New York has to be the most romantic city in the world, with its iconic twinkling skyline. Dazzle your guests by hosting the wedding of your dreams in the heart of the city at the effortlessly cool PUBLIC Hotel. This hot spot is the latest brainchild of Ian Schrager (the legend behind celeb favourite Studio 54 and the first boutique hotel in the world) so, naturally, it was destined to wow. Schrager is renowned for delivering totally magical experiences, which is evident as soon as you pull up at the dramatic tree-lined entrance. Located in the vibrant Lower East Side, PUBLIC boasts 367 swanky rooms – plenty of space for all your loved ones – and, best of all, as it prides itself on affordable luxury, it won’t break the bank.

Walk down the aisle with a jaw-dropping backdrop of the city in the Sophia or Ava rooms (the latter also has a Sunrise Terrace) on the 17th floor, with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows flooded with natural light. Afterwards, hold your reception in the secret Bowery Garden, a leafy, tranquil oasis that’s a beautiful setting for celebrating in style. Guests will tuck into a seasonal menu made from fresh ingredients from the local market, cooked on a wood-burning oven and grill by head chef Jean-George, who takes inspiration from his worldwide travels. The excitement doesn’t end there – the state-of-the-art penthouse is 800 sq ft of utter perfection, with breathtaking views over the Lower East Side and beyond. The day after your wedding, explore the city by helicopter or on one of the hotel’s Shinola bikes, hire a boat in Central Park or perhaps stroll over Brooklyn Bridge and into the city – the options are truly endless.

Spitbank Fort PORTSMOUTH 

This historic fortress in the Solent was built more than 150 years ago and has been sensitively restored. Spaces include The Crow’s Nest, a contemporary room with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the Officer’s Mess with vaulted ceilings. Plus There’s a fire pit and hot tub, and eight bedrooms so guests can stay. solentforts.com/spitbank-fort 

Weddings in the Wyldes CORNWALL

How rock’n’roll is this? A three-day bash in the fields that are home to the annual Leopallooza festival. Organisers are renowned for booking bands just before they hit the big time, so they can tip you off about the best music acts. Say your vows on the main stage, dance until 3am, then bed down in bell tents. Recover with a Sunday roast and a soak in a hot tub. weddingsinthewyldes.com 

The Lodge VERBIER, SWITZERLAND 

What sounds better – a white wedding on the slopes or saying ‘I do’ during a balmy Alpine summer? Either way, taking over Sir Richard Branson’s Swiss mountain retreat is a surefire way to celebrate in style. After a ceremony in the nearby village of Le Châble, head to this nine-bedroom lodge, which comes with indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a pool, bar and top chefs who will create an incredible feast. virginlimitededition.com 

Euridge Manor WILTSHIRE 

Enchanting woodland, a gorgeously serene lake and a castle add up to a fairytale formula for this gem in the grounds of Sir Walter Raleigh’s old hunting lodge, which is available for a three-night hire.There are rose gardens to wanderin, and lawns for afternoon tea, before a banquet in the marquee. Alternatively, have an intimate supper in the Orangery for your closest friends and family. euridgeorangeryweddings.com 

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa BATH, SOMERSET

At the heart of Bath’s most iconic crescent, this is a magical setting with endless possibilities, from weddings in the grand Library to a reception on the front lawn. For an intimate affair, book the Sir Percy Blakeney Suite, which has a four-poster overlooking the garden. Perfection! royalcrescent.co.uk

 Home House MARYLEBONE, LONDON 

This private members’ club in Portman Square is the epitome of 18th-century neo-classical elegance, with grand chandeliers, original cornicing and a dramatic staircase. All the action takes place in the Front Parlour and Eating Room, before dancing and a DJ downstairs in The Vaults. Food can be served al fresco in lovely Portman Square Garden opposite. homehouse.co.uk 

Galle Face Hotel COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

Traditional Buddhist Poruwa ceremonies can only take place here when the stars align to give a positive blessing. There are dancers, drumming and the setting is either a chequerboard floor facing the ocean or inside in the Ballroom. Equally fun is the 1864 restaurant, where you sit at low pink tables and tuck into Sri Lankan dishes. gallefacehotel.com 

Grand Hotel Central Barcelona SPAIN 

This Art Deco hotel, between the Gothic District and El Born, has a rooftop infinity pool and Skybar – exactly what you need when it’s hot, hot, hot. Get married here, or inside surrounded by oak-panelled walls, refined herringbone-pattern parquet flooring and 1920s details. grandhotelcentral.com 

St Ermin’s Hotel WESTMINSTER, LONDON 

At the far end of a tree-lined courtyard, this hotel is an under-the-radar smash hit. It’s a tough choice between the Crystal Ballroom (named after its enormous chandelier) and the 100-year-old Cloisters Suite, with its Rococo plasterwork and vaulted ceiling. Whichever you book, you’ll get your wedding night in a suite with Champagne breakfast in bed – for free! sterminshotel.co.uk

Chelsea Old Town Hall LONDON 

Be one of the first to tie the knot in the newly refurbished Chelsea Old Town Hall, which reopened last autumn. Restored to its former glory with gold-leaf ornate ceilings and marble floors, the historic Victorian building has three spaces to choose from, including the Cadogan Suite, which now comes with an adjoining ante room that’s ideal for popping Champagne corks after the ceremony. rbkc.gov.uk

The Gherkin CITY OF LONDON 

Wow your guests with incredible views from the top two floors of this City landmark. The smaller sky-high rooms are ideal for daytime receptions for up to 60 guests; larger parties can take over the Helix restaurant and sip cocktails at Iris bar. Best of all, there’s no Cinderella-style midnight curfew – the party lasts until 3am. searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

The Marylebone Hotel LONDON 

The spaces that make up The Marylebone Rooms at this central London hotel are all top notch, with plenty of natural light and modern artworks. Brides’ pick for a blessing and wedding breakfast is Number Six – it has a bar and terrace – and Courtyard, which has a retractable roof, open fire and greenery-covered glass wall so the weather won’t trouble you a bit. doylecollection.com

Hotel Heureka VENICE, ITALY 

This is a real find: a 16th-century palazzo in the lively Cannaregio district that opened as a 10-room boutique bolthole last year, and is available for exclusive use. The look is a cool mix of mid-century modern furnishings with terrazzo marble floors and exposed brick walls. Hop in a water taxi for pictures along the canals, enjoy aperitivo in the garden under the trees and gather round the grand piano in the Music Room. Bellissima! hotel-heureka.com

COMO The Treasury PERTH, AUSTRALIA

The Victorian-era facade of the city’s 19th century State Buildings belies its crisp, modern interiors. After a ceremony on Cathedral Square Lawn, choose between fine dining in Wildflower – the hotel’s destination rooftop restaurant with city views – or Italian bistro The Post, once the franking space for Western Australia’s first General Post Office. comohotels.com

University Arms CAMBRIDGESHIRE 

With acclaimed designer Martin Brudnizki in charge of the interiors, this newly refurbished 19th-century coaching inn was always going to be a design win. The Ballroom combines wood-panelled walls, stained-glass windows and a fireplace with red leather chairs. The food, overseen by head chef Tristan Welch, is delicious and the cocktails are named after Cambridge characters and stories. Book the Marlowe suite for its two terraces and the roll-top bath in the turret. universityarms.com

The Hair BELGRAVIA, LONDON 

The place for a post-ceremony knees-up in Belgravia. Take over the bar and terrace for a reception with lip-smacking bowl food (meatballs, homemade gnocchi, octopus salad), cocktails under the retractable glass roof and ivy-clad walls that can be interwoven with flowers. Or For something more formal, il Pampero Italian restaurant can be hired for exclusive use. thehari.com

The London Edition FITZROVIA, LONDON 

This über-hip hotel now offers nuptials, meaning you can get hitched in the Penthouse Suite or the Basement – an atmospheric former nightclub. An impressive art collection covers every inch of the wall in the Berners Tavern restaurant, which you can hire exclusively. editionhotels.com/london 

Aynhoe Park GLOUCESTERSHIRE 

From the one-of-a-kind art and taxidermy to the bridal suite designed by Matthew Williamson, this is a terrifically fun Cotswolds pad with a deer park. You’ll definitely want to make a weekend of it! Take your pick of rooms for the ceremony, fire up a BBQ on the lawns and have your first dance in the sculpture-lined Orangery. aynhoepark.co.uk 

The Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey BEDFORDSHIRE 

Not many couples can say they’ve wed in a stately sculpture gallery, complete with grand oil paintings and marble pillars. Outside, the surroundings are also pretty special, with statues dotted around rose gardens and a tranquil lake. woburnweddings.co.uk 

Brunswick House VAUXHALL, LONDON 

An unlikely landmark on Vauxhall roundabout, what began solely as a LASSCO salvage yard within a Georgian mansion has evolved into a unique events space and an excellent restaurant with celebrated chef Jackson Boxer at the helm. Book a room or take over the entire building – and think of all the cool curiosities you can use as props in the pictures. lassco.co.uk 

The post The 20 Best Destination Wedding Locations Around the World appeared first on TravelsMaps.Com ®.

Corinthia Hotel WESTMINSTER 150 £175

Take all the faff out of your wedding morning by booking into the ‘Movie Makeover Room’ (with Daniel Galvin hair salon and Hollywood make-up artist Lois Burwell) for a beauty blow-out. The restored Victorian ballroom, food by award-winning chef André Garrett and – shhh – sneaky snaps with cityscape panoramas taken from one of the penthouse suites make this a first-class wedding call. corinthia.com

The Lanesborough HYDE PARK CORNER 110 £140

From the moment you pull up to this Regency-era stunner in a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom, your dream day begins. Menus are overseen by Michelin-starred chef Florian Favario, and you can book in with hairdresser-to-the-stars Daniel Galvin Jr, while Bruce Oldfield, the hotel’s exclusive couturier, can design your dress. Beautiful rooms include The Belgravia, which has mirrored blue Murano walls and hand-painted fresco ceilings. lanesborough.com

Hotel Café Royal SOHO 120 £108

No guest can fail to be impressed by the sheer opulence and glamour of the Louis XVI Pompadour Ballroom, with its mirrored panelled walls and fresco-covered ceiling. It’s one of the largest in the capital, with double doors leading to a private terrace with sweeping views down Regent Street. There’s a holistic attitude here, which means the Akasha spa nutritionists and trainers are on hand to help you prepare for the big day. hotelcaferoyal.com

The Dorchester MAYFAIR 430 £200

A private entrance on Park Lane leads to the glitzy Gold Room, a spellbinding drinks space with an epic crystal cage chandelier that houses Murano glass birds, that leads to the grand Art Deco ballroom beyond. For something more intimate, the baby blue Wedgwood-inspired Orchid Room or theatrical Pavilion Suite, based on Sleeping Beauty, with its own secret roof garden, are both sterling options. dorchestercollection.com

The Berkeley KNIGHTSBRIDGE 250 £80

Hands up who fancies nine weeks of couple’s pre-wedding health club and spa membership? Book your big day in the Ballroom here and it’s yours (as well as a personal consultation with bridal couturier Phillipa Lepley, whose creations are timeless sophistication to a tee). The space itself is cool and contemporary, with a 3D ceiling design and bespoke eucalyptus-wood panels on the walls. There’s an imaginative bowl-food selection, too, which includes truffle hot dogs and Lancashire hotpot. the-berkeley.co.uk

The Langham MARYLEBONE 250 £150

What a surprising oasis this is in the heart of the West End, with a lavish Grand Ballroom that overlooks a courtyard garden – one of the oldest in the capital. Food-wise, you’re in for a treat: the unique ‘Private Dining by Roux’ concept means your wedding breakfast will have all the hallmarks of classic French cooking but with a contemporary twist (the hotel can also cater for kosher and halal parties). langhamhotels.com

Rosewood London HOLBORN 350 £200

The contemporary Grand Ballroom with glittering chandeliers and a dance floor is the blockbuster space to book for weddings at this elegant, Grade II-listed hotel. Brides also loves the Event Studio – a really useful showcase of everything you might need, from glassware to linens – and the spoiling Sense spa with Matthew Curtis hair salon. For a next-day breakfast de-brief, hire the cosy Scarfes Bar. rosewoodhotels.com

The Connaught MAYFAIR 200 £83

Pull up outside this Mayfair marvel in a horse and carriage. From spectacular dinners for 40 in the intimate lavender- and ivory-hued Carlos Room, to a romantic reception for 200 in The Mayfair Room with antique mirrors and a sprung parquet floor for dancing, this hotel has it covered. And with two terrific restaurants under the same roof – Far East-inspired fare at Jean-Georges at the Connaught, and innovative French cuisine by Hélène Darroze – incredible menus are a given. the-connaught.co.uk

The Savoy STRAND 250 £200

Designed in the style of a Parisian salon, the Lancaster Ballroom is the largest of The Savoy’s celebration spaces – and, unusually, it also has a stage. There’s also the River Room for a chic cocktail reception (enlist the pianist from the American Bar to play, if you can), half a dozen private dining rooms and a Royal Suite overlooking the Thames, with a capacity of just 20 for intimate weddings. The in-house floral team’s bouquets are amazing. fairmont.com/savoy-london

Old Marylebone Town Hall 100

It’s no wonderso many famous faces(Sir Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher) have married at this renowned venue, which is now even smarter after a recentspruce-up. Seven beautifulspaces are all named after different areas of the capital (The Soho Room is a favourite) – and ask about finishing touches,such as Prosecco for post-ceremony toasts and all-female musical trio Blue Topaz Strings on the supplierlist. adaytoremember.london

One Whitehall Place WESTMINSTER 250 £125

This majestic Victorian masterpiece adjoins The Royal Horseguards Hotel on Victoria Embankment. Bookish brides will be drawn to the Gladstone Library, restored to its former splendour with original tiled pillars and 30,000 replica books lining the shelves (drift from here to the neighbouring Reading and Writing Room for drinks with river vistas). Top-hat-wearing doormen, the sweeping marble staircase and glittering chandeliers all add to the sense of occasion. guoman.com

The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple TEMPLE 100 £53

A real hidden treasure, Middle Temple is one of the ancient Inns of Court and steeped in tradition. Brides’ pick isthe Elizabethan Hall (those stained-glass windows!), then head out for a garden reception for up to 750. In-house chefs will whip up anything from a formalsupperto canapés, and there’s an extensivewine cellarto raid forthe toasts. middletemplevenue.co.uk

Want to be a bride in one of the most famous buildingsin the world? A wedding at the House of Commons awaits…

AKE HISTORY OF YOUR OWN BY MARRYING IN ONE OF THE MOST famous buildings in the world: the House of Commons. An extraordinary landmark that has been the backdrop to some of the most unforgettable turning points in British history – is there a better venue for making the most romantic statement of your life? The House of Commons forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique sense of occasion for couples saying ‘I do’.

Here, you can enjoy a licensed ceremony in front of 150 guests in the Members’ Dining Room, with views overlooking the River Thames, or the more intimate oak-panelled Jubilee Room for a gathering of up to 60. Once you’ve exchanged those all-important vows, it’s time to celebrate.

The House of Commons team are pros at organising glittering events, and your special day is top of the agenda – the venue can provide anything you wish, from a five-course, seated wedding breakfast or lavish afternoon tea fit for the Queen to impressive riverside drinks in the chic, light-filled Thames or Terrace Pavilions overlooking the water. The festivities don’t end there. Why not treat your wedding guests to a guided tour of the House of Commons’ and the House of Lords’ debating chambers on the big day? Or delight foodies by heading to the House of Commons for tastings with their awardwinning chefs. Then send friends and family off with memories of your amazing day that they’ll never forget. And nor will you.

The post 20 The Best Wedding Venues in London appeared first on TravelsMaps.Com ®.

The venue We had our ceremony at Sudbury Town Hall, which is a gorgeous, grand building – and much cheaper than having a registrar come to a wedding venue. For our reception, I stumbled on website sufolkvillagehalls.co.uk and found Harkstead Village Hall. Itcost £650 to hire from midday on Friday (meaning we could decorate it ourselves) until midday on Sunday.The caTeringWe didn’t want a formal dinner and a hog roast suited the vibe of the day.

Porkyshogroasts.co.uk ofers catering packages for £1,800, which include tapas when guests arrive, a whole hog roast, turkey roast and vegetable paella with various types of saladsbreads and sauces for dinner, followed by a barbecue at night. We shopped around for a catererbecause we didn’t want one who supplied drinks. Instead, we boughtPimm’s and all our wine and prosecco from Majestic Wine.

The flowers

We went for local Ipswich forist Twigby Michael Pooley (twigfowers.co.ukHe asked for our budget and coloursand told me how he could make themost of it. Instead of getting bloomswe wanted that were out of season, headvised us on alternatives that weregrown locally and in season, savingus £1 per stem. We could supply ourown vases, saving us another £200.Our family and friends started collecting jars and donating vases, pots and jugs.

We spent £700 and weren’t short of fowers.The enTerTainMenTSimon proposed at Latitude Festival while my favourite band, Admiral Fallow, was playing my favourite song, so music was always going to be a big part of the day. Instead of a ‘wedding band’, we found Dr Bluegrass And Te Illbilly 8 at a local folk festival. Tey had another wedding to play that evening, but became our ‘frst act’, during our drinks reception. Our second banddropped out nine days before the wedding so I took to Twitter to fnd a replacement – and singer-songwriter Big Finn was booked within hours. Afer dinner we had a ceilidh band – made up of musicians that a colleague of Simon’s put together for free – and a friend of a friend DJ’d (model Izzy Lawrence).

We had four ‘acts’ for £1,000 – a big part of our budget, but it really made the wedding for us.The dressesI found the dress I loved – a tea-length lace number – at Berketex Bride in Glasgow with my mum. I knew it was the one as soon as I put it on, but we went for lunch to mull it over. When we went back, they ofered 25 per cent of if we bought it there and then – I was sold! My Upper Street shoes were actually a press gif (bonus), and I did my own make-up afer a lesson at a Bobbi Brown counter in Fenwick.

My veil was another etsy.com fnd and cost £50. I bought the bridesmaid dresses at asos.com (£35 each), and then my mum made sashes out of our family tartan – paired withtheir own nude shoes. Te fower girl dresses were from bhs.com (£30 each).The decorEveryone pitched in to decorate the hall on the Friday afernoon. We made one string of bunting using my family tartan, but it was cheaper to buy plain bunting from amazon.co.uk (£4 per string). I made place names using luggage labels and glitter. We also made mix CDs for everyone as favours – they cost about £8 in total.The cakeTis was made by a colleague of Simon’s – a two-tiered chocolate cake as a wedding present.

She was up for 36 hours straight making it!

The photographer used to work for the East Anglian Daily Times, so I asked one of their photographers to take our pictures. My Top TipKnow your budget and stick to it. I went to a wedding fair and was told I couldn’t organise a wedding with our budget or time frame (10 months). Find suppliers who’ll work creatively with the money you have.

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Throw an exquisite and elegant garden party by dressing a relaxed, natural setting with extreme opulence: think brass candelabras, twinkling chandeliers, vintage dessert trolleys, Grecian urns and plenty of gold. Ofset the scene with fresh whites and leafy greens, maximising the lavish fora with verdant arches, moss-covered letters, and table runners bursting with succulentsStyling michelle Pierre-carr Photographs eddie Juddthe wedding Party Bride: Silk-radzimir dress, £2,800, amsale.com.

Quartz and rhodium bracelet, £215, and quartz and rhodium earrings, £119, Stephanie Browne at luellasboudoir.co.uk. Groom: Wool and silk suit, £499; shirt, £49.99; tie, from £30; and shoes, £275, Oliver Sweeney at stephenbishopsuiting.com. Buttonhole (rosette and pearl succulents), from £7.50, thewhiteorchid.co.uk. Bridesmaid, flower girls and pageboy: Outfits, see overleaf. Bespoke archway, £788, partumis-metal.com. Floral arch (Avalanche roses and spray roses, hydrangeas, ivy strands and willow).

Ann says: ‘Tis is a stunning dress – I love the asymmetric design and, of course, the gorgeous coloured feathers. It would be great for a very lavish wedding.’Philip says: ‘Tis is my least favourite design.

I can appreciate the art in creating it, but I am big on frst impressions and I don’t like it – I don’t think that it’s suitable for a wedding. I am a little traditional in that way! Perhaps I’d like it more if it was white.’an oversized, coloured feather train make this a head-turning creation for any ‘look-at-me!’ bride Ruched, curve-clinging fabric and statement feathers.

LATEX

A stunning fishtail train with lace detailing and an hourglass corset make this dress undeniably sexy

Anna says: ‘Although it’s exquisite, I can’t say it’s the most comfortable gown. If I wore this sticky latex and extremely tight corset I’m not sure how much I could enjoy the day! It took a specialist latex person (and masses of talc) to get me into it – I can’t imagine what it would be like to get of on my wedding night.’Philip says: ‘I love it! Vintage but so contemporary at the same time.

I think Anna looks hot in it but… it’s latex. I know this material is ridiculously uncomfortable, so perhaps not ideal for a wedding.’Latex dress, £1,950, amstatik.com. Gold earrings, £10,500; 0.75ct diamond bangle, £7,500, and 1ct diamond bangle, £8,750, jessicamccormack.com. Bouquet (red naomi roses and hydrangeas), from £85, jamieaston.com. Satin peep-toe heels, £425, jimmychoo.com →detailing and an hourglass corset make this dress undeniably sexyA stunning fishtail train with lace latex lace.

The post Travel Fashion Tips and Advice for Women appeared first on TravelsMaps.Com ®.

Our gift list was i tin.y (cough)

I asked guests to bring a six- inch square of pastel-coloured material. Then my mum sewed them together to make a massive quilt’ Lucie, 30, Chester

‘My fiance’s father’s new girlfriend bought us a tray of Ferrero Rocher wrapped with a ribbon. Push the boat out!’

Phoebe, 28, Cheltenham

‘I have to dust off the hideous ostrich statue every time my aunt visits. It’s terrifying and makes my baby scream.’

Chloe, 29, Bristol

‘I love my Philippe Starck Ghost chairs: they work in every room and still look pristine and timeless after four years.’

Jenni, 36, London

‘A full set of Soho Home tableware; it’s like eating at Babington House every day!’

Astrid, 35, Guildford

‘A horrid black dish that looks like a cycling helmet – and wasn’t on our list. It’s been passed on as a joke birthday present through our families for 10 years now!’ John, 37, London

‘Boring, I know, but having new fluffy John Lewis bath towels, after years of horrid student ones, was one of the loveliest treats on our list!’ Gemma, 29, London

‘We use our

Champagne saucers all the time; they’re so decadent and retro, and we’d never have bought them ourselves. The only negative: they’re a nightmare to stack!’ Olivia, 34, Manchester.

‘AND THE DISASTER GIFTS WE COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT!’

‘We asked for a really posh Weber barbecue and genuinely thought no one would buy it, but all our close friends pitched in and we spent the summer hosting incredible “thank you” barbecues – it felt like the wedding carried on for weeks!’

Laura, 34, Bristol

‘The one thing , I fa glad I asked for’

Take your gift-list shopping cue from real brides, ^Mwho listed it, received it and still love it…MI

‘We added “experiences” to our honeymoon registry, which my fiance thought was naff. But it was the best part of the trip: we did horse riding, snorkelling, canoeing… things we’d never have booked ourselves.’

Ali, 37, Southampton

‘We’d just bought a new house – an empty shell – so we asked our guests to create our living roomlwith items we chose from interior design company studioonline.co.uk.’ Sam, 30, Londor

The post The Wedding Shop The Ultimate Wedding Gift List Service appeared first on TravelsMaps.Com ®.

Is your dream wedding about bringing your friends and family together, all on a 5,000 acre estate? In the heart of rural Suffolk, Wilderness Reserve is a new approach to wedding venues, with your own private estate where you can completely relax and come together for your big celebration. With rolling green parkland as far as you can see, the estate comprises of the manor house, coach house, traditional farmhouses and rustic yet luxurious cottages offering up to 50 bedrooms, just over two hours from central London.

First glimpsed from the serpentine drive with views of the lake and wildflowers, Sibton Park is your own stately home. With a civil ceremonies license for up to 250 people, beautiful Orangery and marquee, it’s a unique alternative for truly bespoke weddings. 

WORLD’S ONLY LUXURY INCLUDED HONEYMOON

A 5-Star Luxury Included® honeymoon at Sandals Resorts is as close to perfect as you’ll find. Pristine beaches. Exotic islands. Decadently romantic suites, many with private pools and butlers. Endless land and water sports, including scuba diving* and golf. 5-Star Global Gourmet dining at up to 16 outstanding restaurants. Unlimited premium spirits and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wine served 24/7. Plus beach parties and authentic “island” entertainment. It’s all included, all unlimited, all the time. So take a closer look at Sandals and discover the perfect honeymoon for two people in love.

*Free for certified divers. 2 dives per day. AMandatory caddies at cost.

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS ON THE PLANET.

COME IN-STORE TO SEE OUR SANDALS SPECIALISTS

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT SANDALS.CO.UK/STORE

ALTERNATIVELY, CALL 0800 012 1878

VISIT SANDALS.CO.UK • SEE YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT 

Thomas Cook

HONEYMOONS

MADE EASIER

WITH THE GIFT OF TRAVEL

Plan the honeymoon of your dreams with our Gift of Travel service.

• Register with us at thomascook.com/gift-cards

• Share your page with your friends and family so they can contribute to your honeymoon gift fund

• Choose one of our incredible destinations: take a look online or pop to your local store for inspiration and expert advice

• Already decided? That’s no problem; just book your honeymoon with us now, then take your Gift Card along to your local travel shop and we’ll refund you the total amount you receive, up to 14 days after you return home

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THOMASCOOK.COM/GIFT-CARDS

Terms and conditions apply, see our website for details. Thomas Cook Gift of Travel service is provided by SVM Global Ltd on behalf of Thomas Cook, a trading name of TCCT Retail Ltd. 

Travel

‘First stop? This Maldivian paradise. Arriving here was totally mind-blowing. We ate breakfasts of fresh fruit, orange juice and pastries, surrounded by the topaz sea.’

‘We spent most of our time in our villa, hanging out on the balcony. This is where we looked through our wedding photos for the first time; it was such a special moment.’

‘The idea was to visit places neither of us had ever been. Seeing the iconic over-water villas in the Indian Ocean for the first time was so exciting!’

I loved the bikes – a fab way to get around the island. Here, we were on the way to the beach to watch the sunset. The feeling of salty wind on your face and sun on your skin is unbeatable.’

‘This For Love & Lemons dress was so perfect for the Maldives. A real “throw-on-and-leave- the-room” kind of dress. Their pieces are so beautiful and easy to wear. I had lots like this in my honeymoon wardrobe.’

‘A little secret for you all: I was petrified of getting in the water because of the sharks (even though the experts told us they were totally harmless!).^® Anthony was worried, too… but we did it. Such a great experience!’

Camila CamlgaVe^BI Brides exclusive access| to her trip-of-a-^U| lifetime. From kickingl back in the MaldiveşjU and dressing up^Hlfl in Dubai to a shoW-H stopping safari in HU Zimbabwe, the fashion! and lifestyle influence^ (and her husband,! A nthony) did it all.

One blogged

‘Optional island style: bare feet. Here, we were heading off on a cruise to spot dolphins.’ ,

‘Our favourite day? Spending time on a private island – literally just the two of us – with a picnic and ice¬cold rose. We felt so utterly free.’

One serious Insta-envy ‘moon

@camilacarril camilacarril.com 

Posing on sun loungers! I love this Rae Feather bag – they personalise each clutch with your name. Tip: if you’re in Dubai but staying at a different hotel, you can still experience the One&Only – they have private rooms by the pool.’

‘This was one of my favourite outfits from the whole trip. Dubai is a glamorous place, so I enjoyed dressing up there. This dress and handbag are both Fendi. I adore the cream- and-peach colour combo.’

‘It’s SO hot in Dubai that, really, the best thing to do is hunker down in your hotel, which is exactly what we did! This was their immaculate beach, where you could flop onto day beds or even have a go at kayaking and paddle boarding.’

‘One of the best things about the property is that, every 15 minutes, they have a boat that takes you to their sister hotel, One&Only Royal Mirage, so you can eat at their restaurants, too. We loved Eauzone, where your dinner table floats above water.’

‘Here we are, about to go on our first game drive! To begin with, we saw wildebeest and giraffes, but our brilliant tracker, Mavuto (pictured), soon spotted lions drinking at a watering hole, so we paused near there for a sundowner. As the lions departed, a herd of 10 elephants appeared for their evening drink. It was magical.’

‘On our way from Johannesburg to the camp in Zimbabwe. Both Anthony and I were nervous about climbing into this teeny, tiny six-seater plane… but as soon as we took off and saw the incredible views of the bush beneath us, we forgot all about our nerves!’

‘One evening, we got back to camp and the staff surprised us with a private dinner on the balcony of our suite. There was Champagne (of course), plus an outdoor bed set up so we could sleep under the stars! They’d even run a bubble bath with petals scattered over it. It was so romantic.’

‘Hanging out in the spacious communal area. It’s basically an outdoor living room with lots of squashy day beds and a spectacular wooden terrace jutting out onto the lake. With powerful binoculars, you can spot animals from here – we saw deer grazing while we were having afternoon tea.’

To enter, and for the full terms and conditions, visit bridesmagazine. co. uk and answer the simple question. The closing date is 25th January 2018

Experts in luxury travel, Destinology is one of the UK’s leading tour operators, offering holidays to destinations across Europe and worldwide. Every trip is unique; tailor-made by a destination expert, from a hand-picked selection of luxe hotels and resorts.

www.bridesmagazine.couk

BRIDES HAS TEAMED UP WITH JA RESORTS & HOTELS AND DESTINOLOGY TO BRING YOU THIS SUPER-LUXE HONEYMOON IN THE MALDIVES AT JA MANAFARU.

The lucky winners will experience seven nights in a gorgeous Beach Bungalow with private pool – these secluded rooms are nestled among the resort’s tropical greenery and just a few steps to that picture-postcard white sand beach of your dreams.

It’s a foodie paradise at this resort: the signature restaurant White Orchid is located in an over-water bungalow so you can try exquisite Asian-fusion cuisine (think crispy prawn tempura) while enjoying to-die-for views. Ocean Grill on the beach is the place to head to for fresher-than-fresh seafood (go for the sublime local lobster) or sample the truffle pizza at Italian-inspired Andiamo Bistro. As part of this sensational prize, the winners will be treated to a romantic dinner for two at the Cellar restaurant. Feast on

delicious dishes paired with prestigious wines by the island’s sommelier.

A sunset boat cruise is also included where you’ll sail over crystal-clear water watching the sky turn fiery red and spotting pods of playful spinner dolphins.

You can do as little as you like here – from flopping on the pristine beach or sipping a cocktail at the glorious Horizon Lounge to the more active watersports or even join in a Maldivian cooking class.

To complete the full relaxation experience, don’t miss a visit to the wonderful Calm Spa, which specialises in bespoke treatments that have been developed specially for the hotel including Ayurvedic therapies and healing rituals. Find your inner bliss with a complimentary traditional Maldivian massage each during your stay.

Enter now to win this truly fantastic honeymoon of a lifetime! For more information about the resort, visit jaresortshotels.com and destinology.co.uk. 

for a bottle of Champag ne. Returning to your treehouse couldn’t be more tempting. With under-floor heating, a wood¬burning stove and hampers of goodies regularly refreshed, this is as close as it gets to a luxurious African safari on UK soil. Best of all, breakfast (and dinner if you choose) is delivered into a cleverly concealed hatch so you needn’t ever be disturbed. iconicluxuryhotels.com

TREEHOUSE AT CHEWTON GLEN, HAMPSHIRE

Peeping out from the treetops, these vast eco-suites are havens of smooth bleached wood, raw linens and botanical hues. Gaze out at the savannah-style surroundings from your wrap¬around terrace complete with daybeds and hot tub, take a stroll along the nearby shingle beach or head over to Chewton Glen

PALAZZO CONSIGLIA, MALTA

A converted townhouse owned by a Maltese family just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront, this bolthole is ideal for exploring Malta’s capital. J ust a dozen rooms and a rooftop pool, it’s easy to settle in, and there’s plenty on the doorstep. Charter a yacht and take in Valletta’s harbour or head into town for a night of jazz at the Bridge Bar. Nearby restaurant, Panorama, dishes out full-flavoured Mediterranean dishes (pistachio-crusted lamb and poached local rockfish) and if you time it right (April) you can catch the annual fireworks festival – best observed from the Palazzo’s roof. palazzoconsiglia.com

BRIDES PARTNERSHIPS SAO LOURENÇO DO BARROCAL, PORTUGAL

A newly restored 19th-century farmhouse – with its own winery and spa – Sâo Lourenço do Barrocal provides a rustic-chic sunshine blast. Days are spent sipping the estate’s sparkling wine, exploring nearby orchards, vineyards and wildflower meadows, and dozing under olive trees. In the Susanne Kaufmann spa, vaulted chambers lead to fizzing hydrotherapy pools, and after the sun goes down, you can dine in the hotel’s old bull-fighting ring; cante alentejano (traditional singing from the Alentejo) playing softly in the background. On your way back to your room, be sure to glance skywards – the hotel is located in the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve.

Hotel’s plush cinema. Communal spaces are filled with modern art (spot the Tracey Emin) and there’s nowhere better to eat: Megu for Japanese and the Stübli for bubbling vats of fondue. To round things off, hands-on Asian healing is provided in the Six Senses spa, an underground warren of curvy tunnels and glistening wet rock.

thealpinagstaad.ch

ALPINA GSTAAD

Whether you ‘do’ Gstaad in winter or summer, this little Swiss town hits the jackpot. Hotels here are in a leag ue of their own, and the Alpina – one of the newer arrivals – trumps them all. Ask nicely and they’ll arrange a helicopter to take you to lunch overlooking the Glacier 3000, or a scenic tour of the Matterhorn, before returning for hot chocolate and a classic in the.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MARRAKECH

Just ten minutes from the Medina, this Moroccan pleasure palace is as tranquil as it is grand. It took Parisian design duo Gilles & Boissier three years to complete the ultra-swish interiors with Chanel colours, hand-woven rugs and Berber motifs etched in clay. Each riad-like villa is stand-alone and comes with a secluded courtyard, outdoor kitchen and open fireplace. The gardens are equally impressive with 30 different varieties of rose dotted among ancient olive trees and shoulder-high cacti. H it horizontal by the main pool and watch waiters in cricket jumpers buzz about with trays of Caesar salad and San Pellegrino – the thrills of the Red City can wait. mandarinoriental.com

FICIMORI, PLGLIA

Renting a villa might seem at odds with your typicai honeymoon notion but Ficimori is no ordinary uilla. A stand¬alone trulli set among the rolling hills of the Valle d’ltria, it’s small and perfectly formed: two breezy bedrooms, a glimmering pool and private hammam. Whitewashed walls melt into honey¬stone terraces and springy lawns; the villa’s rustic trulli cones lending an extra level of authenticity. Beaches, cobbled old towns and buzzy piazzas are all there foT the taking but if you choose to revel in isolated bliss, massage therapists and yoga instructors can be summoned at the press of a button.

thethinkingtravelleT.com

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I was 26, and living in an overpriced New York apartment where my tiny wardrobe held mostly bridesmaid dresses and my fridge was covered with save-the- dates. It seemed like everyone in my life had decided to get married all at once. Not me. I spent my precious time working as a copywriter for a tech start-up, climbing the career ladder to star of the creative department. At weekends, I was more likely to be dancing the cha-cha slide as a bridesmaid than going on dates. In just one year, I was a bridesmaid four times. That’s four polyester dresses, four male strippers twerking in my face on a hen do, and four times drying the bride’s tears before walking down the aisle.

So, that Friday night, when I was asked to do it all again – twice – I flirted with a crazy idea of offering my bridesmaid

‘services’ out to strangers. ‘Why not?’ I thought, three glasses of wine later. ‘I’m good at this stuff. Why not get paid to help out other brides?’ I didn’t have the acumen or experience to know how to start a business, so I decided to test my idea on a website where you can find anything – old sofas, part-time gigs, and apartments: craigslist.com. In my ad, I told women that I’d be there for them when their real friends were too busy or far away. I said I’d do the ‘dirty work’ – hold their 18-layer dress when they needed to pee, dance with their drunken uncles or track down the best hen-party venue in town. I would be their human Xanax; their voice of reason; their wedding whisperer, using the tips I’d picked up from my own friends’ weddings.

The post got thousands of views and, within two days, I had more than 200 emails from brides all over the world. Some friends thought it was crazy, and maybe it was, but I gave it a go, working my first wedding in Minnesota for a bride who had fired her maid of honour a few months earlier. It was a success and, when she said I’d saved her day, I knew I was on to something. I quit my job, and ‘Bridesmaid For Hire’ – with services and virtual packages from $35 to $3,000 – was born.

I’ve now worked with more than 60 brides and worn dresses in every colour, fabric and length. I’ve pretended to be Jen Smith from Texas, Jen Chase from yoga and Jen Glass from school, so that the bride’s guests and family – even fiances – never had to know I was, in fact, a stranger. But to me, there’s nothing strange about it. I’ve met people from all over the world and had unforgettable experiences. Most importantly, I’ve learnt more about weddings, love and happiness over the past two years than I have throughout my entire life.

Lessons like these…

The mishap that taught me accidents willhappen

Newsflash: you can’t plan to have the perfect day, and weddings are no exception. Some things will always be out of your control: sick guests, thunderstorms, the best man’s speech. Almost every time I’ve been a bridesmaid, something has gone wrong (sometimes seriously wrong) – from a groom going MIA, to a stained wedding dress right before the ceremony. A stressed-out New York bride once asked if I would help two of the groomsmen move a small table with her ceiling-high wedding cake to the middle of the dancefloor. But as the three of us began moving the table, it broke beneath us and the cake went flying. The guys gasped, the bride screamed and I lunged forward to try and catch – yes, catch – it. Most of the cake splattered all Inside story

TAILOR-MAID: Jen’s worn pretty much every style of outfit imaginable, but has yet to find The One

Ft over my aubergine-coloured dress but, somehow, I managed to present the bride with one undamaged top tier. To my complete surprise, she burst out laughing and everyone cheered her reaction. That hiccup brought some much-needed realism to her day and she completely chilled out.

Perhaps, rather than obsessing about having an Insta-perfect wedding, it’s important to remember that the people around you are what really make the day memorable. Guests not getting a slice of coconut sponge with spiced rum buttercream isn’t going to make the day any less special, trust me.

2. The bridesmaid who was a lesson in how not to find love There are very few things I’m better at than catching a bouquet. I reckon I have a 91% success rate, even though I throw my hands up like I just don’t care because, honestly, I don’t. I’ve caught them more times than I can count on both hands, and you know what’s come from it? Nothing. I was not the ‘next’ girl to get married. And yes, some modern millennials still believe in this.

A fellow bridesmaid once pulled me into the toilets, begged me to skip trying to catch the bouquet and handed me a $20 bill. ‘Nice one,’ I thought, as I popped it in my purse, ‘that’s my cab fare home.’ I just wish she could have realised that bagging the bouquet wouldn’t lead to a proposal. It’s crazy how many people think love should simply fall into their laps. I understand that meeting someone – no, the right someone – can be hard and we often have to work at it. But having a few bad Tinder dates doesn’t mean the next swipe will be bad, too. Her bribe was a wake-up call to throw myself into dating again. We don’t know where we’ll land, but taking control and giving it a go is better than relying on some hand-tied peonies, right?

3. The bride who reminded me never to settle

Seeing so many couples vow to stay together, no matter whose waistline expands first, always sparks my curiosity. I can’t leave a wedding without asking every new Mr and Mrs how they knew they’d met The One. I once asked that question of a bride in a coffee shop 12 days before her wedding. ‘He’s not,’ she replied with sad eyes. ‘But he’s someone, and I’m ready to do this.’

I never thought my future husband would be perfect; I’m wise enough to understand that no one is. But I like to think I’d marry someone I’d never want to live without. Seeing how empty that bride looked made me realise that settling is the quickest way to heartache. Yes, being single can be lonely sometimes, but life is too short and too valuable to waste it with someone who, deep down, you know isn’t going to make you happy. There’s no sell-by date when it comes to finding a partner and, quite frankly, being true to yourself is far more important than any relationship status.

4. The pep talk that showed the importance of honesty

Some people get a case of cold feet before the big day, though they usually disappear once the ‘I do’s are said and done. But I’ve also worked with brides who, a month before the wedding – or even five minutes before the ceremony – pulled a Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride and called the whole thing off. At one wedding, all the guests were seated and I was handing out lip glosses to the other bridesmaids when the bride grabbed me by my wrists and pulled me into another room. ‘I don’t want to do this,’ she said, firmly. ‘I hate the groom and this is all wrong.’ I was gobsmacked. ‘You don’t have to,’ I said. ‘We can sneak out and get… pizza?’ Her maid of honour started banging on the door, shouting at me to ‘step away from the bride’ and for her to ‘just walk down the aisle’. I suggested the bride talk to the groom first. She did, and they agreed their relationship was over.

It can be difficult to face up to our feelings. I’ve seen clients get swept up with the excitement and romance, while pushing those ‘Is this really what I want?’ thoughts to the back of their mind. But that niggling feeling is often there for a reason. Having doubts yourself? Step back, take some time to figure out how you truly feel, but above all else, tell your partner. A strong relationship will be able to work through them. And if you don’t feel you can talk it out as a couple, well, there’s your answer.

5. The vows that spoke of true love After hearing so many couples say their personalised wedding vows, they do start to sound the same. ‘I can’t wait for our happy ever after.’ Those vows set an unrealistic tone for a perfect marriage which, just like a perfect wedding, doesn’t really exist.

I was recently bridesmaid at a Florida wedding where the bride and groom broke the vow norm and spoke about future rows over the washing-up or Netflix. It made everyone laugh, and made me cry. It’s what marriage is all about: finding someone to love, and love you back, through life’s hurdles. There should be excitement and fun, but it’s how you deal with tough times, how you get through the day-to-day, that matters. My job isn’t conventional, but when it teaches me these lessons, nothing else comes close. I can’t see myself tiring of a career which, despite the collapsing cakes, runaway brides and crazy requests, is ultimately filled with so much love.

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