< PreviousT: +44 (0) 1472 872248 E: weddings@oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, DN37 7LF OAKLANDS WEDDINGS www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk The perfect backdrop for your big day. Get in touch with one of our Wedding Coordinators and come have a look around our beautiful grounds, choice of 3 function rooms and the perfect spot in our garden for your civil ceremony. Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Platinum Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 61 WEDDINGS Let’s get it straight, getting married is a big deal and can set you or your parents back a pretty penny. Of course, the great thing about Lincolnshire is that, depending whereabouts you live in the county, we enjoy substantially lower costs of living costs than elsewhere in the UK, so when it comes to tying the knot you can, arguably, have a far more glamorous event and location for far less than what you might pay elsewhere in the country. The national press cant seem to agree on the price of a wedding in the UK, some report that the average cost exceeds £20,000 and others suggest a typically spend of around £17,500. Most would agree though that the price of arranging a wedding in 2019 has dropped, albeit marginally. Hello! 63 Á Great news for couples as wedding costs drop in 2019 ©Shutterstock / IVASHstudio The cost of getting hitched seems to have been on the rise for a number of years. Indeed, in 2018 it was reported that the average cost of a UK wedding was as much as £30,000. The good news though is that 2019 is seeing a drop in prices, thanks to a troubled economy and increased competition in suppliers. And here’s a few tips to slash that cost further… 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 2Bentley Hotel T: 01522 878000 E: conf@bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk www.bentleyhotellincoln.co.uk The Bentley Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa, Newark Road, South Hykeham, Lincoln LN6 9NH With many packages available we cater for a small family affair or a grand special event. Priding ourselves on our experience, professionalism and friendliness, we are on hand at all times to make sure that your big day goes off without a hitch. The combination of exemplary service and excellent food ensures a truly memorable day is had by all. Our Wedding Brochures are designed to offer guidance on civil ceremonies and partnerships, pre-reception drinks, wedding breakfast menus, evening celebrations and overnight accommodation. Rest assured there are no hidden charges or venue hire. If you require any further information or should you wish to view the hotel, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our management team who will be happy to assist you. Will you Marry Me? If the answer is YES try our 20th Anniversary Additional Package only £999 * Buffet for 70 * Room Hire * Red Carpet Arrival * Bridal Suite * Disco until Midnight * Ivory Cloths & Chair Covers * Master of Ceremonies * Discounted accommodation rates Available on selected dates in 2019 and 2020 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 63 WEDDINGS magazine for instance reported recently that the average price had dropped from £17,913 in 2018 to just over £17,500. This is undoubtedly good news for couples and their parents but there are also a number of ways savvy couples can reduce that cost further without it impacting negatively on the big day. Opting for a Sunday or mid-week wedding, for instance, can create huge savings – over 30% with some suppliers and that can add up to enough to pay for the honeymoon, or reducing that mortgage on your first house together. Another tip is to steer clear of the ‘wedding high season’ which of course is the summer months. By moving your big day outside of the peak period, you will undoubtedly find suppliers and venues keen to fill those empty slots in their booking diary and this can make a significant reduction to your overall bill. Depending which month you choose can save you a further £5,000 - £6,000. Of course, for many couples a marriage is something you hope to only do once, so there is a real incentive to push the boat out. Especially as the bride may have been dreaming about and planning her perfect wedding for longer than she might care to admit. But, ask yourself, how would moving your day to a Friday and keeping the party going all weekend be seen as a backward move? On the subject of costs, while traditionally it was always the bride’s parents who paid for the wedding, nowadays it’s usually the parents of both the bride and groom who step up to the mark although this doesn’t necessarily mean they will cover the entire costs – in fact almost 40% of couples tying the knot pay for the whole thing themselves. The next question is should couples opt for a more hands on approach to organising the wedding or hand the 65 Á ©Shutterstock / Ermakov Alexander 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 464 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY PERFECTION BRIDAL & MENSWEAR 31 Silver Street, Lincoln, LN2 1EW www.perfectionlincoln.co.uk An exclusive range of Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids, plus ranges from other leading designers, Venus, Phoenix plus others. Contemporary and traditional styles, accessories too. All alterations completed in-house. Ladies 01522 522616 Also one of Lincolnshire's longest established menswear hire specialists with over 35 years experience. All hire suits held in stock to try on before you order. Groom goes free with five or more outfits. Menswear 01522 533615 Museum Boston’s beautiful, medieval Guildhall can be the setting for your special day. Have your ceremony in the stunning banqueting hall, used for centuries for celebrations and have your photographs taken in any of our wonderful historic rooms. Boston Guildhall Museum @bostonguildhall For more information please contact us guildhall@boston.gov.uk www.bostonguildhall.co.uk South Street, Boston, PE21 6HT (01205) 365954 Our aim is a simple one… …to offer you Lincolnshire’s widest choice of the finest gowns, at the best possible prices in the most beautiful and friendly surroundings. BRIDAL GOWNS BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES VEILS, TIARAS, SHOES & JEWELLERY SIZES 6-32 STOCKISTS OF: MAGGIE SOTTERO, MORILEE, RONALD JOYCE, BLUE BY ENZOANI, EBONY ROSE & DESSY 01522 811122 www.belleandbouquet-wellingore.co.uk Appointments preferred but not always necessary. &Belle Bouquet The Bridal Suite, Wellingore Hall, Wellingore, Lincoln LN5 0HX 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 5LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 65 WEDDINGS entire project to a wedding planner? Obviously, the more you involve yourself the bigger the saving. That said, a recent survey of 2,000 married couples found that some 40% felt that in hindsight organising a wedding was akin to taking on a second job. The average couple dedicates more than nine hours to the laborious task of whittling down their guest list says the report and an average of six hours was taken by the couple when picking the perfect flower arrangement for the venue, plus a further 11 hours, on average, spent looking in bridal shops for dresses according to Virgin Holidays, which commissioned the study. Then there’s the time taken to find a venue, organise marquees, book the right quality entertainment, caterers, photographer, videographer and a multitude of other tasks which can be a time-consuming process. Many find this enjoyable of course and therefore don’t mind the time it takes, but there are some who aren’t very organised, or can’t find the time due to their careers, and for these people a wedding planner might be the preferred option to undertake part or all of the duties. 66 Á ©Shutterstock / IVASHstudio The Dower House Hotel offers a delightful choice of setting, whether your wedding is a small intimate affair or a larger celebration. Inside the atmosphere of The Dower House Hotel creates a sense of romance and charm. Outside, the grounds provide the ultimate backdrop for your wedding photography. • Ideal wedding venue • Sunday lunches • Afternoon teas • Golfing packages • Corporate hire • Function hire Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa, Lincs., LN10 6PY Tel: (01526) 352588 Email: info@the-dowerhousehotel.co.uk Web: www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 666 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY WEDDINGS A good wedding specialist should be able to take a lot of responsibility from your shoulders without making either the bride or groom feel marginalised. As they are dealing with weddings day in and day out, they should be able to guide you in what is likely to work and what won’t; or offer a more effective way to accomplish the vision you have. And, do take their advice – while it might be tempting to get friends or relatives in to take photographs, or perform the music, it can turn into a nightmare if your uncle with a digital camera can’t get the guests together properly or your brother’s band, who you wanted to help out to give them a chance to be on stage, gets sozzled or has a bout of nerves before they go on. Moving on to the ceremony itself, this may take the traditional approach but there has been a move in recent years to have the ceremony away from a church. As such, licensed venues have sprung up across our county and this affords the opportunity of having the ceremony and reception in one place. A major advantage here is that you also avoid having to arrange transport to get the couple and all the guests from the church to the reception venue. Lincolnshire’s venues come in all shapes and sizes and are spread across the county, so if you’re planning a huge event or a small intimate event perhaps, as is often the case in a second wedding, you have the choice and flexibility on offer. Some venues offer a marquee outside the hotel or stately home so you 69 Á Romantica dresses available from Luella Elizabeth Bridal, Newark 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 67 Hall Farm Hotel & Restaurant A beautiful converted barn set within acres of farmland on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, Hall Farm is the perfect location for your dream wedding Ashby Lane, Ashby cum Fenby, North East Lincolnshire DN37 0RT T: 01472 220666 | E: info@hallfarmhotelandrestaurant.co.uk WeddingSaleSpectacular All inclusive wedding package for 50 day guests & 70 evening guests just £2999 Available January to March 2020 & any available 2019 date, new bookings only, subject to availability Extra day guests £60 per person extra evening guests £10 per person See website for full details or call 01472 220666 for a viewing! l Marriages l Civil Partnerships l Citizenship Ceremonies l Naming & Renewal of Vows Ceremonies l Copy Certificates (from 1837 to date) l Civil Funeral, Memorial, Woodland Burial and Interment Ceremonies l Pre planned Script only Funeral Service R egistration & C elebratory S ervices Tel: 01522 782244 Email: regist@lincolnshire.gov.uk www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/registration Browse through our collections or customise your own gown See our website for more details www.luellabridal.co.uk Contact Us to make an appointment hello@luellabridal.co.uk Tel. 01400 679067 Long Bennington, Newark Luella Elizabeth Bridal is a stylish boutique offering a thoughtfully curated selection of bridal gowns. Our aim is to make you feel inspired and excited about choosing your wedding dress, in a relaxed and welcoming setting. We offer a range of stunning bridal collections from Ivory and co, Olivia Rose, Lois Wild and Romantica, and gorgeous accessories to complete your bridal look. Horncastle Cake Art & Hobby House Everything for the Crafter Cake Decorations, Knitting, Crochet, Felt, Ribbons & more www.horncastlecakeart.co.uk 25 North Street, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5DX Tel: 01507 525926/522659 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 868 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY It is our mission to deliver the largest selection of the best quality, handmade chocolates on the market. Along with a vast wealth of knowledge in the award-winning products we sell, Special Edition Chocolate provides a taste sensation for all chocolate lovers, including diabetics, coeliacs, vegetarians, vegans and sufferers of allergies like nuts or dairy. Special Edition Chocolate Willingham Hall, Market Rasen, Lincs. Tel: 01673 844073. www.specialeditionchocolate.co.uk SPECIAL EDITION CHOCOLATE Lincolnshire´s Premier WeddingVenue CONTACT CONFERENCE & BANQUETING T: 01522 793305 or conference@branstonhall.com From the moment you enter the long sweeping driveway leading up to the hotel, you realise that Branston Hall, nestled within the picturesque parklands, is the perfect venue for your special day. We specialise in weddings and with the help of our dedicated wedding co-ordinator, we help you to plan your special day with ease guiding you along the way to organise your perfect LIa?MLLQVO8PW\WOZIXPaWXXWZ\]VQ\QM[IZMMVLTM[[_Q\PQVW]ZOZW]VL[IVL_MKIVM^MVPW[\ÅZM_WZSLQ[XTIa[NWZIVM^MVQVO_Q\P a special touch. Whatever you do, do not decide on your venue before you come and visit us at Branston Hall Hotel. www.branstonhall.com Branston Hall Hotel Branston · Lincoln LN4 1PD T: 01522 793305 F: 01522 790734 info@branstonhall.com llesedithnantldwi BRANSTON HALL HOTEL • WEDDINGS • PARTIES • SPECIAL EVENTS Springfields Events & Conference Centre “The ideal venue for every occasion” For more information please visit our website at www.springfieldsevents.co.uk Tel: 01775 713253 Email: events@springfields.net Business Meetings, Seminars, Exhibitions, Product Launches, Corporate Events, Weddings, Charity Balls, Private Parties Licensed for Civil Marriages & Partnerships •Experienced Event Management team •Full on-site catering and bar facilities •Licensed for Civil Marriages & Partnerships •Free parking for up to 500 cars •Access to 15 acres of landscaped gardens, water features and woodland walks •All areas at ground level for easy access High quality Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewellery Main agents for Citizen, Lorus, Iron Annie and Zeppelin Watches Pre Owned Rolex Watches In-house Repairs & Engraving Ear Piercing Celebrating 40 Years Trading in Louth Butcher Lane, Louth Lincolnshire LN11 9JG. Tel: 01507 604029 www.striacroft.co.uk info@striacroft.co.uk 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 9LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 69 WEDDINGS have the grandeur but also the privacy from other hotel guests and, of course, a blank canvas for the couple to decorate and style as they wish - be that an Indian themed wedding or a vintage, nautical whimsical or art deco theme. Entertainment is another tricky area as you may want to consider a wedding singer, or better still, a live band – but are they simply playing to backing tracks? Will their choice of numbers fit with your audience or the theme you have planned? Does the lead singer have a habit of telling offensive jokes? And what happens if a key member of the band falls ill, or something else stops them being available on the big day? Booking a band direct will undoubtedly save you money but can leave you open to a host of problems. Booking through a reputable agent should ensure that in the event your chosen band can’t make it (god forbid) the agent can provide an alternative. Check also that the venue is licenced to play music and that they aren’t going to object if you want the volume louder, as some might unusually low limits and equipment that pulls the power on the band automatically should the volume reach a certain level. Are they licenced to serve alcohol? Don’t assume just because it’s a large venue. Are there going to be facilities to cook and store the food or will you need to hire any equipment in? What power will they need – it’s fine having a marquee in your parents garden or paddock but caterers and bands can draw a lot of power which means trailing extension leads from the kitchen just won’t be enough so the ovens will cut out and/or the band won’t have enough power, especially while the ovens are on. Consider also the guests’ ages, which will undoubtedly be a big cross section and might include those with special dietary requirements and tastes. Professional caterers and venues 11 South Street Caistor LN7 6UB Tel: 01472 852532 Mobile: 07483 334979 caistor@bridalreloved.co.uk bridalreloved.co.uk Bridal Reloved Caistor @BridalCaistor @bridalrelovedcaistor Bridalrelovedcaistor Bridal Reloved Photo courtesy of Janey Kay Photography Photo courtesy of Janey Kay Photography 71 Á 60-71.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:32 Page 10Next >