After analysing thousands of playlists titled ‘First Dance’, Spotify has identified the most popular first dance songs in the U.K. And the best part? They have shared it with Bridebook and all our lovely couples planning their perfect wedding day.
Check out their mix of swoon-worthy classics if you need a little song-spiration or just want to listen to some romantic tunes as you plan.
Written by Jo Malone London
Jo Malone London are at the forefront of perfumery, curating collaborations between London’s leading creative talent and world-renowned master perfumers, thereby offering bespoke luxury fragrances immersed in the modern British culture.
When planning a wedding, one is always keeping in mind the whole picture – from matching your stationery, to your flowers, to your dress, to your venue, to your everything, we know you brides have it down to a tee. But why limit yourself to just one of the senses?
Bridebook was lucky enough to partner with Jo Malone London, the British scent powerhouse, to learn the best ways to up the wedding game with scent – from pre-wedding pampering, to picking the perfect scent for your venue, read on to hear what Jo Malone London has to share on perfecting the scent element to your wedding. Enjoy!
Here at Jo Malone London we know that in the lead up to your wedding day, there are many different elements that the bride and groom have to consider. Firstly though – a moment for you! This is going to be a busy day and the best way to start is with a peaceful and pampering session. Take an indulgent bath infused with our Red Roses Bath Oil. Follow with a rich Body Crème such as Blackberry & Bay or Nectarine Blossom & Honey.
The Body Crème will help hold your fragrance, leaving a trail of your scent throughout the day. Then accessorise and layer with your favourite Jo Malone London scent. This fragrance can reflect your personality or capture a special moment and what could be more special than your wedding.
Choosing a fragrance to suit your dress is also something to consider. Depending on the season you may have a different kind of dress design; something more structured in the winter or more floaty and light in the summer.
Your scent can change to work with both and perfectly fit the atmosphere. Chiffon dresses are light and airy so something like English Pear & Freesia with Wild Bluebell creates a cool floral fragrance, dewy with wild flowers and a fruity pear note.
Peony & Blush Suede was inspired by the Cecil Beaton era and the English Ballroom with romance and fashion – this would be the perfect scent for a satin gown. It’s an opulent and flirtatious scent that fits with this aesthetic.
Lots of brides and grooms do like to complement each other on their wedding day with their fragrances. All of our boutiques offer a complimentary wedding consultation service where our wedding stylists can help with combining signature scents for both bride and groom, as well as other members of the bridal party.
A wonderful bridal scent is Orange Blossom. A traditional bloom in floral bouquets, Orange Blossom is a symbol for good fortune and happiness for a newly-wedded couple. Alternatively, and perhaps more unusual, is the combination of Peony & Blush Suede with Red Roses. Like a freshly cut bouquet the voluptuous blend of seven exquisite roses adds modern romance with a clean and surprisingly fresh lift.
All of these fragrance combinations will interlace perfectly with the groom’s more masculine Amber & Lavender. Together these offer a clean and aromatic fragrance combined with a floral freshness – the perfect match.
It is nice to think of all of the fragrances, from your personal scent, to the venue and location together. They should go together but not be the same necessarily. For the venue think about the mood you want to create. I.e. an English countryside wedding can be emphasised with vibrant and verdant Blackberry & Bay.
Scented candles add touches of style to the aisle, tables and reception space, and create an aroma to envelop the guests, for a lasting memory. The flicker of Orange Blossom candles scattered around the ceremony venue is incredibly romantic and enchanting. Seated for the speeches, surprise guests with a hand-bowed Travel Candle or Bath Oil; a thoughtful touch for them to take home.
To complete the sensorial experience at your wedding, lightly spritz a linen spray over napkins and the table cloth to lift the scent of the candles and floral arrangements.
At Jo Malone London we orchestrate a world of bespoke luxury and fragrance that is immersed in the modern British culture. By curating collaborations between world-renowned master perfumers and London’s leading creative talent, we are enduringly at the forefront of perfumery.
At Jo Malone London our signature is elegantly simple allowing you to recognise the ingredients within the fragrance; our scents are transparent and modern.
Fragrance combining is a key part of our philosophy, allowing each customer to find a fragrance combination unique to them. This can be through layering bath and body products with fragrance or spritzing two different colognes; it’s a personal choice for each individual.
Now, we love a practical gift list just as much as the next person, but sometimes you can’t help but throw in one or two indulgent pieces. Harrods’ Gift Bureau is helping us all out by giving some seriously swoon-worthy gift ideas that will completely transform your wedding gift list from ‘the usual’ to ‘the extraordinary’. And who knows, maybe you have a long lost uncle who just needs an excuse to splash some cash on you…
This is a more modern and functional way for the style conscious couple to store their cutlery. More and more young couples are steering away from the classic wooden casket and opting for this fun and functional piece that will last you a lifetime. Price from £750.
Again, the younger generation getting married is stepping away from the traditional floral china and starting to collect and add unique pieces that really reflect their personality and style. Fornasseti is a great example of this, perfect for the quirky couple. Plates from £115.
Art work is now becoming an even more popular gift that will continue to hold value and be a joy to own throughout your marriage for years to come. The gorgeous sculptural pieces from Lorenzo Quinn are continuously popular. With prices starting at £1,500 upwards, you can always have family and friends contribute together to buy pieces like these.
This is the most functional and unusual item on the list, but the top quality coffee machines by Jura have truly revolutionised the way you can drink your tea and coffee. With the Z6 Carbon machine one can make coffee while sitting on the sofa or in bed using your smart phone. An amazing and fun piece especially on a lazy Sunday! And don’t forget the smart kettle so that you can boil your cuppa before you get home and create the temperature you wish to keep it at. From £99.95.
The Harrods Bank and Gold Bullion, located next to our Gift Bureau, have these gorgeous small gold pieces and unique collectables that would add real character to your gift list. Again, this is a piece to have and hold forever and would be a perfect future heirloom.
This is an increasingly popular gift, and rightly so! It allows family and friends to contribute towards your honeymoon of a lifetime, organised by Harrods partners Abercrombie and Kent. Tailoring the most amazing and unusual vacations you can think of, perfectly tailored to you as a couple.
Dying to get your hands on some of these items? Check out the Gift Bureau at Harrods in store or online here!
Brides and grooms to be can be forgiven for getting a little carried away focusing on their wedding breakfast menu and forgetting about the all important wine. And rightly so! If you’re not already a wine buff, it can be awfully confusing and there is just so much to choose from meaning you don’t even know where to start. But luckily for us, our wonderful partners at The Ritz London, one of the most beautiful wedding venues in London, has shared with us their sommelier, Giovanni Ferlito’s expertise to help us navigate the incredible world of wines. Read this Q&A to get every question you have about picking your wedding wine answered!
Q: Choosing wine can seem daunting, how do you recommend a couple prepares for the selection process? And how far in advance of their wedding should a couple begin their wine selection?
Selecting the wines for the wedding should be an enjoyable moment of the preparations.
The best thing to do is to ask the sommelier of your venue (if it has one) for recommendations and to taste the wines in advance, possibly during the menu tasting to test if the pairings work well.
There is no need to be too fussy and for the wine choices to be too complicated, try rather to think about a wine that can be easily enjoyed by everyone during the wedding.
I would recommend to choose the wines when the menu is already decided in order to select wines that could easily match the menu without overpowering the dishes or being too light.
Normally I would choose a white wine to start and a red wine for the main course and if there is also a middle course why not to try an orange wine or an oloroso sherry to spice up the selection!
Q: What is the usual process when helping couples select their wedding wine?
First of all I will ask the couple if they know what their guests would normally like to drink to start to have an idea of what could be a good recommendation.
Then I will look at the menu and discuss it with the couple to find together a few options that could work. During the menu tasting I will let them sample the pre-selected wines and decide together the final choice as the balance of the wine pairing is, for me the most important factor.
Finally, it is important to respect the wedding budget and normally (unless there are a lot of wine lovers amongst the guests) I wouldn’t suggest to go crazy with selecting very fine wines. I would rather focus on picking the right wine and trying to please everyone.
Q: What should a couple consider when choosing a wine/champagne for the toast?
Prosecco is always a smart choice considering the price and it is a good option thanks to its freshness and fruity character. Why not to twist it with some Aperol, ice cubes, soda water and an orange slice to serve it as a Spritz, the Classic Italian aperitif!
English sparkling wines are doing extremely well and my favourites are Nyetimber for a crisp, elegant style and Gusbourne for a more rich, round style. I have just this month introduced them on The Ritz wine list for the first time in the 110 year history of the hotel.
And of course champagne is a classic and still my favourite!
Choose a non-vintage for crispness and fresh fruit notes or a vintage for more length, complexity and nutty finish.
Finally have you ever considered a Demi Sec Champagne? It’s slightly sweet on the finish, perfect perhaps to be served with the cake. A true treat fitting for the occasion.
Q: Could you guide couples on the essential factors in choosing wines to pair with their menu?
One of the most important factors to consider is the richness of the dish as we want the dish and the wine to have the same weight. It is very important to find the right balance as the wine could overpower the dish or be too flat. For example a light and delicate dish needs a light wine with a subtle taste while a rich and intense dish needs a full body wine with a strong backbone.
It is also important that the ingredients of the dish also match the aroma and flavours of the wine and just as with any food pairing, it helps to think of either complementary or contrasting flavors.
Personally I am a big fan of red wine with fish. I think it is a very interesting pairing as long as the red is delicate, light and with very soft tannins. If served slightly cooler, even better.
The perfect one would be a German or Alsatian Pinot Noir.
Just be careful with spicy food… my recommendation is to balance the spiciness up with an aromatic and slightly sweet Riesling or Gewurztraminer.
Q: Do you have any creative ideas for making your wine selection special and not just about taste?
A wine pairing for me is the best way to travel around the fascinating world of wine. The wine selection should be an interesting wine discovery with wines made from different grapes from different country.
Try also to explore less known styles or wine regions, such as orange wines from Georgia, Palo Cortado Sherry or crisp white wines from Portugal.
To make the experience even more interesting I would use different format and also glasses with all different shapes obviously according to the wine.
All in all, the wine pairing is a wonderful opportunity to give your meal a little personality! If one of you is from a wine region, including one of those wines in the meal can be a very nice touch.
Q: What are the best wines to go with cheese or dessert?
Sweet wines!
The savoury and cream character of some soft or blue cheese works perfectly well with a dessert wine as the residual sugar will balance the saltiness while the acidity will cut through the creaminess.
Q: How should couples alter their wine taste and choice according to the season of their wedding?
Seasonality is very important and this is another reason why it is better to choose the wine after you’ve decided on your wedding menu as it should also reflect the season.
Q: Could you explain any considerations a bride and groom should have on the timing of the wine serving?
I would always recommend to start from white wine and then move to red wine and also in crescendo from a lighter to a stronger style. Between white and red I could possibly suggest a rose or an orange wine. Once on a red wine, I wouldn’t recommend to go back to a white wine. After the red I would either serve a sweet dessert wine of a fortified wine such as a Port.
Q: Which wines does your dream wedding wine list consist of?
All of these wines are not only delicious and versatile, but also provide enough variety to keep things interesting.
Purity Billecart-Salmon Rose NV – Vallée de la Marne, Champagne
Freshness Riesling Kabinett Sharzhofberger, Egon Müller 2012 – Mosel, Germany
Complexity Tsitska, Lagvinari 2013 – Imereti, Georgia
Elegance Gevrey-Chambertin, Philippe Pacalet 2011 – Burgundy, France
Delicacy Passito di Pantelleria “Ben Ryé” 2013, Donnafugata – Sicily, Italy
Q: What has been your favourite wedding experience?
At my wedding when I opened a bottle of Champagne with the classic Sabrage!
Sabrage is a technique for opening a champagne bottle with a saber used for ceremonial occasions. This became popular in France after the spectacular victories across all Europe the cavalry of Napoleon which gave them plenty of reason to celebrate.
Q: If you were a wine which would you be?
I would be a seductive Pinot Noir from Côte de Nuit, Burgundy.
Pure, elegant, fresh, with raspberry and cherry notes and a vibrant rose petal and spice finish…
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Written by Pol Roger
Pol Roger is regarded as an expert in the champagne industry, having been a champagne producer for over 150 years and currently producing over 110,000 cases of champagne annually.
No one put champagne better than the late Sir Winston Churchill: “In defeat I need it, in victory I deserve it.” – and we are sure that Churchill would agree with us that when you’re planning your wedding you always deserve it!
As much as you will enjoy guzzling the bubbly throughout your engagement, we have asked the esteemed Champagne Pol Roger to guide us through some of the ins and outs of incorporating champagne in your nuptials.
Having been producing exceptional champagne for over 165 years, holding an unrivalled reputation for quality, and being the champagne of choice for the royal wedding – it is needless to say that Pol Roger knows what they’re talking about!
The proposal is the ideal moment to splurge on that flawless glass of bubbly, as you celebrate the journey the two of you have just embarked on. To emulate our greatest exponent, Sir Winston Churchill, the Vintage Champagne is the right choice for this ‘victory’.
Vintage champagnes, such as Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006, are produced only when all the necessary components of climate, grape quality and ripeness at harvest come together for the winemaker to produce a wine of optimum intensity, structure and balance which will carry the distinctive character of the year.
It’s a classic and with a beautiful glass of bubbly in your hand, that private moment between you and your fiancee becomes extra special.
Following the emotionally charged ceremony, a glass of cold, refreshing champagne is perfect for a reception. As this is when the canapes will be served, be sure to choose a champagne that has a freshness to it, but with sufficient backbone to be drunk with an array of foods.
Non-vintages, such Pol Roger Brut Reserve, are the perfect choice for the reception. Our apéritif champagne is the definitive house-style, composed from 30 still base wines drawn from at least two vintages, and the three varieties of Champagne, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier blended in equal portions.
The champagne is dominated by notes of stone fruits, rich nuttiness and a hint of honey supporting the freshness of the acidity.
All too often the same champagne is served for the toast, as is used for the reception. However we recommend serving a champagne that has a slightly higher dosage, stands out to reflect this special moment in your wedding, and complements your cake perfectly.
You should look for champagnes such as the Pol Roger Rich, a demi-sec, that has a gentle sweetness of the wine, but is tempered by a refreshing acidity that cuts through to leave the palate cleansed – thus making it the perfect toast to serve with your sweet wedding cake.
Maison Pol Roger owns 91 hectares of vineyards on prime sites in the Champagne region of France. The cellars run for 7km and are on three levels, the deepest known as the ‘cave de prise de mousse’ at 34m below street level.
As the name suggests this is where the wine undergoes its secondary fermentation in bottle. The fact that this deep cellar is at 9°C or less, rather than a normal cellar temperature of 11-12°C, prolongs this fermentation and contributes to the quality and particular style of the wines and their famously fine bubbles.
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Written by La Perla
La Perla is a luxury fashion house with over 60 years of experience in the fashion industry, and regarded as experts in luxury women clothing including lingerie.
Everything that La Perla embodies aligns perfectly with the wonderful world of weddings: elegant, precious, and with just a hint of surprise.
Lingerie holds special meaning for every woman and luxury wedding lingerie is the perfect way to make that magic moment even more magical with amazing pieces that are just as special as the day itself.
So if you know you want to treat both yourself and your partner with some jaw-dropping lingerie, La Perla is here to get you finding the perfect pieces.
There are no fixed rules when it comes to choosing what to wear beneath your wedding dress. It’s the dress that steals the scene and generally it’s important that your lingerie is the same colour, preferably in smooth, lightweight fabrics, such as tulle.
Essential lines and a soft satin sheen characterise the bandeau bra and stretch silk briefs from the La Perla Silk Flair collection. The removable straps make this bra perfect under a dress with full décolleté.
The La Perla Shape Allure garments are for all those women who adore more romantic pieces. They have been made with special Lycra® Beauty yarn and Leavers lace inserts to create a seductive shaping effect.
The trousseau is an idea that has to be brought up-to-date with modern times and thought of as a set of precious garments that accompany the bride into a new stage of her life.
A truly elegant trousseau should always feature some matching lingerie and nightwear, like the coordinated pairings of lingerie and nightdresses and babydolls and robes created by La Perla.
A bride should treat herself to a La Perla Maison set, one of the iconic collections from the La Perla brand which combines the allure of silk satin with the sumptuousness of the floral embroidery that is hand finished using the Italian frastaglio technique.
A bridal shower is a truly special event, particularly for the bride’s friends. It is a chance for them to express their joy at sharing such an important time in her life.
It is also the perfect time for a gift from one woman to another; something special such as a slip, one of the most sensual and on-trend lingerie garments.
La Perla offers a wide range in fine Leavers lace with floral decoration, tulle which hides and reveals, and flowing silk satin. Something extra special: create an exclusive bridal wish list dedicated to your closest friends at a La Perla boutique.
It’s always best to respect traditions, even if we are at the start of the third millennium. Creativity and a touch of elegance are essential. La Perla offers a jewelled garment to respect the “something blue” rule.
The La Perla Made to Measure suspender strap in silk satin can be personalised with gold hooks and a string of sapphires. A unique lucky charm that can be transformed into a bracelet for a precious keepsake from the big day.
Romantic, seductive and ultra-feminine. The bustier is one of those garments that all women should have in their wardrobe, and a true symbol of La Perla style. Every bride must have at least one bustier in her honeymoon suitcase.
What other garment is so versatile and ideally suited to creating a multitude of day and evening looks? Those who are truly romantic can choose an iconic model such as the La Perla Heritage bustier in Cluny lace with fine openwork, strings in silk satin and a front fastening with metal hooks that evoke a vintage feel.
True addicts that want to wear a bustier under their wedding dress have the special La Perla Frames model in transparent tulle which enhances the figure.
Now it’s your turn to go our and pick your perfect set? Have you fallen in love with La Perla’s pieces? Be sure to check out their Bridebook profile and book a fitting today!
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If you have a million exciting wedding styling ideas bouncing around your head or Pinterest board than this guide written by Melanie Helen from Cranberry Blue is for you! Your choice of wedding venue will undoubtedly set the tone and feel for your special day, but how you decide to decorate the space can be quite a daunting task. With so many resources available to help with this process, from the wonders of Pinterest to wedding magazines and blogs to name a few, the options available can be over-whelming and sometimes confusing. But not to worry! Below are Melanie’s top tips to make sure that your chosen look is kept harmonious throughout your wedding.
Use our Bridebook search tool to find your dream wedding venue.
Love Cranberry Blue’s gorgeous styling? You can book them as your wedding planners in just a couple of clicks with Bridebook – check out their profile today!
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Written by Mary Berry
Mary Berry is an English chef, baker, food writer and TV presenter famously known for being a judge on The Great British Bake Off. She is regarded as an expert in baking.
Bridebook was fortunate enough to interview Mary Berry herself, that’s right, The Queen of Cakes! Read our interview with her below:
Choose a wedding cake that shows your personality and one that you think that everyone will enjoy. To be classic, a rich fruit iced cake in tiers.
If you like to be on the lighter side choose one of the tiers to be a different flavour such as a lemon genoise or chocolate cake. Remember if you are giving away pieces of cake as presents in boxes, the cake should be a rich fruit one because it keeps best and travels well.
When choosing a totally different style of cake such as cupcakes on a tiered cake stand, or croquembouche, or meringue pyramid, make sure that the icings or fillings are not affected by heat. Also they need to be very freshly made. Avoid spun sugar, it doesn’t last more than three hours.
To add that WOW factor to your cake it needn’t be complicated. The decoration could be your joint interests and should be bold and look good close up as well as from a distance.
Remember to give instructions regarding the top tier of the cake if you are keeping it for the Christening. Only a rich fruited cake is suitable and can be frozen.
I gather the latest trend is to have a cake made completely out of cheeses, served with port.
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It doesn’t get more pamper worthy than The Ritz Salon! Luckily for you, we’ve chatted with their very own Spa Manager Hannah Wood to get some insight on pre-wedding bridal beauty and pampering from the best of the best. So read on and get your comfy slippers and fluffy spa bathrobes at the ready!
Below you will find Hannah’s recommended bridal beauty steps in the run up to a wedding from 6 months before to the night before:
From six months, brides-to-be should starting going to the gym to make sure that they are toning their body, and especially concentrate on toning arms. Brides-to-be should also start to have regular facials from six months, and they should look to have one every four weeks so that they have at least five sessions before the wedding day. In The Ritz Salon, I recommend the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, which will help to brighten and illuminate the skin.
Keep having the same facial every four weeks, unless you have a specific concern that you would like to focus on. With the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, we can prescribe the facial and adjust a few of the products depending on the clients skin concerns. I would also recommend for the Bride to have a good hair cut three months before the wedding, and then a trim a couple of weeks before.
One month before the wedding is now getting really close and I recommend having a hair and make-up trial at this time. Your skin will be bright and glowing after the facials and a make-up trial is essential as this, especially, can be subject to personal taste. If you colour your hair, I recommend doing this at least one week before the wedding, just in case any changes are necessary (even if you have the same stylist and same colour it can still look different to normal so to avoid any last minute disasters and ensure it is done in plenty of time to correct it). At one month, start growing your nails, so that they are at a perfect on the day (all of the guests will be asking to look at your ring!). Cuticle oil is one of my hero products to strengthen and hydrate the nails. Exfoliate your body two or three times a week, and use a good moisturiser morning and night. Do a face mask twice a week from one month as well. I would also suggest to have a massage to de-stress you for the big day.
With one week to go, your body should be ready. Have your waxing done if necessary and keep your body as a clean canvas if you are wanting to tan the night before.
The night before is dependent on your skin type, but I would exfoliate and use a mask on the eve of your wedding, but no new products. Use eye pads as well to make sure your eyes are sparkling for the big day. Drink lots and lots and lots of water. No alcohol. The day before have a manicure and pedicure and wash your hair if you are having your hair put up on the day. Day old hair is the best as it has better hold than if it is fresh clean hair.
Next up, Hannah’s tried and tested facial treatments for brides-to-be:
On the wedding morning, put teaspoons in the freezer. Run them under a tap before placing them on your eyes – this really works to de-puff the eye area quickly before your make up is applied. The Elemis Procollagen Hydra Eye Masks are amazing as it really works de-puffing eyes, getting rid of dark circles over time, brightening the eye area and making the eyes more open and refreshed.
I recommend a microdermabrasion facial. This type of facial gets rid of the top layers of skin, and works well to resurface the skin and helps eliminate any recent scarring or imperfections on the skin.
A good moisturiser for your skin type is essential and use this morning and night. Do make sure that your moisturiser is right for you – drier skin types should use a thicker moisturiser and if you are have more oily skin, go for a gel based moisturiser. At The Ritz Salon I definitely recommend the Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial. It is a brightening and illuminating facial which is exactly what you want for wedding ready skin. I love exfoliating the skin to take away all the dead skin, and then if you put a mask on the face straight away, you can see instant results.
A week before for the lip and eyebrows depending on your hair growth. Legs can be done closer to the day. I also recommend waxing and tweezing (rather that threading as the hair can come back thicker). We recommend for our brides to have their eyebrows shaped in The Ritz Salon a week before because if any spots or irritation occur they can be completely gone by the wedding day.
For streak free tan, in the driest areas of your body (such as your elbows, knees, feet -especially your heels – and the back of your wrists which are noticeable), always cover them in a thick moisturiser first. Apply the tan using a mitt in order to get an even coverage all over. I would recommend that brides apply the tan themselves if they are an experienced tanner or have a professional do this but not to get a spray tan. Always make sure you do a test run and that you exfoliate properly before.
I personally find facials very relaxing, and brides-to-be should be having these regularly. A relaxing 50 minute or 80 minute Swedish Massage in The Ritz Salon is very relaxing because it focuses on the areas which carry the most tension, such as the shoulders and scalp especially.
An often overlooked area is the thigh area. People can get cellulite no matter how skinny they are and the thighs are often neglected. Cellulite is caused by poor circulation and the toxins get trapped. I recommend daily dry body brushing with an Elemis dry body brush every morning before you shower – always on dry skin. It’s painful but the results are very worthwhile and noticeable, always brush up towards the heart and not downwards.
Hair is also so important. Brides to be should do hair masks regularly to get a nice shine. You can also get a Wella shine spray from The Ritz Salon for the day of the wedding which looks unbelievable in pictures. We use this on all of our Ritz Brides.
Want to book yourself in for some of these expert treatments? You can contact the Ritz Salon directly through their Bridebook profile!
Written by Kristina Rihanoff
Kristina Rihanoff is a world professional ballroom dancer, dance instructor and dance choreographer.
We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to interview professional dancer and choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing veteran Kristina Rihanoff! With her recent launch of Bespoke Ballroom, a luxurious high end dance platform offering performances and classes, there’s no better time to read up on her pro dancing tips in time for your wedding.
I always loved teaching !! I had my 1st teaching job when i was only 16! It makes me really happy to see people improve on the dance floor regardless of level they dance at. I truly believe dancing is for everyone and all ages. With BB services I want to bring the magic of Strictly come dancing to anyone who loves dancing and wants to learn !
Through the Bespoke Ballroom concept, I aim to make the sport accessible to a wide spectrum of audiences and offer an exclusive dance experience that includes VIP private tuition, seminars and private events.
The Bespoke packages can be tailor-made to meet your every need and form the perfect accompaniment to a variety of events all over the world. I even offer wedding entertainment and dance shows, as well as first wedding dance lessons that can be completed in the privacy of your own home.
I love being a part of something so special. Weddings are pure joy to be involved in and I love performing at such wonderful occasions. I also love teaching the first – every wedding dance I taught is very unique. It’s so lovely to see couples learning to dance and have this wonderful experience together.
My favourite thing is to see the happiness of everyone involved. Wedding is a wonderful occasion with all generations of families coming together to celebrate love.
Most of the times I’m asked to perform the waltz or foxtrot. I think it suits the wedding so well because these dances are very graceful and timeless. Ballroom dances with lifts and lots of romantic movement are always a couple and crowd pleaser!
First of all the dance must be easy enough to learn as I don’t want the couples to be stressed about the wedding dance. They have enough to worry about before the wedding !!
I always make my choreography easily adoptable to any ability of the clients. Clients send me their music ahead of my lessons so I can prepare the dance and I also ask about the space where they will be dancing so I can think of the suitable steps.
I prepare the choreography which goes well with the music but once I start teaching it I usually change a few steps to make it easy and comfortable. I don’t believe in trying for hours something very hard. If the step doesn’t work for a while it’s best to change it to something else.
I had the same attitude on Strictly come dancing with my celebs. You have to be cleaver and find the right steps for your clients so they feel confident when performing.
The man always leads and lady follows. That is the main rule of the ballroom. But if the lady more experienced in dancing she can help with leading some of the steps. Most of all the bride and groom must remember that there is no judges or right and wrong steps! They just have to enjoy their special dance and smile!!
I have all sorts of couples coming to me for wedding dance or just for dance lessons. I really enjoy helping the students to learn dances and improve their skills. Dancing is for everyone , all ages and shapes! It’s a wonderful way for men and ladies to do something together!
I think it was the rumba I performed with Beyoncé on my first year on Strictly. It was very overwhelming to perform with such superstar. Beyoncé was so gracious and in the end of the dance she said she really loved our performance ! I will never forget it!
You just have to enjoy it and don’t be afraid to make a mistake! Nobody knows your dance so just go for it! An make sure to wear whatever is most comfortable – though definitely practice in the shoes you’ll be wearing on the day.
Just taking dancing lessons themselves can help a bride get fit. I often hear remarks from clients about how much fitter and slimmer they feel from the lessons. Any type of dancing really helps to tighten the mid drift naturally.
Latin cha cha cha, and salsa, and waltz are both high energy and burn lots of calories because of how much movement is involved. On top of that, dancing is a very fun way to get fit as it doesn’t feel like a workout like going to the gym does.
A lift! All dance choreography that I put together has a lift as it’s such a couple and crowd favourite. It always brings the house down, and is so sweet and special for the day. And beginners shouldn’t be scared by lifts either. With my experience on Strictly Come Dancing, I know exactly how to teach beginners.
I think my dream wedding would be when all of my loved once are around me. I miss my family and friends in Russia so much. As long as they are with me on that special day I will be more then happy and complete!
Have a browse at some of our other expert wedding articles:
It’s always exciting receiving a wedding invitation, especially when you see the words “and Guest” written next to your name. But after the excitement wears off about not being a lone solider at the wedding, you might be stuck wondering who to bring. You’re suddenly left with a big responsibility. After all, nobody wants to be the one who brings the guest who takes advantage of the free bar and spends the rest of the night in the toilet. Follow our tips to save you any potential embarrassment!
Everyone is flakey now and again but not showing up to a wedding is a big deal. Make sure the person you are inviting is responsible and reliable and they’ll actually block off the date of the year. Weddings are expensive and the price per head is no small matter. You don’t want to be in the situation where you’re making excuses for their absence.
You’ve been out for the occasional drink but have you seen them in any social situations? Some people act differently when they are in big groups of people and may end up being a big cause of embarrassment on the day of the wedding. You want to be able to feel relaxed, without having to keep a watchful eye on your guest. Make sure he/she has manners and will heed the dress code.
You don’t want to be the one who brings any drama to the wedding. Make sure the person you are bringing isn’t someone’s ex or anyone you know might make another wedding party member or guest feel uncomfortable. Consider the to-be-weds feelings—and the feelings of other guests too.
If the couple doesn’t know the person you’re inviting, be polite and introduce your plus one to them at some stage of the day– it’s a nice thing to do since they are paying for them to be there.
So your wedding is one of the biggest events in your life meaning you’re unlikely to get a ton of sleep on the night before the big day. Bridebook is here to help with our top 5 tips to help get those zzzzzs.
Although having a glass (or two) of wine before bed sounds like a great idea at the time, it can actually effect your quality of sleep. Opt for mug of de-caffeinated herbal tea instead.
Exercise is the best way to ‘de-stress’ and take your mind off things. Try going for a run or a light stroll an hour or so before bedtime.
Take advantage of your ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting on your phone so you’re not distracted or woken up in the middle of the night.
Drinking plenty of water is really important to aid a good night’s sleep. It also helps keep your skin plump and well hydrated.
Accept and embrace the fact you may not get the best night’s sleep before your wedding, but don’t be hard on yourself about it! Try creating a ‘sleep’ playlist on Spotify to help calm all your emotions you may be feeling.
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Whilst we hope and pray that nothing goes wrong on your wedding day, it’s always better to be prepared. Here at Bridebook, we’ve compiled a list of some essential items you’ll need for those ‘just in case moments’. These should be readily available at the ceremony and wedding reception. Maybe put your maid of honour in charge of this one!
Deciding between ‘boho chic’ or ‘classic romance’ can be a hard enough decision when it comes to wedding planning. However, couples nowadays are faced with a much bigger conundrum: The Wedding Hashtag! Over 55% of couples incorporate a hashtag into their big day, so here’s how to choose yours.
The last thing you want is for the photos of your big day to get mixed in with someone else’s. Make sure to check the social-sphere to check it hasn’t already been taken.
Once you have decided on the perfect hashtag make sure to ‘announce it to the world’! Include it on the save the dates, invitations or even cocktail napkins so everyone can get tagging and tweeting those photos!
Get brainstorming with those ideas. Whether you want to include your first, last or nick names, write them all down to get those creative juices flowing. If you’re really struggling you can opt to use a wedding hash tag generator… yes, these things do exist. Wedding Hash Tag Wall is a popular one.
Don’t make it too complicated. Steer clear of words that can be easily misspelled. If guests are confused and not sure what it is they are likely to use the wrong one AKA: bride’s worst nightmare.
What hashtag have you decided on for your big day? Leave a comment below.
And while you are busy having your wedding photos taken? Have a read of ways to entertain your wedding guests.
Here at Bridebook we believe your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. For all your lovely brides to be out there we have come up with a ‘On The Day’ tick list. Follow our top 5 steps:
Start the day off right with a filling and energising breakfast, such as a bowl of porridge or a bagel and Greek yogurt. If the weather is nice, take yourself off for a 15-minute stroll. This will really help calm your nerves and give you a little ‘me time’ before the celebrations commence. Freshen up with a nice cool shower. Gently exfoliate and moisturise your body.
You may be tempted to start on the champagne early. Only allow yourself one glass. You want your skin to look fresh, not blotchy. Read more about making your skin look flawless in our article written by Bobbi Brown. Lay out your wedding dress and get everything ready including your survival kit so you are prepared for any emergency situations. You’ll most likely be wearing heels all day so remember to pack a pair of flats, and savour the moments your feet can relax.
Take a minute to yourself to breathe and calm down. Do some simple relaxation exercises to help manage wedding day stress. No one should be phoning you on your wedding day, but if it does ring make sure to forward your calls on to your maid of honour or a bridesmaid.
Your parents probably had a lot to do with making this day special; by helping fund your day and all the time and advice they put in to help make your vision happen.
And breathe! You’ve been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl, so go and enjoy it!
On Friday September 30th, the Bridebook team were lucky enough to attend the fabulous Brides The Show – and what a treat! We were blown away by the outstanding quality of exhibitors and stand management. After spending all night at the show (no seriously, we were the last to leave!) we got to meet some of the best of the best of the wedding industry.
So if you were unable to attend or aren’t from the London area, don’t fret! We’ve put together a list of all of our favourite stands and brands in attendance at this year’s show. And even better, we got them each to write us a little description of their experience so you can really feel like you were there! A big, big thank you to Brides Magazine in particular for hosting such a fabulous show.
The Wedding Shop not only had some of the loveliest ladies at their stand expertly walking us through all of their features, they also sponsored the gorgeously decorated VIP area – or VIB for those in the know (Very Important Bride!).
“The atmosphere at Brides The Show is like no other bridal show, the Conde Nast team put on such an incredible production curating inspirational ideas for every aspect of wedding planning. We love to be there as it enables us to showcase our services and product in an creative environment that seems to only gets better and better every year.”
Philippa Craddock’s stand blew us away the moment we walked through the doors. Decked head to toe in the most beautiful and ethereal flowers and plants it was the perfect haven amongst the excitement of the show.
“The weekend was an enormous success. We love Brides the Show as it gives us the opportunity to meet, face to face, a huge number of brides and to receive direct feedback on the things that are most important to them. It is also a super opportunity to catch up with everyone at Brides, fellow suppliers, planners who we might not have seen for a few months over the busy summer and to meet new planners who are just starting their journey into the wedding world.”
Twobirds Bridesmaids has such a stunning array of different dress colours and materials it was only natural that their stand lived up to their reputation! Whether you want your bridesmaids classical or mix-matched modern, Twobirds is for you.
“Brides the Show is always spectacular and this year was no exception. With luxury suppliers from every facet of the wedding industry under the same roof, couples were treated to wall to wall inspiration. We always have a fantastic time at Brides the Show and it’s always fantastic to introduce ourselves to people who haven’t yet seen our beautiful gowns in person.”
Prezola may have been one of the favourite brands at this year’s show! Their gorgeous Prezola Bar serving champagne all evening was a hit with most of the attendees and really captured the fun and excitement that wedding planning and gift lists are all about!
“We love being a part of Brides the Show as it’s so inspiring to see all corners of the wedding industry come together and everyone is so creative! This industry is ever-changing and we’re always excited to see what happens next! We thought having a Prezola Bar this year was the perfect opportunity to reach out to brides-to-be in a fun and whimsical way, as boring is something we never do!”
The legendary American bridal brand is making quite an impression on the UK industry! Brides are falling for their countless gorgeous designs and range of pricing and, if their wonderful show staff are anything to go by , their spot on customer service too!
“David’s Bridal loved exhibiting at Brides The Show as it was the perfect opportunity for us to meet so many lovely Brides and Bridesmaids and have them experience a selection of our newest styles of David’s Bridal Designer Gowns and Bridesmaids collections. The show is definitely one not to be missed as it provides inspiration and ideas for women who want the very best expertise, advice and to see all the latest style trends. It has a fantastic atmosphere and really brings the magazine to life.” Terrie Kasianczuk, David’s Bridal UK Regional Director
Keeping the party alive from start to end were the wonderful Wedding Smashers. A personal favourite of the Bridebook office, any party with a Wedding Smashers’ DJ in attendance is sure to be a blast!
“Wedding Smashers has been providing the sound track to BRIDES for the past 3 years and our stand is positioned at the entrance to the show. We love being able to DJ to guests as they arrive and exit the show and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our technical DJ skills to potential Bride & Grooms’ as well as chat to couples that have already booked us and just want to come and say hi! We love the social aspect of the weekend and being able to network with other suppliers in the industry is a great way to work out what trends are going to be popular next year!”
With some of his most jaw-droppingly gorgeous imagery on display it’s no wonder Richard’s stand was such a hit. I guess that’s what you should expect of an award winning and National Geographic featured photographer!
“What I love most about Brides the Show is that they have managed to keep a lovely, informal and fun feeling to the show whilst assembling the finest wedding suppliers in the country. You’ll not meet a nicer group of people, all totally dedicated to helping you realise your dream wedding.”
Zita Elze’s stand blew everyone away. Decked head to toe in the most gorgeous flowers, it felt like walking through a magical fairytale! Truly a sight to see and any bride would have been lucky to book them!
“This year’s concept for Brides The Show was pure white, modern chic with sparkling transparent notes, a 21st century fairytale – I was so thrilled to win a gold design award for the stand! The show is such a great opportunity to connect with brides and their grooms and also to mix with friends and colleagues from the wedding industry. Among our latest wedding ideas we included some finely scripted engraved perspex discs, hung from a tree laden with blossom, to announce the wedding guests’ seating. The wedding design was completed by Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium‘s elegant and romantic 6 tier petal shaped wedding cake which I dressed in fresh white flowers.”
Domino Purchas’ cakes are the sort that capture your imagination in staggering ways. With a perfect balance of contemporary visuals and classic elegance, brides were flocking to this stand!
“The vibe at Brides was wonderful! There was a wide range of potential clients with varying budgets and very different tastes, which made for a fascinating and engaging three days. It was also great to be exhibiting with a range of leaders in this industry, from exciting new venues to some staggering dress designers.”
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You’re engaged… congratulations! Now it’s time for the fun stuff. Before you start planning your wedding day (using all of Bridebook.co.uk’s free wedding planning tools, of course) you must remember to take that all important engagement selfie. Follow our fail safe tips to ensure you capture the perfect one:
Moisturise, push back those cuticles and apply a nice colour to compliment your engagement ring. And if you only do the one hand for the photo, we won’t judge – just remember to do the correct hand!
Natural light is the best way to show off your bling, but beware of shadows ruining your shot. Alternatively, use artificial light to your advantage and show off your rock’s shine and sparkle.
We’re trying to avoid Chandler’s “claw” – no creepy hands here please. Natural relaxed hands look so much nicer, so find a prop to rest your hand on. If you are finding the whole thing too stressful (who knew you could worry so much about hands that have got you through your whole life so far?!), forget about hands altogether and maybe just use your ring box to display your ring instead. Obvious, but effective.
Choose a background that is visually interesting but fairly simple (like a cool texture or colour). There is nothing worse than a cluttered backdrop for a photo with a specific point of attention, as it’s super distracting and detracts from the main point (you’re getting married!).
If you know how much your partner splashed out on your ring, try not to include it in the caption. It’s not what it’s about, after all, and not what you’re trying to convey with your photo. You want to share joyful news with your friends, family and loved ones, not share smug information on how much your partner saved up to ask you to marry him.
Remember Instagram have made it easy for anyone to take share-worthy photos, so if you have tried all the tips and tricks and still don’t love your ring selfie, don’t be afraid to add a filter! Cool, fresh filters tend to work better, so unless you want to set a heady, dramatic tone to your upcoming nuptials, avoid dark and heavily-saturated filters.
And now, share away! This is your moment to show off your brand new bling and let all your family and friends know your incredible news. Then it’s time to start planning the nitty-gritty; move over filters, enter finance. But don’t fret, we’re here every step of the way – let our free budget tool become your best friend.
This wedding is a perfect mix of classic and special touches. We love the classic car, the hints of yellow and the ‘dancing shoe’s (flip flops!).
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Photographer: Art by Design Wedding Photography | Wedding Venue: Llansantffraed Court
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Scotland | Monmouthshire | Abergavenny | Summer | Classic | Military | Yellow | Manor House
Words from the bride:
“Steve was absolutely fantastic on our big day! Got some excellent creative shots as well as capturing special moments from the day when you weren’t expecting him to take pictures! We are so pleased with our photos, they tell the story of our day and bring back the feelings and memories perfectly! The hardest part is choosing photos from such a large selection of fantastic shots! Thank you Steve! “
Congratulations Kirsty & Luke and thank you Art by Design Wedding Photography for letting us share these beautiful photographs to help remember a very special day!
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More beautiful wedding inspiration:
Laura & Marko in London (London Eye + Lace Veil)
Tanith & Conner in Oxfordshire (Outdoor + Autumn)
Prisha & Paul in Stratford (Saris + Purple)
Gemma & Damien in Buckinghamshire (Coral + 9 Bridesmaids)
Kate & Chris in Buckinghamshire (Plum + Letter Decor)
Rach & James in London (Hyde Park + Pink Socks)
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Photographer: Guy Hearn Photography | Venue: Hedsor House
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South East | Buckinghamshire | Maidenhead | Autumn | Classic | Elegant | Pink | Brights | Coral | Country House
Congratulations Gemma & Damien and thank you Guy Hearn Photography for letting us share these beautiful photographs to help remember a very special day!
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More beautiful wedding inspiration:
Steph & Greg in Devon (DIY food + Games)
Anthea & Matt in Buckinghamshire (Summer + Country House)
Susie & Alex in Hampshire (Marquee + Shells)
Gemma & Damien in Buckinghamshire (Coral + 9 Bridesmaids)
Laura & Marko in London (London Eye + Lace Veil)
Rach & James in London (Hyde Park + Pink Socks)
It’s confetti time! Natasha and Charles’ guests showered them with love (in the form of confetti) to celebrate their wedding. The couple married in a church and held their wedding reception in a lovely garden and naturally decorated marquee with beautiful white floral center pieces. The garden served as a wonderful backdrop for the couple’s portraits in which their smiles sparkled almost as much as Natasha’s tiara!
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Photographer: Hajley Photography
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Summer | Country | Garden | Neutrals | Gold | Marquee
Congratulations Natasha & Charles and thank you Hajley Photography for letting us share these beautiful photographs.
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More beautiful wedding inspiration:
Laura & Marko in London (London Eye + Lace Veil)
Steph & Greg in Devon (DIY food + Games)
Kirsty & Luke in Wales (Umbrellas + Fascinator)
Susie & Alex in Hampshire (Marquee + Shells)
Gemma & Damien in Buckinghamshire (Coral + 9 Bridesmaids)
Kate & Chris in Buckinghamshire (Plum + Letter Decor)
Rach & James in London (Hyde Park + Pink Socks)
