the Royal Warrant by Queen Victoria 1893 and again by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1955 Moët & Chandon will subtly convey your taste for quality and celebration.

 

The Princess Bride

 

Bridebook.co.uk moet princess bride champagne in pink

 
A true romantic at heart you want a fairy tale wedding! You’re madly in love and you want the world to know it. Drawing inspiration from heroines such as Snow White and Belle, you dream of floating down an aisle of pink and white petals. Ready to enchant your guests with twinkling lights and a majestic ceremony arch you envision a bold celebration.
 
Rosé is the champagne for you – osé actually means daring in French and the style is associated with extravagant expressions of sentiment. Moët Rosé Impérial is a spontaneous and radiant expression of the Moët & Chandon style.
 
Distinguished by its bright fruitiness, enticing palate and elegant maturity the Moët Rosé Impérial is aged for a minimum of 24 months in the cellars resulting in an intense and supple finish. Dating back to the days of Napoleon who ordered 100 bottles of the House’s ‘Roze’ the tradition pink celebration continues to this day and your guests will be left with a rose tinted memory of your big day.

The Vintage Bride

 

Bridebook.co.uk vintage moet champagne bottle

 
Pearls, lace and vintage chic bridesmaid dresses are on your Pinterest Wedding board! What’s old is new again with this romantic wedding style. Gliding down the aisle in a lace dress exuding vintage glamour and sophistication in spades you want your guests to experience a taste of the past – a contemporary classic!
 
The ultimate expression of the Moët & Chandon style is the Grand Vintage. Masterfully crafted by winemaker Benoit Gouez the wine has aged for a minimum of 3 years and is only produced in years when conditions are ideal. Moët & Chandon is about to release the Grand Vintage Rosé 2008 carrying complex ripe berry fruit aromas with a long, silky finish that carry the flavours at each taste. The long cellar aging and miniscule bubbles are a hallmark of the supreme quality of the champagne.
 
Every detail of your wedding has been planned to perfection – the flowers, the table décor not to mention the invitation list. Having hand-picked your closest family and friends your guests are in for a real treat.

 

The Boho Bride

Bridebook.co.uk pink moet et chandon glass

 
You don’t follow trends – you set them! You have no nostalgia for the past and want your wedding to be in the NOW. For a sleek and stylish celebration you draw inspiration from travels, art and your style icons of choice including reveller Kate Moss.
 
First to spot a trend your perfect champagne is the Moët Ice Imperial also available in rosé. Evoking the spirit of the French Riviera you envision a stylish celebration with spontaneous fun and a refreshing culinary discovery for your guests. Inspired by the Piscine cocktail (famously from the French Riviera) Moët Ice Imperial and Moët Ice Imperial Rosé have a heavier composition. 3 ice cubes perfectly dilute the champagne to bring out a vibrant flavour which stays fresh for longer.
 
For a spontaneous twist add strawberry or mint to the mix for a champagne cocktail that matches your adventurous personality. A fun loving and carefree bride you want celebrations to last well into the night before you sail away with your beau sipping leaving your guests to describe your wedding as the coolest party ever.

 

 

 

Bonus! Top Tips From Moet & Chandon

 
  • Play with bottle sizes! The Moët range is available in several formats including Mini (20cl), Magnum (3L) and Jeroboam (6L).
  • Select the right glassware. Coupes are enjoying a comeback but bubbles will be lost quicker compared to a flute. A new trend is the tulip glass that slows down the loss of CO2 but also looks stylishly modern.

 

Happy Planning!

Ready to find the perfect suppliers for your dream wedding? Search through all of the U.K’s best venues and suppliers by what matters most to you on Bridebook today! Just check out our state-of-the-art supplier search tool.

 

Jimmy Choo’s Guide to the Wonderful World of Wedding Shoes

Written by Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo are a fashion house and regarded as experts in luxury shoes and wedding shoe designs. View Jimmy Choo’s full author bio.

bridebook.co.uk collage of four wedding shoes
Check us out on Pinterest!

Here at Bridebook, the world’s leading free online wedding planner, we pride ourselves in bringing our brides-to-be the advice they need from experts they want – and who better to guide us through the wonderful world of wedding shoes than the one and only Jimmy Choo!

We all know that the wedding dress traditionally gets the most attention pre and post-wedding. However, with Jimmy Choo offering a wardrobe of exquisite styles from traditional elegance to Hollywood glamour the shoes are no longer a second thought.

Jimmy Choo has long been the go-to shoe to accompany brides down the aisle and below is an overview of what makes the Jimmy Choo Bridal offering exceptional.

bridebook.co.uk-jimmy-choo-line-up

Already have your shoes sorted?  Why not check out Bridebook’s Q & A with legendary dress designer Phillipa Lepley for all the best dress tips, or Jo Malone’s guide to scenting your wedding? Bridebook has every detail covered!

Couture detailing:

2016 is the year to embrace couture detailing in your wedding shoes. Yes, classic is always beautiful and satin will never cease to embody the timeless bridal look. However, who can resist upping the style notch a little? Think an array of ethereal feathers, Swarovski crystals, lace, beading and glitter finishes for the perfect pair of statement, but complimentary, bridal shoes.

bridebook.co.uk-jimmy-choo-couture-details

Loving these Jimmy Choo shoes? Book a bridal consultation through Jimmy Choo’s Bridebook profile!

 Personalised shoes:

For brides looking for something exceptional, personalisation goes a long way in turning your wedding shoes into the ultimate keep-sake. Jimmy Choo’s Made-to-Order bridal shoes can incorporate monogram brass initials (perfect for you and your wedding party), or even a number plaque on the sole of each shoe to commemorate the wedding date.

bridebook.co.uk-jimmy-cho-personalised-shoe

Shoe Colouring Service:

What if you find your perfect bridal shoe but it just doesn’t quite go with your dress? Not a problem! Jimmy Choo offers a special shoe re-colouring service to let you match it perfectly to your dress. Even better, re-colouring the shoe after the ceremony ensures the newly-wed can wear the shoes again.

bridebook.co.uk-jimmy-choo-shoe-recolouring

Check out all of the best bridal boutiques in your area using Bridebook’s innovative new supplier search!

New styles:

Finally, you can now capture the essential bridal shoe style without the classic, and sometimes inconvenient, heel. New styles see stunning sandals, pumps and flats stand on their own as an equally as gorgeous option no matter what your shoe preference is.

bridebook.co.uk-jimmy-choo-new-styles

Want more of Bridebook’s amazing wedding day inspiration?

 

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:

Bridebook.co.uk barretoned 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. 

Bridebook.co.uk barretoned

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:

Bridebook.co.uk wedding table

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.

Bridebook.co.uk wedding lawn games

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

bridebook.co.uk and wedding shop

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

bridebook.co.uk

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

bridebook.co.uk

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

bridebook.co.uk

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

bridebook.co.uk

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!

 

 
bridebook.co.uk – spotify logo
 
 
 
 
 
 

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

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 Londonthe 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.  

www.bridebook.co.uk-jo-malone
No better way to prep for your big day than with some serious pampering

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.

www.bridebook.co.uk-jo-malone
How gorgeous is Jo Malone’s Bridal Collection? We love the lace designs on the bottles…

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.

www.bridebook.co.uk-jo-malone
Because the day isn’t just about the bride!

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.

www.bridebook.co.uk-jo-malone
Every detail counts when it comes to your wedding

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.

bridebook.co.uk christofle cutlery egg

 

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.

bridebook.co.uk fornasetti plates

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.

bridebook.co.uk lorenzo quin finding love sculpture

 

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.

bridebook.co.uk jura smart coffee machine

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.

bridebook.co.uk- harrods gold bullions

 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.

bridebook.co.uk- abercrombie and kent honeymoon

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!

Bridebook.co.uk wedding champagne being served

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…

bridebook.co.uk ritz sommelier smelling red wine

Happy Planning!

Ready to find the perfect suppliers for your dream wedding? Search through all of the U.K’s best venues and suppliers by what matters most to you on Bridebook today! Just check out our state-of-the-art supplier search tool.

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

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!

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

Wedding Cake Tips By Mary Berry

Written by Mary Berry

Mary Berry is an English chef, baker, food writer and TV presenter famously known for being a judge on The Great British Bake Off. She is regarded as an expert in baking.

Bridebook.co.uk- Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood
By The Great British Bake Off

Bridebook was fortunate enough to interview Mary Berry herself, that’s right, The Queen of Cakes! Read our interview with her below:

How do you choose the right cake for your wedding day?

Choose a wedding cake that shows your personality and one that you think that everyone will enjoy. To be classic, a rich fruit iced cake in tiers.

If you like to be on the lighter side choose one of the tiers to be a different flavour such as a lemon genoise or chocolate cake. Remember if you are giving away pieces of cake as presents in boxes, the cake should be a rich fruit one because it keeps best and travels well.

Do you have any tips for a DIY wedding cake?

When choosing a totally different style of cake such as cupcakes on a tiered cake stand, or croquembouche, or meringue pyramid, make sure that the icings or fillings are not affected by heat. Also they need to be very freshly made. Avoid spun sugar, it doesn’t last more than three hours. 

How do you make an impression with your wedding cake?

To add that WOW factor to your cake it needn’t be complicated. The decoration could be your joint interests and should be bold and look good close up as well as from a distance.

Do you have any quick tips?

Remember to give instructions regarding the top tier of the cake if you are keeping it for the Christening. Only a rich fruited cake is suitable and can be frozen.

What’s the latest trend?

I gather the latest trend is to have a cake made completely out of cheeses, served with port.

Bridebook.co.uk- cheese tower
By Allister Freeman

Happy Planning!

Browse other similar articles:

Top Pre-Wedding Bridal Beauty Tips from The Ritz Salon

It doesn’t get more pamper worthy than The Ritz Salon! Luckily for you, we’ve chatted with their very own Spa Manager Hannah Wood to get some insight on pre-wedding bridal beauty and pampering from the best of the best. So read on and get your comfy slippers and fluffy spa bathrobes at the ready!

Bridebook.co.uk Hannah Wood Ritz spa manager

 

Below you will find Hannah’s recommended bridal beauty steps in the run up to a wedding from 6 months before to the night before:

6 months before

From six months, brides-to-be should starting going to the gym to make sure that they are toning their body, and especially concentrate on toning arms. Brides-to-be should also start to have regular facials from six months, and they should look to have one every four weeks so that they have at least five sessions before the wedding day. In The Ritz Salon, I recommend the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, which will help to brighten and illuminate the skin.

3 months before

Keep having the same facial every four weeks, unless you have a specific concern that you would like to focus on. With the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, we can prescribe the facial and adjust a few of the products depending on the clients skin concerns. I would also recommend for the Bride to have a good hair cut three months before the wedding, and then a trim a couple of weeks before.

1 month before

One month before the wedding is now getting really close and I recommend having a hair and make-up trial at this time. Your skin will be bright and glowing after the facials and a make-up trial is essential as this, especially, can be subject to personal taste. If you colour your hair, I recommend doing this at least one week before the wedding, just in case any changes are necessary (even if you have the same stylist and same colour it can still look different to normal so to avoid any last minute disasters and ensure it is done in plenty of time to correct it). At one month, start growing your nails, so that they are at a perfect on the day (all of the guests will be asking to look at your ring!). Cuticle oil is one of my hero products to strengthen and hydrate the nails. Exfoliate your body two or three times a week, and use a good moisturiser morning and night. Do a face mask twice a week from one month as well. I would also suggest to have a massage to de-stress you for the big day.

1 week before

With one week to go, your body should be ready. Have your waxing done if necessary and keep your body as a clean canvas if you are wanting to tan the night before.

The Night Before

The night before is dependent on your skin type, but I would exfoliate and use a mask on the eve of your wedding, but no new products. Use eye pads as well to make sure your eyes are sparkling for the big day. Drink lots and lots and lots of water. No alcohol. The day before have a manicure and pedicure and wash your hair if you are having your hair put up on the day. Day old hair is the best as it has better hold than if it is fresh clean hair.

Next up, Hannah’s tried and tested facial treatments for brides-to-be:

Bridebook.co.uk bridal facial pre-wedding

For De-Puffing

On the wedding morning, put teaspoons in the freezer. Run them under a tap before placing them on your eyes – this really works to de-puff the eye area quickly before your make up is applied. The Elemis Procollagen Hydra Eye Masks are amazing as it really works de-puffing eyes, getting rid of dark circles over time, brightening the eye area and making the eyes more open and refreshed.

For Skin Clearing

I recommend a microdermabrasion facial. This type of facial gets rid of the top layers of skin, and works well to resurface the skin and helps eliminate any recent scarring or imperfections on the skin.

For Skin Smoothing

A good moisturiser for your skin type is essential and use this morning and night. Do make sure that your moisturiser is right for you – drier skin types should use a thicker moisturiser and if you are have more oily skin, go for a gel based moisturiser. At The Ritz Salon I definitely recommend the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial. It is a brightening and illuminating facial which is exactly what you want for wedding ready skin. I love exfoliating the skin to take away all the dead skin, and then if you put a mask on the face straight away, you can see instant results.

Hair Removal Timing

A week before for the lip and eyebrows depending on your hair growth. Legs can be done closer to the day. I also recommend waxing and tweezing (rather that threading as the hair can come back thicker). We recommend for our brides to have their eyebrows shaped in The Ritz Salon a week before because if any spots or irritation occur they can be completely gone by the wedding day.

Bridebook.co.uk bride in dress showing her legs

Tanning Tips

For streak free tan, in the driest areas of your body (such as your elbows, knees, feet -especially your heels – and the back of your wrists which are noticeable), always cover them in a thick moisturiser first. Apply the tan using a mitt in order to get an even coverage all over. I would recommend that brides apply the tan themselves if they are an experienced tanner or have a professional do this but not to get a spray tan. Always make sure you do a test run and that you exfoliate properly before.

Bridal Pampering

I personally find facials very relaxing, and brides-to-be should be having these regularly. A relaxing 50 minute or 80 minute Swedish Massage in The Ritz Salon is very relaxing because it focuses on the areas which carry the most tension, such as the shoulders and scalp especially.

Bridebook.co.uk three young women enjoying a day at the spa

Don’t Forget!

An often overlooked area is the thigh area. People can get cellulite no matter how skinny they are and the thighs are often neglected. Cellulite is caused by poor circulation and the toxins get trapped. I recommend daily dry body brushing with an Elemis dry body brush every morning before you shower – always on dry skin. It’s painful but the results are very worthwhile and noticeable, always brush up towards the heart and not downwards.

Hair is also so important. Brides to be should do hair masks regularly to get a nice shine. You can also get a Wella shine spray from The Ritz Salon for the day of the wedding which looks unbelievable in pictures. We use this on all of our Ritz Brides.

Bridebook.co.uk bride having her hair prepped

Want to book yourself in for some of these expert treatments? You can contact the Ritz Salon directly through their Bridebook profile!

 

Professional Wedding Dance Tips from Strictly Come Dancing’s Kristina Rihanoff!

Written by Kristina Rihanoff

Kristina Rihanoff is a world professional ballroom dancer, dance instructor and dance choreographer.

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview professional dancer and choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing veteran Kristina Rihanoff! With her recent launch of Bespoke Ballroom, a luxurious high end dance platform offering performances and classes, there’s no better time to read up on her pro dancing tips in time for your wedding.

Bridebook.co.uk Kristina Rihanoff portrait

Please can you tell us more about Bespoke Ballroom? What made you decide to start it?

I always loved teaching !! I had my 1st teaching job when i was only 16! It makes me really happy to see people improve on  the dance floor regardless of level they dance at. I truly believe dancing is for everyone and all ages. With BB services I want to bring the magic of Strictly come dancing to anyone who loves dancing and wants to learn !

Through the Bespoke Ballroom concept, I aim to make the sport accessible to a wide spectrum of audiences and offer an exclusive dance experience that includes VIP private tuition, seminars and private events.

The Bespoke packages can be tailor-made to meet your every need and form the perfect accompaniment to a variety of events all over the world. I even offer wedding entertainment and dance shows, as well as first wedding dance lessons that can be completed in the privacy of your own home.

Have you always wanted to work in weddings?

I love being a part of something so special. Weddings are pure joy to be involved in and I love performing at such wonderful occasions. I also love teaching the first  – every wedding dance I taught is very unique. It’s so lovely to see couples learning to dance and have this wonderful experience together.

What is your favourite thing about weddings and working/performing at weddings?

My favourite thing is to see the happiness of everyone involved. Wedding is a wonderful occasion with all generations of families coming together to celebrate love.

Which is your favourite style of dance for a wedding and why?

Most of the times I’m asked to perform the waltz or foxtrot. I think it suits the wedding so well because these dances are very graceful and timeless. Ballroom dances with lifts and lots of romantic movement are always a couple and crowd pleaser!

Bridebook.co.uk Kristina ballroom dancing

What goes into your consideration when creating a bespoke choreography for a client’s wedding?

First of all the dance must be easy enough to learn as I don’t want the couples to be stressed about the wedding dance. They have enough to worry about before the wedding !!

I always make my choreography easily adoptable to any ability of the clients. Clients send me their music ahead of my lessons so I can prepare the dance and I also ask about the space where they will be dancing  so I can think of the suitable steps.

Could you walk us through your typical process with a couple you are helping with their first dance choreography?

I prepare the choreography which goes well with the music but once I start teaching it I usually change a few steps to make it easy and comfortable. I  don’t believe in trying for hours something very hard. If the step doesn’t work for a while it’s best to change it to something else.

I had the same attitude on Strictly come dancing with my celebs. You have to be cleaver and find the right steps for your clients so they feel confident when performing.

How do the bride and groom roles vary in the wedding dance?

The man always leads and lady follows. That is the main rule of the ballroom. But if the lady more experienced in dancing she can help with leading some of the steps. Most of all the bride and groom must remember that there  is no judges or right and wrong steps! They just have to enjoy their special dance and smile!!

Bridebook.co.uk Kristina dancing with her partner

What type of couples do you usually see coming to you to train for a first dance? What would you say to a couple who think they’d love to do a dance but don’t believe they can/ doubt their ability to?

I have all sorts of couples coming to me for wedding dance or just for dance lessons. I really enjoy helping the students to learn dances and improve their skills. Dancing is for everyone , all ages and shapes! It’s a wonderful way for men and ladies to do something together!

Which is your absolute favourite dance you have performed and what was it like?

I think it was the rumba I performed with Beyoncé on my first year on Strictly. It was very overwhelming to perform with such superstar. Beyoncé was so gracious and in the end of the dance she said she really loved our performance ! I will never forget it!

Do you have any top tips for couples on their first dance?

You just have to enjoy it and don’t be afraid to make a mistake! Nobody knows your dance so just go for it! An make sure to wear whatever is most comfortable – though definitely practice in the shoes you’ll be wearing on the day.

Bridebook.co.uk Kristina smiling during her dance

The best moves for getting fit for your wedding – different moves for different parts of your body?

Just taking dancing lessons themselves can help a bride get fit. I often hear remarks from clients about how much fitter and slimmer they feel from the lessons. Any type of dancing really helps to tighten the mid drift naturally.

Latin cha cha cha, and salsa, and waltz are both high energy and burn lots of calories because of how much movement is involved. On top of that, dancing is a very fun way to get fit as it doesn’t feel like a workout like going to the gym does.

Most impressive move someone could pull off?

A lift! All dance choreography that I put together has a lift as it’s such a couple and crowd favourite. It always brings the house down, and is so sweet and special for the day. And beginners shouldn’t be scared by lifts either. With my experience on Strictly Come Dancing, I know exactly how to teach beginners.

Bridebook.co.uk Kristina doing a dance lift

Finally – what would your dream wedding look like?

I think my dream wedding would be when all of my loved once are around me. I miss my family and friends in Russia so much. As long as they are with me on that special day I will be more then happy and complete!

Have a browse at some of our other expert wedding articles: