A Royal Occasion

On Tuesday 16th November 2010, Prince William announced his engagement to the lovely Kate Middleton. In association with Wedding Ideas Magazine, Essentially You were invited down to the Palace to be interviewed by Sky and BBC News.

The wedding industry is a frenzy with excitement and we were right there in the thrust of it all, where, when, what will she wear, which designers....?????

The date has now been set for April 29th 2011, at Westminster Abbey. This will be a state affair and give a huge boost to the wedding industry and nation alike.

Congratulations to William and Kate all at Essentially You love you and wish you well in a long and happy marriage together x

Article by Julie Tooby

A gem in the heart Tunbride Wells

Chez Bec is regarded as one of the UK's leading designers of wedding jewellery having won the highly coveted Wedding Ideas Awards 2010 for Best Bridal Accessories. We were also one of 3 Finalists for Best Bridal Accessories in the Wedding Ideas Awards 2008 & 2009 and were shortlisted as one of 5 Bridal Jewellery Finalists in the UK Jewellery Awards 2008.

Having one of the largest collections of pearl wedding jewellery available online, offering a stunning range of wedding jewellery, vintage-inspired bridal jewellery, tiaras, headbands and wedding hair accessories. Their collections feature an abundance of the most beautiful freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals and all of their jewellery is hand-made to order in their studios in the South East of England. They personally select only the finest pearls, crystals and other materials to use in their jewellery which gives each piece an exquisite finish.

To ensure that you have the most perfect piece of Wedding Jewellery for your special day, Chez Bec, also offer a Bespoke Service whereby they will design and make your jewellery exactly to your requirements. They want you to feel every inch the bride, and what better way than with a truly unique wedding jewellery set to wear on the most important day of your life. In addition, the majority of their jewellery can be tailored or altered to suit your individual needs. Unlike a lot of other companies, there is no extra charge for the Bespoke Service. You simply pay for the jewellery you choose, not the design service.

Chez Bec is regularly featured in the leading bridal and fashion press in publications such as You & Your Wedding, Wedding Ideas, Perfect Wedding, Wedding, The Scottish Wedding Directory, Best Scottish Weddings, Brides, Grazia, Marie Claire, The Times and Hello.

All orders are gorgeously gift wrapped as standard in luxury gift boxes complete with lashings and lashings of the softest white tissue paper and a hand-written gift card. And all at no extra cost. A perfectly packaged gift or a present to yourself, whatever the reason for your purchase, we are sure you will love the packaging.

Set in the heart of the beautiful spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent is an exclusive, private studio where they offer highly personalised bridal consultations strictly by appointment.

Set away from the hectic pace of everyday life, the studio offers a peaceful haven of tranquility where you can take your time browsing, and trying on, our stunning collections of bridal jewellery and wedding hair accessories. You can even bring your dress and other wedding accessories with you to ensure that you get your look absolutely perfect for your big day. During your consultation, you will meet head designer, Rebecca Doyle, who will talk through all of your needs with you and will be able to discuss any bespoke requirements that you may have.

Consultations are strictly by appointment only there are only have a limited number of appointments available during the week, in the evenings and at the weekends. It is essential that you book your consultation early as appointments do get booked up very quickly.

We are happy to announce that you can receive a discount from the fabulous Chez Bec on your wedding jwellery by quoting 'Essential'

Have a look at Chez Bec on line and give them a call

www.chezbec.com

Wedding Awards 2011

We Have been lucky enough to be nominated for 'Wedding Planner of the Year 2011"

Please vote for us and lets make it three in a row!!

Click here to vote
www.weddingideasawards.com

Bridal Couture from the experts

When looking for your gown, ask your friends whether they been to a dress shop that they can recommend? You should feel at ease from the moment you enter the boutique and the only person they attendants should be worrying about at that time is you. When choosing a boutique have a look for who can offer you the service you want and deserve.

At Creatiques, when our brides come into the shop, we tend to choose dresses that would suit their shape and personality. Whether it is a full skirt such as the current and stunning Justin Alexanders 50's style wedding gowns, which will make your waist look smaller, or perhaps a drop waisted gown to ephasize a curvacoious shape.
Other flattering tips are an assymetiric shape bodice can be great to make your body look longer and your waist look slimmer which will create an illusion of a great silhouette.

We also take into consideration the location of the wedding; Questions such as " Are you getting married abroad?" will be asked as there are some beautiful destination dresses around at the moment which lend themselves beautifully should it be a beach wedding. Sincerity Bridal and Mark Lesley Paradise, offer a varied range of light weight dresses that are easy to carry on board your flight. These are made in a lighter weight fabrics such as chiffon and light weight silks. If traveling abroad to make your travel company aware as they will assist in the storage of the dress to minimise creasing.

If you are looking for a more dramatic effect why not think about a colour, this seasons bridal gowns are tending to be in pale silvers, pinks and even a dark red. But don't forget about the colour of your hair , dark hair tends to suits brighter whites, ivories and richer colours, blonde hair is great for ivories pale colours and red heads look great in a much stronger colour such as darker champagne colour dress


Article from Andrew & Robert Pearce @ Creatiques
http://www.creatiques.co.uk

Oh, What a Wonderful Workshop!

Well, what a fabulous time we had at our 'Love Weddings, Live Weddings' workshop. It's a day to find out all about wedding planning - the highs and lows, the essential information about starting out in this amazing industry and all the insider secrets from not one, but two multi award winning wedding planners. Really? Where else do you get that?!

The day was led by Julie Tooby and Tamryn Kirby but the real stars of the show were the wonderful people that came along - they joined in, they asked questions, they laughed, they cried (in a good way!) and they all left the room bouncing and bubbling over with enthusiasm. A huge success! It was great to have such a mixed bunch in the room - from those already working at venues and for Michelin starred chefs, through to stars of the West End, newlyweds and those looking for a career change. The one thing everyone had in common - a huge love of weddings - created a great atmosphere and so much energry, we could have powered most of Berkshire!

This day doesn't aim to teach you how to do the job because let's face it, who is anyone to pass judgement on your amibition? This day aims to be truthful - to answer questions (no reading from endless pages of pre-prepared notes for Julie & Tamryn - it's more thinking on your feet and dealing with anything thrown at them by those attending!), to talk about experiences and most of all, to be honest - about the good and bad. We talked about managing clients & budgets, trends, knock-out consultations and proposals, how to stand out in the marketplace, starting out and growing your business but the best bit was definitely answering all the questions from those on the course and there were hundreds! The opportunity to pick the brains of two wedding planners with almost twenty years experience between them was not one to pass up.

The day ended and everyone left clutching their notes and information CDs, with big smiles on their faces and minds buzzing with new ideas. The e-mails have been flooding into EY HQ ever since with lovely comments and happy vibes - more reminders to Julie & Tamryn why this is the best job in the world!

As we've already been asked to put more dates in the diary for another 'Love Weddings, Live Weddings' workshop with Julie & Tamryn, we're pleased to announce that we're doing it all again on Sunday 30th January 2011. If you'd like to be inspired and informed, contact us now to reserve your space and get ready for a huge dose of wedding planning widsom from two multi award winning wedding planners.


Here are a few of the comments we have received:

"The day has filled me with lots of confidence and boosted me self esteem, the whole day was brilliant and all very useful"

" Everything was interesting and full of useful information"

"Worth paying for and I could sit and listen about it everyday"

"You were brilliant. You've given me so many ideas I may burst. Thank you Julie & Tamryn"

"Lovely to meet you, you are both so inspiring, so wonderful to see the passion that you have for this industry"

"Just wanted to follow yesterdays wonderful workshop with a huge thank you. I feel completely inspired after meeting two such wonderful people and I hope to see you both again soon."

Article written by Julie Tooby and Tamryn Kirby

Getting Married - without breaking the bank

‘How can we get married without breaking the bank?’

As VAT is set to rise, brides to be are still spending huge amounts of cash to get their dream day and almost half admit they will blow their budget to get the ultimate day.

But the quest for the ultimate wedding on a budget has a sad side and 67 percent of brides are struggling with the stress of organising without overspending.


As a specialist in planning chic weddings on realistic budgets,I know it’s easy to get carried away when organising a wedding and this can lead to stress, arguments and massive overspending. So many couples think that the only way to get a dream wedding is to buy it and that’s not the case. A wedding where the couple has put thought, rather than cash, into everything is so much more impressive to guests.
 As Wedding Planner of the Year 2009 and 2010, I'm aware that all brides want ‘something different’ for their big day but what everyone seems to have forgotten is that the best way to achieve that is to use their personalities, rather than their purse. You should be thinking about your hobbies and likes & dislikes, not where you can buy the most expensive thing.

Amazingly, UK weddings are currently running at a whopping £60 per minute and those planning for weddings in 2011 should act now to stop their big day becoming a big payday.

Take a down to earth approach, write your budget plan early on in the planning and stick to it. As the day gets closer and panic sets in, it’s easy to start hemorrhaging money. First of all make sure you write down everything you spend because it's often the little things that can send budgets out of the window.”
 The average wedding costs £20,273, with one in 10 couples taking extra jobs to pay for the union. While the big spend is often the wedding dress (pitching in at around the £1,000 mark) it’s the incidentals that can break the bank. Easy overspends include £20 on rolls of ribbon, £25 on cards for the bridal party, £50 for mums’ bouquets and £50 on mini cameras for the tables.



Avoid impulse purchases. The internet is a big culprit because it's easy to browse wedding sites, see something you like and before you know it you’ve bought it. If something isn't in your budget, you'll need to trim costs elsewhere before buying.

Here are some top 

tips to help you tick to your Wedding Budget


1. Use a wedding planner. Using savvy know-how, especially when it comes to negotiating with suppliers, will save stacks of cash.


2. Don't provide a floral arrangement for a top table at dinner – use your bouquet to decorate it for the photos.


3. If you pay for a dozen cases of wine for the meal, check how many are used – any 'leftovers' can be put behind the bar in the evening. 


4. If you have a few large flower arrangements at your ceremony, move them to your reception and save some money.


5. Use your cake as dessert to avoid paying for an additional course and don’t forget that supermarket wedding cakes can look great and cost less.

6. Some hotel venues will give the bride and groom a complimentary room on the night. Negotiate before you book and remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get and remember, venues will often do deals on weekday weddings.


7. Don’t ignore the high street for your bridesmaid dresses where you can save up to half on the cost of speciality gowns.


8. Book a photographer by the hour if you're not bothered about snaps of you getting ready, or at the evening party.


9. If a supplier's contract stipulates that you've got to feed them, there's no need to give them the same as the guests. A bar meal or a plate of sandwiches is cheaper.


10. Kids activity bags are great but can be expensive to put together - use websites to print free 'clip art' instead of buying colouring books.

Article by Julie Tooby

Top tips for Choosing a Venue

Article written by Julie Toobby
Published by Wedding Ideas Magazine

10 tips for planning your wedding

1. Don’t Panic! I know the thought of planning one of the most important days of your life is daunting, but simplify it. Make a list of what you think you want and tackle each item at a time.

2. Read the expert wedding advice articles on The Wedding Community. You will find all sorts of ideas and advice from specialists in different fields of the wedding industry. The Wedding Community forum is an excellent way to chat to other real brides to get ideas and discuss your plans.

3. Remember you are the client. Do not be pushed into things you don’t want by suppliers. Listen to their advice but put your own stamp on what you want. It is your day and they want your business.

4. Check out the internet. There are lots of sites to help you and this is a quick and productive way to get ideas, compare costs, find items and get reviews on suppliers.

5. Choose your wedding venue wisely. There are hundreds out there and they all want you to pick them, so negotiate what you want within the budget you have set, but remain realistic.

6. Stay focused on what you as a couple want for the day. Everyone will have an opinion and they will voice it, but this is your wedding so make sure it is about you and your dreams.

7. Do not let budgets take a nose dive and get out of control. Set your limits at the start, be realistic but stick to them, it is easy to get excited and overspend.

8. Choose a theme for your day and work around that. If you do this before you begin buying things such as table décor, you will save money in the long run and not end up with a box full of stuff you don’t use.

9. Do not set your heart on good weather. This is the only thing you cannot plan so don’t let a spot of rain or overcast day ruin the whole thing.

10. Hire a wedding planner. They do not always cost the earth and will be able to offer invaluable advice, as well as negotiating with suppliers and helping to ensure your wedding runs smoothly on the day.

Article by Julie Tooby for the www.theweddingcommunity.com
Image by LLewellyn Robbins www.lrphotography.co.uk

Website

We have a new and exciting re-designed website and we LOVE it.

A huge thank you to Paul Rigby @ Ingensys, for working around the clock to make us look fantastic and just being a star and all round patient good egg!

With thanks to www.ingensys.net

The Wedding Community

Have a look at the latest newsletter from the Wedding Community. Lots of info and a fantastic competition from the fantastic Sandals Resorts.

http://www.theweddingcommunitynewsletter.co.uk/

Top tips to keep guest entertained

1. To keep young minds active you may wish to hire or purchase some lawn games such as snakes and ladders, giant jenga and connect four, these can be an inexpensive way or creating fun; great bargains can be found on the internet. Plus the adults may enjoy it too!

2. Table trivia can provide a great icebreaker for during the wedding breakfast.

3. To add something totally different that will have your guests talking for months, look into “singing waiters”. These fellows mingle in with the waiting staff and when you least expect it burst into song! Great fun!

4. Video diary rooms are an interactive way of including your guests, they leave a private message, which can be downloaded to disc and viewed whenever you wish. Adding a lasting memory from your guests.

5. You could think about a magician for the drinks reception, these talented soles will keep young and old mesmerised for hours!

6. Fireworks in the evening at around 10 can add an extra dimension to the evening entertainment adding a late night WOW factor.

7. For younger guests think about favours on the table such as kinder eggs, not only a chocolate but also a treat inside; or you could look at kiddie bags to keep them entertained throughout dinner.

8. Live music in the evening is always a winner; choose carefully as this can be expensive so go off recommendation.

9. Caricaturists are also becoming more popular, not only a bit of fun but your guests get to take away a lasting memory of the day.

10. If you are inviting a few children, think about a children’s entertainer, this will keep the kids entertained and also free their parents to fully enjoy the your special day with you!!

Article by Award Winning Wedding Planner Julie Tooby

Roles of the wedding Party - an Overview

Well now, the lovely bride and groom have decided that you are lucky enough to be a main player at their special day. An honour indeed, but it’s not all pretty dresses, chic suits and new shoes. You have an important part to play, so here is some help on what’s expected.

The Chief Bridesmaid / Maid of Honour

This role usually goes to the bride’s closest friend or family member.

Prior to the day you will be required to go dress shopping, organise the hen party and look after the bride during it. Attend fittings and take on any jobs you are asked to, and you should also attend any rehearsals and meetings as required.

On the day, make sure the bride drinks plenty of water, has eaten and is as relaxed as she can be. Make sure hair and make-up are on schedule and help her and the other members of the party dress. Make sure you keep to time, a few minutes late may be accepted but half an hour could be a disaster.

Generally look after the bride for the whole day, help with make-up and hair touch -ups and going to the bathroom, wedding dresses can be hard to negotiate in a toilet cubicle.

Assist the best man with any gifts and cards and gathering together family for photographs.

Your job is to look after the whims of the bride on the day, as she may be nervous and need a re-assuring smile at any time.

The Best Man

As with the above, your job is to take the pressure off the groom. It’s not all about the stag do!

Beforehand, you should help to arrange the purchasing/hire of the suits and attend any pre-wedding meetings you’re asked too. Be sure to confirm all arrangements by liaising with the bride, groom and immediate families.

On the day you should ensure the groom is punctual, sober and relaxed (a hangover for you both is really not a good look).

Organise the ushers, make sure the rings are safe and assist the photographer with finding groomsmen and guests for photos (before and after the wedding).

You should have a speech that is acceptable to be heard by all. Remember that grandparents, parents and celebrants do not want to listen to an hour of the groom's past misdemeanours. Keep it brief, clean, heartfelt and all will be fine.

You should ensure that gifts are put in a safe place, all the suppliers have been paid and all are happy with any requirements.

Your job is NOT to hold up the bar for the whole day and forget why you are there.

Article by Award Winning Wedding Planner Julie Tooby
Images Courtesy of Surrey Wedding Photographer Matt Pereira Photography

First published The Wedding Community

Part 2 - Tips on Handling Suppliers

If you handle your suppliers with care and attention you'll get the best out of them in return. Here's 5 more tips for you to bear in mind.

Push for more

Be realistic. Venues may not be able to give huge discounts in the current financial climate, so instead try to stretch them to throw things in - such as free accommodation for the newly weds!

Don't be scared!

The flip side of a recession is that your business should be even more important to each supplier, so don't be scared of being labelled demanding or mean. They will have seen much worse, honestly!

Look for hidden costs

Find out if the prices you've been quoted include VAT, delivery charges etc. If they don't then you need to re-negotiate.

Enlist some expert help

If the thought of negotiating with suppliers fills you with dread hire a wedding planner. They can liaise with all your suppliers and get you the best deals, leaving you completely stress free.

Get to know each other

Remember that you should feel comfortable with all your suppliers, but especially with your photographer. They will be with you most of the day so it's important to meet them all beforehand so that they know exactly what you expect.

Part 1 - 5 of the 10 Rules for handling suppliers

Handle your suppliers with care and attention and you will get the best out of them in return.

Always be prepared

When you meet with a supplier take a list of exactly what you want to achieve. Be precise and you'll get an accurate quotation. Don't wing it or you'll forget something!

Contrast and Compare

Check out the market place. Always visit more than one supplier - if you have at least three quotes for each part of your big day, you would have done your homework!

If you don't ask...

Once you have gathered your quotes, decide which you want to go with and then start to talk to them about their price, how it compares to your budget, and if there is room for negotiation, or even adding extra things in.

Ask the right questions

Ask questions that provoke a positive response. Don't say " I don't suppose you can work within my budget, can you?" Instead say, "Can we do a deal on that?" or "Are you flexible on that price?"

Plan the menu properly

Talk to your venue or caterers about cutting the costs of your meal by changing the menu slightly. Do you need a three-course wedding breakfast? Would substantial canapes work just as well? You could leave out the starter, or the cake as dessert. Or maybe swap the champagne for sparkling wine.

To follow - more tips on looking for hidden costs, expert help and not being scared!

....and now for the 1st dance

The song choice – When choosing the song, make sure that it is one that means something to both of you, you will both be dancing to it and an emotional connection to the song will help relax you and put you at ease on the day.

The speed of the song - Make sure the song has a steady beat that you can hear. This will allow you to dance in time with the music easily and will help you dance together as a couple. If there is a steady beat that you can both hear you will feel confident and will be able to have fun with the steps that you choose.

The dress - If possible, choose a wedding dress that allows you to have a bit of movement – many dresses have a hook at the back allowing you to gather the train and pin it up. This allows movement when dancing and will allow you to travel backwards and sideways without standing on the bottom of the fabric.

The shoes – Make sure that you are comfortable in your shoes – take a moment to think about the floor at the venue - is it wooden, tiled, stone or cobbles? Make that your shoes fit you well and have non-slip soles. If on the day you realize that you are slipping slightly on the floor, dab a sugary drink on the sole of the shoe, this will help lessen the slide.

Dance lessons – If you are nervous about your first dance and want some reassurance, take a few dance lessons leading up to the big day. It can be a great way to relax and have fun leading up to the wedding and at the end of the lessons you will feel more confident and able to dance on the day.

Prepare – If you decide to have lessons for your first dance or choose to have a routine choreographed, make sure that you take time out from your wedding preparations to practice the steps that you have learned. The more you practice and play around with the dance at home, the more relaxed and confident you will feel on the big day.

Enjoy it - Your first dance as husband and wife should be a pleasurable experience. Don’t worry about it or build it up to be bigger than it is, you have done the hard work. You have arranged the wedding and made the speeches, the dance is the time for you to let your hair down and have some fun!

With thanks to Hannah Nicholls at Deliver The Dance

for ore information please www.deliverthedance.co.uk

or email us x

Top 10 ways to involve family (and save a fortune)

Wedding Cakes.

These are a DIY favourite, and mums usually have a great family recipe that's been passed down for generations. This could save you a big chunk of the budget - just make sure she has a few trial runs!

Wedding video

Many real-life brides agree that having a wedding video is an absolute must. If your budget won't stretch to a professional videographer, ask a brother, uncle or friend to take charge, even if it's just for the important moments like vows and speeches.

Green-fingered friends

Got any? If so, treat them to a flower-arranging workshop so they can help you create your big day blooms at home. You may even be able to grow some of your own flowers, saving a tidy sum. See glily.co.uk for workshop classes.

Dress altering friends?

If you've just blown the budget on your bridesmaids' dresses and don't fancy paying even more for alterations, ask a friend with dress-making skills if they can make the adjustments as a wedding gift.

Flash cars and tractors!

Friends or family with flashy cars could help out with transport on the day and save you even more money. Think outside the box here too - weddings in the country for instance, equal farmers - with tractors!

Tea-party trends

English tea-party themes are bang on trend (and budget friendly too!). Ask mums, nans, aunties and cousins to bake their favourite cakes, scones and biscuits and serve as a mid evening treat.

Unique entertainment

More and more brides are using iPods for their wedding music. Add in a friend who can DJ and you've got inexpensive entertainment that's unique to you!

Hair and make up

Ask your best friend to do your hair and make-up - she knows you as well as anyone and you can be really honest with her during the trials (you must have trials!). But at least you'll know that you'll get the look you want without spending a fortune.

Crafty Girls nights in

You can save a fortune on your stationery and favours if you've got crafty friends. Have a girlie night in and get creative!

Honeymoons

Do you know someone who lives abroad, or who has a holiday home? This could provide the budget-friendly break you've been looking for.

Top 10 tips on perfect wedding planning

Don't panic!

I know the thought of planning one of the most important days of your life is daunting, but simplify it. Make a list of what you think you want and tackle each item at a time.

Ask for expert advice.

Log on to weddingideasmag.com; you will find all sorts of help from suppliers. The real brides on the forum are also great to swap ideas with.

Remember you are the client.

Do not be pushed into having things you don't really want by suppliers. Listen to their advice but ultimately put your own stamp on the day.

Check out the internet.

There are lot's of sites to help you and this is a quick and productiove way to compare costs, find items and get reviews on suppliers and ideas.

Choose your venue wisely.

There may be room to negotiate especially if you're getting married out of season. If you can move quickly try lastminuteweddings.co.uk Alternatively, hitched.co.uk has a comprehensive list of licensed venues around the country.

Keep focused

On what you, as a couple, want for the day. Everyone will have on opinion and they will voice it; but this is your wedding so make sure it is about you and your dreams!

Don't let budgets take a nose dive

And get out of control. Be realistic about what you have to spend and stick to it, cutting back in some areas if you want to splash out in another.

Choose a theme for your day

and work around that. If you do this before you begin buying such things as table decorations, you will save money in the long run and not end up with a box full of stuff you don't use.

Don't set your heart on the weather.

This is the only thing you can't control so don't let a spot of rain destroy your mood.

Hire a wedding planner.

A good one will be worth their weight in gold - negotiating with suppliers, keeping the planning process stress free and running everything on the day itself.

Tips for keeping you and your guests cool

With temperatures set to sour this weekend, here are few tips for all you brides to help keep you and your guests cool.

Dehydration

Whilst the sun is shining and it's fabulous for your photographs, the heat can leave you feeling exhausted. Be careful not to dehydrate and make sure that you and all your attendants have little bottles of water to hand. Sipping little and often is better at keeping your body hydrated than thirsty gulps.

Handbag size everything!

From little cans of deodorant, to miniture bottles of Evian water spray, ask your mum, Grandma, aunty if they can fit these into their handbags so you have absolutely every minor drama covered.

The pregnant and the elderly

This may seem obvious but it's worthwhile making sure there is an emergency chair or 2 in constant easy reaching distance for any elderly relatives or friends that are pregnant.

Sun cream

Apply this well before dressing and make sure it's completely dry before stepping into your gown.

Well that's our top tips for the moment, but we'll continue posting over the course of the weekend, and if you need any help or advice at all just get in touch.

Happy wedding day to all those beautiful brides out there.

Caught on film by s8

s8films - are the leading Vintage Style Wedding Videography company
offering a stylish and cinematic approach to document your special
day. Their unique style is much in demand and they have produced many
high-profile wedding films including Rachel Stevens wedding at
Claridges last year as well as the Royal Wedding of Sophie Winkleman
and Lord Freddie Windsor at Hampton Court Palace.


Here, Roland talks with us about wedding filming, new trends in the industry and how to get the best out of your videographer.

JT: Why have a wedding videographer?

Roland: Your wedding day, without a doubt, will fly by and you will be
suprised by how little of it you actually remember! By having your day
captured on film you will have the opportunity to experience all the
key parts of your special day that were missed or forgotten. The
camera will catch moments you did not even know existed and will be in
places that you were not on the day. It's also one of the few times in your life when all your friends and family will get together and having a videographer there makes sure that the
memories of your fabulous day are preserved.

JT: What are the current trends in Wedding Videography?

Roland: Super 8 Cine Film is becoming more and more popular, clients
come to s8 films looking for that timeless vintage feel to document their
day. Also, with the current trend for vintage themed weddings from the
1930's through to the '70's the S8 films cinematic style is a perfect
complement to these stylish events. People are also exploring the use
of DSLR which is something we have been using alongside the Super 8
this year. The cinematic 'movie film' look is also very on trend right
now to tell the full story of the day from the preparations through to
the end of the evening.

JT: Can you give us your 'top tips' for the bride and groom to ensure
they get the best film possible?

Roland:
1.Try to relax and and be as natural as possible in front of the
camera. You don't want the day to look too staged. Don't be afraid to
play with the camera, have fun with it and be spontaneous! All this
will make for an interesting finished piece.

2. Make sure you have lots of dialogue before your big day with your
videographer so you both know exactly what you want to achieve on the
day. Detailed timings and locations are critical to ensure all parts
of the day are fully covered.

3. To tell the whole story of your day you must make sure that the
preparations of the day are shot, all the aniticipation and build up
of you getting ready and the groom preparing really make for a great
film.

4. Lastly, make sure your Videographer is aware of who the 'key'
people of the day are (other than yourselves!), a special 'Aunt' or
Grandparent or a dear old friend, it's important to make sure that
they know who you want to have a good 'presence' in the final edit!

With thanks To Roland @ s8 Films
Take a look at their work http://www.s8films.com

Essentially You was founded in 2005 by Julie Tooby, as the natural progression to the success and reputation for excellence gained at one of Berkshire's premier wedding venues. Since inception Julie has worked tirelessly to be able to offer prospective brides the best care and attention to every detail.

Recently Julie and Essentially You were awarded with Wedding Ideas magazine "Wedding Planner of The Year" for the second year in a row.

Here's what Julie had to say about it.

Congratulations, 2 years running is amazing, what does this mean to you and your business?

On a personal level to win the award twice is a great achievement and one for which I have worked tirelessly. As it is actual couples etc that vote means that on a business level myself and team do a great job. We are there to take the stress away and manage the day so that our couples and their families can relax and winning this accolade shows that we do what we say we can.

How were you nominated?

The awards are done by the public and so you need a client / fellow supplier to nominate you.

How are the awards voted for?

By the public, all our lovely couples, fellow suppliers and generally all who think we do a good job.

What makes Essentially You unique (apart from you of course!)

We take weddings to another level, by showing an enormous amount of care, love and attention to everyone we deal with. We deliver what we say we will on time and correctly and are always on the end of the phone to chat.

How do you start to plan a wedding?

Our clients get a consultation with us, where we really listen to what they want and need from us to make their wedding dreams a possibility.

What can a bride-to-be expect when you work with them?

Tireless enthusiasm, and a genuine caring manner to make their dreams come true.

How many weddings have you planned?

Hundreds and we hope to get into the thousands!

What future plans do you have for Essentially You?

Wedding world domination and to keep giving the service we have so far for many years to come.

If you could give one piece of advice to any bride-to-be, what would it be?

Relax, and you will enjoy the day to the full.

The gloves are off... Helpful hints for lovely looking hands

Hands and nails can be tale tellers. You may be dressed in the best clothes with perfect accessories and look really hot with the latest make up.
If your hands and nails look dirty or uncared for the entire look is wasted.
Taking proper care of hand and nails should be a part of your beauty routine.
It not only helps them stay clean but makes them look beautiful. Good-looking nails reflect on your personal hygiene and health.
So don’t ignore your nails. Use these simple yet effective tips for hand and nails care.


1. Wash frequently

Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly. Use the right kind of soap to cleanse your hands. It should not only cleanse but also get rid of harmful bacteria. You need a soap which is tough on dirt and yet gentle on hands. Bar soaps are fine for cleansing purposes but they may dry your hands.

2. Use a nail brush

Nail brushes are useful accessory to keep your finger nails healthy and clean. Try and use a nail brush every time you wash hands. As you brush your nails you cleanse and massage them. You are indulging your finger nails and yourself. Your nails will love it and so will you.

3. Moisturize after every wash

Each time you wash your hands with soap bar it dries the skin. You need to replenish the lost moisture to maintain the youth and smoothness of your hands. Remember to use a hand lotion or cream after you wash your hands. These products will help moisturize your hands and keep dry skin away. Before long you will notice that your hands remain soft and silky all the time. This also means that they are looking great.

4. No nail biting

If you are a habitual nail biter then it high time you did away with this bad habit. Nail biting leads to ugly nails which are uneven and ragged. Sometimes a nail biter will bite them past the skin making them look ugly and unsightly. You can choose from many over the counter products to treat nail biting. Having Acrylic Extension may help prevent biting, allowing your natural nails to grow.

5. Colour/Acrylic them

Last but need not the least make your nails look beautiful with nail polish. Well painted nails or Acrylic Nails look good. They add glamour to your hands and nails, if you have the time and energy treat yourself to a manicure. Take special care of your cuticles to maintain beautiful looking nails.

Just as you take care of your body with a regular beauty regime it makes sense to take care of your hands and nails. These simple tips will help you maintain good looking hands and nails. Each time you look down at your well maintained nails you will see them smiling back in gratitude.

with thanks to Lisa Black,
Director Fingers and Toes

Top tips on booking entertainment

Timetable: start looking around at least a year in advance. The best musicians and entertainers will be booked up months in advance especially on a Saturday.

Testimonials: ask the agency or bandleader for some testimonials or if possible, go and see them perform live before you book them.

Timings: live musicians cannot play for hours on end, they will usually play 2 x 60 minute sets or 3 x 40 minute sets. Agree set up times and performance times in writing before the booking date and expect to pay a deposit to secure your chosen artistes.

The weather: think about the weather in advance and choose your artiste accordingly. A grand piano cannot be moved and your guests won't hear a note if they are outside enjoying the grounds and sunny weather. String ensembles and harps can be moved and you will get better value for your money if you can move them around after the ceremony.

The music: Talk to the agency or bandleader about your chosen music in advance and to take their advice. If they tell you Pachelbel's Canon won't work on the bagpipes, it won't!

Above all, choose the music you want. If you want a caricaturist - have one, if you want to have a barn dance, book a fabulous ceilidh band with a professional caller to help your guests learn the steps. It's YOUR BIG DAY..........make it memorable with the right music and entertainment.

With thanks to FAB Music Entertainment Agency
www.fabmusicagency.co.uk

For further information, call Fiona Bennett at FAB Music Entertainment Agency on (01635) 201700.Fiona has access to hundreds of different musicians and entertainers and prides herself on helping each bride book the right music and entertainment for their big day.Call now to discuss your requirements.

All that glitters is .... Simply Stunning

Top 10 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Jewellery

Your wedding day is the single most important day of your whole life, especially if you are the bride. Months and months and often years and years are spent planning for the perfect day. Each and every detail is meticulously chosen and one of the biggest details when it comes to the bride’s outfit is the Wedding Jewellery. The right Wedding Jewellery will complement the wedding dress perfectly and will complete the bride’s outfit. Here are our top tips when it comes to choosing your Wedding Jewellery.

1. Don't start to think about your Wedding Jewellery until you have chosen your dress. Your gown will influence the style of your accessories and you don't want to spend money on something that doesn't match.

2. Use wedding magazines and wedding websites for inspiration for your Wedding Jewellery and to get an indication of the range of styles, trends and the latest prices.

3. Set a Wedding Jewellery budget but allow a 10% leeway just in case you see the perfect pieces, which might be a little over budget.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time to find your Wedding Jewellery. We would recommend at least a month of searching if you timescale permits. Finding the right sparkles to finish your wedding look can often take a lot longer than expected.

5. Bespoke or ready to wear Wedding Jewellery? Having a bespoke creation is a wonderful experience but might cost more than buying a ready made set and it will invariably take longer for you to get your jewellery.

6. Colour? Don’t think that you have to choose Wedding Jewellery, which matches the exact colour of your dress. This is often impossible anyway given the many different shades of white, ivory, champagne and other coloured dresses available today. If you are going for pearls, then ivory freshwater pearls will go with both white and ivory dresses perfectly. They will also look fabulous and contrast wonderfully with other coloured dresses as well.

7. If you can’t decide between several different sets of Wedding jewellery, or you are worried about whether a particular set will go with your dress, see if it is possible to take all of the jewellery along to a dress fitting so that you can try each piece on with your dress before you make a final decision.

8. Decide how you will be wearing your hair and if you will be wearing a veil or not. This will help you to decide whether or not you are going to need a tiara or other bridal hair accessories as many Wedding Jewellery retailers stock tiaras and hair accessories to match their Wedding Jewellery or can make them to match for you.

9. Don't forget your bridemaids’ jewellery! Give them their jewellery as a thank you gift on the morning of the wedding. It will allow for some special moments between you all and it also means that you don't have to buy both their jewellery and a thank you gift.

10. After your wedding day, make sure that your Wedding Jewellery is clean and in tact before wrapping it carefully and storing it away somewhere safe. It is best to keep pearls and sterling silver jewellery wrapped in a soft cloth or jewellery pouch placed inside an airtight plastic bag. This will prevent it tarnishing.

With thanks to Chezbec an outstanding and award winning company and a lovely team.
www.chezbec.com

Look and smell as beautiful as you feel

With only 2 months to go until your wedding you should now be putting the finishing touches to your wedding fragrance, perfecting your make-up and even keeping your feet in good condition!

Something that often get's overlooked in all the preparations for the big day is the the brides fragrance. Think about it though, all day guests will be greeting you with kisses and moving in close for that well meaning hug. Here's a few tips to help you choose the right one for you.

• Match it to the theme of your wedding day.

• Timelessly traditional? Floral scents are a great choice.
• Small and intimate? Go for romantic, oriental scents.
• A raucous party? Try bold oriental or fruity scents.
• An outdoor affair? Floral or woodsy will blend well.

Layer your chosen scent. Use the bathing bubbles, then the talc and the body lotion (allow to soak in thoroughly) of all the same fragrance, and remember to walk through a mist of your chosen fragrance before you slip into your dress.

You'll look and smell as beautiful as you feel.

Wedding beauty tips - 3 months to go

So it's a step closer to your dream day, we give you advice on everything from manicures to tanning.

3 Months to go

• Plan ahead and book your treatments.

The beauty salons and beauticians often get booked up months in advance. If you use the same salon regularly then tell them your wedding date as soon as you can. If you are trying a few then now is the time to make the choice and book them before they get snapped up

• Book a course of facials.

Don't leave it until the last minute to book a facial. As with the beauticians we mentioned earlier, the best ones tend

to book up months in advance. Also, if your skin needs a specific treatment, it will need time to settle

and return to it's healthy glow.

• Test your tan.

Whether you're going for the full Saint-Tropez or a bronzing gel, choose your shade with care.

Choosing your shade

Fake tans come in different shades and choosing one that’s too dark is a big mistake. You will find that tans come in two basic types.

Golden – This is a yellow-based tan best for blondes, redheads, those with black hair, those with Asian-type or very pale skin, and anyone whose brown hair gets golden lights in summer

Bronze – This is for everyone else. Remember that your face never goes as dark as your body; keep it one to two shades lighter for a natural look.

Healthy, glowing, sun kissed skin set off by your ivory wedding gown - gorgeous!

In our next instalment we look at choosing your wedding perfume to help you smell as beautiful as you look.

Top 10 Wedding Beauty Tips

In the first of our series of wedding beauty tips we look at what all you gorgeous brides to be should be doing to make sure that you are in peak condition for the biggest day of your life.

6 months to go

• Drink water! Preferably 8 glasses a day, but don't rush to drink it all at once. Slowly sipping over an 8 hour period allows your body to absorb the excess fluid. Your skin should start to shine and take on a healthy complexion.

• Find the perfect skincare regime for your face. Many of the big department stores will offer a free consultation giving you the chance to find products that are perfect for your skin.

• Start scouting for a make-up artist. Word of mouth is best for finding one, the referral from another bride he / she has made up is the best advertisement a make-up artist can get! But make sure you're comfortable around them and that they understand what you currently wear.
• Establish a skincare routine for your body. Ex foliate at least twice a week and dry brushing in circular motions before a daily shower clears away dead skin and encourages blood flow and circulation. Also, remember that you're getting your skin ready for the honeymoon too - ex foliating helps to maintain a tan!

In our next post we'll be looking at treatments, facials and giving tanning advice.

Hen Party Inspiration

I regularly get asked by brides and bridesmaids-to-be to offer some hen party inspiration. The trend in the past has leaned towards weekends away but lately, I find brides are happier with something a little closer to home that is easier on everybody’s wallet.

La Cucina Caldesi, based in Marylebone London, offers hen’s a delicious day out with all sorts of Italian inspired cookery classes. Eleven friends and I recently trotted off to Marylebone Lane to try it for ourselves.

Met by the charming Giancarlo Caldesi we started with glasses of prosecco. With sleeves rolled up we learnt how to make fresh pasta from scratch with a number of sauces, my favourite being a zesty vodka and lemon sauce. A couple more friends joined us for dinner afterwards to enjoy the fruits of our labour which were served to us along with beautifully paired Italian wines.

Another great idea Giancarlo told us about is Hell’s Cucina at Caldesi in Campagna, Bray. There, guests get the chance to become their version of Gordon Ramsay, working behind the “pass” dishing out abuse to their fellow chefs in the kitchen! A group of 12 to 16 get to cook for their guests, up to 40, experiencing what it is really like to work in a professional kitchen.

www.caldesi.com
email julie.tooby@essentially-you.net for more information

A rose by any other name...

Your bouquet gives the perfect opportunity to add in one of your old, new, borrowed or blue items. I have previously added a little blue ribbon at the top of the stems, a beautiful antique brooch and a granny’s handkerchief tucked into the flowers.

Spring flowers are now in the market from October/November onwards, so always ask your florist what’s available and when.

If a tulip is one of your favourite flowers you are not as limited as you may think. They come in stunning tones of reds and oranges and make the perfect autumnal centrepiece.

Do think carefully about the height of your table decorations, whilst people worry that flowers too high will block the flow of conversation, if the flowers are too low they have no impact at all when you walk into the room and all you see is a mass of wine glasses.

With thanks to Emma Lappin
www.emmalappinflowers.com

Here comes the.... rain

If it is raining on your big day, fear not some of the best photos I have seen are in the rain. So grab an umbrella and go for it!

Keep the chill of your shoulders by adding a wrap to your ensemble, sophisticated and practical.

Check if a gazebo is available at your venue, these can be invaluable in any weather as shelter from all the elements.

Activity tables, perhaps set up a table full of fun for your younger guests, this can keep them entertained whatever the weather, put out some colouring books and pencils, lego and puzzles and it will keep the kids happy for hours.

Hire a wedding planner, they cannot influence the weather, we are in England after all, but they will be able to come up with a back up plan.

Whatever the weather brings do not panic, we can not always predict it, so it is not worth getting stressed over, remember the meaning of the day and just relax.

Thanks to Llewellyn Robins Photography
www.lrphotography.co.uk

WOW!!! We did it again!!!

THE 2010 WEDDING IDEAS AWARDS
– WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

The winners of the Wedding Ideas Awards 2010, the most prestigious and sought-after consumer wedding awards, were announced at a lavish lunch in London. And local company Essentially You has WON in the Best Wedding Planner category for the 2nd year running! Voted for by readers of the UK's best bridal mini mag, the awards acknowledge the very best companies who deliver fabulous products for every bridal budget, coupled with exceptional customer service. There were 16 categories and in excess of 6,000 nominations this year. It's been a record, recession-busting year in every way – for the awards, the magazine and the parent company – Giraffe Media Ltd.

The awards were presented at a lavish lunch awards’ ceremony at Andaz on London's Liverpool Street on Friday the 22nd of January, following a Champagne reception and a delicious lunch. The event was hosted by TV presenter Jenni Falconer and 200 leading names from the bridal industry were present.

Rachel Morgan, the editor of Wedding Ideas magazine, explained what an achievement it was to be nominated for the awards:

"We were thrilled to recognize the achievements and celebrate the success of the winners of these coveted awards, especially in these tough economic times. Julie Tooby and Essentially You should be hugely proud and thrilled that our readers – their customers – think highly enough of them to vote for them. We look forward to working with them to grow their business even more in the next year and beyond. Congratulations!"