OFF TO PARADISE Honeymoon destinations JAN/FEB 2026 £3.55 Showstopping couture gowns WIN! A luxurious retreat Just married, LONDONWEDDING STYLED TO PERFECTION Editorial-worthy ideas THE DRESS EDIT TRUE LOVE Inside unforgettable celebrations
VENUES STEEPED IN CHARACTER, HISTORY AND CHARM 020 7361 2220 venues@rbkc.gov.uk www.rbkc.gov.uk/venues Images courtesy of Lloyd Dobbie Photography, Lara Arnott Photography, Taylor-Hughes Photography and Nicole Demetriou John THE ORANGERY, HOLLAND PARK A hidden gem, located in one of London’s most beautiful parks CHELSEA OLD TOWN HALL An award-winning wedding venue located on the iconic Kings Road
Hello lovely readers and welcome to another issue! As we step into a new year, I hope you give yourself the space to breathe and simply be. A new year brings new beginnings and, for those newly engaged, it marks the start of a beautiful story we’re excited to help you tell. We’re dedicated to helping couples bring their wedding visions to life, from finding the perfect venue to ticking each supplier off your list. With talented florists, showstopping bakers, top photographers and so much more, we ensure no stone is left unturned. For those preparing to exchange vows, remember the love that brought you here above everything else. All the tiny details you’re worried about will melt away the moment you walk down the aisle towards your future. So, take this time to savour every step, schedule some TLC time, enjoy those date nights and embrace the magic in the midst of the planning. Here’s to love, new beginnings and all the joy 2026 has in store – it’s going to be a great one! Editor, A year of love and new beginnings Olivia x Your London Wedding is solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for advert content, or of the standing of advertisers or by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Your London Wedding is published six times a year. ISSN 1757-7810 DESIGN 01376 535 616 artwork@county.wedding ACCOUNTS 01376 535 616 accounts@county.wedding MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis | 01376 535 602 sarah.ellis@county.wedding EDITORIAL Editor Olivia Gibson | 01376 535 611 olivia.gibson@county.wedding ADVERTISING Account Manager Karen Elrick | 01376 538 553 karen.elrick@county.wedding On the cover This issue’s cover has been taken from Harriet and Scott’s gorgeous wedding on page 24, captured by Charlotte Florence Photography. Discover the supplier: charlotteflorencephotography.co.uk Behind the scenes Get an inside look behind the scenes of Harriet and Scott’s magical day on page 24. These lovebirds blended an intimate ceremony at The Old Marylebone Town Hall with a warm, pub-style reception at the Dog & Fox in Wimbledon. With wintery touches, family-style feasting and a joyful, Christmassy atmosphere, their weekend felt magical from start to finish. The bride enjoyed a joyful morning with her best girls all in matching PJs, while the CLJ London team worked its magic on hair and makeup. She then slipped into her Justin Alexander Lumina gown. This looked gorgeous, especially against the white flowers by Alanas Floristry. The result, effortlessly chic! Olivia Gibson, editor @CountyWeddingMagazines @countyweddingmagazines @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com Images courtesy of charlotteflorencephotography.co.uk EDITOR’S LETTER 3
56 Regulars 3 EDITOR’S LETTER Olivia Gibson shares her top picks from this issue 7 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the city 85 COMPETITION Win a honeymoon in the Maldives worth £5,000 In this issue... JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026 Venues 15 GOING LOCAL Tie the knot in a local hotspot Features 31 SHOWSTOPPING ROMANCE This stylish shoot at Park Hyatt London River Thames is sure to inspire 37 RED ALERT! THE PRE-WEDDING PANIC FIX KIT Your plan when everything feels like it’s falling apart – spoiler, it’s not 71 STYLED TO PERFECTION Whether you’re planning a traditional celebration, a beautiful barn location or a gorgeous garden setting, here are some valuable tips and tricks 81 IT’S ALL ON THE ‘GRAM How weddings have gone from photo albums to curated Instagram posts 18 76 WIN A HONEYMOON IN THE MALDIVES WORTH £5,000 Win 85 taraflorence.com 24 charlotteflorencephotography.co.uk 4
Real weddings 18 LOVE IN LONDON From rainy afternoon dates, heartfelt proposals and a bold beautiful London celebration, Catherine and Rhys’ wedding was one to remember 24 WINTER WINDS Harriet and Scott celebrated their love with an intimate ceremony in Marylebone and a cosy, festive reception in Wimbledon Honeymoons 86 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 88 2026 AFRICAN HONEYMOON HOTSPOTS Hot and happening African honeymoon hotspots for 2026 90 LOVE IN THE CARIBBEAN Uncover the magic that makes St. Lucia a top honeymoon hotspot 94 A CANVAS OF CALM Where art meets the Med, we discover Mallorca’s creative hideaway, Kimpton Aysla 96 A POSTCARD FROM SARDINIA Jet to Resort Valle dell’Erica and Hotel Capo d’Orso with British Airways Holidays 98 A ROOM WITH A VIEW Wake up to the chimes of Big Ben and stay at the five-star luxury London Marriott Hotel County Hall Fashion & Beauty 43 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal news, buys and launches 45 WORKS OF ART These statement necklines promise style down the aisle 50 FINE FINISHING TOUCHES Make an entrance in one of these exquisitely decorated dresses 55 WATERCOLOUR WONDERS Bridesmaids will love these dreamy new season styles in pretty, soft shades 56 BEAUTY BUZZ The latest launches and must-haves 58 HERE COMES THE SCIENCE BIT! We chat to ESK founder Dr Ginni Mansberg to learn how evidence-based ingredients set the brand apart in the world of skin care 63 SIX MONTHS TO RADIANCE A bride’s guide to glowing wedding skin 64 WAYS TO SLOW DOWN Wedding planning is a time to treasure – find out how to avoid overwhelm and be more present throughout with mindset and success coach Jo Irving 67 THE SECRET TO SEAMLESS SCULPTING Underpainting: Get that glow-from-within look, even as we head into winter 37 50 Grooms 75 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 76 REFINED ROMANCE Velvet looks for today’s groom 78 WINTER LUXE We’ve put together a simple guide to help you craft the perfect winter look 71 7 unsplash.com@vitormonthay unsplash.com@anitaaustvika CONTENTS 5
claire@frangipaniholidays.co.uk Phone: +44 2071 678 332 https://frangipaniholidays.com/holiday-types/familymoon/ Familymoons by Frangipani: Honeymoons reimagined - unforgettable escapes for modern families. Celebrate your union in style — with everyone who matters.
Sweet, simple, and seriously stylish Hall of Cakes, a Bexley-based company renowned for its incredible bespoke bakes, has launched a curated collection of smaller wedding and celebration cakes available to order directly online, making the process simple and stress-free. Perfect for those seeking a cake that is beautiful, simple and striking without breaking the bank, the collection offers a variety of styles and flavours to suit every taste. Choose from an array of elegant designs that are sure to impress! Established in 2007 by Nicola Hall, the company has grown into one of the UK’s most recognised luxury cake makers, supplying iconic venues including Claridge’s, The Savoy, The Ritz and many more. Delivery is available across Central London and the South East, or cakes can be collected from the Hall of Cakes studio in Bexley. Discover the full range of services: hallofcakes.co.uk EVERYDAY LUXURY The Rituals team is excited to announce its latest store opening in Cheapside. Visitors can explore the renowned collection of luxurious bath, body and home products, designed to bring everyday moments of self-care and mindfulness. Nearlyweds will also find a range of products perfect for pre-wedding pampering to relax as they count down to the celebration. Annemarie Forsyth, Managing Director at Rituals Cosmetics (UK & Ireland), says, “At Rituals, we’re dedicated to helping people find moments of calm and connection in their daily lives. With our unique collections, we aim to nurture wellbeing and encourage mindful living, even during busy schedules. We look forward to welcoming the Cheapside community into our new store and sharing the Rituals experience with them.” Discover the collections: rituals.com/en-gb NEW PUBS FOR URBAN London’s largest independent pub group, Urban Pubs & Bars, has snapped up Albion & East, adding vibrant all-day spots to its portfolio, including Teatro Hall in Ealing, Canova Hall in Brixton, Botanica Hall in Clapham Junction and Serata Hall in the City. The move follows a string of recent openings and acquisitions, from St. John’s Tavern in Archway to The Highbury Barn Tavern, plus last year’s launch of The London Fields at Martello Hall. All Albion & East team members are joining the Urban family, ensuring these favourites continue to thrive. Founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring, and backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual, Urban Pubs & Bars is all about creating unique, buzzing venues that celebrate London’s diverse food, drink and social scene. Discover the locations: urbanpubsandbars.com NEWS Nearlywed Catch up on news from around the city LATEST NEWS 7
A botanical backdrop Montcalm Mayfair is delighted to unveil its new culinary experience, the Into the Garden Afternoon Tea, a refined yet imaginative offering rooted in tradition, curiosity and bringing the playfulness of the Georgian garden into the heart of Mayfair. An ode to the Georgian botanicals and forest heritage, the afternoon tea offering draws inspiration from Constance Spry, the pioneering florist, author and culinary innovator. She forever changed British entertainment with her bold floral arrangements mixed with unusual household objects and hedgerow cuttings. She’s also credited with creating the afternoon tea classic, coronation chicken, a recipe curated for the coronation luncheon of Queen Elizabeth II. Honouring Spry’s creative philosophy, where food and flowers intertwine, the experience brings together classic recipes and seasonal storytelling. Book now: montcalmcollection.com/montcalm-mayfair UNWIND, RECHARGE AND RECONNECT The Bath House at Belgravia offers an authentic banya experience designed to leave guests relaxed and restored. Visitors can move at their own pace between the oaklined banya, icy plunge pool, traditional rituals, organic treatments, scrubs, massage, aromatic veniki and comforting home-cooked food. Sessions are available as two hours in the facilities or three with treatments. Banya is known for its wellbeing benefits, from easing muscles and boosting circulation to clarifying the skin. The contrast of hot steam and cold plunge reduces inflammation, supports immunity and provides powerful stress relief. For a deeper experience, many choose the parenie ritual, where a skilled banshik uses steam and veniki (oak, birch, eucalyptus and more) for intense warmth and aromatherapy, followed by ice water and a cold plunge. Men’s Day takes place on Tuesdays, Women’s Day on Thursdays, with mixed sessions available on all other days. Book now: banyalondon.co.uk CURATED COMFORT AND TIMELESS STYLE The Zetter Group will expand its acclaimed London portfolio with the opening of The Zetter Bloomsbury in March 2026. Set across six interconnecting Georgian townhouses near Russell Square, the 68-bedroom hotel brings The Zetter’s signature personal style of hospitality to one of London’s most cultured neighbourhoods. Designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, interiors draw on Bloomsbury’s intellectual heritage, blending antiques, vintage lighting and rich textiles to create spaces that feel like a welltravelled friend’s home. Rooms range from wood-panelled Cosy Rooms to standout suites such as the Terrace Suite, complete with four-poster bed, a claw-foot bath and a private terrace. On the ground floor, The Parlour offers a relaxed lounge for light bites and cocktails, while The Orangery serves as the main dining space overlooking landscaped gardens. In summer, it extends outdoors with a barbecue area and guest chef residencies. A gym and outdoor yoga space complete the experience, combining comfort and understated luxury with Georgian charm. Opening March 2026, with rooms from £301, The Zetter Bloomsbury promises a rare London stay that feels like a beautifully borrowed home in the heart of the city. Discover the venue: thezetter.com/bloomsbury 8
At County Wedding Events each show is professionally and meticulously run to ensure a variety of suppliers are on hand to help you plan your big day and are hosted by some of the loveliest premier venues in your area. All our shows offer you free entry and parking, a goody bag each containing gifts, and useful local information to plan your wedding. You will also have the opportunity to enter prize draw competitions and take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on the day. All shows 11am - 3pm (unless otherwise stated) SPRING 2026 WEDDING SHOWS COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS WHERE LOVE MEETS PERFECTION! COUNTY WEDDING EVENTS KENT BRADBOURNE HOUSE NEW RD, EAST MALLING, ME19 6DZ SUNDAY 22 FEB 2026 WORK WITH US As part of Ellis Media and Events Ltd, County Wedding Events (CWE) is ideally placed to offer you a wealth of experience organising events in the wedding industry. If you would like more information about either holding a wedding show at your venue or exhibiting at any of our shows, please contact us at info@countyweddingevents.com, call 01376 514000 or visit countyweddingevents.com. CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE HILL HOATH RD, EDENBRIDGE, TN8 7AD SUNDAY 1 FEB 2026 FRASERS BARNHAMS MILL RD, ASHFORD, TN27 9DD SUNDAY 17 MAY 2026 NUTFIELD PRIORY NUTFIELD RD, REDHILL, RH1 4EL SUNDAY 17 MAY 2026 SURREY
ESSEX BRAXTED PARK GREAT BRAXTED, WITHAM, CM8 3EN SUNDAY 15 FEB 2026 CRONDON PARK STOCK RD, STOCK, CM4 9DP SUNDAY 8 FEB 2026 CHANNELS ESTATE BELSTEAD FARM LANE, LITTLE WALTHAM, CM3 3PT SUNDAY 29 MAR 2026 LAYER MARNEY TOWER LAYER MARNEY, COLCHESTER, CO5 9US SUNDAY 22 MAR 2026 HOUCHINS HOUCHINS FARM, COGGESHALL, CO6 1RT SUNDAY 19 APR 2026 NORFOLK WARE PRIORY HIGH STREET, WARE, SG12 9AL SUNDAY 8 MAR 2026 HERTFORDSHIRE KIMBERLEY HALL WYMONDHAM, NR18 0RT SUNDAY 8 FEB 2026
TUDOR BARN BRITWELL RD, BURNHAM, SL1 8DF BUCKINGHAMSHIRE SUNDAY 8 MAR 2026 ATTEND OUR SHOWS Our events are hosted in some of the regions’ best wedding venues, giving you theopportunity to explore the properties first-hand; while our larger Signature Wedding Shows are hosted in iconic venues such as Bluewater, Ascot Racecourse, Mercedes-Benz World and Braintree Village. Welcoming newly engaged couples looking to plan their wedding days, each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on-hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; from venues and bridal boutiques to photographers and performers, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof. On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés (venue permitting), there will be ample show discounts and offers from our exhibitors, and a competition to win your honeymoon – what’s not to love? Couples will need to pre-register in advance for an allocated arrival time, although on-the-day visitors are always welcome, what’s more attending our shows are free! BEDFORDSHIRE THE CONSERVATORY LUTON HOO ESTATE LUTON, LU1 4LF SUNDAY 22 MAR 2026 Don’t miss out! follow us on Facebook Follow our social media pages to keep up to date with our upcoming events! follow us on Instagram
Signature • Free entry • Goody bag for each couple • Up to 200 stands • Huge number of wedding specialists including venues • Demonstration areas • Competitions • Entertainment • Refreshments • And more... Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges www.countyweddingevents.com/signature-events WEDDING SHOWS SUNDAY 22ND MARCH 2026 ASCOT RACECOURSE High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JX SUNDAY 1ST MARCH 2026 BLUEWATER Bluewater Pkwy, Dartford, DA9 9ST DATE TO BE CONFIRMED BRAINTREE VILLAGE Chapel Hill, Braintree, CM77 8YH SUNDAY 26TH APRIL 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, KT13 0SL 11am-3pm 11am-3.30pm 11am-3pm 11am-3pm
Pre-register for all of our events at www.countyweddingevents.com X Sarah Here at County Wedding Magazines and Events HQ we’re looking forward to the next wedding show season – perfect for all those couples recently engaged. From must-visit local fairs in some of the region’s best wedding venues to our larger Signature Wedding Shows, we can’t wait to welcome nearlyweds to our events and help plan their wedding day. Each event will boast a huge range of specialists who will be on hand to talk through your planning ideas and requirements; venues, bridal boutiques, photographers, florists, cake makers and more, there’s everything you could need to plan your wedding under one roof. On the day refreshments will be available to purchase from each of the venue’s on-site restaurants, bars and cafés. Couples will need to pre-register in advance for an allocated arrival time, although on the day visitors are always welcome, and attending our shows are free! For more information, visit County Wedding Events’ website. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events. Sarah Ellis, Managing Director Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Pre-register and attend our Signature Wedding Shows to have the chance to win a mini-break courtesy of Classic Lodges A date for your diary... GREAT EXPECTATIONS ASCOT RACECOURSE 22ND MARCH 2026 BLUEWATER 1ST MARCH 2026 MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD 26TH APRIL 2026 BRAINTREE VILLAGE DATE TO BE CONFIRMED
• Second Oldest Hotel in central London • Recently refurbished wedding room with Natural Daylight • Grade II Victorian listed building • Licensed for Civil Ceremony • Weddings of up to 350 people +44 (0) 207 850 0500 events.paddington@hilton.com www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lonpdhi-hilton-london-paddington 146 Praed Street, London W2 1EE We are Chelsea’s hidden secret. Buckleigh suits,morning coats, evening tails and dinner suits are renowned for their top quality fabric. FORMAL WEAR HIRE | BESPOKE TAILORING | LADIES AND GENTLEMENS ALTERATIONS T: 020 7730 0770 | www.buckleighoflondon.com | info@buckleighoflondon.com 83 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, London SW1W 8DA
Tie the knot in these South London settings Bromley BROMLEY COURT HOTEL 020 8461 8600 | bromleycourthotel.co.uk BROWN & GREEN LIFE brownandgreen@outlook.com brownandgreencafe.com BROMLEY OLD TOWN HALL info@bromleyoldtownhall.com bromleyoldtownhall.com CHISLEHURST GOLF CLUB 020 8467 2782 | chislehurstgolfclub.co.uk CLUB LANGLEY 020 8658 6623 | clublangley.co.uk KEVINGTON HALL 01689 836 214 | kevingtonhall.com OAKLEY HOUSE 020 8462 9292 | oakleyhouse.co.uk RIPLEY ARTS CENTRE 020 8464 5816 | bromleyarts.com SHAMPAN 01959 572622 | shampangroup.com THE BULL’S HEAD HOTEL 020 8467 1727 | youngs.co.uk THE MANOR AT BICKLEY 020 3598 9900 | themanoratbickley.co.uk THE WARREN 020 8462 1266 | mpthewarren.com Lambeth THE WOODLAWNS CENTRE 020 8769 5922 | woodlawns.org.uk THE ROSENDALE 020 8761 9008 | therosendale.co.uk THE RITZY ritzy.events@picturehouses.co.uk picturehouses.com THE KIA OVAL 0207 820 5670 | events.kiaoval.com THE DECK, NATIONAL THEATRE 020 7452 3999 | nationaltheatreevents.com 100 BARRINGTON 020 4542 3434 | 100barringtonroad.com PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER BRIDGE 0333 400 6102 parkplazawestminsterbridge.com PARK PLAZA LONDON RIVERBANK 0333 400 6102 | parkplazariverbank.com MYATT’S FIELD PARK enquiries@myattsfieldspark.info myattsfieldspark.info LONDON MARRIOTT HOTEL COUNTY HALL 020 7928 5200 | marriott.com Wandsworth ART’OTEL BATTERSEA POWER STATION 0333 400 6152 | artotel.com BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE 020 7223 2223 | weddings.bac.org.uk BATTERSEA BARGE 020 7582 1066 | batterseabarge.com BATTERSEA POWER STATION events@bpsdc.co.uk batterseapowerstation.co.uk THE BEDFORD 020 3976 8007 | thebedford.com THE BOWLING GREEN, BATTERSEA PARK 020 3959 0015 batterseaparkvenues.co.uk CIVIC SUITE 020 8871 6394 | wandsworthcivicsuite.org COUNTY ARMS 020 8874 8532 | countyarms.co.uk DUKES HEAD 020 8788 2552 | dukesheadputney.com GROVE HOUSE 020 8392 3505 grovehouseroehampton.co.uk GOING LOCAL ASYLUM CHAPEL eclection-photography.com VENUES 15
LE GOTHIQUE 020 8870 6567 | legothique.co.uk LONDON ROWING CLUB 020 8788 1400 | londonrc.org.uk PARK HYATT LONDON RIVER THAMES 020 3503 1234 | hyatt.com PESTANA CHELSEA BRIDGE HOTEL AND SPA 020 7062 8000 | pestana.com PUMP HOUSE GALLERY 020 3959 0021 | enablelc.org ROEHAMPTON CLUB 020 8480 4200 | roehamptonclub.co.uk THAMES ROWING CLUB 0330 043 0836 | thamesrc.co.uk WINCHESTER HOUSE 020 3819 6290 winchesterhouseevents.london THE RAILWAY 020 8161 0446 | urbanpubsandbars.com THE WHEATSHEAF 020 8672 2805 | urbanpubsandbars.com Croydon ADDINGTON PALACE 020 8662 5000 | addington-palace.co.uk COOMBE WOOD HOUSE 020 8686 1244 coombewoodhouse.co.uk COULSDON MANOR HOTEL 020 8668 0414 | bespokehotels.com CROYDON AND DISTRICT MASONIC HALL 020 8688 2005 | cdmhplc.co.uk CROYDON REGISTER OFFICE 020 8726 6300 | croydon.gov.uk CRYSTAL PALACE FOOTBALL CLUB 020 8768 6013 | selhurst-park.co.uk GRAND SAPPHIRE 020 8686 2905 | grandsapphire.co.uk HALLMARK HOTEL LONDON CROYDON AERODROME 0330 028 3403 | hallmarkhotels.co.uk HAMPTON BY HILTON HOTEL 020 3027 8675 | www.hilton.com HILTON LONDON CROYDON 020 8680 3000 | hilton.com IMPERIAL LOUNGE 020 3583 4760 | imperiallounge.co.uk OAKS FARM WEDDINGS 020 8654 6622 | oaksfarmweddings.co.uk RUSKIN HOUSE 020 8686 9888 | ruskinhouse.org SHIRLEY PARK GOLF CLUB 020 8654 1143 | shirleyparkgolfclub.co.uk STANLEY HALL 020 8251 0184 | stanleyarts.org THE VENUE ON MIDDLE ST. 07397 903 500 thevenueonmiddlest.com Greenwich ADMIRAL HARDY 020 8293 9535 admiralhardygreenwich.co.uk BLACKHEATH HALLS 020 8463 0100 | blackheathhalls.com CHARLTON HOUSE 020 8856 3951 | greenwichheritage.org CUTTY SARK SHIP 020 8858 4422 | rmg.co.uk DAVY’S WINE VAULTS 020 8858 7204 | davy.co.uk ELTHAM PALACE 0300 020 0017 | english-heritage.org.uk FAN MUSEUM 020 8305 1441 | thefanmuseum.org.uk GREENWICH TAVERN 020 8858 8791 | greenwichtavern.co.uk DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY 16
GREENWICH YACHT CLUB 020 8396 0321 greenwichyachtclub.co.uk INTERCONTINENTAL LONDON - THE O2 020 8463 6868 | ihg.com NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM 020 8312 8517 | rmg.co.uk OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE 020 8269 4799 | ornc.org SEVERNDROOG CASTLE 0800 689 1796 | severndroogcastle.org.uk SHREWSBURY HOUSE 020 8854 3895 | shrewsburyhouse.org TRAFALGAR TAVERN 020 3887 9886 | trafalgartavern.co.uk TUDOR BARN 0800 433 2351 | tudorbarneltham.com WOOLWICH TOWN HALL 020 8854 8888 | royalgreenwich.gov.uk WOOLWICH WORKS 020 8035 8835 | woolwich.works Southwark THE OLD TIMBER STORE hello@theoldtimberstore.co.uk theoldtimberstore.co.uk SHANGRI-LA HOTEL 0207 234 8104 shangrilalondonevents.com SOUTH LONDON GALLERY 020 7703 6120 | southlondongallery.org OXO2 020 3763 7429 | oxo2.co.uk KINGSWOOD ARTS 020 7870 8051 | kingswoodarts.com THE MINISTRY 020 7740 8611 | theministry.com THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD 0344 499 7222 theviewfromtheshard.com CROWN & GREYHOUND 020 8299 4976 thecrownandgreyhound.co.uk SEA CONTAINERS LONDON 020 3747 1000 seacontainerslondon.com MINISTRY OF SOUND 020 7740 8600 | ministryofsound.com ASYLUM CHAPEL 07539 595 158 | asylumchapel.co.uk PRINCE OF PECKHAM 020 7635 8844 | princeofpeckham.co.uk SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE 020 7401 9919 | shakespearesglobe.com GOLDEN HINDE SAILING SHIP 020 7403 0123 | goldenhinde.co.uk THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS 020 7772 6200 | rcog.org.uk DOGGETTS COAT & BADGE 020 7633 9081 | nicholsonspubs.co.uk STAFFORDSHIRE STREET STUDIOS info@staffordshirest.com staffordshirest.com DULWICH PICTURE GALLERY 020 8693 5254 dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk THE LALIT LONDON 020 3765 0000 | thelalit.co.uk SIOBHAN DAVIES STUDIOS 020 7091 9650 | siobhandavies.com BREAD STREET KITCHEN SOUTHWARK 020 7592 7977 gordonramsayrestaurants.com OXO TOWER RESTAURANT BAR & BRASSERIE 020 7803 3888 | oxotowerrestaurant.com DULWICH COLLEGE 020 8299 9284 | ulwich.org.uk GLAZIERS HALL 020 7403 3300 | glaziershall.co.uk PEDROS WINE BAR 078 0721 8832 | opswines.co.uk BELAIR HOUSE 020 8299 9788 | belairhouse.co.uk THE BRUNEL MUSEUM 020 7231 3840 | thebrunelmuseum.com OXO2 schmittat.uk VENUES 17
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London LOVE From rainy afternoon dates, heartfelt proposals and a bold beautiful London celebration, Catherine and Rhys’ wedding was one to remember Images courtesy of Tara Florence Studio Catherine, a New York attorney newly moved to London, met Rhys, a London-born artist, on Tinder. While Catherine was travelling in the US, they messaged nonstop and when she returned to London, their first date in Camden lasted eight hours, ending with a rainy walk up Primrose Hill with her dog in tow. “I think it’s very unlikely our paths would have crossed without Tinder, though now I cannot imagine life without him,” she comments. Rhys later fell in love with a quiet beach near Catherine’s childhood home in Rhode Island, where they spent hours searching for sea glass. On a trip home before Christmas, she suggested a quick beach walk. Knowing Rhys loves little romantic gestures, Catherine tapped his shoulder to show a heart-shaped rock she’d found. He smiled, reached into his pocket, knelt and revealed a beautiful Ami Pepper ring and proposed! SETTING THE SCENE The couple wanted a venue that felt magical and distinctly British. “We wanted something as a nod to Rhys’ London upbringing and the city where we fell in love,” says Catherine. With guests flying in from the US, they hoped to give everyone a quintessential London experience, from the welcome reception at National Liberal Club overlooking the London Eye to views of Trafalgar Square from 116 Pall Mall on the wedding day. The couple infused personal touches throughout the day. Rhys’ hand-designed invitations and stationery, featuring magpies to reference a special early moment in their relationship, their dogs, flowers and a playful take on a traditional gilded frame. Inspired by a wedding at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, they gifted each guest a vintage British teacup, sourcing and handcleaning 200 pieces from The Old Schoolhouse Tearooms. To honour Catherine’s Italian roots, her father provided traditional confetti bonbonnieres with delicious almonds from Maggio’s Confectionery — always in uneven numbers, as tradition requires. TO DINE FOR Catering was by Searcys, 116 Pall Mall’s in-house team. “I’ll start with the dessert because I lie in bed at night still thinking about that gorgeous lemon tart,” Rhys comments. “My mouth is watering just thinking about it! For starters, we had a delicious tomato dish. Our vegan and vegetarian guests enjoyed the lemon risotto, while the others enjoyed a beautiful chunk of Cornish hake with mashed potatoes. After a bit of dancing and plenty of champers, mini burgers and falafel wraps were served alongside paprika fries in the evening. I can’t forget about the cocktail hour with delicious canapés! The evening before, we had a delicious summer barbecue catered by the National Liberal Club’s in-house dining, with Pimm’s and Pineapple Coolers as our welcome drinks.” LOOKING THE PART Catherine wore her grandmother’s 1940s lace dress, later slightly altered for her mother’s 1987 wedding, reimagined in a non-traditional pink shade. Lisa Lyons Bridal salvaged fabric and beading to create Catherine’s bodice and veil, adding a small “something blue” ribbon sewn underneath. The bride wore floral Adidas x Liberty trainers, frilled Dr. Martens socks, and a silver sixpence gifted by her friend Megan. For the pre-party, she wore a specially made floral Needle & Thread silk dress. Rhys wore a Ted Baker green suit, Uniqlo shirt and socks, Clarks loafers and a green floral Liberty tie, later switching into Nike Jordan 4 Brick by Bricks. The bridesmaids wore dark navy Azazie floral burnout dresses with gold accessories, and Catherine’s brothers wore sustainable dark navy suits. Two VIPs, the couple’s dogs, also dressed for the occasion. Leo the Pomeranian wore a custom navy tuxedo from Wedding Dogs Atelier, while Peanuts the sprocker spaniel wore a tuxedo harness from Tuna & Bear. TIME TO CELEBRATE A string trio from Kara Strings entertained guests, playing pop hits arranged for strings. Catherine’s mother sang and played guitar during the ceremony, and Rhys’ mother recited the poem Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog by Taylor Mali. A great moment was when Catherine surprised Rhys with a ukulele performance of Lover by Taylor Swift on an eight-string ukulele. Later in the evening, DJ Bella kept everyone dancing way into the night. MEMORABLE MOMENTS There were plenty of fun moments throughout the day! Peanuts the spaniel yapped through the ceremony, concerned about not being next to his humans, and ran amok on the staircase once his duties were complete. The couple also had a private golden-hour photo session, soaking in the moment together – something they will treasure for years to come. REAL WEDDINGS 19
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CATHERINE AND RHYS’ LITTLE WHITE BOOK Photographer, taraflorence.com | Venue, 116pallmall.com | Bride’s dress and veil, lisalyons.co.uk | Groom’s attire, tedbaker.com, moss.co.uk, uniqlo.com and libertylondon.com | Groom’s shoes, clarks.com and nike.com | Bride’s shoes, offspring.co.uk | Bride’s hair accessories, etsy.com/shop/BrideRyna | Bride’s earrings, etsy.com/uk/shop/LilyLustre | Wedding rings, amipepper.com | Hair stylist, instagram.com/jennifermhair | Make-up artist, instagram.com/mi_inmakeup | Bridesmaids’ dresses, azazie.com | Dogs attire, etsy.com/uk/shop/weddingdogsatelier and etsy.com/uk/shop/tunaandbear | Cake, emcakes.co.uk | Flowers, foolflowers.co.uk | Stationery, rhysbrown.art | String quartet, karastrings.co.uk formerly London String | DJ, blankcanvasentertainment.co.uk/acts/ bella | Catering, searcys.co.uk/venues/116-pall-mall/champagne-bar | Almond favours, maggiosconfectionery.com | Teacup favours, abbotsbury.co.uk/old-schoolhouse-tea-rooms | Pre-party shoes, nancyandelizabeth.com | Pre-party dress, needleandthread.com via Vinted | Pre-party earrings, leighannemccague.com “ ” “Our top tip is don’t be afraid to get thrifty or crafty, include only what feels true to you, and take time together during the day. 22
CHRIS KERR Bespoke tailoring 31 Berwick Street, London. W1F 8RJ - www.chriskerr.com Noa is a UK based harpist - available for weddings, events, recording sessions and more! www.facebook.com/noaharpist tiktok.com/@noaharpist @noa_harpist Noa Davies Harpist
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Winter winds Harriet and Scott celebrated their love with an intimate ceremony in Marylebone and a cosy, festive reception in Wimbledon Images courtesy of Charlotte Florence Photography These two first became close in sixth form but went their separate ways for university. After graduating and returning home, they kept crossing paths. “It really felt like the universe was trying to make us talk again,” Harriet says. Soon after dating, they became inseparable ever since. Scott proposed in December 2022 on a snowy walk through Richmond Park with their dog, Maple Bacon. “He knows how much I love Christmas and my mum was home from America, so it meant so much to celebrate with her,” Harriet says. After he proposed by the lake, they rushed home to share the news, and Harriet’s mum suggested lunch. “We arrived at the restaurant to all our friends and family were there as Scott planned a surprise party,” she says. “I absolutely sobbed. It was the biggest, most thoughtful surprise of my life!” SETTING THE SCENE For their ceremony, Harriet and Scott chose The Old Marylebone Town Hall. “We thought it was such a beautiful and iconic venue for a London wedding,” Harriet says. “It was Friday the 13th of December and we were the only couple married at the Hall that day! I think other couples were superstitious, but I love all things spooky, and it felt like a fun little nod to the scary films I’ve introduced to Scott.” The bride arrived in a white taxi and the pair arranged for a London bus to bring all the guests. After the intimate ceremony with only immediate loved ones, the couple celebrated with a three-course meal in the private dining room at The Royal Oak in Marylebone. The main reception took place the following day at the Dog & Fox in Wimbledon. “We wanted somewhere fun that kept the London theme going but felt relaxed,” the bride explains. “We loved how flexible and friendly the team were, they really helped bring our vision to life. We wanted a family-style meal instead of a traditional dinner, and they totally got it. Plus, no one does Christmas like a London pub with fireplaces and fairylights.” The couple chose a forest green and gold palette, leaning into the Christmas season without going over the top. Harriet explains, “It definitely felt like a Christmas wedding thanks to the trees and festive touches.” Wreaths were hung on the walls, the menu cards were styled like mini wreaths, and everything was lit with either gold or white candles and fairylights. “Each table had its own enormous turkey carved in front of them,” Harriet comments. “It was amazing with so many sides and so much gravy – it was just perfect.” Dessert was served canapé-style in the bar along with espresso martinis. “We had brownies, mini cheesecakes and meringues being passed around. Instead of a traditional cake, the couple opted for wheels of cheese served with crackers, plus evening food of burgers and chips. “We wanted it to feel like a proper party, not too formal,” Harriet continues. LOOKING THE PART The bride wore the Justin Alexander Lumina dress. “It really surprised me,” she says. “I always thought I’d go for something plain, but the beading and shimmer just felt so wintery and perfect. My mum and bridesmaids all agreed – it was the one.” Scott wore a black Moss tuxedo with a black velvet jacket. He paired it with a black bow tie for the ceremony and a deep green one to match the bridesmaids for the reception. The groomsmen also wore rented black tuxedos from Moss. The bridesmaids wore emerald dresses from Azazie with square necklines. “My sister, the maid-of-honour, wore a shortsleeved version, and the others wore matching long sleeves,” Harriet shares. MEMORABLE MOMENTS Guests were kept entertained with plenty of food and drink, as well as the help of a brilliant toastmaster. “He ensured everyone was in the right place at the right time, but in such a fun way,” Harriet says. “People kept telling us afterwards how great he was.” There was also a photobooth and a live band, The SkyKnights, who kept the dancefloor full all night. During the reception, a standout moment for the couple was watching guests’ reactions to the enormous 8lb turkeys arriving at each table. “That and dancing the night away with all our favourite people – it was just the best night,” the bride adds. REAL WEDDINGS 25
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HARRIET AND SCOTT’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK Photographer, charlotteflorencephotography.co.uk | Cermoney venue, adaytoremember.london | Intimate reception, theroyaloakmarylebone.com | Reception venue, catering, cake and coordinator, dogandfoxwimbledon.co.uk | Bride’s first dress, lovebridal.co.uk | Bride’s second dress, bromley-brides.co.uk | Groom’s and groomsmen attire, moss.co.uk | Rings, taylorandhart. com | Hair stylist and makeup artist, clj-ldn.com | Bridesmaids’ dresses, azazie.com | Flowers, alanasfloristry.com | Transport, luxweddingcarhire.co.uk and londonbus4hire.london | Entertainment, entertainment-nation.co.uk/skyknights | Toastmaster and day of coordination, anthonyesquire.com | Photobooth, photobooth.co “ ” “Do whatever is right for you as a couple! Even though we knew we wanted a big wedding, we didn’t want to say our vows infront of 100 people as it felt too overwhelming. Splitting our days enabled us to have the best of both worlds and I would highly recommend it it to any couples who are interested in doing both an intimate ceremony and a big party - it enabled us to really soak in the magic.” 28
“It was so beautiful & so personal, not sure we realised how much of the essence of us would be in the ceremony” - Peter & Natalya From intimate gatherings to grand events, I create truly memorable ceremonies full of special moments Contact me to ask about my writing & delivery skills. We can discuss your vision, and together, bring your wedding celebration to life hello@thecitycelebrant.co.uk • @city.celebrantuk www.thecitycelebrant.co.uk Collaborating with You, Every Step of the Way Our beautiful wedding adornments are all made using quality crystals (cut with facets to sparkle like real diamonds), freshwater pearls, organza, satin, silk and fruit materials, perfect to compliment and complete any hairstyle and bridal outfit. Most of our wedding adornments are sourced and/or made in the UK, showcasing the great craftmanship Britain is renown for. info@flourishingcrown.com www.flourishingcrown.com FARA TAILORS Perfecting Every Detail, Stitch by Stitch At Fara Tailors, precision and craftsmanship come together to give your garments a flawless new life. We specialise in expert alterations, garment restoration, and tailoring for bridal and occasion wear — ensuring every fit, finish, and fabric looks impeccable. From resizing delicate wedding gowns and adjusting evening dresses, to refining suits and bespoke pieces, our experienced tailors handle every item with care and perfection. Trust us to make your outfit fit beautifully and feel brand new again. 12B Bittacy Hill, London NW7 1LB www.faratailors.uk faratailors.help@gmail.com 020 3633 5633 @faratailor_
Plan your dream wedding at the historic Brockwell Hall, a wedding venue nestled in Brockwell Park. Nestled at the heart of historic Brockwell Park, Brockwell Hall is an exquisite Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion, established in 1813. Surrounded by over 125 acres of lush greenery and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the City, our venue marries historic charm with modern elegance. Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Brockwell Hall has been meticulously restored to its original splendor, with the addition of a brand-new event space that beautifully blends the past with the present. @venuelambeth | venues@lambeth.gov.uk | https://venue.lambeth.gov.uk Policy Terms and Conditions apply. Wedinsure is a trading name of Insuremore Ltd. Registered Office: 282 Leigh Rd, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 1BW. Registered in England No. 10525133. Insuremore Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 824996. Prices from just £38.99 one-off payment Say ‘I do’ to wedding insurance Financial protection for weddings at home or abroad up to £100,000 Cancellation and rearrangement Financial failure of wedding services suppliers £2m personal liability included as standard Additional cover for Public Liability, COVID-19, Marquee and more www.wedinsure.co.uk Winner 2025 Best wedding insurance provider
A living Discover this modern shoot at Park Hyatt London River Thames, capturing movement, emotion and quietly romantic moments as they unfold Images courtesy of Natalie Pluck The creative concept behind this shoot balanced clean, modern lines with romantic, airy elements, shaping the visual story from intimate getting-ready moments to portraits and a chic dinner setting. The styling focused on understated luxury, allowing emotion, movement and natural light to lead the design narrative. Every moment felt warm, inviting and authentically lived. Soft, modern-romantic tones complemented the venue’s architecture, pairing refined styling with candid, genuine interactions. A muted palette layered with warm, contemporary accents created an atmosphere that felt both timeless and effortlessly elevated. Shoot coordinator and wedding planner Nicole Froelich explains that the inspiration stemmed from a desire to redefine how hotels communicate their wedding experiences. “Instead of showing static rooms or staged poses, we wanted to create a living narrative – one that captures emotion, movement and the personal connection at the heart of every celebration,” she shares. “The vision was to showcase weddings in a hotel, not as a series of set pieces, but as an immersive journey from the moment a couple arrives to the final farewell.” The creative approach focused on authenticity and action. “We wanted every frame to feel alive like the dresses in motion, hands adjusting florals, bartenders mixing cocktails, guests interacting and chefs finishing dishes,” adds Natalie. “The day felt intimate and reflective of our belief that hospitality is ultimately about people caring for people.” NARRATIVE STYLED SHOOT 31
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THE DREAM TEAM Photographer, nataliepluck.com | Concept and design, nicoleplease.com | Venue, hyatt.com/park-hyatt/en-US/lhrph-parkhyatt-london-river-thames | Videographer, gionedasilva.com | Florist, wildabout.co.uk | Cake, havesomecake.co.uk | Décor hire, etiquetteevents.co.uk | Chairs hire, joneshire.co.uk | Makeup artist, emilychantalmakeup.com | Hair styling, hairbyduboux.com | Light, encoreglobal.com | Dresses, galialahav.com | Shoes, manoloblahnik.com | Groom suit, sartoriarossi.com Rings, rachelmuscatlondon.com | Models, instagram.com/_lisha_pie and instagram.com/joeewestt 34
Take every part of Nutfield Priory to enjoy for the duration of your wedding. Relax and settle into your very own Victorian mansion with original stained glass windows, rich wood panelling and breathtaking Surrey Hills views. Our experienced team will tailor-make your perfect day, whether you’re planning a big celebration or an intimate affair. For a bespoke proposal based on your dream day, contact one of our team today. EXCLUSIVELY YOURS, FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY Nutfield Road, Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey RH1 4EL 01737 824400 | nutfieldpriory@handpicked.co.uk handpickedhotels.co.uk/nutfieldpriory NUTFIELD PRIORY HOTEL & SPA NUTFIELD, SURREY
Katherine@katherineelizabethhats.com @katherineelizabethmillinery www.katherineelizabethmillinery.com Katherine Elizabeth Millinery B BLYTHE MONTGOMERY EVENTS & WEDDING SINGER Y T H E MO A UK based professional singer, originally from Scotland. Skilled in a range of styles to add special touches to your occasion. Working with couples to find meaningful music choices to make their day truly unforgettable. Understanding what you would like is hugely important to me and making that a reality is what I love to do. I’m now London & Central Scotland based with my career taking me to gigs, weddings, stage shows and cabarets across the UK. My packages range from individual ceremony or drinks reception sets to entire day bookings (guest arrival up until your first dance). Contact Details www.instagram.com/blytheweddingandevents Instagram: @blytheweddingandevents www.facebook.com/share/16HfauPGpn Facebook: Blythe Montgomery - Events and Wedding Singer : blythemontgomery15@gmail.com Solas have many years experience in the wedding industry across the UK and internationally. From solo violin ceremonies to string quartets, DJs and evening entertainment, Solas specialise in bespoke music curation and live performance. A modern professional string group working in the music and entertainment industry, Solas are based in London and perform world wide across many genres and styles of music with a personalised touch. Enquire about our highly rated wedding packages today! Award winning musicians for every occasion. solasstrings@gmail.com • Office WhatsApp: 020 3302 5698 • 07490 504908 www.solasstrings.com
Red Alert! The Pre-Wedding Panic Fix Kit Your plan when everything feels like it’s falling apart – spoiler, it’s not You’ve become a research pro. You’ve been organised from the get-go with a colour-coded spreadsheet and a triple-checked timeline. But no matter how prepared you are, problems can still arise. Perhaps the cake doesn’t arrive or the heavens open, some aspects are beyond control. So instead of going into a state of panic, we’ve created the ultimate emergency manual to give you some peace of mind. Most of these issues are very unlikely, but we’ve got your back just in case. Together, let’s troubleshoot. CRISIS #1 – CANCELLATIONS It’s safe to say no one likes last-minute cancellations, especially with suppliers! The dreaded “So sorry to do this…” can easily send us into a spiral, but it’s essential to stay calm. Your feelings are completely valid, but it’s important to take action. First, contact your venue to explain the situation and ask if they have any trusted suppliers who can step in to save the day. Since staff typically have great relationships with their vendors, it’s a solid place to start. If that doesn’t work, social media is your best friend! Create a post about your situation, include your wedding date and location, and share it in a local wedding group. Many companies will see your message quickly and share it across platforms. This cuts the waiting time as only available suppliers will respond. Just make sure to check each company’s website, social pages and reviews. If you’re early in your planning journey, always ask if a replacement clause can be added to contracts. If a vendor cancels, they should help find a comparable replacement. unsplash.com@anitaaustvika PLANNING SOS 37
CRISIS #2 – SKIN BREAKOUTS It’s no secret that everyonewants to look their best on the big day, so it’s frustrating when a stubborn breakout appears last minute. Take a deep breath and don’t panic! The worst thing you can do is pick at it, as this can cause scabbing, inflammation or more redness. Depending on the type of spot, there are two things you can do. If it’s a whitehead, apply a compress with warm, salty water to help draw the impurity out. If it’s a deep, under-the-surface lump, apply ice to reduce swelling. You can also use spot treatments like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, just make sure your skin is already familiar with the product to avoid further irritation. If you have a go-to facialist, give them a call for advice or a last-minute appointment. If not, reach out to your make-up artist. They’ll have a few tricks up their sleeve; they’re masters of disguise and can conceal breakouts with ease. Leading up to the wedding, eat well and stay hydrated. Avoid excess sugar, processed foods and known triggers. A healthy gut supports clear skin and reduces inflammation. CRISIS #3 – RAINY DAY Living in England, we’re used to drizzly days. While we all hope for sunshine on our special day, rain is always a possibility, no matter the month. You’ll probably check every weather app, but even if rain is forecasted, it’s not the end of the world. Start by ensuring you have a wet-weather backup plan, especially for outdoor events. If your ceremony or reception is outside, hire a marquee or tipi to provide shelter if the skies open. Order a few clear umbrellas! They’re not only practical but look adorable in photos. Imagine romantic, rainy shots as you walk hand-in-hand around the venue. If bad weather is expected, advise guests to wear appropriate footwear and keep towels on hand just in case. Overcast skies provide the perfect lighting for portraits, so ask your photographer for a rain-day shot list and embrace the day. Many cultures view rain as a sign of good luck and fertility. When embraced, it can make your day even more memorable. CRISIS #4 – HEATWAVES Clear skies and sunshine can be a blessing, but extreme heat brings its own challenges like melting make-up, overheated guests and wilting flowers. If high temperatures are predicted, ensure there’s plenty of shade available, especially during outdoor events. Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and consider hiring a marquee or scattering parasols for comfort. Provide fans and sunscreen as thoughtful (and useful) favours. Keep guests hydrated, especially if alcohol is involved, as it causes dehydration more quickly. Your make-up artist will have the perfect kit for warm weather, including a good primer, waterproof eye products and setting spray. They’ll likely layer cream and powder products for longlasting coverage and recommend powder touch-ups throughout the day. If you’re marrying during peak summer, ask your florist for heat-resistant blooms, and keep them cool until showtime. After photos, place the bouquets in qater to preserve them. CRISIS #5 – DROPOUTS One way to avoid last-minute dropouts is to set a clear RSVP unsplash.com@jonathanborba unsplash.com/@paupattersonphotography 38
deadline on your invitations. If you haven’t heard by the deadline, follow up. However, life happens. Some no-shows will be completely understandable... and some, less so. First, don’t panic. It’s 100 per cent frustrating when excuses feel flimsy, and it’s okay to feel disappointed – own that feeling. Then move into problem-solving mode. If there’s still time, contact your venue’s coordinator to see if any changes are needed to the table plan. Remove any place settings to avoid gaps and let your caterer know about the new numbers. Even if they can’t adjust the price, it avoids unnecessary waste. Have a backup list? Maybe there’s someone you originally cut due to numbers or cost, or someone listed as evening-only. Now’s your chance to invite them to the full day if you’d like! CRISIS #6 – ATTIRE SOS In the run-up to your wedding, it’s normal for your body to go through changes. Stress, hormones, sleep, diet and activity levels all influence your metabolism and water retention, leading to possible weight fluctuations, even if you’ve been consistent with your routine. So, if your dress or suit feels a bit snug in the final days, don’t panic. You’re not alone! Act quickly and contact a seamstress or tailor, as many can make last-minute tweaks like letting out seams or adjusting closures. Shapewear or supportive undergarments can also change the fit and feel of your outfit, so speak to a lingerie expert about what works best for your look. If you suspect water retention, stay hydrated, limit salty foods and opt for anti-inflammatory meals. Most importantly: don’t wait too long to try everything on together. We’re talking dress, shoes, accessories and underwear – all of it! That way, any problems are spotted early. CRISIS #7 – OPINIONATED GUESTS Everyone has an opinion when it comes to weddings, and it can quickly get overwhelming, especially with well-meaning loved ones adding pressure. Remember, it’s your day. It should reflect who you are as a couple. Whether it’s the guest list, the traditions or the overall vibe, don’t worry about other people’s expectations. Most of the time, loved ones just want to feel included. If it gets too much, kindly say, “I value your input, but we’ve made a decision and need your support.” You could even assign them a small task to help them feel involved without interfering. CRISIS #8 – PRE-WEDDING NERVES Feeling nervous before the big day is totally normal. It’s an exciting time, but also a lot to handle emotionally. There are lots of tools to help, like breathing exercises, prioritising self-care, journaling affirmations and staying organised. Yoga or meditation can be helpful too. We also recommend a spa day or a relaxing treatment during the lead-up to the wedding. The night before, take time for yourself. A warm bath, skincare routine, a feel-good movie or your favourite book sets a peaceful tone. On the morning itself, surround yourself with your closest people, good music and snacks. Delegate tasks to loved ones so you’re not overwhelmed. Before walking down the aisle, try the 54321-grounding exercise, naming five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. From there, get ready for your new chapter! unsplash.com@seljansalim unsplash.com@vitormonthay PLANNING SOS 39
www.yourlondon.weddingRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=