Dream Weddings Magazine - Dorset & Hampshire

Y O U R 

FREE L O C A L W E D 

D I N G M A G A Z I N E 

dream 

in Dors set & Hamps shire 

TRULY 

SCRUMPTIOUS 

Stunning wed dding cakes 

and fabulous s bridal flowers 

BLACK & 

WHITE MAGIC G C 

Stylish photo ography for 

those intimat te moments 

TIME TO PA ARTY 

Top venues or f every bridal 

style from inf formal to grand 

NOW HE 

THE PLAN RE’S 

Get the low-d down on how to 

enjoy the per 

rfect wedding day 

D Ra 

azzle 

Dazzle zle ’em! 

SCAN ME ON YOUR 

SMARTPHONE: 

Don’ ’t miss our fantastic new w website:www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.ukweddings-magazine.co.uk.uk 

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COMPLIMENTARY 

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contents 

congratulations... 

AUTUMN / WINTER 2015 • ISSUE 32 

P24-27 - GO CRAZY.. GO BLACK & WHITE! 

You’ve dreamt of your wedding day since you were a 

little girl - the fabulous dress, the handsome groom, the 

flowers, the music, the blissful romance of it all. And now 

you have organised the handsome groom, it’s time to get 

down to the rest of the planning so your wedding day 

turns out to be as magical as you always imagined. 

However daunting the whole organisation seems at the outset, 

this is one celebration everyone wants to be a spectacular 

success and you will find good wishes and friendly faces 

wherever you turn for help. 

Planning your wedding starts here and now and in 

this issue of Dream Weddings you will find tips 

and hints on every aspect of your big day, from 

the latest collections of gowns to transport, from 

wedding day etiquette to up-to-date fashions in 

flowers. 

You’ll also find advertisements from a whole army of local 

businesses, all with plenty of experience to call on. They 

will work with your ideas, offer creative suggestions of 

their own and find solutions to match every budget. They 

know the shortcuts and the pitfalls - and they’re fully aware 

of how important it is to you that everything runs smoothly. 

So turn the page, start planning your big day. 

And enjoy every minute of it! 

P2-19 

DESIGNER 

DAZZLE 

EDITOR 

ADVERTISING 

ACCOUNTS 

DESIGN 

DISTRIBUTION 

JULIA SNOW 

HELEN JOHNSON, 

EVE SZEREMETA 

MADELINE RIGGS 

TOM HUTTON 

JANE GREY 

2-19 Shimmer and sparkle 

From a fairytale princess to drama queen: 

sizzling styles for the whole bridal party 

P20-21 - FLOWER POWER 

36-37 Mum’s the last word... 

...in fashion with the stylish new 

collections for the Mother of the Bride 

COVER PHOTO BY LINUS MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY 

TELEPHONE 01305 755663 • WWW.LINUSMORANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK 

DISCLAIMER: While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of 

advertisements and editorial in this publication, County Magazines Ltd 

cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused directly or 

indirectly by the contents of this magazine. The views expressed are not 

necessarily those of the publisher or editor. While every care is taken with 

material submitted for publication, no liability for loss or damage can be 

accepted by the publisher or its agents. 

FOLLOW 

US ON: 

PUBLISHER COUNTY MAGAZINES LTD, 

THE GRANGE, STOKEINTEIGNHEAD, 

NEWTON ABBOT, DEVON TQ12 4QH. 

TELEPHONE: 01626 873364 

EMAIL: ENQUIRIES@COUNTYMAGAZINES.CO.UK 

www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk 

Visit our website at 


20-21Roses, roses all the way 

Say it (beautifully) with roses or lilies, 

lucky heather or dramatic hydrangeas 

22-23 Let them eat cake! 

Classic, contemporary, fun or novelty: 

up-to-the-minute trends in fabulous cakes 

24-27 Get the picture? 

Retro black & white photography is 

the in thing for stylish brides and grooms 

28 Honeymoon heaven 

Top tips for squeezing every drop of 

romance from your holiday of a lifetime 

29-35 Plan for perfection 

Follow our step-by-step wedding plan 

and you’ll never put a foot our of place 

38-41 Fair enough 

Find the top local wedding fairs and 

discover what’s trending for your big day 

42-59 Scene stealers 

Great venues to suit every bride’s style and 

budget - and how to dress them 

60-61 It’s your party! 

Live music, a fun casino and fireworks will 

make your evening go with a swing 

62-63 Brides’ directory 

Your classified guide to wedding services 

from recommended local professionals 

64 Dates for your diary 

Index to advertisers plus our handy roundup 

of autumn wedding fairs near you 

D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E • 1

LEFT: AMANDA WYATT AT CUPID’S 

CORNER IN GILLINGHAM 

Impossibly romantic yet oozing glamour and with enough sparkle to mirror the 

excitement in the bride’s eyes: the 2015 bridal collections will knock your 

socks off. Illusion sheer necklines and sleeves with hints of lace, glorious 

embroidered detail with glitzy Swarovski crystals, shimmering satins, floating 

organzas, luscious lace and confections of tulle mean the bride has never had 

a more difficult choice to make. 

We’re often asked for our top tips on choosing that all-important dress, so here 

are a couple of things to bear in mind. 

Be open-minded, don’t be tempted to try on anything over your budget, limit 

the number of friends you take with you – and start looking early, it can take 

months for your dress to arrive once you’ve ordered it! 

Designer 

dazzle 

MAIN PICTURE, LEFT & TOP RIGHT: 

ST PATRICK AT MINSTER DESIGNS IN WIMBORNE 

2 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E

AMANDA WYATT AT CUPID’S CORNER IN GILLINGHAM 


Back to 

the future 

Everything you’ve ever read about the importance of the back of 

your dress is true. That’s what your guests will be looking at all 

through the ceremony - and there are some glorious backs in the 

new collections. Think dramatically dipped, intriguingly keyholed, 

beautifully draped with Twenties-style jewels and, newest of all, 

perfect illusion backs with a delicate row of buttons. 

A built-in train will give you a slimmer outline while you’re standing at the 

altar and lend a special dignity to the occasion. Yes, they’re more difficult 

to handle but think of the fun you’ll have practising in front of the mirror 

at home. You’ll soon work out how to walk and turn gracefully and don’t 

forget your chief bridesmaid will be there to ensure your train falls properly 

on the day. 

OPULENCE AT COURTYARD 

BRIDAL IN LYTCHETT MINSTER 

ABOVE: SINCERITY AT CLOUD NINE IN LOCKS 

HEATH AND BRIDAL & BALL IN WEYMOUTH 


MAIN PICTURE & TOP RIGHT: STELLA YORK 

AT BLISS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE IN CHRISTCHURCH 

AND CUPID’S CORNER IN GILLINGHAM 

LEFT: OPULENCE AT COURTYARD 

BRIDAL IN LYTCHETT MINSTER 


RONALD JOYCE AT BLISS BRIDAL 

BOUTIQUE IN CHRISTCHURCH 

Out of 

INSET ABOVE & CUT OUT RIGHT: ALFRED 

ANGELO AT CLOUD NINE IN LOCKS HEATH 


the blue 

KENNETH WINSTON AT 

NEW FOREST & DORSET 

BRIDES IN HIGHCLIFFE 

RONALD JOYCE AT 

BLISS BRIDAL 

BOUTIQUE IN 

CHRISTCHURCH 


NICOLA ANNE AT 

COURTYARD 

BRIDAL IN 

LYTCHETT 

MINSTER 

ALEXIA DESIGNS AT 

ALL ASPECTS IN 

BOURNEMOUTH 

Short... 

and oh, 

so sweet 

Stylish, up-to-the-minute and with a Wow! factor all of 

their own, short wedding dresses are everywhere in the 

2015 bridal collections. You’ll find hemlines up and 

down the scale, from ballerina-length to micro mini and 

some come with fabulous detachable trains, combining all the 

glamour of a traditional wedding dress with all the fun of a 

contemporary style. 

They’re especially suited to less formal occasions, like 

weddings abroad or second marriages and, like traditional 

styles, come in all sorts of colours. 

Choose your accessories carefully if you’re thinking about 

going the short route. Think about a hat with a short, sexy veil 

or fresh flowers in casually-styled hair. 

STELLA YORK AT CUPID'S 

CORNER IN GILLINGHAM 

AND BLISS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 

IN CHRISTCHURCH 


ALFRED ANGELO AT 

CLOUD NINE IN 

LOCKS HEATH 

ST PATRICK AT MINSTER 

DESIGNS IN WIMBORNE 


FEMME BY KENNETH WINSTON AT NEW 

FOREST & DORSET BRIDES IN HIGHCLIFFE 

Cute 

SONSIE BY VEROMIA AT BRIDAL 

& BALL IN WEYMOUTH 

and 

Over half of today’s brides 

are a size 14 or more and 

long gone are the days when 

larger brides were routinely 

snubbed in bridal shops... 

1 0 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E

PICTURED & LEFT: 

SONSIE BY VEROMIA AT 

BRIDAL & BALL IN WEYMOUTH 

curvelicious 

Both designers and boutiques have woken up to the fact that 

plus-size brides want to be beautiful too: international bridal 

houses have launched their own plus-size collections and 

bridal shops who stock them are witness to their popularity. 

There’s nothing more disheartening for a generously proportioned 

bride than finding nothing to try on in the shops she visits, so do a 

little homework before you go. Call the bridal stores in advance and 

ask what choice they have for you to try on in your size. If you want 

our top tip: get your underwear professionally fitted to enhance all 

your good points, and wear it when you head out on your big 

adventure. Then simply get on with loving the experience. 

RIGHT: FEMME BY 

KENNETH WINSTON AT 

NEW FOREST & DORSET 

BRIDES IN HIGHCLIFFE 

D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E • 1 1

BLISS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 

Stunning bridalwear and bridesmaids 

By appointment 

181 Barrack Road | Christchurch | Dorset | BH23 2AR 

01202 482870 dresses@blissbridalwear.co.uk 

blissbridalwear.co.uk 

Cupid’s Corner Bridal Design 

Dreamy Dresses, Shoes and Accessories For Your Special Day... 

• Wedding Gowns 

• Bridesmaids Dresses 

• Prom & Ball Gowns 

• Accessories 

• Jewellery 

• Shoes 

Tel: 01747 825525 

8 Newbury Court, High Street, 

Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4QX 

www.cupidscorner-bridalwear.com 

Simply 

Bliss Bridal Boutique is situated in the historic town of Christchurch. 

Their beautiful collection of handpicked gowns by Essense of 

Australia, Stella York and Ronald Joyce exude elegance, 

sophistication and romance. Delicate embellishments, lace and 

subtle tones of champagne and gold are a real feature in the collection. 

Bridesmaid dresses by Two Birds are extremely popular in the boutique: 

one dress, over 15 ways to wrap, for the wedding day and for ever after 

and proudly made in London. They are the perfect choice for your 

bridesmaids and are available in stunning colours, rosewater is a current 

favourite! 


ALL PICTURED: 

STELLA YORK AT CUPID’S 

CORNER IN GILLINGHAM AND 

BLISS BRIDAL BOUTIQUE IN 

CHRISTCHURCH 

stunning 

Bliss understands body shapes, fabrics, styles and cut. They listen to how 

you want to look, offer suggestions and inspiration. They are truly 

passionate about providing their brides with the best possible service 

which is why many brides come via recommendation. 

When asked ‘What is the best part of your job?’, the answer is simple: 

‘Seeing the look of excitement on a bride’s face when she has fallen in love 

with a dress.’ 

They always recommend that you book an appointment to try on dresses 

and very much look forward to meeting you. 

For more details, call 01202 482870 or visit the website at 

www.blissbridalwear.co.uk. 


Creative,Innovative design 

Bespoke Bridalwear, 

Bridesmaids & Mother 

of the Bride 

From the initial idea to the 

finished garment, I consult 

at every stage with you to 

create a sensational, 

exclusive look, 

sculptured to your 

figure and made to 

the highest quality 

Award winning 

tiaras & headpieces 

Handmade • Affordable • Unique 

Tel: 07436 260251 

www.tiarasbybecky.co.uk 

Full references & 

portfolio available 

to view. All enquiries 

welcome, any budget 

without obligation 

01202 821710 

07887 522826 

www.zip-up.com 

Address: 1082 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6DS - Tel: 01202 432800 

Monday 11am till 4pm, Tuesday 10am till 4pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 10am 

till 4pm, Friday 11am till 4pm and Saturday 10am till 5pm. Sundays 

appointment only. Evening appointments available on request. 

Official stockists for 

Alfred Angelo 

Wedding Gowns 


Stunning gowns from 

Kenneth Winston, Ella 

Rosa and Femme 

(for the curvier bride) 

Something for every 

budget Sizes 6 to 34 

Appointments only 

Tel: 01425 616939 or 

078513 85116 

www.newforestbrides.co.uk 

404 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5HE. 

Bridal, Bridesmaids, Prom & Accessories 

9 Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth DT4 OAD 

Tel: 01305 773940 • www.bridalandball.co.uk 

For Beautiful Bridal Gowns 

Tel: 01202 625494 

www.courtyardbridal.co.uk 


Simple stunning gowns! 

Bridal Boutique 

Choose from bespoke designs, 

ready & Tailoring to wear or redesign. 

Full alteration service available. 

Tel: 01202-986040 

www.minsterdesigns.com 

Millstream Close, Wimborne BH21 1DW 

All Aspects Wedding Services 

The One Stop 

Wedding Shop for... 

• B R I D A L G O W N S 

• B R I D E S M A I D S 

• M E N ’ S S U I T H I R E 

• W E D D I N G S TAT I O N E RY 

• C A R H I R E 

(Nr Iford Roundabout) 

1227 Christchurch Rd 

Bournemouth • BH7 6BW 

Tel: 01202 427539 or email us at 

allaspects@btinternet.com 

www.allaspectsweddingservices.co.uk 

Planning your 

Special Day? 

dream 

wEDDINGS 

...what more 

could you want? 


ABOVE: Tiaras by Becky offers a collection of beautiful bridal headpieces 

which can be tailored to suit your theme. She also offers a bespoke 

service, where you can let your imagination run wild. 

For more details, call 07436 260251 or visit www.tiarasbybecky.co.uk. 

Photos by Adrian Lambert, hair and make-up by Sapphire Styling 

Glamour 

Traditional or contemporary, worn with or without a veil, the tiara is the 

headdress of choice for today’s brides. ‘Tiaras complement any style of 

gown,’ says Ros Woodhouse of Tiaras and Crowns ‘and can be worn with 

upswept, worn down or short hairstyles.’ 

When you’re choosing your tiara bear in mind that it should suit the shape of 

your face, your wedding hairstyle and the style of your gown. 

‘Diamante tiaras go with any colour of gown, says Ros, ‘while tiaras with pearls 

should match either your jewellery or your gown.’ 

Tiaras and Crowns has a fantastic selection of bridal headdresses to 

complement every bride. 

For more information, call 01305 814950 or visit the website at 

www.tiarasandcrowns.net. 

From coloured, through to Diamante, 

Over 300 stunning designs to choose from 

Tel: 01305 814950 

Longford, Littlemead, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 5DL 


RIGHT: THE FRENCH 

COLLECTION AT MINSTER 

DESIGNS IN WIMBORNE 

Visit Minster Designs in 

Wimborne and you walk into 

a haven of peace and 

relaxation, guaranteeing a 

unique bridal experience individually 

tailored to each individual bride. 

Minster Designs stocks an eclectic 

range of bridal dresses hand-picked 

from the top international collections. 

You’ll find Essense of Australia, St 

Patrick from Spanish designer 

Pronovias, The French Collection, 

Diane Legrand, White One and a host 

of others, all beautiful, elegant and 

romantic. 

Owner – and experienced designer – 

Oxana Ruckhaber has chosen her 

collections for style, quality and 

exceptional value. 

from 

top to toe 

PRONOVIAS AT 

MINSTER 

DESIGNS IN 

WIMBORNE 

And, because she does all the fittings and 

alterations herself, special requirements and 

unique design ideas can be incorporated into 

your dress. 

Minster Designs offers everything for the bride 

from shoes to veils, tiaras, headpieces and 

jewellery, so you can see the final look come 

together. 

And the rest of the bridal party can get involved 

too, with the vast array of stunning bridesmaid 

dresses and mother of the bride outfits, again 

tailored to perfection. 

Oxana is passionate about satisfying her 

customers, a passion recognised by being a 

semi-finalist in the Venus Award Dorset 2015 

for best new business and customer service. 

For more details, call 01202 986040 or visit 

the website at www.minsterdesigns.com. 

ABOVE & BELOW: DIANE HARBRIDGE AT 

ALL ASPECTS IN BOURNEMOUTH 

Areal one-stop wedding shop, with the 

emphasis on fabulous bridal fashion, All 

Aspects Wedding Services in Bournemouth 

can provide every detail to make your wedding 

perfect. Choose your dress and your bridesmaids’ outfits 

from international collections including Trudy Lee, 

Phoenix Gowns, Diane Harbridge and Alexia. 

Find your groom’s outfit from the huge selection of 

formal hire by Cameron Ross and Peter Posh. 

Co-ordinate the day with your choice of a wide range of 

stationery and choose from four immaculate cars to 

ensure you arrive on time and in style. 

Owner Gill Price offers all brides a warm welcome, and 

she and her experienced staff will be delighted to help 

you plan the big day. 

She said: ‘We can guide you through the maze of 

decision-making step by step. We know how to advise 

and when to listen.’ All Aspects Wedding Services 

encourages brides to make an appointment so they are 

guaranteed a more personal service. 

For more information, call 01202 427539 or visit the 

website at www.allaspectsweddingservices.co.uk. 


1 8 • D R E A M W E D D I N G S I N D O R S E T & H A M P S H I R E 

PICTURED: KELSEY ROSE AT FAB FROCKS IN 

BOURNEMOUTH AND BRIDAL & BALL IN WEYMOUTH

Of maids... 

Choosing how to dress your bridesmaids 

may not be quite as exciting as choosing 

your own gown for the big day – but your 

girlfriends will thank you for taking time 

and trouble deciding what you want them to wear. 

Our top tips? Choose a style that complements 

your own dress and will flatter the different sizes 

and shapes of your friends. High-waisted empire 

line and flowing A-line skirts suit most body types, 

but you can also buy dresses which can be worn in 

a slightly different way by each girl. 

When it comes to colour, don’t think all your 

bridesmaids have to wear identical hues. 

Complementary tones of the same colour or a 

sweet pea selection of different pastels can look 

fabulous together – and that way, each bridesmaid 

can wear a colour that really suits her. 

And as for the cost: if you’re buying the dresses, 

you get the last word. If they’re buying their own, 

try to choose something they can wear again after 

the wedding. And make sure you stick to their 

budget - or, if you really want to go over, consider 

offering to pay the difference yourself. 

and men 

Wearing the perfect outfit for a wedding 

isn’t just the prerogative of the bride 

and her entourage. The men in the 

bridal party want to look and feel 

special too. The men’s formal department at Chas 

H. Baker in Salisbury aims to fulfil that dream. 

Formal wear manager Peter Northover said: ‘We 

set out to create a relaxing atmosphere where 

grooms and their partners can take time to select 

the look they want to achieve, considering our 

huge range of different styles, colours, textures 

and combinations. 

‘Our range of waistcoats and colours of our 

accessories are vast – whether you are looking for 

classic simplicity or dramatic flamboyance. 

‘Chas H. Baker, established in the city over 100 

years ago, is still run by the same family – a 

testimony to its outstanding reputation for quality 

menswear and traditional service.’ 

The formal hire department runs alongside the 

store’s wide range of quality menswear to buy. 

For more information, call 01722 324234 

or visit the website at 

www.salisbury-suit-hire.com. 

INSET LEFT & RIGHT: 

ALEXIA AT ALL ASPECTS IN BOURNEMOUTH 


MAIN PICTURE, BELOW & RIGHT: STUNNING BRIDAL FLOWERS BY JULES FLORIST 

Blooming 

ABOVE: STYLISH BRIDAL FLOWERS BY BLOOM FLORISTRY 


Your bridal bouquet is a once-in-a-lifetime accessory, and it will 

give you more pleasure than any other bouquet you ever receive, 

so take time to choose it carefully. A good florist will put his or 

her knowledge and experience at your disposal when it comes to 

colours and shapes and flowers which will come inside your budget – but 

you can help by doing a little 

thinking and planning in 

advance. 

Book your florist early, but 

don’t have your initial 

consultation until you’ve 

chosen your dress. Then 

take along a picture so the 

florist can balance the 

bouquet with the outfit. 

As a general rule, the more 

detailed the dress, the 

simpler the bouquet. 

Conversely, simple, elegant 

BOUQUET BY JULES FLORIST

Flower 

Power! 

gorgeous! 

dress designs cry out for dramatic flowers. 

Take along swatches of your bridesmaids’ dresses so 

your florist can recommend flowers which will work well 

with the colours. 

The language of flowers is well known, so you might 

consider planning a message into your bouquet – or include 

flowers which have a personal meaning for you. 

Kate Middleton included sweet william in her understated 

bouquet for her wedding to Prince William but you could 

also include, say, a beloved Grandmother’s favourite flower 

or an antique brooch pinned to the ribbon which wraps 

the stems. 

Whatever you choose, do make sure you’re comfortable with 

the size and shape of your bouquet – you don’t want 

anything that’s awkward to carry. 

And do practise holding it: so many brides hold their flowers 

too high or turn the stems to the camera. 

Hold it below your hip and slightly away from your dress, 

this will relax and open your shoulders, improve your 

posture and create the best pose for your photographer. 


ABOVE & BELOW: Bespoke cakery Fancie Buns 

has a well deserved reputation for designing 

and making scrumptious cakes, cupcakes and 

sweet treats. The Poole-based wedding cake 

specialist tailors every cake individually for each 

bride and all are made using only the finest and 

freshest ingredients. Free consultations are by 

appointment 

– and you get to sample selected flavours! 

For details, call 07796 614978 or visit 

www.fanciebunscakery.co.uk. 

Let them 

LEFT & ABOVE: 

Jennifer Bronsell of 

Bournemouth-based Coast Cakes 

is an award-winning cake artist 

who is a preferred supplier to 

many of the top wedding venues 

in Dorset and Hampshire. 

A qualified chef, she promises 

both excellent service and 

outstanding quality. 

For details, call 

01202 539120 or 

visit www.coastcakes.co.uk. 


your Dream Cake! 

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year 

with a newly refurbished shop, the Cake 

Workshop in Shirley is a celebration 

cake specialist – and regularly makes 

cakes for Royalty. 

Owner Wendy Spreadbury and her team of five 

have been providing the cake for the Duke of 

Edinburgh Award ceremonies at Buckingham 

Palace for the past 15 years – and they understand 

Prince Edward is partial to a slice or several! 

Wendy herself started working at the Cake 

Workshop when she was 21 and bought the 

business three years later. That was 20 years ago 

and she has never looked back. 

eat cake! 

She said: ‘We care about every cake we make and 

our constant emphasis is on quality, imagination 

and taste. 

‘Our prices are very competitive – including 

wedding cakes – and customers come back year 

after year, some after moving miles away.’ 

The Cake Workshop has a large selection of 

decorating equipment, food colours, toppers, 

stand and knife hire, cutters, sugar flowers, 

feathers, diamanté, glitters and so on if you want 

to make your own wedding cake. And they are also 

happy to decorate cakes provided by the bride. 

‘Our aim,’ said Wendy, ‘is always to create 

stunning designs that taste fabulous!’ 

For more details, call 02380 771458 or visit the 

website at www.cakeworkshop.co.uk. 

Cake and sugarcraft specialist Filigrana of 

Sherborne will transform your dreams into 

that very special wedding cake. 

All cakes are individually hand crafted and 

decorated and they pride themselves on the 

quality of their cakes, baked using only the finest 

ingredients, most sourced locally. 


www.filigranacakes.co.uk 

Amazing Cakes... Fantastic Prices... Beautiful • Creative • Delicious 

Tel: 02380 771458 - 68 Romsey Road, Shirley, Southampton SO16 4DB 

e: cakeworkshop@btinternet.com • www.cakeworkshop.co.uk 

Award winning bespoke wedding cakes 

tel. 01202 539120 | mob. 07789 000387 

email. coastcakes@btinternet.com 

www.coastcakes.co.uk 


PHOTO BY A J PHOTOGRAPHIC 

PHOTO BY CHARLES THORNE PHOTOGRAPHY 

Capture it 

PHOTO BY LINUS MORAN PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY HOLLY MARSH PHOTOGRAPHY 


PHOTO BY CP PHOTOGRAPHY 




in black & white 


PHOTO BY CERRIE SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHER 

PHOTO BY CP 

PHOTOGRAPHY 






PHOTO BY 

PARADOX 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

...it ’s 

PHOTO BY A J 

PHOTOGRAPHIC 

PHOTO BY 

CP PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY 

HOLLY MARSH 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

PHOTO BY PARADOX 

PHOTOGRAPHY 





magic! 



PHOTO BY PARADOX PHOTOGRAPHY 



16 Haven Road, Canford Cliffs 

Poole, Dorset, BH13 7LP, UK 

Tel: +44 (0)1202 709881 

info@selecttravel.co.uk 

www.selecttravel.co.uk 

We know how important your 

honeymoon is so, with that in 

mind, and first hand experience 

of many well known 

honeymoon destinations such 

as The Caribbean, The Indian 

Ocean, Africa and The 

Americas, you will be in the 

best possible hands. 

HONEYMOON 

GIFT SERVICE 

The perfect alternative gift service - especially 

if you already have that kitchen appliance! 

Operates in the same way as a department 

store list except that family and friends 

contribute money towards your 

Honeymoon. 

Your first 100 gift cards are complimentary 

ready for you to include with your wedding 

invitations. 

Each gift card will show your name together 

with the closing date for contributions and 

your unique reference number. 

You can even choose the background image 

of your gift cards to illustrate the destination 

you have chosen. 

For more information please 

telephone 01202 709881 

Hot tips for that 

honeymoon 

romance 

Snow-capped mountains or sun-kissed beaches, bustling world capitals or 

romantic wild countryside: whatever your honeymoon destination, this is 

going to be your trip of a lifetime, so make the most of it. 

1 Set your budget and tell your travel agent it’s for your honeymoon. Hotels 

often offer special packages for honeymooners which can include anything 

from Champagne and flowers on arrival to an upgraded room 

2 Remember it’s all in the detail, so check the fine points of your booking. You 

might expect to have to confirm that you want a room with a view, but 

sometimes you even have to spell out that you want a double bed. If possible, 

get the details confirmed in writing. 

3 While you don’t want to skimp, spend your budget wisely on what’s important to you. 

If you’re the sort of couple who like finding interesting local places to eat, make sure 

you don’t book full board. If a four-poster bed isn’t one of your must-haves, you could 

have more budget to spend on exotic cocktails, water sports or wonderful day trips. 

4 Remember no trip is trouble-free, and sometimes luggage goes astray. Pack 

a few clothes of yours in his suitcase and a few of his in yours just in case one 

goes missing. And take some essentials, like underwear, toiletries and any 

valuables, in your hand luggage. 

5 Don’t forget the suntan oil if you’re heading for the hot spots. And never run 

the risk of getting burned. Nothing is more guaranteed to kill romance than 

skin that can’t be touched! 

6 Even if you’re going somewhere hot – or you don’t usually wear nightclothes 

– invest in some sensuous lingerie. You’ll love the feel of it on your suntanned 

skin – and so will he. 

7 Be a little careful over what you eat and drink. Make sure you get sealed 

bottles of water – and beware of ice cubes, which may have been made with 

tap water. Don’t wash fruit or salads in tap water either. Peel it, or wash it in 

pre-boiled water. 

8 Pack some romantic scented candles in your luggage or ask your hotel to 

provide some in your bedroom and bathroom. 

9 All the world loves a lover, so don’t be shy about telling people you’re on 

honeymoon. In hotels, restaurants – even on aeroplanes – you’ll get special 

service and you may even get a free gift or complimentary glass of champagne. 

10 Remember you don’t have to spend every minute of your honeymoon 

together. If your new husband wants to play golf, take the opportunity to head 

off to the shops or indulge in some beauty treatments. 

And finally, don’t expect everything to be perfect. Sometimes it’s the things that go 

wrong that will give you memories to cherish in the years to come. 

Select World Travel is a division of Select World Choice Limited 

Registered Office: Midland House, 2 Poole Road, Bournemouth BH2 5QY 

Registered in England no. 3514295 • Vat Registration Number 717 5498 05 


The Engagement 

Traditionally, the first thing to do after telling 

your family and close friends about your 

forthcoming marriage is to announce your 

engagement in your local and/or a national 

newspaper. Do check how much it will cost 

before you place the announcement. 

It will usually read: 

The engagement is announced between Michael, 

elder son of Mr and Mrs David Jones, of Downend, 

Bristol and Jennifer Anne, only daughter of Mr and 

Mrs Simon Hayes, of Marlborough, Wiltshire. 

Though the habit of giving engagement presents 

has now fallen somewhat into disuse, if you are 

lucky enough to receive some, don’t forget to write 

and thank the senders. 

Getting down 

to Business 

The very first things you must decide about 

your wedding are where, when - and how 

much. The most popular days for weddings 

are Saturdays and the most popular months are 

from May right through to September. If your 

plans follow that pattern, be aware that the most 

popular venues get booked up very early, so set 

the date and book the venues as soon as 

possible after your engagement. 

Talk to both sets of parents about setting 

budgets and who is going to pay for what. 

It is increasingly common for bridesmaids to pay 

for their own dresses, but if they do you should 

allow them some say in what they are going to 

wear. If you plan to pay for them yourself, you 

can choose their outfits. 

Your wedding will probably be the biggest 

party you ever throw - which means it will 

probably also be the most expensive. So it’s 

vital that you set your budget and stick to it. 

Nowadays it’s becoming much more common 

for the bride and groom themselves and even 

the groom’s parents to contribute towards the 

cost. Again, whoever is contributing to the 

cost should have some say in how the money 

is spent. 

INSURANCE 

Plan ahead for 

your perfect day 

So how much is it all 

going to cost? 

Basically, the answer is as much or as little as 

you want it to. An intimate ceremony with 

lunch in your favourite pub for your closest 

family and friends can be every bit as special as a 

huge event at a top venue for hundreds of guests. 

If you’re working on a limited budget, decide what’s 

most important to you and spend your money on 

that. Maybe you want a really spectacular dress and 

are prepared to do without a flashy car to take you 

to the reception. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted 

to arrive at your wedding in a pony and trap, and will 

settle for fewer guests. 

Whatever you decide, do remember that many 

guests may be coming a long way and spending 

a lot of money simply to attend your wedding, so 

it’s often better to look after a small number of 

people well than to invite more than you can 

comfortably cater for. 

The important thing is that it’s your day and the last 

thing you want to be worrying about is how you’re 

going to find the money to pay for it. So be realistic 

when you’re setting your budget - and remember 

that, with a little imagination, you can make your 

money go a lot further. 

Your budget will need to cover: 

• Wedding ring(s) 

• Wedding dress 

• Bridesmaids’ and attendants’ outfits 

• Groom’s suit 

• Stationery 

• Flowers 

• Fees for the ceremony 

• Reception venue, food and drink 

• Wedding cake 

• Photographs/video 

• Wedding transport 

• Thank you gifts for best man and attendants 

• Going away outfits 

• Honeymoon 

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE 

TO ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW 

- AND THEN SOME... 

TRADITIONALLY, 

the bride’s parents pay for: 

• Announcements in the newspapers 

• All the wedding stationery 

• Bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses 

• Transport for the bridal party to the 

ceremony and from the ceremony 

to the reception 

• Flowers for the church and the reception 

• The reception itself 

• The wedding cake 

The groom 

traditionally pays for: 

• All the fees - whether for church 

officials (including vicar, organist, 

choir, bellringers) or for the registrar 

and civil licence. 

• Bouquets for the bride and 

bridesmaids, sprays of flowers for the 

bride’s mother and his own mother and 

buttonholes for himself, the best man 

and the ushers. 

• Engagement and wedding rings for the 

bride. 

• Presents for the best man and the 

bride’s attendants. 

• Transport to the ceremony for himself 

and the best man and to the reception for 

himself and the bride 

• The honeymoon. 

Planning Makes Perfect 

cut out and keep 

Much though we hate to say it, things can go 

wrong at a wedding and it’s some 

consolation to know that you won’t lose 

out financially if they do. Insurance policies on 

offer cover everything from damage to your 

wedding dress to loss of deposits due to 

cancellation of the wedding and theft of wedding 

presents. Do get quotes before you decide which 

one to take out - and do read the small print to 

see exactly what each policy covers. 

Should unforeseen circumstances mean the 

postponment or cancellation of your wedding, 

guests can either be notified by telephone or by 

a personal or printed note saying: 

Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes announce that the 

wedding of their daughter Jennifer Anne to Mr 

Michael Jones will be postponed until (date)/will 

not now take place. If you have announced the 

engagement in the newspaper, it would be 

appropriate to place a similarly worded notice 

there too. 



The traditional invitation, with the bride’s 

parents as hosts is worded as follows: 

Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the pleasure 

of your company at the marriage of their 

daughter Jennifer Anne to Mr Michael Jones at 

St Benedict’s Church, Bournemouth on Saturday 

August 19th at 2pm followed by a reception at 

The County Hotel, Bournemouth 

RSVP 10 Marigold Gardens, Bournemouth 

In this form, the names of the guests are 

handwritten in the top left hand corner 

of the invitation. 

Alternatively a space is left in the invitation 

for the guests’ names: 

Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the 

pleasure of the company of 

........................................................ 

at the marriage of their daughter Jennifer Anne (etc) 

Make it clear precisely who is being invited. 

For a married couple, Mr and Mrs John 

Jeffries; for a family, Mr and Mrs John Jeffries, 

Jeremy and Jemima. 

The invitations... 

Invitations should be sent out six weeks 

before the wedding, so you will need to 

order them from the printer about 

three months in advance of the event. 

It’s worth taking time to choose wedding 

stationery which matches the style of your 

wedding, whether it’s romantic and 

traditional, chic and classical or off-the-wall 

and bang-up-to-the -minute. 

Then the rest of your wedding stationery can 

be ordered in the same style, including maps to 

help guests find their way easily, order of 

service sheets (you’ll need one for each guest 

plus a few spares), menus for the reception, 

place cards and so on. The exact wording on 

your invitations can be extremely complicated if 

parents are divorced or you are hosting the 

wedding yourselves. 

...and what they should say 

Bride’s mother as host, 

if she is widowed: 

Mrs David Jones requests the pleasure of your 

company at the marriage of her daughter (etc) 

Bride’s mother as host if 

she is divorced: 

Mrs Margaret Jones requests the pleasure of your 

company (etc) 

Bride’s mother if she has remarried and is 

hosting the wedding with the bride’s 

stepfather: 

Mr and Mrs George Simpson request the 

pleasure of your company at the marriage of her 

daughter Jennifer Anne (etc) 

Bride’s father as host: 

Mr David Jones requests the pleasure of your 

company at the marriage of his daughter 

Jennifer Anne (etc) 

See the panel for examples. 

As well as a map detailing how to get there, it’s 

useful to include with the invitation details of 

where guests can park and, for those who 

are coming long distances, a selection of 

recommended accommodation. 

For guests of the groom’s family, the groom’s 

mother should send a list of names and addresses 

to the bride’s mother so she can issue the 

invitations. According to strict wedding etiquette, 

envelopes should be addressed only to the wife of 

a couple or family: Mrs Samuel Johnson. As a 

matter of courtesy, an invitation should be sent to 

the groom’s parents and to the minister and his 

wife. When ordering your invitations, remember 

you’ll only need one for each family, plus a few 

spares for emergencies. 

According to strict 

wedding etiquette, 

envelopes should 

be addressed only 

to the wife of a 

couple or family 

Where the bridal couple are the hosts, the 

invitations should be worded: 

Miss Jennifer Hayes and Mr Michael Jones 

request the pleasure of your company 

at their marriage (etc) 

Divorced parents, if the bride’s 

mother has remarried 

Mr David Jones and Mrs Margaret Simpson 

request the pleasure of your company at the 

marriage of their daughter Jennifer Anne (etc) 

Divorced parents, if the bride’s mother 

has not remarried: 

Mr David Jones and Mrs Margaret Jones request 

the pleasure of your company at the marriage of 

their daughter (etc) 


Bride’s father remarried and hosting the wedding 

with the bride’s stepmother: 

Mr and Mrs David Jones request the pleasure of 

your company at the marriage of his daughter 

Jennifer Anne (etc) 

Invitations to civil weddings follow the same 

format, substituting the name of the register 

office or approved venue for the church in 

the examples above. 

Where space at the wedding ceremony is 

limited, guests can be invited to the reception 

only. For these invitations, the wording 

(depending on the host) is: 

Mr and Mrs Simon Hayes request the pleasure 

of your company at a reception at the County 

Hotel, Bournemouth on Saturday, 19th August 

at 3pm following the marriage of their daughter 

Jennifer Anne to Mr Michael Jones. 

The same wording can be used to invite extra guests to 

an evening party following the 

main reception. 

cut out and keep


REGISTER OFFICE 

To marry at a register office or building approved 

for civil ceremonies, your first step is to contact 

the registrar and/or venue to confirm registrar 

and date are available. 

Then both bride and groom must each give 

notice of the wedding in person at the register 

office covering the area where they live (and 

where they must have been in residence for at 

least seven days). 

If you both live in the same district you should 

attend the register office together - but whether 

you do or not, ring your local office first as many 

now operate appointment systems. 

Each of you will have to produce evidence of your 

name, age, marital status and nationality - for 

example, a current valid full passport. If you 

don’t have one, you’ll need two documents - for 

example a birth certificate and utility bill. 

The fee for giving notice is £35 each and, 

normally, notices should be with the registrar 

about eight weeks before the marriage. If either of 

you have been married before, the notices should 

be given 10 weeks before. 

The minimum period before the date of the 

proposed marriage is 28 days, but if you leave 

things as late as this you could be faced with the 

need to postpone your marriage. 

In exceptional circumstances the Registrar 

General may consider waiving the waiting period. 

A notice of marriage is valid for 12 months. 

THE NORMAL ORDER 

OF SERVICE FOR A 

CHURCH WEDDING IS: 

Entrance of the bride • 

Hymn • The marriage • Prayers 

Hymn or psalm • Blessing 

Signing of the register • Recessional 

LICENSED VENUES 

Over the past few years since a change 

in the law many thousands of venues 

throughout the country have become 

licensed to hold civil weddings. They range 

from hotels to stately homes, zoos to football 

clubs. You still have to give notice of your 

intention to marry in the same way as you do 

for register office weddings and, in the same 

way, you can personalise the ceremony to 

suit yourselves although no religious music 

is allowed. Though this option costs more 

than a register office ceremony - you will 

have to pay for the hire of the room and it 

costs more to have the registrar travel to you 

- it is becoming increasingly popular as 

the trend away from church weddings 

continues. 

The Ceremony 

church or civil 

Religious or civil, register office or one of the new approved 

venues, a wedding can take place on any day of the week 

between 8am and 6pm. While most still take place on Saturdays, 

Fridays are gaining in popularity allowing guests travelling a fair 

distance to make a long weekend of the celebrations. 

Church Weddings 

The Church of England welcomes couples 

who want to marry in church whatever 

their beliefs, whether or not they are 

christened and whether or not they are regular 

churchgoers, though same sex couples are 

currently limited to civil ceremonies. 

A marriage conducted in church will include 

asking for God’s guidance and blessing, adding 

a spiritual dimension to the ceremony which 

many couples find particularly special and 

moving. 

Your first step is to find a church, which need 

not necessarily be your local one, and arrange 

an appointment with the vicar so you can get to 

know him or her and complete some forms. 

The vicar will explain the church fees and the 

system of reading the banns. 

Banns are the public announcement of your 

marriage and legally must be called in church 

for three Sundays during the three months 

before the wedding. They have to be read in the 

parish where each of you lives and also 

in the church where you will 

marry, if this is different. 

Although the vows you make 

to each other in church are 

those which have been 

handed down through 

generations, you still have a 

huge amount of influence 

over the service. 

You can choose your hymns 

and music, readings and 

what prayers you would like 

and family and friends can 

contribute to the service. 


Marrying abroad 

Second 

Marriages 

Though the Roman Catholic church does not 

condone divorce, there are some 

circumstances in which the Church of 

England will marry divorced people, so it’s 

worth consulting your vicar. Even if you are 

limited to a civil ceremony, some ministers 

will offer a Service of Blessing afterwards. 

It’s important to establish early on what the 

church’s policy is on photographs or video 

being taken during the service, whetherany 

secular music is allowed and on the throwing of 

confetti within the church grounds. 

Ask too about other couples marrying on the 

same day as it may be possible to share the 

cost of the church flowers. 

Religious services in churches outside the 

established Church of England require a licence 

from the authorised registrar of your area and 

will have different requirements, so see your 

priest or minister as early as possible. 

Combining your wedding with the holiday of a lifetime is gaining in popularity with exotic destinations luring 

an increasing number of couples. The sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, the Maldives and Bali are 

among the most popular choices and many tour operators now offer all-inclusive packages. The legal 

requirements for each country may differ but generally if a marriage is recognised as legally binding in the 

country in which it takes place, it will be recognised in the UK as well. Consult your tour operator and allow at 

least three months for all the paperwork to be properly processed. 




The Best Man 

If the bride is the star of the wedding show, the 

best man is the kingpin of a successful wedding 

day, so make sure your groom chooses him with 

care. However tempting it might be to choose the 

joker who’s the life and soul of every party, you’re 

far better off with someone who will take his 

responsibilities seriously, keep all the 

organisation under control and leave you to 

enjoy your day without any niggling worries 

about how many guests have been stranded at 

the church. The part that worries most best 

men is the speech, but that should be the least 

of their problems. The best man’s job, in a 

nutshell, is to support the groom both in the 

run-up to the wedding and on the day itself. 

• Check the transport for the bridal party both to 

the ceremony and from there to the reception 

• Organise accommodation for the groom and 

himself the night before the wedding 

• He might also be asked to help with 

accommodation for guests and to liaise with 

live musicians or disco both before and during 

the reception. 

• Liaise with the toastmaster or, if there isn’t 

one, assume those duties himself - these 

include announcing the speeches and the 

cutting of the cake 

• Reply to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids 

with a brief, polite and - if possible - funny speech 

before reading out the cards and telegrams 

• Announce the newlyweds’ departure from the 

reception and ensure they have all 

their tickets and luggage 

• Make sure all the guests have 

transport to their accommodation 

• Arrange for any wedding presents 

taken to the reception to be taken 

home 

• Take the groom’s wedding clothes 

from the reception and, if necessary, 

return hired suits. 

Before the wedding, 

the best man should: 

• Make sure he keeps himself up to date with 

all the arrangements, liaising regularly with 

the groom and the bride’s family 

• Check the hiring, cleaning or collecting of suits 

for himself and the groom 

• Check the ordering of the flowers for the bride 

and her attendants, sprays for the two 

mothers and buttonholes for himself, the 

groom and other immediate members of the 

families 

• Check the printing and collection of order of 

service sheets and make sure that the ushers 

know what their duties are 

• Check arrangements for the first night and 

honeymoon are in place and that necessary 

passports and visas are in order 

• Organise the groom’s stag night - preferably 

some days in advance of the wedding - and 

make sure the groom gets home safely 

afterwards 

• Check the rings have been collected 

PHOTO BY C P PHOTOGRAPHY 

On the day 

• Take the groom’s going away clothes to the 

reception venue 

• Check the service sheets are delivered to the 

church for the ushers to hand out to guests as 

they arrive 

• Make sure the groom arrives for the ceremony in 

good time 

• Hold the ring(s) until the appropriate moment in 

the ceremony when they should be handed to 

the groom or the minister 

• Pay all the church fees on the groom’s behalf 

before the ceremony 

• Sign the register as a witness to the marriage 

• Get the bridal party together for photographs 

• Make sure the ushers arrange lifts to the 

reception for any guests who need them 

• Escort the bride and groom to the bridal car and 

then escort the bridesmaids to the reception 

The speech 

When it comes to the speech, all the 

advice is: Resist the temptation to 

tell any juicy stories whatsoever 

from the couple’s past. The escapades may have 

been hilarious, but now is not the time for 

embarrassing reminders about past romances 

or past quarrels between the happy pair. 

Because the best man’s speech is generally 

regarded as the prime entertainment at the 

reception, getting it together can be a daunting 

prospect - but don’t panic. If you can tell jokes - 

clean ones, please - that’s fine, but a short, 

polite and sincere speech wishing the couple 

every happiness will fit the bill just as well. 

Unless you’re experienced at this sort of thing, 

write down exactly what you want to say and 

practise it. Don’t be tempted to wing it on the day. 

The three essential parts of the speech are to 

thank the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids 

for his kind words about them, to read the cards 

and telegrams that have arrived and to 

announce the cutting of the cake. 

The chief bridesmaid 

The bride’s equivalent of a best man also needs to be chosen with care as it is she who will support the 

bride in the run-up to the ceremony and on the day itself. Though her duties aren’t as arduous as those 

of her male equivalent, they’re every bit as important in ensuring the bride has a worry-free day. 

PHOTO BY CHARLES 

THORNE PHOTOGRAPHY 

THE CHIEF BRIDESMAID: 

• Arranges the hen night and make sure the bride gets home safely 

• Arranges for the bride’s going away outfit and honeymoon 

luggage to be taken to the reception venue 

• Helps the bride to dress for the ceremony 

• Makes sure the flowers and bouquets have arrived on schedule 

• Supervises the other bridesmaids and attendants and assembles 

them at the church ready for the arrival of the bride 

• Arranges the bride’s dress and veil before the procession 

down the aisle 

• Takes the bride’s bouquet at the start of the wedding service 

and carries it to the vestry ready to give back to the bride 

after the signing of the register 

• Keeps an eye on young attendants during the reception 

• Helps the bride change from her wedding dress into her 

going away outfit 

• Arranges for the wedding dress to be returned home 


THE USHERS 

Church weddings normally have three 

ushers who should arrive at the 

church about 40 minutes before the 

wedding is due to start. 

Their principal job is to hand out the order 

of service sheets to guests as they arrive 

and show them to their seats - friends and 

family of the bride on the left of the 

aisle, friends and family of the groom on 

the right. 

They should make sure one of them pays 

special attention to the groom’s parents and 

the bride’s mother as they arrive and 

escorts them to their places. 

They should also help the best man 

organise lifts to the reception for guests 

who may need them. 

cut out and keep


Who does what 

- and when... 

If you think military precision takes the fun out of a 

wedding, you’d be wrong. The essence of a trouble-free 

day is that everyone knows where they’re supposed 

to be and what they’re supposed to be doing. 

Your civil 

ceremony explained 

Gone are the days when a civil marriage was a 

hasty 15-minute affair, conducted in a small 

room at the register office. Nowadays many 

register offices have light, spacious ceremony 

rooms or suites accommodating reasonably large 

wedding parties and even a separate bride’s 

waiting room and garden for photographs. 

A large number of venues are now also licensed 

for civil ceremonies and the only major restriction 

is that no religious music or reading may be used. 

Otherwise, you may personalise your ceremony in 

terms of vows, readings, music, dedicating 

candles and lots more. The registrar will offer help 

and advice in planning your ceremony and will 

normally meet you a few weeks in advance to go 

over the format which could be: 

• Pre-arrival music 

• Entrance music 

• Welcome by the registrar 

• Reading 

• Legal declarations and vows 

• Promises and exchange of rings 

• Signing the register 

• Reading or music 

• Presentation of the certificate 

• Leaving music 

You can also have a ‘dual’ ceremony – after a 

short ceremony at the register office to fulfil the 

legal requirements, you can have a further 

ceremony of your choosing in front of family and 

friends on the beach or in a woodland glade, for 

instance. 

Most registrars will try to be as flexible as 

possible to accommodate individual requests 

and they will lead you through your declarations, 

vows and promises. 

The one thing you must do is agree all of your 

selections in advance to ensure they comply with 

the law. 

GOODBYE AND 

GOOD LUCK 

The bride and groom should always be 

the first to leave the reception. 

The best man announces their 

departure after they have changed into 

their going away clothes and, if the 

bride is going to throw her bouquet, 

she should do so just before she 

leaves for her honeymoon. 

At the Reception 

The formal receiving line at the reception should take 

the following order: 

Bride’s parents 

Groom’s parents 

Bride and Groom 

Chief bridesmaid 

and best man 

After the meal, the best man (or toastmaster, if you have 

one) introduces the speeches in the following order: 

The bride’s father (or an old family friend) always 

speaks first, welcoming the guests to the reception and 

his new son-in-law to the family. He will complement the 

bride and often thanks her mother for their many happy 

years together. He ends by proposing the toast to the 

bride and groom. 

The groom replies to his father-in-law’s toast, thanking 

him and the bride’s mother for their daughter, for their 

welcome into the family and for the reception (the 

wording can be discreetly changed here if the 

newlyweds and/or the groom’s parents have 

contributed to the expense). 

He thanks the guests for coming to celebrate the 

day and for the presents they have given. He 

thanks his best man and the bride’s attendants 

for the help they have given to the bride. He then 

proposes the toast to the bridesmaids. 

Now girl power is more firmly established, it 

is not uncommon now for the bride to say a 

few words and if she chooses to do so, she 

should speak after her new husband. This is 

a good opportunity for her to thank all the 

people who have helped her plan the big 

day, to thank her own parents for all their 

Order of service 

The order of service is variable and your 

minister or priest will advise you. Often a 

hymn is sung after the bride’s procession, 

followed by readings and an address by the 

minister. 

The marriage itself follows. The minister asks: 

“Who giveth this woman to be married to this 

man?” and the bride’s father silently gives his 

daughter’s right hand to the minister, who passes 

it to the groom. 

The bride’s father takes his seat beside the bride’s 

mother. 

The vows are made and the best man may either 

pass the ring(s) to the groom or they may be 

placed on the minister’s prayer book before he 

passes them to the groom. 

Arrival at the 

church 

The ushers should arrive about 40 minutes before 

the ceremony is due to begin 

The groom and best man should arrive about 15 

minutes before the ceremony is due to begin 

The bridesmaids and attendants should arrive about 

five minutes before the ceremony is due to begin 

The bride’s mother should be the last to arrive before 

the bride - when she is shown to her seat that is a 

signal to the congregation that the wedding is about 

to start 

The bride will be met on her arrival at the church by 

the minister, who precedes the bride and her father 

down the aisle As the congregation rises, the groom 

and best man take their places at the chancel steps 

The order of the bride’s procession is: Minister, 

Bride on her father’s right arm, Attendants. 

support and to thank the groom’s parents for 

welcoming her into their family. 

Last of the speeches is always the best man, who 

replies to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids, 

wishes the happy couple well, read the cards and 

telegrams and announces the cutting of the cake. 

Many weddings now include an evening dance or 

disco. Before it begins, the best man should make 

sure the bride and groom are ready to take the floor 

first, followed by the bride’s parents, the groom’s 

parents, the best man and chief bridesmaid. 

PHOTO BY 

CERRIE SIMPSON 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

The best man then returns to his seat. 

After the ceremony, the minister leads the 

couple to the altar for prayers, possibly a hymn 

or psalm and a final blessing. The minister then 

leads the couple to the vestry to sign the register 

and they are usually joined by their parents, the 

best man and the chief bridesmaid. The signing 

of the register must be witnessed by two adults 

and it is at this point that the bride raises her veil. 

While this is taking place, the choir may sing or 

the organist play a piece of music. 

The bridal procession then leaves the church in 

the following order: 

Bride and groom 

Young attendants 

Chief bridesmaid with the best man 

Bride’s mother with the groom’s father 

Groom’s mother with the bride’s father. 

If you are having bells, they will peal out at 

this point. 



Those all-important 

The Photographs 

If you’re anything like most brides, your wedding 

day will fly by all too quickly and the best way of 

reliving it in the months and years to come will be 

through your photographs. 

Though lots of your friends and family will take 

pictures on the day, it’s always a good idea to book 

a professional photographer for shots you can look 

back on with pleasure. 

Your choice of photographer should be based on 

whether you like the type of work he or she does. 

Visit a selection and ask to see examples of their 

work from recent weddings. See how the 

photographer has chosen his settings and make 

sure there’s a mixture of different types of shots. If 

the firm you visit employs several photographers, 

find out who has taken the pictures you like best and 

make sure you book that specific photographer for 

your day - and find out what happens if that 

photographer is suddenly not available. 

Discuss whether you want formally posed shots, or 

whether you would like the photographer to take 

informal pictures as they happen. Find out whether 

proofs will be available at the reception. 

Your photographer may well know the church and 

the reception venue you have chosen, but if he 

doesn’t, check he will visit both before the day so he 

can choose the best locations. 

Make sure you get a written quotation which 

specifies exactly how many 

photographs will be taken, at 

what points during the day 

and how much extra prints 

will cost. 

If you want photographs 

taken in the church, check 

that the priest is happy for 

this to happen and at what 

points during the service. 

details 

The Cake 

Ideally your cake should be ordered at least 

three months before the wedding. Though the 

tradition is for a multi-tiered fruit cake, the rich 

variety of styles and designs now means you 

can have anything from profiteroles to a rich 

chocolate fudge. The only thing to remember is 

that it will have to be big enough to give 

everyone a slice at the reception and to send 

slices to absent friends. Traditionally the top 

tier of a wedding cake was kept for the 

christening of the first child - if you want to 

follow that tradition, you’ll have to opt for a cake 

that will last that long. Ask to see designs of 

wedding cake and find out whether bakers will 

create one to your own specifications. Try to 

match the style of cake to the style of your 

wedding - and remember that you can save 

money on the reception by choosing a wedding 

The Transport 

It’s lovely to have a luxury chauffeur-driven limousine to drive you to the ceremony - and it’s also a 

practical choice. You can be sure you’ll arrive on time and with all that room in the car, you won’t have 

to worry about your dress getting creased. 

Normally the best man drives the groom to the ceremony and then takes the car to the reception. But 

you will need transport for the bride’s mother and bridesmaids (who usually travel together) and for the 

bride and her father to the ceremony and for the principals from 

the ceremony to the reception. Whether you want a traditional 

Rolls Royce, a classic Daimler, a convertible Cadillac, a stretch 

The Video 

Much the same advice applies to choosing a videographer 

as to choosing a photographer. Make sure you see 

samples of recent work, make sure the videographer 

you get is the one whose work you like best. 

Again check with the priest first whether he is prepared 

to give permission for filming during the ceremony. 


cake which will double as a dessert. If you do 

this, you might want to cut your cake early at the 

reception, so it can be cut up ready to serve at 

the appropriate time. 

You will need the cake to be delivered to the 

reception venue on the morning of the wedding - 

and don’t forget to check that the venue has a 

cake stand and knife you can use. 

limo or even a horse and carriage, contact a variety of 

companies in your area and ask to see the cars themselves, not 

just pictures of them. 

Some companies offer a service which includes flowers in the 

cars and a glass of champagne for the bride and groom on their 

way to the reception. Check exactly what’s included in the price 

and get a written quotation. 

The Flowers 

The cost of your flowers depends very much on the time of year, so if you 

want a huge display don’t choose the middle of winter when you’ll have to 

pay a fortune for sufficient blooms. 

Spring and early summer are when the biggest choice of blooms is available - it’s 

something of a myth that flowers are easy to come by in the height of summer - 

though at other times of year dramatic effects can be achieved with foliage. 

Your florist will help you match both the colours and the arrangement of your flowers to the 

style of the wedding, teasing out the shades of your bridesmaids’ dresses, matching the 

men’s buttonholes and styling the arrangements for both church and reception to help 

you create an atmosphere which may be country style, dreamily romantic, classically 

elegant or even based on a theme. 


PHOTO BY PARADOX 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

cut out and keep


As this is likely to be 

the most expensive 

part of your wedding 

day, it’s important to 

set the standard early on in your 

planning. Popular venues get 

booked up well in advance, 

particularly on Saturdays during 

the peak wedding months so 

make sure of your choice by 

booking as early as you can. Do 

also make sure you confirm all 

the details with the venue in 

writing, paying particular 

attention to what is included in 

the price. 

Depending on your budget, you 

can have anything from a buffet 

catered for at home by family and friends to 

hiring outside caterers for a church or village hall 

to a formal sit-down meal at a hotel followed by 

an evening dance. 

A sit-down meal is obviously the most expensive 

option, but there are all sorts of alternatives from 

drinks and canapes to a buffet or even a 

barbecue. Whichever you choose, do make sure 

there are plenty of chairs for people to sit down 

while they’re eating - standing up balancing a 

drink and a plate while trying to eat is virtually 

never comfortable for guests. 

If you choose a hotel, do try to eat there and 

sample the food before making your booking. 

Check such details as corkage, parking space and 

whether the hotel will offer a cake stand and knife 

and a room for the bride and groom to change 

into their going away outfits. Many hotels offer a 

package which includes the services of a 

toastmaster and a complimentary room for 

the first night of the honeymoon. Once 

you have chosen your venue, confirm in 

writing what you understand is included 

in the price. 

Drinks for your guests will take up a 

large part of your budget. It’s 

reasonable to assume each will drink 

one or two glasses on arrival at the 

reception, three or four glasses with 

their meal and another glass with the 

toasts. 

A right royal reception 

Whether it’s a small buffet for a few close family and friends or a lavish do at 

the smartest of venues, your reception is the big celebration of your wedding - 

a chance for people to share your happiness and an opportunity for you to 

thank them for their presents and for coming to see you married. 

Though champagne is the traditional 

wedding drink, you can offer sherry, 


Chief bridesmaid 

Pimms or Bucks Fizz on arrival and wine with the 

meal, saving the champagne - or, indeed a good 

sparkling wine - for the toasts. For reference, you 

will get between 10 and 12 glasses of sherry to 

each bottle and between six and eight glasses of 

wine or champagne per bottle. Do remember to 

provide plenty of soft drinks for children and 

adults who prefer them or who may be driving. 

Allow between half and one litre per person. 

There can be a long break between ceremony and 

reception while photographs are being taken and 

some couples are now offering a glass of sherry 

outside the church and perhaps live music to 

entertain guests as they arrive at the reception. 

The usual order of events at the reception is: 

The receiving line 

The meal 

Speeches and toasts 

Cutting of the cake (though some couples prefer to 

Top Table Seating Plan 

Groom’s father 

Bride’s mother 

Groom 

Bride 

Bride’s father 

Groom’s mother 

Best Man 

do this before the speeches to 

allow it to be cut and served) 

Departure of bride and groom 

If you are having a sit-down meal, it 

is essential to have a seating plan. 

Try to put together tables of people 

who you think will get on well 

together. The top table seating plan 

for a sit-down meal is shown below. 

Don’t feel hidebound by what you 

think a traditional wedding breakfast 

should consists of - nowadays 

anything goes, from bangers and 

mash and jam roly-poly to pasta with 

wedding cake for dessert. It’s also 

worth remembering you may need to 

cater for vegetarians or guests on 

special diets. 

Do give considerable thought to the room and table 

decorations and the lighting at your reception. Flowers 

should match the theme colours of the wedding and a 

little money spent on atmospheric lighting can make 

an enormous difference. 

Favours for guests range from the traditional small 

baskets of sugared almonds or fortune cookies to little 

books of love poems. 

Crackers and balloons always help create an 

atmosphere and many couple now put a disposable 

camera on each table, so guests can record for you 

the parts of your reception that you missed on 

the day! 

If you are having a number of small children at your 

wedding, it’s worth giving some thought as to whether 

you can organise a creche - both to stop the 

youngsters getting bored and to give their parents a 

chance to enjoy themselves without worrying 

about what their offspring are up to. 

WHATEVER THE SIZE OF YOUR RECEPTION, 

it’s always nice to have a formal or semiformal 

receiving line to welcome your 

guests. This ensures that you get the 

chance to meet everybody and 

accept their congratulations. 

The bride’s parents, as the hosts are 

usually first in the receiving line, 

followed by the groom’s parents, 

the bride and groom and then the 

bridesmaids and attendants. 



Mothers are 

important too 

From casual, cruisewear to 

that Special Day, we can 

match you with the perfect 

outfit and millinery 

Sizes 8-24 

• John Charles 

• Condici 

• Gina Bacconi 

• Damianou 

• Lucia 

• Sommermann 

• Allison - Tia 

• Exclusive UK 

stockist of Ursula 

and more 

Spoilt for choice 

- So come and 

be spoilt! 

NEW COLLECTIONS ARRIVING 

531 Wimborne Road, 

Winton, Bournemouth BH9 2AP 

Tel: 01202 530942 

Open Mon - Sat 9.45am - 5pm 

www.labelle-ladiesfashions.co.uk 

PICTURED & RIGHT: 

CONDICI AT LA BELLE 

IN BOURNEMOUTH 

AND FAB FROCKS OF 

WESTBOURNE 

Yummy 

BELOW: RAINBOW CLUB AT FAB FROCKS OF WESTBOURNE 


Multi-award winning special occasion boutique Fab Frocks of 

Westbourne can now kit mothers of the bride and groom out literally 

from head to toe. 

The Bournemouth boutique is offering the Rainbow range of shoes and 

handbags that can be dyed to match any outfit or dress within just a few 

weeks. 

The shoes are all designed by Diane Hassall at Rainbow Club who learnt her 

craft from luxury shoe designer Jimmy Choo. They’re made specifically with 

the wedding market in mind and combine style with comfort, thanks to extra 

support and padded insoles. 

The Rainbow range offers everything from high heeled bridal shoes to 

sparkly pumps or classic kitten heels. Prices start from £55 with sizes 2 to 

10 plus some wide fitting styles available. 

Director Tracie Beardsley said: ‘We already offer a service to colour match 

hats and headpieces so it just made sense to offer shoes that can be colour 

matched as well.’ 

For more information, call 01202 765352 or visit www.fabfrocks.co.uk.

LINEA RAFFAELLI AT 

FAB FROCKS OF WESTBOURNE 

JOHN CHARLES AT 

LA BELLE IN 

BOURNEMOUTH 

AND FAB FROCKS 

OF WESTBOURNE 

mummy! 

When it comes to dressing the 

mothers of the bride and groom, 

you can't get much more experience 

than Sue Slade and her team at La 

Belle in Bournemouth. Sue has been providing 

exceptional service for mums and lady guests for 

the past 28 years. She says: ‘We know how 

important the mums are and we try to relieve 

some of the pressure by providing a friendly 

stress-free experience.’ 

Whether it’s formal or relaxed, high fashion or 

classic, local or on far-off shores, La Belle has a 

wonderful choice in stock, sizes 8-24 and other 

sizes can be provided at your request. There is 

also an excellent alteration service so your outfit 

can be tailored to fit if necessary. 

Labels too numerous to mention include Condici, 

John Charles, Gina Bacconi, Damianou, Allison 

and Ursula for the more formal occasion 

and Sommermann, Nasse and H & O for the 

less formal. 

La Belle offers one of the largest selections of 

millinery available, together with complementing 

jewellery and clutch bags to complete the picture. 

For more information, don’t hesitate to call 

01202 530942, or visit the website at 

www.labelle-ladiesfashions.co.uk. 

PS: You could also see the different styles for 

yourself at Bournemouth Pavilion wedding fair 

on September 19 and 20. 

Looking for the perfect handbag to match that 

STUNNING MOTHER OF THE BRIDE STYLE 

fabulous outfit? Poole-based Rosemary 

FROM THE 2015 JOHN CHARLES 

COLLECTION. LOCAL Ringrose STOCKISTS has OF been JOHNdesigning and making 

CHARLES ARE handbags LA BELLE IN for BOURNEMOUTH, 

over 20 years – notably for Jimmy 

CHARISMA IN 

Choo 

FAWLEY 

and 

AND 

other 

FAB 

well 

FROCKS 

known designers. 

IN BOURNEMOUTH 

Her own range has been lovingly created using fine 

silks, satins and leather and she also offers a 

bespoke and colour matching service, making the 

perfectly styled bag for your outfit. You can even 

supply your own material if you wish. 

For more information, call 01202 738064 or visit www.roseringrosehandbags.co.uk. 



Sun 6th September Portsmouth Marriott 

Sun 13th September The Solent Hotel & Spa, Whiteley 

Sun 20th September Macdonald Botley Park Hotel Golf & Spa 

Sun 27th September Portsmouth Guildhall 

Sun 4th October Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Liphook 

Sun 11th October Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton 

Sun 18th October The Royal Marines Museum, Southsea 

Sun 1st November De Vere Venues New Place, Shirrell Heath 

Sun 8th November Hilton at Ageas Bowl, Southampton 

Dream Wedding Fairs 

Spectacular wedding shows in the South & South East 

PRESENT 

A Fantastic wedding fair at the fabulous 

home of Southampton Football Club 

All’s set fair... 

This show 

is open 

from 

11am - 

4pm 

For all your needs 

for your special day 

Fashion Shows at 12 and 2pm 

Sunday 13th September 2015 

PHOTO BY 

CERRIE SIMPSON 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

• Wedding Dresses & Veils 

• Accessories 

• Bridesmaid Outfits 

• Grooms & Ushers Suits 

• Photographers 

• Florists 

• Entertainment 

• Caterers 

• Stationery 

And much, much more... 

DreamWeddingFairs.com 

0800 1777 080 

For a round-up of wedding fairs near 


VA PRODUCTIONS WEDDING SHOWS 2015 

The 2015 Bournemouth Pavilion Wedding Show is back in September to 

show off the best of the region’s services for couples looking to tie the 

knot at home or abroad, and for inspiring ideas to add warmth and 

sparkle to a winter ceremony. 

The weekend event marks the 21st year of this successful show, which runs 

from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, September 19 and 11am to 4pm on Sunday, 

September 20. 

Around 100 local and regional industry specialists will present their vast array 

of services – bridal and menswear, venues, cars, photography, photo booths, 

sweet carts, stationery, accessories, wedding breakfasts and all the little extras 

to add the perfect finishing touch. 

Of course there will also be the highlight of entertaining, upbeat daily catwalk 

shows, presenting the best of contemporary wedding outfits. 

‘The Bournemouth Pavilion provides a stylish Art Deco setting and the event is 

as popular as ever,’ says Pat Coyne, BH Live Director of Venues. 

‘Since we began our wedding fairs, we estimate that over 40,000 people have 

come along to plan and get ideas for one of the most exciting and special days 

of their lives. Once again, we’ve attracted a fabulous selection of wedding and 

civil partnership services from businesses throughout Dorset and Hampshire, 

so couples can explore and plan everything they need, all under one roof.’ 

Tickets cost £3.50, with a special rate of £10 for four adults and are on sale 

now online at bhlivetickets.co.uk, by phone on 0844 576 3000 or at the 

Bournemouth Pavilion and Bournemouth International Centre box offices. 

Visitors can also just turn up and pay on the day. 

you, see Dates for your Diary on page 64 

THE RED HOUSE MUSEUM CHRISTCHURCH 

SEPTEMBER 6th 12 - 3 

RUSSELL COTES ART GALLERY & MUSEUM 

BOURNEMOUTH 

SEPTEMBER 10th 6.30 - 9.30 

RAINBOW WEDDING SHOW 

RUSSELL COTES ART GALLERY & MUSEUM 

BOURNEMOUTH 

OCTOBER 4th 12 - 3 

FREE 

ENTRY AND 

GOODY 

BAGS 

THISTLE HOTEL POOLE QUAY 

OCTOBER 11th 1 - 4 

Tel: 07472 550567 • email: info.vaproductions@gmail. com 

WWW.V-A-PRODUCTIONS.COM 



Autumn Wedding Shows 

SEPTEMBER 27th 

Orangery Suite, Merley House 

Wimborne 

11 - 3 

NOVEMBER 8th 

Ocean View Hotel 

Bournemouth 

12 - 4 

For more details please contact us 

www.cjpromotions-events.co.uk 

07427 162282 

www.cjpromotions-events.co.uk 

...when it 

PHOTO BY AJ PHOTOGRAPHIC 

to a 

For a round-up of wedding fairs near 


comes 

love match 

Kiss goodbye to the beautiful summer: now’s the time to get your 

head down and start making those difficult wedding decisions. 

Whatever stage you’re at with your wedding planning, there’s 

always something to take away from wedding fairs (there may 

even be a goodie bag!). They are designed to give you inspiration, 

help you meet a variety of suppliers, tour a venue, listen to live music that 

could potentially play at your wedding, meet bridalwear designers and get 

you excited in the preparation for your big day – possibly with a glass of 

bubbly in your hand. 

You’ll often find that suppliers will offer special discounts to brides 

attending the fair – and, even if you only pick up some leaflets and watch 

the fashion show, you’ll be caught up in the bubble of scores of happy 

brides-to-be, all together in one room and all bursting with excitement. 

you, see Dates for your Diary on page 64 


▼HMS Warrior 1860, Portsmouth 

PHOTOS BY 

MARTIN LEWIS 

Situated in the heart of Portsmouth’s 

Historic Dockyard, HMS Warrior 1860 

commands a prime position in the 

harbour. The ship is one of the most unusual 

attractions on the south coast and visited by 

in excess of 350,000 people a year. 

Romantic, atmospheric and entirely unique, 

she provides a superb historical maritime 

setting for wedding ceremonies and evening 

receptions for the modern couple! 

Licensed for ceremonies for up to 100 

guests and able to accommodate from 20 to 

288 people for exclusive formal receptions 

and 600 cocktail style, the ship offers 

flexible and spacious surroundings for 

wedding parties of any size. 

Warrior Preservation Trust is a self-funded 

charity that is not supported by any Government grants or funding. 

Warrior relies solely on daily visitors, donations, private hire, weddings, and 

fundraising events. So, by choosing HMS Warrior for your most important of 

days not only will you be giving your guests the opportunity to attend a 

wedding like no other, you will also be directly helping to fund and preserve the 

ship for the benefit of this and future generations. 

For more information, call 02392 778604 or visit the website at 

www.hmswarrior.org. 


▼Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth 

The Marsham Court is a cliff-top, 

Edwardian hotel overlooking the 

beautiful Bournemouth bay and 

award-winning beaches. Couples can 

pledge their love beside the stunning 

garden wedding pagoda, or choose one of 

the elegant banqueting suites. 

A full service hotel with a strong family 

history, the Marsham Court has recently 

undergone extensive refurbishment of its 

87 en-suite bedrooms, function suites, 

reception and bar areas. 

Bright, contemporary and extending a warm 

welcome to all its guests, the hotel offers 

experienced event co-ordinators and fully trained 

staff to plan your special day. 

The garden wedding pagoda is the perfect place to 

get married and the quaint old stone steps leading 

from the sun terrace offer the perfect entrance to 

your ceremony and backdrop to your photographs. 

Inside, the hotel’s elegant ceremony spaces include 

the Bay Suite, a south-facing room with stunning 

views across Bournemouth Bay. Decorated in 

contemporary style, the suite has direct access to 

the flower-filled terrace, which leads to the garden. 

All food requirements are catered for and the 

talented culinary team will create a specialised 

menu to satisfy your taste, theme and budget. 

With no detail considered too small, their goal is to 

make your wedding by the sea a lifelong memory 

for you and your guests. 

For more details, call 01202 552111 or visit the 

website at www.marshamcourthotel.co.uk. 

PS: Don’t miss Marsham Court’s Winter Wedding 

Fayre on Sunday, November 1 from 12noon to 

4pm. Entry is free. 

dreamvenues 

▼ The Victorian Barn, 

Blandford Forum 

The Victorian Barn offers a civil ceremony in the 

stunning Osborne Hall for up to 120 guests or 

the Garden Room for up to 200 guests. 

The Osborne Hall can seat up to 120 for a formal 

meal and up to 200 for a buffet and specialises in 

bespoke weddings designed to meet your exclusive 

requirements. 

Working closely with a group of hand-picked 

local suppliers, The Victorian Barn can offer 

excellent food, discreet service, wonderful facilities 

and an impressive backdrop for your photographs. 

The Victorian Barn offers onsite luxury 

accommodation for up to 66 guests. 

For more information or an informal chat 

contact Penny or Claire on 01258 817501 

email: weddings@thevictorianbarn.co.uk or visit 

the website at www.thevictorianbarn.co.uk. 

Let The Victorian 

Barn provide the setting 

for your special day 

• Licensed for civil ceremonies. 

• Weddings up to 120 

• Receptions up to 200 

• Onsite luxury accommodation 

Please contact Penny or Claire: 

Tel: 01258 817501 

weddings@thevictorianbarn.co.uk 

www.thevictorianbarn.co.uk 


Welcome... 

to Lulworth 

Lulworth Castle and Lulworth Courtyard: 

two individual venues for your wedding 

ceremony and celebrations 

At the heart of a 12,000 acre 

private estate deep in the Purbeck 

countryside, a more picture perfect 

setting would be hard to find. Enter though 

the castle gates, along the sweeping drive 

and arrive at one of the most exclusive 

locations in the south west. Choose from 

the impressive Lulworth Castle or, for a 

more intimate occasion, its charming 

walled Courtyard. 

LULWORTH CASTLE 

The evocative and natural state of Lulworth 

Castle interior makes it a unique and versatile 

canvas for any wedding theme. This open 

plan space is suitable for civil ceremonies, receptions, dining and dancing. There are 

panoramic views across rolling countryside towards the sea and you have use of 

Castle Lawn and Rose Garden. 

LULWORTH COURTYARD 

Set in the Castle grounds, Lulworth Courtyard is perfect for relaxed occasions. Its 

light airy rooms are elegantly decorated while the walled courtyard provides a 

sheltered outdoor space with an easy, convivial atmosphere. It is suitable for 

gatherings of up to 80 inside and many more outside. For larger gatherings 

marquee hire is available. 

GETTING MARRIED 

In addition to the Castle and Courtyard venues which are both licensed for civil 

marriage ceremonies, applications can be made for religious ceremonies at St. 

Mary’s Roman Catholic Chapel and St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, both in the 

Castle grounds. 

For a brochure or to view the options available on the Lulworth Estate for 

ceremonies and receptions call Paul Pinnock on 01929 400352, 

email:weddings@lulworth.com or visit www.lulworth.com 


Your sp pecial da 

y in Poole, 

t he weddi 

ng coast… 

Upt on House 

U p ton House – 01202 262753 

weddingsuptonhouse@poole.gov.uk 

S cap 

plen’s 

Cou 

rt 

Scaplen’ s Court – 01202 262600 

www ww.poolem 

useum.com/hire/weddi 

wedding 

s 

B ranksome Den 

e 

Branksome 

Dene – 01202 708181 

beachoffice@ @poole.gov.uk 

T he 

Guildhall 

The Guildhall – 01202 63374 44 

www.poole.go ov.uk 


2015 

Wedding Open Day 

11am - 3pm 

Sunday 

18th October 

FREE ADMISSION 

NO APPOINTMENT 

NECESSARY 


dreamvenues 

▼ The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, Poole 

▼ Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe 

Set against the dramatic backdrop of 10 acres of 

manicured gardens, the Italian Villa has 

recently been voted the 'Most Popular 

Wedding Venue in the World' at the International 

Wedding Expert Awards. Unique in the UK, the 

multi-award winning Italian Villa offers couples 

three floors of unrivalled elegance to lay on their 

dream wedding. 

This luxury venue, which has also been voted 

Dorset's Best Wedding Venue, is licensed for civil 

ceremonies and partnerships. And with a balcony 

overlooking the stunning Italian Garden, you can be 

sure your wedding photos will be 

outstanding. 

Book the Italian Villa and the whole venue is 

yours exclusively for your entire celebration. 

You are the centre of attention and the staff's 

sole priority. And the team's impeccable 

standards ensure you and your guests are 

treated like the VIPs you are. 

There's direct access into the spectacular 

Italian Garden and the villa can cater for 

intimate wedding receptions for 60, or can 

provide a relaxed setting for up to 180. 

Well-appointed with lifts to all three floors, 

air conditioning, built-in sound systems and 

speakers, a stage, and audio-visual screens, the 

villa's superb facilities enable couples to create a 

truly memorable occasion. 

Catering is provided by award-winning Beales 

Gourmet, whose talented team chefs offer 

spectacular cuisine: the perfect match for your 

magical wedding day. 

See the venue for yourself at their Wedding Open 

Day on Sunday, October 18 from 11am to 3pm or, 

for more details, call 01202 816074 or visit 

www.the-italian-villa.co.uk. 

PHOTO BY 

PARADOX 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Built in an architectural style appropriately 

called ‘Romantic and Picturesque’, 

spectacular Highcliffe Castle provides a 

stunning clifftop location for your wedding. The 

Grade I listed castle specialises in both civil 

ceremonies and receptions. 

You can hold your ceremony in the beautiful 

Wintergarden which seats 100 guests and then 

enjoy your reception in the refurbished State 

Dining Room, which seats 80, or the Great Hall 

seating up to 100. 

The Wedding Suite holds up to 150 for your 

evening party. Alternatively you may wish to head 

off to one of the many local restaurants or hotels 

for your reception. 

PHOTOS BY WWW.CARRIEBUGGPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK 

You can hold your wedding on any day of the week 

throughout the year, with several time options to 

choose from. Following your ceremony why not 

enjoy Champagne and canapés in the beautiful 

grounds while your photographs are taken? 

The beautiful sandy beach, just a gentle stroll 

away, provides additional photo opportunities. 

Contact the castle team on 01425 278807 to 

receive a wedding pack and check availability 

or visit www.highcliffecastle.co.uk. 

Autumn Wedding Fair 

Sunday 18th October 2015 

10.30am - 4pm 


Crystal Ice Sculptures 

For the WOW! Factor 

• ICE SCULPTURES and VODKA LUGES 

for EVERY OCCASION 

• Traditional or unique. 

You invent it. We’ll carve it! 

• For your Wedding, Hen/Stag Night, 

Celebration or Corporate Event 

• Timed delivery and set up 

• Extremely competitive prices 

Contact Paul on (01202) 718500 or 07714 245000 

email: skev001@hotmail.com 

Go to www.crystalicesculptures.co.uk for ideas and prices 


Perfect for your evening party: it’s a pop-up pub 

from Appetite for Adventure. As well as event 

catering, the Hampshire-based company offers 

an inflatable pub, which can be decorated to 

complement your wedding theme. 

They aim to create a traditional pub welcoming 

atmosphere with a bit of a ‘wow’ factor! They can also 

bring along coloured lighting and smoke machines. 

The portable bar and inflatable pub both come fully 

licensed and insured to sell alcohol. 

Call 01590 681190 or visit 

www.appetiteforadventure.co.uk for more details. 

Now for something 

completely 

different... 

Established in 2001, Crystal Ice Sculptures 

of Bournemouth and Poole will create and 

deliver stunning table centrepieces and 

party and vodka luges, all specially carved in 

crystal clear ice. 

Choose a pair of elegant swans or have ice 

champagne buckets inlaid with your bridal 

flowers. You can even include special 

messages or pictures in the sculpture and LED 

lighting gives your display a shining sparkle. 


www.crystalicesculptures.co.uk. 

Vodka luge from 

Crystal Ice 

Sculptures: Perfect 

for those hen 

and stag parties 

Hire a premium mobile bar service for your 

wedding reception (or even your hen party), 

complete with the perfect drinks package for 

the occasion. 

Family-run Tom’s Bespoke Bartending Co will provide 

impeccable service and incredible drinks made only 

with premium products at an affordable price. 

Professional bartenders ensure these bespoke 

mobile bars offer the same quality, service and 

experience as you’d expect from your favourite bar 

on the high street. 


www.tomsbespokebartendingco.com. 


▼The Norfolk Hotel, Bournemouth 

A magical setting with 

breathtaking views 

• A choice of rooms 

• Licensed for civil 

ceremonies 

• Marquee available 

Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset BH19 2JL 

Tel: 01929 424443 • www.durston.co.uk 

Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, the four star Norfolk Hotel has been 

fully restored to reflect its original Edwardian grandeur. It’s the perfect 

choice for weddings and receptions of all styles and sizes. 

Conveniently close to no fewer than nine churches, it also has a civil 

ceremony licence, so you can hold your entire wedding celebration under one 

roof if you choose. 

While still epitomising the 

splendour of that age, the 

Norfolk Hotel now merges 

traditional and contemporary 

and offers a wide selection of 

reception venues from small 

intimate dining rooms to period 

reception rooms, banqueting 

suites and multi-purpose 

function rooms. 

And outside, the elegant private 

garden and walled courtyard 

is perfect for a wedding 

breakfast, a Champagne 

reception and those allimportant 

photographs. 

Creative and talented chefs will 

work with you to provide 

individual menus which 

complement the style of the 

wedding and the entire team 

prides itself on its commitment 

to service and careful attention 

to detail. 

At the end of the perfect day, 

there are 95 well appointed 

rooms for your guests. 

The Norfolk Hotel understands 

how important your wedding celebrations are and has years of experience in 

hosting memorable occasions. 

From your initial enquiry through to the day itself, they will go the extra mile 

to help and assist you make your day perfect. 


www.thenorfolkhotel.co.uk. 


▼Durlston Castle, Swanage 

dreamvenues 

Divinely 

decadent 

Durlston Castle has become the venue of 

choice for weddings in Purbeck. And it’s not 

hard to see why, with woodland on one side 

and on the other, unparalleled views from the 

clifftops out over Durlston Bay and across to the 

Isle of Wight. 

Both the Gallery and the Belvedere are licensed for 

civil weddings, with many couples choosing to 

have their ceremony in the glass-sided Belvedere at 

the top of the castle followed by their reception in 

the Gallery. 

The extraordinary Victorian building, nestling in the 

280 acre Durlston Country Park, has been restored 

and refurbished over the past eight years and can 

accommodate weddings of all sizes. 

There’s room to accommodate up to 120 guests for 

a wedding breakfast, but this number can be 

extended by using a marquee. Marquees come in 

all shapes and sizes to suit your style and number 

of guests. 

For full details of availability and prices, contact 

the castle’s wedding planner, Polly Smith, of 

Blue Bay Events on 01929 509900 or visit the 

website at www.durlston.co.uk. 

▼ 

For sheer indulgent decadence, 

you can’t beat a chocolate 

fountain at your reception. Dip bite-sized pieces 

of fresh fruit, homemade biscuits and other 

goodies in a warm cascade of luxury Belgian 

chocolate and savour the sensation. Well 

established family business, Chocolate 

Fountains of Dorset, offers packages to suit all 

budgets, starting at just £275 for two fountains. 

Call 01202 890033 or visit 

www.chocolatefountainsofdorset.co.uk 

for more details. 



Wedding packages from £3765* 

Now 

licensed 

for 

marriages 

*Prices correct at time of going to print 


Poole-based Tiger Lily 

Occasions specialises in 

hiring those little extras 

which make your 

wedding stand out from 

the crowd. Services range 

from chair covers, centrepieces 

and accessories to chocolate 

fountain and pick ’n’ mix 

hire. They even have giant 

garden games. 

Call 0784 5000 454 or visit 

www.tigerlilyoccasions.com. 

▼ 

An extensive range of quality China, Cutlery, 

Glassware, Linens and much more for hire. 

Just call to discuss your requirements 

and leave the rest to us! 

Adding the 

TIGER LILY OCCASIONS 

Wedding and Event Hire Specialists 

CHAIR COVERS - CENTREPIECES 

CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS - TABLE LINEN 

VENUE DECORATION - CANDY BUFFETS 

EDIBLE PALM TREES - PICK 'N' MIX STAND 

GIANT GARDEN GAMES - CANDY FLOSS 

*WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE* 

WWW.TIGERLILYOCCASIONS.COM 

Email: TIGERLILYOCCASIONS@LIVE.CO.UK 

PHONE: 07845 000454 

▼ 

Beautiful classic white china, high quality cutlery and elegant 

glassware, all perfectly arranged on crisp, clean table linen: 

there’s nothing more guaranteed to add style and grace to your reception 

venue. All of these, plus a whole host of additional finishing touches, can be 

hired from Hampshire-based Jasmine 

China Hire, who will be happy to show you 

their wares to ensure they are exactly right 

for your needs. 

And the icing on this particular cake? 

All the washing up is included in the 

hire price. 

For more details, call 07836 745603 or 

visit www.jasminechinahire.co.uk. 


One stop party and wedding 

shop Balloon a Room 

Events is one of Dorset's 

finest wedding and event 

decor companies. The family-run 

business, based in Corfe 

Mullen, Broadstone and Poole, 

Wow! factor 

prides itself on providing exactly what the customer desires or dreams of and 

no job is too big or too small. 

There are balloons, chair covers, sweet carts and much more - and there’s a 

huge selection of special touches to buy too, from confetti to attendants’ gifts. 

Consultations are free and you can see everything for yourself at the 

showroom in Poole. 

For more details, call 01202 621550 or visit www.balloonaroom.co.uk 

Your One Stop Wedding Shop 

Balloons • Chair Covers & Sashes 

Sweet Carts • Table Centrepieces 

Table Linen • Gifts and much, much more... 

Make your wedding day even sweeter by choosing from a 

selection of sweet bars, candy crates, wedding favours, party 

bags and even personalised sweets from Dorset-based Keep it Sweet. 

For more details, call 01202 486256 or visit www.keepitsweet.co.uk. 

▼ 

Tel: 01202 621550 

www.balloonaroom.co.uk 

Unit 3, Birch Copse, Technology Road, 

Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH 



dreamvenues 

▼ University of Winchester, Winchester 

PHOTO BY SDM IMAGES 

Licensed for civil ceremonies, the University of Winchester offers two great 

locations where you can celebrate your wedding in style: whether you 

prefer traditional and elegant or modern and striking, they have the right 

venue for you. For traditional and elegant weddings, the Grade II listed 

Victorian building (the West Downs Centre) is the perfect setting offering 

style, charm and character for upto 110 guests. Picture beautiful oak 

panelling, a restored parquet wooden floor and raised gallery offering a 

stunning backdrop as you enter your wedding breakfast, sweeping down the 

grand staircase as the newly announced Mr and Mrs. If you are looking for a 

more modern and contemporary feel, the Dining Hall is a bright and sunny 

space with a modern twist, best suited to larger weddings for up to 250 

guests. 

In the evening, you can choose to move downstairs to the Vault Venue, to 

incorporate a funky feel for your evening reception. 


www.winchester.ac.uk/conferences. 




▼Merley House, Wimborne 

dreamvenues 

▼ Hooke Court, near Beaminster 

Hooke Court offers a choice of four fabulous 

venues for your marriage ceremony and 

wedding reception. 

With a choice of historic or contemporary rooms 

they can help you plan your wedding to your own 

personal style. Whether it’s an intimate candlelit 

ceremony for 20 guests or a grand affair for 200 

friends and family they can assist you to make 

your dream wedding a reality. 

Set in beautiful grounds, Hooke Court offers a 

myriad of stunning locations to capture your 

cherished memories, from a quiet romantic 

moment overlooking the lake to a treasured photo 

with all of your family and friends gathered in 

front of the beautiful 14th century Manor House. 

PHOTO BY AJ 

PHOTOGRAPHIC 

Merley House is a stunning 18th century 

Georgian manor house just south of 

Wimborne, Dorset. If you 

are looking for a venue for your 

whole day then look no further! 

They offer exclusivity for you and 

your guests and a friendly personal 

service tailored to your needs. 

The ground floor has four state 

rooms each individually decorated 

with period features, enchanting 

ceilings and impressive fireplaces. 

The classic entrance hall and dramatic staircase 

provide you with wonderful photograph 

opportunities while your guests enjoy the wide 

variety of sumptuous food and fine beverages. 

On the first floor you have use of the bridal suite 

which offers fantastic photo opportunities, including 

use of the three balconies. 

There are packages to suit every budget and 

discounts for weekday and winter weddings. 

If you are interested in viewing the venue, 

contact the events team on 01202 885024 or 

enquiries@merleyhouseevents.co.uk. 

A member of the management team will help you 

plan the whole day, ensuring you make the most 

of all Hooke Court has to offer. They will also be 

on hand until the last guest leaves to ensure that 

you can relax and enjoy your special day. 

Perhaps you might like to extend your 

celebrations by offering your guests the 

opportunity to stay the night at Hooke Court, 

which can be hired exclusively. 

Call 01308 862260 to arrange a visit to see all 

that Hooke Court has to offer or visit 

www.venuehiredorset.co.uk. 

Bournemouth’s Country 

House by the Sea... 

Weddings & Special 

Occasions 

The perfect venue for love, 

romance and celebration. 


Bournemouth 

R E G I S T R A T I O N S E R V I C E 

Your ceremony 

in Southampton 

TOWN HALL, BOURNEMOUTH 

Choice of 3 rooms - Monday to Saturday Mid-day 

Council Chamber - available 7 days a week. 

Telephone: 01202 451510 

www.bournemouth.gov.uk/living 

e-mail: registrars@bournemouth.gov.uk 

Licensed Venue 

or Register Office 

Weddings, Civil Partnerships 

and Renewal of Vows 

Tel: 02380 915327 

email: registrars@southampton.gov.uk 

www.southampton.gov.uk 

6a, Bugle Street, Southampton 

Classic Fireworks believe in 

giving a personal service and 

with our guidance and skill we 

aim to offer whatever you 

require to create a spectacular 

display. 

We can provide for any event 

from Weddings and Civil 

Ceremonies to corporate and 

other important events. 

We also specialise in low 

noise fireworks to suit the 

most sensitive of locations. 

• Indoor and outdoor flames 

• Confetti cannons 

• Snow and bubble machines 

are also available. 

Lance work fire pictures are 

available - initials, red hearts, 

champagne bottles and more... 


All the atmosphere 

and excitement of a 

real casino with 

none of the risks, that’s 

what’s on offer from 

Absolute Fun Casino who 

will bring quality full size 

blackjack and roulette 

tables (staffed by 

professional croupiers) to 

your reception, where all 

your guests are given a 

piece of personalised fun 

money with your names, 

date and venue printed 

on it. 

Your guests bring this to the gaming tables where they will be taught to play and be entertained. 

This is a great icebreaker which will bring your families and friends together and the winner will 

receive a framed certificate and a bottle of Champagne. 

Call 01202 600699 or visit www.absolutefuncasino.co.uk for more information. 


...and out 

with a bang! 

Nothing entertains like a firework display and 

the stunning colours and effects 

will captivate all your guests and make 

a memorable ending to the most perfect 

of days. 

Classic Fireworks provide breathtaking professional 

firework displays, designed to your specific 

requirements. 

They can choreograph a display to music so you can 

enjoy the fireworks dancing to your favourite song or 

even light up the sky with lance work of your names, 

heart, initials or champagne bottle. And their dancing 

flames choreographed to music are 10 metres to 15 

metres high. 

Worried about the noise? They specialise in low noise 

fireworks to suit even the most sensitive locations - 

and if you want a white wedding, they can even provide 

snow. 

Classic Fireworks pride themselves on providing a first 

class tailor made service offering value for money. As 

a nationwide company they cover Dorset and 

Hampshire with no extra costs. 

Safety is paramount: all staff members are highly 

trained and experienced and the company is a member 

of the Explosives Industry Group and the British 

Pyrotechnics Association. 

For more details, call 0844 800 8542 or visit the 

website at www.classicfireworks.co.uk. 

Jazz trio Sharp 9 have been providing 

stylish, smooth entertainment at all types 

of function from weddings to major 

corporate events for over 10 years. The 

combination of guitar, keyboard and saxophone 

can be booked as solo, duo or trio to provide 

both light background jazz for your drinks 

reception and wedding breakfast or an evening 

band guaranteed to get your guests dancing. 

For more information, call Claire Manners on 

07976 632766 or Tony Reeves on 07747 

777931 or visit www.sharp9jazz.com. 


Hampshire 

R E G I S T R A T I O N 

S E R V I C E S 

ALDERSHOT 

30, Grosvenor Rd. Aldershot GU11 3EB 

ALTON 

4, Queen's Rd. Alton GU34 1HU 

ANDOVER 

Beech Hurst, Weyhill Rd. Andover SP10 3AJ 

BASINGSTOKE 

Goldings, London Rd. Basingstoke RG21 4AN 

EASTLEIGH 

Eastleigh Library, 1st Floor Swan Centre, Eastleigh SO50 5SF 

FAREHAM 

4, Osborn Rd. South, Fareham PO16 7DG 

GOSPORT 

Gosport Discovery Centre, High Street, Gosport PO12 1BT 

HAVANT 

1st Floor, Havant Library, Meridian Centre, Havant PO9 1UN 

LYMINGTON 

Lymington Library, North Close, Lymington SO41 9BW 

PETERSFIELD 

Petersfield Library, 27, The Square, Petersfield GU32 3HH 

RINGWOOD 

Ringwood Gateway, The Furlong, Ringwood BH24 1AT 

ROMSEY 

Romsey Town Hall, 1, Market Place, Romsey SO51 8YZ 

TOTTON 

Totton Hub, 1, High Street, Totton SO40 8YZ 

WINCHESTER 

Station Hill, Winchester SO23 8TJ 

For more information please contact us on 0845 603 5637 

or visit www3.hants.gov.uk/registration.htm

Dream Weddings Directory • www.dreamwed.co.uk For more information on advertising call 01626 873364 

BALLOONS CHOCOLATE FOUNTAINS MOTHER OF THE BRIDE 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

BALLOONS, PARTY GOODS 

& BRIDAL FAVOURS 

• BALLOON DECOR BY 

CERTIFIED ARTISTS 

• RIBBONS 

• CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES 

• TABLE CONFETTI 

& DIAMONDS 

• BOXES & NETS 

• ALMONDS, 

HEART SHAPED 

CHOCOLATES & MINTS 

• CAKE TOPPERS 

• TABLE SWAGGING 

• CARD POST BOXES 

TEL/FAX: 01803 214281 

email: enquiries@samms.co.uk 

www.samms.co.uk 

CAKES 

FLOWERS 

Rosemary 

Ringrose 

Handbags 

Exclusive range of 

handmade bags using 

fine silks, satins & leather. 

Colour matching and 

bespoke service available. 

For an appointment please call 

01202 738064 

www.roseringrosehandbags.co.uk 

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT 

Speciality, Celebration 

Cakes & Sugarcraft 

South Street, 

Sherborne, 

Dorset, DT9 3LU 

Tel: 01935 816245 

email: info@filigranacakes.co.uk 

filigranacakes.co.uk 

A bespoke floristry service for 

something "a little bit different" 

Tel: 01202 709470 

288 Sandbanks Road 

Lilliput Poole BH14 8HU 

www.signature-flowers.com 

LET THIS 

SPACE WORK 

FOR YOU 

FULL COLOUR 

ADVERTISING 

FOR AS LITTLE AS 

£99.00 

FOR 6 MONTHS 

tel: 01626 873364 

for details or visit 

www.dreamwed.co.uk 

MOBILE BAR 

Premium mobile bar hire and 

bespoke drinks packages, covering 

Dorset and the South Coast 

www.tomsbespokebartendingco.com 

Tel: 07572 857768 

Sharp 9 

Contemporary Jazz & Pop 

available as solo acts, 

duo or trio 

For bookings and further 

information please call 

Claire 

07976 632766 

claire@livesax.co.uk 

Tony 07747 777931 

tony@frmusic.co.uk 

www.sharp9jazz.com 

TOASTMASTER 

Do you want a perfect day? 

Brian is one of the highest 

quality toastmasters and will 

ensure your day is 

well organized 

01202 

824885 

brian.handsandfeet@talktalk.net 

www.toastmasterdorset.co.uk 


index to advertisers 

BRIDAL ACCESSORIES 

Tiaras & Crowns.............................................16 

Tiaras by Becky ..............................................14 

BRIDAL FASHION 

All Aspects Wedding Services........................16 

Bliss Bridal Boutique ......................................12 

Bridal & Ball ...................................................15 

Cherished Bridal Wear....................................14 

Cloud Nine......................................................15 

Cupid’s Corner................................................12 

Courtyard Bridal .............................................15 

Fab Frocks of Westbourne .............................18 

Minster Designs .............................................16 

New Forest & Dorset Brides...........................15 

Zip-Up Ltd ......................................................14 

CAKES 

The Cake Workshop .......................................23 

Coast Cakes....................................................23 

Fancie Buns Cakery ........................................22 

Filigrana..........................................................63 

FIREWORKS 

Classic Fireworks............................................60 

FLOWERS 

Bloom Floristry...............................................20 

Please mention Dream Weddings magazine when replying to advertisements 

FOLLOW 

US ON: 

dates for your diary 

AUGUST 13: Norton Park, Sutton Scotney (6 to 8pm, contact 

01962 763009) 

SEPTEMBER 6: Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End (10.30am to 

3.30pm, contact 01903 366163 or 

www.stylisheventsfayres.com) 

SEPTEMBER 6: Holiday Inn, Eastleigh (11am to 4pm, contact 

07885 834476 or www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 6: Red House Museum, Christchurch (12noon to 

3pm, contact 07472 550567 or www.v-a-productions.com) 

SEPTEMBER 6: Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, Southampton Road 

(11am to 3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or 

www.pmnweddingfayres.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 10: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery, Bournemouth (6.30 

to 9.30pm, contact 07472 550567 or www.v-aproductions.com) 

SEPTEMBER 13: Solent Hotel, Fareham (11am to 3.30pm, 

contact 01329 227437 or www.pmnweddingfayres.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 13: St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton FC (11am 

to 4pm, contact 0800 1777 080 or 

www.dreamweddingfairs.com) 

SEPTEMBER 13: Royal Hotel, St Peter Street, Winchester 

(11am to 4pm, contact 01962 840840 or www.sjhotels.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 13: Norton Park Open Day, Sutton Scotney 

(10am to 4pm, contact 01962 763009) 

SEPTEMBER 13: Southampton Park Hotel, Cumberland Place 

(11am to 4pm, contact 07885 834476 or 

www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 13: Winchester Royal Hotel (11am to 4pm, 

contact 07885 834476 or 


SEPTEMBER 19 & 20: Bournemouth Pavilion (10am to 5pm, 

Saturday; 11am to 4pm, Sunday, contact 0844 5763000 or 

www.bic.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 20: Wedding Showcase, Cliff House Hotel, 

Southbourne (11am to 3pm, contact 01202 424701 or 

www.cliffhouse-hotel.com) 

SEPTEMBER 20: Three Choirs Vineyard, Botley Road, 

Southampton (11am to 3pm, contact 

www.littlebirdevents.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 20: Marwell Hotel, Colden Common, 

Winchester (11am to 3pm, contact 01962 777681 or 

www.marwellhotel.co.uk) 

Jules Florist ....................................................20 

Signature Flowers...........................................63 

FOOD & DRINK 

Appetite for Adventure Inflatable Pub ............48 

Beales Gourmet..............................................46 

Chocolate Fountains of Dorset .......................63 

Tom’s Bespoke Mobile Bar.............................63 

HONEYMOONS 

Select World Travel.........................................28 

MENSWEAR 

Chas H Baker..................................................18 

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE 

Fab Frocks of Westbourne .............................36 

La Belle...........................................................36 

Rosemary Ringrose Handbags.......................63 

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT 

Absolute Fun Casino.......................................63 

Sharp 9 Jazz...................................................63 

PHOTOGRAPHERS 

AJ Photographic.............................................52 

Cerrie Simpson Photographer ......................IBC 

Charles Thorne Photography..........................51 

Check out our great website www.dream-weddings-magazine.co.uk 

Wedding fairs are a great source of ideas for brides as well as a way of finding 

everything you need under one roof - and there’s bound to be one near you soon. 

So make a note of these dates, but do check locally nearer the time as they may change. 

SEPTEMBER 20: Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Botley (11am 

to 3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


SEPTEMBER 27: Portsmouth Guildhall (11am to 3.30pm, 

contact 01329 227437 or www.pmnweddingfayres.co.uk) 

SEPTEMBER 27: Village Urban Resort, Bournemouth (12noon 

to 4pm, contact 0871 222 4574) 

SEPTEMBER 27: Orangery Suite, Merley House Lane, 

Wimborne (11am to 3pm, contact 07427 162282 or 

www.cjpromotions-events.co.uk) 

CP Photography .............................................63 

Holly Marsh Photography...............................63 

Linus Moran Photography..............................41 

Paradox Photography.....................................47 

REGISTER OFFICES 

Bournemouth Register Office.........................60 

Hampshire Registration Services ...................62 

Southampton Register Office .........................60 

SPECIAL TOUCHES 

Balloon a Room Events ..................................55 

Crystal Ice Sculptures ....................................48 

Jasmine China Hire ........................................54 

Keep it Sweet Favours & Candies ..................48 

Tiger Lily Occasions .......................................54 

TOASTMASTER 

Brian Cox........................................................63 

VENUES 

Ampfield Golf & Country Club........................56 

Athelhampton House & Gardens....................46 

Branksome Dene ............................................45 

Cliff House Hotel ...........................................IFC 

Durlston Castle...............................................50 

The Grange at Oborne ....................................58 

Highcliffe Castle..............................................47 

SEPTEMBER 27: Holiday Inn, Southsea (11am to 4pm, contact 

02380 560073 or www.weddingexhibitionpromotions.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 4: Langstone Hotel, Hayling Island (11am to 4pm, 

contact 07885 834476 or 


OCTOBER 4:: Upton House, Poole (11am to 4pm, contact 

01202 262753 or www.uptoncountrypark.com) 

OCTOBER 4: Mercure Dolphin Hotel, High Street, Southampton 

(11am to 3pm, contact 02380386460 or www.dolphinsouthampton.com 

OCTOBER 10: Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Ocean Village 

(10am to 4pm, contact 02380 223352) 

OCTOBER 11: Thistle Hotel, Poole Quay (1pm to 4pm, contact 

07472 550567 or www.v-a-productions.com) 

OCTOBER 11: Merley House, Wimborne (contact 01202 885024) 

OCTOBER 11: Grand Harbour Hotel, West Quay Road, 

Southampton (11am to 3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


OCTOBER 11: Kingston Maurward House, Dorchester (contact 

01305 215050 or www.kingstonmaurward.com/weddings) 

OCTOBER 17: Dorset Bridal Boot Sale, Verwood Methodist 

Church (12noon to 5pm, contact 07472 550567 or 

dorsetbridalbootsales.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 18: Dorset Vintage Wedding Fair, Athelhampton 

House & Gardens, near Dorchester 

(11am to 3.30pm, contact 01305 848363) 

OCTOBER 18: Italian Villa at Compton Acres (11am to 4pm , 

contact 01202 816074) 

OCTOBER 18: Highcliffe Castle (10.30am to 4pm, contact 

01425 278807 or www.highcliffecastle.co.uk) 

HMS Warrior 1860 .........................................42 

Hooke Court ...................................................58 

Hotel Miramar ................................................59 

The Italian Villa at Compton Acres .................46 

Lord Bute........................................................53 

Lulworth Castle & Courtyard..........................44 

Marsham Court Hotel.....................................42 

The Mayfair Hotel ...........................................52 

Meon Valley Marriott Hotel.............................53 

Merley House .................................................58 

The Norfolk Hotel ...........................................50 

Playgolf Bournemouth....................................58 

Poole Guildhall ...............................................45 

Riviera Hotel................................................OBC 

Scaplen’s Court ..............................................45 

The Silent Woman..........................................57 

University of Winchester ................................56 

Upton House ..................................................45 

The Victorian Barn..........................................43 

WEDDING PLANNING 

Bournemouth Pavilion Wedding Show...........39 

CJ Promotions Wedding Fairs........................40 

Dream Wedding Fairs.....................................38 

PMN Wedding Fairs........................................38 

Stylish Events Wedding Fairs .........................40 

VA Productions Wedding Fairs.......................39 

OCTOBER 18: Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End (5.30pm to 

8pm, contact 01903 366163 or www.stylisheventsfayres.com) 

OCTOBER 18: Royal Marine Museum, Portsmouth (11am to 

3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or www.pmnweddingfayres.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 18: Rhinefield House, Brockenhurst (10.30am to 

3pm, contact 01903 366163 or www.stylisheventsfayres.com) 

OCTOBER 18: Norton Park Hotel, Sutton Scotney (11am to 

3.30pm, contact 07825 or www.captivatingevents.co.uk) 

OCTOBER 18: Meon Valley Marriott Hotel, Shedfield (11am to 

4pm, contact 07885 834476 or 


OCTOBER 26: East Horton Golf Club, Fair Oak, Winchester 

(11am to 3pm, contact 02380 697073 or www.easthorton.com) 

NOVEMBER 1: Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth (12noon to 

4pm, contact 01202 552111 or www.marshamcourthotel.com) 

NOVEMBER 1: Highfield Park, Heckfield, Hook (11am to 4pm, 

contact 0118 9326369) 

NOVEMBER 1: Dorset Bridal Boot Sale, Herrison Hall, Charlton 

Down, Dorchester (12noon to 3pm, contact 07472 550567 or 

dorsetbridalbootsales.co.uk) 

NOVEMBER 1: De Vere New Place, Shirrell Heath (11.30am to 

4pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


NOVEMBER 8: Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton (11am 

to 3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


NOVEMBER 8: Ocean View Hotel, Bournemouth (12noon to 

4pm, contact 07427 162282 or www.cjpromotionsevents.co.uk) 

NOVEMBER 15: Norton Park Open day, Sutton Scotney (10am 

to 4pm, contact 01962 763009) 

NOVEMBER 19: Grand Harbour Hotel, West Quay Road, 

Southampton (5pm to 8pm, contact 02380 633033 or 

www.grandharbourhotel.co.uk) 

JANUARY 10, 2016: Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth (11am to 

3.30pm, contact 01329 227437 or 


JANUARY 24, 2016: Digby Hall, Sherborne (11am to 3.30pm, 

contact 01935425331 or www.abcweddingdresses.co.uk) 

calling wedding fair organisers 

Organisers of Spring 2016 wedding fairs who would like to have their dates included in the next issue 

of Dream Weddings magazine should email editorial@countymagazines.co.uk by December 14.

Dream Weddings Magazine - Dorset & Hampshire

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