northamptonshire december/winter 2013

20
Northamptonshire — December/Winter 2013 Issue 3 Your local guide for all your wedding requirements. Designed to bring local suppliers and local couples together. Plus Mood Boards, Events Diary and ideas on products for your Wedding Day. FREE - Venue Review The Ritz Banqueting & Conference Suites - Create your own Stationery - Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring - ‘A Day in the Life of a Wedding Band’ with The Players

Upload: localwedconnect

Post on 23-Mar-2016

220 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

The 3rd issue of Local Wedding Connections magazine for Northamptonshire

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Northamptonshire — December/Winter 2013 Issue 3

Your local guide for all your wedding requirements.

Designed to bring local suppliers and

local couples together.

Plus Mood Boards, Events Diary

and ideas on products for your

Wedding Day.

FREE

- Venue Review

The Ritz Banqueting & Conference Suites

- Create your own Stationery

- Pick the Perfect Engagement Ring

- ‘A Day in the Life of a Wedding Band’

with The Players

Page 2: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

2 Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.

Visit our website www.localweddingconnections.co.uk

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/LocalWeddingConnections

Page 3: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 3

Events Noticeboard Page 4

Create the Stationery of Dreams Page 7

Winter Mood Board Page 8

A Day in the Life of…..

A Wedding Band

Page 9

Caption Competition Page 11

‘Mr & Mrs’ or ‘Lord & Lady’ Page 13

Venue Review - The Ritz Banqueting &

Conference Suites

Page 14

8 Ways to Pick the Perfect

Engagement Ring

Page 15

Inside this issue:

Hello and welcome to the third issue of our magazine. Well winter is now upon us and we’ve put together a Mood Board with some Winter themed ideas (Page 8) and I have also been testing some Christmas products from LUSH - you can see what I thought of them on Page 12.

I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting two titled people, Lord of Blackrod and Lady Fratton from Liberty Hundred at the iCon in Daventry and you could have a title to your name too, just read their article on Page 13 to find out how.

There is also another Venue Review (Page 14) and a “Day in the Life of…” article (Page 9) which I plan on keeping as regular features in future magazines.

As always I would love to hear your views on anything in the magazine, or if there is something you would like to see in here. Maybe you’ve found a fantastic local supplier you would recommend or perhaps you would like some advice for your wedding plans. Whatever it is, please get in touch via our contact details below.

Finally, I would just like to thank you for reading our magazine & wish you all a fantastic New Year for 2014.

Lorraine Thurman (Editor)

This magazine has been printed by: While every effort is taken to ensure the content of this magazine is accurate and up to date, ‘Local Wedding Connections’ cannot be held

responsible for any omissions or errors. Local Wedding Connections cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from

artwork supplied by its advertisers

‘Local Wedding Connections’ does not endorse any of the businesses, products or services advertised.

Copyright on all written material and artwork produced by ‘Local Wedding Connections’ remains with ‘Local Wedding Connections’.

This magazine is intended for personal use and must not be copied, sold or reproduced in any form without prior written consent of Local

Wedding Connections. For more Terms & Conditions, please visit our website.

www.weatherbys.co.uk

0758 161 9085

[email protected]

@LocalWedConnect

LocalWeddingConnections

www.localweddingconnections.co.uk

2 Cabot Close, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6SL

localwedconnect

http://localweddingconnections.tumblr.com

http://localweddingconnections.freeforums.org

Contact Information:

The next issue will be out on

3rd March 2014.

Print deadline for all adverts & articles is

Friday 14th February 2014.

Cover photograph supplied by ‘Design & Edit Photography’

Website: www.designandeditphotography.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/designandedit

Page 4: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 4

Events Noticeboard

Do you have a Wedding Fair that you would like to advertise in this magazine and on our website - for FREE!

www.localweddingconnections.co.uk/wedding-fairs--local-events.html

Just email [email protected] with all the details of your event.

Budget Bride Company

Wedding Fairs

The Eden Centre, 21 Montague Street,

Kettering, NN16 8XG

Sunday 2nd February 2014

3pm - 7pm

The Ruby Lounge at Diana's Health & Fitness,

109E Finedon Road, Wellingborough, NN8 4AL

Sunday 16th February 2014

11am - 3pm

www.budgetbridecompany.co.uk/#/wedding-

fairs/4570979712

Events by I Do

Wedding Fair

Billing Aquadrome, Crow Lane, Great Billing , Northampton, NN3 9DA

Sunday 2nd March 2014

TBC

www.eventsbyido.co.uk/Billing-Wedding-Fayre1.html

Edward Lewis Wedding Fair

Sedgebrook Hall, Chapel Brampton,Northampton, NN6 8BD

Sunday 19th January 2014

11am - 4pm

www.edwardlewisweddings.com/page11aa.html

The Hunsbury Hill Centre

Wedding Fayre

Harksome Hill, Northampton, NN4 9QX

Sunday 18th May 2014

11am - 3pm

www.hunsburyhillcentre.co.uk/

The National Wedding Show

21st - 23rd February 2014

(Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm)

Olympia, London

28th February - 2nd March 2014

(Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm)

NEC Birmingham

15th - 16th March 2014

(Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm)

Manchester Central

www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk

Page 5: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 5

Advertise in the Magazine

Full Page (185mm x 270mm) £280

Back Cover (Full page) £350

Inside Front Cover (Full page) £300

Double Page Spread £500

Half Page (185mm x 130mm) or £175

Quarter Page (90mm x 130mm) or £95

Eighth Page (90mm x 62mm) £50

Directory Listing (Up to 6 lines of text + 1 or 2 photos) £25

All magazine adverts also include a listing on our website for the duration of your advert.

All website listings contain a direct link to your own website (and Facebook page if relevant).

Website listings can contain up to 6 lines of text and 2 photos/logo.

www.localweddingconnections.co.uk/northamptonshire.html

Page 6: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

6 Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.

Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/LocalWedConnect

We participate regularly on these hours too:

#Northantshour - Thursdays 8-9pm

#weddinghour - Wednesdays 9-10pm

#weddingoclock - Sundays 9-10pm

Join our new #Weddingdaychat Mondays & Fridays 9pm-10pm

https://twitter.com/WeddingDayChat

Page 7: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 7

Weddings are an expensive business, however the average spend for this most

romantic of events is steadily declining: since 2010, the average cost of a wedding has

fallen from £19,779 to £14,441*. Whatever the reasons for this, going down the ‘DIY’

route is a great way to reduce costs without having to compromise on those ‘nice to

have’ extras. Wedding stationery is one area where it is possible to have your –

wedding – cake and eat it, as with careful planning and good design you can create

professional looking stationery yourself at a fraction of the cost compared to purchasing it ready-made, sometimes saving as

much as 50% or even more depending on volume.

Not only does creating your own wedding stationery save you money, there are lots of other advantages: you can create

a suite of stationery that is truly personal with a design that is unique and meaningful to you; absolutely everything can

co-ordinate, from ‘save the date’ cards, through to orders of service, wedding favours, place cards, thank you notelets and even

your guestbook; you are in control, which means you can ensure each item made looks exactly as you want it and you can

work to your own timescales. Lastly, it can be great fun – making your own stationery is a great way to involve the groom, or

other family members, with each taking responsibility for a certain element. Equally, it can

be a great opportunity for a pre-wedding get-together with friends, or even a hen activity

to make the table favours and any other items that don’t need to be sent out in advance.

If you’re reading this and like the idea, but are thinking to yourself ‘I’m not a crafty-

creative type, I just wouldn’t know where to start’ that’s where I come in! As an

independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator, I can supply a fully co-ordinated range of

cardstock, ink, ribbons and embellishments in such a wide range of colours that you are

sure to find something to tone in with your chosen colour scheme. In addition, Stampin’

Up! has an extensive range of stamps, punches and framelits that enable you to tie in

your design to your chosen theme with ease, from classically elegant, to quirky and fun.

The service I offer goes beyond simply supplying the materials you will need

though: more importantly, I provide a free of charge two hour consultation where we can

discuss ideas, themes and fully understand your requirements in order to tailor a solution

that fully meets your needs and budget. Once we have agreed the key elements, I will

then go away and work up your chosen design for all elements of your wedding stationery

package, from ‘save the date’ cards to thank you notelets and everything in between. I

will compile a complete shopping list of all of the items you will need to produce your chosen design along with accurate costs.

On delivery of your chosen supplies, I will provide you with complete detailed step-by-step instructions and

measurements, in written, photographic or video formats, that will make it easy for you to recreate your chosen design in your

own home at your convenience. I will be available to answer your queries along the way if you need any help or advice. I can

also arrange a private class or party and come along to help you kick-start the making process**. This is a great time to enlist

the help of your bridesmaids or other family and friends for a day or evening – you’ll complete your stationery in no time and

have lots of crafty fun along the way. You never know, you might find it opens up a whole new world of papercrafting and a

creative side that you never knew existed!

*Source: ‘What is the Average Cost of a UK Wedding?’,

www.compareweddinginsurance.co.uk, 2013. **There is an extra charge for this; prices available on request.

Create the Stationery of Dreams at a

Fraction of the Cost.

by Joanne James from The Crafty Owl

For more information or to discuss your requirements,

please contact Joanne on:

Tele: 07773 421446 Email: [email protected]

You can also see other examples of wedding stationery at

www.thecraftyowl.co.uk

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crafty-Owl/126886927482232

Page 8: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

8 Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.

MOOD

BOARD

Winter

Are you getting married in the Winter? Will you be including the season as a theme

for your day?

Here’s just a few ideas that we found on Pinterest.

Check out more pictures on our “Winter Theme” board.

http://pinterest.com/localwedconnect/winter-theme/

Wrap up warm!

Add a hooded cape and a muff to

keep you warm on the way to the

ceremony.

A Winter theme doesn’t mean every-

thing has to be white - add a splash of

festive colour to your reception.

How about a snowflake design on your

wedding cake? We love the cute little

Eskimo characters too!

A Hot Chocolate bar is a

great way to warm your

guests up too!

Pine cones make a great winter

table decoration.

A Vintage Winter theme, using ice skates

make a very usual centrepiece.

A felt & button bouquet also

makes a wonderful keepsake.

Will he propose on Christmas day, with a

sparkly diamond from KinetIQue

Page 9: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 9

A Day In The Life Of…. A Day In The Life Of….

A Wedding Band (or rather a ‘Hard Days Night’!)A Wedding Band (or rather a ‘Hard Days Night’!)

by The Playersby The Players

So, being in a band is all about private jets, hotel rooms and loads of cash, right? Well, the truth for many musicians is very different. However, some of us are lucky enough to make our living playing for happy couples on their big day. The bride and groom are always the stars of the show, but it’s a really rewarding way to practice a musician’s trade.

Like many wedding professionals, our preparation for the big days starts well in advance. We often perform the couple’s first dance, so we’re already rehearsing and preparing that a few weeks before the reception. We can also get involved in planning our performance with the couple and liaising with the venue and other suppliers.

The day itself begins with packing the van and travelling to the venue. This might be a local journey, or it might be several hours on the motorway. Whatever the distance, we usually arrive around late afternoon or early evening to set up before the evening guests arrive. However, this can vary and our personal record is arriving at ten thirty in the morning to set up for a performance starting at ten thirty at night!

Set up and sound check is always over by the time the evening guests arrive. Then we make sure we are out of the way until it’s time to play unless we’re providing the DJ or helping with microphones for the speeches.

We usually play two sets of between 45 and 60 minutes. Our first set often begins with the bride and groom’s first dance. This is both a great honour and responsibility; all eyes are on the happy couple and we really can’t let them down by making a mistake.

We always talk to couples beforehand to agree what we’ll play and what sort of atmosphere they want for their night. Quite often, we’ll start low key and build up the pace through the set. We try to finish things on a high so the DJ can take over and keep the party going.

After a short break we’re back on for the second set. This is the real party set and we aim to keep the dance floor full throughout. This is where we rely on our experience as performers to get the crowd on their feet. It’s at this time where a live band comes in to its own. There’s nothing that can compete with a live band for getting a party going and any musician will tell you that no two performances are the same, so we’re really providing something unique.

We usually finish performing around midnight, then it’s time for us to break everything down, pack the van and drive home – ears ringing and a bit sweaty. Bedtime can be anywhere between two and four am. That’s just enough time to grab a few hours sleep before it’s time to get up and do it all again!

But, right now, we’re The Players, and we’d love to play for you.

The Players perform mainly in the York,

Leeds and Harrogate area, but also

cover Yorkshire, Humberside,

the North East, the North West, and the

East Midlands.

www.wearetheplayers.com

www.facebook.com/wearetheplayers

https://twitter.com/wearetheplayers

Page 10: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 10

WeddingPeople.com is a brand new and exciting web service launching this November to provide brides to be and newly engaged couples with an online resource that keeps the joy of planning a wedding truly alive. We firmly believe that the euphoria of saying ‘Yes’ should last right up until the ‘I do’. Yet planning the perfect day can often become a headache. Seeking out suppliers, sourcing the right venue, keeping track of budget. We speak from experience when we say it can become more than a little stressful. That’s why WeddingPeople.com is launching to help you keep the spark alive. Offering a single place for you to plan every aspect of your wedding; from the photographer to the florist. You can think of us as your virtual wedding planner, except better because we’re available for you 24 hours a day. So when you have that late night rush of inspiration you can jump straight online and see which of our suppliers can make your dream come true. And it’s absolutely free, and always will be. Find Wedding Suppliers Instantly The great thing about using WeddingPeople.com to start planning your wedding is just how quickly you can start to see your dream day take shape. It’s easy to create a profile and quick to get started. Simply enter your budget and begin seeking the wedding services your big day requires. The possibilities to create a truly memorable wedding are endless, you just have to find them. Now you and your partner can do that from wherever you like, using WeddingPeople.com on your laptop, tablet or mobile device. We already have over 1,000 suppliers signed up ready to receive your budgets, and more are joining every day. Find your ideal wedding suppliers and start picturing your special day now by signing up at www.weddingpeople.com. Contact To find out more about WeddingPeople.com or for images please contact: Lucy Hall Kent Social Media [email protected] 07908 185 536 Kentsocialmedia.co.uk

WeddingPeople.com keeps the joy of the engagement fresh with a simple way to find wedding suppliers.

www.facebook.com/TheWeddingPeople

https://twitter.com/WeddingPeople_

www.pinterest.com/thewedpeople/

Page 11: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 11

Caption competition.

It’s competition time again.

I found this really adorable picture on Pinterest.

(Source http://www.junebugweddings.com - photo by Twin Lens)

Can you come up with a funny or witty caption for

this photograph?

The winner will receive a bouquet of flowers,

delivered to their door, courtesy of

Email your captions to:

[email protected]

And put ‘Caption Competition’ as the subject.

(Value of bouquet will be at least £25).

Competition Terms & Conditions:

Closing date for the competition is Monday 10th February 2014 at 8pm. The winner’s name will be printed in the March issue of our magazine

& also on our website & Facebook page (with the winner’s permission). The decision of the Editor is final.

We want to hear from you!

In the next issue (March 2014) we want to include a ‘Letters Page’ part to the magazine,

so please send us your contributions!

Write to us about your wedding plans or send us a photograph of your big day.

Do you have any tips or advice for other couples?

Any wedding business you would like us to do our ‘Q&A’ or ’Day in the Life Of…’ with?

Do you have any comments about the magazine or website?

Do you have any amusing stories about your wedding planning?

Have you found a fantastic local supplier you want to tell everyone about?

Contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Write to: Local Wedding Connections, 2 Cabot Close, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6SL

Winner from Issue 2 was Lindsey Scrivener from Aardvark Soft Play Party Hire

From Corby, Northamptonshire

“...he was supposed to put the ring on my finger!”

Star Letter The best letter (chosen by the Editor) will be printed as the ‘Star Letter’ in the

March/Spring 2014 issue of the magazine and will receive a beauty hamper full of

Avon products.

Page 12: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 12

Whether you just fancy a bit of pampering before your big day

or you’re looking to set yourself a new beauty routine, then look no

further than the ‘Fresh Handmade Cosmetics’ from Lush.

This time I tried and tested some festive treats from the Lush

range.

Lorraine (Editor). www.lush.co.uk

Father Christmas Bath Bomb

I was actually surprised by the size of this and wondered if I was supposed to drop the whole thing

into the bath! The second surprise was that it actually turns the bath water green. I was actually a

little bit disappointed, as I thought it might create bubbles but it doesn’t. Adds a nice, subtle circus

smell to your bath - great after a hard day Christmas shopping.

The Melting Snowman Bath Melt

This was so cute that my 4 year old daughter wanted to use it, although she did think it was some-

thing to eat at first. Fizzes when you put it in the bath and I loved the smell, it really smells like

Christmas!

Gold FUN

What I liked about this was that you can use it either like a soap or pinch a piece off to drop in the

bath. What I didn’t like was that the gold coating comes off all on everything. The product also starts

to go all soft and then dissolves if left out in it’s wrapper for a long time, so you either have to use a

large amount quite quickly or find a tub to store it in.

Santa Baby Lip Tint

I actually think this is quite expensive for the size of the product - RRP £5.50 for 8g. Has a lovely

rich red colour and the colour does last and only needs touching up throughout the day. Has a

strange Cola type smell & taste too it, but I’m not a fan of Cola anyway, so that put me off, though

other people might actually enjoy that.

Candy Mountain Bubble Bar

Again you can use as much or as little of this in your bath as you want. I tried half a bar in the bath

and that was plenty, you might even get 4-5 baths out of one bar. Gives your bath a slight sparkle to

the water, which will turn a beautiful pink. Got a pleasant sweet smell too and my 5 year-old daughter

wants me to buy some more.

Snowcake Soap

Another product where the gold colour rubs off everywhere when you first pick it up prior to using it,

which I find annoying, but I can forgive that as I absolutely love the marzipan smell. Apprantly LUSH

only sell this over the Christmas period, so stock up now!

Page 13: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 13

Liberty Hundred work with a team of solicitors and use advice from a London

Barrister to make all of this possible. They will work with you to find a lordship title

that will mean something to you both, either through a family connection or perhaps

a place that is special to you both.

Run by Kevin Norris, Lord of Blackrod and Laura Taylor, Lady of Fratton at the

iCon in Daventry, they have clients from all over the world. Kevin’s title has been

returned to his family after a gap of 500 years, but he had no idea about his family

title until his interest in manorial titles brought it back to where it belongs. You never

know, there may have once been a title in your family that nobody knows about!

So can adding a title to your name really change your life? Here are a couple

of stories that Kevin and Laura have been told by their clients…..

Imagine being introduced to your wedding guests at your reception as ‘Lord & Lady….’, now that would be

a surprise! Well now you can and you can keep the title to use for the rest of your life and even pass on to your

children.

Making a Difference: Lord and Lady of A booked a cruise.

They asked for nothing special. Almost every aspect of

their cruise had been upgraded, free of charge. Lord A said

this was not the highlight of the cruise, that was when, as

Lord A, he came to the rescue of a man who had lost his

wallet, lending him some money and then organising

replacement cards.

Page 14: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

14 Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.

VENUE REVIEW - The Ritz Banqueting & Conference Suites

After a spectacular £1 million refurbishment in 2010, The Ritz in Desborough has been open for business since 2011 and the impact when you walk into the venue is simply stunning.

The main suite is absolutely dominated by the most beautiful (and enormous) crystal chandelier with mood lighting and modern appeal – a room to hold the party of parties! Any remnants of the old 1930s picture house that it was have now been transformed into an airy, perfectly thought out party palace. The Ritz is the perfect venue for pretty much any kind of function for up to 500 people. With four main function suites, outdoor garden and Civil Wedding Licence, the venue lends itself to a variety of functions including weddings, family celebrations, corporate product launches, team building exercises and Christmas parties. The landscaped outdoor garden is an ideal setting for BBQs or Hog Roasts, outdoor weddings and private Champagne receptions. The Ritz also has their own dedicated wedding co-ordinator who will guide you through your preparations up until the day of your function.

The one thing this venue does specialise in is Asian weddings and they can recommend caterers, décor companies, florists and hair and make-up artists to suit your requirements. With their expert knowledge and experience of Asian weddings, ceremonies and receptions, the professional advice you receive is unrivalled within the venue hire industry.

For bookings and enquiries call Gillian on 01536 763510 or 07716 822729

www.ketteringvenues.co.uk

www.facebook.com/theritzuk https://twitter.com/ritz_kettering

Page 15: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

15 Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.

1. Forget the 3-month rule. The old adage that men should budget three month's salary for the perfect engagement ring is

simply a result of very clever marketing. “It’s a myth. There are no real rules. Men should make a decision not just based on budget but as awareness is growing, ethics are becoming a more important consideration these days” Elaine says.

2. Don't skimp on the cut. There are Four C's in diamond shopping: cut, colour, clarity and carat. "A diamond's cut is the

most critical because it determines a diamond's scintillation (sparkle)," Elaine says. If you have a really sparkly and brilliant ring it'll appear bigger than a bigger, lower-cut quality diamond. The best cut available is the Hearts and Arrows cut for the traditional Round Brilliant diamonds. Every IQ Diamond Round Brilliant is hand cut to Hearts & Arrows specification.

3. Check the return policy. So, the worst has happened and your girlfriend hates the ring – what if it's too late to return it?

That's the case at many high-end jewellers, which either have 24-hour policies or none at all. The good news is many have loosened up a little on returns and offer 30-day policies, including KinetIQue Jewellery who also offer a lifetime guarantee on their ethical man-made IQ diamonds.

4. The practicality of the ring. The desirability of the shape and size of the ring will often be proportionate to her outdoor

interests. A girl who is always on the go will be more likely to prefer a compact, less obtrusive style of ring than a girl who is highly fashion conscious. The higher the positioning of the gemstone on the ring, the easier it is for it to get caught on clothes, hair, etc. and the greater likelihood that it'll get knocked about. Look for a lower gemstone setting for an active girl, and a higher setting for the girl who may put a lot of effort into preparing her outfits.

5. Check durability. The durability of the band is important, as constant rubbing and knocking from daily activities will

eventually wear down the band. Office work is a killer, with paper acting as a mild abrasive on gold bands. If you can stretch your budget, platinum is the preferred choice for engagement and wedding jewellery as it is more durable than gold.

6. Ethics Watch. Is she an impassioned supporter of Fair Trade and human rights? Be sure to look for recycled gold and

consider ethical man made diamonds that are totally free from humanitarian or ecological conflict as part of your choosing process. Unfortunately, the locations of some of the planet's key diamond mines happen to coincide with the locations of some of the world's bitterest conflicts, and those in control of the gems don't always invest their profits ethically. Even the most carefully sourced diamonds without humanitarian concerns are still associated with major environmental issues and conflict, which are often deliberately hidden from consumers.

7. Consider her style. Once you've covered the cost, the source of the stone, durability and the practicality of the ring, it's

down to how the ring suits her style. Sum up her tastes from the clothes she wears and her existing jewellery. You're in the best position to know whether she likes plain or filigree vintage styles, large or small fashion statements. Is she traditional, classic, and contemporary or way out there? KinetIQue offer a very broad range of styles from traditional Tiffany to contemporary modern. They also offer a bespoke service.

8. Figure out her ring size. An important factor if you are not choosing together. KinetIQue Jewellery will send you a free

ring sizer that comes in discrete packaging for those who need to do a little guesswork!

If you’re choosing together…

let your girlfriend have the final say!

8 Ways To Pick The Perfect Engagement Ring

Without Breaking The Bank:

By: Elaine Foreman

Co. Director at KinetIQue Ltd.

www.KinetIQue.co.uk

www.facebook.com/KinetIQue https://twitter.com/IQDiamond

Page 16: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 16

Sign-up for our Newsletter Via our website

Take a look at our Boards on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/localwedconnect/boards/

We have a Blog too! http://localweddingconnections.tumblr.com/

Page 17: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 17

Who Pays for What?

Talking Point

This is our discussion page and we want you to tell us what you think about the topics we write

about. You may agree or you may think it’s outrageous - whatever your opinion, we want to hear it.

We will print the best comments in the next issue of our magazine and on our Facebook page too.

The topic we want to hear your thoughts on this issue is…...

Let us know your views.

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LocalWeddingConnections

Write to us: 2 Cabot Close, Rothwell, Northamptonshire, NN14 6SL

When it comes to paying for a wedding, the tradition used to be that it was the Bride’s parents who would foot

the bill for the ceremony and reception, then the Groom’s parents would pay for the suit hire, buttonholes and

corsages. I think that in todays climate most parents, whether they are the Bride’s or the Groom’s family, would be

more than willing to pay something towards the big day, but should couples these days really be looking to their

parents for wedding funds?

Should couples now fund most of their wedding themselves? You certainly don’t have to have a big, lavish ’do’

and you really do not need to spend an extortionate amount of money just for one day’s celebrations, but if you can’t

afford to pay for it all, can you ask others to help you out?

Lets start with the Bridal party. Do you let your Bridesmaids have a say in what dress they will be wearing and

then is it acceptable to ask them to pay for their dress? After all, they will probably get to keep it afterwards. You

could also ask the Best Man and Ushers to contribute towards their suit hire, or they may even want to buy their own

suit for the occasion, if they don’t already have a suitable one.

Instead of having a Gift List for your wedding presents, what about asking people to buy some part of your

wedding? Maybe someone could pay for the wedding cake and then another person could provide your evening

entertainment, instead of buying you a gift. You could even ask your guests to contribute towards your honeymoon

and they therefore give you some money or even travel vouchers, again instead of buying a present.

Stag and Hen parties will probably be arranged by your Best Man and Bridesmaids, so should they also pay for

them? If you plan on just going for a meal or even a night out at a nightclub, perhaps everyone that attends should

‘chip in’ and divide the cost between them and pay for the Bride/Groom as well.

However, could asking your parents for a contribution towards your wedding lead to problems? Will they want a

say in what you spend the money on, or will they be happy just to hand over the cash? Will the Best Man throw a

Stag Party that the Groom will actually enjoy? Will the Bride end up arguing with her Bridesmaids over what dresses

they want to wear?

How will you be financing your wedding?

Page 18: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

18 Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONECTIONS when responding to adverts.

Weatherbys - Wedding Stationery

Sanders Road, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4BX

Tele: 01933 440077 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.weatherbys.co.uk

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Design & Edit Photography

35 York Road, Rushden, Northants, NN10 0LB

Tele: 07958 143238 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.designandeditphotography.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/designandedit

Cherish Ceremonies

The Grange, Priors Hardwick, Warwickshire, CV47 7SH

Tele: 020 8798 3097 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cherish-ceremonies.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CherishCeremoniesUK

Wollaston Garden & Home

The Courtyard, High Street, Wollaston, Northamptonshire, NN29 7QF

Tele: 01933 664280 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.wollastongardenandhome.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WollastonGardenHome

Flowers and Ribbons

58 Thrush Lane, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4TF

Tele: 01933 272317 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.flowersandribbons.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Flowers-and-Ribbons-Cake-Company/104359729649984

The Giant Cupcake Shop

10 Hoylake, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 5NZ

Tele: 07935 817730 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.thegiantcupcakeshop.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegiantcupcakeshop

Liberty Hundred

iCon Innovation Centre, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 0QB

Tele: 01327 304839 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.liberty100.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/libertyhundred

Page 19: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Please mention LOCAL WEDDING CONNECTIONS when responding to adverts. 19

Advertise in our magazine Directory Listing

Up to 6 LINES of text for £25 per issue.

You can also include up to 2 pictures or logos with this listing. This will also include your details on our website for the duration of your listing,

and will include a direct link to your own website (and Facebook page if relevant).

Or advertise on our website Directory Listing

Up to 6 LINES of text for £30 for 12 months.

Includes up to 2 pictures or logos with this listing,

and a direct link to your own website and Facebook page. (See our website for more details www.localweddingconnections.co.uk/advertising-information.html )

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lorraine’s Avon (Northamptonshire/South Leicestershire)

I will deliver to anywhere within a 12 mile radius of Rothwell, Northants (NN14 6SL)

Tele: 0787 099 8398 Email: [email protected]

Website: http://lorrainesavon.weebly.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LorraineAvonRothwell

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

KinetIQue

“Kind not mined”

Tele: 01208 592066 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.kinetique.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KinetIQue

The Ritz Banqueting & Conference Suite

7-9 Station Road, Desborough, Northamptonshire, NN14 2RL

Tele: 01536 763510 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ketteringvenues.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theritzuk

The Players

The Players perform mainly in the York, Leeds and Harrogate area, but also cover Yorkshire, Humberside,

the North East, the North West, and the East Midlands.

Website: www.wearetheplayers.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearetheplayers

The Crafty Owl

Joanne James - Independent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator

Tele: 07773 42146 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.thecraftyowl.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crafty-Owl/126886927482232

Page 20: Northamptonshire December/Winter 2013

Lorraine's Avon (Northamptonshire/South Leicestershire)

http://lorrainesavon.weebly.com

www.facebook.com/LorraineAvonRothwell

https://twitter.com/LorrainesAvon

www.pinterest.com/lorraineavon

10% OFF with

your first order

over £20