Glamour Presents...

Their First Accessories Evening

Glamour Bridal and Prom are looking forward to welcoming brides and their family and friends to Glamour, for their fantastic Accessories Evening taking place on Thursday 27th October 2011.  The evening features mini make-overs by the Supplier Showcase artist Louise Stewart and hairstyles by the fabulous Karen from Noggi's Hairdressing, Bolton.  Treat yourself to mini cupcakes and pink champagne and the opportunity to try all their hair accessories, veils and shoes with 10% off everything purchased on the night.  Ladies places are filling fast so book now by emailing enquiries@glamourbolton.com.

A Taste of Lancashire: Budz By Helen Jane

I am very pleased to introduce to one of Simply Bows and Chair Covers recommended suppliers, Budz by Helen Jane.

Budz by Helen Jane officially opened with a fundraiser for The Witches of Adlington on Wednesday 5th October by the Deputy Mayor of Chorley, June Molyneux.

Helen inherited her floristy skills from her late mother. And after a long break from the industry and after being asked to do the flowers for her friends daughters wedding, Helen found she had a renewed interest in floristy and saw possibilities of using what she is good at to set up a business. After attending courses with Ian Lloyd (formerly of Britain's Got Talent fame) Helen and husband Andy jumped at the chance to revamp what was formerly known as Budz. 

Budz by Helen Jane is now open and is situated on Church Street in Adlington. 

Simply Bows and Chair Covers are pleased to work alongside Budz by Helen Jane and they have provided us with many a centerpiece and table display for our wedding fayres.

For more information please contact Helen on 01257 475100.

Pippa inspired frock goes on sale at 'rear'ly great price



'Lady-in-Waiting List' Created to Meet Demand.

It’s the bridesmaid’s dress that had the world talking and now department store Debenhams has announced that it will be selling a limited edition version in stores later this year after being inundated by demands from customers.  So great is the anticipated demand that the retailer has taken the unusual step of creating a ‘lady-in-waiting list’ to allow customers to reserve the departments store’s homage to Pippa Middleton’s iconic figure-hugging bridesmaid gown, which reportedly cost £20,000.

The great news is that the high street version will be a right royal bargain at just £170.  And for fans of Pippa’s style the retailer will also be selling a version of the emerald green evening gown that Kate’s sister wore to the evening ‘do’.  In addition a black lace sweetheart frock and a flower girl dress, all inspired by Kate Middleton and her breathtaking bridal party will go into stores later this year as well.  Russell Fish, Head of Occcassionwear Design at Debenhams commented: “Like everyone we were glued to our tellies for the wedding and have been huge Kate and Pippa fans ever since.  “We taken the best of the dresses and added our designer twist. Now you can get the Middletons’ look at High Street prices.”



Our slender ivory gown is a slinky, cowl neck number. With its button-back detail and elegant cap sleeves, it is the epitome of chic.   An ivory flower girl dress will also launch in store to sit alongside the sleek adult gown. Featuring a delicate lace trim, puff sleeves and a pale gold sash tied in a sumptuous bow at the back, the fairytale flower girl dress retails at just £48 to £52 depending on age.

An emerald green evening gown, with embellished neck detail and a full, floor length skirt perfect for dancing is the final gown which will hit Debenhams stores this autumn for £99.  Debenhams is also launching a black mid-length evening gown, inspired by the dress worn by the Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day. Featuring intricate lace detail and trim, the full-skirted prom dress is a classic take on this timeless style women everywhere want to emulate since the royal wedding. Alain Mehada, Chief Personal Shopper, Debenhams Oxford Street added: “Both men and women everywhere were instantly talking about Pippa, so naturally brides-to-be will want to emulate her classic look – both for themselves or their bridesmaids.

“We have been inundated by customers asking if we have anything similar to the dresses worn by Kate, Pippa and the flower girls, but the ivory dress worn by Pippa is the most requested by far.”

Sales boffins at the retailer predict that these dresses will follow in the footsteps of a Star by Julien Macdonald dress that sold out before even reaching stores after fashionistas heralded the design as the look of the season a couple of years ago.

To find out as soon as the dresses are available; customers can send their details through to ladyinwaitinglist@debenhams.com.

Press release from http://presscentre.debenhams.com/Press-Releases/Pippa-inspired-frock-goes-on-sale-at-rear-ly-great-price-143.aspx

Introducing... Me

So yesterday I was very honoured to be asked to take part in a shoot with Glamour Bridal and Prom and N.Cadman Photography.  However, there was one snag... I was to be the model!

Nervous as I was, I thoroughly enjoyed the day.  And which girl wouldn't? I was pampered and preened by Noggis of Bolton and Louise Stewart Professional Make Up Artist and then got to dress up in Glamours collection of stunning Charlotte Balbier dresses.  There is one word to describe those dresses, wow!

So after all the pampering we headed up to Rivington, where Natalie (the photographer) wanted to achieve a fairytale look in the enchanted woods.  And she definitely got it...

Bouquet by Love Bouquets

I'd love to hear your opinions on me first modelling experience so make sure you leave you comments below.

Love Lancashire Bride x

With thanks to:

Glamour Bridal and Prom

N. Cadman Photography

Noggis

Louise Stewart Professional Make Up Artist

Love Bouquets

My First Cherish The Dress

Welcome to my first Cherish The Dress/ Rock The Frock style shoot.  What is a Rock The Frock shoot I hear you say? These shoots give the chance for the Bride (and Groom) to don their frocks (and suits) once again for photos that would not normally be taken on your wedding day.  It gives you the chance to get some very unusual shots and perhaps get your dress a little bit dirty before you send it off to the dry cleaners.

And this Cherish The Dress shoot with the lovely Louise, was very kindly sent to me by Joanne Spencer .  And for once, I'm going to do little narrating and let the pictures speak for themselves...

But first, I must point out those fabulous shoes as well, and how well they go with the groom's tie!

 Thanks to Joanne Spencer and the Bride and Groom for sending the pics my way.  If you have a similar style of shoot then please send them way because I LOVE them!

My Guest Blog: Vintage Glamour on Soon To Be Married

My second spot of guest blogging was posted this morning with a theme of Vintage Glamour.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

http://www.soontobemarried.co.uk/wedding-ideas/vintage_glamour/176/

Love Lancashire Bride x

The Wedding Blogging Furore: What it means to your average blogger

So the wedding blogging world was set on fire yesterday by one single letter...

http://hindsightbride.com/2011/10/10/open-letter-wedding-bloggers/#axzz1afuL8xFf

Upon reading this I felt utter dismay and yes it may seem drastic, but I wondered whether to carry on with Lancashire Bride.  Was this the way everyone thinks? Yes drastic it may be seem but I take everything to heart you see. 

On first view I thought this letter was aimed at all blogs.  I mean, what could Lancashire Bride have done to upset the photographer?  I don't have sponsors or suppliers that I am biased towards, I feature real life Lancashire weddings for where they take place and in the grand scheme of things Lancashire Bride is just a tiny dot in the blogging world!

 However, on reflection, I personally think that the person behind the letter just has problems with some of the major blogs.  Understandably so, after all the hard work put into a wedding its hard to see your work rejected.  Its very doubtful that the photographer has even seen Lancashire Bride and has probably only seen a small handful off the blogs out there.  Which is why I think the letter is not a rant at blogs in general (and why I shouldn't take things so personally) but more at the major blogs, which to be honest can be picky as they know what their readers want.

I blog as a sideline because a) I enjoy it and b) its good for my business.  Whereas for others it is their livelihood and they are damn good at it.  Take blogs such as Love My Dress and Rock & Roll Bride, is the anonymous photographer right in saying that all blogs are starting to lookalike?  These two blogs both have their own niches in the market and you would rarely catch them blogging the same type of wedding.  And if they can make a livelihood out of blogging, then surely that says they are good at what they do?  Yes they will have their guidelines and they may have to reject weddings but as the writers of popular blogs, surely they know what their readers wants.  And if the readers want mason jars and vintage suitcases then so be it.  These blogs may not appeal to everyone but there are OTHER blogs out there.

Beautiful Lancashire Photography

www.beanphoto.co.uk

When it comes to photography standards, I'm no expert and I'm only just learning trends and photo qualities but surely if I like a photo that's all that matters?  I've featured amateur and new photographers and photographers that have been doing their job for years, all who have different styles.  And I genuinely like most of their photos because, guess what? I love weddings.  As for the writer of the letter wanting more 'average' weddings featured, in my eyes no wedding or bride is average.  The fact that the newly wedded couples are (hopefully) in love and happy will make amazing photography. 

And as for sponsorship, well that's a touchy subject that many people have strong views on.  In my opinion, sponsorship is vital for a blogger to run a blog full-time and this will mean that that sponsors weddings will be featured on the blog.  Being an avid reader of Rock and Roll Bride, I know that Kat vets every sponsor and will reject those not suitable for the blog.  So if she features several weddings from one sponsor its because she believes they are suited to the style of Rock and Roll Bride.  This is only what the wedding magazines do.  The same names pop up over and over again in the magazines and, as with blogs, its those companies that pay for advertisements that will be featured the most.

So what about Lancashire Bride?  Well as I said I enjoy writing this blog and showcasing my work, if I get a few readers along the way then happy days!  Lancashire Bride is not a blog focused around a certain era or style but as the name suggests, I aim to promote weddings and suppliers in Lancashire whilst making my own work in the industry easily accessible to brides.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and this is just my humble view x

Lancashire Brides Wedding Gift List

I've trawled the Internet finding top wedding gifts so you guys don't have too.  So close friends of mine, take note, this is what I'd like as presents!



I spotted this Mr & Mrs sign yonks ago and it just keeps popping up.  Everytime I love it more and more.  Its available from http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ for £49.

Surely anything in a heart shape equals the perfect wedding present?  This heart shaped chalkboard is only £18 and is also available from http://www.notonthenightstreet.com/.

'All You Need Is Love,' the perfect quote to accompany married life.  It is also on website http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/ for £18.

Make sure the groom gets off on the right foot with a few hints with this handy little book from http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk/ (£4.99).

Fortnum and Mason are the obvious stop for a spot luxury and this gift box is a delight from the masters of perfection at £50.

For a touch of comedy buy the newly married couple this spoof wedding plaque from http://www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk/ for £18.

So the heart shaped umberella from http://www.loveumberellas.co.uk/ (£18) may just be one for the girls, but I just couldn't resist its gorgeousness and its from a local business!

http://www.thewhitecompany.com/ are known for their simple but luxurious pleasures in life and these unscented heart shaped tealight holders are no different at £18.

Another one from http://www.notonthehightstreet.com/ is this secret message lampshade that only shows when the lamp is switched on.  Personalise it to the Bride & Groom to make it more unique.

Finally, we have the classic Cath Kidston.  This teacup set (£26) is perfect if you're attending a wedding with a country chic theme and even if you're not it will still make an awesome present.

Have fun shopping x

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Welcome back to Part 2 of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly where I take a look at the unusual and sometimes awful wedding dresses of the world.  And boy do I have some treasure in store for you today...

The Good

http://uniqueweddingdressesweb.blogspot.com/

Yes it has an unusual pattern but this dress is just about wearable.

The Bad


www.thecouturegallery.com

Danish Designer Britta Kjerkegaard overloads this stunning piece of couture with a floral decoration.  But I have to say the rest of her Couture Gallery collection creates feelings of total dress envy!

And The Ugly

 

http://media.photobucket.com/image/vivienne%20westwood%20wedding/iamfashion04/2006_03/FW06-VivienneWestwood7.jpg

Sorry Vivienne Westwood but even Sarah Jessica- Parker couldn't pull this monstrosity off!

As always your comments are more than welcome and if you find any wedding dress disasters then make sure you let me know!

 

 

 



A Taste Of Lancashire: Wedding Buggy

Lancashire Bride is back with another fantastic lancashire supplier today who supply funky and flash cars to get you to your wedding on time! I first met Jenny at a wedding fayre where we realised that we followed each other on Twitter (it's a small world!) and before you know it I had fallen in love with Millie & Rosie (see below) and just had to have them on the blog!

Please introduce yourself and your line of business

Hi, we are Jennifer and Mike Jenkins, we are a married couple and live in Euxton, Chorley and we are the proud owners of Wedding Buggy – the fun and funky, unusual choice of Wedding Car!

We currently have two New VW Beetle Cabriolet's - Rosie (our sassy red lady) & Millie (she’s cream, cool and sophisticated) – and you can hire one or both of them for your wedding transport. They will arrive chauffeur driven, dressed in ribbons and bows (either traditional white or to match your colour theme) and of course, carry a half bottle of Moet to toast your marriage.

How did you get into this line of business?

We originally bought Rosie as a personal car a couple of months before our own wedding. I fell in love with her immediately and, after searching for a cream VW Beetle wedding car in the North West (and not finding one!), we decided to use Rosie as our own wedding car. After all, she had already become part of the family. When we arrived back from our honeymoon we had so many good comments about Rosie and the photos looked fab that we decided to set up our own business, bought Millie to compliment Rosie and so Wedding Buggy was born!

Rosie

Where can we find you? And which area do you serve?

We are based in Euxton, Chorley in the heart of Lancashire.  As our cars are modern VW Beetles we can attend weddings throughout Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Liverpool and Manchester and into Yorkshire. Distance is not really a problem.

Why should brides to be choose Wedding Buggy?

Our “girls” are fun, happy cars. Your wedding guests can’t help but smile when they see Millie and/or Rosie turn the corner bringing an equally smiling bride to the wedding! We do our utmost to ensure that our service is second to none and that attention is paid to the smallest details. We carry brides emergency kits and umbrellas in both cars (just in case!) but its very rare they get used.

I love the cars names. Why Rosie and Millie?

It is quite usual that VW owners give names to their cars, more than any other car type.

Rosie – I suppose this one’s is quite obvious because of her colour. I like to think of her as the Red Rose of Lancashire. She is ideal for brides with red colour schemes or brides who like to be different and stand out from the crowd.

Millie – there isn’t actually a reason for this name choice other than I love it. It conjures up a picture in my mind of a little girl with long blonde hair and a white dress, extremely cute but just a little bit naughty.

Millie

Is there enough room for brides with large wedding dresses and trains?

This is a question that lots of future brides ask until they sit in our cars. Although they appear small there is actually quite a bit of room for dresses and trains. The other advantage to our cars is that with the roof down you can stand up and walk in, rather than crouching to get into a conventional car which may crease up your dress. This makes a big difference on the day.

How much does it cost to hire Wedding Buggy?

Our prices do vary depending on distance and time but generally one car starts from £250.00 and both from £450.00. We only ever book one wedding per car a day so you can be sure you have us for as long as you need us.

Where can our readers meet you? And do you have a website?

We attend several wedding fayres each year so that you can meet Mille & Rosie “in the flesh” and try them out for size. You are also welcome to visit them at home by prior appointment.  Our website address is http://www.weddingbuggy.co.uk/ – we have lost more photos, information, testimonials, and a wedding fayre link on there too. You can also join our VIP members list to receive offers and information from us.