< Previousmassively from the familiar wedding template, you’ll need tomake it clear on the invitations. Those with traditional tastesexpecting the usual pomp and ceremony may well be hugelydisappointed, while if they expect the formal wedding breakfastthen the sound of rumbling stomachs if only canapés areavailable could well drown out proceedings.Lincolnshire’s wedding planners and specialists at the venuescan provide plenty of advice on how to plan the day to ensureyou keep the personal touch but make sure all the guests arekept happy. It’s worth remembering that the age range of thoseattending your wedding will probably be wider than any eventyou’ve ever held in the past and you’ll often have to cater forboth the very young and the very old. The solution is not tobland everything out so everyone is equally bored but to makesure there’s at least one aspect of the day they’ll appreciate.That means you may consider opening up a separate roomaway from the band or disco so that some of your older guests,who may not appreciate the music, are able to talk and relax incomfort and peace. You don’t have to shut them out but they’reunlikely to spend very long at the reception if the speakers arepumping out relentlessly all night.Similarly, if you’re planning to invite lots of children, it’sprobably worth thinking about setting space aside for them toplay later in the evening, and if there’s a whole army of pre-teens you could even take the step of hiring some kids’entertainers to keep them occupied. OK, you’re not organising achildren’s party but the other alternative is a bunch ofLincolnshire’swedding planners andspecialists at the venuescan provide plenty ofadvice on how to plan theday to ensure you keepthe personal touchPHOTO: BRANSTON HALL HOTEL43 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/GQ40 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUES036-045:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:52 Page 5A 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.ukHall Farm Hotel & Restaurant, Ashby LaneAshby cum Fenby DN37 0RT01472 220666www.hallfarmhotelandrestaurant.co.ukHall Farm has grown over the past 2 decades from an abandoned farm yard into a LuxuryRestaurant and Boutique Hotel and the regions finest Wedding / Conference Venue.Recently enhanced from 3 star to 4 star in the Visit England small hotel awardsWe also host Civil Ceremonies, ProductLaunches and cater for all Family Occasions.Wedding packages start from £3500.00for 2014.For more information or to book a table:T: 01472 220666E: info@hallfarmhotelandrestaurant.co.ukwww.hallfarmhotelandrestaurant.co.uk036-045:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:52 Page 6weddingyourAn 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 00DaDaaaDDviiiivivividd dd ddLoLLLoLoooooowewwwweewwwwwwewrsrssonononP PPhohhoooototototototooggggrgrgrrrgrgrgrapapapaapapappapapapaapappphyhhyhhyhhhhyhyhyhyyhhyyhyhyhyhyhyyhhyperactive children running around thedancefloor all night, which some of your guestsmay not appreciate.The issue of kids at weddings can be a thornyone and many couples do spend time ponderingwhether they should be invited. That’s perhapsconsidered anathema for some couples who don’tsee why you wouldn’t invite them. But if it’s thecase that only a few of the guests have children,you may worry that they’d get extremely boredduring proceedings, spending the whole daydone up in a suit and sat on an uncomfortablechair with nobody of a similar age to talk to. Ifthat’s the decision you make, then you’ll have tomake it absolutely explicit on the invitations toavoid confusion and disappointment later on –and be prepared for some of your guests to find ithard to commit to attending.Lincolnshire’s venues can provide the perfectsetting, with many fine stately homes and luxuryhotels. But you don’t have to plan your wedding’scolour scheme or theme purely around thevenue’s existing décor. Many venues offer upPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/DEBORAH BENBROOK42 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUES036-045:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:52 Page 7LINCOLNSHIRETODAY43WEDDINGS - VENUESIf you’replanning to invite lots ofchildren, it’s probably worththinking about setting spaceaside for them to play laterin the eveningPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/SHKVARKO“Our wedding was everything wedreamed of and more.”Civil Ceremonies held in our gardens or one ofour roomsIntimate weddings for 10 or a lavish affair for 200Beautifully presented ballrooms Excellent cuisine using local producePlease contact our Wedding team to plan your perfect dayPetwood Hotel, Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6QG www.petwood.co.uk Telephone 01526 352411marquees to provide you with an absolute blankcanvas, ensuring you can enjoy all theconvenience of a top hotel with food and drinkon tap while also having the flexibility totransport your guests into a host of imaginativesettings. They’re also safely enough away fromthe accommodation to ensure the party cancarry on into the night without annoying thosewho aren’t attending.Making use of a marquee also allows for avaluable change of scenery, meaning your guestswon’t spend the whole day staring at the samefour walls. You could, of course, plan the eventto take place at a number of different venues tohave the same effect but then you run the risk ofguests getting lost when travelling – and youcan be sure that if there’s any chance of thathappening, someone almost certainly will.As long as you don’t overwhelm the settingwith too much design, and make guests feel likeextras, being creative and imaginative willcertainly ensure your big day sticks in people’sminds. Take inspiration from wherever you findit, from Hollywood to Bollywood, andLincolnshire’s wedding specialists will help youmake it a reality.036-045:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:52 Page 844 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - VENUESSet in acres of rolling countryside,Branston Hall Hotel was originally built in1885 and has had a number of varieduses over the years. Originally a statelyhome, it was used as a military hospitalduring the Second World War before thechange to a hotel in 1990.Just a stone’s throw from centralLincoln, it’s a popular wedding venue andwe can see why. The wood-panelled bargives it an austere edge and the grandand regal decoration sets it apart fromyour run of the mill establishment.We stayed in a plush room with a view ofthe terrace and grounds, but got a chanceto see the two luxurious and impressivebridal suites. One has a large aspect acrossthe grounds with views to the lake whichhas black swans swimming happily on itswater, the other has a similar view, but witha bay window with a padded bench, whichwe would vouch would make for greatwedding preparation shots.The grounds are what impress us mostas it would make for some dramatic andbreath-taking wedding shots. Theweddings and civil ceremonies take placein the Churchill Suite, York Suite or theLakeside private dining room with acourtyard and gazebo also making forstunning settings. Booking in springmeans the cherry blossoms outside, just tomake your day that bit more memorable. Food is something people travel toBranston Hall for and we sampled aselection of some of what head chefMiles Collins has to offer. A crisp anddelicious ricotta salad was a light start toa meal, which was followed by a trio ofseared scallops and squid. Dessert was also a tempting affair, aberry-heavy champagne jelly with asimple sugar twist made for a fresh andpalate-cleansing end to the meal. Thewedding menus reflect Miles’ creativestyle but with a traditional and classicPlush and luxuriantStepping into theentrance of BranstonHall Hotel is arevelation, theimmediacy of its paststrikes you, but as wefind out, itscontemporary side isvery much alive too.Plush and luxuriantfinish. The corn-fed chicken withProvençale sauce, flavoured with sherryand basil, sounds like something we’drelish trying at such a celebration.If you want to get away from it all,then Branston Hall Hotel is definitely theplace to be. With a spa that offers a pool,sauna and spa bath as well as a fitnesssuite to either work away those stressfulknots or to fully relax. There’s alsoSimpsons Spa on the hotel grounds,offering treatments for both men andwomen, or brides and grooms!Whether you are tying the knot orsimply want a taste of luxury on Lincoln’sdoorstep, a visit to Branston Hall shouldbe high on your list.Branston Hall is on Lincoln Road,Branston, LN4 1PD. To find outmore, call 01522 793305 or log onto www.branstonhall.com036-045:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:52 Page 9LINCOLNSHIRETODAY45WEDDINGS - VENUESSurrounded by beautiful grounds, thedrive into Cave Castle’s grounds arecertainly breath-taking. Its tree-lineddriveway gives way to a lake and the sightof the original turrets and stone walls iscertainly a view to wow those who havenever visited. On a wedding day, it wouldcertainly take guests’ breath away andmakes for some incredible backdrops forthose all-important photo sessions.We were shown to our room in theextended part of the hotel and werepleased to find a spacious, well-appointedroom with views across the surroundingcountryside. East Yorkshire has someamazing landscapes and Cave Castle takesup 150 acres of it, which includes an 18hole golf course alongside a picturesquelake.The friendly team at Cave Castle arealways on hand to show you round thehotel and discuss your requirements,planning your day could not be easier,simply make an appointment. The hotel is licensed for civil ceremoniesand partnerships and offers a choice ofsuites too.The Balmoral Suite is south-facing withan abundance of natural light and accessto a terrace and lawns. The room canaccommodate up to 100 for a formalwedding breakfast and 150 for an eveningbuffet.The Sandringham Suite, originally part ofthe castle courtyard and still retainingsome of the exterior arches and walls cancater for up to 150 for a wedding breakfastand 200 for an evening buffet.Both suites have their own bar facilitiesand dance floors.The Windsor Restaurant and Kings Roomcater for smaller parties of 50 and 20respectively but do not have the facilitiesfor an evening reception.If the Bride and Groom wish to spendthe night of the wedding in one of thehotel’s four poster rooms then it’scomplimentary. The hotel has 70bedrooms in total and offers a discountedrate to wedding guests. We took dinner at the hotel’s restaurantwhere you can pore over both A La Carteand Table D’Hote menus that are filled tothe brim with tempting dishes. The foodon offer for weddings we imagine is of thesame high standard and with offers on tomake sure you get your fairytale day wecan’t think of a better place to celebrate inthe surrounding area.There’s also a health club on site whichincludes a gym, pool, spa, sauna and steamrooms, so pampering is a real possibility forthe lucky couple and their guests too. Ifyou’ve ever dreamed of spending yourwedding day in a castle, Cave could beyour thrilling chance to find out.Fit for a princessCave Castle Hotel and Country Club is nestled just a short way from the Humber Bridge in the idyllicvillage of South Cave. Packed with history and charm, it’s a pristine location for any weddingcelebration. We pay the venue a visit to see what couples can expect.Cave Castle is on ChurchHill, South Cave, East Yorkshire. To make abooking or to find out moreabout weddings there, call0844 686 2236 or log ontowww.cavecastlehotel.com036-045:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:52 Page 10Star ofthe showStar ofthe show46 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - BRIDAL WEARMain: Benjamin RobertsFrom straight and slinky to full and romantic,Benjamin Roberts’ bridal dresses offerexceptional value with a gorgeous designer feeland great choice of fabrics.Right: Augusta JonesLight and sophisticated, dreamy and elegant,and inspired by Great Gatsby, old Hollywoodglamour and the English Rose, the AugustaJones collection is something of a showstopper.Middle Right: TiaLight, contemporary and fun to wear, the Tiacollection is perfect for a sunny destinationwedding, second wedding or civil ceremony.The collection has a simple, refreshing range ofstyles typically in chiffon and soft satin.Far right: CymbelineCymbeline has been named France’s bestwedding designer for the past four years andtheir collections combine traditional methods ofFrench high fashion with modern technology.You’ll doubtless be the centre of attention on your big day – but making sure youchoose the right dress will mean it’s for all the right reasons. There are almost asmany different styles of wedding dress as there are styles of wedding, so whetheryou want to pile on the romance or go for something rather more informal,depending on your ideas for the big day, there’ll be something to suit your tastesfrom Lincolnshire’s numerous wedding specialists.046-047:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:33 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY47Call for appointmentTel: 01507 525200www.bridalemporiumlincolnshire.co.uk15 High Street, Horncastle, Lincs. LN9 5HPBeautiful bridalcollections at theBridal Emporium046-047:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:33 Page 248 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYWEDDINGS - OCCASION WEARYou can stand out from the crowdat a wedding with a sophisticatedsense of styleDeciding on occasion wear for a wedding used tobe very fraught but the increased informality of recentyears means this is no longer necessarily the case. Itused to be that the convention what that you shouldnever wear red, black or white at a wedding, whichlimited your options a little. For obvious reasons,wearing white remains a complete no-go for many,and some continue to shy away from black, but thesedays the traditions remain just that – traditions, ratherthan rules to be strenuously enforced.Similarly, it used to be that the bride’s mother hadfirst pick of outfit but, as with everything in a 21stcentury wedding, that convention is up for grabs –though you should check if everyone agrees beforeyou make your decision. Many weddings these dayshave a specific theme in mind and the bride andgroom may provide ideas of the style of outfit and thekind of colour scheme they’d like their guests to don.One convention that almost all weddings still followis that you shouldn’t upstage the bride! That doesn’tmean you can’t look hugely glamorous, though, andthroughout Lincolnshire you’ll be able to find theperfect outfit that’ll stand the test of time and ensureyou don’t dread the photos coming out in years tocome.Above: Joseph RibkoffJoseph Ribkoff issynonymous with style,quality and wearability. Theoutfits are created forflattering wearer comfort andmade in luxe fabrics.Top right: CondiciCondici specialises in elegantoccasion wear that is ideal forweddings and specialoccasions. Condici fabricsinclude rich silks in vividcolours and graceful crepesin bright colours and pastels.Right: GodskeGodske from Denmarkspecialise in elegant andcontemporary city andevening wear. The result is acollection that exudesfeminine elegance and adistinct sense of quality.Styleandsubstance048-049:Layout 1 9/8/13 11:45 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY49WEDDINGS - OCCASION WEAR4 SALTERGATE, LINCOLN LN2 1DH. Tel: 01522 52675220 GROVE ST, RETFORD DN22 6JR. Tel: 01777 703148 (with its own customer car park) www.annewilkinson.co.ukFFor special occasionsWe inviteyou to seethe Collectionsfor Autumn/Winter2013 at our presentations withinformal modellingfrom 10am to 4pmeach dayat LINCOLN Thursday, Friday andSaturday 5th, 6th and7th Septemberat RETFORD Thursday,Friday and Saturday,12th, 13th and 14thSeptember048-049:Layout 1 9/8/13 11:45 Page 2Next >