wedding planning discussion forums

Clutch on to Style

Fran @ Hitched — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:40:00 GMT

As you probably know by now, I’m getting married in April – and even though my dress, shoes and hair accessories have all been chosen, I’m still on the hunt for a clutch bag to hold my beauty essentials throughout the wedding breakfast and evening. With the fashion feature now live on the hitched.co.uk homepage, I’ve been inspired to complete everything about my bridal look before the end of February.

Getting married or not, I’m a huge fan of lip gloss and it will be essential for me to have at least two in my bridal clutch – for the photographs, and to keep applying throughout the wedding breakfast and evening digestifs.

Besides lip gloss, I will also want to carry a mini packet of tissues, some extra hair clips, my camera – so that I can take some fun, candid shots of my family and groom, and I absolutely always carry around a compact mirror – just to check that my make-up hasn’t moved around my face.

So – where do I find a bridal clutch bag? I've never had a problem buying handbags in the past - so I don't know why I can't seem to find a bridal clutch as easily as I would have hoped.

Aimee, one of our designers, bought a really cute clutch from Marks and Spencer for her wedding last July. Unfortunately M&S don’t seem to do the same bag any more, but they do have a slightly different style that is a similar size and is very affordable. I’m not sure that the colour is quite right though.

I’m also considering spending a little bit more money and buying a bag that I can re-use time and time again. I’m sure that my new husband and I will be celebrating our wedding with friends for several months after our official ceremony – so I will want to keep wearing white when we entertain or go out to dinner with friends.

Anjli London (www.AnjliLondon.com) have some really pretty bags that would work really well with my wedding dress – and that could be used again and again for future parties and events. Embellished with sparkling gems and Swarovski crystals, the clutches available at Anjli London scream modern couture.

These clutch bags are a little pricier than other options I have seen, but they will look simply gorgeous against my wedding dress, and will be a bag that can be used for years and years. White/Ivory also looks gorgeous against blue jeans, so I need to be forward thinking about how I can re-use my clutch bag if I do decide to spend more and invest in something truly beautiful.

Have you chosen your bridal handbag yet, and if so, what have you gone for?

Fran x

Sweet Treats

Fran @ Hitched — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:32:00 GMT

With Valentines Day now less than a week away the shops are simply filled with red and pink accessories to help spark the romance between couples. From love hearts to chocolate roses, you’re bound to find something sweet to treat your loved one too.

This got me thinking about sweet treats when it comes to your wedding guests. Besides a traditional wedding cake that is cut and generally served to guests throughout the evening reception, there are several options that you can create in order to wow your wedding guests as they sip their coffee and enjoy the wedding speeches.

Personalised cookies make for great wedding favours and can also double up as a place card if you find the right supplier – or have the time to create yourself at home.

Cupcakes are easy to distribute and can double up as a wedding favour if you order boxes for them to be carried home in.

Macaroons, which became popular during the summer of 2011 are a great treat to have in the centre of a table – allowing your guests to nibble on them during the wedding speeches.

Delicious cake pops – decorated in accordance to your wedding colour scheme, are fun to give your guests as a wedding favour as they depart your wedding event.

Visit the hitched.co.uk wedding cakes inspiration gallery to see hundreds of tasty ideas to display on your big day.

Fran x

Bathe in Love

Fran @ Hitched — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:14:00 GMT

I’ve always been a fan of heart shaped products – and what better way to feature the symbol of love than at a wedding; especially around Valentines Day!

I'm on the hunt for wedding favours for my own wedding in April and during my search I happened to stumble across the gorgeous heart shaped bath products designed by Nootka Rose.

Sarah from Nootka Rose (www.nootkarose.co.uk) specialises in producing natural, luxurious and fantastic quality aromatherapy products, that can be made bespoke as favours for the ladies in time for your special day.

A bride-to-be can customise her Nootka Rose heart shaped favours in many ways:

1. The additions - herbs/flowers/seeds/fruit/natural colours/shimmers/messages/etc. All to complement the theme of the wedding

2. The shape - Sarah can create almost any shape that is required - most popular trend for a wedding are hearts, flowers and stars.

3. The fragrance or essential oil combinations - as few or as many fragrances as you would like can be blended. The optimum number would be 3 - 4 so that we reach that perfect balance and aroma for the beautiful bride.

4. The wrapping - boxes, tins, bottles, bags or raffia, to give that unique and personalised touch you are looking for - let Nootka Rose make it that perfect day.

Inspiration of fragrance can come from anything special, first dates; first perfumes/aftershaves worn or bought; where you live; the wedding venue; where you got engaged or the main wedding theme to use as part of the initial consultation. As an additional bonus, Nootka Rose also provide therapeutic benefits within the favours with the addition of essential oils, however other fragrances can be used.

The top 5 Fragrances chosen by brides for their Nootka Rose wedding favours:

1. " Calm-a-while " (neroli, lavender, cedarwood and ginger). This scent is beautifully balanced and perfectly vintage. It's inclusion of pumpkin seed oil gives it that antique quality and is ideally suited for a 'stress-free' wedding with charming rustic themes, and would complement an autumnal wedding amazingly.

2. " Summer time " Lavender, lemon and rosemary. Fresh, fragrant and a perfect addition to an outdoor or naturally themed summer wedding.

3. " Pick-me-up " (bergamot, ylang ylang and lime). A fruity and delicate aroma with a subtle hint from the Ylang Ylang providing that feel good aphrodisiac scent. A super addition to any celebration.

4. " Nootka Rose " (rose, ginger, lime and grapefruit). A signature scent, and the Nookta Rose philosophy, in a beautifully crafted natural presentation. A Clean, zesty and nourishing blend kissed with rose petals. Indulgent and luscious, yet simple and eye-catching.

5. " Pure White " Cinnamon, orange, black pepper and cypress. Warm and stimulating for that winter wedding. Subtle fragrances of cypress with a distinctive seasonal spicy blend.

Luxurious bath and pampering products make fantastic wedding thank you gifts or favours as they are something that can be used, reminding your guests of your very special day - and trust me when I say that these heart shaped product look and feel simply gorgeous.

So why not share a little love with your wedding guests and enquire about giving them a heart shaped Nootka Rose wedding favours on your big day.

Visit Nootka Rose online for further information.

Fran x

Sandals Competition Winner Announced

Fran @ Hitched — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:00 GMT

Throughout January you had the opportunity to enter a competition on hitched.co.uk to win a dream honeymoon to any Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia.

We are delighted to announce that the prize, of a luxurious 7 night, all-inclusive honeymoon in a Deluxe room for 2, plus return flights with British Airways has gone to Kendra from North Yorkshire.

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Kendra from the team at hitched.co.uk. We can't wait to hear all about your travels when you return from your fabulous honeymoon!

This month on hitched.co.uk you have the opportunity to win a groomswear package from Hugh Harris worth £1000, plus a bespoke pair of wedding shoes from eSHOEMAKER and a pair of wedding rings from SMOOCH to tie in with February's Fashion theme featured on the hitched.co.uk homepage.

Enter Now

Fran x

Say it on a Ring

Fran @ Hitched — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:11:00 GMT

For men, or women, planning to propose to their other half on February 29^th, who haven’t yet thought of a unique or unusual way to pop the question, then this could be your answer.

House of Williams have designed an affordable proposal ring, especially for the forthcoming leap year, with the words ‘Marry Me…?’ engraved inside – giving you the option to stick to tradition and pop the question yourself, or present your partner with something special, stating the words you want to shout from the rooftops.

The ‘Marry Me…?’ ring by House of Williams is a great idea if you want to produce an engagement ring, but don’t want to spend hundreds, or thousands, on something they may not like. This ring gives the couple the opportunity to shop for a diamond engagement ring together, but still has the sentimental value – and would provide you with a great story to tell friends, family and future generations.

The ‘Marry Me…?’ ring is available in sterling silver or gold plated with prices starting at an affordable £39.95. Click here for further information.

I would have been quite happy with a Haribo sweety engagement ring if my fiancé hadn’t planned ahead and bought an (amazing) engagement ring prior to his proposal – but I do like the idea of the ‘Marry Me…?’ ring because it’s a memory that you can keep, and wear forever.

Fran x

Fabulous Bridal Fashion Graces February on hitched.co.uk

Fran @ Hitched — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:11:00 GMT

Fashion plays an important role in every wedding. From choosing the ultimate bridal gown to making sure the bridesmaids look gorgeous, every member of the wedding party will need to pay attention to how they’re going to look on the big day. During the month of February, hitched.co.uk has dedicated its five headline features purely to fashion.

10 leading bridalwear designers share their best selling wedding dresses with us, and if you’re not sure about the terminology when it comes to bridal fashion then we’ve also got a guide in place, teaching you the right names for necklines and dress styles, along with the help from three fashion gurus.

It’s not just the bride who wants to look her best on the wedding day. The mother of the bride is also a key player at any wedding and needs to look more radiant than ever before as she supports her daughter throughout the day. The Mother of the Bride Guide promotes top styling tips from four leading fashionistas, and learn how to dress your bridesmaids, whatever their age or style.

Finally, give your groom a helping hand by making sure he’s suited and booted in time for the big day with our fashion guide for the groom.

So in order to get fashion savvy in time for the big day, visit the hitched.co.uk homepage during February.

A Descent Proposal

Fran @ Hitched — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:43:00 GMT

Every woman dreams of the perfect marriage proposal; whether that be at the top of the Eiffel Tower, in the comfort of your own home, or during a romantic break away from home here in the UK. The moment a man proposes will be an occasion remembered forever, so making it special and memorable is key.

My Fiancé proposed 5 months ago during a romantic break at the oldest hotel in England. The proposal was totally un-expected and I feel that the emotion and feeling experienced by both of us will always be crystal clear in my mind.

With Valentines Day just around the corner, some men may be planning on popping the big question. So, if you’re looking for an exciting way to propose to your other half, then why not splash the cash and make this an event to remember forever.

The Savoy in London has collaborated with luxury wedding cake designer, GC Couture, to provide an unforgettable, and truly romantic proposal, in a luxurious location that is second to none.

With your own butler, a bottle of Champagne, afternoon tea, a delightful cake, and a fabulous diamond ring the setting and atmosphere will be truly perfect for this very descent proposal.

Standing at a cute 6cm tall by 6cm wide, the proposal cake, designed to look like a ring box - and also looks too amazing to eat, is available in 24 different favours by GC Couture, can be delivered to your suite by your personal butler as part of your champagne afternoon tea. Sitting on top of the cake will be a stunning diamond ring with just one question waiting to be answered.

This incredible proposal package doesn’t come cheap, but it will provide you with an experience to talk about forever, and a piece of jewellery that your new fiancée won’t ever want to take off.

Luxury lovers can book The Savoy Proposal Package for £100,000 which includes the £95,000 Boodles ring*, a 2 night stay in a River View Suite with breakfast, the GC Couture proposal cake, a bottle of champagne and a personal butler. To put the icing on the cake, an engagement shoot, post-proposal, is available from Moments Captured upon request.

Visit The Savoy (www.fairmont.com/savoy) to book your proposal package - then come back to hitched.co.uk and share your romantic story.

Who wouldn’t say YES to such an amazing proposal!

Fran x

*Please note customers can choose from a fine selection of Boodles diamond engagement rings with prices starting from £7,500.00.

Photography credit - www.momentscaptured.com

Get me to the church on time!

Ruby@hitched — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:04:00 GMT

I recently went to a wedding where we had to rush from the church to the reception over the other side of town in the pouring rain. The taxis we booked didn't show up, so we had to resort to getting on the bus in all our black-tie finery - but by the time we arrived at the reception, I felt a bedraggled mess and needed a couple of glasses of champagne and a sit-down before I was ready to relax and party. Everyone arrived in a similar state, and it definitely put a bit of a dampener on the whole day.

Now, what with this being England, and especially as I'm not having a summer wedding, I'm really keen that I don't leave everyone after the ceremony struggling to find their own way across London, getting lost and miserable. So, after some investigating, I've decided to splash out on a London bus.

There are loads of guests coming to our wedding from overseas, and I thought it would be fun to give them a real taste of London. There are lots of bus companies hiring out their London buses, so I cross-checked a few of them to compare prices and also had a look at the condition of the buses. I was most impressed with Red Route buses. They're the most competitively priced and their buses are renovated beautifully - so fingers crossed they'll go down a treat with our guests. They've been lovely to deal with, and are even letting me bring along music and champagne for the journey! You can find out more about them here (http://redroutebuses.co.uk/).

As for me, originally I thought that we'd use the bus too, but then one of my bridesmaids helpfully reminded me that we might want to get some photos taken after the ceremony, plus there's the small matter of getting to the church in the first place.

I have to admit that I know very little about fancy cars, but this is one task that Mr M was keen to sort out. Lord Cars (www.lordcars.co.uk) came very highly recommended, and as we started looking at their photos of gleaming vintage cars, even I could appreciate how lovely they look. Check out the magnificently regal Blue Baron on their website! After much deliberating and with some help from the team at Lord cars, we eventually plumped for a Bentley. It will probably the one and only time in my life that I'll ever get to travel in such a fancy mode of transport.

It's definitely not something we originally budgeted for, but hopefully our beautiful wedding car will really make a difference on the day. I can't wait!

Ruby xx

Snap a Cab

Fran @ Hitched — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:06:00 GMT

If you love the idea of hiring a photo booth for your wedding party, but want to book something that your friends haven’t seen before, then why not check out this totally unique twist on entertaining your guests.

Snap a Cab is a London taxi photo booth that can be parked outside your wedding venue throughout your wedding party or celebration. Your guests can choose when they want to jump in and have their photographs taken throughout your party, on a touch screen that they control themselves. Snap a Cab even provide silly props and accessories to make the wedding memories even more hilarious. 4 photos are taken at a time, with a maximum of 5 people in each shot. Prints are processed immediately and can be in the hands of your guests with in 10-15 seconds – doubling up as a wedding favour.

The photo booth can be used as many times as you like throughout your event and your guests could end up going home with some extremely memorable photographs taken from inside the Snap a Cab at your wedding. You could even pop a note on each place setting, inviting guests to visit the Snap a Cab in order to take home a token gift from your special day.

Snap a Cab could work really well at a ‘British’ themed wedding, an evening wedding reception or at the reception of a wedding party held in the UK after an intimate wedding held abroad.

For further information on Snap a Cab or to book this unique feature for your wedding day, contact the team at snapacab.com.

Fran x

Hitched Goes Global

Fran @ Hitched — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:06:00 GMT

Hitched Ltd extends its global presence with the addition of a further two countries to its expanding portfolio

Hitched Ltd has been rapidly expanding, celebrating the New Year by adding two new, eagerly awaited wedding websites in South Africa and Canada.

First established in 1997, www.hitched.co.uk is the UK’s number one wedding website. The website is the UK’s leading online authority on all things wedding related, attracting over 723,000 visits per month. The site also boasts a highly populated wedding forum and issues a monthly newsletter to over 50,000 dedicated subscribers.

In 2010 Hitched Ltd first expanded by launching hitched.ie in Ireland and hitched.com.au in Australia, both of which have proved a big hit with brides across the globe, who regularly visit the sites to access a range of planning tools and advice, all in one central location. www.hitched.ie and www.hitched.com.au have grown rapidly since their launch and have more recently expanded to include a wide range of features on bridalwear as well as detailed planning articles with advice from leading, local wedding experts.

In December 2011, Hitched Ltd launched a further two brand new wedding sites, www.hitched.co.za in South Africa and www.nuptales.ca in Canada. While both sites are currently just a few weeks old, both have received a fantastic response from their individual wedding markets and the company has ambitious plans to expand these sites over the coming months.

Managing Director of Hitched Ltd, Dean Yardley says: “This is an exciting time for the business. Despite the current economic climate, the wedding industry continues to thrive, with engaged couples still keen to achieve that perfect wedding day. Since the launch of our UK site, we have experienced a big following from brides keen to access the range of advice and guidance available on the site. As a result, we decided to expand the Hitched Ltd brand globally, allowing us to provide locally specific, tailored advice to brides across the world.”

Hitched Ltd helps couples to plan their big day, using a range of advice and expertly developed wedding planning tools. The site is also packed full of wedding ideas and inspirations, as well as an extensive list of wedding venues and suppliers. Visitors to the site can access a range of planning articles as well as wedding inspiration galleries with thousands of images; all provided to ignite the creative side of newly engaged couples. Newlywed couples can then share their big day in the Real Weddings section, which currently boasts over 140 weddings from across the world.

For more press information, please contact Francesca and Caroline on 0844 8800011, or email

Francesca.Moore@hitched.co.uk or Caroline.Hendry@hitched.ie

About Hitched Ltd

hitched.co.uk has been named the #1 website in the Lifestyle – Weddings industry for 2010 in the latest Experian Hitwise UK Top 10 Awards programme. Hitched.co.uk features 26,000 images, lists 3,000 venues, has over 40 other wedding supplier categories and 50,000 registered users. Receiving on average 5.1 million page impressions per month and visited by an average 467,000 unique users a month, hitched.co.uk is the nation’s most popular wedding website. For more information visit www.hitched.co.uk

Free Bubble Bath with Veuve Clicquot Champagne when you book DJ Mitch Matthews

Aimee @ Hitched — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:49:00 GMT

I don't believe that the perfect, once in a lifetime, wedding DJ you choose will be someone who has to reduce their rates with a discount. However, Just to show loveliness to my Hitched brides, I'm happy to donate a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne to each one of you that books me.

Champagne serving suggestion - Serve Chilled with cool person in warm bath... Post marriage of course! X.

Please remind me that you booked me through Hitched by emailing, "Don’t you forget about our Champagne Mitch!"

Decorating the Day

Fran @ Hitched — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:17:00 GMT

I am having a very small, civil wedding ceremony, followed by a luxurious wedding breakfast on the day I tie the knot. I’m not having a dedicated colour scheme, as such, but I am planning on displaying an ivory theme with a touch of green throughout the day, in my bridal bouquet and on an oval shaped wedding breakfast table.

I’ve spent hours talking to my wedding florist about the different floral options that we could have displayed during our wedding ceremony, and how, logistically, we can transport the ceremony flowers over to the wedding breakfast room in order to get the maximum use out of the beautiful arrangements.

I’ve used the hitched.co.uk wedding décor, and wedding flowers inspiration galleries to help me find beautiful options, but this morning I came across another idea that I really love!

This image, taken at the Aviator Hotel in Farnborough exudes style and would also give a touch of extra light to any wedding ceremony room. Having hurricane lanterns doesn’t mean to say that I can’t also have flowers decorating the ceremony room. My initial vision was to have tall vases displayed down each side of the aisle – and then placing my bridal bouquet on the registrars table so that everyone can admire it throughout the wedding ceremony - however I may be able to incorporate hurricane lanterns in to the mix as well.

Hurricane lanterns are an affordable way to bring character and sparkle to a room. They come in different shapes and sizes, and can be filled with ivory church candles that last for hours. After the ceremony it would be easy to lift hurricane lanterns and have them carried through to a reception room, or placed on buffet tables. Or, you could even use hurricane lanterns as table centre pieces – if they aren’t too huge. Upon returning from your honeymoon, you can place the hurricane lanterns in your house as a reminder of your special day.

Have you considered having hurricane lanterns illuminate your wedding ceremony or reception?

Fran x

All inclusive wedding package from £5550 at Careys Manor Hotel & Spa

Aimee @ Hitched — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:50:00 GMT

Nestling in ancient woodland amid the natural beauty of the New Forest, Careys Manor and SenSpa is the perfect fairytale setting for the enchanted wedding of your dreams. Our romantic Victorian country house hotel offers traditional English character with contemporary elegance spectacular surroundings.

We know that planning your wedding can be a little daunting so to make your wedding arrangements even easier we are delighted to announce our great value all inclusive wedding package now available from £5550* providing everything you need for your special day.

The Process of Giving Notice

Fran @ Hitched — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:28:00 GMT

On Monday afternoon, my H2B and I travelled to the Registry Office, of the district we pay our council tax to, in order to ‘give formal notice’ on our intention to marry.

Before we got engaged I really wasn’t sure what we had to do when it came to the legalities of getting married…but after doing my research and making a few phone calls, it really wasn’t as hard, or complicated as I thought.

I just wanted to write about my personal experience, and give a little guideline as to what you need to do, if you are planning on having a civil ceremony, like we are, in the UK.

We spent quite a few weeks choosing our wedding venue – however unless a Registrar is available on the day you choose to get married, than a wedding ceremony will not be possible. I actually confirmed our venue, and booked the Registrar within 5 minutes of each other – to make sure that everyone was confirmed, and guaranteed for the same day.

Booking the Registrar was as simple as a phone call to the local Registry Office. They were able to advise me on times and availability, and also gave me a fixed price. I was given 3 time options for the specific date of my marriage, one of which I confirmed over the phone with a £50 deposit a week later. The remainder of the fee was payable no later than 3 months prior to our wedding.

Once the registrar was secured, we needed to book an appointment to ‘give notice’ – which can be done with in 12 months of your wedding, but no less than 16 days before the actual date. The lady on the phone at our local Registry Office was extremely helpful and said that we would need 2 x 20 minute slots in order to complete the process, and that the fee would be £33.50 per person. We were also told that the latest appointment we could have in the day would be 4pm – so we booked that three weeks in advance, giving us plenty of time to get our valid passports and bills together. We also took our birth certificates, just in case!

We travelled to the appropriate Registry Office, and both went in to the room together. We had a chat for a few minutes with a lady, who then asked me to go into the waiting room whilst she quizzed my partner about me. I was in the waiting room for around 8 minutes before we swopped round. I was asked general questions such as my full name, birth date, my partners full name, fathers profession, address, job title etc…before being asked to sign a document confirming that everything we said was true.

Before I knew it we were back in the same room, with enough time to ask questions about what happens next – and to pay the £33.50 each, which we were able to do by card. We were told that a pack would arrive in the post, within a couple of days, which would include samples of vows, readings, and other information that we will need in order to prepare for our special day.

We were also told that the registrar will meet with both of us about 15-30 minutes before our wedding commences – just to make sure that we are both still ready to make this life changing commitment.

All in all the whole process of ‘giving notice’ took us about 30 minutes, but was a huge step that has moved us forward in the whole ‘getting married’ process. We both feel that our wedding has now become more official and we are even more excited to become Mr & Mrs.

The day after we gave our notice I paid the remainder of our registrar fee, plus an extra £3.50 for our marriage certificate. I also ordered an extra copy of the marriage certificate so that we have this to send off if we ever need to legally prove our marriage.

A mini summary of what you need to do/know before you give notice.

> You cannot book your Registrar until you have secured a wedding venue - so enquiring about dates and times with the Registrar and checking that your venue has availability should be done at the same time.

> Both parties need to give notice of your intention to marry in the district in which you live. Your local Registry Office will be able to help you over the phone if you’re confused about your location.

> When it comes to a civil wedding ceremony in the UK you must have lived in the district for at least 7 full days before you can give notice to the registry office. You can give notice within 12 months of your chosen wedding date, but no less than 16 days prior, in order for the paperwork to filter through.

> You must take your valid passport, along with bills (water, electricity or gas) and possibly your birth certificate, to prove your identity.

> If you’ve been married before then you’ll need to provide documented evidence of your divorce

> Make sure you select two people to witness you signing the registrar on the day of your wedding. Add this to your ‘to do’ list so that you don’t forget.

> Consider ordering a second marriage certificate at the time of paying the remaining balance of your registrar fee.

If you’re in any way confused about giving notice on your married then your local Registry Office should be able to help answer any questions.

I’m now ready for the next step of wedding planning – which will hopefully be confirming my wedding cake, flowers and finding something spectacular for my groom to wear.

Fran x

(I gave notice in January 2012 prior to my wedding which will take place in April 2012. The above information has been relevant to my own experience, at the time, but is always subject to change, so check with your local Registry Office if you have any specific questions.)

You are cordially invited…

Ruby@hitched — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:14:00 GMT

I love receiving wedding invites. A thick cream envelope in among all the bills and junk mail that gives the first hint of what the wedding will be like. I love all the old-fashioned 'carriages at midnight' formalities and pinning the invites to my notice board or (somewhat less glamorously) on the fridge.

After much doodling in notebooks and consulting hitched.co.uk’s handy guide to wedding invite wording, we thought the time had come to get on and sort ours out.

Although we don't have a colour scheme or any particular themes running through the wedding as such, I knew that I wanted our invites to be smart, stylish and a bit unusual.

If you're looking for wedding stationery, I recommend having a good rummage around on the internet as there are some fantastic websites out there with great stationery ideas you can amend and personalise.

I think Hello Lucky!, Cheree Berry and Paper & Cup are all particularly good for modern, stylish and quirky invites.

If you're after something really beautiful though, I don't think you can beat a bit of letter pressing. Nothing quite says 'here comes the bride' like a heavy piece of card with those deeply embossed letters. If this is what you're after then the best in the business are the Letter Press of Cirencester - you can visit their website here www.letterpress.co.uk.

They've got a huge range of different styles on their website - I really love the clean style of Carolinian - and for something really elegant have a look at New Bond Street.

Having left all our printing to the last minute, we ended up having to go with their express service for quick delivery (which still made them very good value for money in comparison with similar stationers), and I was worried that everything might get delayed in the Christmas post. But I needn't have worried - they were incredibly helpful and friendly, and delivered everything exactly as we'd asked for.

There was a moment of angst when we cut open the box to take a look at the invites for the first time, but they looked lovely and (thank goodness) didn't have any glaring typos, phew!

We still haven't yet finalised the guest-list (much debate over whether distant aunts really need to be invited) but at least those who do make the list are going to get one pretty invite!

Ruby xx

To Have and to Holiday

Fran @ Hitched — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:45:00 GMT

Wedding open day’s are hugely helpful to wedding planning brides and grooms looking for suppliers and inspiration. Open days and wedding showcases not only give couples the opportunity to view their potential wedding venue, dressed for a wedding, but they will also get to meet the wedding coordinator responsible for making their dream day come true.

In conjunction with the launch of their annual Wedding Open Days for 2012, Marriott is offering couples who book their wedding by 31st December at any one of the more than 50 hotels in the UK, a free nights stay in a Marriott hotel anywhere in the world for every £1000 they spend.

Happy couples can receive up to seven free nights when holding their wedding on a Friday or a Sunday with Marriott hotels – and with a collection of 2,800 + Marriott hotels worldwide, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to booking your free break. From Dubai to the Caribbean, Hawaii and even Thailand; your free hotel nights could be the perfect excuse to relax after months of busy wedding planning.

With over 50 hotels across the UK offering a variety of both large and intimate venue settings, as well as a wide selection of customised wedding packages to suit all tastes and budgets, Marriott Hotels offer the perfect all-year round venue to celebrate the special day.

So, from this day forward, Quote WED12 when contacting Marriott directly to take advantage of this very special offer for 2012, or visit www.MarriottEvents.co.uk/Wedding to see when the next wedding open day is at a Marriott wedding venue near you.

Fran x

'THE' Dress

Fran @ Hitched — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:17:00 GMT

Over the Christmas holidays I bought the wedding dress that I will wear on April 20th, 2012, when I walk down the aisle and marry my prince.

Now, obviously I see wedding dresses in the hitched.co.uk bridalwear section every day, but with so many beautiful designs to choose from I simply couldn’t favour just one style. Instead, I went dress shopping with an open mind – knowing that I had to be patient and be open to suggestions.

I would describe my figure as hourglass, and I’m certainly not a model size 8, but I do have an interest in fashion and have always dressed to flatter my figure instead of cover it up. I went wedding dress shopping with a positive attitude, knowing in my head what I wanted to look like as a ‘bride’.

My mum came along for the experience and helped me pick out a number of different styles, in 5 different dress sizes, literally! I’ve always been one for buying what looks good, rather than being conscious about the size – and in this case it worked in my favour.

I tried on 13 wedding dresses before stepping in to a true beauty that made me look and feel exactly how I wanted to look and feel on my wedding day.

Before I met my partner people used to say to me, you’ll just know when you find the one – and they were right. I just knew the moment I had met him – and the same goes for the perfect wedding dress. The dress I chose just felt ‘right’ and I didn’t want to take it off. Luckily I bought my ‘amazing’ wedding shoes early, so I was able to try them on with my dress. I know its cliché, but everything about my dress makes me feel like a million dollars and I am so excited to show my groom on our big day – 99 days from now!!!

Here are my top tips for when you go wedding dress shopping:

1 – Try on as many styles as you can, even if you have just one particular dress in mind. You might surprise yourself.

2 – Wear white or nude coloured underwear or take along a selection of different strapless bra’s to experiment with so that you get a real feeling of comfort.

3 – If you buy your wedding shoes before your gown then be sure to take them along with you, or at least take a pair of shoes along with you in the same heel height that you plan to wear. Even 1 inch can make a big difference to the way your dress falls.

4 – Try sitting down in your dress before you make your purchase. You’ll be sitting for a big portion of the day so make sure this is bearable.

5 – You’ll get that ‘feeling’ when you look in the mirror or try on the right wedding dress, so don’t settle for second best. Keep on going until you find ‘the one’.

Happy dress shopping - and feel free to share your own wedding dress shopping tips at the end of this blog for future brides-to-be...

Fran x

Full On The Day Co-Ordination for just £100!!! With Carolyn Acton Events

Aimee @ Hitched — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:17:00 GMT

Getting married is the biggest day of your life. By calling on the experience and expertise of a professional Wedding Planner you can ensure your big day goes exactly as you dreamed.

Have you thought about who will collect the bridal bouquets, button holes and move flowers between venues? Who will collect the wedding cake and decorate your tables? I can liaise with all your suppliers and your venues to make sure everything runs as you have dreamt.

Only applicable to Hitched members.

The hunt for shoes

Ruby@hitched — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Anyone who knows me will know that I am a total shoe obsessive. My current collection not only fills up my wardrobes and our 'shared' shoe-racks in the hall, but I've also got a shoe-box mountain under the bed and a few boxes balanced precariously on the bookshelves. So, it was really no surprise that the perfect pair of wedding shoes would be a top priority.

I tried to convince myself that something cheap and cheerful from the high street would be fine, but that was before I actually started looking. I clocked the perfect pair early on - Vivienne Westwood's gorgeous dragon shoes. With a cute-but-walkable heel, comfortable slingback and glittery heart they looked perfect - they are even scented with bubblegum, surely every bride's dream!

I tracked down a pair in a suitably weddingy-white, popped them on and was really disappointed to find that they were pretty uncomfy. Pinching my toes at the front, and too spacious at the back, these are shoes clearly made for daintier feet than mine. Now normally I wouldn't let comfort get in the way of a cracking pair of shoes, but putting on my 'sensible hat' (mighty unfashionable by oh so necessary) for a minute I concluded that I'd really like to be able to swan around with ease on my wedding day, dance my socks off and not have to worry about blisters and foot cramp.

After scouring the shops and hunting around online I saw lots of very sensible white pumps and pretty cream kitten-heels, but none of them seemed quite right. Then, tah-dah I spied Miu Miu's gorgeous satin platform pumps which you can oggle at here.

So, at £400 they're rather more than I was originally planning on spending, and with a 5 inch they are not exactly super practical, but they are absolutely gorgeous and, because of the platform, surprisingly comfy. I can even tell myself that the rather large price tag isn't so bad as I'll definitely be able to wear them again after the wedding and because they're so high I'm not going to need to have the dress taken up, so that's got to be a good thing too, right?!

I'm (slightly embarrassed to admit) that I'm sitting in them right now as I type this, in the name of 'wearing them in', and am feeling pretty excited to think that it won't be long until they're accompanying me down the aisle!

All the best and a very Happy New Year to you all!

Ruby x

Cupcake Kisses

Fran @ Hitched — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:31:00 GMT

On December 29^th, 2011 I saw Easter treats in my local Tesco – which means that it’s definitely not too early for us to start getting excited and thinking about Valentines day!

I’ve always been a fan of February 14th – and this year, with my wedding coming up, I’m feeling even more in love than ever before.

Hearts are huge when it comes to weddings. We’ve even had someone make a ‘hearts and love’ themed moodboard in the hitched.co.uk inspiration gallery already this year!

If you’re celebrating a wedding around Valentines Day this year and are on the look out for some last minute favour ideas, then these super cute, Strawberry & Champagne, and Raspberry Kiss Cupcakes, designed by cake queen Peggy Porschen, could be the answer.

Inspired by romance, passion and unadulterated indulgence, Peggy and her team of award winning pastry chefs, patissiers and master-bakers have combined expertise to create two new flavours to lust after.

These lovely cupcakes are available to pre-order for collection from Peggy Porschen online (www.peggyporschen.com) as of February 1^st, 2012 – just in time for your Valentines Day wedding, or hen party?

Fran x

Exclusive wedding package for £65 per guest!

Aimee @ Hitched — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:43:00 GMT

Dunchurch Park are offering an exclusive wedding package for new bookings taking place before 30th December 2012.

For just £65 per guest you get welcome drinks, three course wedding breakfast, half a bottle of wine per guest, sparkling wine to toast, evening buffet, flower arrangements and chair covers to match your colour scheme! As well as the resident DJ to entertain your guests.

Maids to Measure

Fran @ Hitched — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:18:00 GMT

Bridesmaids are always a popular topic of conversation on the hitched.co.uk discussion forum. From ‘how many are you having’, to ‘my bridesmaids are all different sizes’ – choosing, and satisfying, a handful of bridesmaids can be tricky.

New bridesmaid brand, Maids to Measure (www.maidstomeasure.com) cater for your every need when it comes to your bridal party. Instead of ordering online or traipsing round the shops with your best girls trying to find a dress that fits, and that everyone likes, you should simply visit one of the Maids to Measure studio’s and discuss your options all in one place - over a glass of bubbly.

All of the Maids to Measure bridesmaids dresses are a fixed price, so working a figure in to your wedding budget at an early stage will be easy. Every dress can be designed to fit the bridesmaid beautifully – giving your bridal party the chance to look different and express their personalities in the style of gowns they choose.

Having the dresses made in matching materials means that your bridesmaids can all look different but feel 100% comfortable in the gowns you choose. The dresses which will ultimately be measured to fit perfectly – compared to a standard sized dress, making your bridesmaids a happy, and fabulous looking bunch of girls.

View a collection of the dresses designed by Maids to Measure…or why not surprise your best girls by booking an appointment for sometime in the New Year.

Fran x

Wedding Planning in 2012

Fran @ Hitched — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:31:00 GMT

Happy New Year everyone!!

I’m actually glad to be back at work after the Christmas and New Year holidays. I enjoy my working routine and during the first quarter of 2012 I get to finalise all of the planning for my own wedding which is now just 108 days away! Ahhh!

I truly believe that once your venue has been chosen and booked, that the rest of your wedding planning falls in to place. Being familiar with your surroundings and being able to vision what your wedding day will be like, will give you a better idea of how you can decorate your day - and how you are going to look when it comes to buying your wedding dress.

If you are looking for a wedding venue then we have thousands on the hitched.co.uk venues section in all different shapes and sizes, and that cater to every wedding budget of course. Your wedding venue will ultimately set the tone and mood of your whole wedding experience so choose wisely and visit as many venue as it takes before finding one that feels ‘right’. My partner and I visited 5 before finding a venue that we felt the most comfortable in and could truly vision our day at.

The same goes when shopping for a wedding dress. I tried on 13 before finding one that I truly felt was ‘right’ – or ‘perfect’ in fact, for me. I was doubting myself with a few of the gowns, thinking ‘Is this the one?’ - but if you have to ask then you should keep going! I’m SO glad I took another look along the racks before calling it a day. I am now the proud owner of a gorgeous wedding gown which is hanging up at my parents house, waiting for me to step in to it on Friday, April 20th.

If you're looking for a bridalwear shop close to home, or with in driving distance, then check out the huge list of shops on hitched.co.uk. I bought my dress in a shop 70 miles from home, and it was 100% worth the drive!

I'm excited about speaking to a florist, booking to have my hair and make-up done and deciding on how to decorate the one big table that we will be having at our family reception.

How are you getting along with your own wedding planning?

Fran x

Get Organised with hitched.co.uk this New Year

Fran @ Hitched — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:03:00 GMT

This month hitched.co.uk, the UK’s leading wedding website, will focus their features on helping you getting organised for your big day.

Featured on the home page are 10 suppliers from the hitched.co.uk directory that all have special offers throughout January 2012. Included in the line up are a fantastic honeymoon offer, a deal from a wedding venue and 50% off wedding photographer; special offers not to be missed by any bride searching for a bargain.

There is a feature on ‘who pays for what’; a helpful breakdown of who pays for each part during the panning of a wedding. There will also be a feature talking about all of the really useful planning tools available on the hitched.co.uk website, including: to do list, budget planner, scrapbook, dress designer and the all new mood board app.

Plus, learn all about finding an affordable wedding cake to suit all budgets, featuring gorgeous wedding cakes by M&S.

Finally, get clued up on everything that you will need to organise for your big day. There will be 10 specific topics focusing on important wedding supplies, such as flowers, cakes, stationery, beauty and wedding venue.

For further information visit hitched.co.uk.

-ends-

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Fran @ Hitched — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:09:00 GMT

Christmas weddings are fabulous. Wedding venues are decorated beautifully with oversized Christmas trees and beautiful colour schemes, and the frosty weather makes an ideal backdrop for your winter wedding photography.

If you are recently engaged or are planning a winter wedding for 2012, then why not stick to traditional festive colours and blend clarets and reds with ivory. An all white wedding with a touch of sparkle could also look wonderful – lit by tea light candles. Or if you love the idea of a white Christmas then an icy blue colour scheme or a white bouquet with a hint of frosty blue would look amazing.

Before you decide on a colour scheme make sure you book an amazing wedding venue. Traditional country/manor house hotels look lovely in winter. With roaring fires and glasses of mulled wine being served your guests are bound to have a fabulous time at your winter wedding.

I’ve always loved Christmas, and if I wasn’t so eager I may have been tempted to wait until winter 2012 to tie the knot. As it turns out my partner and I have chosen Friday April 20^th as our wedding date – which gives me just under 4 months to finalise everything and start planning all of the exciting details.

2011 has been a hugely exciting year for everyone here at hitched.co.uk and I’m hoping 2012 will be just as good.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you in 2012!

Fran x