SEALED, DELIVERED It’s time to sort your stationery suite SEP/OCT 2025 £3.55 Standout SLEEVES From 2026’s bridal collections HOT STUFF Let’s sauna! WIN! A LAKESIDE MINI-MOON IN THE BRECON BEACONS Signed, YORKSHIREWEDDING
Welcome to the autumn issue of Your Yorkshire Wedding. You may have noticed that we’ve had a bit of a glow up! Don’t worry though, we’re still bringing you the very best of the local wedding world as well as offering heaps more advice to support you in planning your big day. Plus, there’s even more beauty, fashion, grooms and honeymoons content than ever before – we’re spoiling you! Possibly the most important task you’ll face during your wedding planning is choosing the loved ones you want to share the big day with. So, we’ve taken a deep dive into the process as well as the nuts and bolts of what stationery to order and how to tackle the seating plan. There’s even a handy decision-making flowchart to keep on hand as you compile the all-important list. Don’t miss it from page 40. What’s more, if you’re at the point of giving careful consideration to your own bridal look, turn to page 68 where we’ve put together a selection of mood boards covering 2025’s most popular vibes – the perfect place to get you started. I hope you love our new look and as ever, enjoy and keeeep planning! Kelly Andrews, editor New look Kelly x Your Yorkshire 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 Yorkshire Wedding is published six times a year. ISSN 1746-9384 @CountyWeddingMagazines @CountyWeddings @countyweddingmagazines Visit us online at www.county.wedding and www.countyweddingevents.com 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 Deputy Managing Editor Kelly Andrews | 01376 535 611 kelly.andrews@county.wedding ADVERTISING Account Manager Tony Smith | 01376 538 562 tony.smith@county.wedding On the cover This issue’s gorgeous cover was captured by The Readers (the-readers. uk) at North Yorkshire’s Hackness Grange (hacknessgrangehotel.com). Turn to page 36 to enjoy the full shoot. Steal the style Real bride Ria’s look was classic and elegant. Find out more about her big day, following the same theme, from page 24. Joli Rouge Velvet in Woodberry, Clarins christopherkitchenphotography.co.uk Orbe, Rosa Clara 2026 Collection Tasha Tennis Necklace, Victoria Percival Cora CZ Teardrop Earrings, Liberty in Love Melody Silver Draped Crystal Wedding Headpiece, Lace & Favour EDITOR’S LETTER 3
Regulars 3 EDITOR’S LETTER A warm welcome from Kelly 7 NEARLYWED NEWS Catch up on news from around the county 97 COMPETITION Win a lakeside mini-moon in the Brecon Beacons In this issue... SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 Venues 11 SPOTLIGHT ON... WEST YORKSHIRE Tie the knot in a local hotspot WIN A LAKESIDE MINI-MOON IN THE BRECON BEACONS Features 31 GENTLE BLOSSOMS Inspired by the original artworks in Birdsall House’s gallery room, this shoot highlights the beauty of a soft, pastel oral palette 36 SAY IT WITH FLOWERS This local shoot shows us how carefully chosen florals really do speak the language of love 40 SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED It’s time to sort your stationery suite 46 THERE IS A SEASON Seasonal inspiration for a unique wedding reception 49 ZODIAC BRIDES Could your star sign help you plan your dream wedding? Here, we uncover your true desires 68 FIND YOUR STYLE If you’re at the point of curating your individual bridal style, we’re here to help with some excellent foundations. Which bride are you? Win 97 11 24 johnhopephotography.com christopherkitchenphotography.co.uk 78 4
Real weddings 18 LOVE IS ETERNAL When Steven proposed to David in Italy, the couple knew they wanted to theme their wedding in honour of their favourite holiday destination 24 A TIMELESS CLASSIC Ria and Cavill took inspiration for their big day’s styling from the grand surroundings of their venue, Rise Hall Honeymoons 91 HONEYMOON NEWS Our travel editor reveals the newest openings and honeymoon essentials 92 MAKE IT THE MALDIVES Visiting the most sought-after honeymoon destination 94 PHUN TIMES IN PHUKET A twin-centre trip to Thailand’s capital and its largest island ticks every box Fashion & Beauty 52 FASHION FOCUS The latest bridal news, buys and launches 55 MAKE AN ENTRANCE This line-up of aisle-approved dresses are perfect for a fun, fairytaleinspired celebration 61 STANDOUT SLEEVES These gorgeous gowns from the new 2026 bridal collections are all about making a statement 64 STEAL THE STYLE You’ve chosen the perfect people for the role; here are some top tips on how to make them look the part 66 LEADING LADY These new-season pieces in rich jewel shades will dress the mother figure in your life 78 BEAUTY BUZZ Get the look with the latest must-haves 80 QUEEN BEE Queen’s facialist, Deborah Mitchell, renowned for her bee venom facials, has some bridal skincare advice you won’t want to miss 83 HAIR-DO HACKS With a bit of prep and the right guidance, you’ll look stunning feel confident, and be ready to say “I do” – celebrity hairdresser Melissa Timperley tells us how 84 TAN TRUTHS Top dermatology experts caution against the latest tanning trends 86 HOT STUFF We paid a visit to Wild Spa Wowo to meet founder Katie Bracher and find out more about the sauna practice revolution quietly sweeping the UK 18 samchipmanphotography.com 68 40 Grooms 75 GROOMS’ NEWS The latest best buys and product launches 76 SUITED AND BOOTED Step one, pick a look, step two, rock it! unsplash.com@kaboompics unsplash.com@olivie_strauss 86 ©Jo Thorne CONTENTS 5
01943 830 004 We can bring your food stories to life goodfoodstory.co.uk hello@goodfoodstory.co.uk Get inspired, more stories on Instagram @goodfoodstoryuk Yorkshire Lamb #MAIN STORY GOOD FOOD YORKSHIRE’S Weddings | Events | Fine Dine | Corporate
Restoration unveiled A two-year project to repurpose the old lambing barn at North Yorkshire’s Danby Castle is now complete with the opening of Daleview Barn. The preservation of the structure’s historical value was paramount during the project; not least because between 1534 and 1543, Danby Castle was home to John Neville and Catherine Parr, who later became the 6th wife of Henry VIII. Alongside the existing dedicated ceremony room, Daleview Barn offers a masterfully designed reception room overlooking the surrounding North Yorkshire Moors. The venue boasts incredible ruins and now two barns where you can have your ceremony and threecourse meal plus party afterwards. Find out more at danbycastlebarn.co.uk Weddings ALL THE WAY Local florist FlowerStyle may have closed the doors to its shop in Beverley, but that doesn’t mean it’s ceased trading. Far from it in fact. Owner Susan, who is now working on her gorgeous floral designs from home, took the decision early in the summer to specialise in weddings, which over the past months has proven to be an excellent decision she told us. FlowerStyle Beverley is still a recommended supplier for popular Yorkshire venue Rise Hall, something Susan is rightly very proud of. “We particularly love decorating Rise Hall’s spectacular staircase,” she shares. Check out the stunning example pictured on the right – we can certainly see the passion and artistry here! To find out more about FlowerStyle Beverley, follow on social media: @Flowerstylebeverley or @flower_style_beverley WINTER WONDERLAND Introducing the exclusive Winter Collection at Rise Hall, designed for couples seeking a cosy, elegant wedding during the colder months. Available for a limited time, the Winter Collection is based on 60 guests and is priced at £14,000. The package includes a pianist performing on Rise Hall’s Grand Piano during the drinks reception, adding a touch of classic sophistication to your special day. With its warm, inviting interiors and historic architecture, Rise Hall provides a stunning backdrop for a winter celebration filled with charm and intimacy. Dates for winter 2025/26 are limited, so do get in touch promptly to secure your preferred day. Find out more at dine.co.uk/venues/rise-hall NEWS Nearlywed Catch up on the latest from around the county @willow_captures samsparksweddings.co.uk LATEST NEWS 7
Wedding WELLBEING Luxury Yorkshire-based self-care brand Nourish + Flourish has expanded its best-selling range with five new expert-curated wellness boxes, designed to support women through every chapter of life. Created by registered nutritional therapist Donna Peters, the new additions include: The Nourish Box (the ultimate all-rounder, which allows you to customise your box to support you at any age and stage); The Menopause Box; The Sleep Box; The Pregnancy Box and The Female Founders Box (specifically created for busy women in business). Each box combines natural, functional wellness products sourced from high-end British brands, with expert guidance, helping busy women prioritise their wellbeing in a practical way. From beautiful mindfulness journals to luxurious body oils, high-quality supplements and premium herbal teas, each product is handpicked by Peters with a clear therapeutic goal in mind. Find out more at thenourishandflourishbox.co.uk A FIX FOR FAST FASHION Fling is an in-store fashion rental service based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, making fashion rental more accessible and affordable. Founder, Chloé Mead, launched the concept in September 2024 with a vision to battle the risks that online rentals pose such as not knowing whether an item fits or feels good to wear, the lack of refund for a bad fit, along with the minimum rental terms and shipping costs, all of which create barriers for consumers looking to be ethically fashionable. Chloé now offers in-store appointments where women can come in, shop comfortably, and rent pieces that they know fit them and feel gorgeous in. Shoppers can rent pieces for as little as one day, making it the ideal option for brides, wedding guests and mothers-of-the-brides and -grooms. This sustainable business goes one step further by utilising the wardrobes of local women, working with them to supply the items they no longer wear but never want to part with forever. These women, Fling’s ‘Lenders’, make profits from their items time and time again, so that revenue goes back into the local economy and the brand isn’t putting extra pressure on the environment via further demand on fashion production. Find out more at flingfashionrental.com hannahlunn.co.uk WHAT A BANGER! More and more brides are starting to embrace a quirky tradition to ensure sunshine on their wedding day by burying sausages the night before! Indeed, what began as an old wives’ tale has become a TikTok sensation, with bridesto-be planting sausages in flower beds, lawns and fields, all in the name of love and good weather. Yorkshire sausage maker HECK decided to join in on the fun with its new Bride’s Lucky Sausage. Specially created for wedding season, the wedlock wiener is made to the food firm’s best-selling pork sausage recipe, which brides swear by as their lucky charm. Often along with their bridesmaids, brides are burying their raw sausages late in the evening before the big day where it’s meant to plant good weather. “I buried one the night before our wedding and the sun shone all day,” says Mica Keeble, who now has two children and five happy years of marriage behind her. “It sounds mad but it worked for me.” So, if you’re desperate for a sunny ceremony, find yours at heckfood.co.uk. Anything’s worth a go right? ©Jack Tate 8
info@breaffyhouseresort.com www.breaffyhouseresort.com 0949022033 BOOK YOUR DREAM 2025 WEDDING AT BLACKWELL GRANGE HOTEL & RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE TRIP TO OUR SISTER PROPERTY BREAFFY HOUSE RESORT, IRELAND FLIGHTS, AIRPORT TRANSFER AND ACCOMMODATION IN BREAFFY HOUSE RESORT FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ONCE YOUR BLACKWELL WEDDING HAS BEEN FULLY PAID TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY, MINIMUM NUMBERS 100 - CONTACT OUR WEDDING TEAM FOR INFORMATION RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY MINI MOON WITH YOUR BLACKWELL GRANGE HOTEL WEDDING WEDDINGS.BLACKWELL@BRUHENNYHOTELS.CO.UK 00 44 330 102 7238
Photographer: Ben Cumming Our spectacular stately home wedding venue Find out more, download our brochure and book a free showround today. Prices start from £1750. Ask about our Christmas weddings! Show this advert to get £100 off your booking! templenewsam.leeds.gov.uk Scan for details
Tie the knot in a local hotspot Bradford and Keighley THE BOX TREE 35-37 Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DR 01943 608 484 | theboxtree.co.uk THE BRADFORD HOTEL Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 5SH 01274 734 734 | thebradfordhotel.com GUIDE POST HOTEL Common Road, Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0ST 01274 607 866 | guideposthotel.net HALFWAY HOUSE 45 Otley Road, Baildon, BD17 7PY 01274 584 610 | chefandbrewer.com HOLLINS HALL HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB Hollins Hill, Baildon, BD17 7QW 01274 534 207 | britanniahotels.com HOYLE COURT Otley Road, Baildon, BD17 6JS 01274 584110 | hoylecourt.com ILKLEY MANOR HOUSE Castle Yard, Ilkley, LS29 9DT 01943 607 030 | ilkleymanorhouse.org KEIGHLEY GOLF CLUB Howden Park, Utley, Keighley, BD20 6DH 01274 432 151 keighleygolfclub.com KING’S HALL & WINTER GARDENS Station Road, Ilkley, LS29 8HE 01274 431 576 bradford-theatres.co.uk MERCURE BRADFORD BANKFIELD HOTEL Bradford Road, Bingley, BD16 1TU 01274 567 123 mercurebradford.co.uk THE MIDLAND HOTEL Cheapside, Bradford, BD1 4HU 01274 735 735 | britanniahotels.com OAKWOOD HALL HOTEL Lady Lane, Bingley, BD16 4AW 01274 564123 oakwoodhall.co.uk THE OLD BARN AT ESHOLT Esholt Lane, Baildon, BD17 7RJ 01274 530 338 | oldbarnesholt.co.uk PONDEN MILL Ponden Lane, Stanbury, Keighley, BD22 0HP 01535 643 923 | pondenmillweddings.com THE PRIESTLEY SUITE City Hall, Centenary Square, Bradford, BD1 1HY 01274 434 038 bradford.gov.uk SHIPLEY GOLF CLUB Beckfoot Lane, Bingley, BD16 1LX 01274 568 652 shipleygolf.club STEETON HALL HOTEL Station Road, Steeton, Keighley BD20 6RY 01535 656 060 steetonhall.com THE TOWN HALL Bow Street, Keighley, BD21 3PA 01535 618 007 | bradford.gov.uk TONG PARK HOTEL The Pastures, Tong Lane, Bradford BD4 0RP 01132 854 646 | tongparkhotel.co.uk VICTORIA HALL Victoria Road, Saltaire, BD18 3JS 01274 327 305 | victoriahallsaltaire.co.uk WALTON VIEW HOTEL 119 Westgate Hill Street, Bradford BD4 0SF 0113 285 2372 | waltonview.co.uk 315 BAR AND RESTAURANT WEST YORKSHIRE SPOTLIGHT ON... www.philg-wedding.co.uk LOCAL VENUES 11
THE WHEATLEY ARMS Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding, LS29 8PP 01943 816 496 | wheatleyarms.co.uk Calderdale 1885 THE VENUE 400 Stainland Road, Stainland, HX5 0QQ 01422 373030 | 1885thevenue.com BERTIE’S Brook Street, Elland, HX5 9AW 01422 371 724 | bertiesevents.co.uk BERT`S ROOMS AND EVENTS VENUE 198 Towngate, Clifton, Brighouse, HD6 4JH 01484 713862 bertsroomsandevents.co.uk CASA HOTEL 281 ELLAND ROAD, BRIGHOUSE, HD6 2RG 01484 401 717 | casabrighouse.com CEDAR COURT HOTEL Ainley Top, Huddersfield, HD3 3RH 01422 375 431 cedarcourthotels.co.uk FIELDEN HALL Ewood Lane, Todmorden, OL14 7DD 01706 839 802 | fieldenhall.com FLEECE INN Ripponden Bank, Barkisland, HX4 0DJ 01422 820 687 | fleece-inn.com GIBSON MILL Hardcastle Crags, Crimsworth Dean, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7AP 01422 841 020 | nationaltrust.org.uk HEBDEN BRIDGE TOWN HALL St George Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY 01422 845 261 hebdenbridgetownhall.org.uk HOLDSWORTH HOUSE HOTEL Holdsworth Hall,holdsworth Road, Halifax, HX2 9TB 01422 240 024 | holdsworthhouse.co.uk HOLIDAY INN LEEDSBRIGHOUSE Clifton Village, Brighouse, HD6 4HW 01484 400 400 | ihg.com/holidayinn THE MALTHOUSE 270 OLDHAM ROAD, RISHWORTH, HX7 4QB 01422 822 382 | malthouserishworth.co.uk MOORLANDS INN Keighley Road, Ogden, Halifax, HX2 8XD 01422 248 943 | moorlandshalifax.co.uk THE NEW HOBBIT Hob Lane, Norland, Halifax, HX6 3QL 01422 316 231 | thenewhobbit.top THE PIECE HALL Blackledge, Halifax, HX1 1RE 01422 525 200 | thepiecehall.co.uk RASTRICK BOWLING AND SOCIAL CLUB The Pavilion, Toothill Bank, Rastrick Brighouse, HD6 3EZ 01484 712 048 | rastrickbowlingclub.co.uk SHIBDEN HALL Lister’s Road, Halifax, HX3 6XG 01422 288 080 museums.calderdale.gov.uk SOUTHWOOD CLUB LTD BIRDCAGE LANE, SAVILE PARK, HALIFAX, HX3 0JQ 01422 320 832 | southwoodhalifax.co.uk SPRING HALL CEREMONY ROOM AND CALDERDALE REGISTER OFFICE Halifax, HX3 0AQ 01422 288 080 | new.calderdale.gov.uk TODMORDEN TOWN HALL Bridge Street, Todmorden, 0L14 7AB 01706 813 597 | new.calderdale.gov.uk THE VENUE BOWERS MILL Branch Road, Barkisland, HX4 0AD 01422 377 344 thevenuebowersmill.co.uk Kirklees 315 BAR AND RESTAURANT 315 Wakefield Road, Lepton, Huddersfield, HD8 0LX 01484 602 613 315barandrestaurant.co.uk BOWCLIFFE HALL www.johnhopephotography.com 12
BAGDEN HALL HOTEL Wakefield Road, Scissett, Huddersfield, HD8 9LE 01484 865 330 classiclodges.co.uk BLENHEIM HOUSE 66 Batley Field Hill, Batley, WF17 0BG 01924 477 976 blenheimhousebatley.co.uk BRIAR COURT HOTEL Halifax Road, Birchencliffe, Huddersfield, HD3 3NT 01484 519 902 briarcourt.co.uk CLIFFE HOUSE 140 Lane Head Road, Huddersfield, HD8 8DB 01484 225083 | kirklees.gov.uk DENROYD FARM Denby Lane, Upper Denby, Huddersfield, HD8 8TZ 07917 582 451 denroydfarm.co.uk DEWSBURY AND DISTRICT GOLF CLUB 10 Sands Lane, Mirfield, WF14 8HJ 01924 492 399 | dewsburygolf.co.uk GEORGES BISTRO LTD Parkside, Cleckheaton, BD19 3RA 01274 873 084 thegeorgecleckheaton.co.uk GOMERSAL LODGE HOTEL 189 Spen Lane, Gomersal, Cleckheaton, BD19 9PJ 01274 861 111 | gomersallodge.co.uk GOMERSAL PARK HOTEL Moor Lane, Gomersal, BD19 4JL 01274 869 386 | gomersalpark.co.uk HEALDS HALL HOTEL Leeds Road, Liversedge, WF15 6JA 01924 409 112 | healdshall.co.uk HEATH COTTAGE HOTEL Wakefield Road, Dewsbury, WF12 8ET 01924 465 399 | heathcottagehotel.co.uk HOLMFIRTH VINEYARD Woodhouse Lane, Holmbridge, Holmfirth, HD9 2QR 01484 691 861 | holmfirthvineyard.com HUDDERSFIELD GOLF CLUB Fixby Hall, Lightridge Road, Huddersfield, HD2 2EP 01484 426 203 | huddersfield-golf.co.uk HUDDERSFIELD RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB LTD Lockwood House, Brewery Drive, Lockwood, Huddersfield, HD4 6EN 01484 469 801 | huddersfieldrugby.com THE JOHN SMITH’S STADIUM Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PG 01484 484 108 johnsmithsstadium.com LAKESIDE RESTAURANT AND FUNCTION ROOMS Off Smithies Lane, Heckmondwike, WF16 0PN 01924 404 604 ponderosa-lakeside.co.uk MANOR HOUSE LINDLEY 1 Lidget Street, Lindley, Huddersfield, HD3 3JB 01484 504 000 manorhouselindley.co.uk MARSDEN MECHANICS HALL Peel Street, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6BW 01484 844 587 | marsdenmechanics.co.uk NORTHORPE HALL 53 Northorpe Lane, Mirfield, WF14 0QL 01924 481 550 | northorpe.com OAKWELL HALL Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9LG 01924 324 761 | kirklees.gov.uk/beta/ museums-and-galleries PENNINE MANOR HOTEL Nettleton Road, Scapegoat Hill, Huddersfield, HD7 4NH 01484 905 398 | penninemanor.co.uk STANDEDGE VISITOR CENTRE Waters Road, Marsden, Huddersfield, HD7 6NQ 01484 844298 standedgeweddings.com MARSDEN MECHANICS HALL LOCAL VENUES 13
THE HUNTSMAN Greenfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3XF 01484 850 205 the-huntsman-inn.com THE THREE ACRES INN AND RESTAURANT Roydhouse, Shelley, Huddersfield, HD8 8LR 01484 602 606 3acres.com THE TOWN HALL Ramsden Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2TA 01924 404 604 | kirklees.gov.uk/beta/town-halls THE TOWN HALL TOWN HALLWAY, WAKEFIELD ROAD, DEWSBURY, WF12 8DG 01924 324 501 kirklees.gov.uk/beta/town-halls THE WOODMAN INN Thunderbridge Lane, Kirkburton, Huddersfield, HD8 0PX 01484 605 778 | woodman-inn.com WOODSOME HALL GOLF CLUB Woodsome Hall, Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield, HD8 0LQ 01484 602 739 | woodsome.co.uk Leeds THE ADELPHI 1 - 5 Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1JQ 0113 378 5029 | theadelphileeds.co.uk ASPIRE 2 Infirmary Street, Leeds, LS1 2JP 0113 236 8368 | aspire-leeds.co.uk BOWCLIFFE HALL Bramham, Wetherby, LS23 6LP 01937 541 111 | bowcliffehall.co.uk BRITANNIA HOTEL LEEDS LTD Leeds Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 9JJ 0113 284 3966 | britanniahotels.com CHEQUERS INN Claypit Lane, Ledsham, Leeds, LS25 5LP 01977 683135 | thechequersinn.com CHEVIN COUNTRY PARK HOTEL Yorkgate, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3NU 01943 467 818 | chevinhotel.co.uk CHILLI BARN East Chevin Road, Otley, LS21 3DD 01943 466 567 | chillibarn.co.uk CITY VARIETIES MUSIC HALL Swan Street, Leeds, LS1 6LW 0113 391 7777 leedsheritagetheatres.com CIVIC HALL Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 1UR 0113 247 4055 | leeds.gov.uk CLAYTON HOTEL LEEDS City Walk, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9AT 0113 245 2030 claytonhotels.com/leeds COOKRIDGE HALL Cookridge Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, LS16 7NL 0113 203 0000 bannatyne.co.uk CORN MILL LODGE Pudsey Road, Bramley, Leeds, LS13 4JA 0113 2579 059 cornmilllodgehotel.co.uk DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON LEEDS CITY CENTRE Granary Wharf, 2 Wharf Approach, Leeds, LS1 4BR 0113 241 1000 | hilton.com THE ENGINE SHED York Road, Wetherby, LS22 7SU 01937 588 884 engineshedwetherby.co.uk THE FAVERSHAM Springfield Mount, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS2 9NG 0113 243 1481 | thefaversham.com HALEY’S HOTEL AND RESTAURANT 6-10 Shire Oak Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 2DE 0113 278 4446 | haleys.co.uk HEADINGLEY STADIUM Headingley Stadium, St Michae’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3BR 0113 278 6181 headingleystadium.events THE MANOR HOUSE LINDLEY www.chrischambersphotography.co.uk 14
HOLIDAY INN LEEDSGARFORTH Wakefield Road, Garforth, Leeds, LS25 1LH 0113 286 6556 ihg.com/holidayinn THE HOTEL METROPOLE King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HQ 01132 450841 | leedsmet-hotel.com HYDE PARK PICTURE HOUSE 71-73 Brudenell Road, Hyde Park, Leeds, LS6 1JD 0113 275 2045 KIRKSTALL ABBEY Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH 0113 378 4079 museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk THE LEEDS LIBRARY Leeds Library, 18 Commercial Street, Leeds, LS1 6AL 01132 453 071 | theleedslibrary.org.uk LEEDS MARRIOTT HOTEL 4 Trevelyan Square, Leeds, LS1 6ET 0113 236 6366 | marriott.com LEEDS UNITED STADIUM Elland Road, Leeds, LS11 0ES 0113 367 1166 | leedsunited.com MALMAISON HOTEL 1 Swinegate, Leeds, LS1 4AG 0113 3981000 | malmaison.com THE MANOR GOLF CLUB Bradford Road, Drighlington, Bradford, BD11 1AB 01132 85 2644 themanorleeds.co.uk THE MANSION Mansion Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2HL 0113 275 4545 | dine.co.uk MERCURE LEEDS PARKWAY HOTEL Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 8AG 0113 269 9000 mercureleeds.co.uk MORLEY TOWN HALL Queen Street, Morley, Leeds, LS27 9DY 0113 224 3845 NEW CRAVEN HALL Unit 2, Fairfield House, New Craven Gate, Leeds, LS11 5NF 0113 226 1641 newcravenhall.co.uk OULTON HALL Rothwell Lane, Rothwell, LS26 8HN 0113 2821000 | oultonhallhotel.co.uk THE QUEEN’S HOTEL City Square, Leeds, LS1 1PL 0113 243 1323 | thequeensleeds.co.uk RADISSON BLU HOTEL LEEDS 1 The Light, The Headrow, Leeds, LS1 8TL 0113 236 6000 | radissonhotels.com ROYAL ARMOURIES Armouries Drive, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1LG 0113 220 1906 | royalarmouries.org/leeds TEMPLE NEWSAM Temple Newsam Road, Halton, Leeds, LS15 0AE 0113 264 7321 museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk THORPE PARK HOTEL AND SPA 1150 Century Way, Leeds, LS15 8ZB 0113 264 1000 | thorpeparkhotel.co.uk VILLAGE LEEDS NORTH 186 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS16 5PR 0113 2278 1000 | village-hotels.co.uk WEETWOOD HALL ESTATE Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds, LS16 5PS 0113 230 6000 | weetwood.co.uk THE WINDMILL INN Main Street, Linton, Wetherby, LS22 4HT 01937 582 209 | windmillinn.co.uk WOODKIRK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB 1172, Leeds Road, Woodkirk, WF12 7JR 0113 252 3139 | woodkirkvalleycc.co.uk WOODLANDS Gelderd Road, Gildersome, Leeds, LS27 7LY 0113 238 1488 | woodlandsleeds.com WOODSOME HALL GOLF CLUB LOCAL VENUES 15
Wakefield DARRINGTON GOLF CLUB Havercroft Lane, Darrington, Pontefract, WF8 3BP 01977 704 522 darringtongolfclub.com DIMPLE WELL LODGE HOTEL 35 The Green, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 8JX 01924 264 352 | dimplewell.co.uk FARMER COPLEYS Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Pontefract, WF8 5AF 01977 600 200 farmercopleys.co.uk GROVE HALL The Grove, Stockingate, South Kirkby, WF9 3QF 01977 642 159 southkirkbyandmoorthorpetown council.gov.uk HATFEILD HALL Aberford Road, Stanley, Wakefeld, WF3 4JP 01924 377 943 hatfeildhall.co.uk THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD Gallery Walk, Wakefield, WF1 5AW 01924 247360 hepworthwakefield.org HOLIDAY INN LEEDS – WAKEFIELD Queens Drive, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 9BE 01924 230 600 | ihg.com/holidayinn THE HOLMFIELD ARMS Thornes Park, Denby Dale Road, Wakefield, WF2 8DY 01924 375 953 | greenekinginns.co.uk HOTEL ST PIERRE 733 Barnsley Road, Newmillerdam, Wakefield, WF2 6QG 01924 255 596 | hotelstpierre.co.uk KINGS CROFT HOTEL Wakefield Road, Pontefract, WF8 4HA 01977 600550 | kingscrofthotel.com THE MILL WAKEFIELD Tootal Street, Tileyard North, Wakefield, WF1 5FY themillwakefield.com OSSETT BREWERY The Tap Room, Ossett Brewery, Kings Yard, Low Mill Road, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 8ND 01924 261333 | ossett-brewery.co.uk OSSETT TOWN HALL Market Place, Ossett, Wakefield, WF5 8BE 01924 302 999 @ossetttownhall PONTEFRACT TOWN HALL Bridge Street, Pontefract, WF8 1PG 01977 722670 wakefield.gov.uk ROGERTHORPE MANOR HOTEL Thorpe Lane, Badsworth, Pontefract, WF9 1AB 01977 643 839 rogerthorpemanor.com WAKEFIELD TOWN HALL Wood Street, Wakefield, WF1 2HQ 01924 215 531 | wakefield.gov.uk WATERTON PARK HOTEL WALTON HALL, WALTON, WAKEFIELD, WF2 6PW 01924 257 911 watertonparkhotel.co.uk WENTBRIDGE HOUSE HOTEL Great North Road, Wentbridge, Pontefract, WF8 3JJ 01977 620 444 wentbridgehouse.co.uk THE WHITE HORSE SHARLSTON 49 WEST LANE, SHARLSTON, WAKEFIELD, WF4 1EP 01924 862 327 whitehorsesharlston.co.uk YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG 01924 832 508 | ysp.org.uk CLAYTON HOTEL LEEDS 16
NADIA VIOLIN Award-Winning Wedding & Events Violinist Traditional & Asian Weddings MakingYour Dream Day Sound as Beautiful as it Looks! info@nadiaviolin.co.uk 07426 369 994 nadiaviolin.co.uk Nadia Violin erfect backdrop fo our perfect day! que experience for every couple. Steeped in gran The perfect backdrop for your perfect day! A tailored and unique experience for every couple. Steeped in grandeur, you’ll run out of time in the day before you run out of photo opportunities! A true fairy-tale wedding destination. Drop us an email: info@allertoncastle.co.uk. Give us a call: 01423 330927. Visit our website: www.allertoncastle.co.uk • The perfect, romantic setting, as unique as you and your partner. • A fantastic Gothic Castle and grounds, nestled in theYorkshire countryside • "Exclusively yours" Permitting you to make memories to cherish for a lifetime in a private location with only your friends and family. • Perfect for weddings of all sizes. • Our dedicated Event Managers on hand to ensure the planning is stress-free. Allerton Castle - fp.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2022 11:41 Page 1 The perfect backdrop your perfect day! A tailored and unique experience for every couple. Steeped in you’ll run out of time in the day before you run out of p opportunities! A true fairy-tale wedding destination Drop us an email: info@allertoncastle.co.uk. Give us a call: 01423 330927. Visit our website: www.al • The perfect, romantic setting, as unique as you and your partner. • A fantastic Gothic Castle and grounds, nestled in theYorkshire countryside • "Exclusively yours" Permitting you to make memories to cherish for a lifetime in a private location with only your friends and family. • Perfect for weddings of all sizes. • Our dedicated Event Managers on hand to ensure the planning is stress-free. Allerton Castle - fp.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2022 11:41 Page 1 The perfect backdrop for your perfect day! A tailored and unique experience for every couple. Steeped in grandeur, you’ll run out of time in the day before you run out of photo opportunities! A true fairy-tale wedding destination.
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ETERNAL Love is When Steven proposed to David in Italy, the couple knew they wanted to theme their wedding in honour of their favourite holiday destination Images courtesy of Sam Chipman Photography When couple David and Steven, who met via Tinder back in 2017, set out on an Italian adventure visiting Rome and Florence, David couldn’t help but wonder whether Steven might pop the question. But, “Steven’s not always one for an obvious cue,” David tells us. On their last day, Steven, who unbeknownst to David had been carrying the ring in his pocket the entire trip waiting for the perfect spot, finally found his moment and dropped to one knee to propose. The couple visited The Hospitium on a wedding open day. They’d long admired the building and, “As soon as we entered, we knew the hunt for a venue was over,” David shares. “It had everything we wanted, space, light, history, and gardens.” So, there was no hesitation in securing 11th July 2024, for the big day. AN ITALIAN ROMANCE David and Steven incorporated plenty of Italian-inspired touches to their styling as a nod to their love for the country. Favours were a selection of Italian chocolates, while the centrepieces were olive trees. The big-day bake was a simple twotiered Amalfi lemon drizzle cake and classic Victoria sponge decorated with flowers, olives and eucalyptus. The table names too featured their beloved Italian holiday destinations: Rome, Venice, Lucca, Ostuni, Florence and Pisa. The wedding breakfast of shin of beef with potato and greens was catered by Bradshaws of York. “I’ve never heard so many compliments for wedding catering before,” David tells us. “It was incredible.” For the evening, a pizza van provided a freshly prepared feast to keep guests going and carrying the Italian theme into the night. SAY IT IN STYLE Other stunning venue styling features included the couple’s flowers, which they chose to keep in a neutral palette, opting for timeless white roses and green foliage with boutonnieres to match. The atmosphere of romance was enhanced by incredible violinist Joel Grainger who played during the ceremony through to the drinks reception. “It was the perfect background music for our guests,” David remembers. DAPPER AND SUAVE The couple wore matching suits from Reiss for the ceremony and wedding breakfast in a golden cream hue with pale blue shirts and navy polka dot ties. They both completed their look with tan loafers. For the evening, the two switched up their look, changing into dinner suits with gorgeous velvet, sea-green jackets. The bridesmaids were dressed in navy, floor-length dresses of their own choosing to reflect their preferred cuts and styles. “Although they were very similar in the end,” David remarks. WITH THANKS “Our day was made extra special by our venue’s team,” David shares. “We were blown away by their passion and dedication. They were always two steps ahead of what needed to happen and made sure we had anything we needed. They are true magicians, and I can’t ever thank them enough for all they did.” REAL WEDDINGS 19
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Telling your story through beautiful, natural photography charlotte@charlotte-elizabeth.com 07598 411 200 www.charlotteelizabethphotography.com Wedding Violinist Multi Award-Winning | Highly Experienced | Bespoke Live Strings for Your Big Day A range of live string services available: Solo: Violin | Electric Violin | Cello | Harp Duos: Violin and Piano | Violin and Cello | Violin and Harp | Violin and Guitar | Violin and Flute Larger acoustic ensembles: String Trio | String Quartet Music plays a pivotal role in making your special day truly memorable, sculpting the mood, narrating your unique love story, evoking emotions, and creating the ideal ambiance for you and your guests. If you’re interested in discussing how I can help you to create your perfect wedding soundtrack by bringing the elegance and drama of live string music to your big day, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at yorkshireviolinist.com/contact Every wedding booked plants a tree in partnership with JUSTONETree 07412 655 689 | info@yorkshireviolinist.com yorkshireviolinist.com Photo courtesy of Fabio T Photography A team of mobile, award-winning, published specialist Wedding Hair and Makeup artists committed to providing you with the ultimate bespoke, tailored service on one of the most important days of your life. Our team have the passion, creativity and technical expertise to deliver high-end bridal hairstyling and radiant, flawless and beautiful makeup. We create flawless natural makeup and beautifully styled hair for the modern, classic, fun and elegant bride to be and bridal party. Email styleloungeuk@gmail.com Facebook /thestyleloungeuk Instagram @thestyleloungeuk Specialist Wedding Hair & Makeup Artists
ROLL CREDITS Venue, The Hospitium, yorkvenues.org.uk | Photographer, Sam Chipman Photography, samchipmanphotography.com | Grooms’ attire, Reiss | Wedding rings, RA Designer Jewellery, @radesignerjewellery | Hair stylist, Hair Mechanics, hairmechanics.co.uk | Flowers, Bake & Blossom, @bakeandblossom.yorkshire | Stationery, Papier | Entertainment, Joel Grainger, joelgrainger.co.uk | NightOwls Discos, nightowlsdisco.co.uk | Catering, Bradshaws of York, bradshawsofyork.co.uk Dough Disciples Ltd, doughdisciples.co.uk “ ” I didn’t appreciate how much our wedding would bring people together. There was a joyful atmosphere in the room all day, constant love and laughter. REAL WEDDINGS 23
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CLASSIC A timeless Ria and Cavill took inspiration for their big day’s styling from the grand surroundings of their venue, Rise Hall Images courtesy of Christopher Kitchen Photography REAL WEDDINGS 25
Ria and Cavill met the modern way, on Tinder, towards the end of lockdown. “It wasn’t exactly a fairy tale but it didn’t stop us having a fairytale wedding!” Ria says. Or indeed the dream proposal, since Cavill got down on one knee and popped the question in The Maldives. The couple said “I do” at Beverley Minster followed by celebrations at Rise Hall. Once they laid eyes on the latter, it was an easy decision. “The grounds, rooms and service immediately presented as impeccable,” Ria explains. “It was a stunning period property and beautifully grand. Plus, the team was so friendly, yet professional.” The final big box ticked for them was the locality of the venue, not to mention the fact they’d already had a great experience of what a wedding day here would be like having served as best man and bridesmaid at a loved one’s big day at Rise Hall. The couple set the date for 6th June, 2025. Here, bride Ria tells us more... 26
Rise Hall itself was a great influence on the styling for the big day. Its timeless, grand and classic nature was reflected in various elements from flowers to stationery. When it came to shopping for the dress, Ria was on the lookout for something simple with a princess vibe and found the one at Jacqueline’s of Beverley. Meanwhile, the groom had his heart set on morning suits for himself and his party and loved the ones he opted for from Alec Hall Driffield. The couple were spoilt for menu choices and decided on an array of summer-inspired dishes in keeping with their June date. “The food was so yummy, as was the wine, and everything was served perfectly,” Ria remembers. Some of the newlyweds’ highlights were the times spent with photographers, husband-and-wife team Christopher and Rachel. “Our sunset pictures were fab,” Ria shares. The bride and groom could not have been happier with how the day went and are particularly full of praise for their venue team. “Every part of the day, Kim handled seamlessly,” Ria tells us. “She remembered everything and more, knowing exactly what needed to be done at every moment. Every member of the team on the day was smiley and efficient, they all moved with grace. We also loved the engraved wooden board we were given – I’ve asked Cavill to put it on the wall.” Guests also had lovely things to say about the team and were particularly taken by the guest bedrooms and delicious breakfast. The couple were impressed by their double bath in the Swift Suite! The newlyweds set off for Mauritius on honeymoon and loved it so much they’re keen to go back. “We hired a car, took in the waterfalls, beaches, coloured earth, even the underwater waterfalls, and chilled in our wonderful hotel,” Ria says. REAL WEDDINGS 27
THE W-DAY TEAM Venue, Rise Hall, dine.co.uk/venues/rise-hall Photographer, Christopher Kitchen Photography, christopherkitchenphotography.co.uk Dress, Jacqueline’s of Beverley, jacquelinesofbeverley.co.uk Suits, Alec W. G. Hall, alechall.co.uk Hair stylist, Kelly Robson Bridal, @kellyrobsonbridal Make-up artists, Beauty by Angelina, @BBAngelinaa Emma Louise Make-up, @emmalouisemakeup_xx Wedding rings, Hugh Rice, hughrice.co.uk Flowers, FlowerStyle Beverley, flowerstylebeverley.co.uk Stationery, Pearl and Pen, pearlandpen.co.uk Oh Pretty Rae, @ohprettyrae Cake, Mary’s Cakes and Bakes, @maryscakesandbakes Venue styling, Luna Moon Events, lunamoonevents.co.uk Transport, Beaufords of Beverley, beaufordsofbeverley.co.uk Entertainment, The Yorkshire String Quartet, @theyorkshirestringquartet Mike McKay, djmikemckay.com 28
We o er a free consultation to chat about all things oral for your special day. is can take place over the phone or face to face. From our rst informal meeting we will work to create an individual, bespoke package to help you visualise your ideas and budget. As your special day draws closer we work closely with our couples to ensure every detail is perfect down to the ribbon your bouquet is wrapped in. Whether you have a speci c brief or you are happy for us to take the lead, weddings are our passion and bringing your vision to life is what we do best. 07957 349039 • info@ owerstylebeverley.co.uk www. owerstylebeverley.co.uk LUXURY ACRYLIC SIGNAGE Weddings, Events, Home and Children ohprettyrae@outlook.com www.instagram.com/ohprettyrae
info@Lartington-Hall.com • 01919 337 409 Lartington Hall, Lartington Lane, Barnard Castle, DL12 9BW www.lartington-hall.com WELCOME TO COUNTY DURHAM'S MOST ENCHANTING WEDDING VENUE, LACED IN HISTORY & GRANDEUR Bowcliffe Hall, Bramham, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 6LP bowcliffehall.co.uk | events@bowcliffehall.co.uk | 01937 541111 Planning Your Dream Wedding? EXPLORE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES AT BOWCLIFFE HALL www.paulhawkettphotography.co.uk Set in picturesque parkland, Escrick Park Estate offers glorious uninterrupted views across the former deer park and open landscape stretching for miles. The grounds are mostly facing south, providing a very special location for your marquee event. This site enables you to build your very own bespoke celebration perfectly with the option of hiring the Woodland to say your ‘I do’s’. Fully-licensed for civil ceremonies. Tel: 01904 728252 Email: enquiries@escrick.com Website: www.escrick.com Address: Escrick Park Estate, Escrick, York, YO19 6EA A perfect grassland space for your bespoke event
Gentle Inspired by the original artworks in Birdsall House’s gallery room, this shoot highlights the beauty of a soft, pastel floral palette Images courtesy of Hollie Horn Photography BLOSSOMS Inspired by the gallery room at Birdsall House, local photographer Hollie Horn set out with her team of local wedding professionals to create a shoot focused on bridal portraits and pastel florals. Due to the venue’s innate grandeur they opted for paired back luxury with a large floral arch as the only decor. SHOOT 31
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THE DREAM TEAM Shoot coordinator and photographer, Hollie Horn Photography, @holliehornphotography | Venue, Birdsall House, @birdsall.house | Dress, Sorella Bridal, @sorella.bridal | Hair stylist, Eleanor Jayne, @eleanorjaynehmua | Makeup artist, Allure by Amy Elizabeth, @allure.byamyelizabeth | Flowers, Blossom Floral Design, @blossomfloraldesign_tadcaster | Content creation, Maid of Memories, @maidofmemoriesuk 34
Say “I do” to new adventures The UK’S biggest selection of honeymoons Book with the experts Travel Money We’ve got it covered! The nation’s favourite foreign exchange provider* BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE WITH THE UK’S LARGEST INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT Scan to find your local West Yorkshire branch
Say it This local shoot shows us how carefully chosen florals really do speak the language of love Images courtesy of The Readers WITH FLOWERS We might be entering the autumn but here at Your Yorkshire Wedding, we’re not quite ready to let go of summer wedding vibes just yet! So, allow us to present to you this gorgeous, sun-dappled, local styled shoot created by some of the county’s finest. Summer florals take centre stage with a romantic pastel palette of lilac, peach, blush and soft green complementing the interiors and gardens at Hackness Grange. Every detail was carefully considered right down to the lace floral motifs in the flame-haired bride’s gown. 36
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THE DREAM TEAM Shoot coordinator and photographer, The Readers, the-readers.uk | Venue, Hackness Grange, hacknessgrange.co.uk | Dress, The Ivory Gallery, theivorygallery.co.uk | Hair stylist, Mimi Bridal Hair, @mimi.bridalhair | Makeup artist, Clare Flint Makeup Artist, clareflintmakeupyork.co.uk | Flowers, Minnie Bees Floral Design, minniebees.com | Venue styling, WOW Weddings & Events, wowweddingsyorkshire.co.uk | Content creator, XO Socials, @xo.socials | Celebrant, Lovage Ceremonies, lovageceremonies.co.uk | Models, Zara & Roy, @half_dust_half_deity LOCAL SHOOT 39
DELIVERED It’s time to sort your stationery suite With the engagement ring firmly on your finger and venue booked with date secured, it’s time to turn your thoughts to your guest list. In all likelihood, you’ll already have drafted this to give you an idea for the size of venue you’re looking for, but now’s the time to get into the nitty-gritty before you hand firmer numbers to your caterer. SIGNED, SEALED, unsplash.com@micahandsammiechaffin 40
GUEST LIST POLITICS A political minefield worthy of the House of Commons? Possibly but not necessarily. There are a number of areas that the world and his wife will want to weigh in on when it comes to your big day, your guest list being chief amongst them. Do your parents and in-laws already have their own lists drawn up for you? Do you feel the pressure to invite your entire office? Pause, take a deep breath and before you do anything else, check out our easy steps to compiling the guest list you’re both happy with. STEP ONE Sit down together and compile a master list including absolutely everyone you’d invite if money and space were no object. STEP TWO Refine. Carefully consider your budget – how many meals are you prepared to finance – and venue capacities. Now you have your limit, it’s time to start whittling that list down. It goes without saying to be respectful of each other’s wishes. Try breaking it down into categories such as A, B and C. A list being those you couldn’t imagine your day without, your VIPs, the non-negotiables. B list contains the next in line, those you’d like to invite space permitting. Sounds harsh, but C list will be the first to go if you’re struggling for space. It might feature possible guests you feel pressured to invite but aren’t important to you, distant relatives, or plus ones for example. If some of your Bs and Cs don’t make the final daytime cut, you can always add them to the evening-only list. This is particularly helpful to bear in mind if you have a big social group you’re struggling to accommodate or split up. STEP THREE Family expectations. If both sets of parents have piped up with very specific ideas of who you should invite, it’s important to open up honest lines of communication from the start. Naturally, you want to avoid family drama. So, while it’s important you get final say over the guest list and ensure your own loved ones are present, there’s bound to be a happy medium to be reached somewhere along the line. Giving both sides a quota of guests they can invite might help parents to stay focused. Help them to understand that your budget won’t extend to great aunt Ada who hasn’t seen you since you were two and they should understand. If it’s that important to them, they may volunteer to fund extra meals, venue capacity allowing. If not, you’ll need to be firm but fair. Finally, try to keep to blanket rules. For example, it’s kinder and understandable to say that you don’t have space to invite cousins, rather than to invite your spouse’s cousins and not your own, which might cause discord within your family. STEP FOUR Plus ones and children. Decide on your policy for families of your guests. If numbers are tight and you only know one side of a couple, you may wish to ban generic plus ones. That is to say, if you can’t actually name the partner or you’ve never met them, you don’t have to invite them. Likewise, you may decide to opt for a child-free wedding; not only for reasons of keeping numbers down, but a wedding with children and one without are two completely different propositions. STEP FIVE Stagger your invites. The daytime invitations will be the first to go out around 12 weeks ahead. Set a deadline of four weeks for RSVPs, and this way you’ll have a clear picture of any opportunities to bump up evening guests to day guests, before sending those invitations out around eight weeks in advance. Work together to decide who’ll fill these spaces. TOP TIP TIME TO EXCEL Maintain your guest list in an easy-to-organise format such as an Excel spreadsheet to avoid confusion or a diplomatic crisis. Keep track of RSVPs, categories, deadline dates, guest numbers, dietary preferences and more. unsplash.com@karibjorn STATIONERY 41
GUEST LIST GUIDE Don’t invite Don’t invite Evening only VIP! Invite Don’t invite Invite In an ideal world, where money and space are no object, would you invite this person to your wedding? What is your relationship with this person? How do you know this person? Do you regularly spend time together socially outside of work? Or, if you no longer worked together would you remain friends? Can you bear to celebrate your big day without them? Can you bear to celebrate your big day without them? Do you have the budget and space on the day list for this person? Will there be family drama if you don’t invite them? YES NO YES NO YES YES YES NO NO NO YES YES NO WORK FRIEND FAMILY NO FAMILY SOCIALLY/ FRIEND Have you spoken to them in the last 12 months? Evening only Invite unsplash.com@dreamcatchlight unsplash.com@paupattersonphotography_ START 42
Hurrah! You’ve got a guest list you’re confident and comfortable with. Now the fun can really begin as you get creative with your stationery. Here are some top tips to get you started. SAVE-THE-DATES VS. INVITATIONS What on earth is the difference and do you need both? The first we can answer allowing you to decide the second! Save-the-dates are essentially a heads up to guests generally sent out around 12 months in advance. This is particularly important if you’re tying the knot at traditionally busy times of the year such as during the summer and around Christmas. This gives guests plenty of opportunity to plan holidays around your big day, thus reducing the number of possible refusals. Content-wise, you can expect these to be a lot simpler than the invitation, with just the basic topline info. The invitations are your formal requests to attend, which it’s recommended you send out around two to three months ahead of the big day. This is the time to include the RSVP and all essential information. WHAT TO INCLUDE • Who’s hosting the wedding, whether it be the two of you or your parents. • Your names, if different from the above • Date and time of each part of the day your guest is invited to • Venue details including the name and address of both ceremony and reception venues, if different. You may want to include a map if the location is particularly difficult to find. • RSVP information letting guests know when they should reply by and how. • Dress code if you have one for example, black tie. • Accommodation availability whether it be at the venue with special guests’ rates or nearby options. • Gift information whether it be a registry, donation to your honeymoon or charity, or if you prefer not to receive gifts, give guests the heads up. • Ask guests to notify you of any dietary requirements early on, so you can instruct your caterer. • Contact information in case of questions. • Consider setting up and sharing a wedding website for RSVPs and plenty of other useful information for guests. For example, if the wedding is al fresco, you might want to remind them to bring their brollies! SUITE SUCCESS As well as being a practical essential, your stationery suite is also the first chance for you to share your wedding’s vibe, letting guests get a feel for the type of celebration they might be in for. Bearing in mind how many invitations you’ll need to send out, have a think about your stationery budget before you go any further. If you’ve opted for an intimate celebration with heaps of personalisation you might decide to invest in your stationery with handillustrated designs, calligraphy, palette fitting wax seals and ribbon to name a few of our favourite ideas. You can choose to commission an illustrator to pen a drawing of your venue, or have a graphic designer put together a wedding monogram, both of which can feature throughout your suite and on-theday stationery. However, if your guest list has made it into three digits, you might find the more handcrafted route to be cost prohibitive. That doesn’t mean your options are any less extensive. There are plenty of wedding stationers who focus on graphic design and printing rather than handmade elements, which means you can still have a beautifully bespoke design that’s more cost-effective to mass produce. unsplash.com@olivie_strauss pexels.com@knoxtnphoto unsplash.com@olivie_strauss STATIONERY 43
Pssst... Don’t forget those thank-you cards! SEATING PLAN STRATEGY When the deadline for RSVPs has passed and you’ve chased down the stragglers, it’s time to put together the seating plan. Sure, it can be stressful, so you do have the option of course to simply not have one. Many couples are going for a more informal approach with a grazing or barbecue wedding breakfast, where guests can pull up a chair wherever they wish. If you’ve chosen to have a formal three-course meal with several options however, your servers will need to be able to find each guest, particularly those with dietary requirements, so a seating plan is a necessarily evil. Don’t fret though. Just refer to our handy guide, we’ve got you! STEP ONE Discuss your final guest numbers with your venue and talk to them about the layout you’re looking for whether it be round tables, banquet setup, or the oh-so on trend serpentine layout. They should be able to tell you how many tables they’ll be setting up for you, with how many guests seated at each. Then it’s over to you. STEP TWO As with your guest list, prioritise your VIPs. Where will you and your wedding party sit? Will you have a traditional top table or do you prefer the idea of a sweetheart table for just the two of you? Also, consider any guests with mobility issues as a priority. STEP THREE Separate your guests into groups according to how you know them. For example, bride’s family, groom’s family, friends, colleagues and so on. You’ll probably end up with some friends who don’t fit into a particular group, so have a think about who they’re likely to hit it off with. You know your loved ones best, trust your instincts. Do avoid creating a singles table though as this can be cringe-worthy for everyone involved. Be mindful too of any potential conflicts and do your utmost to avoid them. While this is the easiest way to make sure everyone is happy, you may prefer to mix it up to encourage loved ones from both sides to get to know each other. Adding icebreaker games to the tables can be a great way to facilitate this. STEP FOUR Draw the seating plan up for yourself, either by hand or using an online tool. This will allow you to get a bird’s eye view, allowing any potential faux pas to leap out. STEP FIVE Phew, all sorted. Or so you thought. What happens if you get lastminute dropouts? Provided you’ve followed the aforementioned steps dealing with cancellations will be a breeze. Have your evening guest list or C list to hand. Is there anyone you can promote to a day guest to fill any gaps (do be mindful of how you word the late invitation to avoid them feeling like an afterthought)? If not, inform your venue so they can eliminate the anti-social gap and crucially ask your caterer to cancel the meal to avoid waste. If it’s too late, can you offer it to one of your suppliers instead? TOP TIP HOLD ON! Ask you stationer for the latest date your table plan can be ordered, just in case you get any last-minute dropouts. This ensures it will be as accurate as it can be come the big day. unsplash.com@hollyboothstudio ON-THE-DAY OPTIONS The beauty of designing your stationery suite to fit your theme and style is that it’ll transition seamlessly to your on-the-day elements. Here’s our checklist of options to consider and discuss with your stationer. Order of service – for your ceremony including any hymn or song lyrics your guests will need. Vows booklets – If you’ve written your own vows ensure they’re recorded for the ceremony in a manner that befits their importance, also ensuring they’re beautifully preserved for a lifetime. Table plan – opt for a simple yet stylish board or get creative with an old step ladder, frames, mirrors, flowers, pallets and more. Table names – keep it simple with classic numbers or take the opportunity for further personalisation with names to suit your theme or that speak to your loves or love story. Place names – this can be as elegant or as personalised as you wish. Play around with texture and look into creative formats that can be taken away as a keepsake, such as labelled cookies, die cut acrylic or wood, or calligraphy agate slices to name but a few. Menu – this can double up as your place names and is particularly helpful to remind guests what they ordered if you gave them an option in their invitations. Signage – want to welcome guests? Tell them about your unplugged ceremony? Cocktail menu? Cake flavours/allergy info? Order of the day? Venue zones? Talk to your stationer or calligrapher about your bespoke signage. Wedding newspaper – fill guests in on what to expect throughout the day. Other lovely inclusions are your love story and a memorial page for those you’ve loved and lost. 44
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