Your London Wedding - November/December 2020 (Issue 74)

All the latest from around the city NEWS Nearlywed SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED The Grade II listed Weddings at Queen Mary venue has launched its intimate micro-wedding packages, to fit with current restrictions on weddings allowing only 15 guests. Opened by Queen Victoria in 1887, this spectacular building was once known as the Albert Hall of East London. Built in Neo-Classical style with columns and a portico, visitors step inside to find an atmospheric space with book-lined walls and busts of eminent authors under a beautiful domed ceiling. The Octagon space is typically only available for 100 guests or more. The new packages offer a rare opportunity to experience exclusive-use of the setting for the afternoon, which will be intimately set for your ceremony and reception under the iconic domed ceiling. We love that the packages (starting from £2,250 for 15 people) include exclusive-use of the space for four hours as well as covering all your catering needs – whether you’re after an informal gathering or a delicious six-course taster menu with champagne. Head to the website for more details, visit the website www.qmul.ac.uk/weddings GOING PLACES Best Dress 2 Impress Bridal has announced the relocation of its award-winning boutique to a new space opposite Highams Park Station, just 23 minutes from Liverpool Street Station. Offering each bride exclusive-use of the boutique during appointments, the company offers an Aladdin’s cave of gorgeous and unusual gowns in sizes 8 to 30. “We focus on the individual needs of each customer, catering for all genders, ages and sizes,” says owner Sharon. “We can custom make dresses, provide off-the-peg gowns and we have access to experienced seamstresses.” To find out more, and to book an appointment visit http://bestdress2impress.co.uk STILL TYING THE KNOT Since reopening its doors in July, Chelsea Old Town Hall has found that couples won’t let a pandemic stand in the way of marrying the love of their life. Although facing uncertainty around receptions, couples have adapted to make sure their ceremony can still go ahead, with registrars at the venue getting creative with personalised face masks and FaceTiming guests. With safety a top priority, the venue has put measures in place to maintain social distancing, while also providing PPE, face masks, sanitising points and screens. “Now that social distancing has become the ‘new normal’, we’re finding inventive ways of delivering great ceremonies,” business development manager Sarah Taylor tells us. “One interesting thing about PPE is that it shows the creative sides of our couples. We’re seen some great masks; people are having fun with it, which adds to the atmosphere.” Head to the website for more information, www.rbkc.gov.uk Marry now, party later! Crowne Plaza London Docklands has come up with an inventive new wedding package to enable couples to still have their special day, while complying with government guidelines. “We want couples to have the chance to give their guests the wow factor and still celebrate their love,” director of sales Tracy Wilkins explains. “The Marry Now Party Later package means couples can have a special ceremony with a select group of up to 15 family and friends, with the option to add on an evening reception in 2021. This year is still not over, so let’s make something special happen! We can make your wedding a memory to cherish forever.” The hotel’s Royal Victoria Docks location is an ideal big-day setting, with Canary Wharf and the O2 as a backdrop. The bespoke intimate ceremony package for 15 people (£1,500) includes food, drink and venue hire, and the team will handle all the preparations for you. Couples booking this package have the option to then add on an evening reception at a later date, as per government guidelines, for just £3,000. To find out more about the offer, visit www.cpdocklands.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9