Vintage wedding dresses in high demand according to Leeds store owner

The trend for vintage wedding dresses is bigger than ever

A woman from Leeds is planning her second vintage wedding fair for this September after her first one was a runaway success.

Keeley Harris from Leeds runs her own vintage clothing and home ware store and came up with the idea for a wedding fair featuring gowns and decorations from bygone eras after being inundated with request from brides organising vintage-themed weddings.

Ms Harris believes there is a serious gap in the market for vintage wedding dresses, and as therefore started specialising in the provision of wedding gowns from a variety of different decades including 1940’s right through to the 1970’s for brides-to-be.

Buying vintage is not only fashionable right now, it’s also a very wise choice for brides on a budget. The average wedding dress bought new costs in the region of £1,000, however a pre-loved vintage gown can be picked up from anything between £50-£600.

One of the biggest challenges with vintage garments is the size. Dresses from the 1940’s are often small as they come from an era when the country was on rations during the war. Not surprisingly the waistlines of 1940’s ladies were especially tiny which often means that only the most petite modern ladies can fit in garments from the 40’s. However dresses from the 1950’s are a lot more wearable as figures of women were more curvaceous and varied, resulting in a wider choice of sizes.

The second vintage wedding fair is currently being organised and will be on a bigger scale this time round, with a larger venue and more suppliers, following the overwhelming demand at the first event.

Couple marry in New York’s Apple store

A first generation iPod was used to carry the rings at the wedding held at the Appple store

A couple who met at an Apple store became the first to ever get married in one when they exchanged vows at the shop on Fifth Avenue in New York on Valentine’s Day. The tech-mad pair even incorporated Apple products into their ceremony with the couple reading their vows from their iPhones.

Josh and Ting Li, both from New York, met at the same store when Josh struck up a conversation with Ting over an iPod she was purchasing.

The idea for the Apple themed wedding came after a comment made by the groom when he said jokingly, the Apple store was like his church as he loved the products so much. Luckily his bride-to-be shared his love and the Apple wedding idea snowballed from there.

The self-confessed “obsessive” Apple fans went to great lengths to incorporate their favourite technology into every area of their nuptials. Their friend who officiated the ceremony, dressed up in a costume resembling Steve Jobs, the Chief Executive of Apple. They used a first generation iPod to carry the rings, and even took a quote from Apple CEO for their vows which read: “You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down.”

Word about the unusual choice of wedding venue got out after an Apple employee at the store posted a message on Twitter. A video capturing the Apple wedding, filmed by a hot dog seller outside the store, has since found its way onto YouTube.

Cowboy themed wedding ends in police raid

Wedding guests dressed in Wild West costumes send police into a frenzy

A couple from Leicestershire who celebrated renewing their vows with a cowboy and Indian themed reception got more than they bargained for when the police mistook one of the guests as a gunman.

Despite having warned the police several months in advance that they were planning a cowboy themed wedding, the police reacted to a tip-off from a member of the public who had seen one of the wedding guests walking down the street with a rifle, which was in fact plastic and part of the cowboy costume.

However a spokesperson for the police said they have to take any firearms reports very seriously.

As the couple left the church they were greeted by the sound of a police helicopter flying overhead. Thinking nothing of it they continued down the road to their reception venue. It was only then they realised the severity of the situation when they were faced with an armed police unit and sniffer dogs.

Friend of the couple, and landlady of the pub where the wedding reception was held, said it was obvious all 80 guests were in fancy dress adding, “You could tell it was a party and not a shoot-out.”

However the police warned that it is in fact an offence to carry a weapon in a public place, regardless of whether it is an imitation or not.

The couple had come up with the idea of a cowboy and Indian themed wedding reception as the groom is a big fan of Wild West films.

A happy marriage is good for a man’s health

Men in a happy marriage are less likley to suffer a fatal stroke according to new research

New research has revealed a happy marriage can actually be good for your health. Results of a recent study have shown that men are less at risk of suffering a stroke, if they are happily married.

A study conducted by Uri Goldbout of Tel Aviv University looked at 10,000 Israeli men over several decades. Questionnaires completed by the men in the 1960’s were scrutinised. One of the questions they were asked was to rate the success of their marriage.

After taking into consideration socio-economical factors, blood pressure and smoking, which all contribute to the threat of a stroke, the scientists were shocked to discover a very definite link between happy marriages and a reduced chance of suffering a stroke.

The research revealed that single men, and those in unhappy marriages, were 64% more likely to suffer a fatal stroke than a man in a happy marriage. Dr Goldbout who lead the research said that he was even astonished by the results saying: “I had not expected that unsuccessful marriage would be of this statistical importance.”

No research has yet been conducted to discover if women benefit health-wise from being part of a happy marriage, however scientists say this is the next area they are hoping to investigate.

Despite the marked link between happy relationships and wellbeing, experts have stressed that a healthy lifestyle with a sensible diet and regular exercise is key to reducing the risk if stroke.

Hummer limos prove popular choice of transport for wedding guests

Hummer limos are a popular choice for weddings, but their days could be numbered

One of the UK’s leading limo hire companies, Limo Broker, has reported a surge in bookings for hummer limos by wedding guests. However the days of the gigantic hummer limo could well be numbered as it has just been announced that the brand is due to become defunct after the sale of the hummer, between General Motors and a Chinese company, fell through.

However the popularity of the hummerzine style vehicle is still as strong as ever with companies already reporting that hummer limos are fully booked across the country during peak wedding season. Check out the massive assortment of hummers available for hire in the UK by clicking this link: http://www.hummerlimohire.uk.com/images/hummer-limos.htm

The hummer limo has also been a successful form of wedding transport for bridesmaids and other important family members, chiefly due to the fact that the largest hummers can carry up to 18 passengers. However following a change in VOSA regulations last year, all limousines carrying over 8 passengers have to have a COIF certificate. Because only a handful of companies in the country offer the COIF conversion service for limos, and the coast can be as much as £20,000 a limo, there is a shortage of high capacity limos in the UK this year pushing up demand even further.

The hummer limo has been the victim of some harsh criticism since it was first introduced. A favourite with celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Paris Hilton it may be, but there was no getting away from the fact that the hummer is a serious gas-guzzler, and that didn’t make it popular with the eco-campaigners.

However there’s no disputing the unashamed glamour of the hummer limo, and that’s one of the reasons it’s become such as hit with wedding guests and wedding parties alike. With onboard features such as champagne bars, neon lighted dance floors and karaoke systems, the hummer is party on wheels.

If you want to arrive in style at a wedding this year, there’s only one limo to be seen in, so get on and book your chauffeur driven hummer limousine today.

Wedding bells for reunited Lewis Hamilton and Nicole Scherzinger?

Nicole and Lewis back together and talking about marriage?

It seems Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton and Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger have had a serious change of heart following their split last month. The couple were seen in Hollywood recently behaving very much like a loved-up couple suggesting the romance is back on track.

But it appears that this high profile couple are not content with simply dating again, and rumours have surfaced to suggest that marriage could well be on the cards for this duo, as soon as his year.

According to a shop assistant at a boutique in Los Angeles, when she asked singer Nicole if she was looking for anything in particular at the luxury clothes store she replied: “This year – my wedding dress.”

Prior to the split last month, 25-year-old Lewis and 31-year-old Nicole had been together for 20 months and their relationship had seemed solid. The singer was at the racetrack cheering Lewis on when he picked up the F1 championship back in 2008. However increasingly hectic work schedules seems to force them apart with Nicole announcing the break up in January.

However friends of the couple say they both immediately regretted the split, hence the sudden reconciliation. The wedding may have to wait a few months yet however as Nicole is currently recording her first album without her Pussycat Doll band mates and is about to launch a career as a solo artist.

Prince William laughs off wedding invite request

Prince William declares we'll have to "wait a while" for a wedding with Kate Middleton

Prince William poured cold water on any hopes Kate Middleton might of had of a imminent wedding following an off-the-cuff remark this week. The 27-year-old laughed off a question regarding a potential marriage from an injured serviceman during a public visit.

The Prince was visiting a rehabilitation centre in Llandudno, North Wales, when serviceman Simon Brown who has been blinded, cheeky asked for invite to the Prince’s wedding.

William took the question in his stride and answered good naturedly: “You’ll have to wait a while I think.”

That was probably not the response long-tern girlfriend Kate Middleton was hoping for. The pair have been dating for the past 7-years after meeting at St Andrews University as students. They’ve been playing the dating game for so long that the press have invented their own nick-name for the 28-year-old, Waity Katy, as she’s hung on so long for an engagement with the Prince.

The pair split up back in 2007 but remained friends and by the end of the year, they were back together again. Kate and William have been forced to spend a lot of time apart in recent months whilst the Prince has been away in Anglesey, at RAF Valley training with to become a helicopter pilot, leaving Kate alone in London.

Reports had surfaced that the Royal family were working behind the scenes in preparation for the nuptials. However given William’s recent comment, this seems unlikely. Although speculation has been mounting that a wedding could be planned between William and Kate in 2012 to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

South London’s first gay wedding show is on the cards

Beauberry House will host The Gay Wedding Show next month

South London’s first ever gay wedding show is due to take place in Southwark next month at one of the capital’s most sensational venues.

Beauberry House in on the edge of Dulwich village has been chosen as the backdrop for the lavish event which has gained sponsorship from Laurent Perrier. Expect an opulent affair at the south London’s first gay wedding show as a whole host of designer names and luxury brands are due to exhibit at the fair.

Bespoke dress designers will be on hand, plus world renowned ice sculptors, wedding car hire specialists, and some as-yet-unconfirmed famous names will be present to host the event. A Laurent Perrier bar will also be available so visitors can enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst they browse the wide range of suppliers and exhibitors on display.

While you’re there, you might want to check out the venue itself. Beauberry House was shortlisted recently by Wedding TV for the coveted title of “Best British Wedding Venue.”

The event is being held in conjunction with local newspaper Southwark news and also The Big Gay Wedding Directory who were responsible for hosting the first ever gay wedding show in Scotland some three years ago.

South London’s gay wedding show will take place on Monday March 8th starting at midday.

Asian wedding car hire from the experts

How you make your arrival on your wedding day requires plenty of thought. It is after all the first glimpse your guests will have of you on this momentous occasion and you want to strike just the right note. It’s highly recommended that you hire a professional wedding car company to provide you with transport as opposed to relying on friends or relatives. This way you’re guaranteed an immaculate vehicle, driven by a smart and experienced chauffeur.

Asian BrideMany wedding car hire companies offer specialist services for the Asian community meaning they are familiar with the nuances of Indian wedding ceremonies. Whereas the average length of wedding car hire for an English wedding is 3 hours, Asian and Indian weddings often require transport for up to 12 hours. Seek out a company with expertise in multicultural weddings who’ll be able to advise you and assist you in planning your wedding day transport.

When it comes to choosing a suitable vehicle you need to consider several important factors. Firstly how far are you travelling? If it’s just a short distance then vintage vehicles can be a great option, however they can be less comfortable and slower than modern vehicles if you’re embarking on a longer journey. How many people do you need to transport? You’ve spent all that time and money on your bridal outfit, you certainly don’t want to squeeze too many people into the back of your car and risk crushing your beautiful saree, suit or lengha. The weather is also a crucial factor to consider. Because it’s difficult to predict the temperamental British weather, it’s best to cover all bases. Hire a wedding car with climate control so you can keep your make-up looking fresh and cool if it’s a hot day, or ensure you’re kept warm and comfortable on a cold day.

An increasingly popular option for grooms and best men is to hire a self-drive sports car such as a Porsche Ferrari or Lamborghini. These cars guarantee the wow factor but there is limited space onboard so not the best option for the bride-to-be.

Whether you’re planning an Asian, Indian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Punjabi, Pakistani or Chinese wedding, do your research first and hire a wedding transport company with prior experience in multicultural weddings to ensure your day runs smoothly.

Please visit this link for beautiful wedding cars: http://www.wedding-carhire.net/wedding-cars/index.htm

The coolest mobile bar for your wedding – may we introduce the ice bar

It's all about the ice bar at wedding receptions in 2010

The ice bar is one of the biggest trends to take the wedding industry by storm in 2010. These mobile bars can be set up virtually anywhere so if you’re holding your wedding reception in a marquee, or a country house, the ice bar is perfect for adding a unique focal point to your party.

The beauty of the ice bar is that it serves the purpose of a bar, but also creates and exciting centre piece for your reception at the same time. Plus you have the opportunity to have your ice bar personalised. Many couples choose to have their names or initials carved into the ice, although any design can be incorporated so let you imagination run wild!

One of the UK’s leading providers of ice bars is mobilebarhire.uk.com offering a nationwide mobile bar hire service. As well as the eye-catching ice bars, the company can also provide LED lighted bars, and regular chrome and wooden effect bars of all shapes and sizes at very competitive rates. You also have the option of hiring experienced staff to run the bar on the night, or you can simply hire just the bar itself.

For 2010 forget the ice sculptures, it’s so been done. The latest craze is for ice bars so don’t plan your wedding reception without one. Check out the different variations available on www.mobilebarhire.uk.com