After reading Rachel Holmes' article in the Guardian about DIY weddings, it got us wondering how many of our readers would be happy organising all aspects of their wedding themselves.
In an effort to save money, couples are increasingly choosing to have a 'staycation' wedding at a venue in the UK. Countryside weddings where the guests spend the weekend mean an extended party that you just wouldn't be able to have at a city wedding, and also no expensive plane tickets for the guests to buy, as in the case of weddings abroad. But you'll save even more if you make use of local suppliers and haggle over prices. And possibly most importantly, you'll have maximum control over your wedding.
According to Holmes, by avoiding using the word 'wedding' when booking venues and contacting suppliers, you could save a significant amount of money (up to £5,000). She also recommends making multiple lists: if you decide to take on organising everything, you'll need to be prepared to be very organised or face living through a period of complete chaos.
For more information, read the full article here.
Anna Paquin, star of TV series True Blood and the X-Men films has been pictured in a wedding dress on the set of her new film, The Romantics. The dress is full length with narrow straps and embellishments on the bodice. She's carrying a small bouquet of lilac flowers, and her blonde hair is gently curled. Katie Holmes also stars in the film and plays the Maid of Honour at the wedding - she's wearing a grey top and pencil skirt with matching flowers.
Maybe Anna felt like she was preparing for her own nuptials, as she recently got engaged to fellow True Blood star Stephen Moyer. She's looking like the perfect bride already, so we think she's got nothing to worry about.
Madeline Isaac-James already offers a collection of maternity wedding dresses, but the boutique has also recently launched two other collections. Prices start at £599, so it could be the perfect choice for you if you're looking for a timeless, classic gown that's at a good price.
The two collections, Platinum and Sillhouette, are also designed to be as flattering as possible. They use a range of luxury fabrics, and often feature embroidered bodices. We'd recommend these dresses to someone planning a traditional wedding, although there are a few shorter 50s-style designs on offer too.
And if you're a bride-to-be who's expecting, it's well worth taking a look at the maternity collection.
Stockists can be found on the website.
According to bride.com, one of the hottest trends from the bridal catwalks for 2010 is an off-the-shoulder neckline. Seen here in a dress by Reem Acra, the trend can be an alternative to the ubiquitous strapless style, and with the addition of some added tulle can also be extremely flattering. Off-the-shoulder gowns tend to look quite traditional, so it's best for all those conventional brides out there who want a classic wedding to remember, without trying to tear up the rule book.
A shorter-length full style with your shoulders on show isn't entirely recommended, though - it could end up looking a bit too '80s prom'.
Have you bought jewellery for your big day yet?
Claudia Bradbury's delicate jewellery has long been a favourite with brides-to-be. Her designs are feminine and beautiful, and often feature freshwater pearls and hanging pendants made of gemstones and silver charms. There's currently 25% off everything, so this is a great opportunity to buy some accessories for your wedding day, or to get presents for your bridemaids or family afterwards.
We love the 20s the feel of this lariat necklace. It would look perfect with a vintage style lace dress.
The offer is only available online - just enter the code CB25 at checkout. www.claudiabradbury.com
Oscar de la Renta's wedding dresses are pure fantasy, and this one is no exception. The vertical embroidered stripes add a hint of modernity in this otherwise classic dress from the Spring 2010 collection.
Featuring a ruffle train at the back and made from silk taffeta and tulle, we think this would work beautifully in both a countryside and city setting, but it would definitely need a suitably striking setting to compete with the drama of this full skirt.
Not normally known for her taste in clothing, Paris Hilton's recently launched range of bridal shoes are surprisingly appealing. We particularly like the 'Senorita' shoe: white with an exaggerated bow, they'd be a pretty finishing touch to almost any full-length gown. All the shoes also have a pink sole - not to everyone's tastes, but a fun addition nonetheless.
Available in four styles and at a very reasonable $120 (around £60) they can be ordered online and delivered to the UK from www.myglassslipper.com.
After reading Rachel Holmes' article in the Guardian about DIY weddings, it got us wondering how many of our readers would be happy organising all aspects of their wedding themselves.
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