< PreviousBranston Hall Hotel is set within some of the most striking countryside we havein the county. What better place to get married? We pay this historic and elegantvenue a visit to find out what it can offer couples wanting to make it official.Style andsettingWEDDINGS - VENUESHundreds of couples have tied theknot at the hotel over the years andone look at the grand driveway and theviews you are met with on approach,you can see why. Inside your hopes areconfirmed. There’s a level ofsophistication and charm you won’tfind elsewhere in the county.Planning weddings here is easy. With ateam dedicated to your special day,every element is cared for and coupleslooking to arrange a day from the startcan be guided through the process. Withthe ability to perform marriages and civilpartnerships within the hotel and even ina beautiful gazebo outside, Branston HallHotel certainly feels like an exclusiveplace to be. Indeed, your marriagecelebration will be the only one held onthe day, something which those wantingto keep things private will appreciate.With a fantastic location for pictures,couples often choose to have photostaken by the lake in the grounds oroutside with rolling fields serving as afantastic backdrop. The hotel is alsoknown for its food, being the recipient ofmany AA Rosettes and accolades over theyears and menus can be bespoke for yourtastes too. The sense that weddings here are rigidand formulaic couldn’t be further fromyour mind. Within reason, what you askfor is possible. Using your own suppliersexcept in the case of catering is also anoption, something you might not be ableto arrange elsewhere.Style andsettingBranston Hall Hotel is set within some of the most striking countryside we havein the county. What better place to get married? We pay this historic and elegantvenue a visit to find out what it can offer couples wanting to make it official.060-061:Layout 1 6/12/13 12:56 Page 1WEDDINGS - VENUESThe bridal suites and luxury rooms withinthe hotel also impress, with beautifulfeatures such as four-poster beds, pretty baywindows and a certain regal and affablestyle. They all make for great bridalphotography as well as romantic settings foryour first night together as a married couple.To help couples decide on what they wantfor their big day, sometimes a dose ofinspiration can help. Thankfully, BranstonHall has been running its own wedding fayresince 1997. This year’s takes place onSaturday 25th and Sunday 26th January andis somewhat of a headline event. With animpressive amount of exhibitors, couplesvisiting can find out everything they need toknow about their big day. Almost followinga ‘trail’ from when they arrive, they canpartake of drinks at the bar, enjoy a specialhog roast, see the wedding venue set upand explore the rooms of the hotel. Angela and Daniel, who are the first pointof contact for couples at the hotel say, “Welike to think we are, for want of a better phrase,a one-stop shop for couples planningweddings. With the amount of weddings wearrange a year and the contacts we have withinthe wedding industry, we know we can providesomething for any taste.“We can help down to the last detail. Weeven have our very own toast master availableto make sure the speeches are presented in asuitable way.”Branston Hall is not only a fantasticvenue with an enviable setting, but itseems like arranging your big day issupported every step of the way. Whatmore could you want?The Branston Hall Hotel is onLincoln Road, Branston, Lincoln,LN4 1PD. To find out more aboutweddings or the fayre, call theteam on 01522 793305 or visitwww.branstonhall.comBranston Hall’s wedding fair is onSaturday 25th and Sunday 26th JanuaryWEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OFWWW.JANEHARRISONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 060-061:Layout 1 6/12/13 12:56 Page 262 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUESPHOTO: CYMBELINEWhere classic meetscontemporaryThe familiar phrase “something old, something new...” is something that couldjust as well apply to the wedding planning as the outfit. OK, maybe not the bluebit (save that for the stag night) but you can certainly borrow plenty of ideas andcraft a unique mix of the traditional and the contemporary.65 062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 1062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 264 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYweddingyourAn inspirational venue for weddings and receptionsLLLLINCOLNLocated in the historic quarter of Lincoln, The Old Palace, a THNUPÄJLU[=PJ[VYPHULYHhouse, is one of the most charismatic and impressive wedding venues in Lincolnshire.The Old Palace combines the comfort and elegance of the former Palace of Lincoln’s bishops in an unparalleled setting with stunning views of the Cathedral and surrounding countryside.•To see all that The Old Palace has to offer and brides’ experiences of their weddings at The Old Palace, please visit the website.enquiries@theoldpalace.org www.theoldpalace.org01522 58 00 00A perfect wedding venueTRULY MADLY DEEPLYSitting proudly in the medieval splendour of Lincoln Cathedral, the White Hart Hotel is the perfect wedding venue. Your bespoke wedding will be perfectly tailored to your every wish by our dedicated team of professionals.With inclusive packages to suit your ideas, your dream wedding day at the White Hart Hotel could be closer than you think!For further details contact our Wedding Manager onT 01522 563 298 | E weddings@whitehart-lincoln.co.ukBailgate | Lincoln | Lincolnshire LN1 3AR | www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY65WEDDINGS - VENUESWeddings have changed in recentgenerations and there’s a much greater senseof informality than ever before. Rather thansimply following the familiar template that hasbeen passed down through the generations,these days those getting married are happy todiscard a few traditions, incorporate some newideas and end up with their own special daythat better represents the happy couple, theirtastes and, perhaps most importantly of all,their relationship.It’s not so much the case that one type ofwedding fits all these days because the peoplewho get married are such a varied bunch. Inprevious generations it was likely that a hugepercentage of those getting married weredoing so for the first time and were living athome before the big day. These days that’s alldifferent – lots are getting married for thesecond (or third, or fourth...) time and want todo things differently from the last time. Inaddition many are getting married a bit later inlife, or doing so after having children, so wantto move away from the traditional approach toincorporate something that better representstheir own lives and can involve their loved onesa little more.Indeed for many the whole reason for thewedding itself is not to make their relationshipofficial but simply for a huge celebration ofwhich the legalities are far from the mostimportant part. Of course, the weddingceremony itself has a special dignity all of itsown – especially because the law forbidsweddings being hosted outside or in temporarylocations, so bungee jumping brides are out –but that doesn’t mean it has to dominate theday and if you want, you can get that out ofthe way and concentrate on the party.Throughout any wedding ceremony there’llbe numerous opportunities to stamp your ownpersonality on proceedings, whether that’s withthe décor, your choice of menu or indeed themake-up of the ceremony itself.If you want tradition, though, Lincolnshire’sgot it in spades and you can absolutely pile onthe romance. We’re fortunate to have dozens ofbeautiful venues, set in stunning surroundings,which will create a very special atmosphere andlook fantastic on the photos. Most employwedding co-ordinators who can hold yourhand throughout the process and guide youthrough all the requirements – and consider67 PHOTO: CHARLOTTE BALBIERThroughout any weddingceremony there’ll benumerous opportunitiesto stamp your ownpersonality onproceedings062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 4Beauty SpaatThe Bentley HotelLet your worries dissolve as we nurture your entire being with opulent spa therapies, beauty and hairdressing services and the state of the art facilities that promise to relax mind and body and leave you feeling energised, revitalised and relaxed.A wide variety of treatments to choose from, there is something to suit everyone.Floatation Treatments Bridal Treatments Massage TreatmentsFacial Treatments Thalgo Body Treatments ManicurePedicure Gel Nails by IBDKindred SpiritsAutumn / Winter Spa Break PackagesTreat yourself to one of our Luxury Spa Breaks Relieve your stress, revive your body & mind, relax in our pool, rest in our Thermal Suite and rub all your tensions awaySpa breaks are available from October 2013 — 28th February 20141 night Spa package Only £99.00 per person(Normally £125.00 per person)2 night Spa package Only £195.00 per person(Normally £225.00 per person)Book Now on01522 823222The Beauty Spa is located withinBEST WESTERNBentley HotelNewark Road, South Hykeham LN6 9NH T: 01522 823222 The Beauty Spa LincolnWill you Marry Me?If the answer is YES you must visit our Wedding FayreOn Sunday 12th January 2014 at 10.00am – 3.30pmIf you are recently engaged and are planning your big day, thencome along to our Wedding Fayre. We will have everything youneed to plan your big day, from booking the registry office,choosing a dress, arranging flowers, right through to bookingyour honeymoon. Find everything you need all under one roof. Diamond Wedding PackageOnly£4,400contact us for more details & ask us about our otherpackagesBentleyHotel BEST WESTERNPLUST: 01522 878000 E: info@bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk The Bentley Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, Newark Road, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9NH062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY67WEDDINGS - VENUEShow they can help the big day run as smoothly aspossible. What they won’t do, unless you really wantthem to, is take control of the planning – it’s entirelyin your own hands as to what happens when duringthe day.Although you may wish to be completely creativeand come up with an exhaustive timetable ofentertainment and unique experiences, there issomething to be said for at least a bit of tradition –if only for your guests. Unique among anything youplan it’s likely that your wedding guest list will be farmore diverse than any other event, with guests’ages ranging from nine months to ninety years.That doesn’t mean everything has to be blandedout but it’s worth bearing it in mind to make surethere’s something for everyone to enjoy.Although the big day is, of course, all about thehappy couple, the experience of the guests is all-important – you want their memories of the day tobe the beauty of the bride, not the awful or non-existent food, and you want to keep the party goingas long as possible rather than everyone makingtheir excuses as soon as is politely possible. It’s likelythat some of your older guests may well expect atleast some traditional aspects and, while they mightbe a bit familiar, that doesn’t make them any lessspecial, so it’s worth considering who you’ve invitedbefore you decide to go for any wild diversions fromthe norm.While you’re on the guest list, one aspect that canprove to be the subject of much pondering iswhether you should invite children. For manypeople that’s a question that can be answered in theblink of an eye – they definitely want children thereand wouldn’t have it any other way. For others it’s atougher decision and sometimes the size of thevenue and the make-up of the wedding party caninfluence the decision – and if there’s only one ortwo young guests then you may fear they mightfind the event boring. If you decide in the end notto invite children then don’t forget to make thisexplicit on the invitations to avoid awkwardconversations later.If you’re using a hotel then it’s likely that thewhole day will be included in a single package andeverything will be of the highest standards. If you’veopted for a different type of venue, however, youmay find your “to do” list extending somewhat asyou have to jump through a few more logisticalhoops. Is the venue licenced for entertainment? Isthere room for everyone to stay over? Perhaps mostimportantly, where are you going to store and cookthe food for the wedding breakfast?68 PHOTO: CHARLOTTE BALBIERIf you’re using a hotel then it’s likelythat the whole day will be included ina single package and everything willbe of the highest standards062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 668 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUESThe Perfect intimate wedding venueMain Street, Gedney Dyke, Spalding PE12 0AJ T: 01406 366700 E: bookings@the-chequers.co.uk www.the-chequers.co.ukFrom the beautifulexterior, through to the stylish& elegantinterior, The Chequers is the perfectvenue for the perfect weddingMarriages Civil Partnerships Nationality Checking Service Citizenship Ceremonies Naming & Renewal of Vows CeremoniesCopy Certificates (from 1837 to date) Civil Funeral, Memorial, Woodland Burial and Interment Ceremonies Pre planned Script only Funeral Service Registration &CelebratoryServicesTel: 01522 782244Email: regist@lincolnshire.gov.ukwww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/registrationThe traditional wedding breakfast is not an obligation and ifyou’re thinking of doing something different – such as a buffet orjust canapés – that’s certainly an option. If that’s the case, though,make sure guests know what to expect - they may well have arrivedwith an empty stomach! If you’re opting for a traditional meal thenit’s likely you’ll be limited to a set menu – perhaps with vegetarianand children’s options – for practical reasons, and if that’s the case,you should probably shy away from any massive deviations fromthe norm. Slovenian goulash may well be surprisingly tasty but yourguests might not wish to discover it in this context!Lincolnshire’s wedding venues, and the co-ordinators who workalongside them, have vast experience of making anyone’s big daygo without a hitch – and making sure it represents your tastes andyour relationship.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ERIC LIMONLincolnshire’s wedding venues, andthe co-ordinators who work alongsidethem, have vast experience of makinganyone’s big day go without a hitch062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 711 High Street East, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire DN15 6UHContact our wedding co-ordinator to start planning your perfect day:telephone 01724 277774 email info@sanpietro.uk.com www.sanpietro.uk.com Understated elegance in every detail...A wedding at San Pietro is exclusively yours. We give you total exclusivity from start to finish, in a stunning contemporary venue with a bespoke gourmet dining experience.Ceremony•Reception•Party•Accommodation•Gourmet Dining Menus start at £35ppLINCOLNSHIRETODAY69For a Lifetime of Special Memories... Newly refurbished function suite All Inclusive packages available Beautiful landscaped gardens & lake Beautiful bridal suite Civil MarriagesNow taking bookings for 2014/15Please contact us for more information onour wedding servicesStallingborough Grange Hotel, Riby Road, Stallingborough, DN41 8BUTel: 01469 561302 www.stallingboroughgrange.comThe perfect wedding venueWith a magnificent setting overlooking the sea and our superbly manicured golfcourse, our St Andrews Suite provides the ideal location for your Civil Ceremony orCivil Partnership.Catering for events ranging from 20 guests to 160 guests we are able to tailor thewhole day to match your wishes. A dedicated garden is available for yourphotographs, or take those special pictures on the easily accessible beach.Our Special Events Team are on hand to make the day run as smoothly as possiblefrom planning through to the late night entertainment.Wedding Fayre 9th March 2014 North Shore Road, Skegness, Lincs PE25 1DN Tel: 01754 763298www.northshorehotel.co.uk info@northshorehotel.co.uk062-069:Layout 1 6/12/13 13:31 Page 8Next >