Decking out your marital home with gorgeous gifts is one of the treats that comes with wedded bliss. Gift lists are great fun to compile and mean guests can help towards creating the perfect home from which to start married life. But many friends and family also want the opportunity to buy something personal that will be remembered by the happy couple for years to come.

So let John Atkinson blankets add a touch of sumptuous comfort to your wish list. With the option to add personalised embroidery, the blankets make an extra special, luxurious but affordable gift which will last couples a lifetime – exactly the kind of present many guests will look for.

The brand new range of refreshing colours and finishes in luxury fibres, including Cashmere and Merino wool, means the blankets and throws are timeless accessories which are both chic and eco-friendly. Available in soft soothing tones to vibrant, modern shades, the wide choice of style and size makes them the perfect addition to any wedding list.

Created to be enjoyed every night, the blankets are also available in an elegant gift set, complete with Peter Reed 100% Egyptian Cotton sheets and pillow cases. And thanks to the highest quality materials and careful craftsmanship woven into each one, they make a long-lasting memento which can be handed down through the generations.

From raw wool to finished cloth, all John Atkinson blankets and throws are carefully made by Hainsworth in Yorkshire, the only place in the country that manages the manufacturing process right through from the sheep’s back to the finished article.

Hailed as nature’s performance fibre, not only does wool keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, recent research also suggests that sleeping under wool lowers your heart rate to make you more relaxed, leaving you both fresher than ever in the morning. You can also sleep easy under one of the world’s most environmentally friendly resources – fully sustainable and biodegradable, wool comes with no negative environmental tags attached.

John Atkinson blankets already grace beds in royal homes and palaces throughout Europe and the Middle East and with the launch of this modern and accessible collection, newlyweds across the UK can now do the same.

Refreshing comfort to eco-friendly chic – John Atkinson has it all wrapped up.

Eyedu Photography are professional wedding and portrait photographers based in Liverpool. We regularly provide wedding photography and Portrait Photography in Liverpool and locations throughout the North West including Southport and Cheshire.

When it comes to wedding photography, our images are taken in a calm and professional manner, trying to capture a mix of the formal and informal moments. We try to tailor each event to suit your own preferences, so please get in touch and let us know what you want from your wedding photography. We endeavour to provide a first rate, high quality service at an affordable price that provides outstanding value for money.

Visit us at the UK Wedding Shows exhibition in Manchester 23^rd and 24^th October.

For a no-obligation appointment regarding Portrait Photography or Wedding Photography, contact us via email: [email protected] or telephone:

Office 0151 724 6643

mobile: 07734 030 607

If your a bride to be and are looking for interesting and quirky ways to make your wedding unique then you need to get yourself along to a wedding exhibition. There are lots of shows and fayres out there but these national two day events really do have much more to offer. Most shows open at 10am and close at 5pm on a Saturday and Sunday. You really can pass a couple of hours or a whole day browsing the many different wedding services on offer to every couple anticipating tying the knot.
If you like freebies then look no further. A goody bag is available for you to take away with plenty of samples and various promotions from many different companies.
Buying a dress or a suit is one of the biggest things for every bride, her groom and both their mums and dads. At The UK Wedding Shows you can be sure to see an amazing line up of outfits on each of the fashion shows which take place at 12 noon 2pm and 4pm each day. Each of these shows have live entertainment on prior to the catwalk show, so if you need some ideas of how and who you would like to entertain your guests then make sure you take your seat early.
Be sure not to miss the excitment of an exhibition, it could be a fun day out for you and your friends and families.
The UK Wedding Shows have exhibitions this month in Harrogate and Liverpool and the best thing is Brides can get in for free!!!! Just register your details online at www.theukweddingshows.co.uk and bring along one paying guest - its that easy
We hope to see you there for more details please email [email protected]

The UK Wedding Shows Exhibitions provide an opportunity for you to meet potential clients, and your experience on the day is linked to how you market your goods and services. It is important to us that it is a positive experience for you, as our success is closely tied to the success of our exhibitors.

To make things as straightforward as possible we have compiled some advice, tips and answers to frequently asked questions, and in the weeks before the show please remember that we are available to answer any queries you may have.

When you receive your user name and password please download your exhibitor pack and make sure you check the deadlines for the return of the checklist and any relevant forms. If you know that you will not require any extras please send us a nil return on the checklist to avoid unnecessary calls in the busy weeks before the show.

The show guide entry is included in the price of your stand and needs to be completed by the specified deadline. If you need any assistance with your entry please ask. There is a technical specification for logos or images and you should bear in mind that the image will appear approximately 28mm wide by 20mm high when it is in print. This may help you decide what image will be best for you to use, as some finer detail may be difficult to see.

The majority of exhibitors who attend shows do so because of the valuable face to face contact with potential clients and the opportunity to heighten their profile in the market.

• First impressions count so be aware of who will be manning your stand and what level of experience they have. We would suggest no more than two staff on a small stand to allow space for your clients.
• Consider how your stand will be dressed and what equipment you may need to bring on the day – Velcro, blu tack, pins, tablecloths, leaflets etc.
• Your stand needs to give a clear message about what you are promoting, so try not to have clutter, just items that are relevant.
• If your product does not currently have the ‘wow’ factor, think about how you can attract clients to your stand with creative touches, samples, leaflets, small giveaway items like sweets or postcards. Please remember that you are not allowed to trade outside of your stand space.
• Run a competition for brides who visit the stand, you can use this opportunity to capture data for follow up after the show, and we will announce your winner before the final fashion show at 4pm.

There are other ways to promote your business with The UK Wedding Shows including Facebook and Twitter and we are extending the range of opportunities all the time. The front page of our website has recently been redesigned with an Exhibitor Focus feature on the front page which we are happy to accept content for. Contributions to our blog are also welcome to give visitors to the site an idea of the people behind the companies who exhibit with us.

Both of these opportunities are free of charge and we also have a Wedding Services Directory, leaflet advertising, and TV screen advertising which are competitively priced.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the stand price?

The basic shell scheme fully carpeted (with the exception of St Georges Hall and Ascot) for the two days of the exhibition

A fascia name panel with the company name

Fifty word editorial, image or logo and your contact details in the show guide (a copy will be on every stand)

Will I need lighting on my stand?

All of our venues are well lit to comply with Health and Safety for the general public visiting the show. However if you are promoting jewellery, sugar craft, bridal wear, photography or other items with fine detail you may wish to highlight this with spotlighting which is available at an additional cost.

Can I bring my own lights?

Yes, but bear in mind that any items that will be plugged in on your stand need to have a current PAT test certificate including lamps, laptops, CD players etc. There is a form within this pack which should be completed and returned with payment to have electricity supplied to your stand.

Can I get Internet access?

Wi-Fi/ Internet access is available at some of our venues at an additional cost depending on your specific requirements; please contact The UK Wedding Shows for further details

Can I play music on my stand?

Please remember that there are other exhibitors around you and the volume levels must be kept low at all times. For entertainment companies we appreciate that short excerpts from CDs etc are useful for demonstrating purposes, but there should not be music played continuously as it could interfere with the Fashion Show presentations.

What do I do about tables?

You can bring your own tables and chairs to the show as long as you ensure that they will comfortably fit within the dimensions of your stand. There is also a form to complete within this pack if you prefer to order your furniture from our supplier.

Am I allowed to fix items on to my stand?

The stands must be left in the same state after the exhibition so the fixings must be chosen carefully. We suggest the use of Velcro or blu tack which will not damage the Foamex board construction. For heavy items please get advice from Anchor exhibitions who construct the stands. Their contact information is in this pack.

When can I set up my stand?

Access to the venue is usually from 3pm to 7.30pm on the Friday before the show and from 8am to 9.30am on the Saturday of the show. These times must be adhered to because of health and safety considerations. If you are exhibiting vehicles you will be telephoned with a time slot prior to the show.

Useful Tips

Use the new checklist in the Exhibitor pack

Keep a copy of your booking form for your records

Complete your fascia board request clearly, especially if your company name has an unusual spelling

Tell us if you change your company name

Tell us if your contact details need to be changed as we have a print deadline for the show guide

Tell us if you intend to share a stand with another company

Tell us if you intend to promote additional items or services from your stand which are not on your original booking form as we may not allow this

Tell us if you intend to give any food or drink samples, there are specific guidelines you must adhere to and a Risk Assessment must be completed

If you have any other queries please contact our office for advice.

Weddings these days cost an average of £20,000 and take 250 hours of planning over 18 months. How do couples make all of the choices that will ensure the perfect day? For those brides and grooms who know exactly what they want for their wedding it may just be a case of making a few phone calls and deciding on their guest list, but for most couples the whole process can seem very daunting.

Wedding exhibitions, shows and bridal fairs are held up and down the country and can be a very useful source of help and information for all things wedding related. Seeing what floral arrangements look like in real life and being able to try outfits on can make all the difference when making these important decisions. Suppliers who can provide all of the essential services like venues, photography, catering, entertainment, cakes, floristry and occasion wear will be in attendance at the major shows, giving the opportunity to compare services all under one roof. There may be things that couples have not thought about which will become a ‘must have’ after speaking to the industry professionals and it helps them to prioritise their spending. Most of all it is a chance to get caught up in the atmosphere and excitement of the day and talk to the people who can make their dreams come true.

The wedding industry is coming up with new ideas all the time and exhibitions are a great way to get in touch with new trends and services. There are changes in technology which can give more choices and couples may be looking to commission something that is unique to them. Speaking to the people behind the companies is vital when they will be playing an important role, and this can help to avoid expensive mistakes and disappointment on the day. A well organised show will give couples access to all of the key players in the wedding industry, allowing them to ensure that they have everything they need. It is advisable to make a list before the show and allow enough time to see everything available, perhaps taking notes of any special requirements that need to be accommodated.

There are lots of other elements at wedding shows that can make it a great experience. Brides who attend with their bridesmaids, partners and families will be able to get input from the people that matter and talk about how they want the day to run. There will be things that interest different people so it is a chance to split the responsibilities of organising and then get together over lunch and compare notes. Some shows will have entertainment, fashion shows and free goody bags as incentives to visit or competitions to enter on the day.

So…

Plan ahead, look at lots of different shows

Allow plenty of time

Take a list of requirements and questions to ask suppliers

Decide what elements are most important to you

Don’t be afraid to have something unusual

Most of all - enjoy the day!

It came as no surprise to us to hear Abigail Bannatyne (daughter of Dragons Den’s Duncan) telling Hello! Magazine “planning my wedding was the most stressful thing I have ever done, it took a year to organise and I just wanted it over with”

Our company I Do Designer Weddings was set up to help guide you through the planning process during what should be the most exciting time of your life.

We work very closely with our clients to design, plan and manage a memorable day that reflects their lifestyles and personalities. It’s important to create a day that is representative of you and not just the same as every other wedding.

We believe that you deserve a little bit of luxury on your special day.

Many people don’t realise that a reputable wedding planner can actually SAVE YOU MONEY. We negotiate discounts with many wedding suppliers; at I Do Designer Weddings all discounts are passed back to you.

We provide a professional, personalised and friendly approach. We are here to save you time and effort, you can relax throughout the planning process and let the excitement of the occasion take over, getting involved where you want to, as much as you want to.

We can assist in all areas from designing & managing the whole event, sourcing and negotiating with top suppliers, finding the dream venue, managing the budget, providing a timeline of what needs to be organised and when and just being on hand to discuss ideas and provide general guidance.

We offer 4 key services to our clients:

Complete Wedding Design & Co-ordination

Final Stage Assistance

Wedding Day Management

Venue Search

We will be at stand 86 at the Harrogate Show - please come and say hello!

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life and choosing the right photographer for you can seem like a daunting task. It may be something you have thought long and hard about, or you may just be starting to get things organised.

Wedding photography has changed over the last few years and no longer is it a case of rigid group shots after the ceremony and then the photographer goes home. My philosophy is to provide you with a story of the day through the pictures. Natural images or the reportage style is the perfect choice when combined with other techniques and styles. Family pictures are still as important as they’ve ever been but they don’t have to be the part that everyone dreads and gets bored of. Mixing together the traditional aspects of the day with the story telling style and special moments between you both brings the whole day to life. Combining techniques from fashion, portraiture to still life and photojournalism the photographs should reflect your personalities, your day and everything you have planned for and brought together to make it so special.

Most people don’t feel natural or very comfortable having their picture taken. My approach is to make you, your family and friends as relaxed as possible and becoming more like a guest at your wedding integrating myself into the day. The trust that is put on the photographer is extremely important and I take great pride and pleasure in being asked to photograph a couple’s day.

Good luck with all of your planning.

www.jefflanghorneweddings.com

[email protected]

07970 866 134

01942 726 134