< Previousthe formal bit quietly in a register officebefore proceedings start in earnest.It’s more than likely that your weddingwill be a cross between the twoapproaches – a slightly informal eventwith various traditional aspects sprinkledthroughout proceedings. Lincolnshire’svenues can provide the perfect setting,but you don’t have to plan yourwedding’s colour scheme or themepurely around the venue’s existing décor,nor insert your ideas in a well-worntemplate rolled out for every weddingheld there.Most venues have a number of roomsthat between them suit every shape andtype of wedding – and if you want totalflexibility there’s the opportunity of amarquee as well. Even the most lavishlyPHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MNSTUDIOMost venues have a number of rooms that between them suit everyshape and type of wedding – and if you want total flexibilitythere’s the opportunity of a marquee as well50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUES48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:19 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51WEDDINGS - VENUES52 Áappointed hotels usually include amarquee as an option because itprovides a blank canvas for couples toproject their own ideas and personalitiesonto.Entertaining though planning thewedding can be, there are aspects whicharen’t quite so much fun – if you thinkchoosing the dress and deciding on themusic for the first dance is challengingenough, requiring extensive study, whatabout some of the less thrilling logisticalaspects? Is the venue licenced to playmusic or serve alcohol? Are there goingto be facilities to cook and store the foodor will you have to hire someequipment? Might you need insurancein case something crops up at the lastminute?It’s not surprising, therefore, that mostpeople decide to make use of specialistwedding co-ordinators and planners tofarm out the least romantic aspects ofplanning the big day. Indeed, mostvenues now offer this as part of the48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:20 Page 452 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUESpackage. The best of these play a vitalrole in the smooth running of the big daywithout taking the more creativedecisions out of your hands.The co-ordinators at the venues aren’tin the business of taking the mostexciting aspects of the wedding off yourhands and simply casting you in the roleof extras in their never-changing script.The fun aspects of planning a wedding –choosing the menus, the guest list, theentertainment and the theme – will stillbe down to you, though they willdoubtless be able to point you in theright direction. It may be the case that intheir experience your ideas can’t berealised on the budget or in the locationyou’ve chosen and they’ll tell you – butthey’ll also be able to adapt theseconcepts so you can still put plenty ofyour own personality into proceedings.With this flexibility the sky really is thelimit. Perhaps you’ve got children andwould love them to play a major role inproceedings. Indeed if lots of kids arecoming you may want to involve them allPHOTOS BY RICHARD PICKSLEYLeft: Lance Forrest and Laura Forrest married atMorton Church in Gainsborough and held theirreception at The Maltings, Gainsborough. Below: Kev Baker and Jackie Mettam married atNewark register office with their reception at SirGoodwin Centre, Newark Showground. Theyhoneymooned in the Channel Islands. 55 ÁIt’s not surprising, therefore,that most people decide tomake use of specialistwedding co-ordinators andplanners to farm out theleast romantic aspects ofplanning the big day48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:20 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53A 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.ukBentleyHotel 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 9NHWill you Marry Me?If the answer is YES book our Diamond Wedding Package£4400* Room Hire * Red Carpet Arrival * Bridal Suite* 3 Course Wedding Breakfast for 50 guests * Evening Buffet for 100* Flowers for the Tables * Pimms or Sparkling Wine on Arrival * 1/2 Bottle House Wine per person with meal * Glass Sparkling Wine for the toast * Disco 7.30pm-Midnight* Ivory Cloths & Chair Covers * Master of CeremoniesWinter Wonderland Wedding PackageAvailable until March 2015Only£3350contact us for more details & ask us about our otherpackages48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:20 Page 6The PyewipeThe PyewipeYour Perfect Wedding Venue The Pyewipe Inn is an idyllic setting for the perfect wedding venue. If required, exclusive use is guaranteed for the day, accompanied by superbcuisine and first class function facilities. Set in a 4 acre rural setting beside the famous Fossdyke Canal your pictures will have the backdrop views ofthe Cathedral and Castle. With our own moorings you can arrive or departin style, or choose to stay in the bridal suite within the adjacent 21 roomPyewipe Lodge.www.pyewipe.co.ukenquiries@pyewipe.co.ukSaxilby Road, Lincoln 01522 528708Sara&Robertwelcomeyou48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:20 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55WEDDINGS - VENUESin some way. Maybe you think thetraditional wedding breakfast is a bitboring and you’d like a more informalmeal to allow the evening entertainmentto start a bit earlier. You could even stripaway all the formality that’s usuallyassociated with the wedding and turn itinto one big party where anything goes.There is one caveat, however. Uniqueamong anything you plan it’s likely thatyour wedding guest list will be far morediverse than any other event, with guests’ages ranging from nine months to ninetyyears. They’ll all have different tastes andexpectations of the event and whileobviously it’s your big day and you’llhave the final say, you wouldn’t wantyour guests to go home disappointed.That’s not to say you have to blandeverything out and do everything by thebook – but if you are planning a ratherradical diversion from the norm, you’llprobably want to make that clear whenyou’re sending out the invitations. If yourguests arrive expecting a full weddingbreakfast and all you’re serving up isLeft: Steven Wilcox and Dawn Leak married atLincoln register office with their reception at thePyewipe Inn, Lincoln. Below: Michael Stringer and Sharon Cantwellmarried at All Saints Church in Lincoln with theirreception at the Bentley Hotel, beforehoneymooning in St Lucia. PHOTOS BY RICHARD PICKSLEY56 ÁAs long as your guests knowwhat to expect, there areopportunities to reflect yourown tastes and make theevent particular personal toyou and your relationship48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:20 Page 84IX[SSH,SXIP7XM\[SYPH6SEH;SSHLEPP7TE0MRGSPRWLMVI025+[[[TIX[SSHGSYOIZIRXW$TIX[SSHGSYO'SQIERHWIISYVTMGXYVITIVJIGXWIXXMRK)\GIPPIRXEXXIRXMSRXSHIXEMP)PIKERXWYVVSYRHMRKW7XYRRMRKKVSYRHW0MGIRWIHJSV'MZMP;IHHMRKW 'MZMP4EVXRIVWLMTW(IPMGMSYWQIRYWERHI\GIPPIRX[MRIW;IHHMRK*E]VI7YRHE]XL7ITXIQFIVEQTQ;IHHMRKWP]4P]44]4]4LSXSLSXSLSXSLSXSLSXSSSSSXKVETKVETKVETKVETKVETTKL]L]L]L]]]L]]TT7]QT7]QT7]QT7]QT7]QP]4P]44]4]4LSXSLSXSLSXSLSXSLSXSSSSSXKVETKVETKVETKVETKVETTKL]L]L]L]]]L]Licensed for Civil Weddings and Civil Partnershipsincluding outdoor weddingsExcellent attention to detailElegant surroundingsStunning groundsDelicious menus and excellent winesWedding FayreSunday 20th September 11am - 4pmPetwood Hotel, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6QGwww.petwood.co.uk events@petwood.co.uk56 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUESBespoke Wedding PackageTo include:Bridal GownHand made to measure wedding gownBy Angela Jones SeamstressMen’s SuitsHire 5 Suits & Groom goes FreeSuit hire from Day’s MenswearRoom Decoration & Candy CartBespoke wedding and receptiondecoration with colour scheme to suit you& Fully stocked Candy CartBy Yours EternallyCakeTwo layer sponge cakeBy Moments to TreasureTo discuss your bespoke wedding packagecall for a Free consultation on 01652 632404 -07842 068774Up to 100 Guestscanapés then you may find the musicdrowned out by rumbling stomachslater on. Similarly if part of the dayyou’ve planned involves an excursionto some out of the way location, youmight want to emphasise that in caseyour older guests don’t fancy thetravelling.This kind of thing shouldn’t limityour imagination, however, and aslong as your guests know what toexpect, there are opportunities toreflect your own tastes and make theevent particular personal to you andyour relationship. Lincolnshire’svenues and wedding specialists are onhand to help make your dreams areality.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/HARRY B. LAMBCall 01526 352411 to arrange a viewing and meet our experienced team48-56_Layout 1 16/12/2014 10:20 Page 9VENUESThe Old Palace, standing as it does insuch beautiful surroundings, almost sellsitself. With Lincoln Cathedral loomingover one side of the site and withcommanding views of the city the other,it has setting squared before you evenstep inside its grand interior.As Danielle explains, “I’d say the thingwhich people most love about havingtheir wedding here is the garden, theviews and space you get are unique andas we’re able to adapt to what peoplewant we’ve had it used in many differentways.”Indeed, the space you are allocated atThe Old Palace lends itself absolutely to awedding celebration. The garden roomon a lower ground floor level is used forevening celebrations, which opens up tothose wonderful views outside. Recentweddings during the summer have seenbands, dancefloors, stages and hog roaststaking place outside and with the recentinstallation of a bar down there too, it’s aperfect place to cap off the happiest dayof your life. There’s also a large functionroom that can cater for a larger number.Although you can’t get married at TheOld Palace, the fact that you can have ablessing in the venue’s intimate andgorgeous chapel means it’s a real drawfor those who want a touch of thetraditional to their day. Add to this thefact you can book all 32 bedrooms andhave exclusive use of the whole hotel foryou and your guests and acomplimentary bridal suite means youhave the makings of a memorable day.As Danielle explains, couples tying theknot can really make their day fullybespoke, “We operate on a buildingblocks idea, it really is what the couplewants from the day. We can changeoptions to do with food, accommodationand other elements to make booking awedding here very flexible.“A recent example is a couple whowanted to create picnic baskets so guestscould enjoy the food in the garden andin an informal way, we’d encouragecouples to come and see us and lookaround, we’ll always do our best toaccommodate their requests.”We can’t think of many places thatoffer such a complete package in thecounty, or with such a sense of countyheritage inherent in the venue. Why notgive The Old Palace a call? It’s adelightful venue for any celebration.The Old Palace, situated in the shadow of the Cathedral, is a wonderful backdrop for weddings.Thankfully the services they offer match that incredible location. We take a walk round withWedding and Events Manager Danielle Holman to learn more about planning your big day here.The Old Palace is just offMinster Yard, Lincoln, LN2 1PU.To enquire about weddings,call Danielle Holman on01522 504076, emailDanielle.holman@theoldpalace.orgor visit www.theoldpalace.orgThe Old Palace, LincolnThe Old Palace, LincolnLINCOLNSHIRETODAY5757_Layout 1 11/12/2014 13:47 Page 158 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - BRIDAL FASHIONStarqualityOur wedding section continues with fantastic inspiration foryour dream dressFor many brides, their wedding day is the opportunity to achieve a childhooddream and become a fairytale princess. Lincolnshire’s bridal specialists can help youpile on the romance and offer some delightful dresses and gowns that are theperfect outfit for one of the most exciting days imaginable.If you want to do something a bit different from the norm there are plenty ofother options too – you don’t have to stick with white or have a train. Whateverbest suits your personality and the style of your wedding will doubtless look great!58-60_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:19 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY59WEDDINGS - BRIDAL FASHIONMain: Amanda Wyatt- Amanda Wyatt gowns make you feel amazingwith the internal corset and exquisite cut. The quality and palette offabrics is second to none, combined with hand beaded shimmeringbeading and vintage pearl detailsLeft: Cymbeline- Cymbeline is one of the most iconic Frenchdesigners, creating show stopping statement dresses for every styleof bride. The latest collection is a mix of old school Hollywoodglamour and chic Parisian style58-60_Layout 1 11/12/2014 14:19 Page 2Next >