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This is an extract from the coverage we had in Attitude – February 2016.

So, you’ve got your man, decided marriage is for and popped the question. But how do you organize a wedding gurus tore themselves away from their confetti canons to lend us their expertise on everything you need for a unique day.

We spoke to a selection including Hugh Wright, from the Gay Wedding Guide ( thegayweddingguide.co.uk), Petra Truneckova from Gay Wedding Planner ( gayweddingplanner.org.uk) and Jane Riddell from Planned For Perfection ( plannedforperfection.co.uk)

PRE-THINKING

Hugh: Make sure your both 100 % committed and for all the right reason. If so, start planning in earnest- atleast 12 months ahead ( some venues es can be booked years in advance ).

Petra: The first thing that you need to think about is the date and whether you want to get married in the UK or abroad. Then you need to think about the budget and the number of guests you want to invite.

Jane:  Every wedding is unique and its important to remember that, immediately, its about your commitment to each other and the dreams that you have for your wedding day.

SUITS

Hugh: You’ll want to wear something that makes you look and feel smart and polished- that doesnt always mean matching suit. Electric blue, rich burgundy, floral and pin stripes are very much on trend now. Canali and Alexander McQueen are well worth looking at. Otherwise, try Moss Bros or Reiss, which have plenty of on trend affordable suiting option that will stand the test of time.

Jane: Its your day so you should wear what ever you feel comfortable in. We often see grooms visiting tailors who design bespoke suit.

Petra: A lot of couples prefer to invest in a designer suit they can use on another occasion and many choose to contrast rather than match. The last couple I married, one groom had an electric blue McQueen suit and his partner had a brown suit.

POSH VENUE SUGGESTIONS

Hugh’s Top Three
The Orangery, Kensington Palace (orangerykensingtonpalace.co.uk)
House For An Art Lover, Glasgow ( houseforanartlover.co.uk)
The Gallivant, East Sussex ( thegallivant.co.uk)

Jane’s Top Three
Four Season’s, Hampshire ( fourseasons.com/hampshire),
Elmore Court, Cotswolds ( elmorecourt.com)
The Savoy, London ( fairmont.com/savoy-london)

ATTITUDE’S PICK:

Stoke Country Club, Spa & Hotel ( stokepark.com). A 5-Star luxury hotel in Buckinghamshire, Stoke Park, has 49 lavish 5 AA Red Star Bedrooms and Sunday Times Most Romantic Hotel Room, the Pennsylvania Suit. The dining facilities, run by acclaimed Chef Chris Wheeler, caters for up to 146 guests. There are exciting packages to choose from starting from 150 Euro pp.

Southbank Centre, London ( email events@southbankcentre.co.uk) the South Bank Centre is one of London’s most treasured cultural buildings and offers three different venues-es to host your big day. With views of River Thames and the London Eye, those wanting to make a more dramatic start of their married life, can hire The Royal Festival Hall itself which holds up to 150 guests. ( southbankcentre.co.uk )

ATTITUDE RELATIONSHIP SPECIAL

Shiraz Events

Inspiring Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, model staffing, dramatic designs and flawless production; Shiraz Events has a solid reputation working with global super brands such as Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Swarovski and MAC.

A Gay-owned and manage company celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, with offices in New York, London, Miami. L.A and Mexico City, the company has an impressive portfolio on events ranging from Harpers Bazars 140th anniversary to a private dinner for Hermes.

“ We apply the same principles and attention to detail to designing a clients wedding as to designing a gala dinner for brands like Louis Vuitton or Krug, “ says Tom Arendas, director UK and Europe at Shiraz. “ We listen to them and carefully note their ideas and dreams which we later translate into striking designs and ultimately into reality. Our expertise in design, art, fine dining, and understanding of luxury industry and event trends really allow us to master the winning formula of a dream wedding. “

Shiraz employs its own in-house expert specializing in same-sex wedding, Jason Mitchel Kahn, who has an impressing background ranging from managing events for Soho House Group, Oscar parties in LA to events held at chateaus Cannes. His also an author of Getting Groomed, an industry first book that sheds light on everything that gay grooms could possibly need to know, from making important decisions to explaining to how traditions and etiquette apply to same-sex weddings.

“ We bring a luxurious mentality to everything we touch. Impeccable service and cutting edge design are our contants. From a small intimate wedding reception to a multi-day chateau extravaganza, “ says Jason who provides his expertise to worldly couples that come to Shiraz with the all important ’I DO’. shirazevent.com

THE RINGS

Petra: Many couples choose not to have both wedding bands and engagement ring. Woolton and Hewitt is a gay- owned jeweler specializing in rings for same-sex couples, made to the very highest standards and produce to order just for you.  wooltonandhewitt.co.uk. Rainbow wedding rings are very sought after and made with fine colors of 18ct gold and platinum. Tom Daley has set a trend for a single baguette diamond engagement rings. According to Paul Hewitt, of Woolton and  Hewitt, some customers want an emoji laser engraved.

Jane: Susannah Lovis Jewelers in Burlington Arcade in London sell the most beautiful art deco jewelry and Stephen Einhorn London Design gorgeous bespoke wedding rings.

Hugh: Award-winning goldsmith Mark Fenn runs one-day for couples to make their own wedding bands. For those who prefers to mooch the shops, there’s London’s Hatton Gardens or the Lanes in Brighton.

Catering & Champagne

Hugh: Finding the right suppliers in a crowded wedding market can take time, so be prepared for something a range of food and wine. We’re all for trying to make the process as stress-free as possible, so the simpler the better. Word of mouth recommendations are always best, but if you’re prone to worrying with recommend hiring a good wedding planner.

Petra:  Instead of champagne we like to support british suppliers and would recommend Tickerage Blanc de Blancs which is a champagne equivalent from a UK vineyard in Sussex. sussexsparklingwines.co.uk. My favorite cake designer is a GC Couture, a luxury supplier that offer over 50 flavors and amazing designs. gccouture.co.uk

Jane: If you wish to supply your own wine or champagne, the team at Vinotopia Wine are independent wine merchant in the Cotswolds, who helps you to choose the best wine for your wedding day. vinotopiawine.co.uk

Special Tips

Petra: Hiring a wedding planner is a must for savvy grooms. It may seems like extravagant expense but they will get you better deals with suppliers. They will also insure a stress-free day so the grooms can relax knowing that everything will go to plan.

Hugh: Rip up the rule book, dont frit about convention and make your wedding a true reflection of you as a couple. And make time to celebrate- if you take to much you end up feeling overwhelmed. Delegate and enjoy your day. If you have fun your guest will too.

 

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