I often get asked about the role of the bridesmaid and for me I need not look any further than the lovely Pippa Middleton.

Pippa was the essence of all that is required of a bridesmaids to her sister Kate on Friday 29th April when she married her prince. This was no ordinary wedding her sister was marrying Prince William in a lavish yet elegant day, full of surprises and personal touches from the couple.

Pippa was attentive and supportive of her sister throughout - and well,  if we are to be honest became a bit of a star in her own right.

Looking stunning in a Sarah Burton creation she was elegant, demure and yet on call and respectful of hers sister's wants and needs. She cared for the younger bridesmaids tirelessly and attended to Kate without falter.

This is what a bridesmaids duties consist of, her smile and demeanor intact throughout a true inspiration and one can only wish that she is given the same sense of care and importance on her own wedding day.

Well done Pippa!


Article by Julie Tooby

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.

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.

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.