Wedding insurance providers recognise the important role that close relatives play in the organisation and execution of a wedding. As a result, if you ask a close relative to look after your dress, your rings or anything else indispensable, then those items should still be covered by your wedding insurance.

Close relatives play a crucial role in most weddings, offering emotional support, delivering speeches, organising cakes and ferrying guests around. As a result they also feature heavily in wedding insurance policies. For instance, if the bride decides to wear an accessory or item of clothing that belongs to a close relative, it should be covered by your wedding insurance.

Not only that but if a close relative hires an item of bridal or ceremonial attire, such as the groom’s suit or the bride’s tiara that should also be included in your wedding insurance.

The same applies for your wedding flowers, photographs and the all-important cake. If either of these essentials is damaged whilst being stored by a close relative, this will usually be recognised by your wedding insurance as well.

Similarly, if your wedding gifts are stolen or damaged whilst a close family relative is looking after them you should be protected financially by your wedding insurance. There will probably be some time constraints that apply to this so check your wedding insurance policy document.

Be sure to check who’s included in the term “close relative” in your wedding insurance. Most wedding insurance policies include family such as parents, step-parents, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, grandparents and other family members, but wedding insurance policies vary so if you are in any doubt, speak to your provider.

According to research carried out in 2006 by You and Your Wedding magazine, the average number of guests attending a wedding is 115. In amongst this number is the small group of close relatives who form the hub of a wedding ceremony. Without these family members many weddings would descend into chaos, so it can offer added reassurance to know that their important role is recognised by your wedding insurance.

Article provided on behalf of John Lewis Insurance

About John Lewis Insurance

John Lewis Insurance offers a range of insurance services selected by the John Lewis Partnership. These include car, home, pet, life, travel, event and wedding insurance.

For more information about John Lewis Wedding Insurance please visit the website here – www.johnlewis-insurance.com/homepage/wedding-insurance.html.

John Lewis Insurance is a trading name of John Lewis plc. John Lewis plc is an appointed representative of AXA Insurance UK plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. A full copy of the policy wording and the insurance complaints procedure are available on request.

Today we are featuring the beautiful wedding of Claire and Grant, photographed by Mirrorbox Photography. This gorgeous vintage inspired wedding took place in Anstruther Town Hall, which gave the couple a blank canvas that allowed them to be creative with their decor. Styled with vintage tableware, bunting, cool favours and beautiful flowers, they really brought the venue to life.

“We both decided straight away that we wanted to get married in Anstruther as it was where Grant proposed. The obvious choice for us was Anstruther Town Hall; it’s a fabulous building with lots of quirky features and a lot of flexible space. This allowed us to be creative and imaginative with our ideas.

“We love all things vintage, and as the wedding dress I had picked was vintage inspired, it was a theme we carried throughout the wedding.

“We chose wild flowers for the table centrepieces displayed in a mixture of glass jars and bottles, mismatched crockery, pretty lovebirds and bunting, and a VW camper van to take us to the church. I wore my gran’s pearls and a beautiful vintage hair grip given to me by my older sister. Grant also wanted to give a nod to times gone by and had 3 piece suits tailor-made for himself and his best man.”

Images © Mirrorbox Photography

Image © HBA Photography

Website: http://hbaphotography.com

Blog: http://hbaphotography.com/blog

Interview With: Sally Pellen

Company Name: PapaKåta

Website: www.PapaKata.co.uk

Location / Coverage: Based in the North but happy to travel

Who are PapaKåta and what do you do?

Here at PapaKåta we specialise in hiring out Kåta tents for parties, weddings, festivals and events – tipi style tents pioneered by the Sami people of Lapland. They’re utterly gorgeous, and make for a very different sort of party space than a run-of-the-mill marquee.

How and when did PapaKåta start?

PapaKåta was born in 2006, when husband and wife Directors Richard and Amanda Monaghan bought 3 giant hat Kåta tipis for their own wedding. They therefore understand the importance of your wedding day and what the details mean to you.

What wedding services do you provide?

As well as the hire of the tipis we also hire out furnishings and the finishing touches that help to make your wedding day truly magical and unique.

What is the difference between a tipi and a marquee?

As well as being beautiful natural structures, the unique rounded shape of the tipis means that they make for a very sociable party space. With no-one facing a corner and everyone being thrown back into the middle, it’s hard not to have fun partying the night away in a giant tipi.

Can couples have their wedding ceremony in a PapaKåta tipi?

Yes, many couples hold their blessing ceremonies in the tipis. However, as the tipis aren’t licensed, you would have to go through the legalities at your local registry office or church beforehand.

Why do you think tipis are so popular for weddings?

The tipis make for such a unique space and couples can have fun putting their own stamp on them. With open fires, lanterns and fairy lights it’s a beautiful, romantic and sociable space that you and your guests will remember forever.

What sets PapaKåta apart from other wedding tipi and marquee services?

For us PapaKåta is about people and the relationships that we build. We’re always at the end of the phone to answer your questions no matter how big or small, and will happily help with the planning of your wedding, from finding the perfect venue or caterer, to those finishing touches, which create a truly unique & spectacular event. Our promise is backed by a 24/7 call out service and the peace of mind that we have spare tents, crew, and vehicles, ready to go at the drop of a hat.

What type of wedding styling do you think works well in PapaKåta tipis?

Anything goes really, that’s the beauty of the tipis! From relaxed country fete style weddings with bunting and paper bag lanterns, to vintage tea parties with flower filled birdcages and heart lanterns, or for the more traditional white weddings, decadent candelabras on crisp white linens.

Where can PapaKåta tipis be used?

Wherever there is space. We’re lucky enough to visit some beautiful private residences, country homes, hotels and romantic meadows and farmers fields.

Random question… Christmas in the wintery UK or on a beach?

A wintery Christmas in the UK! Winter weddings are getting even more popular with reindeer skins, bark lanterns and twinkly lights creating the ultimate in Scandinavian styling.

What are your top tips for couples looking for a tipi for their wedding?

Speak to us. Let us know what you want from your day so that we can put together a bespoke quote and fit in with your plans. We can also help you with finding a venue, caterer and even photographer.

Where can I find out more about PapaKåta?

Visit our website www.PapaKata.co.uk or give us a call in the office on 01904 702100 and we’ll be happy to chat through the details of your day.

Visit the PapaKåta supplier page on The Wedding Community

Image © Kari Bellamy Photography

Website: http://karibellamy.com

Blog: http://karibellamy.com/blog

Everyone loves a chocolate button and we have found the perfect ‘adult’ version; a fantastic idea for wedding favours.

These ‘posh’ handmade chocolate drops are large drops (5cm) of Belgian chocolate all ‘poshed’ up; unique handmade large chocolate drops decorated with pretty designs.

The chocolate drops are available in white, milk or dark Belgian chocolate, and each bag contains seven drops, packaged in clear cellophane bags, finished off with an attractive ribbon. Each design is priced at £3 per bag.

We tried the white chocolate Posh Drops with heart print design, and they were so delicious they didn’t last very long! The chocolate is such good quality it melts in the mouth.

Choklet offers other designs on their chocolate drops, so if hearts are not your thing, you could go for a retro design or even leopard print. You’ll find all sorts of gorgeous and unique goodies from Choklet, with a wide range of prices to suit any budget.

Christine from Choklet says “I love to make chocolates that make people go ‘Wow!’; Chocolates that you wouldn’t ordinarily find on the high street”.

To find out more about Choklet products or to place an order, visit their website www.choklet.co.uk

Image © John Charlton Photography

Website: www.johncharltonphotography.co.uk

Blog: www.johncharltonphotography.co.uk/blog

Visit the John Charlton Photography supplier page on The Wedding Community

Aisle runners can make your ceremony; they can be eye catching and decorate your ceremony venue without huge expense. How about scattering rose petals in different shades the whole way down the aisle, or use a dictionary definition of ‘love’, ‘wedding’ or similar, and attach this to the venue floor (this will only work with wood, tiled or concrete floors, but make sure you ask the venue first). You could even create a ‘timeline’ of your relationship using pictures from when you first met until right up to your wedding day, and have these attached to a runner. Even a simple length of funky patterned material to complement your wedding style will look great.

Be sure guests take their seats via the side aisles, so the aisle runner remains intact for when the bride walks down the aisle.

Here are some of our favourite wedding aisle runner ideas. Be creative… it might not have been something you have even thought about, yet this could make a huge impact to your wedding ceremony.

Personalised Ceremony Aisle Runner – Oh lovely Day

Ribbon Aisle Runner – Bridal Snob

Flower Petal Pattern Wedding Aisle – Picture by Barbara Alessandra Photography

Natural Petal Wedding Ceremony Aisle Runner – Via Something Green

Rug Wedding Aisle Runner – Elizabeth Anne Designs, Picture by Jose Villa

Shaded Rose Petal Wedding Aisle Runner – Martha Stewart Weddings

Dictionary Definition Aisle Runner – Via It’s a Bride’s Life

Material Wedding Aisle Runner – Ashley Rose Photography

Image © Hannah Millard Photography

Website: http://hannahmillardphotography.co.uk

Blog: http://hannahmillardphotography.blogspot.co.uk

From Our Suppliers…

News

© Shropshire Petals - May Mix of the Month Post

• IanH Photography reported back on the UK’s first ever beach wedding, televised on ITV’s Daybreak, for which he was the official photographer
• Thames Catering and Events reported back on the wedding of Tana and James, revealing the decor and menu choices
• MIB Music interviewed Motown Supreme
• Fairy Nuff Flowers shared pictures of the purple and white flowers Caroline and Germán chose for their wedding – also check out their amazing cake made by Neil from Le Papillon Patisserie
• Bespoken For gave 5 reasons to have mismatched bridesmaids
• Ivy Ellen designed these Ganesh wedding invitations
• Oh So Cherished revealed the latest additions to their ranges
• Shropshire Petal’s May Mix of the Month is a mix of ‘winter’s morn’ vintage grey and cream delphiniums, ‘raspberry fool’ delphiniums and ‘cerise’ hot pink rose petals
• Euphoria revealed their new collection of hats and fascinators

Real Weddings and Bridal Shoots

© Marianne Taylor Photography - A Hampton Court House Wedding Post

• An ethical wedding bridal jewellery shoot, featuring jewellery from Cred
• A Hedingham Castle wedding, photographed by Hayley Ruth Photography
• A Crab Manor wedding, photographed by Jamie Penfold Photography
• Part one of a Peckforton Castle wedding, photographed by Lee Brown Photography
• A Hampton Court House wedding, photographed by Marianne Taylor Photography
• A Rookery Manor wedding, photographed by PhotoDabek
• A Little Missenden wedding, photographed by Rebecca Wedding Photography
• A Millers of Netley wedding, photographed by Steve Gerrard Photography
• A Parsonage Country House Hotel wedding, photographed by Tux and Tales Photography

This Week On…

The Wedding Community Website

• Sera Golding suggested Wedding Ceremony Songs
• Zoe Lem looked at Simple Wedding Dress Silhouettes
• Marco Walker suggested some Stag Weekend Ideas for Summer 2012

The Wedding Community Blog

• We revealed the winner of our April Picture of the Day competition
• Our Monday mood board was Sheet Music Wedding Ideas
• We got to know everything about Kevin Mullins Photography
• We shared pictures from this amazing 1920′s Themed Wedding in the Santa Cruz Mountains
• We chose Pictures of the Day from Cat Hepple Photography, Inspired Wedding Photography, Paul Donovan Photography, (mattnnat) Photographers and Gareth Squance Photography…

Dates for Your Diary…

Wedding Fairs, Shows and Open Days

Further details on the wedding fairs, shows and open days listed here can be found on our Wedding Fairs page.

Sunday 13th May 2012

• Streatley Wedding Fair, Goring & Streatley Golf Club, Rectory Road, Streatley-On-Thames, Berkshire, RG8 9QA. 11am – 3.30pm, Free Admission
• The House Floral Design Wedding Fair, Station Approach, Gordon Road, Carshalton Beeches, Surrey, SM5 3RF. 11am – 3pm, Free Admission
• Longleat Wedding Showcase Day, Longleat House, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW. 10.30am – 4.30pm, Free Admission – Pre-Booking an Appointment is Essential
• The Vintage Wedding Fair London, Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Turnham Green, London, W4 4JN. 11am – 4pm, Admission £5
• Luxury Wedding Show, Millennium Gloucester Hotel, 4 -18 Harrington Gardens, London, SW7 4LH. 11am – 4pm, Admission £10 per person or £5 if you pre-register
• Seabrights Barn Wedding Fair, Galleywood Road, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8NB. 10.30am – 3pm, Free Admission

Wedding Events

Ending Saturday 12th May 2012

• Spring Sample Sale at The Couture Gallery Boutique, London. 10th – 12th May 2012

Ending Sunday 13th May 2012

• Bellville Sassoon Sample Sale at Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, London, W1U 3BE. 13th May 2012

Ending Monday 14th May 2012

• Christine Kendall Couture Sample Sale, 92 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6XJ, Call 020 7580 5877. 14th May 2012

Ending Tuesday 15th May 2012

• Hugh Harris Formal Attire Event at Gentlemen’s Tonic, 31a Bruton Place, Mayfair, London, W1J 6NN. 7.30pm to 9pm, 15th May 2012

Ending Thursday 17th May 2012

• Jimmy Choo Concession at Selfridges, The Trafford Centre, Manchester (Tickets £15). 6.30pm to 8.30pm, 17th May 2012

Ending Saturday 19th May 2012

• Morganics Wedding Flowers Event, Battersea, London. 15th – 19th May 2012
• Vera Wang Trunk Show at Browns Bride, 12 Hinde Street, London, W1U 3BE. 18th – 19th May 2012

Ending Sunday 20th May 2012

• Annasul Y Designer Weekend at Grace Couture, 44 Abbey Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5NF. 18th – 20th May

Wedding Competitions…

Please ensure you check full terms and conditions for wedding competitions before you enter. The Wedding Community accepts no responsibility for third-party competitions.

• Win £500 of wedding stationery, with Special Day Invitations
• Win £1000 worth of wedding flowers, with Clarke Floral Designs
• Win 48 bottles of Bottlegreen elderflower sparkling presse for your drinks reception, with Wedding Ideas Magazine
• Win your wedding day jewellery from Goldsmiths worth £3398, with Wedding Magazine
• Win a designer wedding dress worth £3,000 and VIP National Wedding Show tickets, with Slanovskiy and Wedding Magazine
• Win a year’s subscription to GLOSSYBOX worth £110, with Wedding Magazine
• Win your wedding photography AND an engagement shoot, with Photography Zero Eight

Coming Next Week…

Next week we’ll have articles on Equal Civil Marriage Proposals, Summer 2012 Bridal Make-Up Recommendations, and Using Sugar Flowers on Your Wedding Cake, we’ll get to know PapaKåta, have real wedding pictures from A Vintage Style Town Hall Wedding in Scotland, our Monday mood board will be Wedding Ceremony Aisle Runner Ideas, and we’ll review Posh Chocolate Drops from Choklet.

Have a great weekend.