Wedding shoes have been important to the complete bridal ensemble ever since Prince Charming slid the glass slipper onto Sleeping Beauty's delicate foot. The range of shoes bride-to-be’s can select from include jeweled heels, funky flip-flops, leather boots or even the proverbial glass slippers with kitten heels! With so many glamorous glitzy shoes on the market it is quite a dilemma for a modern bride-to-be to choose the shoes which will grace her feet on her special day!

Here are some pointers to help get you started.

1. Choose wedding shoes which complement your dress and also show off your own sense of style

Wedding Shoe Heel Size

♥ Firstly you need to decide on the heel height. Your options are high stiletto heels, kitten heels, flat pumps or even flip-flops (for a destination beach wedding).

♥ When selecting a heel height consider what is going to be comfortable for you and what height you are normally comfortable wearing. If you don't normally wear three inch heels, don't wear them on your wedding day. Choose a kitten or slender one or two-inch heel in an attractive style instead so that you will be comfortable. Better yet, how about a lovely court shoe or ballet-style flat that compliments your dress.

♥ Of course, if you are used to heels, by all means wear them! From a style point of view, high heels really help to define a women’s shape, give her a lift and create a longer more flattering line in her wedding dress.

♥ Do take your groom’s height into consideration. You don’t want to tower above or cower beneath your groom. Wearing flat shoes was not even a consideration for me at my wedding as I am 5 foot 5 and my groom was 6 foot 5!

Wedding Shoe Toe Styles

♥ The next consideration is the toe style of your wedding shoes. For summer weddings or weddings in a warm destination open-toes, peep toes, sandals or strappy wedges displaying your beautifully pedicured feet are the perfect choices.

♥ Alternatively a pointed, square or rounded closed toe style shoe are always fashionable and are more appropriate for winter weddings, colder climates or possibly inclement weather.

Wedding Dress Length

♥ Consider the length of your dress when choosing your wedding shoes.

♥ If you have opted for a tea length or shorter wedding dress remember that, whilst your dress will be sure to garner your guests’ attention, so too will your bridal footwear as your guests eyes will naturally be drawn to your legs and feet as they are more on display.

♥ If you will be wearing a long wedding dress a closed toe shoe looks far more elegant.

♥ Whilst features such as ankle straps on shoes can make them much more comfortable to wear, when they are combined with a shorter dress they can tend to make legs look shorter too. If you are determined that you will not wear skyscraper heels on your wedding try a small kitten heel as this will be a lot more flattering with a shorter dress.

Nowadays it's important to make sure that the shoe you choose not only complements the style of gown you are going to wear but is also comfortable.

2. Remember to keep comfort in mind

Your wedding gown is going to be the real focus of attention amongst your guests. In many cases, your gown is going to cover most, if not all, of your shoes, so don't choose a shoe just because it is "gorgeous" if you know it is going to be excruciatingly painful by the end of the day. No one wants to see you hobbling down the aisle or being stretchered off before the first dance! Remember that you could be posing for photos, mingling with guests, walking around in and probably dancing in your chosen shoes for a minimum of 5 hours. As you are likely to be on your feet for most of the day comfort should be your priority over looking trendy!

Whilst it is important to strike a balance between comfort and style, you must also choose shoes which are practical too.

3. Choose functionality over fashion

♥ Consider what time of year you are getting married. There is no point in looking at strappy sandals if you are getting married during winter in a location which usually experiences sub-zero temperatures!

♥ On the other hand if you are getting married in a hot climate it would make perfect sense for you to wear a pair of open-toed sandals or flip-flops which will give your feet a chance to breathe.

♥ Think about your wedding location. Are you getting married outdoors, on an exotic beach, in a traditional church, a rustic chapel or at a backyard barbeque?

♥ Consider whether your wedding shoes are compatible with the type of floor surfaces you are going to encounter on your wedding day.

o Will you be walking down an aisle? If so, is it carpeted or hard-floored?

o Will you be walking on grass? If so you should avoid spiky heels which are likely to sink into soft ground! Opt for a flat wedding shoe or if you have your heart set on high heels try a platform shoe, thick block heel or wedge which offer more support than a sleek stiletto heel.

o Will you be walking on gravel or loose stones? If so opt for a closed toe shoe otherwise you might face spending your wedding day picking gravel from in between your toes!

o Will you be walking on a sandy beach? If so a simpler slip on sandal, thong sandal, flip-flop or even bare feet might be more practical for walking through the sand.

4. Match fabrics as well as colors

Color

♥ When choosing the color of your wedding shoes use a swatch of material to match the exact color of your wedding dress. The last thing you want is to choose shoes which completely clash with your dress.

♥ Next, decide whether you would prefer shoes in exactly the same shade as your dress or would you prefer a complementary shade or color.

♥ Remember to also take the color of your accessories into account, such as your bouquet, headwear, wedding bag or gloves.

Fabric

♥ The type of fabric which your shoes should be made of is usually determined by the style and detailing of your dress.

♥ Whilst satin and silk wedding shoes are the traditional popular choice with brides, those made from lace, velvet, brocade, leather and suede are also very stylish. Choose a fabric which suits your personal style and complements your wedding dress.

♥ If you are planning an outdoor wedding you should choose a more durable fabric such as leather or suede as opposed to delicate fabrics such as silk and satin which tend to stain and rip easily.

♥ Many brides try to get shoes dyed to match their gowns and then are disappointed when they don't match because they have looked only at the price and gone with the cheapest material possible. If you choose a different material than what your gown is made from, the dye, no matter what color you attempt to use, will not "grab" the same, and the light does not reflect in the same manner. Satin, peau-de-soie, silk, brocade and other materials all have different reflective and dye qualities. You must choose shoes out of similar materials to get a good match.

♥ You might think that the fabric which your shoes are made of is simply an aesthetic consideration but the material can make a huge difference in the comfort of your shoes. Some soft materials such as leather and suede will mould to the shape of your feet whilst satin or other fabric shoes can be stiff without much give in them.

5. Add attention-grabbing adornments

♥ Ensure that any added embellishments on your wedding shoes, such as crystals, rhinestones, beading or embroidery, match the color and style of your dress.

♥ Don’t over-accessorize when it comes to your wedding shoes. Remember that comfort and style are far more important than sparkles. It is far better to choose simple, elegant shoes which match your dress rather than heavily detailed shoes which might be eye-catching for all the wrong reasons!

♥ Remember too if your shoes are adorned with jewels and even straps or buckles that they don’t catch on the hem of your dress and snag it. That is why it’s important to try your shoes with your dress when you have it fitted. That way, if necessary, the seam of the dress can be altered or (the worst case scenario) you have advance warning that your shoes are unsuitable for your style of dress and you can choose something which is less likely to catch on your dress.

6. Don't assume high price means best fit

With most things in life you do pay for what you get. However paying a high price for good quality materials will not necessarily ensure the best fit for your wedding shoes. The only way to know which shoe fits you best is to try the shoe on. Each brand will run different, and some shoes will fit in one size in one brand and another size in another brand. If you want to dance the night away on your wedding day, be sure to walk around in a few pairs beforehand and check the fit so that you find a pair that not only look great but fits comfortably. You may be surprised to find that some very inexpensive shoes have a fantastic fit.

7. Consider looking at shoes that aren't "bridal shoes"

♥ Sometimes when things are prefixed with the word “wedding” their price doubles. Don’t narrow your search for your wedding shoes solely to wedding shoe stockists. Do some research on the internet for the style of shoe which you prefer and definitely shop around. Take a look at websites such as BridalShoes.com, QualityBridalShoes.com, BellissimaBridalShoes.com or Shoes.com.

♥ Take a look at “normal” shoe shops. Whether you are looking for a specific color of shoe, an unconventional alternative to the wedding style sandal or simply a traditional ivory satin court shoe, you will be pleasantly surprised at how many shoe shops stock a wide variety of fashionable colors and styles of shoes at reasonable prices.

♥ If you buy your wedding dress from a shop most will also try and sell you a pair of wedding shoes too. If you don’t like the range they offer, or you think that they are over priced, don’t feel obliged or intimidated to buy any just because they are selling you a dress.

♥ In saying that, if you are interested in a pair of shoes at the same store where you have bought your dress don’t be afraid of asking if they would consider offering you a discount for buying both items. Remember if you don’t ask you don’t get!

♥ If you will be doing a lot of dancing or have planned a special dance routine for your wedding day, look into purchasing shoes from a store specializing in dance shoes. Ballet or ballroom shoes are designed to be extremely comfortable and come in a wide range of styles and colors that are extraordinarily versatile and attractive, with plenty of give and flexibility. Once you try these on, you may find yourself going back to these stores for special event shoes beyond your wedding day.

♥ Take a look at wedding shoes online. Remember that in the US and UK shoes sizes are standard so don’t be afraid of buying from overseas if you see your dream wedding shoes online. Use the website Onlineconversion.com to identify your correct shoe size.

Top Tips When Shopping For Wedding Shoes

♥ Remember that later in the day your feet will have swollen and be slightly larger so this is an ideal time to try on shoes.

♥ If your feet are prone to swelling you should buy them in a half size bigger otherwise by the end of your wedding day they could be pinching you.

♥ Whether you have chosen a custom-made dress or an off-the-rack department store dress, always take your shoes along with you when having the dress fitted so that your hemline ends up being the right length.

♥ To avoid color clashes take a swatch of your wedding dress fabric or at least a comparable color swatch when you go shoe shopping so that you can match up the colors.

♥ Allow yourself plenty of time to find your perfect wedding shoes. That way you can wear them to dress fittings (so that your hemline is the perfect length), you can wear them in (so that you avoid blisters and sore feet on your wedding day) and most importantly you will have one less thing to worry about in the run up to your wedding!

♥ Consider buying a shoe style which you can wear again after your wedding - very eco-friendly! I have worn my wedding sandals to many weddings since my own.

♥ Weigh up the cost of your shoes against how likely it is that they will be seen. If your shoes are going to be hidden away under a full length wedding dress with just a toe poking out for guests to see think about whether is it really necessary to splurge on designer shoes which blow your wedding budget!

Pre-Wedding Day Considerations

♥ Never wear your wedding shoes fresh out of the box! To avoid blisters, aching feet and general discomfort on your wedding day it’s really important that you practice walking in your shoes and get used to wearing them.

♥ It’s important that your shoes mould to the shape of your feet in time for your wedding day. To break them in before the wedding wear them around your house. A couple of months before the wedding you should try wearing your shoes around the house for a few minutes at a time. Build up gradually for longer periods of time until you can wear them comfortably for 4-5 hours.

♥ If the soles of your shoes are too smooth you are likely to slip if walking on hard polished or parquet flooring. Prior to your wedding day scuff up the sole so that you have some traction to prevent sliding up the aisle! The best way to do this is:

o Use rough-grit sandpaper to scuff and roughen the sole of your shoes - it will make the surface of them less slippery.

o Take your shoes to a shoe repair shop and ask them to fit either a half sole or rubber grip to the shoe.

o Scratch the bottom of the shoe’s sole to make it less slippery (use a knife or a harsh brush to score it in a cross hatch pattern to rough up the sole).

o An easy alternative is to wear your shoes out on the pavement and scuff up the bottoms yourself (watch out for puddles though!).

♥ Remember to include plasters in your wedding-day emergency kit just in case your shoes pinch, rub or you suffer the dreaded blisters. Invest in some felt pads too - these can be applied to the ball of the foot where all the pressure will be (particularly with high heels).

♥ If you have your heart set on a pair of stiletto heels but know that they will be completely impractical once you hit the dance floor, consider buying a second pair of shoes with a lower heel, flats or even flip flops so that you can do a changeover once the dancing starts. Many brides have a second pair of more comfortable wedding shoes as a back-up plan in case they experience aching feet with their wedding shoes later in the day. Just be sure that the “back-up shoes” will suit the style and length of your dress as you do not want it being snagged or dragged along the floor.

Remember, the perfect wedding shoes will strike a balance by being both comfortable and stylish. After all on your wedding day you want your shoes to make you feel beautiful and elegant not squirming in pain!

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As you plan your wedding you will receive advice from just about everyone. Friends and family have a million and one tips to pass on, in fact here at Wedaholic I have been offering tips galore. For example tips on wedding djs, getting guests to mingle, giving a great speech and tipping wedding suppliers to name just a few!

I would like to encourage you to sign up for even more tips, by filling in the short form below:

Once you have clicked on the "Send My 1st Tip" button you will receive your first tip in your inbox.

To give you a flavour of what to expect I have copied the types of wedding tips you will receive below:

Sample Tip 1 :

At the reception hall, fill baskets in the bathroom with miniature hand lotions, breath mints, hair sprays, and hair gels for emergency touch-ups. You may also want to put out a basket with a few inexpensive pairs of pantyhose and
some clear nail polish.

"Thanks for all the tips..and for making them genuinely "free".... the tips I found most helpful of your's were about etiquette ... it helps to remind brides of other people's feelings when they are getting caught up in their own! And that idea about giving framed pictures to the parents is one I will definately do! Blessings!" - Suzanne, US

Sample Tip 2 :

Don’t forget grandparents and other relatives who may feel “left out” during the preparations before the wedding. Take a camera along when you are shopping for your dress or looking at flowers.

Send pictures with a quick note that says, “Here’s me rubbing my feet after trying on shoes that were murder!” Or “Aunt Joan, the flowers were beautiful, but I wish you could have been there.”

"Just wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful tips! I enjoy reading them every week!! I will use you're advice throughout the planning of my wedding and on the big day! Thanks again" - Dan

Sample Tip 3 :

For bridesmaids' dresses, consider separates, especially if you have attendants whose sizes and shapes vary widely. Skip the bridal stores and check out department stores for evening skirts and separate tops that are made of luxurious fabrics and trimmed with beading or embroidered details.

"Dear Emily your tips have been very helpful to me in planning for my wedding thank you for all of your help, looking forward to receiving other tips from you. Best Regards" - Cornelia, US

Is waltzing round the dance floor at your wedding reception to the gentle crooning of Celine Dion not enough of a show-stopper for you? Perhaps you want to make a bold statement and have your first dance stand out in the memories of your guests. One of the hottest wedding trends is to learn a choreographed routine for your first dance as husband and wife. As I mentioned in my previous blog increasing numbers of newlyweds are abandoning waltzing to traditional classics and instead are performing strategically planned dance displays to music such as the signature tune to Dirty Dancing, MC Hammer's “Can't Touch This” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

According to Adam Gardner and Gemma Rogers of wedding dance company First Dance UK,

"It's very rare for a couple to just ask to be taught the waltz. A lot of the requests are weird and wonderful”.

You only have to take a look at one of the many videos of other couples performing their first dance on YouTube or GoogleVideo to see this for yourself. I’m just hoping one of the couples whose weddings I am due to attend later this year decide to copy the Austin Powers theme tune dance – it looks hilarious!

Whilst I’ve mentioned before that I love newlyweds Brian and Sandy Lundmark’s awe-inspiring rendition of Michael Jackson's Thriller dance, I have to say my new personal favorite amongst the first dance wedding videos on You Tube is the body popping couple – it is so cool.

This is a wedding trend which does not look likely to end anytime soon. In fact UKTV Style have devoted a new show, “First Dance”, to just that! Each show follows one of 15 couples on their journey from learning their specially-choreographed secret routine to executing it at their wedding reception. According to the Sun Newspaper newlyweds Andrea and George Georgiou from Edmonton, who feature in the show, said they wanted to try something a bit different for their wedding day. They spent weeks preparing for their first dance to perform in front of their 500 wedding guests and their verdict was,

"It was a bit nerve wracking but when it came to do the dance, all the lights went down and everyone was laughing and cheering as we performed. It was amazing."

If you want your first dance to be a show-stopper and know nothing at all about dancing above and beyond a quick boogie at your local club then perhaps you should think about engaging the services of a dance choreographer. Companies such as First Dance UK offer a helping hand by teaching couples how to put together a dance routine for their wedding to surprise their guests. The choreographers can come to your own home and teach you a unique routine tailor-made to your choice of song and to your dancing ability. You don’t need to have any previous dance experience. A 1 hour trial lesson, costing £60, is recommended if you simply want to learn a few basic moves that you can link together for your first dance song. Alternatively, if you want to learn a full routine for your first dance song they offer a package of 5 lessons for £250.

Whatever you decide to do before you embark on the challenge of organizing your first dance here are some tips:

Top Tips For Orchestrating Your First Dance

Initial decisions

♥ You don’t have to be an exhibitionist to try a choreographed first dance - nobody is going to force you to re-enact the legendary dance sequence from Dirty Dancing. You could try something as straightforward as learning how to foxtrot round the dance floor or a few simple spins, dips and salsa moves. Whatever you do it is sure to be memorable to both you and your wedding guests (hopefully for the right reasons!).

♥ You can choose private lessons with a choreographer, as mentioned above, or opt for the cheaper alternative which is group classes at your local community center or school.

♥ If you are on a tight budget and cannot factor dance lessons into your wedding plans then how about working out your own dance routine. Plenty of couples do it (take a look at the videos on YouTube to see other DIY first dances). Even if you don’t have the dancing prowess of Cheryl Burke or Patrick Swayze you can still put together a first dance sure to impress your wedding guests.

♥ Be creative! The abovementioned newlyweds who body popped their way through their first dance came up with the choreography themselves. See what unique dance ideas you and your fiancé can come up with yourselves. You don’t necessarily need a professional choreographer or dance lessons, all you need is some confidence, the desire to entertain your wedding guests and a willingness to have plenty fun.

♥ If you are looking for inspiration then look no further than the internet. As mentioned, there are hundreds of videos to choose from on the web.

♥ There are also many easy-to-follow instructional videos and DVDs available to buy or rent which can teach you dance moves in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

♥ Initially you should decide on a song you would like to dance to. There are plenty of options available to you. If you are undecided about your first dance song check the list at Firstdance.com which has a huge selection of appropriate wedding dance songs and also check out my blog.

♥ The best type of song to use for your first dance is one with a distinctive beat which is easy to hear.

♥ If you are having trouble picking a song try practicing some dance moves together to your favorite 2 or 3 songs. Settle on whichever of the songs you both feel most comfortable dancing to.

♥ Once you have chosen your first dance song let your choreographer know your choice. They might well ask you to let them have a CD copy of the song so that they can listen to it in advance of your first meeting to begin to visualize a suitable dance routine for you.

♥ It is best that you dance to recorded music so that you get used to the timing of it and know exactly what to expect on your big day.

♥ However, if you are intending to dance to live music make sure the band know how you want the song to be played. Provide them with a CD copy of the song you would like to dance to so that they can familiarize themselves with it before the wedding day. Additionally, it would be wise to hear the band play in person or request a recording of their version of your chosen song so that you can be sure they are going to play an accurate version for your first dance.

♥ Alternatively you might prefer to copy a well-known dance routine (e.g. Dirty Dancing, Thriller, Pulp Fiction) and use the specific song which goes in tandem with it.

♥ Another decision you will need to make early on is whether or not you would like your choreographed first dance to be a secret or not. Part of the appeal is surely to see your guests’ shocked reactions on your wedding day as you wow them with your first dance?

♥ Once you have decided this, consider whether you would like to invite family members or members of your bridal party to participate in the dance with you (I say participate because under no circumstances should you force an unwilling groomsman, bridesmaid etc to take part in the first dance if they are at all reluctant!). If they are agreeable you could arrange group dance lessons (see the “Thriller” video for an example of how much fun you could have as a dancing troupe).

♥ Some people feel that the first dance is the bride and groom’s moment to shine in the spotlight and thus the wedding party should not be included in it. If you feel this way but want to include them in your dance routine somehow you could have them participate in the latter part of the routine (check out the Dirty Dancing routine where the bridal party joined in at the end of the dance – it was really effective, particularly as the groomsmen were able to assist the couple with perfecting the infamous lift at the end of the song!).

♥ Alternatively you could consider a second song for the wedding party to perform their own dance routine. I absolutely love this video of the bride’s father, brother, brother-in-law and groomsman replicating Ok Go’s dance routine to “Here It Goes Again” – what a fabulous way of entertaining your wedding guests. Your only fear with something like this happening at your wedding is that they will steal you and your spouse’s thunder on the dance floor!

♥ When learning the moves for your first dance try not to be overly ambitious. There is no point in you and your fiancé pushing yourselves beyond your comfort zone – you want to look happy and comfortable during your first dance not like a couple of deer caught in headlights! Be aware of your limitations and adapt the dance to suit you and your dancing ability. For example in one of the episodes of “First Dance” the groom-to-be suffered a bad back so he opted out of lifting his bride-to-be during the first dance routine they learnt.

The 3 minute rule

♥ One of the most important things to bear in mind when choosing the song to dance your first dance to is that less is always more! You don’t want to choose a song that lasts longer than 3 minutes or you run the risk of losing your audience’s attention.

♥ Just as wedding speeches should be kept short and sweet so that they don't bore your wedding guests, the same applies with your first dance. Ok, you might have spent months practicing the moves and you really want your guests to appreciate all of your hard work, but you can achieve this in 3 minutes – you don’t have to let the first dance drag on.

♥ Remember that your first dance is supposed to be a gift to your guests not a means of torturing them!

♥ If you do choose a song which lasts longer than 3 minutes, bear in mind that you do not need to dance to the entire song. Ask your DJ or nominated person in charge of music at your reception to cut the song or fade it out after a pre-determined point or if you are having a live band ask them to play a shortened version.

♥ Alternatively you could invite your wedding party or even your guests as a whole to join you on the dance floor for the latter part of the song. Just make a decision in advance of the wedding day and let your DJ or person in charge of your music know what is going to happen once your 3 minutes in the spotlight are up!

Practice makes perfect

♥ You should plan your first dance well in advance of your wedding as you will need as much practice as possible. Ideally you should begin practicing your first dance 6 months ahead of time. If this is not possible, at the very least you should start your private lessons or your own practice sessions at least 3 months in advance of your wedding.

♥ The earlier you start practicing your dance routine the more time you will have to make necessary changes before your wedding day. Having to make last-minute alterations to your choice of music, style of dance, etc are very likely to cause you stress (something couples certainly do not need in the weeks prior to their wedding day!).

♥ First Dance UK recommend that typically couples require 5 hours of lessons to learn a first dance routine.

♥ If you are involving friends and family in your first dance routine you must find time as a group to practice together. It can sometimes be tricky to schedule practice sessions for a large group. Make sure they can all commit to the practice sessions before you start learning your dance routine. It would be a shame if members of the group decided to pull out once you have started rehearsals.

♥ Get as much practice with your fiancé as you possibly can (at least twice a week). The more you rehearse your first dance the more comfortable and confident you will feel and look on the actual wedding day.

♥ If you are having private dance lessons, practice in between them at home. All you need is half an hour here and there and a bit of clear floor space.

♥ Whilst it is important that you get to know every beat of the music in your first dance song, choreographers recommend that you practice the dance routine without the music too - this will help you to focus solely on perfecting your dance moves.

♥ Remember that you are not a professional dance duo. Don’t be too hard on each other whilst you are learning and practicing your dance routine. It is inevitable that you will make mistakes but the important thing is to keep practicing and not fall out over it.

♥ In the run up to your wedding you want to be able to enjoy your dance lessons with your fiancé so make sure you allow enough time. Taking an hour out of your schedules once a week in the busy build up to your wedding will probably be beneficial to both of you. Your dance sessions can become a date night where you spend time together and enjoy each others company away from all of your other stresses, strains and wedding preparations.

Dress to impress

♥ It is important when planning your first dance to think carefully about what you will be wearing on your wedding day. You need to be able to comfortably perform all of your dance moves.

♥ Check the length of your wedding dress. If it is too long your dancing partner might step on it during the first dance. During your dress fittings check that your heels are not likely to get caught in its hem. Ideally the hem should be at least 1.5cm off the floor.

♥ If you have a wedding train be sure that you have the option to pin it up at the back or have it attached to your wrist to keep it swept up and out of the way during the first dance.

♥ You might find that the shape of your wedding dress dictates what style of dance you are able to perform. For example, if you have chosen a dramatic ball gown style with a full skirt are you really going to be able to participate in a swing dance? If you are wearing a low cut strapless wedding dress are you definitely going to be able to execute a backward bend during the first dance without showing more than a bride should?

♥ Is your dress tight fitting? Will you be able to dance comfortably in it?

♥ If you have any worries at all about your ability to perform your chosen dance routine in your wedding attire, let your dance teacher know.

♥ You might well find that some dance moves have to be moderated if your dress restricts them. For example, if you are unable to comfortably raise your arms in your wedding dress then you will be unable to incorporate spins into your dance routine as these require you to raise you arms above your head.

♥ Whilst watching one of the first dance videos on You Tube I couldn’t help but notice that every time the groom was spinning his bride on the dance floor both he and she were catching their hands and arms on her huge tiara. If you are wearing a tiara as part of your wedding attire choose one which is not going to hinder your all important dance moves. My advice is to have a practice waving your hands above your head when choosing a suitable tiara - you might get some strange looks in the shop but it will give you one less thing to worry about during your first dance.

♥ The best thing you can do when practicing your first dance is to dress in clothing similar to that which you intend to wear on your wedding day. In last week’s "First Dance" show the choreographer arranged for a mock-up of the bride’s fish-tail wedding dress to be made up in cheap fabric for her to practice in.

♥ If the groom-to-be intends on keeping his jacket on for the first dance then it makes sense that he should practice the dance routine in a jacket. This will be a great way for him to determine whether or not his dance moves will be restricted by wearing a jacket.

♥ It is also important to make sure that you feel comfortable dancing in your wedding shoes. You should wear the shoes you plan to wear for your actual first dance to your dance lessons. This is important, so that you not only have the chance to practice your dance routine in your wedding shoes but you will also be breaking them in so that they adjust and stretch to fit your feet prior to your big day.

♥ To avoid getting your wedding shoes damaged or scuffed during dance rehearsals you could wear a similar style of shoe to get used to the heel height etc or you could protect your actual wedding shoes by covering them with athletic socks or nylon stockings.

♥ For the groom it is very important that he makes sure that the soles of his wedding shoes are suitable for the proposed dance floor surface. The last thing you want is for the groom to be sliding about the dance floor (keep in mind the episode of Friends where Chandler surprises Monica by announcing he's been taking dancing lessons but his wedding shoes are so slippery, he is incapable of dancing!).

♥ Also, if the groom is going to be wearing patent leather shoes for the dance, make sure that you break them in prior to the wedding dance as they tend to squeak when rubbed together. The solution is to rub some petroleum jelly or even hair conditioner onto the shoes where they rub.

♥ If your shoes are too uncomfortable or impractical to perform your first dance in then there is nothing to stop you changing your footwear prior to the dance.

♥ The same goes for your clothing - there is no shame in changing into an alternative outfit to perform your first dance in if you feel more comfortable doing so. Changing your clothing could be beneficial if you are copying a known dance routine (the groom in the Dirty Dancing video on YouTube changed from his wedding outfit into a black vest top and trousers, so he totally looked the part). Consider your choice of clothes carefully – are you really going to feel relaxed body popping in your voluminous princess style wedding dress!

Get to know your dance floor

♥ The last thing you want before you perform your first dance on your wedding day are any last minute surprises so make sure you know the exact layout, size and shape of your wedding reception dance floor well in advance.

♥ Even if you cannot see the actual space in situ you can at least ask the hotel or venue manager for the measurements of the dance floor you will be using on your wedding day.

♥ If you have an idea of the size and shape your dance space will be you can practice and get used to dancing in the same amount of space. Whilst watching the show "First Dance" I noticed that the choreographer marked out the dimensions of the couple’s proposed wedding dance floor on the floor of her dance studio with tape for their practice sessions. This is a great idea as it means that if you are expecting to dance in an awkward shaped dance space on your wedding day you will be well used to it. You don’t want to run the risk of having your first dance cut short as you crash into a wall or collide with a pillar do you!

♥ The size of your dance space can influence what type of dance routine you are able to perform for your first dance. If the space is miniscule you might have to moderate your routine and do similar dance moves but on a smaller scale.

♥ If possible examine the dance space in person and try dancing on it (or at the very least walking on it) with your wedding shoes on. If your chosen dance space has a highly polished floor covering such as marble you might find it to be quite slippery to dance on (again, think of Chandler in Friends ending up in the splits position on the dance floor – not how you want your wedding guests to remember your first dance!). At least if you know what flooring you will be working with in advance you can adjust your dance routine accordingly.

♥ In the same vein, if your wedding reception is going to be outdoors make sure that there is going to be a proper dance floor installed for you on your wedding day. If performing your first dance on grass is your only option then make sure you have plenty of practice dancing on this type of surface (and remember that the bride will definitely have to forsake her high heeled wedding shoes unless she wants to get stuck in the grass!).

♥ When looking at your dance space you should plan where you are going to start and end your first dance. If you are using a professional choreographer take their advice as to what will work best on your wedding day.

♥ Once you have decided, make sure that the wedding reception venue staff, DJ/band members/person in charge of your music, photographer, videographer and anyone else assisting you with your first dance (including backing dancers) know precisely where you will be entering the dance floor and where you will be exiting. You want helpers who are aware of your surprise first dance to be able to direct the wedding guests to the dance floor area at the right time and position them appropriately without any guests, venue staff or band members encroaching on your dance space!

Things to remember in the run up to your wedding day

♥ Ensure your DJ, band leader or nominated person in charge of music at your wedding reception is clear about when you are starting your dance routine and what is happening at the end of it.

♥ You are better off performing your first dance at the beginning of your wedding reception’s entertainment. Once the dance is out of the way you can relax and enjoy the rest of the party.

♥ Make sure your DJ has the correct version of the song you want to dance to – sometimes songs have alternative and remixed versions. It’s probably best to provide the DJ with a CD of your song just to be on the safe side.

♥ Keep your reception venue fully informed of your plans for your first dance. Remind them that it is a secret from the rest of your wedding party and guests so that they do not ruin your surprise and also ask that the wait staff avoid the dance floor area for the duration of your first dance.

♥ Remember to let your photographer and/or videographer in on your secret dance routine. They will need advance notice so that they can find the best viewpoint at your wedding reception to capture your dazzling performance.

♥ Discuss with your photographer what style of photos you would prefer when it comes to your first dance. Full body shots of the two of you are preferable as you don’t want your fancy footwork to be overlooked in the photos!

♥ The same applies to your videographer if you are using one. Let them know the layout of the dance floor and discuss with them the best positioning for their video cameras.

♥ When you and your other half take to the dance floor for your first dance together as a married couple everyone is going to be watching – remember though it’s not just your wedding guests who might be witnessing your first dance. Newlyweds Julia Boggio and James Derbyshire received over 1.3 million views after the video of their first dance to the Dirty Dancing tune made it onto YouTube. What a novel idea and a surefire way to make your wedding reception not only stand out in every one of your wedding guest's minds in the years to come but also capture the interest of a million YouTube viewers!

Dance tips for on the day

♥ Your partner might feel nervous about dancing in front of all of your wedding guests - before the performance tell them how much you appreciate that they are participating in this with you and give them a reassuring hug.

♥ Take time before and during the first dance to encourage each other. A smile from you is sure to do wonders for your dance partner’s confidence levels.

♥ Walk onto the dance floor with confidence and hold yourself tall and proud.

♥ Even if you are concentrating hard on remembering your dance steps, make an effort to smile.

♥ Remember to look straight ahead and not at your feet when dancing (it is tempting to watch your feet if you are trying to perform complicated dance steps).

♥ Listen to the beat of the music and make sure that you keep in time with it.

♥ Whilst it is important that you maintain eye contact with your partner, try to enjoy the moment and look out at your audience too. It will give your confidence a great boost when you see all of those familiar faces cheering you on!

♥ Also, try to look towards the photographer and videographer when you get the opportunity so that they get some good shots of your face.

♥ Try to loosen up. I have witnessed first dance routines where the bride and groom are really stiff and unnatural looking and totally look like they wish they were somewhere else. Don’t let nerves get the better of you – after all your hard work try to enjoy your first dance and have some fun.

♥ To prevent blocking each others view as you dance, the bride should try to look diagonally to her right over the groom’s left shoulder.

♥ Never surprise your partner with unrehearsed moves on your wedding day. Whilst it is great to be innovative with your dance routine prior to your big day do not try to introduce new dance moves during the first dance. You run the risk of throwing your partner off course or worse still off balance!

♥ If anything goes wrong during the first dance just smile and keep going. So long as you look like you are having fun your guests will not even notice your mistakes.

♥ Remember that you are not contestants on “Strictly Come Dancing” or "Dancing With The Stars" - your wedding guests are not judging your dancing skills! These people witnessing your first dance love you and will be enjoying seeing the two of you dance for the first time as husband and wife – that overrides any dancing faux pas you may make.

♥ No matter how relieved you feel at the end of your first dance don’t forget the most important part of it – to give your dancing partner a well-deserved kiss!

I hope that these tips have helped you decide whether or not a dazzling first dance is for you. If you are considering putting together a dance routine for your wedding to surprise your guests then I recommend you watch the show “First Dance” which airs on Sunday at 7.00pm on UKTV Style.

If you follow my advice then your first dance should be exactly what it is supposed to be – a fun and romantic experience, the memories of which will last you a lifetime!

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If you have already found your dream wedding gown amongst the beautiful array on offer at Berketex Bride but have not yet got around to purchasing it then get your skates on as you could win a full refund of the price of your wedding dress! As part of Berketex Bride's "One & Only" Promotion through Confetti.co.uk all you have to do is purchase a full-price (not a sale item) Berketex Bride gown from one of their stores. Your name will then be entered into a draw and the winner of the refund will be chosen on Friday 22nd June 2007.

The offer ends on Saturday 16th June so get in there quick to bag yourself a free wedding dress!

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If you are having trouble finding your dream wedding dress then why not have a look at these. Last week at New York's Bridal Fashion Week top US designers presented their latest bridal gown creations. The newest trends amongst these gowns included lots of dramatic poufs and layers, high empire waists (very flattering) and stunning gowns inspired by red carpet glamour.

Vera Wang’s bridal collection featured fishtail and one-shouldered gowns, 40’s inspired glamorous dresses and a unique minimalist capri panted pajama suit (which I personally think is cute but not suitable for a bride on her wedding day!). Wang’s distinctive creations also offered eye-catching back details such as dramatic trains, floral appliqués and intricate pleating.

Amongst the superstar designers displaying their work at New York's Bridal Fashion Week was Monique Lhuillier, who famously dressed Britney Spears on her wedding day. According to ETonline.com Monique’s favorite trend for bridal gowns this season are colored sashes, usually in silver or a muted color to accentuate the bride’s waist.

Keep up-to-date with bridal gown trends and take a look for yourself.

One of the much anticipated highlights of New York's Bridal Fashion Week was the unveiling of the "Kirstie Kelly For Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings" inaugural collection. Designer Kirstie Kelly produced her very own themed wedding gowns inspired by classic Disney heroines including Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Band Jasmine. The dresses, priced between $1,100 and $3,500, are said to be designed to be perfect for any princess on her wedding day. Take a look at the collection and see whether any of the Disney princess styles appeal to you.

Happy dress hunting!

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Further to my previous post about Marks & Spencer’s Spring collection of bridal and occasion wear I just had to let you all in on a secret - the dresses are not only attractively priced but in the flesh they are genuinely beautiful. I had the opportunity to see a selection of three of the wedding dresses from Marks & Spencer’s range at the weekend when I was helping my budget-conscious friend choose a dress for her wedding later this year.

The dress she wanted my opinion on was the “Autograph Occasions Long Crepe Cowl Wedding Dress”. The floor length Grecian-style dress had a cross-over back, some diamante and hand beaded detailing (but not too much) and a flattering cowl neck. I thought it looked beautiful - simple yet elegantly stylish. It certainly did not look like a dress with a mere £150 price tag attached to it! Agreed, the dress may not be made of the highest quality fabrics, but it was very well made and looked akin to expensive designer wedding dresses I have seen in the past. There are ten different dresses in the Marks & Spencer Bridal Collection with designs ranging from an effortlessly pretty knee length embroidered dress to a contemporary lace covered dress with a scalloped hem and neckline.

Of course opinions on wedding dresses are highly subjective and very personal. I know that some bride-to-be’s might feel that a high street wedding dress is not special enough for their big day, but don’t discount them without seeing them for yourself - there is nothing ordinary about these dresses except the price tag!

Advantages of buying a high street wedding dress:

♥ High street stores often stock the wedding dresses in all sizes so you are able to try on the correct size before buying it. This is a huge benefit, as dedicated bridal boutiques usually only carry wedding dresses in one or (if you are very lucky) two sizes so the chances of you getting an accurate evaluation of whether that particular dress flatters you are slim.

♥ The biggest plus for high street wedding dresses is that you can buy the dress (or even dresses!) and try it on in the comfort of your own home. For those of us who trust our own opinions on what suits us over and above a pushy sales assistant's opinion this is wonderful.

♥ The other bonus is that you can get a full refund from the store if you change your mind. Just remember to keep your sales receipt, not to remove the labels from the dress and to return it within their required refund period.

♥ Unlike custom-made designer wedding dresses, where you must order it at least six months in advance, with high street stores there is no waiting period! If you are on a tight timescale to find your dream wedding dress you can order it online from Marks & Spencer and they deliver it the next day. This is brilliant news for brides who have to leave buying their dress to the last minute either because they don’t have time to shop around for a wedding dress or because they intend on dropping a dress size before their wedding day and want the dress to fit perfectly nearer the time.

♥ More goods news is that if you are buying online with Marks & Spencer at the moment you qualify for free delivery when your order value is £30 or more!

♥ With high street wedding dresses what you see is what you get. By this I mean that there will be no surprises in store for you days before your wedding. Traditionally brides who have ordered custom-made wedding dresses have various dress fittings in the run up to the wedding and then collect the finished dress shortly before their wedding day. You only have to look at wedding discussion forums on the internet to see some brides’ real-life horror stories about collecting their dresses with days to go until their wedding and discovering that their dress is too long, too short, too low cut or worse!

♥ Another advantage is that you are bound to feel more relaxed being in a familiar environment such as your local high street store. Feeling comfortable will help to make your wedding dress shopping experience less stressful. Whilst the staff in independently owned dedicated bridal shops inevitably mean well and try to put shoppers at ease, their rows of extravagant gowns can seem very intimidating to a bride-to-be. How can you make an informed decision on one of the most important features of your wedding if you are feeling anxious or harassed?

♥ I like the fact that high street stores usually have longer opening hours so for brides-to-be who must fit their wedding dress research trips in after a full working day they are able to simply drop by the store and peruse their wares. With dedicated bridal shops you are expected to make an appointment in advance of your visit and the store opening hours are normally not as extended as high street stores.

♥ Finally, and most importantly, the biggest bonus of high street wedding dresses is that you will save lots and lots of money! Whether you are a cash-strapped bride-to-be or a shrewd one who does not want to be paying for her wedding long after her first year wedding anniversary has passed, the most sensible area to cut down on your wedding costs is on your wedding dress.

Disadvantages of buying a high street wedding dress:

♥ If you prefer the personal treatment you are sure to receive from dedicated bridal shops then be aware that you are not likely to find this at a high street wedding dress store. Whilst staff I met with at the weekend when my friend tried on her dresses were courteous and helpful, they did not interfere with the decision-making process and did not offer help with getting into the dress and accessorizing it (these were advantages in my friend’s opinion!).

♥ If you have decided on a high street wedding dress, do remember to check the dress for any damage it might have suffered while being tried on in the shop by other customers. Check in particular for rips to the seams, lipstick marks or dirty scuff marks around the bottom of the dress.

♥ You will have to come to terms with the fact that you will not be wearing an exclusive designer dress and face the reality that you might well attend someone else’s wedding only to find the bride wearing your wedding dress! If you don’t like the thought that other brides will be wearing the same dress as you then perhaps a high street wedding dress is not for you!

Whilst £1000 used to be the typical price tag for a wedding dress, with the high street wedding dress phenomenon we are now seeing the average wedding dress cost falling. Stores such as Marks & Spencer, Asda, Debenhams, H&M and (in the USA) Target are producing good quality off-the-peg bridal outfits at affordable prices for every bride at prices from £30 upwards.

Whilst I personally do not think it is snobbish to want a couture wedding dress (after all that is the route I chose to go down when I chose my own wedding dress) I do think that high street wedding dresses should not automatically be dismissed. The advent of these more affordable off-the-peg wedding dresses is fantastic news for brides who don’t want to blow their wedding budget on a dress with such a short life expectancy. Take a look and see for yourself!

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I wanted to let you all know about “Beaded Weddings” by Jean Campbell. This book is a fantastic craft guide which is sure to encourage even the most reluctant DIYer to have a go. Not only does the book give you unique and inspirational ideas but it also teaches DIY novices basic craft skills. There are over 75 fabulous ideas for DIY projects which would,

“give your wedding a unique, unforgettable style of its own”.

Please take a look at my 6 minute video review of the book by clicking on the play button below. Alternatively you can visit Google Video or YouTube.com.

This book is very easy to read with friendly narrative and beautiful photos. It is broken down into 6 sections including invitations, thank you notes, reception décor, wedding finery, accessories and gifts.

One thing I like about this book is that there is a real variety of choices for skilled beaders or novice beaders (like myself!). For the braver DIYers amongst you there is a section on wedding dress embellishments, showing you how to jazz up your wedding dress. For the less skilled amongst you (this would include me!) or for those of you that do not have a lot of time on your hands to take on DIY projects in the run up to your wedding, there are things like bridal bobby pins which are so simple to make and yet they look as pretty and sparkly as shop-bought accessories.

One of my favorite DIY projects in the book is the beaded gift bag. You simply slip a pretty bead of your choice onto the end of a drawstring on an organza bag and there you have it – an effortless, yet eye-catching, result! A personalized gift bag which you could use for wedding favors, gifts for your bridal party or for future gift-giving occasions. How about wowing your wedding guests with how creative you are - try the cake stand necklace. It combines India glass and Czech fired polished beads with ivory and crystal seed beads. You could really dress up a plain glass cake stand with this very inexpensively.

Techniques used throughout the book include crimping, wire wrapping, bead embroidery, simple fringe and knotting. This might all sound highly technical to you but you really have nothing to worry about – this book takes you through each technique step by step with clear color pictures and diagrams to guide you along the way. It is all very well laid out. A perfect example is the elegant pearl necklace. There is a list of materials and tools needed so that you can get yourself equipped and organized before you start. The narrative then describes how to put the necklace together with diagrams showing how to tie the specific knots needed and it also gives you a lovely big photo of the end result – a stunning pearl necklace custom made to your own specifications.

Also, in the introductory section of the book it gives you a description of each material you might be using including beads, clasps, pins, wires, fabric, ribbon, glue and tools. Don’t worry though, it’s not like a home maintenance manual (if you’ve other tried to follow one of those!) - this book has easy to understand lingo and the terms used are not too technical.

If you are unsure about where the materials recommended come from then all you have to do is flick to the back of the book where there is a list of suppliers. Most of them have websites through which you can order what you need. When I’ve attempted DIY craft projects myself I’ve discovered that most of the raw materials are far cheaper and much more widely available than I previously thought.

Do bear in mind that there is a vast range of items in this book ranging from straightforward to the more complicated. As you can imagine some projects take more time than others. This book provides you with a list of time estimates. For example a tiara can take up to 3 hours whilst cute table favors can take only 2 minutes each.

I have to admit I was not a huge fan of beads before I read this book but now I am a convert! The designs using semiprecious stones, glass pearls and crystals, amongst other materials, are simple, elegant and most importantly unique.

“Beads can make a gorgeous contribution to wedding-day pieces”.

So what are the advantages to you of reading this book?

♥ You get the chance to learn a new skill which could well prove to be invaluable to you both with your wedding planning and in the future.

♥ You are custom making these items to your own specifications. You can add your own unique twists to the designs in the book and adapt any of the projects to suit your own wedding palette and style. There are no rules to say that you must stick to the same colors and styles of beads used in the book. Let your creativity and your imagination run wild!

♥ One of the most important advantages to you is that you will be saving oodles of money! Rather than buying jewelry, wedding stationary and other wedding items from commercial vendors you are only paying out for the materials which you use.

♥ One of the biggest rewards you should get from reading this book is having fun! The book suggests that you recruit helpers to assist you with making your chosen items, so how about hosting a beading party with your friends.

Without hesitation I totally recommend this book for those of you who are not afraid of getting stuck in to some DIY craft projects either on a small or large scale. Go ahead and get creative! Whether you end up with stunning results or something less than perfect, the most important thing for you to bear in mind in the run up to your wedding is to have lots and lots of fun!

Available from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

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If you have to unexpectedly curtail or cancel your wedding you definitely want to be safe in the knowledge that your wedding insurance will cover you.

For instance it is very important that you are covered if any of the wedding party suffer death, injury, or illness. Critically though your policy often won’t cover pre-existing conditions. Additionally any terminal prognosis for a condition made before you take out the insurance will not be covered.

Equally you should carefully read the conditions on pregnancy as you will only be able to make a successful claim if the birth is expected more than 3 months after your wedding day.

Also don’t expect to be covered if you break your leg while rock climbing a few weeks before the wedding. This is termed as dangerous activity and if you consider any of your hobbies and sports fall into this category it is worth specifically asking your insurance company for clarification.

Obviously if you are aware of any circumstances likely to result in a cancellation before you took the policy out, you are not covered. In addition if either the bride or groom decide not to get married due to their own reasons, they are not covered.

Imagine anyone of the following circumstances happening, resulting in you seriously needing to consider cancelling your wedding. Check your insurance policy cover today to ensure you are covered in the event of a cancellation?

♥ Are you covered if as a member of the armed services you are unexpectedly posted overseas?

♥ Imagine that the premises where you are holding your ceremony becomes damaged, closed by the local authority or the owners go bankrupt. Are you covered for these unfortunate circumstances? In fact some policies cover you in the likelihood that the ceremony venue can no longer hold your wedding due to an outbreak of an infectious or contagious disease!

♥ Is any member of the wedding party likely to be doing jury service?

♥ Is your catering company financially stable? You certainly don’t want to be caught short because they have been closed down by a liquidation or bankruptcy days before your wedding. Check that your insurance will pay you for all irrecoverable expenses you incur. Additionally ensure that you are covered for the extra cost of alternative services to enable re-arrangement of your wedding to avoid an unavoidable cancellation of the whole wedding.

♥ How long before your actual wedding day are you covered for loss or damage to your wedding attire? Is it five working days or longer? Often the small print will say “where the purchase or hire of alternative attire is not possible”. This may be a gray area, and might be worth checking. Remember you won’t be covered if your attire was left in an unattended vehicle, it needs to be locked in an enclosed boot that is not accessible by removing a partition, shelf or breaking a window.

♥ Fortunately I haven’t heard of a wedding within my circle of friends where the registrar or vicar hasn’t turned up. This is almost unthinkable! Organising another date would be a nightmare but at least you would be little less stressed if your policy had paid up for this eventuality. Check this is the case with your policy.

♥ You can almost be forgiven for assuming you are covered for bad weather, but as always it is worth checking. Your policy should cover circumstances where the wedding or reception venue can not be used due to extreme weather damage. In addition you should also be covered for a situation where the majority of your guests can not reach the venue due to the weather.

♥ I always advise taking out wedding insurance as soon as you can. If a year before your wedding the bride, bridegroom or any parent making a proven significant financial contribution finds them self unexpectedly unemployed you at least want to have the opportunity to rearrange the date if lack of income is going to seriously affect your wedding budget. Remember though to check the “exclusions” as employment is usually needs to be continuous and full time for at least 12 months.

If you find yourself claiming for any of the above it is important to ensure your insurance company will pay up to the amount in your chosen schedule for all irrecoverable expenses you have incurred for the following:

* reception catering services
* wedding night accommodation
* transport to and from the wedding/reception
* wedding flowers
* photographs
* dress hire that have been booked but not used.

Note: There will also be cost where things go wrong and you unexpectedly and unavoidably you have to pay extra for alternative services, thus preventing the complete cancellation of the wedding. It is worth checking what percentage of the original services you will be insured for.

Further Wedding Insurance Reading:

UK Wedding Insurance Companies -Time Saving Links To Policy Documents
11 Golden Reasons All Couples Should Have Wedding Insurance - Make sure you take out wedding insurance today.
Hitched.co.uk Has Chosen Ecclesiastical Insurance To Provide Wedding Insurance Policies Through Its Website - Wedding insurance joins the range of wedding planning services and advice already offered by Hitched.co.uk.

Financial Disclaimer

Wedaholic.com does not accept any liability for any investment decisions made on the basis of this information. This web site does not constitute financial advice and should not be taken as such. Wedaholic.com urges you to obtain professional advice before proceeding with any investment.

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This is a sponsored review.

Wedding etiquette dictates that the parents buy their daughter’s flower girl dress. Thus whatever the budget you will want to buy a dress that is both elegant and fun!

One website that offers just such a collection of stunning dresses at affordable prices is PinkPrincess.com. Their wide range of exquisite designs are gorgeous and comfortable, meaning your little girl will feel like a princess on the day!

Using drop down menus in the left hand navigation bar you can select which colour of flower girl dress you prefer to look at. The options include blue, burgundy, gold, ivory, lilac, pink, red, sage and white. Each dress is affectionately given a girls name for quick reference and browsing, allowing you the opportunity to easily find a dress that will tie into the overall wedding theme.

Dresses:

There are many lovely classic dress designs including the "A-line" that looks luxurious and glamorous, in fact some dresses even have the "grown up" look of double-spaghetti straps. Equally there are beautiful fun dresses adorned with beads, sequins, & flowers. You can take your choice from the many different types of organza, satin and taffeta dresses.

Bodice:

Stylish bodice designs include matte satin, a sleeveless princess style, embroidered organza, coloured velvet, silk with polka dots, stretch velvet, two toned shantung, and v-neck.

Some of the bodices are adorned with hand sewn faux pearls offering an elegant look that can’t be achieved with zippers. Alternatively view the bodices that have rhinestones sprinkled throughout them to keep your princess smiling all day long!

Skirts:

Skirt styles include two layered tulle, printed and embroidered organza, taffeta and shantung. Lengths vary from short to ankle length, though there is no disputing the fact that you can’t beat the playfulness and splendid abundance of the full-length skirt. Many have a sash or dainty flowers that tie into a bow around the back.

Some of the skirts come with embroidered daisies & scalloped edges. Other designs are accented with satin butterflies and trimmed with satin ribbons.

Accessories:

These include detachable rose buds at the waist, removable pinned flowers, satin shawls, matching hair clips and sashes with floral and ribbon accents. The range also include baskets, gloves, socks, petticoats, capes, jackets, pillows, shoes, jewellery, and petals.

Flower Dress Measurements:

Sizes range from 9 months to 8 years old.
Chest sizes range from 20.5” to 28”.
Waist sizes range from 20.5” to 27”.
Length ranges (Shoulder to Hem) 16” to 35”.

I recommend you take a look at the gallery page to see photos from actual customers. This will help you visualise how the dress will look in real life.

It is also worth noting that PinkPrincess.com sell pageant and communion dresses for girls and suits and tuxedos for boys.

Please let me know whether you purchase from PinkPrincess, I would love to display any wedding day pictures you take.

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I am happy to announce that on the 26th January wedding dress designer Caroline Castigliano is opening a new store called the Castigliano "International Room" at 154 Brompton Road in London SW3 1AS. The store will not only showcase all her fabulous designs, which are made individually and start at £2000, but also those of several carefully selected international designers.

The other designers have similar price points and share Caroline's commitment to quality and style and making each and every bride feel special. They include:

Amy Michelson - her signature look is sexy, liquid elegance, with designs that are cut to flatter the female form. Amy is the recipient of the prestigious Couture Bridal 2001, 2003 and 2004 “Designer of the Year” Award.

Atelier Aimee - an Italian collection using the finest lace and jewels with exquisite detailing.

Kenneth Poole - pure Hollywood glamour ! A truly modern couturier who refined his skill while working for Vera Wang.

Mariage - a collection of pure romance soft colours and layers with charming floral finishes for the girly bride.

Oleg Cassini - old style glamour brought to the modern world. Famous for developing Jackie Oasis's signature look of timeless elegance.

Sharon Hoey – based in Dublin Sharon has won many coveted awards including a Late Late Show Fashion Award and the Bridal Designer of the Year.

Caroline's own collection is updated each season to incorporate current trends using the finest fabrics and attention to detail.

Fittings are by appointment only and can be made by calling 020 7993 9622 or by booking online at the website.

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Marks & Spencer’s are already an easily affordable one-stop shop for couples planning their weddings with their range of wedding products and services available, including stationary, insurance, lingerie and accessories, flowers and cakes. Now they have taken a bigger bite out of the wedding pie by launching a range of wedding dresses ranging in price from £59-£150 - perfect for the bride-to-be on a budget!

The new collection of bridal and occasionwear will be available at M&S stores and online in March 2007. The collection consists of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, grooms' suits, page boys’ outfits and occasionwear for guests and other attendants. According to a review at Fashionunited.co.uk brides-to-be can choose from a range of five wedding dresses which include full length and knee length skirts and strappy and bustier style dresses in classic white or cream. Take a look at one of the dresses yourself at Bridalwave.tv. I personally think that M&S’s dresses will sell very well. It’s great that modern brides are being offered the option of choosing a more affordable wedding dress. It’s about time that the wedding dress market realized that they need to make wedding dresses available to suit every pocket and every style of bride.

According to lse.co.uk the average bride spends £826 on her wedding dress. This is a huge amount of money to spend on a dress which will only be worn once, even if the wedding dress is one of the main focal points at a wedding. Every bride wants her chance to play dress-up and shine like a fairytale princess or a Hollywood star on her wedding day, but nowadays there is no need for you to spend such a huge proportion of your wedding budget just to get yourself a beautiful dress. With the advent of the new ranges of off-the-peg wedding dresses being produced by stores such as Asda, H&M and M&S you can grab yourself an elegant wedding dress without having to compromise on style and fashion and most importantly without having to pay designer prices!

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I was amused to read a story about a couple who chose to say "I Boo" at their Halloween Wedding in Moundsville, West Virginia at the weekend. According to wtov9.com Alvin and Carol Stillwell exchanged their vows in full Halloween costumes and their friends and family followed the Halloween theme with their wedding attire too - there were plenty of ghosts, witches and goblins cheering the couple on!

A lot of couples, like the Stillwell's, choose to get married on Halloween because it is their favorite holiday. It is certainly one way of ensuring your wedding is remembered for years to come as it is a very unique and wacky theme.

For those of you with a fun-loving nature and a penchant for all things Halloween why not consider it as your wedding theme? Think of the abundance of Halloween decorations there are available for you to use for your wedding if you chose this theme. You could host the wedding reception in a spooky mansion or castle and decorate it with pumpkin carvings, jack-o-lanterns, candelabras, plastic spiders, skulls, bats and eerie lighting. A bubbling cauldron (using a dry ice machine) would be sure to add a spooky atmosphere to the wedding reception and you could tie in the catering to match your Halloween theme (click here to read one bride's catering choices for her wedding including a Jell-O brain mould!). You could carry the Halloween theme all the way through your wedding planning from the wedding invitations down to the cake and favors - what fun! A black wedding dress is a popular choice for Halloween brides and their wedding party and you could choose dramatic blood red roses for your bouquet. By using a Halloween theme for your wedding you would also giving your guests an opportunity to let their hair down and dress up in costumes rather than their Sunday best!

Take a look at Wednet.com for more Halloween decorating ideas.

Do bear in mind that Halloween weddings need not be tacky. If you need reassurance read the Knot's story of a couple who exchanged vows dressed in black at a gothic church in Manhattan and then celebrated their reception in a big, spooky dungeon.

Just think, you will never find a better excuse to host a Halloween party every year than it being your wedding anniversary! Use the comments section below to share your opinion - I would love to hear from you!

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Every Friday I have a chuckle! Why you may ask - well I always make the effort to visit the Frock Horror page on Bridalwave.tv.

Each week the editor Camilla Chafer picks out a horrific wedding dress she has found on the internet. It is amazing how many of the top gown designers can get it so wrong with some of their creations. Today she picks up on a dress by Benjamin Roberts, take a look this is definitely a dress of two halves!

I highly recommend you bookmark Bridalwave.tv and look forward to checking out the latest wedding dress disaster every Friday.

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You may remember that back in July I wrote a comprehensive listing of all the best wedding insurance companies in the UK. Namely Confetti.co.uk, Debenhams, Ecclesiastical, Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Ltd, Event Insurance, Marks and Spencer, MRL Insurance Direct, and Wedding Plan Insurance. If you missed it, here is a link to it along with a link to the 11 golden reasons all couples should have wedding insurance. I know I'm biased but I do highly recommend it because instead of having to visit each insurer's website you now only have to visit one page. There are in depth descriptions of all the different types of covers offered and links to the policy documents, how to order online, company details, ownership facts, and links to the underwriters with notes on their regulations. I have tried to make it as easy as possible for every bride and groom in the UK to compare each policy against the next.

Within this article I stated:

"Both Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc and The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co Limited are both wholly independent and are underwritten by themselves. Marks and Spencer Insurance are underwritten by Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. "

I can now report that the wedding planning website Hitched.co.uk has chosen Ecclesiastical Insurance to provide wedding insurance policies through its website or by calling 0800 336622.

Wedding insurance joins the range of wedding planning services and advice already offered by Hitched.co.uk, which include speech-writing, venue-shopping and gift-buying.

Ecclesiastical will also offer the opportunity to purchase honeymoon insurance at the same time.

Darren Noel, Business Development Director at Hitched, said:

"The Hitched site offers couples everything they need to organise their perfect day. And with so much time, effort and money spent organising a wedding, it makes sense to protect it with insurance."

Ian Henderson, Customer Services Manager at Ecclesiastical said:

"Wedding insurance gives peace of mind during all the preparations leading up to the day itself. Couples shouldn't assume their home insurance covers them – wedding insurance covers damaged dresses, lost rings and suppliers going bust for example. And with so much riding on the day, it's not worth taking the risk of not insuring."

Ecclesiastical's wedding insurance policy provides cover for cancellation or curtailment, re-arrangement, attire, presents, rings, cakes and flowers, photographs and video, failure of suppliers, transport, wedding documents, public liability and marquees (Marquee cover provided for an additional premium, not available with Tier 1 cover). The policy also includes legal expenses cover and a free counselling helpline provided by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited (not available with Tier 1).

For full details of Ecclesiastical's wedding policy cover and exclusions please see the policy document.

Further Wedding Insurance Reading:

UK Wedding Insurance Companies -Time Saving Links To Policy Documents
11 Golden Reasons All Couples Should Have Wedding Insurance - Make sure you take out wedding insurance today.
Will Your Wedding Insurance Cover You If You Cancel Before The Event? - A full list of circumstances you need to check are listed in your policy documents.

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Usually brides have the choice between taffeta or tulle, silk or satin or even chiffon or velvet when choosing the material from which their dream wedding dress should be created. Such a decision was taken out of the equation for bride Viktoriya Shtefano when her husband-to-be, pastry chef Valentyn Shtefano, chose to create her wedding dress out of flour, eggs, sugar and caramel!

The edible wedding dress was made of 1,500 cream puffs, weighed in at 20 pounds (9 kilograms) and took Valentyn two months to make for their wedding in August 2006. Click here to see a photo of it.

"At first, he sewed empty cream puffs together, but the dress collapsed. Then, he carefully attached the puffs to a wedding dress frame, and Viktoriya spent a couple hours each night before the wedding modeling the dress as Shtefano added more puffs."

By the end of the wedding reception, bride Viktoriya didn't want to take her unique wedding dress off, much less devour it. Her dress was accessorized with a matching crown, bouquet and necklace made from caramelized sugar!

According to www.examiner.com the 28-year-old Ukranian chef is renowned in his hometown Uzhhorod for his controversial yet delicious pastries and he is fast becoming a rising star.

"For many in Uzhhorod, cake was just something to eat, not something that can also be looked at and admired."

At least wearing an edible dress to your wedding solves the dilemma of how to store the dress after the wedding - simply pull it apart and enjoy!

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Following the National Wedding Show at Earls Court, nearly two weeks ago, comes another top class wedding show for all London brides. This time it is turn of The Designer Wedding Show at Battersea Park on November 3, 4 ad 5. There will be more than 130 quality creators of wedding gowns, accessories cakes, stationery, entertainment, cosmetics, shoes, tiaras, hats, cars, favours, gift lists, caterers, venues, - basically everything you need for the perfect wedding! I can thoroughly recommend it as I went in 2005.

The exhibitors include Ben De Lisi, Alice Temperley, Vera Wang, Susan Neville, Jenny Packham, Stewart Parvin, Christiana Couture, Pronovias Valentino Sposa, Elie Saab, Manuel Mota, Monique Lhuillier, Peter Langner, Oscar De La Renta, Reem Acra, Sharon Cunningham, Wedding Shop, Caroline Parkes, Christine Kendall, Simultane, Candy Anthony, Louise Selby, Sarah Owen, Sarah Treble, Sassi Holford, Hello!Lucky, Somerley, The General Trading Company, The Wren Press, Emmy Shoes, Goodwood House, Linda Fripp Cakes, Alastair Lockhart, Italian Secrets, Louise Richardson Stationary, Borrowed Blue Press, Abercrombie & Kent, Rachel Trevor Morgan, Jamie Aston Flowers And many more.

For more information, see DesignerWeddingShow.co.uk.

Key Facts About The Designer Wedding Show:

Location :
The Designer Wedding Show
British Genius Site
North Carriage Drive
Battersea Park
SW11 4NJ

Enter by Chelsea Bridge Gate on Queenstown Road

Click here for location map

Box Office : - 0870 190 9098 or book online here.

Tickets : cost £16.50 online (including £1.50 booking fee) and £17.00 on the door.

Door Times : 10am - 5pm daily.

Show Info : Catwalk Show - Included in ticket price & takes place 4 times each day - 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm & 3.30pm.

Food : Gourmet caterer Italian Secrets will be providing a choice of restaurants and bars. The restaurant will serve coffee and breakfast pastries until 11.30am, a two-course lunch from 12 noon and afternoon tea with a selection of Italian cakes will be served from 3pm. Click here to book a table and here to see the menu. The Pol Roger Champagne Bar will be in the centre of the exhibition.

Cars : Look out for AA yellow directional signs to the show.

Parking : Parking: Limited pay & display parking is available in & around the park and disabled parking is available adjacent to the exhibition hall.

Nearest Tube : Sloane Square (District & Circle Lines)

Nearest Station : Battersea Park - Overground from Victoria or Clapham Junction.

Complimentary Shuttle : Leaves from outside The Sloane Square Hotel every 10 minutes.

Bus : Numbers 44, 137, and 344

Email : info@designerweddingshow.co.uk

Organiser : Foxglove Events Ltd Po Box 28860 London SW13 8WT

Next Show : If you can't make this show one in November there is always the next on the 16 - 18 February 2007

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Whilst at the National Wedding Show I had the pleasure of meeting a number of exhibitors from Woburn in Bedfordshire. They were there to promote why Woburn is the perfect place to get married. I was quick to learn that there are a number of wonderful venues for a bride and groom to consider - from the elegance of the Sculpture Gallery to the unique setting of the Safari Lodge or the historic Inn at Woburn. It really was a fantastic opportunity to meet a team of people who offer everything you would need to make your day run smoothly and effortlessly, from the wedding cakes to wedding cars, photographers to fashion.

In particular it was lovely to speak to Chris Southgate from the Questor Woburn Bridal Boutique (01525 290658) and Hollie from The Wedding Workshop (01525 403233). I highly recommend you take a look at their websites and give them a call if you don't live too far away.

Luckily though they will both be attending the Woburn Abbey Wedding Fair in January, the details are as follows:

The Woburn Abbey Wedding Fair

Location: The Sculpture Gallery situated in the South Court of Woburn Abbey

Dates: Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th January 2007.

Starts: 10:00am, Last Entrance 4:00pm

Entry: £2.50 per person - brides and grooms enter free of charge

Fashion Shows: Start at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm. Featuring the Wedding Workshop in Ampthill, Fogarty Formal Hire of Leighton Buzzard and Mother of The Bride, Eleni's Fashions.

All couples stand the chance to win a fabulous two week honeymoon from Thomas Cook worth £4000. (Sponsored by The Wedding Guide).

The Workshops will feature:

1. Carrying your flowers with confidence with Tracy Goodwin and Sara Whitehouse from Creations.

2. Timing to perfection - how to plan your wedding day and the action plan fro the arrangements with Andrew Coy, Directory of Hospitality, The Sculpture Gallery.

3. Top tips from Park7 Studios to help you look and feel great in your photos from Di Fisher LMPA LBIPP

4. Wedding etiquette - fact or fiction? given by Richard Heywood, Professional Toastmaster.

Contact Details:
Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9WA
Tel: 01525 290333
Fax: 01525 290549
Web: DiscoverWoburn.co.uk
Email: enquiries@sculpturegallery.co.uk

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Here is our latest wedding shop review from a bride called Amy. She reviews a shop called Alena's Bridals in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Alena's Bridals - 1525 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825 Tel (203) 384-8085

"This was a walk in... shop is very small, I would say intimate but dresses were nicely organized and seperated by designer. I showed her the picture of a dress by Alfred Angelo (which is a line she carries) and they didn't have it in stock. They had similar dresses or could order that one for me if I wanted to purchase it.

She let me look around... giving me the bride-to-be opportunity to talk about my wedding and ideas. She picked out a beautiful tea-length dress and said remember you have to try something on to truely see it's potential. I loved the dress and the whole experience. I would say this shop is for people who need a little help seeing her potential.

Amy"

As always I welcome any wedding shop reviews you would like to make public on Wedaholic.com

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Hopefully many of you were able to visit the National Wedding Show at Earls Court last week. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Friday and if you did happen to miss it I thoroughly recommend the next one on 13th to 15th October at the Birmingham NEC. You can book your tickets here.

The bridal collections displayed on the catwalk were certainly mesmerising with a breathtaking choice of bridalwear, groomswear and outfits for the wedding party. The catwalk included a dazzling selection of wedding dresses, from top designers who create gowns for celebrity clientele to high street fashion brands, covering all budgets and tastes.

Dresses in the first catwalk scene, entitled Cinderella's Footprints, opened the show with plenty of glamour from designers Chandrika Thomas, Raishma Couture and Marion Thomas whose dresses showed off strong lines and structure to flatter the bride's curves.

It was true to say a plethora of colour dominated the catwalk with eye-catching lilac groomswear from Marc Wallace. There were plenty of dresses in different shades of blues as well as pastel pink and peach seen in the collections displayed by It Fits Bridal, Wizard of Gos, Fiorisimo Bridal & Couture and a stunning purple dress from Mamfi Brides.

Catwalk exhibitor, Sarah Arnett, designer for Simultane, who created dresses for leading British model Erin O'Connor, wowed visitors during scene three with her chic gowns, which evoked a feeling of couture style and Grecian swathing with empire lines.

Berketex Bride presented the OK! Exclusives collection designed by David Emanuel showcasing simple, traditional yet spectacular wedding dresses including a flirtatious shorter length dress. In complete contrast, brides wore black in scene four, with designers such as Marion Thomas, Rivilino Bride and Malcolm Hall showing off their most unique and unusual creations.

For bridesmaids dress ideas, everyone was inspired by the adorable and colourful frocks worn by the catwalk show's littlest models as Nicki Macfarlane Bridesmaids and Nene.D displayed their exquisite designs in a range of vibrant, sumptuous silks and fabrics.

It wasn't just all about brides, as there were plenty of ideas for grooms - Moss Bros Hire, Anthony Formalwear and Couture Pour Homme provided inspiration for groomswear and pageboy outfits.

Asian inspiration prevailed in the finale with a large variety of richly embroidered dresses from designers Merchants of India (Izzy Izaiah) and Seasons Asian Designer Wear. The Asian theme was completed with the ethnic groomswear available from Debenhams.

All in all it was a fantastic show and I look forward to the next one!

Future show dates for 2007: 16-18 Feb NEC Birmingham, 23-25 Feb Olympia London.

See you there!

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Imagine finding your perfect designer wedding dress discounted by up to 70%. Crazy I know, but if you pop along to the Thistle Kensington Palace Hotel, De Vere Gardens, Kensington, London W8 5AF on either the 25th or 26th November your dreams may just come true.

I recommend you register your tickets today. You will have the opportunity to choose from hundreds of designer wedding gowns at unbelievable prices!

The tickets are entirely free, they only ask that you let them know if you cannot attend so they can release your tickets to another bride. In registering for the sale you will have to book a specific session time so as proceedings run smoothly and the time you have to wait is kept to a minimum. (This way there is no occurrence of the chaos you see annually happen at Filene's Basement in Towson, Maryland). Don't worry if you are attending on Sunday, there will still be a good selection as restocking will take place on Saturday night - so rest assured there will be an excellent selection on Sunday.

The dresses on sale are a mixture of window dresses, fashion show samples, end of line gowns, one off prototypes and shop samples. Gowns will range from size 8 to 18, however the gowns will mirror UK sales trends with the majority being 12 to 16. Unfortunately this is just a bridal gown sale and there will be no opportunity for bridesmaids to try on bridesmaids gowns as well.

If you are looking to buy a gown then this is an excellent place to choose from a huge selection. Though the organisers state that if you are only hoping to browse and look for ideas, this really isn't for you and it is recommended you go to a department store or local boutique . It may seem harsh but I guess they only have so many staff and they are really looking to help brides that have a clear idea of what they are looking for.

How does the sale work?

Firstly you will be measured and advised of the appropriate size of gown you should look for. You are then free to browse and select gowns to try on. You will be helped by a trained bridal wear consultant who will help you find the right style of gown for you. An alterations service will be available for all brides.

Sadly if you see a gown you like, you won't be able to come back and try it again. All of the sale gowns will be leaving the hotel at the end of the sale and not returning.

Bridal designers include Amanda Wakeley, Anna Christina, Annabel B, Blue Strawberry, Caroline Castigliano, Christiana Couture, David Fielden, Fabio Gritti, Jasper Conran, Jenny Packham, Lyn Ashworth, One & Only, Peter Langner, Rebecca Street, Sharon Hoey, Sophie English, Toi Creazioni and many more..

If you are fortunate to find the dress of your dreams you should be aware that payment can be made with cash and credit/debit cards (if you have a new Chip & Pin card please make sure you know your Pin number)

Good luck and if you have any further questions please email info@bridaldesigner.co.uk

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I take great pleasure in posting this latest wedding shop review from a bride called Shawna. She reviews a shop called Ruth's Flowers Shoppe & Gowns By Ruth & Audrey in Iowa.

Ruth's Flowers Shoppe & Gowns By Ruth & Audrey - 401 E. Euclid, Indianola, Iowa 50125 Tel (515) 961-3945

"Ruth's Flower Shop and Gowns by Audrey are two separate, but not separate shops in Indianola. They sell bridal gowns, although the selection seemed rather out-dated, bridesmaid dresses and mother-of-the-bride dresses. They also have jewelry, undergarments, shoes, tuxedo rentals and flowers- real or fake.

They are locally owned (Ruth and Audrey are a mother-daughter duo) and they are super nice and helpful. I found a necklace there that was perfect, after months of searching exquisite jewelry shops and the internet. I also was able to speak with Ruth's flower wholesaler to make sure we can get the exact flower I want and know what kind of price we are looking at. Their service was exceptional.

Shawna"

I welcome any wedding shop reviews you would like to make public on Wedaholic.com

All wedding reviewer details are available upon request.

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I recently received this wedding shop review from a bride called Clare. She reviews a shop called Truly Delightful in Totnes, Devon.

Truly Delightful - 8 The Plains, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5DW Tel 01803 863583

"Truly Delightful in Totnes Devon is the most fantastic weding shop EVER so good I travel down from Cheltenham to go there.

The two ladies that run and own it are absolutely fantastic. They just want you to look fab on your big day.

I went with my friend after trying a dress on there to get a second opnion. Whilst I was there they bought out a dress they had just got in that they thought would suit me more, I tried it on it looked fantastic and it was half the price!!!!! I totally recommend it.

Clare"

If you have had a positive wedding shop experience that you would like to tell everyone about, please do not hesitate to email me or simply post a comment on this page.

All reviewer details are available upon request.

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I have been reliably informed that the Autumn/Winter 2006 bridal collection appearing on the catwalk at this year’s National Wedding Shows in London and Birmingham will reflect the ‘wow’ factor normally associated with the catwalks of Milan, Paris, New York and London. The dresses will be glamorous with lines and structure that accentuate the bride’s curves. I have also learnt that colour is also a strong feature for this Autumn and all the shades of blues can be seen as well as pastel pink, peach and green.

Susi Rogol, Editor of Bridal Buyer comments:

“The choice is as breathtaking as the gowns themselves. Sumptuous Marie-Antoinette multi-layered skirts topped by tightly sculpted bodices (Sophia Coppola’s movie will make this the look); 50s-style flirty-skirt shorties with pretty princess necklines; slinky body-skimmers in soft, fluid fabrics worn with tiny lacey bolero tops, gossamer-fine shrugs, or short tailored jacket with high collars. Taffeta is the big-news fabric – crunched, scrunched, swathed and ruched to accentuate curves. Look out for colour – softly, softly pinks, blues, greens and rich topaz golds. There couldn’t be a better time to be a bride.”

The overall theme of the catwalk show is The Four Seasons. Brides, grooms and mother of the bride will find inspiration for all types of wedding.

Spring: Enchanted Garden with fauna and flora inspired decoration and Dressing Up Box with vintage inspired gowns.

Summer: Beach Bride will include a selection of chiffons, silks and natural fibres in neutral colours while Tropical Island will be the same in bold hot colours.

Autumn: Magic Carpet will showcase ethnic influences bridalwear as well as menswear followed by Medieval Heroes and Heroines in their rich and opulent fabrics and styles.

Winter: Snow Palace featuring cloaks and capes.

The catwalk shows will include a dazzling selection of wedding dresses, from top designers who create gowns for the stars to high street fashion brands, covering all budgets and tastes.

I can hardly wait!

If you are in or near London next week I highly recommend you take the time to visit the show. The dates are: London Earls Court Sept 29-1 Oct / Birmingham NEC Oct 13-15 Oct.

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Next week sees the The National Wedding Show at London Earls Court from the 29th September to the 1st October and later on at the Birmingham NEC on the 13th to 15th October.

The Shows aim to provide everything a bride and groom could want to create their perfect wedding, all found under one roof. From designer dresses to fancy favours, wedding cakes, flowers and accessories, amazing honeymoon destinations to fireworks and photographers, there is inspiration everywhere!

The shows will include a dazzling selection of wedding dresses, from top designers to high street fashion brands, for all budgets and tastes. Visitors can admire exclusive wedding outfits by Simultane who have designed dresses for Erin O’Connor; a chic and elegant collection from top designer Marion Thomas; traditional be-spoke styles by Antonia Pugh-Thomas. Paul Simonson, a designer for ultra feminine fashion label Ghost, will be showing his own exclusive bridal range.*

Couples can sample gift lists from John Lewis, Argos, Wrap It and Debenhams. Floral arrangements will be displayed throughout the show, along with scrumptious wedding cakes from Linda Fripp Designs and Cake Couture to name a few. There will be accessories from hand made jewellery to stunning headpieces including tiaras from Isabel Kurtenbach, as well as sweet treats from Swizzle Matlow and The Original Chocolate Fountain.*

To help the bride and groom choose the honeymoon of their dreams there is an impressive selection of perfect destinations including exhibitors: Italian Retreats, Sunset Faraway Holidays, the Bahamas Tourist Office, Transpacific Holidays, Safari Consultants, and Seychelles Travel and many more.

Wedding planning can be stressful and lengthy, so the National Wedding Shows aim to make the decision processes as easy and as fun as possible. Each event features a choreographed Catwalk Show with designs to inspire the imagination, including the latest range of colours from designer dresses and suits to the high-street alternatives.

Style expert Caryn Franklin, best known for her appearances on GMTV and This Morning and as host of the BBC Clothes Show, hosts a live make over session at the ‘How To Look Good’ stage. The top tips and wedding day advice given throughout the session are tailored for a lucky bride to be, picked at random from the audience, who is transformed live on stage. A team of experts including celebrity makeup artist Ariane Poole and hairdresser Errol Douglas* will accompany Caryn for the session.

For fun and informative interaction, live Inspiration Sessions are hosted throughout the day. Celebrity florist Mathew Dickinson and patissier to the stars and royals, Eric Lanlard from Savoir Design, will be bringing their ideas to life on the stage, helping to supply top tips for the big day.

Visitors can begin the celebrations with a touch of sparkle, with the option to sit back and relax in the Champagne bar.

Tickets are available on the National Wedding Show website with ticket prices starting at £10 for the Birmingham Show and £12 for the London show. Alternatively, callers to the Box Office can purchase tickets by credit card on 0870 730 0064.

* please note that exhibitors and guest speakers differ for each show, please consult the Press Office team to check latest exhibitor information.

Future show dates for 2007: 16-18 Feb NEC Birmingham, 23-25 Feb Olympia London.

See you there!

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Every Tuesday Weddingbee.com features listings of many of the upcoming wedding trunk shows and sales in Manhattan. In fact if you know of a trunk show, sample sale, or sale that isn't on their web page please send it to them at tips@weddingbee.com

I continue to thoroughly enjoy reading WeddingBee.com following my review back in May, though at times it is hard to keep up with the number of posts!

There are currently 15 “Miss Bloggers” who submit posts to the site, in conjunction with entries from 5 “Mrs Bloggers”.

I've only been to New York a couple of times and of course loved every second of it. I can only imagine how amazing it must be to actually get married there!

Weddingbee.com is a great insight on life in Manhattan, plus it provides all brides an extensive array of amazing wedding ideas where ever they live in the world.

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I recently received this wedding shop review from a bride called Nicola. She reviews a shop called Christine Daniels in Berkshire.

Christine Daniels - 1st Floor Princess Square, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1LS Tel 01344 425090

"Hello - I visited a bridal shop in Bracknell called Christine Daniels after the owner. Christine was absolutely brilliant and she takes bookings so that you have the whole place to yourself.

My bridesmaid and I were there for over two hours and tried on many many dresses, all of which were beautiful. I really struggled getting only three favourites on my list of dresses to think about when I left!!

Christine's was very professional and not pushy at all, in fact helpfully suggested coming back after having 'slept' on my decisions.

She also has a great selection of dresses in various sizes - something which is great if you are a bit curvier as many other shops I had been in only caterer for the slim girls when having things available to try on.

I would definately recommend the shop. - Nicola"

All reviewer details are available upon request.

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I have recently received wedding shop reviews from brides who subscribe to my weekly wedding tips, most being located in the US and the UK.

I believe it is useful to provide this information, so as engaged brides can see which shops have previously provided a good shopping experience.

The first review is definitely biased as it is written by someone who works in the actual shop! Nevertheless if an employee has taken the time to write to me with a informative review of their shop I see no harm in posting it. In fact I will gladly post this type of self promotion if it offers an interesting and valuable overview of their wedding shop.

So here goes, with a lot more reviews to come:

David's Bridal - Gunbarrell Pointe Shopping Center, 1820 Gunbarrel Road, Suite 400, Chattanooga, TN 37421

"I work at this particular wedding shop, so I guess this might be a bit biased....however...

The selection is huge here and you can buy your wedding gown, bridesmaids, mothers, or flower girl dresses off the rack or by order. There are informal and formal styles, the David's Bridal Collection and three designer collections featuring Oleg Cassini, Monique Luo, and Galina.

Bridal gown orders can take 12 weeks, but often come in in three or 4. Most bridesmaid orders take around 6 weeks but can get in in less than that in a lot of cases.

Prices are also reasonable and able to fit all budgets - styles run from $299 to $1200 for wedding gowns, and often there is a sale for $99 dollar gowns which discounts all other gowns and accessories. Bridesmaids run from $99-$240, so there is a choice for all budgets. (AND, your bridal party members get discounts on their gowns when you buy your wedding gown there...makes for happy people).

Sizes run from 0 to 26W in wedding gowns and 2 to 26 in bridesmaids/mothers styles. There are somewhere near 30 different bridesmaids colors and styles to match formal and casual weddings. Flower girls run from 18months to 14 childrens and Junior Bridesmaids are 8 to 18 childrens.

Almost all bridal accessories are available as well - veils, blushers, jewelry, headpieces, gloves, shoes, handbags, handkerchiefs, garters, etc. are available for order or purchase. A full line of dyeable shoes (sizes 5-11) and dyeable purses as well as silk shoes and purses (not dyeable).

You can check some of it out online at DavidsBridal.com, however not all items are on the website.

I really think it's a great resource especially if you are on a time crunch. Besides, if I do say so myself, the staff are splendid! Be sure to call for an appointment to ensure availability of a consultant when you arrive.

Debra"

All reviewer details are available upon request.

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For most brides picking out one wedding dress is a difficult task. With so many styles and colors of wedding gowns on offer, it makes choosing one probably the most difficult decision you have to make when planning your wedding. It surprises me therefore that Elizabeth Hurley is planning 13 different wedding outfits for her upcoming nuptials!

According to Grazia Magazine actress, model and fashion-designer Liz has ended months of speculation by revealing that she and her fiancé, businessman Arun Nayar, are due to get married “very soon”. The couple, who have been together since January 2003, are planning two wedding ceremonies. The first will be an intimate wedding at Liz’s hometown in Gloucestershire and the other will be a 3 day wedding event in Arun’s native India.

Liz is to select 3 outfits for her English countryside wedding, one for the morning, one for the wedding ceremony and the third for the wedding party. For the Indian ceremony she is rumored to be considering 10 changes of outfits during the 3 day wedding party. Earlier this year Liz was reported to be unable to make a decision as to which of her designer friends she should ask to make her wedding dress. Grazia reports that she has now chosen her friend, Donatella Versace, to design several gowns for her English country wedding. Liz has not yet revealed what style of wedding dress she favors but she has commented that she thinks her age precludes her from wearing a Cinderella-style dress.

“She won’t be wearing a full on wedding dress because she is worried it’s not appropriate for someone her age, but the idea is to have different outfits for the morning, for the ceremony and the party,” a source told Grazia magazine.

Liz also plans to wear traditional Indian dresses for the second wedding ceremony. She told the Daily Mirror,

“I love the pomp and color associated with Indian weddings”.

At least Liz will not have to worry about how she will budget for her many wedding outfits - the couple have negotiated a $3.76 million deal with a magazine to photograph their nuptials!

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How To Plan A Second Wedding

My sister announced at the weekend that she is getting remarried. This will be her second marriage. My family and I are so excited for her that she has found love again and that she is brave enough to put her faith in the institution of marriage after an acrimonious divorce.

All the wedding talk at her engagement announcement party got me thinking about planning a wedding second time around. It is a totally different scenario to organizing your first wedding - you are older (usually this is the case - I think Britney Spears’ two weddings within nine months of each other is quite unique), wiser and will have more experience of your expectations not just for your second wedding day but also your second marriage!

Whether it is due to divorce or death of a spouse increasing numbers of people are making a trip of the aisle for a second time. According to WeddingGazette.com 4 out of every 10 weddings nowadays are second marriages for one or both partners. According to the US Census Bureau one-third of couples getting married in the USA have been married before and every year nearly one million American women marry for the second time. You are in good company if you are planning on saying “I do” for the second time - Madonna, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, Britney Spears and more recently Pamela Anderson have all enjoyed a second trip down the aisle.

If you too are thinking about taking the plunge again then here are some top tips and advice for making your encore wedding even more unique and memorable than your first.

Announcing Your Engagement

If you have children

♥ Once you are engaged the first people you should tell are your children. You definitely need their approval of your future nuptials before you can start making any plans.

♥ You should inform your children of your engagement as soon as possible so that they have plenty of time to adjust to the idea. We are bombarded by the media, particularly by television shows such as "The Brady Bunch", with images of perfectly blended stepfamilies. Of course there will be tears and turbulence as your family unit changes size with your second wedding but becoming a proper united family is not an unattainable feat - it just needs time and perseverance!

♥ You should definitely let your children decide for themselves if they want to participate in your second wedding.

If you are a widow or widower

♥ If your first spouse died then you will need to be sensitive to your deceased spouse's families' feelings. Out of respect for the family you should let them know in person (if you have children by your deceased spouse and remain in constant contact with the family) or by letter (if you have become distant from them and are not used to telephoning them or seeing them in person) that you are remarrying.

♥ Whether or not you invite your deceased spouse's family to your second wedding is a very delicate etiquette issue. If your children (their grandchildren) are participating in your wedding then consider whether they would enjoy attending so that they could see this. Use your own judgment as to whether you think it would stir up too many sad memories for them (and you). Second weddings do present social and emotional issues such as this - it comes with the territory I'm afraid!

If you are divorced

♥ If you are divorced without children then there is no need for you to mention your second marriage to your ex-spouse unless you are on good terms with them and keep in touch with each others news.

♥ If you are divorced with children then you must let your ex-spouse know about your upcoming nuptials. If your children are old enough then you can ask if they would prefer to tell their parent about your second wedding or if they want you to break the happy news. You should try to let your ex-spouse know as soon as possible after you have told your children about your engagement, so that your children do not have to keep it a secret and will free to discuss your upcoming wedding openly.

♥ If you are not on speaking terms with your ex then you could put your news in a letter to them and mention that you have explained it to your children and that your wish is for your children to be a part of your wedding day. Although as co-parent you don’t need permission for your own children to participate in your wedding ceremony, it would make things easier all round if your ex-spouse was consulted at an early stage so that any objections could be aired and discussed and you could guarantee their full co-operation with your upcoming wedding plans.

Organizing your second wedding

When it comes to organizing a second wedding many couples choose to spend less time planning the wedding event than they did first time round and more time enjoying the run up to their wedding day. Second weddings are usually smaller and more intimate but there are no rules if you want a repeat of your first extravagant wedding. Some brides, (such as my sister) who had only a very small wedding first time round, enjoy the thought of an elaborate second wedding. My sister admits that this time round she knows exactly what she wants for her wedding day as she has attended innumerous weddings since her first wedding 12 years ago.

The advantages of organizing a wedding second time around are:

♥ You know the pitfalls and what could go wrong as you have probably experienced a few with your first wedding.

♥ You have a better idea of what style and theme of wedding you want as you have more experience of weddings you have attended over the years.

♥ You are free to create any kind of wedding you and your partner want - be as creative as you want (so long as your budget allows it!).

♥ You can invite who you want to your wedding this time round without the restrictions of having parents impose their choice of guests on you.

♥ Hopefully you are in a better financial position than you were when you first got married so you might be able to afford all of the luxury extras for your second wedding that were not within your first wedding budget.

According to Vibride.com Dee Merz, a wedding consultant with Everlasting Memories in California, says that she enjoys organizing second weddings.

“The brides know themselves better as women and they rarely break a sweat when making decisions. Grooms play a much bigger role in the planning, and every choice is geared to reflecting the couple’s unique personalities.”

Top tips when organizing your second wedding:

Venue

♥ You can host your wedding anywhere second time around, there is so much choice. I know many bride and grooms who have remarried for the second or third time in a church. Just because you are a divorcee does not automatically mean that you must remarry in a Registry Office or at other licensed premises and have a civil ceremony. If it is important to you, your partner and your family to have a religious ceremony then enquire of your local church about their policy for second marriages - some churches are stricter than others. With second marriages becoming increasingly common most ministers will understand your situation and will help you to reach a solution if you have your heart set on a religious wedding ceremony.

♥ Destination weddings have become increasingly popular for second marriages, particularly those with children as the ceremony can be incorporated into a fun family holiday!

♥ Bear in mind that it would be in bad taste to host your second wedding in the same location as your first wedding!

Legal requirements

♥ It goes without saying that in order to remarry you will need to supply the registrar with either a decree absolute proving that you are legally divorced from your first spouse, or a death certificate if you are widowed. Make sure that your paperwork is in order well in advance of applying for your marriage license.

♥ In a second marriage where children are involved ensure that you seek appropriate legal advice with regard to financial and inheritance aspects of your union and guardianship issues.

Vows

♥ Vows for a second wedding are another emotive issue which need delicate handling. Of course you promised to "love, honor and respect for all eternity" your first spouse so what do the words really mean if "eternity" turned out to be just a couple of years! The important thing with wedding vows is that you say them with confidence and believe them yourself at the time of saying them to the person you have chosen to marry.

♥ If you are looking for alternative ideas for wedding vows for your second wedding Idotaketwo.com has some unique wordings which could help you.

Wedding traditions for a second wedding

♥ The tradition of having a wedding cake is the same for a second wedding. However, according to Vibride.com throwing the bouquet, wearing a garter and throwing confetti are not proper etiquette for a second wedding. I have seen all of these things done at second and third weddings so I think it is just a case of do whatever feels right for you on your wedding day.

♥ You probably already have an album full of photos from your first wedding that you rarely look at nowadays but don't let this put you off having a photographer at your second wedding. Of course you will want a record of your second wedding, especially if it is the first wedding for one of you.

♥ When it comes to the question of walking up the aisle you might think it improper to ask your Father or whomever gave you away at your first wedding but there are no etiquette rules about this for second weddings. You can walk up the aisle alone, on the arm of your Father, Mother, Brother or even child if you want.

♥ The decision of whether to have attendants at your second wedding is, again, entirely up to you. There are no rules about this. Guests usually expect at least a couple of attendants at second weddings. Don't worry if you want to ask your friends or family to repeat the performance they gave as attendants at your first wedding. It is not seen as unlucky to ask the same attendants who stood by you at your first wedding to stand by you at your second wedding. A friend of mine has been Best Man at both of his brother's weddings.

♥ Bridal Showers are still appropriate for second weddings. You probably have new friends since you first married and they will want to help you celebrate your impending nuptials regardless of whether or not you have done it all before. You can choose to have a more moderate bridal shower if you prefer.

Involving Children in a Second Wedding

If you and/or your partner have children from your own relationship or from previous relationships then you will undoubtedly want them to participate in your wedding plans. The best way to make children feel involved in the whole process of organising a second wedding is to include them in the wedding planning. It is not just you who is getting remarried, so too are your children!

Whilst your choice of spouse has been your decision you should allow your children some say in your wedding planning. Discuss with them their thoughts on your second wedding and ask them how they would like to be involved. You should refer to it as "our" wedding day rather than solely yours and your partner's.

According to Jill Curtis, author of "How to Get Married Again: A Guide to Second Weddings" (available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk) she says,

"My research showed that children not included in at least part of the ceremony often find it more difficult to accept the stepparent. One dilemma may be for a child who thinks her "other" parent may well feel left out and not want the child to take part in a second wedding ceremony. Will it be seen as a betrayal? Or acceptance of the new stepparent?"

Make your children feel wanted and needed by giving them a role in your wedding day. Here are some ideas for ways to include them in your second wedding:

♥ Try to include something symbolic within your wedding ceremony which will signify to all present that you, your partner and your children coming together as a unified family.

♥ Some couples present their children with rings during the wedding ceremony.

♥ It is becoming increasingly popular to include a family vow after the bride and groom's vows during the wedding ceremony where children join the bride and groom to recite some words and have their new blended family blessed.

♥ Daughters can act as maids-of-honor or flower girls.

♥ Sons can stand as "best men", ushers or ring bearers.

♥ Ask your/your partner's children to walk you down the aisle and give you away.

♥ As a family stand at the altar and light a unity candle together.

♥ Ask children to be in charge of the guestbook.

♥ If they are confident speakers they could make a special toast during the wedding reception.

♥ Offer them the chance to give a reading during the wedding ceremony.

Some additional points to remember:

♥ Whatever role you or your children choose for your second wedding make sure that they are comfortable with it.

♥ Ask a family member to keep an eye on your children on your wedding day if you anticipate that you will be too distracted to keep a watchful eye on them.

♥ Remember that your wedding day marks a new beginning for your children too and it can be confusing for them, whether they are 3 years old or 15 years old.

Jill Curtis says,

"A wedding is a landmark in any family and those adults and children who have been burned by the fallout of an earlier divorce or death of a parent will be particularly sensitive to the meaning of the occasion. With some planning, a lot of discussion, and a little bit of luck, it will be a day memories are made of."

♥ If you are divorced you might find that your children have always had a secret fantasy that you and your ex would get back together again. Your second wedding will put an end to this hope so treat your child sensitively.

♥ If your split from your ex-spouse was acrimonious your impending second wedding might stir up painful memories for your children. I know that my 10 year old nephew worries that he will see his Mum be hurt again (bless him!). The best thing you can do as a parent about to embark on a second wedding is to reassure your child that this is a different situation, you are different, you are stronger and the person you are marrying is your soulmate who you want to share your life with.

To compare or not to compare?

♥ Try not to compare your second wedding to your first wedding. My sister has already begun to start sentences with “At my first wedding we had this/we did this…”. This is a definite no-go area for anyone planning their encore wedding. Your fiancé, his family and also your own family and friends do not want to be reminded of your first wedding. This wedding which you are planning now is a unique occasion and should be treated as such, not judged against your first trip up the aisle.

♥ It is an undeniable fact that guests who were present at your first wedding will compare it with your second wedding. I hold my own hands up and admit I have done it myself when I have attended first and second weddings. There is no way to prevent your guests from doing this so you should just come to terms with it before your wedding day.

♥ Don't go overboard trying to plan your second wedding to be a polar opposite of your first wedding. At the end of the day so long as you and your partner are happy with your wedding plans and do everything you can to ensure your guests enjoyment then you can't do more than that. Inevitably there will be similarities between the two weddings - besides everything else they will both involve rings, vows and celebrations of some sort!

♥ With your wedding speeches it is usual for the Best Man, Father of the Bride, Groom and even the Bride to make a reference to the lives of the bride and groom before they met and traditionally some reference to exes would be made. Tread very carefully here! It would be seen to be in poor taste if your first stab at marriage is referred to at your second wedding. You don't want to make your guests, your new partner or your children feel uncomfortable on your wedding day.

Footing the bill for a second wedding

With second weddings where the bride has been married before it is normal for the bride and groom to split the costs of the wedding between them. You should definitely not expect either set of parents to pay towards your second wedding. If it is the bride’s first wedding but the groom’s second, then you will probably find that the bride’s parents will want to contribute towards the wedding costs. It is also quite common for one or both sets of parents to offer financial help towards the wedding costs. In this case you should weigh up whether you want to accept their kind offer as financial input being given by parents can sometimes equate to organizational input being expected with your wedding. One of the main advantages of paying for your own wedding of course is that you are free to make your own decisions when planning the wedding without having input from your parents.

If you are paying for the wedding yourselves then you should create an affordable wedding budget and stick to it. As with any wedding it is possible to have your dream wedding at an affordable cost, but I think this is the case more so with second weddings as you do not need to pull out all of the stops. Second weddings for brides are more about starting a new life with your new husband than about having the expensive dress, breathtaking table ceterpieces, stylish wedding favors and other wedding paraphernalia. That being said, if you can afford it then why not go ahead and organize the extravagant wedding you have always dreamt of!

Invitations

♥ As mentioned, it is completely up to you and your partner whether you choose to have a small wedding attended only by immediate family and close friends or a larger wedding inviting everyone who is important to you both.

♥ Inviting an ex-spouse to your second wedding is thought to be bad form. It depends on your personal circumstances whether or not you want to invite your ex to your wedding. Demi Moore invited Bruce Willis to her nuptials with Ashton Kutcher and at her wedding earlier this month Pamela Anderson asked new husband Kid Rock’s ex Tamara Mellon to be her bridesmaid! If your ex-spouse is a co-parent of your children then your children might feel more at ease at the wedding if they too are invited. You should do what you and your fiancé feel comfortable with - it is your wedding day!

If you and your partner are hosting your own second wedding then the invitation should be worded along the lines of:

If it is the bride’s first wedding and her parents are contributing financially towards it then you might prefer that they host the wedding, in which case the invitation could read as follows:

If you have children you might like to include their names on the invitations or even have them named as hosts of the wedding (this would make them feel very included and very special!).

Check out Weddings.about.com for more ideas and inspiration for wording invitations for your second wedding.

Bridal Attire for Second Weddings

The most important thing for any bride on her wedding day whether it is her first, second or even eighth wedding (à la Elizabeth Taylor!) is that she feels comfortable, confident, relaxed and, most importantly, beautiful. No matter how many times someone has been married they always want to feel and look like a princess on their special day!

As an encore bride you should not feel restricted about your choice of wedding attire. Old traditions used to point second time brides away from full length gowns, veils and the wearing of ivory or white for their subsequent nuptials but this is no longer the case. You can choose any color or style you wish so long as it suits your age and flatters your figure. If you are a mature encore bride then you are unlikely to want to wear a Cinderella ball gown; you might prefer to choose a simple yet elegant sheath dress, suit or a less formal wedding gown and accessorize with a hat, decorative headpiece or tiara rather than a full veil. According to Nina Callaway of About Weddings,

“Most brides getting remarried have already had their "Princess in a white dress" moment the first time around, and so opt for a more mature look such as a brocade suit or a simple cocktail dress. However, if you eloped the first time, or simply want to have that Princess moment again, there's no reason why you can't. In fact, as divorce and remarriage becomes an evermore regular part of our society, the possibilities for what a second wedding dress can be are endless”.

To help you decide what style of wedding attire is appropriate for your second wedding you should first decide what type of wedding ceremony you are having. Are you having a traditional church wedding, outdoors wedding, destination or beach wedding? If, like Pamela Anderson, you choose to have your second wedding aboard a yacht anchored off of St Tropez, then this will dictate your style of wedding attire (in her case a white string bikini - not every encore brides' first choice I’m sure!).

Wedding Gifts for a Second Wedding

One of the main questions which crops up amongst brides, grooms and also wedding guests, is whether it is acceptable to ask for wedding gifts from guests at your second wedding. This is particularly pertinent if you have invited family and friends who already bought you a gift for your first wedding.

Wedding etiquette states that buying a gift for a couple who are getting married for the second time is definitely not mandatory. Wedding gifts are traditionally given to help a couple set up home together. Nowadays most couples live together before they walk down the aisle and so already have an established household with the requisite amount of crockery, toasters and wine glasses.

You should definitely consider registering for wedding gifts as the majority of your guests will want to buy you a gift (especially if it is a first wedding for one of you). Although typical wedding gifts may not be appropriate for a second wedding, you could consider registering for fun gifts such as equipment for a shared hobby (I attended a second wedding where the bride put golf clubs and lessons on her wedding wish list so that she could share her new husband’s love of the game!), artwork, sculptures or ornaments, a selection of fine wines, vouchers for activity days out (perfect if you have children you can share these with), plants for your garden or a donation to be made to a charity of your choice.

Keep in mind that some of your invited guests might well have been generous with their first wedding gifts to you, so if you are planning to register or ask for gifts then don’t feel hard done by if they choose not to buy you a gift or only buy you a small token gift. Surely the most important thing is that they choose to share your special day!

Personally I would have no problem buying a gift for a couple whose wedding I was invited to, even if I had already bought a gift for their previous wedding (though if it was the same two people remarrying then I would probably only buy a token gift). In my sister’s case she and her fiancé are already talking about their honeymoon which will include my two young nephews, so I suggested to her that she register for travel gift vouchers. There is a great article at Honeymoons.about.com which explains how honeymoon registry websites work. By using one of the free websites mentioned in the article you can list all of your honeymoon expenses including airfares, accommodation costs, excursions, meals, spa treatments, spending cash and even luggage on a website which is accessible to your wedding guests. This means that your guests can purchase whatever aspect or make whatever contribution towards your honeymoon they wish. If, like my sister, this idea appeals to you then you might also want to take a look at Weddingmiles.com where you can set up a registry for your guests to buy you frequent flyer miles to put towards your honeymoon or future travel once you are married.

Honeymoon Plans

Whilst many newlyweds enjoy some time to themselves on their honeymoons, it is becoming more common for couples to include their children in their honeymoon plans after a second wedding. The honeymoon presents a perfect opportunity for blended families to spend time together and share bonding experiences.

As mentioned, my sister intends on taking her two children on her honeymoon (it was her fiancé's idea!). My youngest nephew is obsessed with elephants so my sister has already mentioned that they are considering all going on a safari holiday in Africa - what a perfect way to kick-start their new life together as a family. I am sure they will share lots of great memories from the trip and get to know each other even better!

If you are lucky enough to get a second chance at marriage then I think you should ignore the statistics that say that the chances of a second marriage ending in divorce are 60% compared to 50% of first marriages. Inevitably you will be apprehensive about saying "I do" for the second time but let your hope and optimism shine through for your second wedding. Have confidence in the fact that you are a different person from the one who got married the first time - you are older and wiser second time around.

Resources I recommend for planning your encore wedding:

1,001 Ways to have a Dazzling Second Wedding by Sharon Naylor available at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk

This guidebook is perfect for women planning their second weddings. It provides the most current and applicable how-to's on such touchy subjects as: gown choice, family participation, guest diplomacy, gifts, bridal party choices, invitation wording, reception planning, religious requirements, and legalities.

Listen to this discussion about the etiquette of getting married again? Questions include what do you wear and do you have a present list? She discusses this topic with Sandra Boler consulting editor of Brides Magazine and journalist Eve Pollard.

Read this New York Times article on on how couples are embracing second weddings as wholeheartedly as first their one. Written by MarcS. Fischler, it offers an excellent insight into the whole subject of encore weddings.

More second wedding websites to check out:

Take2weddings.com - Offers marriage advice and inspirations from how to tell your children you are getting married the second time around to choosing your dress.
Idotaketwo.com - All the second wedding ideas you'll need to plan your remarriage! Leave questions on the second wedding forum and an expert will respond with an answer.
Brideagain.com - Bride Again is designed for the encore bride. It is targeted to women over 30 who have been married at least one before, have children from a previous marriage or are marrying someone with children and are currently planning to be remarried.
Encorebridemagazine.com - Thoughts, suggestions, reflections, and opinions For re-wedding brides.

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Yes it's true - I love Google in so many ways.

Let me explain why. Most of us have a friendship with Google and meet up most days, either at work or home! It's just so easy to find exactly what you want, just type in your query and Google delivers. To be honest though my friendship turned into a full on love affair when I started to learn ways that Google could help me even futher. There really is so much more to Google than just a simple search.

I would like to show you specific Google services and queries that can help you plan your wedding.

Google Services:

♥ Google Answers

Type in your wedding related question and have an expert reply to it, or alternatively, as I do, just browse existing wedding questions at your leisure. There is a non-refundable listing fee of $0.50 per question plus an additional 'price' you set for your question that reflects how much you're willing to pay for an answer. I recommend you review some of the wedding questions to get an idea of how much information you will receive for any given amount. The lowest you can pay for a question is $2. Google Answers is a great resource and an excellent opportunity to get your wedding question answered.

♥ Google Blog Search

Using Google Blog Search you can search for content on many wedding blogs - either informational sites like Wedaholic.com or personal blogs set up by engaged couples. Additionally you can review wedding related references made on other blog sites. Quite often the information found on a blog is much more current than a major wedding portal.

♥ Google Book Search

Use Google Book Search to find the full text taken from wedding books and also discover new ones at the same time. Most wedding books are on “Limited Preview”, but nevertheless this gives you an idea of what the book is like before you buy it.

♥ Google Calendar

Google allows you to set up a special “Wedding Calendar” so that you can record all of your key dates leading up to the big day. This is great tool for sharing with your parents, bridesmaids, best man etc. If you already have a Google Mail you can toggle between your email and calendar with ease.

♥ Google Catalogs

This is a fantastic way to shop for wedding favors, gifts and so much more. Simply by using Google Catalogs you can see all the references made to weddings in the top shopping catalogs. Just flick through the catalogs as if they had been delivered to your door!

♥ Google Desktop

All the Google information and functionality you ever wanted, right on your desktop.

♥ Google Directory

Use Google Directory to search the web organized by topics into categories. This way you can really find the wedding site you want - you defintely won't find any fluff or spam sites here.

♥ Google Earth

Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps and the power of Google Search to enable you to review potential wedding venues and honeymoon possibilities without moving from your desk - a very powerful tool. Before you know it you will have spent an hour circling the globe in amazement!

♥ Google Groups

Google Groups is a free service which allows groups of people to communicate effectively with each other using email and the internet. I recommend you take a look at the alt.wedding and alt.wedding.marketplace groups.

♥ Google Images

This is a brilliant resource for searching for images of your dream wedding dress or the type of reception you desire. Additionally it is a great place to catch up with all the celebrity wedding pictures!

♥ Google Maps

Invaluable as a way to find the exact location of a wedding supplier or get precise directions to a possible wedding reception. One of the most powerful time saving Google tools.

♥ Google Notebook

As you browse the internet searching for wedding ideas don't you wish you had somewhere to save all the scraps of information you come across? Well look no further! Using Google Notebook you can add clippings of text, images and links from web pages to your own notebook without ever leaving your browser window.

♥ Google Movies

When the wedding planning gets too much, treat yourself to a movie. Google Movies gives you the latest information and times before you book online. Is there anything Google doesn't do!

♥ Google News

When you're addicted to weddings you just have to have the latest wedding news - I know the feeling! Keep track with all the celebrity wedding gossip by visiting Google News.

♥ Google Pages

Use Google Pages to easily and quickly create your own wedding web pages. This free online tool makes it easy for anyone to create and publish attractive pages in minutes. If you want a simple page announcing your wedding then this is the tool for you. As you edit your page, you will see exactly what it will look like when your wedding guests see it. There are definitely no complex tools to learn and no web designers to hire.

♥ Google Suggest

I love Google Suggest, just start to enter your query and you are presented with a number of alternatives you will have probably never thought of.

♥ Google Video

It would take you a lifetime to view every movie on Google Video, such is the array of varied content. Search on "wedding dress" for example and begin to see the many options you have.

Google Operators:

Next time you search in Google I recommend you use some of the following operators for a more precise search.

♥ define:wedding

Use this to get the exact defination of a keyword. For example Wikipedia states that "A wedding is a civil or religious ceremony at which the beginning of a marriage is celebrated". No suprises there, but try defining the internet in one sentence!

♥ link:theknot.com

This operator enables you to find a list of websites that link to your favourite wedding site. In this case I'm able to find other wedding sites simply by asking Google for a list of those ones that link to TheKnot.com.

♥ related:hitched.co.uk

You can use the related operator to find sites similar and related to any of your favourite wedding sites. Click on the link to see web sites related to Hitched.co.uk

♥ site:weddingchannel.com

Ever wondered how many pages there are in a web site? Use the site operator to get links to every page on the site. If you have the time you can read all 275,000 pages at WeddingChannel.com!

♥ allintitle:wedding ipod

The allintitle operator restricts the results to those with all the query words in the title. So, for example, if you are looking for specific articles on the use of ipods at weddings you could use the query above, as this would only return documents that have both "wedding" and "ipod" in the title.

♥ intitle:wedding budget

The intitle operator restricts the results to documents containing that word in the title. For instance the query above will return documents that mention the word "wedding" in their title, and mention the word "budget" anywhere in the document.

♥ allinurl:wedding songs

If you start a query with allinurl, Google will restrict the results to those with all of the query words in the url. For instance, my example will return only documents that have both "wedding" and "songs" in the url.

♥ inurl:wedding tips

If you include inurl: in your wedding query, Google will restrict the results to documents containing that word in the url. For instance, my example will return documents that mention the word "wedding" in their url, and mention the word "tips" anywhere in the document.

♥ wedding * dress

This query will return documents that contain wedding and dress separated by exactly one word.

♥ -inurl:htm -inurl:html intitle:"index of" mp3 "wedding"

Use this query string to search for wedding mp3s. Alternatively you can just replace the word "wedding" with the name of any music artist.

I hope these links help with your wedding planning and with your other Google searches. Undoubtedly the major reason I love Google is because of Google Romance - how else would I have met my husband!

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Further to my blog about the annual "Running of the Brides" dress sale at Filene's Basement check out the live footage from Towson, Maryland this morning.

According to WJZ News every one of the 700 wedding dresses were cleared from the dress rails at Filene's store just minutes after the store opening at 8am. However what I find amazing is that not one bride-to-be hit the cash registers until 8pm! I think 12 hours of trying on wedding dresses is a bit excessive!

I hope those bride-to-be's are at home with their feet up right now having secured their dream wedding dresses!

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Liz Hurley To Change Wedding Outfit 13 Times!

After your wedding is over your beautiful wedding dress that you spent so much time and effort procuring is likely to sit in your wardrobe for decades gathering dust. Well now you have the perfect excuse to dust it down and raise money for charity at the same time. Take a Break have joined forces with Barnardo's children's charity to launch National Wedding Dress Day on Friday 25 August, 2006.

To participate all you have to do is get people to sponsor you by the hour for wearing your wedding dress in public. You could choose to wear it at work, to the pub, out shopping, out to dinner or you could even host your own party and encourage your other married friends to dress up for the occasion! The rules state that you can also wear bridesmaids dresses, mother-of-the-bride outfits and men can dress up too - what a great theme for a party!

This is a really good excuse to get some wear out of that dress again and prove to yourself that you can still fit into it! You could plan a really fun night out with friends and help charity at the same time! Barnardo's are the lead charity but you are free to nominate any good cause you choose.

Take a Break hope to turn National Wedding Dress Day into a major annual fund-raiser and it has garnered such popularity in Britain already that they are launching World Wedding Dress Day.

“It began in Britain with thousands of women volunteering to wear their wedding dresses to raise money for charities - ranging from Barnardo's to hospitals, from the elderly to breast cancer research. Now women all over the world are being invited to take part as well. It will be the biggest all-female event ever staged. It will combine fun with a purpose.”

Women all over the world share the tradition of holding onto their wedding dress in the knowledge that they will never have another chance to wear it! According to Take a Break, World Wedding Dress Day on Friday August 25, 2006 “will unite all women, half of the world's population, with one symbol - the wedding dress.”

The idea for National Wedding Dress Day originated after Take a Break published the story of Gail Mercer, a 33 year old mum-of-three from Strathaven in South Lanarkshire in April this year. Gail had hit upon the unique idea of raising money for charity by organizing a Wedding Dress Ball - the first ever in the world. The entire event was styled as a proper wedding reception with a champagne reception, wedding cake, photographer, four-course meal, wedding band and disco. The ball took place at the Strathaven Hotel on April 22 and was a great success - all 80 women wore their wedding dresses (their husbands wore wedding attire too) and they managed to raise £8,100 for the Kilbryde Hospice Appeal charity. Take a Break realized after reading about the success of Gail’s Wedding Party that women were openly embracing the opportunity to blow the dust of their wedding dresses and wear them in public.

The National Wedding Dress Day actually falls on the same date as my cousin's 1st wedding anniversary so she is planning an anniversary/wedding dress wearing dinner party. Judging by the excited stir this has caused amongst her circle of friends (including myself – I can’t wait for an excuse to squeeze into my stunning dress again!) it seems obvious that married women really are just waiting for an excuse to dress up like a princess again! Some of the couples attending the party have been married for years so it will be really interesting to see the different wedding dress fashions and how styles have changed over the years. I’m really glad I held on to my dress – I’ve been tempted over the last couple of years to give it away or sell it on eBay!

When you’ve spent a fortune on a wedding dress and have only worn it once it seems a crying shame to let it gather dust never to see the light of day again. So come on ladies – get those wedding dresses,bridesmaids dresses and other wedding finery out of the closet and let them have some fun!

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Would you be interested in finding the designer wedding dress of your dreams at a fraction of the normal cost? That is exactly what happened to bride Ashley Purvis from Louisville, Kentucky when she bought her dream wedding dress from eBay for the bargain price of $161!

The dress Ashley set her heart on, made of matte satin with a beaded top, chapel train and corset back, was advertised at a retail price of $500 on the wedding online store ChicBridal.com. According to Courier-Journal.com Ashley’s mother, Tina Hunt, spotted the exact same dress up for auction on eBay. She said "I never dreamed, honestly, that it would be on eBay, but I found the exact same dress, bid on it, and got it."

Don’t assume for one moment that it was a second-hand wedding dress that Ashley wore down the aisle for her wedding on 26 May this year. The dress was in brand new condition and was shipped to her straight from the dress manufacturer’s factory. Whilst eBay do sell a wide variety of once-worn or "gently used" dresses on their popular internet auction site, Ashley bought her dress from eBay’s online wedding store, eBay.com/Bridal (also UK brides can check out bargains on eBay.co.uk).

In actual fact Ashley managed to make huge savings on most aspects of her wedding. Courier-journal.com reports that Ashley sourced her wedding bouquets, attendant’s outfits and wedding stationery all from eBay at a fraction of the cost she would have paid to wedding suppliers.

"I got my wedding dress, my veil, the tiara, the ring-bearer's tux, the flower girl's dress. These are brand-new items. I didn't buy used. We got the invitations off eBay, too, and my bridal bouquet. Yeah, it was crazy. We saved a whole lot of money."

Like Ashley, by using the bargain-hunting marketplace of eBay couples can shave up to 80% off of their wedding budgets. In addition to the items which Ashley bought off of eBay you can also buy favors, disposable cameras, wedding cakes, jewelry including wedding rings, attire for the wedding party, gifts for the wedding party and the all-important honeymoon, all at fantastic prices!

If you find navigating your way around eBay’s online wedding store a minefield, try reading the guidebook, "How to Buy Everything for Your Wedding on eBay... and Save a Fortune! at Amazon.com" and Amazon.co.uk which is a snip at only $11.02 or £6.59. This book is written by Dennis Prince who is the author of other instructional books about eBay and his co-authors Dan Joya and Sarah Manongdo are newlyweds who saved big money when they planned their wedding using eBay – so these people are guaranteed to know what they are taking about when it comes to shopping for your wedding using eBay. The book guides you through strategies for searching for and bidding for wedding items on eBay, how to resell items after the wedding and advice from 60 eBay wedding PowerSellers on how to bag the best wedding bargains on eBay.

Here are my top tips for buying a new wedding dress from eBay’s online wedding store at a discount price:

♥ Once you have found your dream wedding dress either in a magazine, at a wedding fair or at your local wedding dress shop it is worth having a look on eBay’s online wedding store to check if the same dress appears there on their auction pages.

♥ If you are unsure what type of dress you are looking for you could browse through eBay’s Dresses & Gowns pages. Select your dress size and location (e.g. USA, Europe, Worldwide) and then have some fun perusing the index list and picture galleries of available dresses. If you see a dress which you like the look of click on the link or picture to see a larger photo and the seller’s description.

♥ eBay usually have a huge selection of dresses available in every conceivable style and color so do take a trip to your local wedding boutique first, if possible, so that you have some idea of what style, color, size and even brand of dress you are looking for. This will help you to narrow down your search on eBay.

♥ Of course you cannot try on the wedding dresses before you bid for them on eBay but a lot of sellers will allow you to return the dress if it does not fit – it is always worth asking an eBay seller whether they have a returns policy in place.

♥ Beware as a lot of the stores selling wedding dresses on eBay are either going out of business and disposing of their stock or they are selling off discontinued styles. Do make sure that you find out prior to bidding if the store has a returns policy.

♥ Always order wedding dresses from eBay to fit your largest body measurement because it is far easier to take in a dress bought in advance of your wedding than it is to accommodate pounds gained in the stressful run up to your wedding!

♥ Remember that if you fall in love with a dress on eBay but it is too big, you will be able to afford the cost of altering it with the money you have saved overall on your bargain eBay wedding dress!

♥ Never bid on a dress without first seeing a picture of it (obvious I know!).

♥ If you do decide to buy a once-worn wedding dress from eBay ask the seller as many questions as possible about the condition of the dress.

♥ How about recouping some of your own wedding costs by selling your once-worn wedding dress on eBay?

I think that buying your wedding dress is a great way of saving money – it’s much better than buying a full price gown. Let’s face it, no one will ever know except you!

Happy bidding!!

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Without doubt all brides and grooms should take out wedding insurance, in fact here are 11 golden reasons to back this statement up.

To save you the time and trouble we have provided time saving links to eight of the top wedding insurance companies in the UK. You can easily review the levels of cover, explanation of cover for each level, policy documents, cover summaries, contact details, ownership, underwriters, regulators and reviews.

All of the companies can be checked on the Financial Services Authority's register by visiting their website at www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting them on 0845 606 1234.

Of the eight companies Confetti.co.uk Wedding Insurance, Debenhams Insurance, MRL Insurance, and Wedding Plan Insurance are all underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc.

Both Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc and The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co Limited are both wholly independent and are underwritten by themselves. Marks and Spencer Insurance and Hitched.co.uk are underwritten by Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc.

These insurance companies are listed alphabetically and are not in any order of recommendation:


CONFETTI.CO.UK INSURANCE

Cover: 3 levels at £54 (Gold), £104 (Platinum) and £154 (Diamond)
Explanation of cover for each level
Policy Document
Summary of Cover

Order Online:
Gold Cover Application Form
Platinum Cover Application Form
Diamond Cover Application Form

Contact Details:
Confetti Wedding Insurance, TPS Limited, 1 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1AW Reg. No. 2587396
Confetti.co.uk/shopping/insurance/default.asp
Tel: call 0870 774 4065 - No times stated
Email: Not Available

Ownership:
Owned by Confetti Wedding Insurance, TPS Limited

Underwriters:
AXA Insurance UK plc

Regulation:
Confetti.co.uk Wedding Insurance 2006 accepted by UK Underwriting Ltd, underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc, Registered Office: 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD, Registered in England No. 78950 and Primary Insurance Company Ltd an insurance company established in Ireland and authorised and licensed by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Registered in The Republic of Ireland, registration number E340407, registered office First Floor, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. AXA Insurance UK plc and UK Underwriting Ltd are authorised and regulated by the FSA.

Online Reviews:
Not Available



DEBENHAMS INSURANCE

Cover: 2 levels at £59 (Gold) and £100 (Platinum)
Explanation of cover for each level
Policy Document
Summary of Cover

Order Online:
Application Form

Contact Details:
Travellers Protection Services Limited, 1 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1AW
DebenhamsWeddingInsurance.com
Tel: call 0870 77 44 196 quoting DOL - Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am-4pm
Email: Not Available

Ownership:
Debenhams Wedding Insurance is arranged by Travellers Protection Services Ltd

Underwriters:
AXA Insurance UK plc

Regulation:
Debenhams Wedding Insurance 2006 accepted by UK Underwriting Ltd, underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc, Registered Office: 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD, Registered in England No. 78950 and Primary Insurance Company Ltd an insurance company established in Ireland and authorised and licensed by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Registered in The Republic of Ireland, registration number E340407, registered office First Floor, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. AXA Insurance UK plc and UK Underwriting Ltd are authorised and regulated by the FSA.

Online Reviews:
Not Available



ECCLESIASTICAL INSURANCE

Cover: 4 levels at £48, £60, £110 and £160
Explanation of cover for each level
Policy Document
Initial Disclosure Document and Summary of Cover

Order Online:
Application Form

Contact Details:
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ
Ecclesiastical.co.uk
Tel: 0800 336 622 - 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Email: insurance@eigmail.com - will respond to your email within two working days.

Ownership:
Ultimately owned by Allchurches Trust Limited (ATL), a registered charity. ATL’s Charity Number is 263960

Underwriters:
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc

Regulation:
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Ecclesiastical Insurance Group plc. (EIG) Reg. No. 1718196. Ecclesiastical Life Ltd. (ELL) Reg. No. 243111. Ecclesiastical Group Asset Management Ltd. (EGAM) Reg. No. 2170213. Allchurches Investment Management Services Ltd. (AIMS) Reg. No. 2170173. Allchurches Mortgage Company Ltd. (AMC) Reg. No. 1974218. All companies are registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JZ UK. Tel: 01452 528533. EIO, ELL, EGAM & AIMS are authorised and regulated by the FSA and are members of the Financial Ombudsman Service. EIO & ELL are members of the Association of British Insurers and AIMS is a member of the Investment Management Association.

Online Reviews:
ReviewCentre.co.uk



E & L INSURANCE

Cover: 7 levels at £49, £65, £85, £105, £155, £260 and £360
Explanation of cover for each level
Policy Document
Summary of Cover

Order Online:
Application Form

Contact Details:
The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co Limited PO Box 100, York, YO26 9SZ
eandl.co.uk/wedding-insurance.htm
Tel: call 08704 022 710 - Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm and Sat-Sun 9am to 6pm
Email: info@eandl.co.uk

Ownership:
Owned by The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co Limited

Underwriters:
All our policies are underwritten by The Equine and Livestock Insurance Co Limited

Regulation:
Equine and Livestock Insurance Company Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Registration no: 202748.

Online Reviews:
reviewcentre.com



EVENT INSURANCE

Cover: 6 levels at £55, £85, £120, £175, £225 and £320
Explanation of cover for each level
Policy Document
Summary of Cover

Order Online:
Application Form

Contact Details:
Event Insurance Services Ltd, Event House, 20A Headlands Business Park, Ringwood, Hants. BH24 3PB.
Events-insurance.co.uk/Wedding_Insurance.html
Tel: 0800 515980 and 01425 470360 Fax: 01425 474905
Email: info@events-insurance.co.uk and an Online Form

Ownership:
Owned by Event Insurance Services Ltd

Underwriters:
AXA Insurance UK plc

Regulation:
Arranged by Event Insurance Services Limited accepted by UK Underwriting Ltd, underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc, Registered Office: 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD, Registered in England No. 78950 and Primary Insurance Company Ltd an insurance company established in Ireland and authorised and licensed by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Registered in The Republic of Ireland, registration number E340407, registered office First Floor, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Online Reviews:
Not Available



MARKS AND SPENCER FINANCIAL SERVICES

Cover: 4 levels at £59, £99, £154 and £189
Explanation of cover for each level
Summary of Cover
Questions
Policy Document

Order Online:
Application Form

Contact Details:
Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc, Kings Meadow, Chester, CH99 9FB
www6.MarksandSpencer.com/pages/default.asp?PageId=home&Product=WI
Tel: 0800 316 5985 - 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays)
Email: Not Available.

Ownership:
Owned by Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc and underwritten by Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc

Underwriters:
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc

Regulation:
Marks and Spencer Money is a trading name of Marks and Spencer Financial Services plc (Kings Meadow, Chester, CH99 9FB) who are authorised and regulated by the FSA.

Online Reviews:
None available



MRL INSURANCE

Cover: 4 levels at £65 (Standard), £99 (Classic), £135 (Premier) and £165 (Supreme)
Explanation of cover for each level
Summary of Cover
Key Facts
Policy Document

Order Online:
Application Form

Contact Details:
MRL Insurance Direct, Princess Caroline House, 1 High Street, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS1 1JE
MRLinsurance.co.uk
Tel: 0870 870 4401 - Fax:0870 241 1884
Email: admin@mrlgroup.co.uk

Ownership:
Arranged by MRL Group Ltd with UK Underwriting Ltd by Axa Insurance UK and Primary Insurance Company Ltd

Underwriters:
AXA Insurance UK plc and Primary Insurance Company Limited

Regulation:
Arranged by MRL Insurance Group with UK Underwriting Ltd, underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc, Registered Office: 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD, Registered in England No. 78950 and Primary Insurance Company Ltd an insurance company established in Ireland and authorised and licensed by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Registered in The Republic of Ireland, registration number E340407, registered office First Floor, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. AXA Insurance UK plc and UK Underwriting Ltd are authorised and regulated by the FSA.

Online Reviews:
None available



WEDDING PLAN INSURANCE

Cover: 3 levels at £54 (Gold), £104 (Platinum), and £154 (Diamond)
Explanation of cover for each level
Summary of Cover
Policy Document

Order Online:
Gold Application Form
Platinum Application Form
Diamond Application Form

Contact Details:
Weddingplan, 1 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1AW
WeddingPlanInsurance.co.uk
Tel: 08707 744178 - Fax: 08707 744045 - Open 8am to 8pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm Saturdays and 10am to 4pm Sundays
Email: weddingplan@tpsltd.com

Ownership:
Owned by Travellers Protection Services Limited (Registered Company No. 2587396)

Underwriters:
AXA Insurance UK plc and Primary Insurance Company Limited

Regulation:
WeddingPlanInsurance accpeted by UK Underwriting Ltd, underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc, Registered Office: 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1AD, Registered in England No. 78950 and Primary Insurance Company Ltd an insurance company established in Ireland and authorised and licensed by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority. Registered in The Republic of Ireland, registration number E340407, registered office First Floor, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. AXA Insurance UK plc and UK Underwriting Ltd are authorised and regulated by the FSA.

Online Reviews:
ReviewCentre.com



Useful Wedding Insurance Articles:
If misfortune blights your troth, are you protected? Melanie Bien from The Independent reports on how to insure the cost of your wedding against disaster.
Top Ten Wedding Claims by Confetti.co.uk
Wedding insurance - Cover for your big day can save you stress and money, says Sarah Jagger from Channel4.
Yahoo Finance - Wedding insurance: do you take this policy by Sarah Modlock
Get cover for the bid day by the Times Online.

Further Wedding Insurance Reading:

Will Your Wedding Insurance Cover You If You Cancel Before The Event? - A full list of circumstances you need to check are listed in your policy documents.
11 Golden Reasons All Couples Should Have Wedding Insurance - Make sure you take out wedding insurance today.
Hitched.co.uk Has Chosen Ecclesiastical Insurance To Provide Wedding Insurance Policies Through Its Website - Wedding insurance joins the range of wedding planning services and advice already offered by Hitched.co.uk.

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Financial Disclaimer

Wedaholic.com does not accept any liability for any investment decisions made on the basis of this information. This web site does not constitute financial advice and should not be taken as such. Wedaholic.com urges you to obtain professional advice before proceeding with any investment.

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Fancy Owning Madonna's Wedding Tiara?

If you are still trying to decide on what style of wedding dress you would suit, take a look at Hello Magazine's beautiful collection straight from the Spanish catwalks.

There are lots of glamorous wedding dresses, all in different styles. Ranging from cleavage-enhancing corset dresses, to curve hugging dramatic Hollywood-style gowns with contemporary chic and plunging necklines, to empire-style dresses for a more sophisticated look.

According to Hello, one of this year's hottest bridal trends is layers! The designers have created wedding dresses with layers of fabric such as tulle or lace to give brides the ultimate silhouette. Personally I think the cascading layers are a bit froufrou but you can take a look and form your own opinions.

They even have a selection of dresses in stunning colours if you want to avoid the traditional choice of ivory or white for your wedding dress. I love the scarlet dress - the fabric and colour look stunning!

Have a look and see if you can find your perfect fairytale wedding dress!

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Have you ever seen the episode of Friends where Monica enlists the help of Rachel and Phoebe to attend a wedding dress sale? Do you remember the scene where Monica shows her friends a picture of the wedding dress she is looking for and sends them off into the affray armed with whistles to signal when they have found her dream dress?

The picture of the 3 friends elbowing their way through hordes of bloodthirsty bargain-hunting brides-to-be in search of their dream wedding dress at a bargain price sprung into my mind today when I read ManoloForTheBrides.com's blog about the annual "Running of the Brides" dress sale which is taking place at Filene's Basement’s next week in Towson, Maryland.

I thought that the creators of Friends had concocted that storyline themselves - I had no idea that these sales actually happened! I can see how tempting it would be for a bride to bag themselves a bargain dress though - you could make huge savings in this area of your wedding budget. There are sales at various other branches of Filene's Basement - check out their website for details of sales in your area and for their top 10 tips for success at their wedding dress sales.

Well done ManoloForTheBrides.com for bringing this to our attention. All you brides-to-be, have a read, get your entourage together, sharpen up those elbows and head out to Filene's Basement!

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If you are a fan of Oscar-winning actress Reese Witherspoon then perhaps you would like to own a beautiful wedding gown which was inspired by her!

Award-winning celebrity designer Monique Lhuillier, who designed both of Britney Spears' dresses for her wedding to Kevin Federline, has agreed to create the bespoke gown pictured here, for the lucky winner of an auction which is being hosted by online auction website CharityFolks.com. Monique claims that the dress was inspired by Reese's beauty and grace. The current bid is $2,500 but the dress is thought to be worth $5,000. There are 5 days until the auction ends so take a look and get bidding!

According to pr-inside.com both Reese and America's Next Top Model host Tyra Banks are busy designing wedding dresses for charityfolks.com's upcoming charity auction to benefit the American Cancer Society.

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The last thing any bride wants on her wedding day is to spend it counting the minutes until she can take her uncomfortable wedding dress off! When choosing your wedding dress it is of the utmost importance that, as well as choosing a stunning dress which makes you look and feel beautiful, you have to choose a dress you can move freely in which is comfortable for you to wear - after all you are likely to spend all day in that dress. I was reading an article today which made me realise that some brides really do put aesthetics over practicality when it comes to choosing their wedding dress.

Teenager Carly O'Brien considered her own comfort to be a low priority when she chose the wedding dress for her recent marriage to landscape gardener sweetheart Michael Coffey, 17, at St Peter's Catholic Church in Gloucester. Not only was her wedding dress made up of 30 layers of material (including an 18m train), metal hoops and 3,000 Swarovski crystals but this resulted in her dress weighing a breathtaking 159kg - it could earn the title of being the world's heaviest wedding dress! The voluminous dress is believed to have cost Carly's father approximately £25,000.

Carly, 16, took inspiration for her dress design from her role model Jordan and the dress she wore for her wedding last year to Peter Andre. Carly even went as far as arriving at the church in the same horse-drawn glass carriage that Jordan used.

It took family and friends 9 hours to help Carly into the dress and the tiny-framed bride (she has a size 4 figure!) then had to be pushed up the aisle by 10 guests as her dress was so heavy that she could not walk in it. She was also unable to stand up or walk during the reception so she spent the remainder of her wedding day sitting down!

Carly's wedding guests allegedly commented that she looked more beautuful in her wedding dress than Jordan, so I guess for this bride that was the most important thing!

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Perhaps you have always dreamt of what style of wedding dress you want to wear on your big day, but most bride-to-be's find that the style of dress they think will be perfect for them does not actually suit their body type or complexion.

Have a bit of fun and try Discovery Home & Health's interactive wedding dress selector. It will give you an initial idea of what style dress will suit your body shape.

First you need to choose the body shape that is closest to your own.

The choices are: Thin, Thick, Plump, Pear or Hourglass

Naturally I chose "Hourglass" (in my dreams!)

Then you have to click on the dress style you think best suits you best. I chose the middle one of the five.

On making your decision you get either "That's Right" or "Are You Sure About That?"

Either way you get a full explanation for the decision, for example:

Curvaceous womean with small waists can get away with most styles and will look fabulous in fitted dresses that show off thieir cruves. If you are petite and want to look taller you should consider a short dress. If you prefer the more traditional look opt for a dress with an uninterrupted line. Dropped waist styles will emphasis your curves and make your waist look tiny. Avoid dresses that cut you in half such as those that have tightly fitting bodices and very full skirts. Wear the highest heels you are comfotable with and avoid too many fussy frill and flounces which will swap you.

Here is an example of where I deliberately chose a nightmare wedding dress!

I loved playing around with the different body shapes and dress styles. Fortunately everytime you get a "Are You Sure About That?" you are also given the "Suggested Dress Style" and the reasons why!

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Recently I received the following question on tipping wedding suppliers:

"I would like to know if I need to tip the hired photographer and the piano player at the wedding ceremony? In fact, who do I have to tip according to etiquette?"

Here is my response:

Please note: Although I have referred to the tipping amounts within this article in US dollars for UK-based readers the figures remain the same.

Etiquette

Tipping etiquette at a wedding is a common area of confusion. Although we tip service providers in everyday life when it comes to your wedding day the etiquette of to whom and how much to tip can be bewildering. Tipping is supposed to be voluntary. However service providers do expect tips nowadays. Traditional wedding custom is to tip a wedding supplier if you think that they did a great job or provided you with outstanding service. Tipping should be based on the quality of service provided to you on your wedding day and in the run up to your wedding. By tipping them you are letting them know that you are happy with the service they provided you with prior to and/or on your wedding day. If you appreciate the work that they have done for you then you can show your appreciation by tipping them.

The Oxford dictionary defines a tip as a small sum of money given to someone for performing a service. Whilst most wedding suppliers are not contractually obligated to receive a tip they might expect one.

Budget

Tipping is an additional cost which you should include in to your wedding budget so that you ensure that you have money allocated for this purpose. Wherever possible calculate the tips you intend to give before your actual wedding day, using the guide set out below. Wedding tips are commonly overlooked when couples set up their wedding budget. It is important to calculate as much as possible prior to your wedding how much you can afford to tip your wedding suppliers. This cost and a contingency amount for extra tips which arise prior to and on your wedding day must be added to your overall wedding budget. Use the following information as a guideline but also use your personal judgment. Whilst tipping costs should be factored into your budget you must remember that they are discretionary and if you are on a tight wedding budget you should not feel obligated to tip.

It is not always necessary to provide a monetary tip to suppliers to whom you wish to show your appreciation. If you think your wedding supplier did a great job then an alternative idea is to send them a gift with a thank you note after the wedding. Remember that the most valuable gratuity you can give to any wedding supplier is your recommendation of them to others! You could show your appreciation to the service provider by sending them a personal letter of recommendation.

You should calculate your budget on the basis that, if you can afford to, you will tip most of your wedding service providers and then you can make the final decision on the wedding day as to whether the services provided exceed your expectations. Do bear in mind that your decision on whether or not to tip is entirely at your discretion. If a wedding supplier has gone above and beyond the call of duty for your wedding then tip them to show your appreciation of their extra effort they put into making your wedding day truly perfect. Sometimes in the run up to your wedding day some wedding suppliers work wonders to accommodate you and your hectic schedule. If this is the case for you then it would be nice gesture to give them a tip to show that you appreciate their extra efforts for you.

Contracts - read the small print

I recommend that you thoroughly read your contract with each supplier to see if a tip is included in their price. Some wedding package rates include tips (particularly if you are getting married abroad). You should note that some wedding suppliers, most notably caterers, add a gratuity to the foot of their bill and they usually call it a service fee or service charge. Most wedding suppliers will inform you of their tipping policy when you enter into an agreement with them for their services. If you are at all confused then ask the supplier directly for an explanation of their service charges and tipping policies. You must be clear about what each wedding supplier is being paid so that you can make judgment calls on whether or not additional tipping might or might not be necessary. Another good reason for being clear about the tipping policy for each supplier is to that you do not end up double tipping them!

Tipping Guidelines

There are some wedding suppliers who you will be expected to tip and there are suppliers who whilst not expecting a tip would greatly appreciate it. Below are some tipping guidelines which suggest amounts each service provider should be tipped according to wedding etiquette:

Hairstylist, Makeup Artist, Beautician - You should expect to tip these service providers just as you would on a normal visit to a salon. Tips should be 15% - 20% of your total bill.

Officiant (Clergy, Priest, Minister etc) - Although officiants do not usually ask for financial recompense for their services they do expect you to make a donation to the church or their organization. As to the amount of the donation, traditionally they will suggest an amount when you finalize arrangements with them. The amount varies from a flat fee to an honorarium and can range from $50 up to $500. If you are expecting the officiant to travel outside of their local area then you should also compensate them for their travel costs. Do not directly offer a tip to an officiant. The nominated tip giver should pass the agreed amount to the officiant after the ceremony. If you are using the services of a civil servant, such as a judge, Justice of the Peace or a City Clerk, then you are allowed to tip them (although it should be called a “donation” rather than “tip”) provided you do not exceed $75 and you must ensure that it is paid to them outside of court/office hours.

Transportation (chauffeurs, limousine drivers, horse-drawn carriages, etc) - Do check to see if a gratuity has been included in their bill as this is often the case with transportation fees for weddings. If not or if you want to reward them for their service on your wedding day then the norm is to tip them 15%-20% of the total cost of the bill.

Valets and Parking Attendants - Tips should range from $1 - $2 per car.

Coat Check and Restroom Attendants - Tips should range from $1 - $2 per guest.

Waiters and waitresses - It is not necessary to tip the servers if you have already paid a gratuity in your contracted price. Check to ensure whether a service charge is included in the caterer’s contract. If there is no such provision then you should expect to tip 15% - 20% of the total food bill. Although it is not expected for you to tip individual serving staff if you decide that a particular individual has provided you with first-class service then feel free to give that server an additional tip.

Catering/Venue Manager – Traditionally the caterers and venue management will calculate a tip into their cost estimate, in the form of a service charge. Check your paperwork and if in fact a service charge has not been included then you should allow 15% - 20% of the total bill or $1 - $2 per guest.

Bartenders - Usually you will find that the bar manager will add a service charge to the bar bill. If this is not the case then you might want to tip the bartenders 10% of the total amount of the liquor bill. This amount can be shared out between them equally if there is more than one bartender.

Seamstress/dress fitter - Although it is not customary to tip your seamstress or dress fitter if you feel that they have made an extra special effort on your behalf then tip them between $15 - $30.

Wedding Planner - Wedding planners work for a set fee and will not expect a tip. If you want to show them how grateful you are for their hard work in planning your wedding then 10% of their total fee is more than adequate.

Delivery Staff (including Florist, Bakers etc.) - Staff responsible for your flowers and wedding cake do not expect to receive a tip. You will have agreed to pay their set fee and that is sufficient. However if you feel that they have provided you with exceptional service and/or outstanding quality of products then a tip of $15 - $20 per person is adequate.

Church Organist or Church Musician - This fee is usually included in the rental fee for the church. You should check your paperwork and if this is not the case you should tip them between $25 - $40 per person.

Musicians - Live musicians do not expect to receive a tip but if you consider their performance at your reception to be exceptional and worthy of a tip then you should allow $20 - $25 per band member.

DJ - As with the musicians, if you consider the DJ’s performance to have made your wedding reception swing then a tip in the range of 15% - 20% of their fee is appropriate.

Photographers - Whilst most photographers do not expect a tip if you want to reward them for their good work on your wedding day then this should be between $20 - $30. Alternatively you can indicate your satisfaction with the photographer’s work by placing a large order for additional prints – they will always greatly appreciate that.

Additional Tipping Tips!

* Traditionally it is the Best Man's duty to take care of tips on your behalf on your actual wedding day. If they are unwilling or unable to accept this responsibility then nominate one person who you feel comfortable with and who is happy to handle this task. This person should be responsible for distributing the tips amongst your wedding suppliers. To make it easier for the nominated tip distributor you should label envelopes prior to the wedding day and pass them to the nominated person to keep safe and hand out at the relevant times throughout your wedding day. By labeling them you will ensure that the correct amount of tip goes to the correct supplier. Always provide the nominated tipper with a contingency fund envelope containing a bit of extra cash just in case you have forgotten someone important who you feel deserves a tip on your wedding day or you might decide to tip someone a bit extra on the actual day.

* A common question is who should the tip be presented to with regard to groups of wedding suppliers. The answer is to hand it to the head of the group. For example with a band the tip should be given to the band leader and with waiting staff it should be presented to the head waiter or maitre d' who will ensure that it is distributed evenly amongst the team.

* If any of the wedding service providers you are utilizing are friends or family then you should definitely ensure that you tip them generously!

* An important point to note is that if you are tipping the valets, coat check and restroom attendants and particularly the bartenders (who are notorious for putting out their own “tip jars”) agree with them and the venue manager that it is unacceptable for these members of staff to accept tips directly from your guests. A sign placed near each of these services that says “No Tipping Please” should be sufficient to deter your guests from offering tips and deter the staff from accepting them!

* You might want to consider tipping your wedding service providers prior to the wedding day in the hope that they will go the extra mile and ensure that everything is faultless on your wedding day.

* Inevitably during your wedding day your wedding suppliers will need to be fed and watered. You should expect to feed your photographers, videographers, DJ and musicians. They cannot provide you with a good service if they are running on empty! Caterers will usually ask you what provision you want to be made for these service providers during your wedding reception and will make some suggestions as to menus and seating arrangements. It is important prior to the wedding day to agree with the caterers and confirm to the individual service providers where they will eating on your wedding day. This will ensure that on the day there are no slip ups or confusion. You will also be expected to bear the costs of drinks for the abovementioned wedding suppliers on your wedding day.

* If after reading this information you are at still unsure about how much you should budget for tipping those wedding suppliers who will be expecting a tip for good service then it might be better to arrange a flat fee prior to the event.

I hope that this tipping guide helps you. Remember that the most important person on your wedding day is you so relax and enjoy your wedding planning. Whether you tip or not you are sure to have truly memorable day!

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Maybe it will be this weekend or even next - but sooner or later you may find yourself in a wedding dress shop thinking this wasn't how it was meant to ! Sadly if you don't start out on the right footing, the fun element of choosing your dress can very quickly go straight out the window! I have thus provided 7 tips to help you avoid a wedding dress disaster and consequently have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

What I can't promise you though is the world record of just 17 minutes to find a wedding dress set by Erica Goldstein who writes for the New York Observer's Bridal Blog.

"We bought my wedding dress yesterday and from start to finish the entire process took about 17 minutes (yep folks, that includes trying the dress on). I know some brides take months hunting down the perfect lacey, frothy fantasy number, and hey...we all work at our own pace. Mine just happens to be greased lightning."

Here are my seven tips:

1. Don't Shop with Too Many People :

Take one to two people you really trust to give you an honest opinion, perhaps your mother and your best friend. This isn't the time to take all of your best friends and turn it into a giggling day of shopping. Too many opinions will turn looking for your dress into days or even weeks of confusion and arguments. Someone's feelings will end up getting hurt and the attention will turn away from what you want and end up on smoothing egos. Choose people who know you and your taste and what suits you, and will give you honest feedback.

Visit: DavidsBridal.com

2. Do Tell the Salesperson Your Price Range :

While it may seem like fun to try on a couture gown, don't waste the salesperson's time. She is there to help you, and she can better help you if you let her know right away what you can afford so that she can find beautiful dresses in your price range. She has many other brides to help as well, and you wouldn't want some other bride wasting time she could be spending on you, would you?

Visit: PriscillaofBoston.com

3. Do Consider Your Figure :

Is the sheath dress all the rage this year? It may look great on all of those lithe models who are long and lean, but if you have a curvy, hourglass shape with plenty of bust, it's probably not the best style for you. The dress won't change your build, so talk to the experts at the bridal shop. They can suggest similar wedding gowns that will have a similar style and look, but be more flattering to your figure. It's the best of both worlds.

Visit: VeraWang.com

4. Don't Give Up Your Dream :

Are all the magazines showing plain gowns in elegant satins with very little trim? Have you been attending weddings that are very 1940's glamour? That's fine, but if you've been dreaming of a Southern bwedding gown with a full skirt and re-embroidered lace set with crystals and seed pearls, go right ahead and get that gown. The key to your wedding day is remembering that it is the one day that really is all about you, and your wedding gown should really be your dream and no one else's.

Visit: MoniquelHuillier.com

5. Do Take In Photos of What You Like :

Pictures from magazines are always helpful when shopping. The shop may not have that exact dress, but it can give them an idea of what you have in mind and guide them in selecting some wedding gowns for you to try on. A solid starting point will save time and energy.

Visit: AngelSanchezusa.com

6. Don't be "Hopeful" When Ordering :

Far too many brides look down the road to their wedding date and think, "I'm going to be a size smaller by then, so I'll order the dress a size smaller." It's a terrible, terrible mistake! The stress of planning a wedding means you often don't lose as much weight as you planned to, and then find that you can't fit into your dress.

It is so much easier for a seamstress to take a dress in than it is to let a dress out. In fact, some wedding gowns are designed to such exacting standards that there isn't enough material in the seams to let them out at all, so if you buy it a size to small, you are stuck if your diet doesn't succeed. Order the size you are now!

Visit: Lazarobridal.com/

7. Don't Pass Up the Perfect Dress :

If you find the perfect dress at only the second stop on a long list of shops your mother has in mind, don't give in to the pressure to "just make sure you've seen everything." Many a bride has been disappointed when they have gone on to look at many other shops and gone back only to discover that perfect wedding gown has since been sold to another lucky bride who came along three hours later. If you fall in love, buy it. Sometimes you just know the dress when you see it, and know that it is "the one." You didn't pass up the perfect man; don't pass up the perfect gown.

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Wedding insurance is one of those purchases that many couples don't think about because they don't believe they will need it. After all, what are the odds something will go wrong? You'd be surprised….

The bride is dreaming about how beautiful the reception will be while she has the final fitting for her gown. The groom is following up with some friends to see if they will be able to make it for the big day. And the caterer is quietly closing up shop in preparation for a one-way trip to Europe with the couple's down-payment!

It sounds like a nightmare, doesn't it? Just imagine how the bride and groom will feel when they found out. They will have to find another caterer on short notice and will be down on the deposit they made to the one who skipped town. Unfortunately, when you're only weeks away from your wedding, finding a caterer will be difficult at best. Many service providers will ask for a premium fee when you book so close to your wedding date, partly because they know you are desperate and partly because it's more difficult to pull things together at the last minute, especially if they are already booked with events.

Obviously this young couple should have purchased wedding insurance. But how do you know if you're going to need it? A good rule of thumb is if you are spending anything more than $1,000 on your wedding, you should be insured. Since the premium for this kind of coverage is relatively inexpensive, it's worth it to cover yourself for any losses if your wedding day has a hitch.

There are numerous things that can go wrong, and insurance can give you piece of mind that will be well worth it as the big draws near. If you know you are insured against possible problems, you'll have one less thing to worry about and can enjoy your coming celebration more. Some great reasons to get wedding insurance include:

1. Weather is Unpredictable.

A garden wedding is a beautiful but tricky thing. If the weather is good you'll be thrilled, but if you wake up to rainy skies you'll need an alternative. You should always plan on an alternative, but wedding insurance can also eat the extra cost if you have to use tents or move to a hall.

The worst-case scenario is weather so bad that the wedding has to be cancelled. This could be a hurricane, a blizzard or any other unexpected severe weather. Just think about all of the money lost if you have to cancel the wedding that day or the day before. Catering, flowers, the reception hall, your honeymoon…the list goes on and on. Wedding insurance can get all that money back for you so that you can re-plan for a later date.

2. Wedding Clothes are Expensive.

Bride's gowns can sell for $1,000 to $50,000! If you're like most brides, you'll want to save your beautiful gown for years to come. If some inebriated guest bumps into you at the reception and spills red wine down the front, you'll be crushed. The cost of cleaning a stain like that out of delicate silk or satin can be quite high. The same goes for any damage like a torn hem.

What if the groom damages the rented tuxedo? He won't be able to return it "as is." He'll most likely be asked to pay for replacement of the tuxedo, so insurance can protect him from ending up buying an expensive but damaged outfit he may never wear again.

3. Photography is a Tricky Business.

Even if you've hired the best photographer around, there are problems that can come up. What if there is a problem with his equipment that day? Or the film is damaged and your prints are ruined? It's fine to think, "The photographer will refund the money," but that doesn't always happen. And even if he or she does, that doesn't necessarily cover you for getting everyone together later to retake all of the wedding pictures.

Wedding insurance can cover the cost of getting another photographer for a second shoot if you want one. It can also cover the cost of retakes if the weather interfered or you couldn't get to a picturesque sight you had in mind.

4. Wedding Rings Can Disappear.

No matter how much you trust your best man and maid of honor, rings can and do go missing in the rush of the day. In fact, a lost wedding ring is one of the most common claims to wedding insurance companies! Because your rings will obviously have great sentimental value as well as their retail value, but sure you don't skimp on insuring them. You will want to be able to replace them with something exactly the same, with the same high quality as the originals. Take into account the cost of any custom engraving, etc. as well.

5. Double-booking Can't Be Worked Around.

A reception hall or restaurant that contacts you to break the bad news - they booked two receptions at the same time on the same day - can't provide you with a solution. Obviously, you can't share the space and the restaurant is only so big. You may end up (depending on how close to the wedding you find out) finding a last-minute alternative or you may end up having your reception at your parent's house. Wedding insurance covers your losses and compensates you for any additional expenses you have to dish out to move the venue.

6. Transportation Doesn't Always Show Up.

Did you hire a horse and carriage? If it doesn't show up, you'll have to ride to the church with friends or find a last-minute limo. Wedding insurance will cover your loss of the carriage and for your extra transportation costs. You may not be arriving in the same style you'd hoped to, but at least you'll know your budget wasn't completely blown on something you never got to use!

7. Businesses Go Under.

It's a fact of life - many small businesses go bankrupt every year. Unfortunately, if one of those is the bridal shop where you have your gown or the bakery providing your wedding cake, you could have an unpleasant surprise. Once a company goes bankrupt, they don't have to refund your money, and you generally don't have any recourse to pursue them.

Wedding insurance means if you go to the bridal shop and see an "OUT OF BUSINESS" sign on the door, you don't need to panic.

8. People Pass Away.

This speaks for itself. If you lose a close family member or a member of the wedding party, you'll obviously want to postpone the wedding. No one wants to think about it, but it can happen. Business is business, however, and any of the suppliers or vendors involved won't refund your money (no matter how compassionate they are) if you cancel within two weeks of the wedding. They would simply be out of too much money.

9. Thieves Never Rest.

You would be surprised how many times a bride a groom are shocked to arrive at their reception to discover that someone has stolen the wedding gifts that should have been waiting there. Thieves also often hit receptions toward the end of the night, when a lot of alcohol has flowed and they see someone starting to take gifts out to a waiting car. Some will simply gather up several presents and walk out the door with them as though they are guests helping out!

Wedding gifts can be worth thousands of dollars, so talk to a wedding insurer to determine how much coverage you should have for something like this. Most will suggest you determine what you think the average value of a wedding gift might be, and then multiply by the number of guests coming for a minimum amount of "gift loss" coverage.

10. Others Can Blame the Bride and Groom.

Everyone wants to enjoy the wedding as a carefree celebration, but sometimes the unexpected happens. If someone slips and falls because the floor is slick, you could be sued for damages.

Because you are the host and hostess of the reception, you may also be held liable if someone drinks too much at the party and then is in an accident or injures someone's property. It is very similar to serving alcohol in your home and then sending them out to drive their car when you know they've had too much to drink - you are responsible for your guests.

11. Travel Can Be Cancelled.

If you've planned a "destination wedding," you can really be left high and dry if a series of storms grounds the airplane or closes the beach resort where you were planning on exchanging your vows. Wedding insurance to cover your destination wedding should specifically address how many people you are flying to your destination and specific incidences such as weather, mechanical difficulties and terrorism.

Obviously, there are a number of practical reasons for buying wedding insurance. It protects your financial investment in a day that you hope will provide precious memories for years to come. Besides the financial security of knowing you aren't going to lose a lot of money if something comes up, however, insurance can provide other types of protection:

* Wedding insurance can protect you against losing anything to a lawsuit in case there is a disagreement about the wedding day, your satisfaction with a vendor, or in the event someone gets hurt at your reception. Any lawsuit can turn into a huge financial drain, so you should be covered for these things in advance. Who wants to end up in huge debt at the beginning of their marriage because of a lawsuit?

* Peace of mind is so important! There will be plenty of things to worry about before your wedding day; insurance can take quite a load off your mind. It means that you don't have to stew over anything that's beyond your control - you'll be covered.

* If there is a disagreement with a vendor or supplier, you don't have to try and get your money back. Your insurance will cover your losses and pursue the vendors themselves. It works like auto insurance - when you get a check after the accident, the insurer can then try to get the money from the person at fault instead of you trying to do it.

With so many good reasons to get insurance, you're probably wondering what it costs. A good policy covering the basics starts at around $180-$200. Not a bad deal at all if you've spent several thousand dollars on your wedding celebration! For a little bit more, you can add additional coverage for unusual circumstances as well.

Further Wedding Insurance Reading:

UK Wedding Insurance Companies -Time Saving Links To Policy Documents
Will Your Wedding Insurance Cover You If You Cancel Before The Event? - A full list of circumstances you need to check are listed in your policy documents.
Hitched.co.uk Has Chosen Ecclesiastical Insurance To Provide Wedding Insurance Policies Through Its Website - Wedding insurance joins the range of wedding planning services and advice already offered by Hitched.co.uk.

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Fancy Owning Madonna's Wedding Tiara?

I love my wedding dress to bits and I can't imagine ever throwing it away. It would be like throwing away some of the memories, plus I daren't think about the cost!

Here in the UK I'm not surprised to hear that the average cost of a wedding gown is now £826, an increase of 32% from the price tag of £625 in the year 2000. I know for a fact that most brides can't afford a dress at this price, though this doesn't stop them taking out a loan to pay for all or part of their wedding. As the average cost of a wedding soars to £20,000 in the UK it just scares me the amount of debt newly weds commit to at the beginning of their married lives.

So with all this in mine wouldn't it be great if you could buy a wedding dress for under £100, in fact pick it up whilst doing your weekly supermarket shop!

No I'm not dreaming because I would like to report the launch of the new George Bridal Collection at ASDA supermarkets in the UK! I have written a lot in Wedaholic.com about saving money and try to offer as many tips as possible, because not surprisingly it is a major source of stress. So for the budget consious I would like to point out that buying a dress from a supermarket may not be such a bad idea when you consider the oppportunities you have to personalise it.

Much of the media focus has been on a 2 piece cream wedding dress, where the corset top is £25 and the line skirt is £40. Though the collection also includes a 100 per cent polyester ruched-front dress retailing for £60 with a netted skirt and a contemporary full-length gown. In addition you can buy another second full-length gown which is described as sleeker with thin straps around the top. The bias cut dress is 100 per cent silk.

Angela Spindler, George's managing director, said:

"You've heard of fairytale weddings. We think that most wedding dresses are being sold with a fairytale price tag."

I read online that Kay Davidson, a corporate designer and personal stylist, praised the styling of the two-piece dress.

"They have kept it simple to reduce the cost but it allows the bride to customise the dress easily by adding beading or lace."

I couldn't agree more, why not get a dressmaker to add some elegant embroidery!

In fact for as little as £35 you can buy an adult bridesmaid dress and even cheaper at £18 you can purchase dresses for 1 to 10 year old girls.

So there you have it will this be the start of all supermarkets offering affordable wedding dresses? I do hope so!

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At her New York wedding in June 2004 bride Stacey Reynolds-McArdle made an error of judgement which looks likely to cost her $77,637.51. Unfortunately Stacey thought nothing of hanging her wedding dress from one of the ceiling sprinklers in her bridal suite and this caused large amounts of water damage to the hotel where the wedding was taking place. Read more here.

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Liz Hurley To Change Wedding Outfit 13 Times!

It seems Elizabeth Hurley is having trouble finding the right wedding dress! Sound familiar?

She is currently dating Indian business tycoon Arun Nayer and hasn't ruled out wearing a kaftan.

"I might just get married in an Elizabeth Hurley beach kaftan. Jewelled, of course. Hand-beaded in India."

Liz fears that with so many friends in the fashion business it would be a nightmare to try and find something that meets with their approval. I think she is missing the point, surely she should be looking for a wedding dress that makes her happy!

She reckons the easy way out is to make it herself or buy it from Debenhams.

Oh well I'm sure Liz will cope, but isn't funny to see that everyone gets stressed out about their wedding, even when they aren't engaged.

Liz, if you're reading - I recommend you take a read of my article on coping with wedding stress

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I guess it takes all sorts, and I shouldn't be surprised when I learnt about Diana Brady and Lee Stulock's Hallowe'en wedding.

Their ceremony took place at Calderdale District Register with their reception at the Stubbing Wharf pub in Hebden Bridge afterwards.

All guests were asked to dress in Black and Red.

Diana said: "Lee and I are really into this kind of thing so nobody was really surprised when we told them we were having a Hallowe'en wedding."

It seems there were probably quite a few Hallowe'en weddings around the world.

Take a look at what Sheila Tenhagen and Wayne Dunn of Latonia had planned for their big day. This was the bride's fourth wedding and dressing up as Morticia of the 1960s television show "The Addams Family" was all part of the fun!

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Planning a wedding is all about exposing yourself to as many ideas as possible in the beginning.

For those in the UK I highly recommend "The Designer Wedding Show", at Battersea Park, London on November 4, 5 and 6 where you will be able to see the latest designer bridal collections from more than 24 of the world's top bridal designers.

For more information, see DesignerWeddingShow.co.uk

Key Facts:

Box Office - 0870 190 9098.

Tickets cost £15 in advance or £16.50 on the door.

The Designer Wedding Show
British Genius Site
North Carriage Drive
Battersea Park
SW11 4NJ

Enter by Chelsea Bridge Gate on Queenstown Road

2 for 1 Offer: Quote "The Daily Telegraph" when booking and you will receive two tickets for the price of one. Offer closes on November 2.

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Get some ideas with this free ebook

The Internet provides a wonderful way to explore the possibilities of wedding dress styles. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of websites that offer you endless possibilities. It’s enough to make you feel completely overwhelmed so I suggest that you pace yourself and take several sessions to peruse the possibilities. The first link I’ve listed within my free downloaded "Wedding Dress Ideas eBook" is a great place to start. It gives you dozens of starting points. You can just click through and follow your whims. Be sure to bookmark or print the dress or designer’s page so you can return to your favourites. After a while all the dresses begin to look the same, so it’s important that you give yourself a way to review and organize the information you’ve collected.

The bridal dress websites I’ve listed offer a variety of styles (classical, traditional, designer – and more) to give you lots of ideas of what might be possible for you. Once you’ve started defining your preferences, you can conduct special searches for the designer or style that you’ve picked.

I’ve also provided a selection of websites to help you with exploring the possibility of buying your dress online. Many of the articles give you step-by-step instructions so that you can avoid any disappointments and pitfalls.

Have a wonderful time exploring the possibilities for your perfect wedding dress and may you fulfil all your picture perfect wedding dreams.

Enjoy!

~ ~

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