WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET/WEDDINGS The essential guide for the Bride and Groom to be The essential guide for the Bride and Groom to beWelcome to Lincolnshire Today’s Wedding Guide – your ultimate resource for ensuring your big day is unforgettable for all the right reasons. After the excitement of the proposal, the process of planning your wedding can quickly become overwhelming. Picture organizing a dinner party, a birthday bash, and keeping the kids entertained - all while hosting everyone you know - and then double that pressure. In this Wedding Guide, we're not here to tell you to follow every suggestion to the letter. The best weddings are the ones where the couple infuses their own personality and unique touch, creating a truly memorable day. Our goal is to help you navigate the most common wedding planning challenges, while also offering inspiration from couples who made their big day extra special. Couples often tell us that their wedding day passes in the blink of an eye, even though it takes months of careful planning to make sure everything runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on their guests. With a bit of luck, you’ll only get to plan this once, so it’s crucial to ensure your celebration is exactly as you envision it. No matter what you choose for your special day, Lincolnshire offers an abundance of stunning venues and talented wedding professionals, guaranteeing a fabulous occasion. We’d love to hear all about your wedding - send us a photo, and we might just feature it in Lincolnshire Today! Best wishes, Michael Fisher, Editor and all the Lincolnshire Today team Group Editor: Steve Fisher Editor: Michael Fisher Journalists: Tess Egginton Sales Director: Angie Cooper Accounts & Circulation: Angela Sharman, John Downes Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson Advertising: Tel: (01472) 310302 Fax: (01472) 310312 Editorial: Tel: (01472) 310305 Fax: (01472) 310317 Part Of The Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE Email: weddingguide@blmgroup.co.uk Website: www.lincolnshiretoday.net/weddings ISSN No: 1366-1299 © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. WelcomeContents Wedding planners6 Wedding planners are invaluable when it comes to alleviating the stress and hassle of wedding preparations, ensuring that the big day truly lives up to the phrase "the best day of your life." Stag and Hen parties8 When you think of a typical stag or hen do, images of L-plates and lager-fuelled antics might come to mind. However, Lincolnshire, with its diverse landscapes and endless activity options, offers couples a wealth of possibilities that range from adventurous to indulgent. Venues10 Lincolnshire’s top wedding venues and specialists are here to help turn your big ideas into a reality. Finishing touches16 After months of meticulous planning, there will always be a few final details to organize and confirm. This is just as true for the paperwork as it is for the wedding itself, and these last-minute touches can provide that perfect final bit of glamour. Cakes18 A wedding cake is a tradition that many people have fun with, switching out styles and ingredients, but some things remain common. Entertainment20 While your wedding is undoubtedly about celebrating the special couple, it’s important to remember that keeping your guests entertained is key. Bridalwear22 The wedding dress holds a timeless place in our collective imagination, yet each bride’s taste and style are unique. There aren’t strict rules for wedding dresses - more like guidelines - and it's always best to trust your instincts rather than reluctantly following someone else’s advice. After all, it’s your wedding day. Menswear26 Gone are the days when the wedding was solely about the bride's attire. These days, the groom's outfit is receiving just as much attention, ensuring that the best man and guests take notice as well. 2025Cover photo courtesy of stock.adobe.com/Adrian Occasionwear30 When you receive a wedding invitation, your first thoughts will likely be filled with warm and happy feelings for the couple. But soon after, a wave of anxiety may follow - what on earth should you wear? Hair and beauty34 Enhance your beauty with subtlety and elegance on your wedding day. • Blyton Dental Jewellery38 Choosing a wedding ring is a decision that should not be rushed, as it will last a lifetime. Flowers40 Flowers have been a symbol of romance for centuries, and they continue to hold a special place in weddings today. However, their significance goes beyond just their beauty. Transport42 The couple are the star of the show, and everything about them should reflect their uniqueness - this includes how they make their entrance. Photography44 With the rise of smartphone photography, everyone can snap a quick picture, but there’s a significant difference between your cousin with an iPhone and a professional photographer. Stationery46 Marriage is a ceremony rich in tradition, and it’s worth embracing a bit more formality than usual when it comes to invitations. Legalities 48 While it may not be the most exciting part of the wedding, the legal aspects are crucial for avoiding future complications. Honeymoons50 The big day has come to an end, and now the adventure of your life together begins - but not before a little fun and relaxation. • Travel ChapsLincolnshire Today Wedding Guide WEDDING PLANNERS 6 The value of a wedding planner P lanning a wedding can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to see why. With so many elements to coordinate, there’s always the potential for something to go wrong. A wedding is more than just the ceremony — there's the reception, the entertainment, the décor, the food, and everything else that makes the day unforgettable. With all these details to consider, it’s no wonder that so many couples choose to rely on the expertise of a wedding planner. A wedding planner works in the couple's best interest, stepping in to handle as much or as little of the planning process as The value of a wedding planner needed. Typically, they take care of the logistical and often less exciting tasks — the ones that still require attention but can be time-consuming or stressful. This allows the couple to enjoy the fun parts, like selecting the menu, choosing the entertainment, and picking the venue, without getting bogged down by administrative details. If necessary, the planner also offers valuable advice, provides options, and helps troubleshoot any challenges that come up. One of the biggest benefits of hiring a wedding planner is their ability to simplify decision-making. If the bride is torn Wedding planners are invaluable when it comes to alleviating the stress and hassle of wedding preparations, ensuring that the big day truly lives up to the phrase "the best day of your life." www.lincolnshiretoday.net WEDDING PLANNERS 7 © stock.adobe.com/Pixel-Shot between two dresses, or the groom can’t decide on the seating arrangement, a planner helps narrow down the options and offers guidance. What once seemed like difficult choices — from picking a cake flavor to selecting the perfect font for the invitations — becomes much easier. But perhaps the most important role of a wedding planner is helping couples achieve their dream wedding. Sometimes, a couple’s ideal vision may seem out of reach, but a skilled planner can tap into their network and industry experience to create opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise. A great wedding planner works behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly and seamlessly, often without drawing attention to themselves. A wedding is a deeply personal event, and the planning process can come with its fair share of obstacles. Sharing the responsibility of planning can make a significant difference, turning a potentially stressful experience into one that is more enjoyable and less overwhelming. While wedding planners aren’t for everyone — some couples prefer to take on every detail themselves — for those who seek support, guidance, and peace of mind, a wedding planner is truly worth every penny.Lincolnshire Today Wedding Guide STAG AND HEN PARTIES 8 F or the groom and his friends, getting the adrenaline pumping is often the order of the day. While a trip to the pub may be non- negotiable, there are plenty of exciting ways to build up a sweat before the first round is poured. Paintballing remains a popular choice, and its appeal lies in the number of people needed for a proper game. The groom can rally his friends and family, and with enough players, chances are other participants will join in. Because Do or do not When you think of a typical stag or hen do, images of L-plates and lager-fuelled antics might come to mind. However, Lincolnshire, with its diverse landscapes and endless activity options, offers couples a wealth of possibilities that range from adventurous to indulgent. of the competitive and physical nature of the game, it's best to schedule paintballing at least two weeks before the wedding—stiff muscles and bruises aren’t ideal for walking down the aisle. For a more immersive experience, Airsoft offers a similar thrill with less of the pain. Other activity options are just as varied, from quad biking and go-karting to more daring experiences like skydiving or zorbing. There’s something © stock.adobe.com/mashimarawww.lincolnshiretoday.net STAG AND HEN PARTIES 9 undeniably satisfying about burning off some energy before the party begins, and a stag do is the perfect opportunity for the groom to cross off an activity he’s dreamed about, whether that’s kayaking or a 4x4 off-road adventure. A weekend getaway filled with activities and pub crawls is becoming an increasingly popular and budget-friendly choice. And let’s not forget that the best man will have plenty of material for the inevitable embarrassing speech. Pampering is always a treat, but it’s especially blissful before a wedding. A spa day is a tried-and-true method of relieving the stress of wedding planning, and it can be even more beneficial the closer it is to the big day. While dance, clubbing, and pampering remain popular choices for hen dos, many now opt for more action- packed outdoor activities. While it’s tempting to document every moment with phones and tablets, it might be wise to leave them behind when conquering an assault course or speeding around a racetrack. Marriage is evolving, and many couples will have been living together long before their wedding day, making it an excellent opportunity to combine both the stag and hen celebrations into one big event. Many venues and activities cater to both his and her needs, with some even encouraging joint celebrations. From spa treatments to archery, blending both events can double the fun and create lasting memories. With Lincolnshire’s abundance of hotels, facilities, and heritage sites, everything you need for an unforgettable celebration is right at your doorstep. © stock.adobe.com/Daniels C/peopleimages.comNext >