Manoush White Embellished Tiered Maxi Dress from Next, £285

Bell skirts: A structured bell skirt is a subtle nod to the feminine look that dominated the runways this season, and when it comes to weddings it will give you the wow factor without appearing over the top. Go for inverted pleats, which create a round silhouette, and if you’re feeling brave then ruffles at the edge coupled with a wait-cinching belt will create a stunning hourglass silhouette.

Pretty in pink: Good news for all the girly girls out there – the feminine look is making a comeback. Unlike the boyfriend jeans and sloppy jerseys that were still wildly fashionable last year, this is the perfect trend to work at a wedding. Pick up one of the gorgeous girly maxi dresses from Next and team it with kitten heels and a necklace with a marine or fruit motif to work feminine with a funky edge.

Layered jewellery: If you’re keen to keep your outfit conventional, then add a fashionable touch to your look with the latest accessories. Layered necklaces can glam up a plain suit or bring last season’s maxi dress back into fashion. You could also try layering rings or bracelets – but get inspiration from the catwalk looks currently gracing the fashion magazines before you try this trend as it can end up looking messy if you overwork it.

Lipsy Side Flower Satin Bandeau Dress from Next, £65

2. Shop online: The easiest way to find great deals and beat the Saturday shopping crowds is to look for your outfit online. You’ll often find dresses online that won’t be available at your local high street store – Next has a fantastic selection, with hundreds of looks to choose from. If you do decide to browse the net for your outfit, however, make sure you leave a sufficient time gap before the event. You don’t want to end up wearing something that doesn’t fit simply because there wasn’t time to return it.

3. Know what you want: If you head to the shops looking for inspiration, then chances are you’ll end up with an impulse buy. While this might be a great way to approach a Saturday night on the tiles, it isn’t so appropriate for a wedding. Remember that you’ll need to consider what is fitting for the occasion as well as what suits you. Read up on wedding guest etiquette before you begin shopping, and when you hit the high street or browse for dresses online do so with a good idea of what you’re looking for.

The format of a wedding is one which is pretty standard. It usually involves two lovers, one dress, a ceremony and then some form of a reception. However, with times changing there is a new trend emerging… the second wedding dress!

Imagine the following scenario; the bride is wearing a traditional ivory strapless floor length gown and veil. She looks stunning for the ceremony and the wedding breakfast. Sometime later, ready for the first dance, all of the guests crowd on the dance floor waiting for the happy couple to take their place and then, WOW! All eyes on the bride, she has unsuspectingly sneaked away and replaced her wedding dress with a second dress; the most beautiful pink creation of silk and feathers. The women whoop, the men gawp and the groom doesn’t get a look in – she makes quite an entrance and steals the show!

If you too would like the double ‘wow’ factor of an second gown there are many affordable routes to take as the high street has some great occasion dresses . Just remember to follow the five Cs:

1. Create a theme
Sometimes your evening venue will dictate the dress style. For example, choose a pretty floral frock for a country wedding barn dance or an evening gown for five star hotel glamour. Don’t worry about changing the theme between venues either. For example by wearing a demure long, silver 1920s gown for the church, followed by a 1980s disco gold sequined number for the disco, you can create a fun contrast.

2. Colour
With the traditional wedding dress choice being white, ivory or cream, you may want to make a bold statement for the second gown, with a simply structured dress in your favourite colour. Victoria Beckham championed this trend by wearing a champagne Vera Wang creation for the daytime and a beautiful couture, purple tiered gown for the evening.

3. Comfort and practicality
A wedding dress, although beautifully structured in its design, may not be the most comfortable outfit you have ever worn. Corsets are not designed with a four-course banquet in mind, nor are underskirts suitable for shaking your booty to The Three Supremes at 2 o’clock in the morning. If you are worried about your movement being restricted on the dance floor you may want to opt for a shorter gown or something more flexible. If you’re not going for statement colours, you could experiment with texture and shape for your second dress.

4. Co-ordinate accessories
If you’re wearing a shorter, prom-style dress in the evening you could have fun with bright or fabulous shoes. Or, if you want to wear one beautiful gown all day, why not add a stole or different accessories to dress it up for the evening? It could be time to ditch the veil and opt for a sparkly head piece to up the glam stakes for the reception.

5. Contours
Whatever gown you choose it’s important to get your underwear right or you could be uncomfortable all day. Shapewear lingerie can be a saviour as it helps to smooth over any lumps and bumps a dress could cling to, as well as adding support or even curves. There’s a huge range available, from body suits to waist cinchers, and even padded knickers. Visit Marks and Spencer for the full collection.

So today I thought we’d take a closer look at the wine list. An important part of the wedding reception, the wine list is often left in the hands of the venue to “just go with what you think”… which depending on the venue can be a great success, or just a way for them to ensure that the wines with the greatest profit margins are served.

For the all-important speeches, you can choose to splash out when it comes to champagne. On the top table you can have a bottle of Perrier Jouet and Dom Perignon. These champagnes are wonderfully light and airy and will complement the happy mood completely. For  guests during the wedding speeches, you can opt for a selection of great-value champagnes including the stylish range of Prosecco that offers a delicate and dry taste that is easy to drink and very delicious.

Pairing the wine with food is slightly more tricky. The meat, fish and vegetarian dishes all require a little individual attention to ensure that both food and wines match to a tee. The best option in this instance is to leave a bottle of both white and red wine on each table and provide the pairing recommendation on the menu.

For red meat based mains, choose a New Zealand Cabernet or Shiraz, however, make sure the wine you choose is not too heavy or tannic as it should accompany but not overpower the flavours of the meat dish. For guests who have ordered a fish-based meal or something with a light and creamy flavour, then my vote is on lighter and zestier styles such as a variety of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

If the mains are relatively heavy or spicy such as at traditional Indian or Asian weddings, a great selection to really complement this food where appropriate is Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. These styles of wine are light and delicate on the palate and don’t overpower, they refresh and revive and allow guests to enjoy their meals without being overcome with taste sensations.

All in all, it’s important not to overdo the wine list, don’t take risks with it and stick to trusted and tried brands that are going to be recognised and known by guests. Go for the mass appeal and most importantly, remember to have fun! A well-paired wine and meal can loosen limbs and inhibitions and allow people to get down on the dance floor!

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To ensure you’re well equipped for married life and don’t end up owning more than one toaster, here are Furniture Village’s top five tips for wedding (present) bliss.

 
1.  Write a wedding list

Some people don’t like the idea of a wedding list, but if you pitch your requests just right your guests will be relieved to have something to go on.  You may already have a 28 piece crockery set and a canteen of cutlery but you do really need a new bed or sofa.  Ask your guests to make cash contributions to these items, that way they’ll feel like they’re helping and will know where their money is going, without feeling obligated.  Setting up a Paypal account to get people to donate online is great for guests who want to give small amounts towards a larger present.

 
2. Choose gifts you really want

There’s nothing worse than realising, a few months after your wedding that you could really do with something which you failed to put on your list. Take a look at around your home and find out if there’s anything that needs replacing or that would make your domestic life so much easier or just more luxurious.  Perhaps you’re in desperate need of a new mattress or would love an ornate bedside lamp -this is the perfect opportunity to add those finishing touches.

3. Remember there are some things you can’t have enough of

In some instances duplicate wedding presents can be a godsend, so if there’s nothing you need, think about what you could have more of. A second set of champagne glasses or crockery will come in very handy for a dinner party. Extra bed linen will come in as a blessing when putting up unexpected guests. Also, your relationship might benefit from a second TV; consider how your other half’s gaming habit or passion for sports is incompatible with your love of Next Top Model, before you ask for the receipt.

4. Ask nicely

Guests have different expectations of the gift they want to give.  It’s important to ask nicely and have options.  If you acknowledge that you appreciate whatever your guests can afford to give you and make it clear that you’re not expecting much, the list will have a much warmer reception.

 
5. Say Thank you

If you do receive an unwanted gift from friends or relatives (be prepared it will happen!), accept it graciously- after all it is the thought that counts, and it’s their way of marking your happy day.   Besides you never know when you’re going to need a sterling silver melon-baller or a set of lobster forks.

For inspiration on what to include on your wedding list visit www.furniturevillage.co.uk

Navy lace pencil dress from Next, £65

Daytime weddings usually mean long, floaty dresses, pastel-coloured sunhats and kitten heels – but what should you wear if you’ve been asked to attend the evening event only? Many of the other guests won’t have had a chance to change, so unless the invitation specifically states white tie, black tie or formal then it’s best not to go over the top. On the other hand, you don’t want to look as though you haven’t tried. Here’s how to get your wedding look for spring/ summer spot on.

Break the rules… It’s a truism that nobody attending a wedding apart from the bride should wear white. This is still commonly accepted at most events, but the unwritten rule saying that guests shouldn’t wear black is long outdated. Slinky long evening dresses in black, a dark-coloured cocktail dress or a waist-cinching black suit are all appropriate outfits for the evening, and they should get you noticed as well.

…but don’t be too risqué You might want to stand out, but an outfit that would look great on a Saturday club night won’t go down well at a wedding. Keep the short skirts, see-through tops and killer heels for another occasion, and go for long evening dresses or skirts that sit just above the knee when choosing your look.

Think about finishing touches It’s common when a wedding invitation looms to spend hours shopping for your dress only to realise at the last minute that you don’t have the shoes or the handbag to match. Always give consideration to your accessories at the same time as choosing your outfit. Kitten heels are great for evening weddings, thanks to their comfortable cut, and the catwalks abounded with gorgeous new styles this season. Clutch bags make the perfect wedding bag – choose silk, satin or velvet for more formal occasions.

Choose something versatile You don’t want to end up with a dress that you’ll only wear once. Choose something that will be transferable to other occasions – Next does some great long evening dresses that can be adapted with the right accessories to suit everything from a wedding to a ball to a garden party. If you’re stuck on what to wear, then check out some fashion inspiration before you hit the shops.

Although it’s often tempting to throw caution to the winds and spend money you haven’t got, the implications for your future together can be tough. A debt expert from GregoryPennington comments:

“Starting married life in debt can be very damaging for any relationship. A big wedding with all the trimmings is seldom worth the stress of being in debt and can impact on other major life decisions later on, such as buying a home or starting a family.”

So what’s the solution? Just like any other large purchase, the secret is to set a budget and stick to it. Look at what you already have put by and decide what you can reasonably afford to save in the months leading up to your big day. You may decide to pluck up the courage to ask your parents whether they want to make a contribution – but be sensitive to their financial situation too.

Once you’ve got a budget you can start to work out how you spend it. By starting a separate wedding account containing the funds set aside and allocating amounts to each expense you’ll see where your money is going and manage spending more effectively.

“Setting a budget and sticking to it is a vital life skill that pays dividends throughout married life. Many couples who come to us for debt management help have lost track of their monthly incomings and outgoings and need some real debt help as a result. Just like creating a household budget, making a list of all your wedding expenses will help you see which are your ‘must have’ priorities and which are merely ‘like to have’ non-essentials,  so you can allocate funds accordingly.”

Once you have the quotes back for the major items such as venue, food, entertainment and transport you’ll be able to reallocate your spend if necessary: You may decide to swap a designer frock for a high street dress and spend the extra on a band – or cut down on the guests and fund a more intimate venue.

Don’t forget to factor in ‘free help’ as any bakers and beauticians in the family or friends with nice cars are usually delighted to be a part of things. If your in-laws-to-be have a big garden you might even consider swapping a hired venue for a marquee on the lawn. Whatever your opportunities for including a spot of DIY in your wedding plans, the golden rule is always the same: for the best wedding on a budget, the secret is to set one in the first place.

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My partner and I are getting married in the church where I grew up and where my parents still live today. I have only met the current vicar once as I moved away 10 years ago. For this reason I would love to have the vicar that I knew 20 years ago marry us.

I know that he is now retired. If both vicars agreed, would it be possible for the retired vicar to marry us?

Many thanks,

Kelly

And you remember that song about whiskers, kittens, raindrops, roses brown paper, string and the like?

Well. Imagine what I said when asked if I would like to combine my two above passions and to sample two of my favourite things at once.

Cheese…. and Cake.

Just after Christmas, first week back in the office blues, grey days, long nights, and all in all a bit drab. I was surprised when I returned home to find a ‘we tried to deliver’ card on my mat. I always love receiving parcels when I’m not expecting anything. Its that excitement of what it might be teamed with that uncertainly that it might just be something you didn’t expect but that isn’t exciting like a shampoo sample.

Anyway on arriving at my neighbour’s house, she handed me a very a large white polystyrene box… curiouser and curiouser, as Alice once said.

I couldn’t wait to open it: it was from the English Cheesecake Company. (the label on the outside gave it away!)

Talk about suitably impressed (although we have already established that cheesecake is well on the way to success) I was amazed. Inside the big box was a smaller, cardboard box surrounded by ice packs keeping everything beautifully frozen. I open the black box inside, and wow! A truly stunning sight. Tucked inside, all beautifully presented and unscathed were 12 individual cheesecakes, all different toppings and construction, and all looking stunning. Each individually wrapped and sitting in perfect condition despite having travelled via Royal Mail*

Knowing that I had friends visiting for the weekend, and that these would make a perfect desert (“here’s a little something or twelve I prepared earlier”), I placed the box in the freezer and went off to finishe the week.

On the Saturday morning, I followed the directions that explain how to defrost and what to unwrap, where to place, and how long for. All very easy and very well explained on the back of the cardboard box. Each cheesecake sits on an individual serving disc, so you just remove the protective plastic wraps which circle each cake protecting it from it’s neighbours, then place them back in the box, and back in the fridge.

A few hours later, after a magnificent dinner of poisson frites (no expense spared for our dinner parties), I fetched the box.

Opening the lid to hushed silence, I watched as my guests faces each lit up. Then dived for the one they wanted. Like the best selection box in the world, a sheet inside explained of the wonders within. With spoons suitably distributed. We all tucked in.

Utterly Fabulous, they looked great, they tasted amazing and where presented beautifully. My friend is adamant she will be sending the assorted box of twelve to a friend as a gift (say it with cheesecake would do it – I am rarely lost for words but would be if I received that as a gift).

My other (engaged) friend was going to have a traditional wedding cake for her [Ed - their] big day, and now loves the idea of miniature cheesecakes with one large cheesecake (which the English cheesecake company also make and send) at the top to cut, but then serving the individuals as desert. Just beautiful.

This is where Woolworths went wrong. Pic and mix can be great: you just have to ensure it’s top quality cheesecakes you’re serving.

A wonderful experience that everyone should try. 10/10 – outstanding! We love the English Cheesecake Company!

For more information and to place an order, please visit http://www.englishcheesecake.com

*I worked in a sorting office once

My daughter and fiance got married in a register office in the UK last year, they currently live in the UAE .

They would like to renew their marriage in a church in Chester as this area has a special meaning to them even though they have no connection to the parish due to living in the middle east.

Is this possible?

Best wishes

Cathy Dox