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Never lose the stag or hen do kitty again with Pingit

Girl using Pingit sash to pay bill on Hen do

The pre-wedding send-off is a pricey affair with average man forking out £7,997 across 11 stag dos in their lifetime and women heading on ten hens at a cost of £5,510. Researchers from the social money app Pingit polled Brits to reveal that the average stag or hen do kitty, where shared expenses such as drinks and taxis are paid from, is worth a whopping £928.

 

However, while the costs and activities may differ, one thing remains consistent - no one wants to be left holding the communal kitty. With every man contributing an average of £104, compared to £68 from women, it’s no surprise that cautious Brits are worried about taking charge of it - 73 per cent saying they hate being the one designated to look after the central pot of cash.

 

7 tips every bride needs to remember when posing for wedding photos

7 tips every bride needs to remember when posing for wedding photos

When the big day arrives, every bride wants to look her best in those wedding photos that will be admired for years to come. But for many, knowing how to pose and capture the best angle of yourself can be a tricky skill to master. Luckily for all you brides-to-be, Clare Moreton – photography expert at  CEWE – offers her advice to ensure you look your best in a beautiful collection of wedding photos.

Looking for prepping beauty products? We review Arbonne

Arbonne beauty products review

For many brides, wedding planning involves getting into a good health and beauty routine before the big day. Vows & Venues’ Wendy Allen-Smith gave herself a facial by testing the Talented Twosome beauty products from Arbonne which promise to prep your skin and give it a boost in time for the photos…

Arbonne beauty products review

I was recently sent some fabulously luxurious premium beauty products supplied by Arbonne to review. The products arrived in a beautiful presentation box and contained two of their new products; RE9 Advanced Prepwork Micellular Water (£19) and Overnight Face Jelly (£36). This duo is named the Talented Twosome on their website www.arbonne.com. 

Caer Rhun Hall will make your wedding dreams come true - Review

Caer Rhun Hall - exterior

Our editor Victoria Galligan headed off to Wales for a fairytale weekend where guests are treated like royalty…

If your idea of getting married involves images of a handsome prince sweeping you off your feet to a traditional countryside wedding, where the views are breathtaking and the building is steeped in history, then Caer Rhun Hall can make your dreams come true.* This venue on the banks of the River Conwy is secluded enough to provide a cosy little bubble around your wedding, which only the lucky invited can enter, yet easily accessible for guests – just an hour’s drive from the M6 at Cheshire and a short journey from Conwy. 

Escape from the city into a luxury wedding venue - Review

Thorpe Park - wedding venue - reception troom

Vows & Venues editor Victoria Galligan headed off to Leeds to review a wedding venue but soon felt she was holidaying on the Med…

If you live in or around Leeds you’ll know what a bustling, vibrant and cultural city it is. For shopping, meals and a good night out, it’s the perfect location. Situated just outside the thriving city, close to the M1 and easily accessible from the north, lies Thorpe Park hotel – and it’s here where the pace of life slows down a little.

Wedding catering for large events 

Wedding catering - a food platter

Big weddings: brilliant for an unrivalled party vibe, the fact there’s never an empty dance floor and of course, celebrating with ALL of your loved ones (with no headache over who to leave off the guest list). But when it comes to wedding catering, it could feel like you’re feeding the five thousand rather than a few hundred – especially where the budget is concerned. Luckily Megan Coakley, from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sheffield Park, is on hand with some insider insight into wedding catering for large events. 

A guide to summer wedding photography

A guide to summer wedding photography - bride smelling bouquet

A venue bathed in sunshine, drinks on the terrace, garden parties and dining al fresco… summer weddings can be picture perfect. Yet the squinty eyes, red faces and difficult light conditions could mean your wedding photos are less so. Jo Critchley-Saville from Mosborough Hall Hotel, a restored 12th Century Manor House just outside Sheffield, shares this advice on ensuring your summer wedding snaps shine (whatever the weather).

Weddings at Chetham's Library

Bride outside Chetham's Library

Fall in love with the magical atmosphere of Chetham’s Library and say your vows in the medieval Baronial Hall with its beautiful inglenook fireplace and magnificent timber roof. Dating back to 1421, the mellow sandstone buildings, ancient stone cloisters and richly appointed rooms are full of character and history.

You and your guests will have exclusive use of the medieval buildings for your special day, and can mingle in the cloisters, and the courtyard garden, soaking up the unique atmosphere of this haven of tranquillity. The gorgeous time-worn sandstone and sumptuous oak-panelled rooms provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding photographs, and the stunning Baronial Hall will give your ceremony the wow factor.

Cheadle House - A Cheshire Victorian Mansion 

Cheadle House Wedding Interior

Cheadle House - A Cheshire Victorian Mansion 

£500.00 Bar Tab for all remaining 2019 & Spring/Autumn 2020 Wedding Dates

Cheadle House is positioned on the border of Manchester and Cheshire, surrounded by beautiful scenery. The House boasts original character mixed with stylish and modern interiors, offering fantastic photo opportunities with the historic charm of the building and a picturesque lake.What could be more idyllic than saying ‘I do’at a stunning venue that offers a wonderful setting for your wedding day from your ceremony right through to your evening reception. 

A guide on how to look for high-quality when buying jewellery

How to buy high quality jewellery

James Rees Founder of Baroc jewellery boutique talks to Vows and Venues about what to look for when buying jewellery for a wedding.

Buying jewellery during wedding preparations is no longer a daunting task solely reserved for the groom-to-be or happy couple. Aside from engagement rings and wedding bands, buying jewellery as gifts for bridesmaids or groomsmen is becoming more and more popular to ensure that the occasion is a time never forgotten.

 

Celebrate Your Wedding with Mary-Le-Bone Orange & Geranium Gin

Mary Le Bone Orange- nd Geranium gin

As the wedding season approaches, Mary-Le-Bone, the super-premium gin from The Pleasure Gardens Distilling Company, offers the perfect party tipple with the launch of its new small-batch Orange and Geranium Gin.

 

Like the original Mary-Le-Bone London Dry Gin, Orange and Geranium utilises the floral botanicals associated with the fashionable Pleasure Gardens of London which existed in the 18th century.

 

So, whether toasting the bride-to-be during a summer hen party or having a bottle on each reception table Mary-Le-Bone Orange and Geranium Gin’s chic heritage will ensure the right tone is set for either event.

 

Bloom & Wild: how to get the perfect wedding flowers

wedding flowers: Caroline Grimble – Bloom & Wild’s Lead Florist – with a bouquet

Caroline Grimble – Bloom & Wild’s Lead Florist – gives Vows & Venues her top tips on the current trends in wedding flowers, and creating your own bouquets and floral arrangements. 

There is so much to think about for your big day – and what goes into your bouquet and floral decorations are no exception. Bloom & Wild have seen several trends coming through for 2019 and there’s something for every bride!

Milda Chellingsworth Shares Her Top Style Tips to sail in style

Milda Chelingsworth can help you style for sailing

Styling For You are thrilled to announce the launch of “Sail in Style” an exclusive new experience to help you look amazing this Summer. Founder and stylist Milda Chellingsworth shares her top style tips on how to sail in style.

 

I just love the thought of cruising around the Mediterranean for a luxurious honeymoon.  It gives you the opportunity to see some of Europe’s beautiful landmarks and visit places at your own leisure.   

Find time to unwind and relax with Thorntons Chocolate Blocks

Thorntons caramel cheesecake chocolate blocks

Getting everything ready for the big day is no easy task - from picking the right venue to finding the perfect dress - the excitement and organisation is endless.  Amongst all of the wed-min, it’s always important to find time for yourself to unwind and relax, and, the chocolate makers at Thorntons have created the perfect partner for those precious moments of me-time. 

 

Whether you choose to unwind with a good book or by snuggling up on the sofa to watch the latest episode of your favourite series, treat yourself with one of Thorntons blissful chocolate blocks. Masterfully crafted using Thorntons expertise, each block is packed full of delicious ingredients, enveloped in Thorntons signature chocolate, to create an enchanting taste experience.

 

Planning a wedding successfully when you’re living abroad

Wedding on beach next to the blue sea

When it comes to your wedding, you want everything to be perfect and for everyone you hold near and dear to be there. Alexander Fordham from overseas property buying resource Property Guides, gives us his top tips for planning a wedding when you’re an expat.

The biggest day of your life is finally on the horizon! But when you’re living abroad, there’s just that little bit more to plan for. In this article, I’ll be telling you how you can successfully plan a wedding while living overseas.

Egg - the Must-Have Ingredient in Your Wedding Beauty Regime

Egg Mellow Cream Moisturiser

Inspired by the popular home remedy ingredient for beauty, Too Cool For School has included real egg white and egg yolk extracts to deliver numerous benefits from eggs, just like a DIY at-home facial and hair care treatment. With a multitude of benefits Too Cool For School are the perfect beauty essentials to add in to your wedding beauty regime in the lead up to your big day.

 

The benefits of using egg in your wedding beauty regime:

The yolk has moisturising qualities to get your skin looking hydrated and glowing

Egg whites help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, so your skin looks plumped and smooth

They help to shrink pores and tighten the skin

Leaves the skin soft and supple

Wedding planning tips from wedding planners Radhika & You

The Face of Radhika & you

Wedding planning specialists Radhika & you give Vows and Venues there top tips for planning a wedding. 

When you’re newly engaged and trying to start planning your wedding, there are a lot of emotions and thoughts running through your mind. We often speak to couples who are overwhelmed with the wedding planning process and not knowing where to start as there is so much to think about and organise.

We completely understand that couples will be thinking about everything from A to Z including guest numbers, their dream venue through to the flower arrangements and the smaller details.

Add DIY elements to your wedding with Panasonic

DIY wedding cake with pink flowers wrapping the cake

Over half of weddings now include DIY elements – whether it’s invitations, place cards, decorations, favours or even the cake itself. 

The popularity of this trend comes from couples seeking a truly unique day that is personalised to them, thanks to the incorporation of those special “little touches” giving every element of the day a special tie to the bride and groom.

It also reflects a new movement, with couples wanting to amp up their wedding’s “wow” factor without having to blow the budget.

For many, food is one of the largest outgoings from their wedding budget. You’ve got the wedding breakfast, cake, favours, canapes and the additional evening meal. It also goes without saying that the bigger the guestlist, the bigger the cost.