P053.qxd (Page 53) - Isle of Man Today
Transcription
P053.qxd (Page 53) - Isle of Man Today
Fantastic Bridal Competition Aurora Brides - Back Page aurora Brides Belles & Bows BRIDAL HOUSE An • • • • • When choosing a venue the Empress Hotel will provide you with lasting memories . . . Red carpet on arrival to greet the Bride & Groom. Complimentary Penthouse Suite for the night of the wedding with champagne breakfast. Beautiful Art Deco Lounge and Piano Bar overlooking Douglas Bay with conservatory. Full outside catering service provided Wide selection of menus to suit all tastes Come and meet our friendly team at our Autumn Wedding Fayre Sunday 31st October, 2pm - 5pm Also featuring at Nunnery Wedding Fayre 2nd Oct The Empress Hotel, Central Promenade, Douglas Tel 661155 Email: e m p r e s s h o t e l @ m a n x . n e t Empressive as Always Web: w w w . t h e e m p r e s s h o t e l . n e t Supplement Page 2 Happy is the bride that knows her big day won’t fritter all her savings away Just a Perfect Day Y ou’ve named the day and the countdown to your wedding has started. You may be swept away by the romance of the occasion but you have to keep your feet on the ground long enough to meet the challenge of planning your perfect day. Putting together a wedding celebration can be hectic and emotionally stressful so make sure you’ve allowed plenty of time to do everything. Planning the perfect wedding should start with the bride and groom having a clear idea of the wedding they want before any organising starts. You need to get together, sit back and dream a bit to define your idea of an ideal occasion that suits your vision. When you’ve decided on the overall tone or perhaps a theme for your special day, try to tackle the planning as systematically and methodically as possible. Don’t attempt to do everything yourself or you’ll be worn out well before the big day arrives. Enlist help. These days you can even hire a wedding planner to sort everything out for you but if your budget doesn’t stretch that far ask relatives and close friends to assist you. Specialist shops and businesses will also help with advice about the best goods and services for your particular requirements so don’t be afraid to ask. Your chosen date may seem to be a long way away but you’ll be amazed how quickly time flies past so make lists, start early and you’re sure to enjoy the perfect wedding day. (The car pictured is available for hire from Manx Limousine Hire) Beautiful Brides at H OT E L A N D C O U N T RY C L U B The Perfect Wedding Venue • • • • Happy is the groom that plans ahead and calls upon Conister before they are wed. Ask about personal loans Conister Trust PLC . . . your local bank Telephone 694694 Conister House • 16-18 Finch Road Douglas • Isle of Man • IM1 2PT Licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission for Banking Business 4-star location Spectacular views Red carpet arrival Choice of reception rooms • Complimentary four poster room for Bride and Groom with Champagne breakfast Call Jackie Gelling for further details 7-11 Walpole Avenue, Douglas Tel- 617721 ‘WOW’ get the factor on your big day using the International Extension Method, our highly trained stylists will transform you for your wedding day. Explore your fantasy call 679949 for a consultation Experts in all aspects of hairdressing 8 Central Drive, Onchan J onanthan D aniel’s Santon, Isle of Man Telephone (01624) 661111 Facsimile (01624) 611116 [email protected] www.mountmurray.com GETTING MARRIED Menswear Hire Experts, 6 Rosemary House Douglas, Isle of Man. IM1 2PR Boasting the largest and most varied range of Men’s Wedding Hire available from stock on the Island.Traditional Tails, Frockcoats and Suits in Black, Navy and Grey with dozens of contrast coloured waistcoats and complementing accessories. Package prices include the hire of Shirts, Cuff Links and Braces. Whether you are age two or ninety two allow us to help you make your day special. Tel 01624 613710 or fax 613590 e.mail: [email protected] REMEMBER YOUR DAY WITH PHOTOGRAPHS By Morrison Photos 3 Tynwald Street Douglas Tel 629641 Fax 627071 Page 3 Wedding services you can bank on B rides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom need look no further than one single location for their bridalwear, beauty treatments and wedding portraiture. Bankers Chambers in Peel Street, Ramsey is home to three specialist businesses all dedicated to making weddings memorable - The Bridal House (together with the Dressmakers Workshop), The Beauty Zone and photographer Andrew Barton. ‘At the Bridal House we offer individual service and attention to detail,’ says Kate Jerry. With over 100 wedding gowns from well-known names Alfred Angelo, Pronovias, Watters and Watters and British designer Jenny Packham, the Bridal House offers styles to suit every bride from classic to contemporary - the same applies to the choice for bridesmaids and eveningwear. For a preview of products available, log on to www.bridalhouse.co.im. During October the Bridal House is having a sale, with reductions of up to 50 per cent on a huge number of selected recent wedding gowns and 10 per cent off orders placed in October. New stock arrives regularly throughout the year and many of the latest designs for 2006 brides can also be seen in October. The Dressmakers Workshop works together with the Bridal House to offer couture bridal gowns and special occasion wear. A free consultation and design service enables clients to work with Kate in designing a unique, made to measure gown or outfit in beautiful fabrics. Call in and browse, or better still, make an appointment. Open six days a week or evenings. The Beauty Zone offers a range of bridal packages tailormade to the customer’s requirements, as well as a trial makeup session in advance of the big day. For a limited period there’s a £100 package of facial, eyelash tinting, brow shaping, manicure and pedicure, and for £40, a Madina Milano Italian trial and make-up on the wedding day package. Other grooming treatments include San Tropez tanning, aromatherapy, full body massage, electrolysis and reflexology. Open six days a week from 9.15am to 5.30pm, wedding day make-up sessions at the client’s home can be also be arranged, (minimum number of participants required). Andrew Barton’s attention to detail and personal service - from the moment he is commissioned to the day he presents the finished album - combine to create wedding portraiture of matchless quality. Photography can begin at the bride’s home, then move on to the marriage service and the reception, all the time capturing those precious moments that make each couple’s wedding day unique. A preview album awaits the bride and groom’s return from honeymoon, (also viewable at www.andrew-barton.co.uk) after which three albums choices are available. The Platinium service - a sumptuous hand-tooled leather wedding book containing up to 50 images, plus three pocket-sized books of photographs and a complimentary full-colour calendar of 12 wedding scenes. A supplement will secure two additional smaller leather-bound replica wedding books. The Gold service provides an Italian leather album of up to 50 photographs presented in a matching attaché case, while the Silver service comes with an album of up to 40 images supplied with a matching attaché case. Andrew speaks for all the businesses at Bankers Chambers when he says: ‘Your wedding day is as important to us as it is to you. We’re all committed to ensuring our services combine to make your wedding day one of the happiest days of your life.’ Sale 1st October Up to 50% off selected gowns 10% off all orders placed for this month Be revitalised in body and mind Sara and Yvonne have combined the most relaxing treatments so you will look and feel fantastic on your special day Bridal Bliss • • • • • Aromatic Body Treatment Custom Made Facial of Bride Zen Spa Pedicure Jessica Manicure Also includes eyelash tinting and eyebrow shape We also offer Madina Make-up, St. Tropez Tanning and many more exciting treatments for that special day. Unit 3, Bankers Chambers, Peel Street, Ramsey Telephone Sara or Yvonne 814922 Weddings EXCLUSIVE WEDDING PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • ADVERTISING • PR • PORTRAITS • WEDDINGS Unit 1, Bankers Chambers, Peel Street, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 1JH Tel: 01624 817817 • Fax: 01624 817819 • Mobile: 07624 480040 Web: www.andrew-barton.co.uk • Email: [email protected] BRIDAL HOUSE BRIDAL HOUSE and DRESSMAKERS WORKSHOP 2a Bankers Chambers • Peel Street • Ramsey Call in or telephone 814898 for an appointment (also evenings) www.bridalhouse.co.im Gown pictured by Pronovias 2006 Page 4 The Basics I Specialists dedicated to Bridal and Evening wear Exclusive selection of Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaids, dresses, shoes and accessories • Occasion, Evening wear and Hats for hire and sale, sizes 6 - 30 • Mens and Boys Formal Wedding wear and Tuxedos now available for hire Located in Victoria Street, central Douglas, Elizabeth’s stocks a selection of exclusive wedding gowns including D’zage, Romantica and Mikaella and bridesmaids’ dresses by Dessy and D’zage. Choose the ideal accessories from veils and tiaras to elegant hats and shoes by Shalimar. Personal, friendly service and useful advice, if required, is extended to everyone. Select delightful outfits for the children in your wedding party. This includes boys’ wear and dresses for your flower girls that complement the bridal gown. Wedding attire for the groom, groomsmen and ushers is available for hire and Elizabeth’s selection of evening wear and cocktail dresses is just the thing for wedding guests. If your budget is at full stretch, ask about the easy payment plan to spread the cost so that you can afford the wedding gown of your dreams. n the Isle of Man the rules of getting married are mainly the same as in the UK but there are one or two slight differences. In a church belonging to the Church of England, no reference to the Civil Registrar is necessary in the Isle of Man and enquiries should be made to the vicar of the desired church. Other than that, marriages can be solemnised by the certificate and licence of a Registrar. At the moment the Isle of Man doesn’t allow for marriage ceremonies in locations other than the church or a Registrar’s office. You will require documentation before the ceremony can take place. When one of the parties has been previously married then they must produce the relevant paperwork to prove that they are divorced or widowed. Both parties must produce a birth certificate and the Registrar will also require any documents to show a change of name by deed poll or statutory declaration. The minimum age for marriage in the Island is 16 years and parental consent is required for those between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. There is, in common with most places, a residency requirement attached to marriage in the Isle of Man. This means that either the groom or the bride must have been resident within the registration district of the proposed wedding for 15 days. That person must then sign the ‘Notice of Marriage’, which is a legal document that states their intention to marry. If the wedding is to take place in church then the bride and groom are usually expected to attend a Sunday service for three consecutive weeks before the wedding ceremony where their banns will be read to publicly give notice of their intention to marry. The vicar will advise you about this. Make enquiries in plenty of time about the required documentation and any other legal or clerical requirements so that you are not caught out. Mother of the Bride Make the right impact on your big day 8-12 Main Road Onchan Church Plans I f you are hoping to marry in church you will need to make an appointment to see the vicar. This should be done before any other plans are made to make sure that the vicar is free to marry you on the date you have chosen. At the initial meeting, the vicar will probably want to chat to you about yourselves and your understanding of the serious commitment required by marriage and your marriage vows. Once a date and time has been agreed you will probably require subsequent meetings to arrange the order of service, which hymns you would like, any arrangements involving the organist, bell ringers, choir or vocalist. You will also need to check the rules regarding flowers, decorations, photography and filming inside the church and the use of confetti outside. There will be fees attached to any services supplied by these people and a fee relating to the marriage certificate and other church facilities. A date and time for the rehearsal will also need to be agreed upon but the vicar will be able to guide you on what needs to be done. Tel 678506 11 Malew Street Castletown Tel 827713 Charles Alexander are proud to introduce... Precious designs of wedding rings, the majority of them elaborated in two-tone and richly set with diamonds Premium Collection Inspiration Collection Creative Ten Avril Harvey MINA, MGPBT Creative Nail Academy Trained For all your wedding day nails and your honeymoon toes, come to 53 Victoria Street. Douglas Tel 617500 Open 9.30 - 5.30 Mon - Sat (Saturday: Appointments Recommended) Wedding ring designs inspired by the latest trends, unias well as two-tone Creative Ten @ Ron Smith’s Strand Shopping Centre, Douglas Bridal packages can include: Acrylic Nail Enhancements • Nail and Toe Art Manicures • Pedicures Home visits are available upon request(Minimum of 3 clients per booking - Home visits may incur a surcharge) Please call for your free consultation, prices and your appointments 614309 - 417221 Basic Collection Classical wedding ring, uni- as well as two-tone Dreams are a part of our lives and for many happy couples, dreams do come true. As you look forward to sharing your future together, you will be selecting ringssymbols of your love and affection. The special love you share will find expression in beautiful rings in white, yellow and rose gold and the pure, platinum. By introducing silk and matte textures to rings, they become contemporary with a strong designer element. You can combine these with diamonds, ultimately express yourself in your own design. With a 9ct plain 3mm wedding ring starting from £35 at Charles Alexander leave enough time in your plans to have a consultation at least 6-8 weeks before the big day. This allows for handmade rings to be correct and sizes to be exact. So no matter how unusual your engagement ring is our bespoke fitting service will complement it perfectly. Page 5 Kiss and Make Up Headlines I t’s important to get your make up right on your wedding day as you will be the star of photographs and videos which will bring back happy memories for years to come. It is a good idea to experiment and practise with various make up styles before the day or, if you’re not confident of your own skills, seek the advice of a qualified beautician. Many of them will offer an initial free consultation as part of the service and you can probably book a manicure at the same time to ensure your hands are as beautifully turned out as your face. If you have fine lines around your eyes and mouth or are prone to dark circles around the eyes then a light-reflecting finish is best. This also helps to conceal dry skin as the products help your skin gleam. In the run up to your wedding, drink lots of water to assist the hydrating process. The bronzed look suits most skin types and can be a useful cover for fine lines and other blemishes but be careful that your treatment isn’t too dark as it will make you look older. For an oily skin a matte finish is the ideal choice and it will also help to conceal deep wrinkles, as the non-shiny finish won’t seep into lines or open pores. Sparkling skin is great if you’re young and you have a normal skin type and this can be achieved with a shimmer finish. It can help to improve the appearance of slightly spotty skin if used in conjunction with full foundation and powder but isn’t recommended if you have fine lines, wrinkles or dark circles. A long lasting lipstick is also a must, as you won’t have time to constantly retouch your make up. If your wedding celebrations run right through from the ceremony to the evening party, you should equip yourself with some suitable items to reinforce your daytime look and make it a little bolder for more of a party effect. Book yourself in to a salon for advice, treatment and relaxing massage on the run up to your wedding to ensure that you’re in tip top condition when the day arrives. The right beauty treatments can make you look and feel a million dollars on your wedding day and will enhance your appearance for photographic and video purposes to capture a radiant image for all time. P erfect hair is essential for your wedding day so don’t leave anything to chance. Start planning the colour, style and any decorations you want in your hair. Start really looking after your hair condition a few months in advance if possible. Invest in good quality hair products and eat a nutritious, balanced diet. Experiment with different styles until you find one you like. Most hairdressers will now provide a pre-wedding consultation so that you can have a practise run before the day. Your hairdresser will also tell you how long she will need to do your hair on your wedding day and suggest a suitable time to fit the appointment around your other plans. If you plan to have your hair coloured try out various shades with semi-permanents before having any permanent colour change made. Make sure that the shade you choose compliments your skin tone and that the style and length of your hair flatters your face shape. Frame a square face with subtle layers to soften the edges. A long face will appear longer if you have a centre parting so opt for a side parting to widen your face. Heart shapes benefit from a style with width at the chin and a slightly off centre parting but be careful not to have a sweeping fringe as this will widen your forehead even more. On a round face the length of your hair should be past your chin and the sides shaped around your face. An oval shape tends to carry off almost any style so just go for the one you prefer. To a certain extent your wedding day hairstyle will be dictated by whether or not you intend to wear a veil. If you plan curls in dead straight hair or straightening normally curly hair then try wearing your hair like this a few times before you get married to see if you feel comfortable. Look your best. Suppliers of exquisite wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, tiaras, feathers, veils and shoes tailored for your special day The Wedding Room • Complimentary wedding room design co-ordinator • Bespoke wedding day menus • Stunning views over Port Erin bay • Fantastic photographic opportunities THE PERFECT WEDDING LOCATION FOR THE PERFECT DAY Graingers at Bradda Glen, Port Erin Tel: 833166 Manx Jewellers in Peel Celtic Archibald Knox & Manx Design Jewellery Manx Gaelic Rings Graih Gyn Jerrey Love Without End Plus An extensive range of stone set rings in platinum, white gold & yellow gold Choose from our large stock or made to your own design Mannin Kilt Hire Manx tartan kilts made to measure or for hire with full accessories Manufactured in Peel Tel 843737 5 Michael Street • Peel email: [email protected] Perfection Nails and beauty in the comfort of your own home Let me take the stress away and visit you on your big day • Pre wedding packages also available • For a free consultation and advice please contact Catherine on 812614 465381 Aurora Brides is conveniently located at the top of Summerhill in Onchan with free parking available right outside. It’s easy to spot as its beautiful, eye-catching window display offers just a taste of the exquisite selection of bridal wear available inside. Each bride-to-be is given personal service and advice tailored to individual style and wedding requirements. Bridesmaids’ dresses, shoes, tiaras, veils and other accessories are all available so you can choose your bridal gown with matching accessories and select your bridesmaids’ outfits in the same establishment. If you need handy tips, useful ideas and honest advice you can guarantee friendly and helpful guidance at Aurora Brides to ensure that your special day is perfect. aurora Brides 6 Summerhill Road • Onchan Te l 0 1 6 2 4 6 6 4 0 8 8 (opposite Onchan Petrol Station) Page 6 Handy Tips • If you are going abroad for your honeymoon or you are getting married somewhere exotic, have any vaccinations in plenty of time to allow time to recover from any reaction to the vaccine before your trip. • Hold your hen and stag nights at least a week before your wedding to give yourselves time to make a full recovery from any excesses. • Take off your engagement ring and any other chunky jewellery before putting on your dress to avoid the jewellery settings and catches snagging the material of your dress. • Carry your theme through to your hair and accessories. For example a fifties theme might include fifties hairstyles and fifties style clothing. • Get everyone to help with the final touches. Friends and family will usually lend a hand with last minute details such as table decorations or writing place cards. • Try to use seasonal flowers for your inspiration. Not only are they cheaper but also they will help to enhance your chosen theme. • Think about lighting to create the desired atmosphere. Use fairy lights or candles rather than glaring overhead lighting for a soft, romantic atmosphere. • Develop your own signature style by designing a colour palette that’s personal to you and incorporate it into all aspects of your day. • Decorate your venues with soft, natural colours to create a calm and welcoming ambience for your guests. • Choose a venue that reflects your theme and mood. For modern chic choose somewhere minimalist and stylish with an uncluttered look and the use of modern materials such as chrome and glass. Colours like ivory, green and lavender will avoid any clashes and should complement a modern interior. More vibrant, warm colours will enhance a more traditional venue and complement a traditional setting. Flower Power F lowers have always played a major role in making wedding days special so make sure you visit your florist in plenty of time. The time of year will probably have a bearing on which flowers you include in your bouquets and floral arrangements and your chosen colour scheme will also be taken into account. For a spring wedding you might try simple blooms like sweet peas, tulips and peonies or the more formal lilies and orchids. Summer favours flowers which last well in warm weather and white gives a fresh clean image. An autumn bouquet might reflect the fiery colours of the season with dahlias and gerbera and possibly the inclusion of leaves and berries. In winter you could contrast a striking white theme with dramatic deep red roses and rich green leaves. The bride and bridesmaids often choose to wear matching flowers in their hair. Fresh flowers are always a good choice but silk ones are now very realistic and will be guaranteed not to droop by the end of the day. The concept of adding non-floral elements to bouquets is becoming a very fashionable way to personalize the flower arrangements. Flowers can be used to decorate the church and the reception venue and floral arrangements on the tables add colour and style. It’s still fashionable for the men and other key figures in the wedding party to wear ‘buttonholes’ so decide who will be wearing one and order them in plenty of time. Florists will often deliver flower arrangements and buttonholes to the appropriate venue at a pre-arranged time. Stylish Stationary Y our wedding stationery can range from a simple, printed card to an engraved quality card with personalised details. Prices also cover a wide spectrum so check your budget and choose carefully. If you have only a small number of guests you may wish to splash out a bit on the invitations. A large guest list, however, may necessitate slightly cheaper alternatives. When choosing the design of your stationery, bear in mind the colour scheme and any themes attached to the big day and try to coordinate your stationery with these. Samples can be obtained from stationery suppliers, some for free and others for a small fee. Handmade invitations are generally made of handmade materials and some can even be designed specially for you so that they are unique. Printed stationery is available from most stationers and other stores and there is a huge choice of designs from modern to traditional you’re certain to find one to suit your occasion. These can be bulk ordered which can help to keep costs down. Nowadays, do-it-yourself invitations are also an option. If you are creative and you have the time this will add a very personal touch to your stationery and will also help to keep costs down. Make sure you order the required stationery in plenty of time as companies have many other orders to produce particularly at popular times of the year. Besides the invitations to the daytime and evening celebrations, you will also need to think about the order of other stationery such as order-of-service cards, menus, place cards and thank you cards. If you would like to notify certain guests of your wedding date before they receive the formal invitation you can also buy save-the-date cards that can be sent up to a year in advance. Well Groomed T he focus of the wedding tends to be on the bride and her dress and in the past the groom was just expected to turn up looking tidy and reasonably dressed. Nowadays, there are plenty of options for the groom so his outfit can be just as appropriate to the theme of the day as hers is. Ideally all the gentlemen in the wedding party should have the same look although the groom may choose some defining differences. As a general rule Morning suits can be worn if the wedding is before 3pm Lounge or day suits are popular as they consist of a smart suit, which can be used after the wedding. The dinner suit tends to be suitable for weddings later in the day as it is the standard formal evening wear. If you are Scottish then highland dress is appropriate. Choose your own clan’s tartan for the kilt and team it with a jacket or doublet. Add a sporran, stockings, laced brogues, jabot, cuff and Skean Dhu. If you are not Scottish but want to wear a kilt, opt for Stewart or Gordon tartans. If you are in the armed forces you may want to wear your dress uniform as can any groomsman who is also in the armed forces. If these outfits are a one off and you will not wear them again or you feel you can’t really stretch your budget that far then go to an outfit hire specialist and choose whatever you want. This means you can have the outfits you dream of without breaking the bank. Daydreams Perfect Venue The for your Couture or the best in exclusive bespoke bridal wear make an appointment with Lynn Christiansen at Daydreams Couture. Designer Lynn is a fully qualified dressmaker, a Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen and she has won awards for customer care, business excellence and design. She’s been producing stunning bridal wear for 30 years and specialises in boned bodices, beading and embroidery. Lynn designs unique bridal and bridesmaids dresses plus elegant waistcoats and cravats for the gentlemen but will also accommodate sundry bridal alterations. Lynn will make sure you look and feel extra special on your wedding day. F perfect day T his beautiful, long-established Hotel is situated in the north of the Island in an attractive setting. This makes it the ideal location for your wedding reception or any other large function. The facilities available in this superb hotel include The Islanders Brasserie and the family friendly Bay Room Restaurant serving dishes to suit all tastes. The Rental Office • Peel Road Douglas • Isle of Man • IM1 4LX The Arrivals Hall • Isle of Man Airport Isle of Man • IM9 2AS Tel: 01624 822481 Fax: 01624 827764 web: www.athol.co.im email: [email protected] The Wedding Planner Have your perfect day Your fairytale way The Grand Island Bride Road • Ramsey • 812455 Email: [email protected] Your whole day organised from start to finish. Specialists in fairytale weddings. Creative Approach David O’Flanagan Managing Director Tel 457925 Registered Wedding Planner Traditional excellence in bridal gown design Exclusive to: Lynn Christiansen By appointment only Tel: 07624 459182 Page 7 The Dress A ll brides are beautiful and the dress should help them feel that way. With so many styles to choose from it quite a task to find the perfect gown that’s just right for your body. Some dresses that look great on the store racks may not flatter your particular body characteristics so take your time, look around and take advice from the experts at local bridal shops who will encourage brides to try different ideas when shopping for their dress. They will also help you to pick a dress that will accentuate your positive features while de-emphasizing the negative ones. Bear in mind that alterations, as well as the right undergarments, can make a dramatic difference to the way a dress looks and feels. A bodice with a lot of decoration will make the most of a small bust and a sweetheart neckline is also very flattering. Larger sizes will benefit from a dress made from a fluid fabric to softly skim your curves. Try a skirt with different layers or diagonal tiers. A dress with an A line skirt smoothly glides over the hips while a corset style back provides support for a full bust and helps make the waist look smaller. If you have full hips consider an a-line or ball gown with a dropped waist to slender the torso and choose shapes and fabrics that will skim the body rather than stick to it. If you have a thick waist avoid wedding dresses with a seam at the natural waist or dresses with gathered skirts. Try an empire waist and a decorated bodice to create a flattering hourglass shape. Draw attention away from the waist area with a unique neckline. A petite bride should take care not to buy a dress that swamps her. Bulky bows, elaborate embellishments and other large decorations on the dress can be overpowering on a small frame. Choose a style that gives the illusion of height such as princess shapes, sheaths, empire cuts or a-lines with delicate detailing. It’s a good idea to find pictures of dresses you like to take with you when you go shopping for your dress and take an honest friend or relative to help you make a flattering choice. Make sure your dress is comfortable, as you’ll be wearing it all day and try to choose a fabric that doesn’t crease too easily. There are many beautiful styles and fabrics to choose from so make sure you start looking for the perfect dress in plenty of time before the big day so you don’t have to rush into one of the most important choices you’ll ever have to make. Wedding Finance T here are a number of questions to consider before planning and budgeting your wedding. Who is paying for what is probably the biggest you will face. Traditionally, the bride’s family was expected to carry the majority of the financial burden but things have changed and it’s rare that this is now a foregone conclusion. It is common now for the couple to want to finance at least part of their wedding expenses and it’s also common for both families to contribute. After you have organised a plan for who is paying what, the next question is how extravagant you want the wedding to be. You may decide to really push the boat out or just to stick with the bare essentials. Work out the rough costs of everything, find out how much you and your families can realistically afford and then, if you find your budget is a bit short of funds to finance the wedding of your dreams you can turn to banks and other finance companies for help. Many of these establishments will now grant loans to help you to spread the cost of your dream wedding and an exotic honeymoon so that you don’t have to wait for years while you save enough to pay outright. UNDER COVER A year ago Betty Blue relocated to the first floor of Betty Red, offering fantastic wedding lingerie from traditional to modern chic. Choose the style and material of your wedding dress then go as soon as possible to Betty Blue for advice about the most suitable underwear to enhance your outfit. Glen Helen Inn Flattering lingerie is an essential on your wedding day so buy or order early to avoid disappointment. A M O D E R N A P P ROAC H TO A T R A D I T I O NA L S E T T I N G The newly refurbished Glen View Lounge offers a riverside location and stylish sophistication. Designed to cater for up to 100 people seated The Glen View Lounge offers a tranquil setting and scenic views • Perfect for your special day • The Glen Helen Inn offers tailor-made packages to suit your requirements, with friendly help on hand to answer any questions. The attentive staff and talented chefs at the Glen Helen Inn make every effort to make your special day as perfect as possible • Also offering 14 ensuite rooms, in a peaceful location designed with traditional furniture, perfect for the countryside hotel. Discounted rates are on offer to wedding guests • Come for a show round to see for yourself why the Glen Helen Inn is the undoubtedly the best place for your wedding reception Call Scott or Adele on 801294 11 Castle Street (above Betty Red) Taking the plunge! For that Special day visit Belles & Bows of Castletown Located in Arbory Street in Castletown, Belles and Bows is designed to make choosing your wedding gown a comfortable and stress free experience. You can take your time choosing from an excellent selection of fashionable, elegant designer dresses and accessories including shoes, tiaras, combs and veils. Professional advice and information is offered if required and everyone receives friendly individual service. Bridesmaids’ dresses are also available so that you can coordinate the overall look of your wedding party and purchase appropriate accessories. A qualified seamstress is on hand to make any necessary alterations. A flexible approach to appointments means that times outside of shop opening hours can be arranged if necessary. Keep up with the latest information from Belles and Bows by looking at the website on www.belles-bows.com We invite you to our Wedding Fayre to be held at Mount Murray on Sunday 25th September 2pm - 5pm ✺ ✺ ✺ ✺ ✺ ✺ ✺ Special Offer Place your deposit on a bridal gown within one month of this advertisement and receive a free bridesmaid dress! Book your appointment now to avoid disappointment Cheeky hen nights start here! Glen Helen, St Johns, Isle of Man Tel: 01624 801294 Email: [email protected] www.glenheleninn.com B e c a u s e Yo u ’ r e Gorgeous Wedding Hair and Make-up Artist Helping you look and feel good on your special day Kat O’Hanlon Tel: (07624) 411889 Email: [email protected] Why not call in to our reception and view the wide range of wedding stationery we have to offer? You can sit and browse or even take the books home to decide. For more information call Jeanette or Hilary on 695623/695624 Publishing House, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 5PZ http://www.iomtoday.co.im exclusive at Belles & Bows ✺ ✺ ✺ ✺ ✺ For further details contact Rachel on 827870 ✺ ✺ Page 8 Flash Bang Wallop Get Away with it The Glen Helen Function Room T T he photographs and/or video of your special day will be a treasured memento that you can enjoy for years to come. It’s therefore vitally important to make sure they are well produced and of a high quality which will probably mean hiring a professional to do the job. These precious moments can never again be recaptured so, while it might save some cash to get cousin Fred and his camcorder to do the honours, there’s no guarantee that he will capture the right people or the right atmosphere with his amateur footage and you may end up disappointed. Its a Gift S it down and have a think about what the two of you will actually need for your married life. Many couples nowadays have already been living together for a while and so they’ve already got their household basics. If this is the case then your gift list could include luxury household items that you wouldn’t buy in the normal course of events. If you are just setting up home together then your list will obviously include more basic items. Couples sometimes worry that putting together a gift list is a little rude but it’s better to compile a list of things you’d like that combines a range of prices everyone can afford. Although it’s nice for guests to use their imagination where gifts are concerned they often prefer some guidance as to exactly what you would like and this also helps to avoid the scenario of the couple ending up with three toasters etc. If you’d rather just have cash, setting up a gift card available from most big department stores can spare embarrassment. It’s then up to the individual how much they want to contribute and the money is then stored in your account. You could also ask for vouchers from a store of your choice so that you can use them as you wish after the wedding. If you really have everything you could possibly wish for and don’t want gifts, another option is to ask guests to contribute to a charity or charities of your choice. This satisfies the guests’ desire to give you something and gives you a feelgood factor that people less fortunate have benefited from your happy occasion. Wedding & Events Fair A3 Island Marquees at The Nunnery Sunday 2nd October, 11.30am - 4.30pm Isle of Man International Business School T: +44 (0)1624 693700 E: [email protected] W: www.ibs.ac.im A "Wedding & Events Fair" will be held at The Nunnery Estate, Old Castletown Road, Douglas on Sunday 2nd October 2005.The fair is a joint initiative between The Isle of Man International Business School (who are based at The Nunnery) and A3 Island Marquees Ltd. Lets Party T he most important thing when planning your reception is to choose and book the preferred venue as early as possible. As soon as you’ve set the date, make a list of possible venues and make an appointment to discuss availability and the wedding packages on offer in each one. Make a booking as soon as possible as the most popular places are sometimes pre-booked a year in advance and if you leave it too long you may not get your first choice. Ask about the catering arrangements and decide whether you want a buffet or a sit down meal or both during the course of the day. This may well depend upon the time of the wedding ceremony. You will also need to decide how much you are putting behind the bar for drinks and choose the drinks you wish to be provided to welcome your guests as they arrive. The wedding party and guests from further afield will probably require rooms for the night, which an hotel venue can usually provide. Many establishments will have experienced staff that can advise and guide you on the most suitable arrangements for your particular circumstances. Summer receptions are often held in a marquee, which adds a garden party atmosphere to the proceedings; all you need is enough space. A marquee specialist will provide and erect the marquee and an independent caterer can be engaged to provide the food and drinks. When planning a reception, the ultimate aim is to ensure that everyone has a good time. Once the formalities are over then the fun really begins so it’s important to book the services of your preferred DJ, band or entertainer well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you’re not sure where to find something appropriate, there are agencies that can make suggestions and help with bookings. The day before you may need to visit the reception venue to deliver table decorations, flower arrangements and decorative additions such as personalised napkins. You will also need to check that everything is in place for the wedding day. When producing your table plan, make sure it is large and clear. It’s often a nice idea to give each table a name rather than numbering them, try local parish names for example. Each guest should have a place card on their table showing their name and the modern wedding often has little gifts or ‘favours’ at each place setting. If anyone is invited with an unknown partner or guest, make sure you find out their name so that they too can have a personally named place card. All you have to do then is have a great time celebrating your wedding. he idea of getting away from all the hassles of a wedding at home by marrying abroad can seem very attractive but before you decide, make sure you know what to expect if you marry in a foreign land. If the thought of a sandy beach, blue skies and sparkling seas appeals to you then you could look into marrying in an exotic location. Marrying abroad can also relieve the headaches of sending numerous invitations, finding a suitable venue, ordering flowers and transport etc. Tour companies often have specialist packages for weddings and they will organise the entire thing unless you would prefer to do it yourself. After the wedding ceremony you can also stay put for your honeymoon, which saves travelling after the event. The easiest way to organise a wedding abroad is to make use of tour operators who have dedicated wedding staff who can answer all your questions and arrange every detail. If you do book a wedding package, check exactly what is included as you may wish to organise certain parts of it yourself. It is possible to organise your own wedding abroad but you would need some careful research on the legal requirements of your chosen destination. Your first step is to contact the consulate or embassy of the country where you intend to marry for advice. It’s wise to invest in an insurance policy as well as holiday insurance to cover all eventualities from the loss of the dress to your wedding being prevented by a hurricane. Residency and legal requirements Most countries have residency rules for getting married, but this is usually only a few days. Tour operators will deal with the legalities for you but if you are arranging everything yourself you will need accurate advice from the consulate or embassy of the country concerned. Documents Birth certificates Valid 10-year passport Affidavit/statutory declaration confirming your single status Decree absolute if divorced Previous spouse’s death certificate if you are widowed Parental consent if you are under 18 [21 in some countries]. Make sure there are no spelling discrepancies in names and other details in your passport, birth certificates etc. or your wedding could be cancelled. This unexpected hitch was recently highlighted in a television documentary which showed that even one wrong letter could disrupt everything. In most cases, where it is indicated that visas are required, you are responsible for obtaining these yourselves. These can take some time to come through so contact the relevant embassy as soon as possible. Check whether you need any inoculations for your chosen destination and get them done well in advance so you have had time to recover from any reactions. Six months before the wedding shop for your dress, send out invitations to give guests plenty of time to make travel arrangements and start buying accessories and clothes to suit the climate. Just beforehand, make sure all tickets and documents are in order, organise packing everything as carefully as possible. Label your luggage and check travel times. Then away you go for a fantastic, romantic wedding in the setting of your dreams.. The event taking place on the Nunnery lawns inside an A3 Marquee represents a double first for the Island: It is the first wedding and events fair to ever take place at the Nunnery Estate as well as being the first ever to take place inside a marquee! The event is a is an absolute must for anybody planning an event over the next 12 -18 months. Marquees are set up on the Nunnery Grounds for all manner of events during the year, from the Tynwald Garden Party to weddings and corporate functions.The "Wedding & Events Fair" will give people the ideal chance to see for themselves just what an impressive setting the Nunnery Estate is for a marquee event and to actually see a marquee set up on the lawns. Inside the marquee will be a whole range of exhibitors including dress makers, florists, caterers, entertainers, stationers and much much more! There will even be a chocolate fountain on display as well as live shows and demonstrations throughout the day. The event will open at 11am and close at 4pm. Parking will be available and entrance is free of charge. Anybody interested in taking out a stand at the "Wedding & Events Fair" should contact Michelle Robson at the Isle of Man International Business School on 693701 or email: [email protected] WIN 50% OFF A WEDDING DRESS FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION Competition Finish this sentence: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something ........ Send your answer to Aurora Brides Prize Draw, Isle of Man Newspapers, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5PZ, by 14th Oct. 2005. Answer: .................................................................................................. Mr Mrs Miss Ms Other........................................ Firstname..........................Surname..................................... Address ........................................................................................................................ aurora Brides 6 Summerhill Road • Onchan • Isle of Man IM3 1LZ (opposite Onchan petrol station) Tel: 664088 • www.aurorabrides.co.uk Tel...........................Mobile....................email................................................................ Competition Rules 1. No employees of Isle of Man Newspapers, companies associated with the competition or their families are eligible to enter the competition. 2. All entries must be received at Isle of Man Newspapers by close of business on the stated closing date. 3. Lost, delayed, damaged, incomplete or illegible entries will not be accepted. No responsibility is accepted for entries which are lost, delayed or damaged in the post. Proof of posting is not proof of delivery. 4. The prize is as stated - no alternative is available. 5. The promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. The winner must co-operate for publicity purposes. 7. The promoter is Isle of Man Newspapers, Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man. tick if you do not want your details passed on to Aurora Brides