Lifestyle Archives - The Wedding Edition https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/category/lifestyle/ Curated by experts | Digital Magazine Wed, 11 Sep 2024 10:12:09 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-twe-favicon-512x512-1-32x32.png Lifestyle Archives - The Wedding Edition https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/category/lifestyle/ 32 32 Inside: Olivia Gregorian-Wilson’s Elegant Surrey Wedding https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/olivia-gregorian-wedding/ Tue, 10 Sep 2024 14:48:30 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24336 Join The Wedding Edition as we explore the details of a beautiful rural wedding in Surrey, celebrating Olivia Gregorian-Wilson’s —one-third of the Gregorian Sisters—on her special day with her husband, Ollie. The Story So Far Oliver & I met in February 2015, at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. I had just graduated from 3 […]

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Join The Wedding Edition as we explore the details of a beautiful rural wedding in Surrey, celebrating Olivia Gregorian-Wilson’s —one-third of the Gregorian Sisters—on her special day with her husband, Ollie.

The Story So Far

Oliver & I met in February 2015, at the Leicester Square Theatre in London. I had just graduated from 3 years of Musical Theatre training and was working at the theatre a few days a week, and Ollie had recently become tour manager for German comedian Henning Wehn who was about to do a 3 week residency at the theatre. A colleague pointed him out to me whilst he was on stage doing the sound check and he caught my eye! Later that  evening he came over to chat to me and eventually asked me for my number, we met for coffee the very next day and the rest is history!

After 7 and a half years together, Ollie finally popped the question on 28th July 2022 at Kilworth House in Leicestershire. My sister was in a show at the theatre there and we had travelled up to watch her perform. We had a beautiful pre-theatre meal in the orangery, then headed out for a walk before the show started. Looking back, I realise that Ollie’s behaviour was a little strange, but I now know that he was scoping out the perfect spot to stop and pop the question. He settled on Kilworth House’s garden temple, which was beautiful and private. It was a complete shock to me, I really had no idea! I had previously sent Ollie a few hints regarding engagement rings, mostly round diamond trilogy rings but as Ollie would say “he knows me better than I know myself” and he created a beautiful trilogy ring with emerald cut diamonds on a gold band, and for once he was right! He purchased the ring from the wonderful Dovi Fehler, known on Instagram as The London Jeweller.

The Venue

Our wedding was at the legendary Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water. We knew we didn’t want to be too far away from London where my family and many of our friends are based, and as Ollie is from Surrey we decided to keep our venue search in that area. Ollie’s brother had recently become a member of Wentworth and suggested we go and have a look after we’d had a couple of unsuccessful viewings elsewhere. 

The first time we visited we knew it was the one – it was elegant and sophisticated but also laid-back which made us feel totally relaxed there. The views of the rolling fairways of the golf course and the castle-like clubhouse covered in ivy were stunning. There are a handful of hotel rooms in the clubhouse, so our families could stay, which included two amazing suites which myself and my bridal party used to get ready in on the morning of the wedding. 

Wentworth offered us a choice of indoor and outdoor settings for the day which meant we didn’t have to worry about the weather! The majority of the day was spent inside the stylish clubhouse, specifically in the beautiful and grand ballroom which was the perfect location for our ceremony, wedding breakfast and the evening party. Our drinks reception took place on the Ryder Cup terrace, which overlooks a perfectly manicured garden and outdoor swimming pool. It really was the perfect venue for us and the team there were super helpful and truly created our dream day.

The day after the wedding we hosted a BBQ / pool party for our families and a few friends at Ollie’s brother’s house in Weybridge. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas so we didn’t get to use the pool, but we kept the party going inside with plenty of debriefing, Aperol Spritz and even some more dancing.

The Fashion

Our wedding was at the legendary Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water. We knew we didn’t want to be too far away from London where my family and many of our friends are based, and as Ollie is from Surrey we decided to keep our venue search in that area. Ollie’s brother had recently become a member of Wentworth and suggested we go and have a look after we’d had a couple of unsuccessful viewings elsewhere. 

The first time we visited we knew it was the one – it was elegant and sophisticated but also laid-back which made us feel totally relaxed there. The views of the rolling fairways of the golf course and the castle-like clubhouse covered in ivy were stunning. There are a handful of hotel rooms in the clubhouse, so our families could stay, which included two amazing suites which myself and my bridal party used to get ready in on the morning of the wedding. 

Wentworth offered us a choice of indoor and outdoor settings for the day which meant we didn’t have to worry about the weather! The majority of the day was spent inside the stylish clubhouse, specifically in the beautiful and grand ballroom which was the perfect location for our ceremony, wedding breakfast and the evening party. Our drinks reception took place on the Ryder Cup terrace, which overlooks a perfectly manicured garden and outdoor swimming pool. It really was the perfect venue for us and the team there were super helpful and truly created our dream day.

The day after the wedding we hosted a BBQ / pool party for our families and a few friends at Ollie’s brother’s house in Weybridge. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas so we didn’t get to use the pool, but we kept the party going inside with plenty of debriefing, Aperol Spritz and even some more dancing.

Olivia and Ollie

The Jewellery

Along with my engagement ring, I wore Megan Therese Couture earrings and a matching hair accessory which were very kindly gifted to me by my bridesmaids. The earrings and hair piece are like a work of art with hand crafted clay flowers and real pearls. They were the perfect finishing touch and really elevated my look.

The Bridal Party

My bridesmaids wore beautiful dusty blue halter neck floral dresses from Coast and my bridesmen wore dusty blue suits from Zara. They all looked absolutely gorgeous! I gifted them all a set of pyjamas from my favourite pyjama brand Chelsea Peers plus personalised clutch bags from Katie Loxton and earrings from Silver Rain for the girls and Charbonnel et Walker truffles & Paw Paw lip balm for the boys!

The Tablescape

I really wanted a soft, romantic colour palette for the decor so opted for pale blue, a peachy pink and white. Our flower arrangements were made by my talented auntie who works for Amanda’s Flowers in Richmond. Each table had a beautiful flower arrangement in keeping with the colour palette, pale blue napkins, tea lights in clear ribbed glass holders and pale blue, white and peach tapered candles which were inside glass hurricane holders. I purchased eucalyptus themed table numbers and name place cards from Papier to tie in with the flower arrangements.

Food & Drinks

All the food and drinks were organised in-house by Wentworth and it was truly delicious.

Beautiful canapes including Carlingford oysters which were a big hit with our guests! We served Pimms, fizz and beers for our drinks reception and Picpoul de Pinet and Rioja for the meal. The meal consisted of a Tandoori Tiger prawn salad or a Heritage Tomato and Peach salad starter, Fillet of beef or Truffle Roasted Cauliflower steak for main and a gorgeous Lemon meringue parfait dessert.

For our late night snack we served wood fired pizzas from Fire & Base, which were amazing along with our gorgeous three tier cake and macarons made by Lucy at Vanilla Frost Cakes who has made so many cakes for my family’s birthdays and important events. 

Entertainment

As someone with a history of performing, and both of us being huge lovers of music, entertainment and music were a big priority for us. My wonderful choir, The Adam Street Singers, performed during the ceremony including as I walked down the aisle. This was so unbelievably special and was many of our guests’ highlight of the day and mine too! Another highlight was the surprise singing waiters, organised by my mum! One of the performers interrupted the dinner pretending to deliver a pizza, you can imagine the horror on my face but thankfully they burst into song shortly after and had everyone on their feet!

We found picking a first dance song quite hard and we still weren’t 100% decided until a few days before the wedding. In the end, we went for Rock with You by Michael Jackson (one of Ollie’s favourite artists). We didn’t want anything too slow or too fast so it was the perfect tempo for us to dance too. After the first dance myself, my sisters and a few of my dancer friends surprised Ollie and the guests with a flash mob to the song Be Faithful by Fat Man Scoop, it was absolutely electric and everyone loved it! It was a great way to get the party started.

For the evening we had the all female group High on Heels perform, which included a DJ, saxophone player, percussionist and lead singer. They were incredible and kept the energy up all night. I loved  the fact that you could tailor how many artists you wanted for your day and they totally catered to our music tastes. 

Beauty Regime & Wellness

I found the search for make-up artists and hair stylists tricky, as there are just so many out there. I knew exactly how I wanted to look on the day, I wanted a glowy, soft glam look for the make-up and a sleek bun for my hair, so I searched through Instagram for MUA’s and stylists who had created similar looks, which is how I found my wonderful glam squad Ruby & Gaby. I had trials with both a couple of months before the wedding which I would highly recommend doing!

If I’m completely honest, I didn’t change up my usual regime for the wedding! I have always been quite lucky and never had many problems with my skin, so I decided not to mess with my usual skincare leading up to the wedding just in case something didn’t agree with me. I definitely tried to eat a little healthier and be more active but I didn’t put too much pressure on myself to lose weight.

Favourite Wedding Gifts

We used The Wedding Shop for our wedding gift list which was super easy to use! We did a mixture of gifts and experiences for people to purchase along with a honeymoon fund. A few of my favourite gifts would be a Gluggle Jug, Our Place cookware and a cookery course at Belmond Le Manoir in Oxfordshire.

The Honeymoon

A couple of days after the wedding we headed off on our honeymoon in Athens. We spent 2 nights in the city centre seeing the sights and exploring the city and then headed 30 mins away to Vouliagmeni, on the “Athens Riviera” where we enjoyed beach clubs, bars and restaurants for 4 nights. We are hoping to go somewhere further afield in 2025 but don’t have any plans just yet!

Advice

Don’t sweat the small stuff. So many of my married friends gave me this advice and it’s so true. In the lead up to the day. There may be some hiccups, things might not go exactly to plan, guests might drop out last minute, but usually there isn’t much you can do to change those things so try not to stress and focus on the positives.

Remember it’s your day and should be special and personal to you. Don’t compare your wedding to other weddings or worry about traditions, just do what is right for you and your partner and it will be the most perfect day.

The day goes so fast, really take time to be present and take it all in. We managed to have a couple of moments just the two of us and it was so lovely to just take a breather and process everything.

With Thanks To:

Bride & Groom: – @ocgregorian & @olliejwilson

Venue & Caterer: Wentworth Golf Club @wentworth_club & @doggartandsquash

Dress: Jesus Peiro from Ellie Sanderson Bridal @jesuspeiroofficial @elliesandersonbridal

Shoes: @loefflerrandall

Jewellery: @megantheresecouture

Bridesmaids: Debut London by Coast @coastfashion

Groom outfit: Marks & Spencer @marksandspencer

Florist: Amanda’s Flowers Richmond @amandasflowersrichmond

Stationery: Hannah Louise Stationary & Papier @hannah_louise_stationary @papier

Wedding website: The Knot @theknot

Photographer: Bjorn Knight-Franklin @knightfranklinphotography

Videographer: Jonny Noakes @jonny_noakes

Celebrant: @lucyfergussoncelebrant

Wedding rings: Dovi Fehler @londonjeweller

Makeup: Ruby Baron @rubyloubeauty

Hair: Gaby Goldring @gabygoldringhairstylist

Gift list: The Wedding Shop @theweddingshopuk

Bridesmaid gifts: Katie Loxton, Chelsea Peers, Silver Rain @katieloxton @chelseapeersnyc @silver_rain_uk

Entertainment: @adamstsingers @highonheelsuk @singerssecreto 

Cake: @vanillafrostcakes

Pizza: @fireandbase

READ NEXT: 4 Expert-Approved Wedding Speech Tips You Need To Know

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The Engagement Story With Georgia Reed https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/the-engagement-story-with-georgia-reed/ Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:29:24 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24297 Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with publicist and writer, Georgia Reed, and discover the details of her engagement to Tom in Greenwich Park and also learn the details of their Hampshire based wedding plans. The Story In May 2015, fate bought us together in a bar in Portsmouth, our hometown. We knew […]

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Join The Wedding Edition as we sit down with publicist and writer, Georgia Reed, and discover the details of her engagement to Tom in Greenwich Park and also learn the details of their Hampshire based wedding plans.

The Story

In May 2015, fate bought us together in a bar in Portsmouth, our hometown. We knew each other from college when we were 16 and 17 years old, so he was a familiar face that I was happy to bump into. We spent the whole night talking and laughing, and there was as instant spark. So much so that we went on our first date a couple days after. Fast forward to now, we have been together 9 incredible years and happily live in South East London with our sassy sausage dog, Margot. Life has been an adventure together ever since that night.

Dropping hints

Over the years we had talked a lot about getting married, and it was something we both wanted. Tom told my parents he was proposing whilst the four of us were on holiday together. He managed to sneak the conversation in whilst I wasn’t there, which I am so pleased he did. However, a few weeks afterwards, a less sneaky parcel arrived at the door one morning. When I went to answer the doorbell, I was ushered away soon after. Whilst I felt it would be happening soon, I definitely pretended to not notice the suspicious package and go along with the surprise.

The Proposal

Without ever discussing it, my heart had always been set on getting engaged in Greenwich Park. It’s our favourite place, filled with countless memories from the past few years of living locally. Fortunately, Tom had the same idea too. 

During our morning walk, Tom knelt down at the Greenwich Park viewpoint and asked me to marry him. With a breathtaking view of the London skyline, surrounded by the parkland and our beloved sausage dog, it was an incredible moment. I wish I could relive it, as it now feels like a joyful blur.

Tom had planned a day full of things I love: Greenwich Market food stalls, enjoying a spa afternoon, sipping rooftop drinks, and dining at my favourite Japanese restaurant.

The Ring

Pinterest can be a minefield, and I would often show Tom different designs to give him an idea of my tastes. One day we came across a beautiful yellow sapphire – I loved the way it glistened and how rare it was. 

Tom loved it too, and being a bigger risk-taker than I am, he made his decision. He collaborated with the brilliant team at Fenton to design the bespoke ring, but incorporating unique touches. 

The ring features an emerald-cut yellow sapphire set horizontally, surrounded by small diamonds. Engraved on a delicate gold band marks ‘Always G&T’ inside. What’s more, we discovered the gem stone originally comes from Sri Lanka, which happens to be one of my favourite countries and a place I love. 

I might be biased, but I believe my ring is the most beautiful thing, and Tom did such a brilliant job. I couldn’t be happier.

The Celebrations

A couple of weeks after getting engaged in Greenwich Park, we celebrated with a weekend at Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds. We spent our time by the lit fire, sipping champagne sent by family and friends, relaxing in a steaming outdoor bath and heated pool despite the cold weather, watching films in a velvet-seated theatre, and indulging in delicious food. 

A couple of months later, we hosted an engagement party with family and friends. It was held at a speakeasy styled bar close to the place we originally met all those years ago. We had personalised cookies created, a fun couple quiz, a photo booth, and a sax player who kept the party lively all night. It is safe to say I drank a bit too much and learned my lesson for over-indulging on the big day.

Wedding Plans So Far…

We’re over the moon to have set the date for next winter, on our tenth anniversary together. Tom loves the winter, whilst I love the party season and build up to Christmas. Even better, it falls on a special date for us. We’ll be getting married at a manor house in Hampshire, which features a beautiful orangery, gardens, and on-site cottages for guests to stay at. 

We hope for it to be romantic, cosy, colourful and more importantly, fun. Spending the day with our loved ones, and having a big, vibrant party is what we are prioritising. 

We’re also planning an elongated honeymoon travelling around South America afterwards. Whilst there are still so many details to plan, I can’t wait for this next chapter together.

READ NEXT: How To Plan A Wedding Step By Step

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Inside The Dazzling World Of Hancocks London https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/inside-the-dazzling-world-of-hancocks-london/ Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:32:38 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24243 Even after a decade as a Jewellery Editor, there are still some diamonds that stop me in my tracks. Like the eight-carat old European cut solitaire that I tried on at Hancocks London: a megastar of a stone, fully deserving of the tiny rotating plinth on which it’s displayed. And it’s not the only diamond […]

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Even after a decade as a Jewellery Editor, there are still some diamonds that stop me in my tracks. Like the eight-carat old European cut solitaire that I tried on at Hancocks London: a megastar of a stone, fully deserving of the tiny rotating plinth on which it’s displayed. And it’s not the only diamond to cause a sharp intake of breath. 

Burlington Gallery High Res

The Burlington Gallery on the second floor of Hancocks’ newly renovated St James’s showroom showcases dozens of incredible diamonds, from classical solitaires to unusual cuts and colours. With its pink Setting Plaster walls, Murano glass chandeliers and a Bollinger champagne bar secreted inside a cupboard, it’s a romantic haven for the newly or almost-engaged. With such a dazzling range of rings to try on, you’ll want to linger for hours.

A four-carat Art Deco emerald-cut diamond, a two-carat Golconda diamond, elegant oval diamonds in flower-inspired designs, plus Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, sapphires in stunning shades of pink and blue… it’s a magpie’s dream, and every ring is one-of-a-kind. That’s because the vast majority of Hancocks’ diamonds and gemstones are antique: many are sourced from historic jewellery, and given a new lease of life in handcrafted rings inspired by the era in which the stone was originally cut.

“When these diamonds were originally cut, they did not have the commercial pressures of today; the goal was to create the most beautiful, polished gem possible, maintaining weight while making something with character, beauty, life and charm,” says Guy Burton, Managing Director of Hancocks London, which was founded in Mayfair in 1849. “Our old-cut diamonds are all individuals and still show the hand and skill of the cutter. Each one is truly unique in character.”

This celebration of history is what makes Hancocks unique. One of London’s oldest and most prestigious jewellers, it has received four royal warrants over its 175-year history – the first from Queen Victoria in 1849. Visitors to the new showroom can flick through a company diary started by its founder, Charles Hancock, in 1866. The diary documents the house’s numerous royal, aristocratic and celebrity clients, while the contents of the display cabinets reflect centuries of exceptional craftsmanship.

Previously located in a shop in Burlington Arcade, Hancocks’ new home displays an astonishing amount of antique, vintage and newly crafted jewellery over three sumptuous showrooms. On the ground floor, vintage Cartier, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels appear alongside centuries-old tiaras. I popped a late-Victorian pearl and diamond tiara on my head and instantly felt like a Disney Princess. It’s the perfect finishing touch to a dreamy bridal look. Upstairs, in the Bruton Gallery, I strung a 1930s rivière necklace around my neck: set with over 40 carats of old-cut diamonds, it would be show-stopping for a black-tie wedding, and still looks modern enough to wear with jeans or tailoring. 

There’s a gorgeous array of wedding-day jewellery scattered throughout the three floors: from natural pearl earrings and necklaces to antique diamond bracelets, diamond chandeliers and, my favourite, a cabinet full of bold, textured gold jewellery that would look sensational with a minimal silk gown. 

Vintage jewellery connoisseurs will get excited about collectible jewellery by the likes of Georges Lenfant, Rene Boivin and Aldo Cipullo. And those whose love affair with vintage is just beginning can be reassured that the collection has been curated by Hancocks’ experts, with a focus on distinctive design and exceptional hand-craftsmanship. 

“We pride ourselves on our curation of jewellery, that displays the finest skills and expertise of designers and master craftsmen,” says Guy, who selects every antique diamond and gemstone himself, and leads the development of bespoke creations. As a family-run house, this personal touch is what keeps clients coming back, knowing that every time they walk through Hancocks’ doors, there will be a new selection of one-of-a-kind treasure to explore.

READ NEXT: How To Choose The Perfect Engagement Ring

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The Best Bridal Bouquet Ideas For 2025 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/our-editors-favourite-bridal-bouquets/ Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:09:24 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=9610 We have gathered our favourite bridal bouquets to inspire your big day. Below, take a look at the best (and most unusual) wedding bouquet ideas from our Wedding Edition couples – (you may even find inspiration for your own!) From colourful English blooms to classic white bouquets, each as unique and exquisite as the weddings themselves […]

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We have gathered our favourite bridal bouquets to inspire your big day. Below, take a look at the best (and most unusual) wedding bouquet ideas from our Wedding Edition couples – (you may even find inspiration for your own!) From colourful English blooms to classic white bouquets, each as unique and exquisite as the weddings themselves – here are our editors’ Best Bridal Bouquet Ideas For 2025:

Patricia & Jimmy

Featuring a mesmerising mix of dahlias, roses, leather flowers and craspedia, Patricia’s breathtaking bridal bouquet created by Foxglove Studio complements her minimalist, elegant bridal ensemble beautifully.

For all the details of Patricia and Jimmy’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Abbie & Will

Abbie’s alluring bridal bouquet by Sage & Co epitomises the natural beauty of autumn, with its captivating crimson hues and delicate pampas. Fresh greenery enhances the anemones and garden roses within this handheld arrangement, creating a natural, botanical look.

For all the details of Abbie and Will’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Josie & Charlie

Josie Fear’s wedding day look is truly fit for a fairytale, and that doesn’t exclude her beautifully minimalist bridal bouquet by Floward. Marrying classic peonies with tulips and delicate foliage, this understated yet striking arrangement exudes timeless elegance.

For all the details of Josie and Charlie’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Luby & Dec

Radiating rustic charm, Luby’s ethereal bridal bouquet by Urban Blooms works perfectly in tandem with her enchanting countryside wedding setting.

For all the details of Luby and Dec’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Giorgia & Sam 

The striking simplicity of Giorgia’s graceful bridal bouquet proves that sometimes less is truly more. Marrying eucalyptus with ivory roses, this bouquet’s undeniable versatility makes it ideal for a multitude of contrasting settings.

For all the details of Giorgia and Sam’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Gwen & Nate

Gwen’s eye catching bridal bouquet by Sage Flowers embodies the uplifting spirit of summer. Featuring sweet peas, dahlias and bearded irises in warm pastel hues, this arrangement is perfect for the bride who wants to make a flamboyant floral statement on her big day.

For all the details of Gwen and Nate’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Katherine & Lewis

There’s nothing quite as classic and truly timeless as a rose bridal bouquet. Katherine’s quintessential rose bouquet by Jenny Fairbanks Flowers works beautifully with her striking satin bardot bridal gown.

For all the details of Katherine and Lewis’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Claire & Timothy

Embracing the beauty of modern minimalism with a perfect pop of colour, Claire’s bridal bouquet combines unique chionodoxas with carnations and roses to create a stunning summery floral look.

For all the details of Claire and Timothy’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Katherine & David

Featuring fresh eucalyptus and white roses intertwined with delicate wildflowers, Katherine’s effortlessly elegant bridal bouquet complements her breathtaking country wedding setting beautifully.

For all the details of Katherine and David’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Tom & Abi

Featuring a soothing palette of soft neutrals, Abi’s dreamy bridal bouquet by Sartoria Floreale embraces an alluring natural and untamed look, appearing as if the flowers were gathered freshly from a meadow.

For all the details of Tom & Abi’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Rachel & George

With captivating dahlia blooms complemented by cosmos and wild foliage, Rachel’s whimsical wedding bouquet by Kidge Flowers embraces an enchanting mix of softness, vibrancy and wild beauty.

For all the details of Rachel and George’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Sarah & Kris

Enhancing the beauty of her relaxed chic London setting, Sarah’s sensational bridal bouquet by Rachael Barker incorporates a plethora of pretty blooms that complement each other just perfectly. Peonies command attention with their bold ruffled petals, elevated by classic roses and eye catching dahlias in a symphony of soft hues.

For all the details of Sarah and Kris’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Benjamin & Araminta

Araminta’s trailing bridal bouquet arranged by Studio White is nothing short of showstopping. Within this mesmerising arrangement, cosmos and dahlias exude timeless romance, and dramatic cascading foliage steals the show with its intriguing rustic touch.

For all the details of Benjamin and Araminta’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Leah & Rory

Crafted by the phenomenal team at Clapham Flowers, Leah’s breathtaking bridal bouquet with delphiniums, roses and gypsophila exudes summery joy.

For all the details of Leah and Rory’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Camille & Natan

Camille’s entrancing bridal bouquet by Vincenzo Dascanio exudes timeless elegance with its soft peach and blush roses, delicate dahlias, and intricate touches of Queen Anne’s lace, all nestled amidst gentle greenery for a romantic, vintage-inspired look.

For all the details of Camille and Natan’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Henrietta & Ronan

Vibrant and enchanting, Henrietta’s standout summery bridal bouquet by Agnes and Bee radiates whimsical allure.

For all the details of Henrietta and Ronan’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Cressida & Orlando

Cressida’s captivating bridal bouquet is an elegant arrangement featuring soft pink and white roses, complemented by fluffy white astilbe flowers and delicate sprigs of lavender.

For all the details of Cressida and Orlando’s wedding including the florist read more here.

Sophie & John

Marrying cosmos with tulips, astrantia and delphiniums, Sophie’s whimsical wildflower arrangement radiates rustic charm.

For all the details of Sophie and John’s wedding including the florist read more here

Emily & Tom

Combining classic elegance with contemporary details, Emily’s bridal bouquet by Flowers By Passion features a mesmerising mix of scabiosa caucasica and roses.

For all the details of Emily and Tom’s wedding including the florist read more here

Chrissy & Archie

Featuring classic peonies, Chrissy’s bridal bouquet by Andrea Patrizi Floral Design embraces a striking minimalist look: a perfect match with her satin sheath gown and Chantilly lace veil.

For all the details of Chrissy and Archie’s wedding including the florist read more here

Isabella & Luke

Isabella’s sensational summer bridal bouquet arrangement by Aqua Florist comprises a graceful assortment of snapdragons, delphiniums and peonies in alluring pastel hues.

For all the details of Isabella and Luke’s wedding including the florist read more here

Kate & Max

Kate’s bridal bouquet by Copper Green flowers features a whimsical mix of wildflowers, including a soft pink peony, delicate white daisies, and accents of light blue and lavender blooms, creating a natural, garden-inspired feel.

For all the details of Kate and Max’s wedding including the florist read more here

Alice & Matt

Alice’s bridal bouquet by Willow and Wisps showcases a soft and airy blend of white and pale blush roses, complemented by delicate baby’s breath, eucalyptus leaves, and small wildflower accents.

For all the details of Alice and Matt’s wedding including the florist read more here

Cynthia & Taylor

The epitome of modern minimalism, Cynthia’s bridal bouquet by Wisteria Lane Flowers features an elegant arrangement of soft white peonies and lilac roses, delicately tied together with a flowing white ribbon.

For all the details of Cynthia and Taylor’s wedding including the florist read more here

Olivia & Nico

An exquisite arrangement of all-white roses, Olivia’s graceful bridal bouquet design by Spriggs Florist is an ideal choice for nearlyweds seeking understated sophistication on their special day.

For all the details of Olivia and Nico’s wedding including the florist read more here

Arielle & Sam

Featuring a whimsical blend of peach and blush dahlias decorated with delicate cosmos flowers and garden roses, Arielle’s wonderfully eclectic bridal bouquet by Liberty Lane Florals embraces a standout, stylish aesthetic.

For all the details of Arielle and Sam’s wedding including the florist read more here

Christie & Charlie

Incorporating tulips, roses and eucalyptus, Christie’s understated yet striking handheld floral arrangement by Simply Flowers enhances the beautiful botanical details within her romantic bridal ensemble.

For all the details of Christie and Charlie’s wedding including the florist read more here

Solly & Eunice

Eunice’s enchanting bridal bouquet by Farima Perry marries peach roses with pale pink astilbe, creating a soft, whimsical floral look that exudes elegance and joy.

For all the details of Solly and Eunice’s wedding including the florist read more here

Rosana & Thibault

Rosana’s minimalist bridal bouquet by Anthea Studio flawlessly complements the natural beauty of her ethereal summer Italian wedding.

For all the details of Rosana and Thibault’s wedding including the florist read more here

Related Article: Our Editors’ Favourite Wedding Cakes

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How To Plan A Wedding Step-By-Step https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/how-to-plan-a-wedding/ Wed, 04 Sep 2024 09:54:52 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=8401 Congratulations! You just got engaged. The Wedding Edition are here to help you get going with our 12 Month Guide to Wedding Planning! Though 12 to 14 months is the ideal length for an engagement, every couple’s engagement time is different. Our editors have put together a month-by-month guide to help you with the count down, make the process […]

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Congratulations! You just got engaged. The Wedding Edition are here to help you get going with our 12 Month Guide to Wedding Planning! Though 12 to 14 months is the ideal length for an engagement, every couple’s engagement time is different. Our editors have put together a month-by-month guide to help you with the count down, make the process less overwhelming and generally help you and your loved ones break down all the big elements for your big day. We hope you enjoy our guide on How to Plan a Wedding Step-By-Step

12 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding
Hugo Burnand

First things first: celebrate – this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment so make the most of all of your loved ones ready to celebrate you and your partner and this very special moment.  See how we recommend planning an engagement party here

Talk to TWE: we understand how wedding planning can be totally overwhelming. At TWE we act as wedding consultants to help you edit down all the major elements for your big day with our platform and wedding consultancy by sharing endless inspiration, editorial tips and secrets, opening up our trusted little-black-book of industry contacts to give expert advice and help bring your big day to life.

Pick a date! Now you have celebrated your engagement, it’s time to book your ceremony venue or registrar before they get snapped up (which happens surprisingly quickly!) Remember there is no point of having your dream venue without someone to actually marry you on the big day! If you’re looking for some inspiration, heres our round up of the wedding venues to have on your radar for 2025.

Create your Pinterest board: how do you envision the big day? Decide how you picture your wedding flowing before hiring the key suppliers. Why? Because then you will be able to ensure the details adhere to your vision that fits into a timeframe (and budget).

Set your budget and work out approx. number of guests: it’s time to sit down (with your families if they are contributing) and calculate how much you have to save/spend. Once you’ve worked out how much you have to play with you can start making some firm decisions and properly get your planning underway.

Don’t get ahead of yourself: as tempting as it is to go shopping immediately, remember your style and taste will change drastically throughout the year so take a step back, breathe and do some research before you plunge straight in. Remember to breath and use this as your 12 Month Wedding Planning Guide.

11 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding

Hire your suppliers: it’s time to decide and book the following:

  1. Not everyone needs a planner but everyone needs someone to consult with for their big day: and you have arrived to the right platform! Having a full-time planner will depend on your budget, otherwise many couples opt for planning the big day themselves. For help and advice, check out our TWE Wedding Consultations
  2. Select the venue: you know who you want to marry now the big question is where? It’s time to choose the right venue that reflects you two as a couple. It’s important to note that locations will influence almost everything – from what flowers go on the table to the number of guests, style and budget. Remember, lots of venues have in-house planning teams and often you’ll be allocated a dedicated wedding planner at your venue. To make sure you find out everything you need to know on your venue visits, check out our list of questions every couple should ask on wedding venue visits
  3. Select the caterer: this will be the best and biggest dinner party of your life so make sure you hire caterers that you trust to deliver what you want for the big day. Whether that’s the venue’s in-house caterers or bringing in external caterers for your marquee wedding. Don’t be afraid to be creative too. Many caterers offer a free tasting session to help you sample and decide on your big-day menu.
  4. Book your photographer, band, DJ and videographer: these people will make the memories last forever. Make sure you do your research and ask the right questions and find suppliers you and your partner have a connection with.

10 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding
Roberta Fachini Photography

Make your guest list: if only you could invite everyone, life would be so much easier, but chances are you can’t which is why you and your partner need to put a cap on handing out the invites. When deciding your head count, it’s important to think of the following:

  1. Consider your budget and how many people you can realistically afford
  2. Think of your venue – how many people can it fit?
  3. Also, who is paying for what: the couple, parents, etc, and from there figure out how you’re going to divvy up the list. If your parents and partner’s parents are contributing, it’s protocol to give all involved some invites. Once you’ve written the big wish list it’s time to start cutting, negotiating and then cutting some more until you’ve reached your happy place.

Decide the formality of your big day: it’s now time to sit down and have a fun conversation with your partner on what you want the vibe of your big day to be. Think about what’s important to you and what reflects you two as a couple.  

Buy your wedding dress: you may know exactly what you want or you may not (and quite often you will go for the opposite of what you have always dreamed of!) Make sure you take a day off work for a stress-free fun day out with your wedding party and have a few boutiques and designers lined up so you can try on as many styles as possible to find the right one to suit you. Not sure where to start? Here’s where our editors bought their dresses from.

9 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding
Roberta Fachini Photography

Choose a colour scheme and style for the overall design: if you have a planner work with them on this – look at Pinterest to create your dream vision board if you are going at it alone. Make sure you also take a step back and draw inspiration from your life – what do you like on Instagram? How have you decorated your home? Draw inspiration from your everyday life so it reflects the things you love and is YOU in style.

Create your wedding website: it’s time to turn on the URL and send out the save-the-dates! To help you out, we’ve created a list of the best wedding website builders in the UK.

8 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding
James Mason Photography

Meet with your florist: if you’re using a florist it’s time to meet up and go through Instagram pictures and Pinterest boards together. Also ask your planner or venue for local recommendations, it’s important you find someone who will deliver your vision in line with your budget.

Grow it yourself: a big trend is growing your own flowers for the big day, not only is it more environmentally friendly, it’s a huge cost saver! Our advice is to start with the filler flowers and foliage if you want statement blooms (like peonies and roses) and make sure you choose robust annual flowers such as lupins and gypsophila (which looks fantastic in a church). Consider clary and scabious too, as they will fare well in our unpredictable English weather.

7 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding
Hugo Burnand Photography

Start looking at invitations: this is your guests’ first teaser to the big day so make sure they reflect your vision. Remember, invites will be sent out only six to eight weeks before the big day.

Plan your honeymoon: our tip is to find an operator to secure the best deals with the best hotels – the last thing you need is any stress on your honeymoon. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch, ask when the low seasons are to secure brilliant rates or even wait for the sales (usually in January and August). Not sure where to jet off to after you say I do? Check out our round up of the best honeymoon hotels for 2024.

DIY: if you’re planning on making your own favours, pompoms and bunting, now is the time to start getting the materials you need and taking each of the projects step by step. Don’t leave these homemade projects to the very end thinking your team will be there to help.

6 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding

Hair trial: this gives you and your stylist time to plan over the next 6 months for any cutting, supplements and colouring to help improve the condition of your hair. Now is also the time to experiment (not the month before!) with a new cut, colour or style. Don’t save any shock surprises for the week before!

Select the bridesmaid’s dresses. make sure you plan a fun day with your girls to do your bridesmaid shopping together. Go for dresses or a style that reflects the big day but be flexible with your gang, letting the girls choose what they also want to wear. Mismatched dresses also look brilliant so don’t be afraid to do something a little different to keep everyone happy. You want everyone to feel their best and confident on the day. If you’re searching for inspiration for your bridal squad, here’s our editor’s favourite bridesmaids dresses.

Choose your flower girl dresses and page boy outfits: With the plethora of adorable ensembles on offer for flower girls and page boys, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Need some style inspo? Check out our editor’s favourite flower girl and page boy outfits!

5 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding
Roberta Fachini Photography

Register for your gift list: this is really fun for you and your partner – building your new life together. Gone are the days of a traditional gift list – today you can add honeymoon activities, weekends away, art and wine funds, charity donations and, of course, stunning homeware (it’s a great way to discover new brands and upgrade what you currently have).

Plan your makeup look: look at old photos of yourself and find something that has worked before. Also, go to social media for inspiration but don’t delude yourself with highly edited or filtered Instagram images. You want to look like you, the best version of yourself. Remember, the bridal glow comes from within so think about exercise, diet and your skincare regime. You may want to consider monthly facials in the lead up to the big day to get your skin in the best possible condition.

Transport: book your transports for guests if you need to but most importantly think about you two! Get around in style and don’t be afraid to get creative with your transportation style.

4 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding

Getting married abroad? It’s time to get your paperwork 100% sorted. Many countries require copies of your full birth certificate more than 3 months in advance of the big day and you may have to have your documents translated too. Make sure you are up-to-date on travel restrictions rules and regulations with COVID. 

Get the groom’s party gear! It’s important when choosing between black tie, morning suits or lounge suits to base the groom’s party on the formality of your big day. Make sure you go for a well-fitted outfit to ensure there are no embarrassing moments on the dancefloor which result in any splitting of seams! Remember on your invites to also clearly state your dresscode for guests on the big day too. Looking for suit inspiration? Take a look at our favourite groom looks!

3 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding

Time to get organised! It’s now time to nail down the details to save you immense stress the week before your big day. We’d suggest the following:

●  Write your speeches – lost for words? We’ve got you covered: find out how you can write the perfect wedding speech using our expert guide!

●  Buy wedding rings

●  Order your cake

●  Pick out readings for the ceremony

●  Book your photobooth (if you’re having one)

●  Brainstorm your guests’ favours.

As you start to tick these off you will thank yourself when it comes to those last few days of planning!

2 months to go

How to Plan a Wedding

Send out the invites: by now family and friends might be pestering you for the physical invitation but remember traditionally invites should only be sent 6 to 8 weeks before the big day.

Taste the good stuff: there is no doubt by now you will have booked your caterers so it’s time to enjoy the actual tasting – why only 8 weeks before? Because this way you are sampling the latest menus and seasonal ingredients.

Buy your wedding party gifts: how much you spend is completely determined by you but go for something that is thoughtful and memorable. Not sure what to get them? Here’s our round up of the best bridesmaid gifts for every budget.

1 month to go

How to Plan a Wedding
Roberta Fachini Photography

Print the stationery now: printing stationery should be one of the last jobs you do. No matter how early you send the invites there will always be some last-minute changes so wait until about 10 days before otherwise you will be running of for a print run of the order and service when you really want to be enjoying your final days

Plan the table: use a website like toptableplanner.com it uploads your guest list from excel and you can choose a layout that reflects your big day and is easy to manage and change.

The final fitting! It’s time for that final fitting – remember you will lose a lot of weight in the last 6 weeks with just nerves and energy before the big day so keep eating. There is nothing worse than a baggy wedding dress!

Sit back and enjoy! Remember, to crack open a bottle of bubbles and read our 24-hour checklist to make sure you have all the last-minute details covered. 

24 hours to go 

  • Call your trusted maid-of-honour and run her through the entire wedding schedule. She will need a full run down with numbers of the suppliers in case they are running late
  • Make sure you send the schedule with the address and timings to all suppliers with emergency contact numbers
  • Confirm and call the key suppliers to give yourself peace of mind ahead of the big day, run over timings and make sure all your requirements are fresh in their mind
  • Call the best man and run through his and the usher’s duties for the day (and confirm he has the rings!)
  • Wash and condition your hair and then rough dry it, your hair will last much better if it has been washed the night before but styled on the big day
  • EAT! Make sure you sit down, take some time out with your gaggle of girls and eat a big meal before the big day. You need to get your energy up
  • Get your outfit, shoes and accessories laid out ready for the next day along with any changes for the evening (if you’re planning to change)

To make sure you’re all set to say I do, here’s our 24 hour wedding checklist!

On the day

  • Have a timeline for the big day printed, give it out to the whole bridal party to ensure the day runs smoothly
  • Again, EAT! Opt for filling, slow-releasing energising food such as avocado, eggs and toast or vegetable omelette or a fibre-rich muesli
  • Dress without stress. Have a timeline for getting ready. Make it to the ceremony on time with plenty of time to spare so you are not stressed – it will show on your photos. Schedule plenty of time for your hair and make-up, as a rule:

Make up: 30-45 minutes per bridesmaid and mother of the bride, 60-90 for the bride

Hair: 30-45 minutes per bridesmaid and mother of the bride, 60-80 for the bride

  • Hydrate. Have a long hot bath with Epsom salts, moisturise and drink plenty of water
  • Forward all your calls to your mother or maid-of-honours phone. Have one of your bridesmaids on the duty of taking plenty of selfies while you’re getting ready
  • And finally – ENJOY YOURSELF. Hours will never go as quickly as they do on the big day so don’t stress and enjoy every single second, because each one will fly by.

With love, 

Kendra & Isabella 

Founders, TWE  

Related articles: https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/planning-by-numbers-final/

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9 Questions With Meredithe Stuart-Smith, Founder of Meri Meri https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/9-questions-with-meredithe-stuart-smith-founder-of-meri-meri/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:37:29 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=24024 From a kitchen table startup to an international trendsetting partyware brand, Meri Meri celebrates its 40th birthday next year. Founded in 1985 by Meredithe Stuart-Smith, the company began with San Francisco mothers crafting cards from home and selling to Bergdorf Goodman. By 1990, they had five employees in California, growing to 30 in the US […]

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From a kitchen table startup to an international trendsetting partyware brand, Meri Meri celebrates its 40th birthday next year. Founded in 1985 by Meredithe Stuart-Smith, the company began with San Francisco mothers crafting cards from home and selling to Bergdorf Goodman. By 1990, they had five employees in California, growing to 30 in the US and UK by 1996.

Today, with one head office in Cheltenham, UK, and another in Reno, Nevada in the United States, Meri Meri has 85 employees and sells in 80 countries, through over 5,000 shops and online. Its online retail site, launched in 2017, features a magical mix of tableware, partyware, costumes, and toys, alongside inspirational craft and party ideas.

I love working in the children’s and partyware industry because…

It is completely joyful. I have the incredible good fortune to make fun, happy, and colorful products to celebrate life!

The brand is best known for…

We are famous for our cupcake kits! It’s a product we invented in 2007 to make cake decorating playful.

My biggest achievement to date is…

My biggest achievement, of course, is my two children and three grandchildren. However, building and maintaining a team of extraordinarily talented and kind people also makes me very proud.

We’re inspired by…

We are like magpies; if it’s shiny and new, we gravitate toward it. Our collections are inspired by travel and trends.

The current party trends we’re loving are…

Colourblock rainbow place settings are so much fun. We have a few great examples on our Instagram feed.

Favourite party pieces from the collection are…

I love our large hanging paper flower walls.

My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…

I always want to be in Maine. I have a summer house in a historic coastal town called Castine.

The best people to follow for parenting inspo are…

Dr. Becky has the best parenting advice I have ever heard.

And finally, what’s next for Meri Meri?

We are working on projects to celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2025, including a big new collaboration with a 150-year-old heritage brand.

Discover Meri Meri’s dreamy range of colourful partyware on their website at www.merimeri.com, and follow their Instagram at @merimeriparty.

READ NEXT: 4 Iconic Children’s Party Theme Ideas

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How To Have Great Chat At A Wedding (Even If You’re Attending Solo) https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/how-to-have-great-chat-at-a-wedding/ Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:08:36 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23858 Whilst I was appearing on BBC Scotland and promoting my book, Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing, I heard a story that shook me. A journalist called in to the show to say they went to a wedding alone, and after trying to make conversation with fellow guests, she […]

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Whilst I was appearing on BBC Scotland and promoting my book, Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing, I heard a story that shook me.

A journalist called in to the show to say they went to a wedding alone, and after trying to make conversation with fellow guests, she gave up and spent most of the night alone in a toilet cubicle reading a book. I couldn’t believe it at first, but I really wasn’t surprised.

This story shows we all need to take responsibility to make great chat happen. You may not be in the mood, but especially on someone else’s ‘best day of their life’, effort is non-negotiable. After all, you really never know who you are going to meet.

That person sitting next to you at the wedding breakfast, or the person you bump into at the bar, could be your next partner, your next one-night sensation, your new best friend, or your future boss— you never know unless you start chatting. Heck, I have gone to weddings and made best friends for life, and even come away with a hen do and wedding invite from someone who I hadn’t met before. (And yes, I went to both, and we are still best pals now!). 

Using some of the lessons from my book Great Chat, here’s how to have a great chat at any wedding… 

Don’t ask personal questions straight away…

If you are going to a wedding— whether alone or with a plus one— don’t fall into the habit of asking someone if they have a partner if they are on their own, or if you meet someone who is with their partner, if they are going to have a baby. Many people lazily ask personal questions as a way to connect to someone quickly, but it can have the opposite effect. You never know what their feelings are about their relationship status or their fertility. These questions aren’t actually good for small talk, and you have no right to someone’s personal life or their womb. Questions like this immediately create a barrier to connection.

So instead of getting personal straight away, I prefer asking open-ended questions like “What piece of advice do you think you should give a newly married couple?” or “What do you love most about the couple?” These questions are unintrusive, give people the space to answer as specifically as they choose, and they might reveal something that really stays with you, making for a memorable, friendly and comfortable chat.

In any situation, open-ended questions enable people to reveal parts of themselves that they want to talk about, and give a more positive space which could lead to many conversation avenues. 

Stuck for chat? Use the free information around you… 

If you are stuck and don’t know what to say, always use the free information around you to get the chat going. For example, if you find yourself standing with someone you have never met before, that person also knows the person whose wedding it is, so ask how they know them. That will always come up with an interesting story and lead to other conversations.

If the person you’re chatting to knows the couple from university, you can then ask, “What were they like at university?” and “What did you go on to do next?” It all starts to build a picture of the other person and their life— and you might just get some great gossip about your friend too!

Listen twice as much as you talk… 

We focus a lot on how it’s good to talk, but it’s even better to listen. We need to become active listeners, which means focusing entirely on the person you are conversing with— not everything else going on around them.

Don’t just ‘listen’ whilst waiting for your opportunity to talk, and if you are going to ask the question, truly listen to the answer. There is no quicker way to show you care about someone than truly listening to them. 

Get off your phone…

You’ve taken a snap of the couple in about five different locations, and you have the video of the best man speech; now, put your phone away. How many times have you found yourself at a wedding breakfast table, and looked around to find everyone scrolling on their phones?

Being on your phone is a barrier to connection, and whilst we are on the topic of active listening, being on your phone shows you aren’t listening. I call going on your phone during a conversation, ‘moglecting’: neglecting a conversation in favour of your mobile. Even if you are not on your phone and it’s turned over on the table, you are still moglecting. It shows that your phone is the most important thing to you so put it away— or better yet, don’t take one at all— and be entirely present and open to conversation.

Have an exit strategy up your sleeve…

Caught with the awkward aunt or the creepy uncle? Always have a clear plan of action. This also helps if you are nervous to socialise or feeling anxious. It can help to think of conversation as a structure, a blueprint you can work from and lean on when you are nervous.

Picture a conversation like a sandwich— this is what the entire first lesson in my book is based on.

It’s not about what you say in a conversation, it’s how you frame it. Or, as I like to think of it: it’s not just about the filling, it’s how you sandwich it. When you think about that mouth-watering sandwich, the filling is objectively the reason you chose it. The same goes for conversations. We come for the gossip and the topics that build deep and meaningful connections: the satisfying core of the chat. But, you can’t build a great chat or a connection without the slices either side.

You need the first slice to get the conversation going, so that’s the warm up, the hellos, the how are you’s. Then you hit them with the filling: the questions, the back and forth, the hot gossip, the DMCs, whatever that may be. Then there is the final slice— the tactful exits, and the warm and friendly goodbyes to leave a lasting impression— and this can be the most anxiety-inducing part.

So, have a go-to exit strategy up your sleeve with statements like, “it was so great talking with you, but I promised myself I was going to circulate today, hope we run into each other again soon,” which you can use when you have had enough. Practice makes perfect, truly. 

Feeling anxious?

Tell yourself some chat-irmations. If you are nervous to socialise at a wedding or nervous to bump into your ex-squeeze from university who is also on the guest list, you will likely be telling yourself negative things like, “I am so nervous to do this”, “what happens if I embarrass myself?” and “I can’t do this”.

But you can do this, and that starts with making sure your inner monologue is as positive as possible. So tell yourself chat-irmations like, “I am confident,” or “People should be and will be interested in me,” over and over again, and you will start to believe it and feel it. Your subconscious can’t tell the difference between a truth and a lie, so start telling yourself YOU ARE CONFIDENT. That ex from university will be regretting the day he went off with Sarah from his seminar class. 

For more tips, check out Josh’s book Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversations, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing, available now.

READ NEXT: The Most Common Wedding Dress Codes, Explained

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The Engagement Story With Ellie & Alex: A Romantic Proposal In Scotland https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/ellie-and-alex-romantic-proposal-in-scotland/ Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:30:59 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23844 The Story… It was the first night of university, and I had promised my mum that I wouldn’t bring home the first boy I met…. Alex was the third boy I was introduced to that night, so technically I kept my promise! What first started out as just a friendship, hanging out in a group […]

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The Story…

It was the first night of university, and I had promised my mum that I wouldn’t bring home the first boy I met…. Alex was the third boy I was introduced to that night, so technically I kept my promise!

What first started out as just a friendship, hanging out in a group every single day and living our best university lives, soon developed into something romantic. I never understood when adults used to say that when you know, you know. But being with Alex really felt like coming home— like having my best friend and my boyfriend all wrapped up into one 6 foot, blond-haired-blue-eyed package.

We’ve been together almost 8 years now and have grown so much together. We’ve been lucky enough to travel to so many new places together and buy a house that we adore— and after Alex’s romantic proposal in Scotland, I can’t wait to see what other exciting adventures we have ahead of us.

Dropping Hints…

Honestly, there were no hints! We met when we were so young and even though we’ve been together for so long, we’ve both always been so chilled out when it comes to proposals, engagements and weddings. I was always in the mindset of ‘when it happens, it happens’, and he ended up doing such a good job of throwing me off the scent and then surprising me with the proposal.

The Proposal…

The proposal couldn’t have been more perfect. We were on a Scottish road trip and finished in The Isle of Skye, which is actually where my parents got engaged! It was so incredibly special that he asked me to marry him in the same place that my dad asked my mum— a true full circle moment!

After a week of rain, the sun came out on the last night and we were treated to the most amazing sunset. It was just the two of us, sitting in our little Airbnb, watching the sun go down, and basking in the calm of the evening when he suddenly got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It’s safe to say that many tears were shed and it took me a good few minutes before I even thought to look at the ring! It really was the perfect end to the perfect little holiday. 

The Ring…

The ring also couldn’t be more perfect. As a very petite person, I’ve always wanted something dainty, elegant and unique. It is a solitaire oval cut ring set on an Oxford bridge of diamonds, so the main stone stands proud. Alex chose a platinum band, as he knows I’m a silver girl through and through. His parents both have platinum bands as well, and he always wanted us to have matching wedding bands in the same style, which was another lovely and thoughtful connection to our parents and heritage.

The Celebrations…

Alex timed the proposal amazingly, as the day after we came back from the holiday we had a big family roast planned at my mum’s— just the close family to begin with, and the extended family joining later. We gave everyone a real surprise that day by announcing the engagement just before dinner! It was so lovely to make the announcement in person and continue to enjoy the engagement bubble with those we love most. 

The Outfit…

I’m a dress girl through and through, so I was wearing a gorgeous floral Forever New number when he proposed. Needless to say, this dress is going to stay in my collection forever and will hopefully be passed down to my daughters to wear one day! 

Wedding Plans So Far…

We’ve always been super chilled when thinking about getting married, so we’re going to have quite a long engagement. I want to enjoy the wedding planning process, and don’t want to overwhelm myself in plans, processes, or prices! There is one thing we know for sure though: we are going to be having a winter wedding— and more specifically, a Christmas wedding.

Christmas has always been such a special time for both Alex and I, and we’ve always wanted to do something a little bit different for our wedding. The main thing we both want is for the day to feel quintessentially us; if you were to remove us both from the wedding day, I want our guests to walk in and say ‘oh yes, this is an Ellie and Alex wedding’. A Christmas wedding feels like the perfect way to enjoy a time of year we both adore. and find so special, and we can enjoy the festivities with our nearest and dearest while tying the knot!

READ NEXT: How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged

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How The Coolest Couples Got Engaged https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/how-the-coolest-couples-got-engaged/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:59:02 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23745 Before the big day, there’s always one magical moment that changes everything—the engagement. From creative and thoughtful scavenger hunts in London to beautiful and romantic setups abroad, each of these seven couples has a heartwarming love story— and a unique, inspiring engagement story to go with it. Join The Wedding Edition as we look back […]

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Before the big day, there’s always one magical moment that changes everything—the engagement. From creative and thoughtful scavenger hunts in London to beautiful and romantic setups abroad, each of these seven couples has a heartwarming love story— and a unique, inspiring engagement story to go with it.

Join The Wedding Edition as we look back on some of the most incredible proposals, all from these stunning couples.

Suzie Bonaldi & Ryan

Vlogger Suzie Bonaldi first met Ryan when they were in school together— and she’d asked him out, but he declined. 12 years later, the pair reunited on Tinder, and four years into their relationship, they went on their annual summer trip to Ibiza. Ryan arranged a romantic private dinner beneath a pergola and overlooking the landmark of Es Vedra, where he surprised Suzie with the proposal.

Read Suzie and Ryan’s full engagement story here.

Delaney Childs & Clayton

Fashion and lifestyle influencer Delaney Childs first met her fiancé Clayton at a university party, and the two connected instantly. Nearly ten years later, Clayton orchestrated a made-up brand event in New York City— one of the couple’s favourite destinations— for Delaney to attend. Dressed to impress in a stunning gown, she made her way up to the rooftop of the Intercontinental New York Barclay Hotel, where Clayton was waiting at the end of a path of rose petals, with the dazzling lights of the city as the backdrop.

Read Delaney and Clayton’s full engagement story here.

Veena McCoole & Ross

TWE’s contributing editor Veena McCoole and her fiancé Ross first matched on Hinge in 2019, both having recently relocated to London from the US. After a whirlwind lockdown relationship and during a charming staycation at the Rectory Hotel in the Cotswolds, Ross set up a bouquet of flowers and champagne on an intimate table tucked away in the hotel’s garden. The couple will be returning to the Cotswolds for their wedding in the autumn of 2024.

Read Veena and Ross’s full engagement story here.

Emily Valentine & Nate

After swiping right on each other, content creator Emily Valentine and her fiancé-to-be Nate spent an unforgettable late-night first date at The Ned in London. Six years later, Emily returned home from work to find the first of a series of scavenger hunt clues on the mirror of the couple’s home, leading her back to The Ned and through the landmarks of the day they met— and Nate waiting in a room, ring in hand.

Read Emily and Nate’s full engagement story here.

Tanya Rad & Roby Yadegar

For years before they met, Tanya and Roby nearly crossed paths every day in a courtyard tucked away in Beverly Hills. Tanya would visit in the afternoons to pray for her future husband, and Roby would pass through coming to and from work. Once the pair finally got together, Roby set up a massage for Tanya while he prepared a sweet proposal in that very same courtyard— complete with an outfit, love letter, and makeup waiting in her locker once she finished her appointment.

Read Tanya and Roby’s full engagement story here.

Gonzalo Marroquin

Sián Lilly

Beauty and lifestyle creator Sián Lilly first met her fiancé on Instagram— and four years into their relationship, they were building a house together in London. On what Sián thought was a regular visit to the building site, she was surprised to discover a flower arch, candlelight, and a violinist playing her favourite song in what would become the couple’s dining room.

Read Sián’s full engagement story here.

Charlie & Matt

Charlie and Matt first matched on Hinge, and two and a half years later, found themselves on a Caribbean cruise with Virgin Voyages for Charlie’s birthday. The couple proposed to one another one morning on the balcony of their cabin as they were sailing into The Bahamas, and will be tying the knot in Ireland, hosting a festival wedding weekend called MA-CH-ELLA.

Read Charlie and Matt’s full engagement story here.

READ NEXT: 9 Hen Weekend Ideas, Demonstrated By Real Brides

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Inside Georgia Rayment-Rhodes’ Chic Hen At Soho House https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/inside-georgia-rayment-rhodes-chic-hen-at-soho-house/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:01:24 +0000 https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/?p=23683 Why Soho House? London holds a special place in my heart, so keeping my hen do in the city was a no-brainer. I wanted everyone to be able to join in the fun without the hassle of travel, and working at Soho House and The Ned made it the perfect choice for my celebration. We […]

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Why Soho House?

London holds a special place in my heart, so keeping my hen do in the city was a no-brainer. I wanted everyone to be able to join in the fun without the hassle of travel, and working at Soho House and The Ned made it the perfect choice for my celebration.

We were hosted at Greek Street in their private top-floor room, adorned with stunning blue florals, perfect for an intimate night of dinner, dancing, and drinks. My sister, Harriet Barnard, an amazing event planner, meticulously planned everything from start to finish. Her brief was good food, champagne, and fabulous company— and she absolutely nailed it!

Where We Stayed

My mum, sisters, cousin, and I stayed at Dean Street Townhouse Hotel, adding an extra-special touch to the weekend. The rooms were spacious with fabulous interiors, and only a short walk from Greek Street, which was especially appreciated in the early hours!

What We Did

The day started with some pampering. I had my makeup trial at Charlotte Tilbury and hair trial with Stevie Holland at Salon 64 in Soho that morning, and after getting ready in our Dean Street Townhouse suite, we headed to Greek Street.

With a ’90s playlist setting the mood, we arrived to a champagne reception, followed by an amazing three-course sharing dinner with 20 of my closest friends and family. We played the ‘How Did You Meet Georgia’ game, which was a hit and helped everyone bond, followed by the classic Mr. & Mrs. Then, we danced and drank the night away. 

What We Ate

Greek Street served a delicious three-course sharing feast with wines curated by the exceptional master sommelier, Vincent Gasnier. Espresso martinis were served for dessert, and we finished with limoncello shots!

The icing on the cake was the most Instagrammable carrot cake by @two_crumbs_x.

What I Wore

I embraced the chance to wear a stunning mini white satin dress from @oliviarosethelabel, paired with sparkly pink Manolo’s and a satin bag. My sister curated chic bridal accessories for me, including a custom bow veil and ‘Bride to Be’ pearl sunglasses she created herself. If you can’t dress up on your hen do, when can you?!

Best Moment Of The Hen

I didn’t want the night to end— and Greek Street practically had to kick us out! It was a dreamy evening, with my sister coordinating the most memorable event. The highlight was having all my favourite people together, and seeing new friendships form. I can’t wait for the big day when we can all come together again!

A huge thank you to my friend Zara Truman for capturing the night, allowing us to be in the moment without our phones but still have memories to look back on!

READ NEXT: Best Date Night Restaurants In London

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