16 Broomfield RoadChelmsford, Essex

CM1 1SN

Tel: 01245 348749www.birdsbridal.co.uk

Chelmsford’s Award winning Bridal Shop welcomes everybride and takes pride in offering the very best service in arelaxed atmosphere. When choosing your wedding gown itbecomes one of the most enjoyable experiences of yourwedding preparations.

We can make this possible with over 20 years of bridalexperience. Bird’s Bridal have a reputation for aprofessional, friendly service that is second-to-none, havingwon numerous Bridal Retailer Awards.

We stock an extensive range of exquisite bridal gowns fromsome of the top bridal fashion houses - from chique, tailoredclassics with fluid, delicate lines to traditional, modern,demure or alluring gowns. Our glamourous and elegantcollection of bridal gowns comes with our expert advice.We also offer a beautiful collection of bridesmaid dressesin an array of colours and stylish designs.

In our bridal boutique you can relax as you browse oursumptuous bridal gowns, whilst being personally assistedby our knowledgeable staff.

We have an extensive range of accessories to complementany gown, including tiaras, veils and shoes.

We believe that your wedding day is one of the mostimportant days of your life so our prime concern is that ofour service and your satisfaction.

We are members of the Retail Bridalwear Association,assuring you of quality, reliability and service. Only about130 bridalwear shops in the UK have met the highstandards required for the RBA membership.

We also offer the RBA Insurance scheme which covers yourbridal gown.

Our opening times areTuesday - Friday: 10am - 5pmSaturday: 9.30am - 5pm

16 Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1SN Tel: 01245 348749www.birdsbridal.co.uk

Mango EventsThe venue dressing specialists

Event Decor HireT: 01277 525519 M: 07587 631455 (Victoria) or 07908 552847 (Lauren)E: info@mangoeventsessex.co.uk W: www.mangoeventsessex.co.uk

Mango Events, Unit 8, Little Hyde Farm, Little Hyde Lane, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 0DU

Whether your function be small and intimate or extravagant and grand,we can cater to all sizes and budgets. Some of the functions wespecialise in are: Weddings, Parties, Corporate Events, Charity Balls,Bar/Barmitzvahs, Day Hires, Christenings and Anniversaries, Proms,Engagement Parties and Shop Launches.

Call us now to arrange an appointment or to discuss your perfect decor package!

l Chair Covers l Dancefloors l Lighting l Starlit Backdropsl Mirror Table Tops l V.I.P. Carpets l Centrepieces l Sweetie Carts and much more...

Mango Events specialise in venue dressing and supplying superbdecor hire for every event. We offer a personalised friendly serviceand we believe our passion and attention to detail is what makesus unique.

The Wedding TimetablePlanning your Special Day

Congratulations! You are engaged. Best wishes for yourforthcoming wedding.

You are now about to embark on a great adventure duringwhich there will be times of stress, fear, and utter joy... butnever lose sight of the real reason for your celebration.

First StepsThe first thing you will plan for your wedding is thebudget. Talk between yourselves and your respectiveparents about the kind of service you would like. Youwill find that your parents will be of enormous help toyou in discussing the budget. On your very special dayyou will want the best of everything, so plan carefullythe style and tone of the day.

When you have decided, visit your Vicar/Priest orRegistrar and make arrangements for your marriageceremony. They will be of great help to you both, andexplain everything you will need to know aboutwalking up the aisle and saying ‘I do’. If you wish, arehearsal can be arranged to set your minds at easeand to assure you that it will all be perfect on yourwedding day. Take this opportunity to apply for amarriage licence if necessary.

Now might also be the ideal time to decide on who youwill ask to be ‘Chief Bridesmaid’ and ‘Best Man’.

The Wedding Countdown

18-12 MonthsOnce you have decided the date and place of yourwedding, it is important to remember the following points.In descending order your family and friends will generallyremember the following:

1.How beautiful the bride looked.2.How wonderful the ceremony was.3.The reception.

Think about it. Now is certainly the time to be choosingcarefully both your wedding dress and your receptionvenue.

6 MonthsTime for some fun! Lets organise a wedding present list.(Don’t forget that a lot of stores will now help you withthis.) Having already organised your dress you willprobably have a colour scheme in mind for thebridesmaids’ dresses. Now is the time to be co-ordinatingthese as well.

Once the colour scheme is decided it is probably time tostart ordering the flowers for bouquets, church, andreception if required.

Other items to arrange now are:1.Hire of the suits for the bridegroom, best man, fathers and ushers.2. Initial fitting of the dress.3.Choosing the wedding rings.

While you’re on the phone, now might be the ideal timeto organise appointments with your hairdresser andbeauty salon, to make sure you look at your mostbeautiful on the big day.

Other important things to bearranged now are as follows:1. Book the photographer and videographer2. Book the transport3. Book the toastmaster if required4. Decide on the number of guests and make a list5. Order the invitations6. Book the honeymoon and apply for passports7. Decide on the bridesmaids and ushers8. Order the wedding cake

You have now put in place an excellent frameworkfor the build up to your big day. Hopefully, you nowhave a team of professionals all working towardsmaking sure it is a day to remember, and for all theright reasons.

The Wedding TimetablePlanning your Special Day

3 MonthsNow is the time to be sending out the weddinginvitations. This would also be the ideal time to beescorting the ‘mums’ into town to organise their outfits(Don’t forget the hats!)Also:-1. Choose the hymns and choice of music.2. Arrange for the ‘Order of Service’ sheets to be printed.

6 WeeksYou should now be fairly well organised and in theenvious position of sitting back and relaxing for a coupleof weeks in the full knowledge that there are a whole hostof people out there worrying on your behalf. However,on your one weekend off between now and the big day,it might be an excellent idea to nip out and choose somepresents for the bridesmaids, and perhaps some flowersfor the mums.

4 WeeksThe pace is starting to hot up now. It’s time to seewhether everyone else has been as organised as you.

1. Confirm the reception venue booking, and numbers attending.2. Confirm details with the photographer.3. Confirm the wedding cars.4. Confirm details with the florist and give final numbers for buttonholes.5. Confirm travel and hotel bookings for the honeymoon. N.B. Check passport.

10 to 7 DaysIf you haven’t organised a rehearsal of the ceremonynow might be a good time to meet with the best man,bridesmaids and ushers to finalise arrangements andresponsibilities.

1. Practise your make-up.2. Take the headdress to your hairdresser. 3. Give the ‘Order of Service’ sheets to the vicar. And, perhaps most importantly of all... START PACKING FOR THE HONEYMOON.

One Day to GoTry and delegate as much work as possible. Have yourbeauty treatment, finish off any packing that still remainsto be done for the honeymoon, lay out your wedding andgoing away ensemble, relax and put your feet up.

The Wedding DayAssuming a 2pm Wedding, the bride’s timetable will runsomething like this:-8.00 Have a shower or relaxing bath8.30 Have a good breakfast9.00 Polish your nails9.30 Hairdressers11.00 Best man arrives to collect the luggage/greetings cards/telegrams11.30 The Bridesmaids/pageboys arrive12.00 Make-up12.30 The Bride and Bridesmaids dress1.00 The photographer arrives1.30 The first car takes the mother and the

bridesmaids to the church. The bridesmaids then wait in the church entrance

1.45 The second car takes the bride and her father to the church1.58 Wait in church entrance and line bridesmaids up behind you. The verger will greet you2.00 The Ceremony. GOOD LUCK

Top quality flowersQualified independent florists

We can work to suit most budgets

No job too big ortoo small

Precious Moments Florist

01254 463230 / 07880328805chelaineelliott@hotmail.co.uk

Tel: (01245) 269603 Fax: (01245) 259860 E-mail: sales@miamihotel.co.uk Princes Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9AJ www.miamihotel.co.uk

The ideal venue for your Special Occasion

Miami Hotel & Conference Centre

Rooms areavailable atdiscounted prices for your guests,so why look anyfurther

Glades Restaurant has been a family run business for almost 50 years

We cater for the more intimate wedding, up to 60 peoplefor the wedding breakfast and 80 people for a finger buffet

We can provide a wealth of experience, reasonable prices and a great location for your wedding

Tradition... a weighty word. In terms of wedding expenses,it once dictated that the bride’s family handled all thenuptial expenses. The changing scheme of society hasmade it possible for some iron-clad traditions to loosentheir grip a bit, and that certainly includes wedding costs.

The tradition and conventions of wedding etiquette will notsuit everyone but it is important to be aware of them. This explanation of who does what in the preparations andceremony aims to enable you to make an informeddecision on the best way to run your wedding day.

The BrideThe bride traditionally selects the type of service. She overseesall the preparations, which include choosing the date and thechurch, who her attendants will be, her own dress andaccessories, as well as those of the bridemaids. She will choosethe flowers, help with the guest list and seating arrangements,and attend to the many small details which will contribute to herperfect day.

The GroomThe groom has to arrange transport for himself, the bride andthe wedding party, as well as hiring the church and booking thehoneymoon. However, this will be done with direction from hisfuture wife. The groom chooses his best man and ushers, ofwhich it is traditional to have three, and is conventionally givenresponsibility for little else! However, in reality, the bride andgroom discuss most aspects of the day as it is, after all, ‘their’wedding.

At the reception, the groom will reply to the bride’s father’sspeech, thanking the bride’s parents and guests, and proposinga toast to the bridesmaids.

The Best ManTraditionally, the best man is responsible for his own dress andthat of the groom. He sees that transport to the church for themboth is arranged, and also organises the ‘Stag Night’, preferablyseveral days or even weeks in advance, if he is to successfullyfulfil his duty of escorting the groom to the church on time.

On the day, the best man has to ensure that the whole day runssmoothly, primarily ensuring safe keeping of the rings. After theceremony, he is responsible for transportation of all the gueststo the reception. The best man will speak at the reception,replying to the groom’s toast to the bridesmaids, and will readout a few cards and telegrams from guests unable to attend. Hisfinal responsibility of the day is to ensure that the bride andgroom leave the reception in good time, and that their transportis arranged.

The Chief BridesmaidThe chief bridesmaid is chosen by the bride to assist her duringthe preparations. On the day itself, it is her job to make sure thatall the other attendants are in their places. She will arrange thebride’s dress and veil when she arrives, ready for her entry intothe church. During the service, she holds the bride’s bouquet.The chief bridesmaid also signs the register, along with the bestman. She is then escorted by the best man, and will be on handall day to assist the bride.

UshersThe ushers greet the guests as they arrive at the church. Theywill distribute the service sheets and show people to their seats.If it is raining they will help escort the guests and bridal partyfrom their cars to the church under umbrellas.

The Bride’s FatherMuch of the bride’s father’s responsibility lies with the financialaspect of the event, as traditionally, he pays the bulk of the costs.Nowadays, though, it is likely that the bride and groom will meetsome of the expenses themselves and also a possibility that thegroom’s family will make some contribution.

On the day, the bride will be accompanied to the church by herfather, who will escort her up the aisle and give her away duringthe ceremony. The bride’s father will sit next to the bride on thetop table during the wedding breakfast, and will make the firstspeech, in which he proposes a toast to the bride and groom.

The Bride’s MotherThe bride’s mother will help her daughter with the weddingarrangements and may have a major role in the decisions taken,especially if she is contributing financially. She will compile theguest list, in consultation with the groom and his parents. Shemay organise the sending of invitations, and the display of thewedding gifts.

The bride’s mother will not only stand proudly watching herdaughter on this special day, but is there to oversee all thearrangements, as well as to stand in line to greet the guests,along with her husband.

The Groom’s ParentsThere is no specific traditional role for the groom’s parents, butit is important that they do not feel neglected. Today, it is notunusual for the groom’s parents to make a considerablecontribution to organisation and payment. It is only goodmanners, on the part of the bride, to ask their advice andapproval and ensure they are included as much as possible inthe preparations.

Wedding EtiquettePlanning your Special Day

The most important decision for any Bride when planning her wedding is made when choosing her dress.Like every Bride you will want to wear the most beautiful dress you have ever seen. When visiting ourshop to try on bridal gowns it is best not to bring too many people with you - the more people you bringthe more confusing it can be with everyone’s varying opinions.

Our advice is that you should fall in love with your dress as you did with your husband to be. When youfind your dress you will know instinctively it is the one for you.

Fittings are booked in half hourly slots, and are not undertaken on Saturdays, due to high demand ofcustomers on Saturdays (and we would not want your dress to get damaged), so please allow time out of work in your holiday allocation.

Should you wish to try on accessories at the same time as your fitting, let our staff know at the time of booking the fitting so they canbook time out with another member of staff to accommodate this for you.

For all fittings you will need to bring with you your shoes and bra that you will be wearing on your wedding day, we cannot alter yourgown without these. Your gown will be steam pressed prior to collection and we normally recommend collection one or two days priorto your wedding date, or travel date.

Fitting ........................................................................................................................ Date .......................... Time .......................

Notes ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Dress & Fittings Details

Before size 20

After size 12

“I FINALLY GOT INTO MY DREAM DRESS!”

After dropping four dress sizes, Katy McDowell, 27, a bankcashier from Dover had the perfect wedding day

“S

Your Independent Cambridge Consultant

Faye Pye - 07739 371750DietWithFaye@live.co.ukwww.CambridgeWeightPlan.co.uk/FayeP

https://www.Facebook.com/CWPFayePye

hopping for my weddingdress should have been one

of the most exciting days of my life.When I saw my dream gown in asize 12, I knew it would be a littlebit too small for me, but theassistant suggested I try it anyway,just to get an idea if the style suitedme. On the hanger ithad a beautiful fittedbodice and flaredgracefully to the floor.But on me it lookedawful. The gap at theback was a foot wideand when the assistanttold me she couldorder it in a size 20I was horrified.

I’d been a littleoverweight since myearly 20s, when at 5ft 7in tall I weighedabout 11st.

But when I met Kyleand I moved in withhim, I balloonedthanks to our regulartakeaways and snacking on crisps and chocolate.

But all that changed when a work colleague told me about CambridgeWeight Plan. I liked the fact I got my own personal Consultant to supportme, and felt really positive when she set me a target loss of four dress sizes.

The first week I ate only Cambridge products. It was hard, but myConsultant really helped and in seven days I’d lost a significant amount ofweight. After that, I started walking and jogging too and in August last year -two months before my wedding - I’d slimmed to a size 12.

At the wedding dress shop they were stunned. The size 20 hung off me andthey had to call in a size 12 from the warehouse. I was elated. On mywedding day I felt so beautiful. And now I’ve maintained my new weight, I have lots more energy, too. I’ve never felt so good!”

How Cambridge Weight Plan worksCambridge Weight Plan is a successful weight loss programme, offeringa series of flexible eating programmes ranging from 440kcal to 1,500kcalper day. It includes Cambridge products, which can be used as the solesource of nutrition for weight loss, or combined with conventional food formore gradual weight loss and weight management. You’ll get to choosefrom a range of tasty soups, ready-made drinks, bars and porridge.

Throughout the process, you’ll also get the support of one-to-onesessions with a Cambridge Consultant, who has experience of losingweight with Cambridge, so is perfectly placed to offer friendly advice andsupport when you need it.

Millions of people have successfully lost weight with Cambridge, kept itoff and changed their lives, just like Katy.

Situated just outside Great Baddow on theoutskirts of Chelmsford, Baddow Park is astunning country mansion house set within 60acres of landscaped gardens and grounds.

Baddow Park provides a beautiful backdrop for yourwedding and its owner, Annie Gough, ensures thatyou are offered the opportunity to have the weddingday of your dreams.

This beautiful wedding venue offers total flexibility toensure that you have exactly the wedding you want.Offering civil wedding ceremonies, drinks andcanapés receptions, formal or informal wedding

breakfasts and evening parties you canchoose to celebrate your wedding instyle for a day to remember.

With a civil wedding licensegranted, we can offer either theoak panelled dining room or lightand airy conservatory for your

wedding ceremony.

Drinks receptions can be held inside the house, withuse of the sitting room overlooking the lawns, theconservatory or on the lawns.

Baddow ParkA Unique Essex Wedding Venue

Baddow Park, West Hanningfield Road, Great Baddow, Essex CM2 7SY T: 01245 473969 www.baddowpark.com

AubergineWedding Hair6 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2QD(01245) 346348

WeddingHair in salonor at yourhome

The most important day of your life calls for a truespecialist to take care of one of the most importantaspects of your look: your hair

We provide a friendly and professional servicefor weddings and special occasions,for a no obligation personalised consultation and further detailsplease call (01245) 346348.

Feel Stunningon Your Wedding Day

TA ILOREDIMAGE UKt 01245 471193

e info@tailoredimageuk.co.uk

w www.tailoredimageuk.co.uk

63, Maldon Rd, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex

*Quality hand made bespoke suits*.........................

*Gentlemen’s accessories*.........................

*Gentlemen’s wedding hire*.........................

*Made to measure shirts*.........................

*Made to measure suits*.........................

*Quality ready made suits tailored to fit*.........................

*Lounge and dinner suit hire*.........................

*Suit alterations*.........................

Relax ~ Renew ~ Rejuvenate ~ Revitalise ~ RebalanceA Professional & friendly salon that caters for all your beauty needs.

Relax, unwind and let us make you feel beautiful.

sWaxing sMassage s Eye Treatments s Spray Tanning s Facials & Skin Care s Botox/Fillers/Peelss Teeth Whitening sManicures & Pedicures s Gel Polish (GELeration) s Semi Permanent Make Up s Nail Enhancements s Eyelash Extensions

12 Wells Street | Chelmsford | Essex | CM1 1HZwww.the-beauty-rooms.co.uk Tel: 01245 351708 Text: 07834 740 471

~ Enjoy 15% Off with this advert ~

E-mail: enquiries@decadent-days.co.uk Tel: Sonia 07736 330049 Tel: Anita 07740 794571www.decadent-days.co.uk

Event co-ordinators

FORMAL HIREMORNING HIGHLAND & EVENING WEAR

From traditional classics to the very latestcontempory looks, we are the leading independent

menswear specialist in the area.

Whether you wish to purchase or hire, our carefullytrained staff will ensure you receive the best possiblepersonal service and advice for that very specialoccasion.

Formal Hire is able to cater for every member of yourwedding party, each member of the party will beprofessionally measured.

Morning Suits s Dinner Suits s Casual SuitsFancy Dress Suits s Shirts s Waistcoats s Cuff LinksPatent Shoes s Ties s Cummerbunds & bows

01245 494326 www.formalhirechelmsford.com 12 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford CM1 2QD

07768 078 088chanon@chanondevaloisphotography.comwww.chanondevaloisphotography.com

Useful Telephone NumbersThroughout the build up to your wedding day it is important that you try and maintain contact with a number of importantbusinesses and people whose services or time you are making use of.

Quite a number of these services can be found within the pages of this publication, and they will be delighted to offer you allthe help and advice you need.

These people are professional in all that they do, and will help make your day one to remember.

Bird’s Bridal..................................................................................................................................................................... Tel: 01245 348749

Vicar/Registrar ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Hotel ......................................................................................................................................................... Miami Hotel - Tel: 01245 269603

Venue ..................................................................................................................................................... Baddow Park - Tel: 01245 473969

Venue Dressing ................................... Mango Events - Tel: 01277 525519 Mobile: 07587 631455 (Victoria) or 07908 552847 (Lauren)

Entertainment ...............................................................................................................................................................................................

Photographer ................................................................................................................. Peter Langman Photography - Tel: 07737963197

Photographer ................................................................................................................................. Chanon de Valois - Tel: 07768 078 088

Hair and Beauty ............................................................................................................... Lee Stafford Hair & Beauty - Tel: 01245 355 222

Jeweller ............................................................................................................................................... Lord of London - Tel: 01277 656280

Mens Formal Hire ..................................................................................................................................... Formal Hire - Tel: 01245 494326

Bespoke Tailor................................................................................................................................ Tailored Image UK - Tel: 01245 471193

Restaurant .................................................................................................................................. Russells Restaurant - Tel: 01245 478484

Wedding Planning ........................................................................... Decadent Days - Tel: Sonia 07736 330049 Tel: Anita 07740 794571

Wedding Flowers ....................................................................... Precious Moments Florist - Tel: 01254 463230 or Mobile: 07880328805

Beauty Salon........................................................................................... The Beauty Rooms - Tel: 01245 351708 or Text: 07834 740 471

Hair Salon ................................................................................................................................................... Aubergine - Tel: 01245 346348

Weight Plan ........................................................................................................................... Cambridge Weight Plan - Tel: 07739 371750

T-Shirt Printing .............................................................................................................................. One Stop Scouting - Tel: 01245 214090

Designed and marketed by MediadzIronworks Road, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria LA14 2PGTel: 01229 430883 Email: mediadzadmin@hspmilners.comWebsite: www.mediadz.com

Mediadz is a trading division of James Milner (Barrow) Limited. Registered Office: Ironworks Road Barrow-in-Furness Cumbria LA14 2PG. Registered in England No. 396 653

We are specialist jewellers offering:Engagement andwedding rings

Platinum, Gold and Silver items

Bespoke and customhandmade

diamond jewellery

Watch repairs, Valuation service

Unique and bespokeWEDDING RINGS

Lord of London 74b High Street, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9BS Telephone: 01277 656280

PETER LANGMAN PHOTOGRAPHYwww.peterlangmanphotography.com

07737963197

Everyone is a model, the world is a backdrop