Sunday 18 August 2013

The Budgeting Bride - Minimoons

I don't know if you've heard, but the economy is pretty dire the world over. We're currently knee deep in a recession, but why should we let that kill any hope of romance? We shouldn't. Exactly. Because some famous band once said 'All you need is love...love is all you need.'
If that is the case, then save your cash by taking a 'Minimoon' instead of adding thousands to the budget by going abroad. There are some stunningly romantic places to be found wherever you are; in this instance, I will base that theory on the UK, but I am sure this is also the case for my Bride-to-be readers in other countries including Russia, Japan, Germany, Australia (G'day!), South Africa and Canada.

1.Cost
A major reason to consider the Minimoon is of course the cost. No flights, airport taxes, parking, luggage fees, travel insurance transfers and EVERYTHING else that leaving the country entails, your trip will be a lot less bank breaking and a lot more pocket friendly.

2. Less Hassle
Let's face it; you've been checking daily for the appearance of grey hairs and frown lines since the planning commenced, and to add planning a holiday on top of that could have you rocking in a corner and singing your 'Happy Song' repeatedly. Booking a cute cottage in the country will be less time consuming and less stressful, leaving you free to focus on the intricate details of your big day.

3. Passport Confusion
With the aforementioned hassle comes the fun of rushing to get your passport sorted. Do you travel in your maiden name? Of course you want to travel as the new Mrs, it IS your Honeymoon after all, and why wouldn't you want to make your first holiday together as a married couple 'official' on your passport?
Well, the beauty of taking a Minimoon means you don't have to worry about changing your passport on top of all of the other little things that will be niggling weeks before the big day.

4. No Delays
There's nothing worse that checking the departure board to see the word 'DELAYED'. You've barely slept from excitement and nerves about the wedding, barely slept from the buzz of the Wedding Day and now you're stranded at the airport indefinitely with a long flight ahead of you. Paradise? Not so. No ash clouds or curtailment can keep your from enjoying your Minimoon!

5. £s
No fumbling with a calculator to figure out conversion rates and foreign currency; you know right away whether you're buying a bargain or not! Who really needs to be doing math calculations when all you want to do is relax with your new Husband?

Check out some of these gorgeous Minimoon ideas!


The Old School House, Cornwall

Built in 1876, this attractive cottage has a plethora of rustic charm. Huge shuttered windows, a log burner, the beach as your garden and a local pub not too far away, this gorgeous little place could be perfect for a romantic minimoon.



Prices start from £331 for a week - click here for more information


Nant Las - North Wales

This small, comfortable cottage lies in a secluded woodland setting on the National Trust's Dolmelynllyn estate within the Snowdonia National Park. A bijoux little cottage ideal for romantic getaways, it was built in the 19th-century as an observatory, housing a telescope for nearby Dolmelynllyn Hall. The scenery is spectacular and varied; nearby and easily accessible by footpath, is Rhaiadr Ddu, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales



Prices start from £353 for a week - Click here for more information


Tintinhull House - Somerset

How about being Lord and Lady of the Manor for the week?
An elegant 17th century house that overlooks the most delightful formal garden. Part of the house has been used to create a four bedroom holiday property which retains much of its original features, such as leaded windows. You can explore the rest of the house during the opening hours. The kitchen is dominated by a huge Aga and an open fire is the centre piece of the sitting room.
Tintinhull Gardens is available as a venue for civil wedding ceremonies. They offer a picturesque setting alongside the intimate Summer House which overlooks the peaceful Pool garden.







Prices start from £1019 - click here for more information

With all these gorgeous gems nestled in our beautiful countryside it's easy to understand why more and more couples are opting for a homestay honeymoon instead of leaving Old Blighty! For tonnes more beautiful holiday cottages, head to www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk.

Until Next Time...

Search for hidden and unexpected gems!

The Enchanted One xoxo 

Thursday 15 August 2013

Taking Shape - The 411 on Wedding Dresses

Whilst I am aware that I promised I wouldn't leave blogging so long in my last post, I have been ridiculously busy this month...'tis the season after all! (For weddings, not Christmas, naturally.) So, I make my apologies, beg forgiveness and cut to the chase. It is, after all, the reason you have found your way here in the first place. Tonight I give you the 411 on Wedding Dresses where the silhouette is concerned. The key to looking absolutely stunning in your gown has nothing to do with the cost, it's all about the shape. So here goes nothing.

The Ballgown / Princess
Exactly as the name describes, and most likely the first image one's imagination conjures up when uttering the words 'Wedding Dress'. Think Disney Fairytales and you've got it. This style is great for nipping in the waist thanks to it's signature corset style top and full skirt. A great look for pear shapes, but can overwhelm the petite. Curvalicious ladies beware; adding tonnes of fabric to curves may leave you looking reminiscent of the Wedding Cake.


Selina - Maggie Sottero - www.maggiesottero.com

The Fishtail / Trumpet
Also known as the Mermaid, this style of dress is classic Hollywood glamour, and follows the contours of the body before flaring below the hips - normally mid-thigh for the Trumpet or knee for the Fishtail. This dress is perfect for Ladies with an hourglass figure, confident curves or a slender frame. Lace will be generally more forgiving on less that perfectly toned bums, tums and thighs than shiny satin; bear this in mind when hunting your dream dress.

Style 8605 - Justin Alexander www.Justinalexanderbridal.com

A-Line
This dress has a silhouette that is narrow at the top and gently flows to gradually widen at the bottom to create an 'A' shape. It is ideal for the bottom-conscious as it skims over hips without adding bulkiness and also for apple shapes as it creates balance at the waist.


Ronald Joyce - Barcelona - Ronaldjoyceinternational.com

Column
The Column is a slim fitting silhouette that follows a stright line from the neck to the hem, making it ideal for tall, lean and petite figures due to it's figure hugging qualities. Be aware though that this style will show every lump and bump so will require completely seamless bridal undergarments.


Marchesa Silk Column - www.Marchesa.co.uk


Tea Length
Think 1950's prom dress; the hemline falls between the knee and the ankle and is flattering for most body types, especially for ladies with gorgeous pins! It's perfect for a vintage themes too; wear statement shoes to make the most of the length.



Jane - Cutting Edge Brides - www.cuttingedgebrides.co.uk



Now you're all clued in on the silhouettes, it's time to go and find that dream dress!
Happy hunting!

Until next time...

Show love, show patience, show understanding.

The Enchanted One
xoxo