Choosing the right caterer is a key part of your big day. Alongside ‘the dress’ and is he ‘the one’ it’s right up there as one of the most important decisions you will make.

From what type of catering you need to numbers, budgets and special dietary requirements – choosing the right caterer can be an absolute minefield. With that in mind we caught up with the multi-award winning and super-lovely events guru herself, Kim Maher, from Cheeky Chilli Catering & Events, to find out the do’s and don’ts when organising a fabulous feast…

‘The most important thing is to gather as much information as you can from your caterer,’ said Kim. ‘Ask lots of questions and ask around amongst family and friends as word of mouth recommendation is as good as it gets.’

‘I would always recommend asking the following before making any decisions about who to use for your big day.

Detail driven, passionate and insanely creative, its no wonder Dale Alexander is one of the region’s most sought after wedding planners….

With a career spent working in five star venues,  alongside some of the industry’s most acclaimed suppliers, Dale has planned and delivered hundreds of weddings – all unique and all totally unforgettable

When you first meet Dale you are struck by his fun, easy going manner. Full of smiles and brimming with enthusiasm, he just lives and breathes weddings. Hardly surprising then that he seems to stay in touch with all of his couples and counts many of them as personal friends.

We caught up with him , mid lockdown 2, in between his last two exciting assignments;  two exquisite micro-weddings for couple’s who decided love could not wait!

So Dale tell us your story. How did you first get into weddings?

“I began my career as a Luxury Wedding Planner in the boutique 5 star hospitality industry and eventually gravitated towards exclusive, private wedding venues overseeing all their events and heading up the customer relations. Function. Over the years, I learnt a great deal about the principles of great customer service, planning and event management. I am incredibly passionate about planning and managing events – it’s what I do best and I can’t really see myself doing anything else!”

 

We know you plan all kinds of events but what do you love about weddings in particular?

“Everything! I love hearing the stories of  how the couples met, getting to know them, understanding their vision and then making it happen. What could be more magical than helping couples celebrate the most important day of their lives? For me it’s all in the detail – I love nothing more than adding a few extra special Dale touches and then watching all the guests have the time of their lives and make wonderful memories.”

So what is your secret?

I think my number one secret weapon is the incredible suppliers I work with. Throughout my years in the industry I’ve had the privilege of working with some immensely talented professionals. The guys I work with are at the top of their game and from cakes to flowers, décor to lighting and everything in between their work is absolutely world class.

It also helps that I really love people! I think the instinct to organise and take care of people is something you are born with and each and every couple is special to me.

2020 has been a devastating year for couples and the wedding industry. What do you see for 2021?

Hopefully the industry will start to ease back into some kind of ‘new normal.’ I still see intimate events playing a huge part in the wedding scene for many months to come but lots of couples are adapting to this and realising you can still have the day of your dreams and maybe splash out on some extra luxuries with just your nearest and dearest in attendance.

I think intimate weddings followed by a big party or fabulous first anniversary bash will become even more popular and this really excites me – who doesn’t love planning two parties!

Dale has planned over one hundred weddings and events discreetly and considerately. For the not so discreet, some of Dale’s weddings and events have featured in ok! Magazine.

“I absolutely adore the events industry, especially seeing the faces of my clients when they see the result of all of our preparation. Many years of planning these special days have taught me how to pick out the very best suppliers and friends, helping to make the planning process seamless, unique and all importantly ~ stress free. Whether it’s a destination wedding or an event closer to home, I will work closely with you to build an event that you have always dreamed of having. Making the process fun, stress free and creative.”

When Dale is not working as a Luxury Wedding Planner or organising these special events,  you can usually find him in the countryside with his three fur babies; Delaney, Harry & Freya. He also has a strong passion for interior design and everything flowers!

“Please do say ‘hello’, if you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas ~ I would love to hear from you and work with you on this exciting and fun journey ahead. x”

To start your wedding journey, contact Dale and get ready to plan the day of your dreams!

After a season on heartbreak, lockdown, lost opportunities and disappointment we decided to grab the few dying days of summer and come back in style…

As soon as we got the ok from Boris to emerge from lockdown and our talented make-up artists and creatives could get back to doing what they do best, we let our imaginations run wild and planned a stunning summer shoot at one of our favourite locations.

So on the hottest day of the year (the temperature hit over 35 degrees) we gathered our ‘dream team’ together and made the short drive down to Shropshire for a day filled with flowers, fabulous dresses and lots of fun….

The Location

Nestled in an awe-inspiring setting in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, Hawkstone Hall is a truly breath taking venue. Still a relative new-comer to the wedding scene, 2020 should have been the first full season of weddings for the team until the ‘C’ word got in that way.

A luxurious hideaway with stunning original features, the whole venue is packed full of the most glorious spaces for your big day. From the magnificent ballroom complete with original artwork and incredible décor, to the magnificent chapel and light-filled ‘Winter Garden’ we were spoilt for choice when it came to locations for the shoot.

In the end, with the sun beating down, we made the most of the magical gardens and based our main shoot in the beautiful Tapestry Room. With its pink hued marble columns and large arch windows looking out over the estate, it provided the perfect backdrop for our blush based theme.

The Theme

With a strict brief from our bridal gurus at Bellissima Brides – ‘we want wow’ we started to pull together an epic mood board of ideas to fit in with our rose gold and blush theme. Alongside the magnificent backdrop of Hawkstone, we knew we wanted a world-class installation – enter Mat Hepplestone, the creative genius behind industry leading floral giants, Red Floral and the rest is history!

Mat understood the brief from the word go and when we saw a sprinter van, packed to the rafters with fresh flowers edge up the drive, we know we were going to see something pretty exceptional.

 

 

We had a range of exquisite accessories with hand-crafted veils and headpieces from Adorn By Ashely, gorgeous bespoke bridal pieces from Bob-Bon Bride and bridesmaid crowns from Evelyn and Rose.

The gorgeous Robyn Evans and Claudia Platt were our beautiful bridesmaids on the day and the true stars of the show came in the form of the absolutely epic Bride Tribe Photography team.

Louise Coppello and hubby Alex are not only super-talented photographers they are just about the nicest people to have on set and I can only imagine they would be a wonderful addition to any wedding day.

We think the wonderful images really ooze class and this is largely down to Louise and Alex’s passion, talent and gorgeous on-set demeanour.

Get The Look…

When wedding planning guru Dale Alexander decides to pull together an autumn inspired shoot, you know it’s going to be pretty special….

Stunning location, check, epic décor, naturally, beautiful models, of course! But this super-creative styled shoot had something most other shoots can only dream of. Say ‘hello’ to the real star of the show, Dale’s very own fur baby, Mr Harry Bobbins!

A Dreamy Day At Delamere

As Delamere Manor’s retained Wedding Director, Dale obviously knows this stunning venue more than most so it was an obvious and very beautiful choice of location for the day.

Set in an awe inspiring position in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, Delamere is one of the region’s most exquisite wedding venues. Its elegant spaces, glorious ground and quirky backdrops help make it one of the most aspirational venues in the North.

A Super-Squad Of Suppliers

With his extensive network of suppliers and legendary eye for detail, its hardly surprising that Dale was able to pull together an epic team of super-suppliers to help turn his styling dreams into reality.

Delamere’s exquisite courtyard space was beautifully enhanced with stunning lighting installations from Luminate Events and epic floral creations from Boujee Box.

Tables were decked to perfection with elegant crockery and glasses by Whitehouse Crockery and the stylish chairs came courtesy of Chair Man Hire.

The dreamy stationery and ‘on-the-day’ table plan, menu & name cards was designed by the talented Natalie from Jelly Press.

The dreamy designer gowns were supplied by acclaimed Cheshire Designer Balthazar By Gary Hayes paired with gorgeous accessories by Cassie M Bridal and the gorgeous groom wore a suit by Groom Formal for the day.

The super-talented Lizzie Griffiths was in full charge of all hair and make-up looks in keeping with the dreamy Autumn theme and the show-stopping cake came courtesy of the amazing Bloomsbury Cakes.

The final look was completed with a fun selfie mirror from Exceed Events and on- trend LED backdrops from the guys at Love Lights The Way.

We’ve recently updated this feature please scroll to see the latest date and information….

I have been thinking about writing this piece for a few days now, but didn’t really know where to start…

All around me, venues, suppliers and of course couples are facing the stark reality of an industry turned upside down due to a situation that no one ever saw coming and can do little to control.

On a personal level, I have been busy planning my own daughter’s destination wedding in Greece this August and speak to suppliers from across the wedding industry on an hourly basis, so I understand first-hand the immense amount of stress this situation is causing.

Anxiety, stress and fear is rife and for couples due to say ‘I Do’ in the next few days and weeks their worry-levels must be at breaking point.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

That’s it, it’s official, no weddings or public gatherings planned in at least the next three weeks can go ahead.

We know this must be devastating news for so many of you and our hearts go out to each and every one of you. That said, the government have only taken these measures to flatten the current curve of cases and fatalities and pull us through this crisis sooner rather than later.

You must try and take some comfort from the fact that postponing your big day will help to save lives and protect your nearest and dearest.

You are still in love, you need each other more than ever and wow, when we get through this imagine what an amazing celebration you will have!

What Are Venues Saying?

 We seem to be getting quite a mixed bag of responses from venues.

Most are being amazing – helping couples to reschedule and trying to eliminate any additional costs. That said, they are still working through the news themselves and are working hard to try and keep their businesses open post crisis so please be as patient as you can.

 

They must prioritise couples who are due to get married in the next few weeks as obviously, their plans will have to change so if you are due to get married in late May / early summer, you may not be top of their list right now, so sit tight, stay in touch and try and remain positive.

 

GET IN TOUCH – If you are experiencing frustration with the way your venue is handling your date change, please get in touch as we may be able to help.

You can email us direct HERE and our team will help as much as we possibly can.

 

Support Our Suppliers

Many suppliers are small businesses providing bespoke services so will be massively affected by any cancellations and slowdowns in trade. Be mindful that many of these businesses could face total ruin if they experience high levels of cancellations and so please honour your deposits, even if your dates are shifting and keep planning and booking to help keep these artisan experts afloat.

Our wedding industry is the best in the world and these hard working caterers, designers, photographers,  florists, planners and bakers really need your support if they are to survive post epidemic.

Your Destination Wedding

For many couples, their dream destination weddings are also now hanging in the balance.

With many airlines cancelling flights and much of Europe on lockdown, many couples will be forced to either postpone or change their plans entirely.

Our best advice is to speak to your destination wedding planner, venue and suppliers to see where they stand on the current situation.

So far, it looks as though most destination wedding specialists are working hard to change dates, move deposits and generally do anything they can to help couples safeguard their plans.

For those of you forced to abandon travel plans altogether, many of our UK venues are putting together special packages for couples affected by the lockdown and offering special rates for dates they still have available here in the UK.

We are currently reaching out to all our venues so will bring you additional updates on this as soon as we have further details.

Honeymoon Planning

If you are still planning your once in a lifetime trip, crack on and if you are due to travel in late spring or summer you will probably be ok.

Other than that, our advice would be to hold-off on that big booking and look a little closer to home. There are thousands of romantic cottages, lodges and boutique hotels closer to home and at the end of the day it’s just about the two of you spending some precious time together. That epic trip can be put on ice for a little while longer.

Wedding Insurance

Many of you will have (very sensibly) taken out wedding insurance to cover major cancellations and supplier issues.

If you are due to get married in the next few months it would be a good idea to contact your insurers and find out what is covered in relation to Covid-19 right now.

Our understanding is that as we speak, taking the decision to cancel because you are ‘worried’ about the situation is not covered on most general insurances, so make sure you find out where you stand before you make any rash decisions and read the small print!!

Most Of All Try Not To Worry

A wedding should be a magical time filled with excitement and romance. If you are just starting out on your wedding journey – keep going and enjoy it. For those of you with more pressing concerns, talk to your venues and suppliers – they are lovely people with acute worries just like you, so let’s all try and work together to get the best outcome for everyone.

Useful Links

 Please see links to the latest information and advice on Covid-19 below…

NHS Advice, Symptoms & Treatment

Travel Advice: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus Covid-19 Information for the Public

6 Tips To Help You Be The Best Wing Woman EVER!

Being your best friend’s wing woman on her wedding day IS an honour and she’s chosen you for a reason – she knows you can keep calm in crisis, have her back at every turn and you two always have the best time when you’re together. When I got married, my Maid-of-Honour was the ultimate MOH and I couldn’t have gotten through the day without having her there. When that big day comes for your besty (and leading up to!), here are 6 top tips that my MOH did for me and that you’ll want to do yourself!

1. Be calm, be organised.

Sometimes things go wrong, sometimes things go missing or it rains on your big day (it did on mine!), of course it will all work out in the end, but as MOH you need to be your bride’s rock—stay calm throughout it all so you can help her calm down when necessary.

2. Feed your bride!

We all want that glass of bubbly when getting ready before the wedding, but no one wants a wobbly bride walking down the aisle – make sure your bride gets some food in her before she says her ‘I Do’ – whether that’s picking up some breakfast or making sure the venue you’re getting ready in prepares some nibbles to bring up to the room (along with the bubbly!), make sure she’s not getting married on an empty stomach.

3. Get out on the dance floor!

They’ve spent so much money on the music and the venue and the last thing any bride wants is no one dancing. Make sure you help her out by being the first one out there with your partner or friends, this will help get the rest of the guests up and dancing too!

4. Step up as photo assistant!

Make sure you know all the shots your bride wants from the photographer. The day goes so fast and your bride is getting her hair and makeup done and it’s up to you to make sure she gets everything she wants out of the day. Know the photo list in advance and make sure the photographer is getting all those shots! Trust me, she’ll thank you later.

5. Be there for the dress fitting!

My veil would have been a different colour than my dress, had I not had my MOH there for the fitting. Be there to support your bride and if you spot something that you know doesn’t seem right, let her know. She’s chosen you as her MOH for a reason!

And finally (or firstly!),

6. Throw the best hen do for your bride.

Not all brides want a crazy party. Make sure when planning the hen do that you’re doing what the BRIDE wants – you know her best after all! Whether it’s a weekend away, a night out, or a spa day, have an itinerary ready. Plan out the day and make it personal to her.

15 Alternative Honeymoon Getaways That You Will Fall In Love With…

After the ‘I do’s’ are all said and the stress of the wedding planning is behind you, it’s time to enjoy some well-deserved R and R as Mr. and Mrs.

Whether sand between your toes is a must or some high-octane adventure is your thing we have gathered together some of the most EPIC honeymoon locations ever!

So dust of your passports and enjoy our collection of faultless honeymoon, mini-moon and anniversary destinations to enjoy from the US to Japan to Tahiti…

For Action & Adventure…

Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan

Japan might not be the obvious honeymoon destination but when it comes to variety and adventure tied with relaxation and serenity, it is the perfect place. Whilst Japan is known for its quirky traditions, beautiful temples, castles and cultural values, it is also home to sub-tropical climates, white-sand beaches and relaxing natural hot springs. Enjoy a few days in the futuristic capital of Tokyo soaking up the unique Japanese culture before travelling off the beaten track and into undiscovered territory. Located in the Nagano prefecture, Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a luxury eco-friendly resort bedded in the mountains. Enjoy the surrounding views, including the Shiraito Falls, Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary and Tombo-no-yu baths and the resorts private gardens provide a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. https://www.japan.travel/en/

Iwaso Ryokan, Miyajima Island, Hiroshima Prefecture

Miyajima Island is an island just off the bustling city of Hiroshima. It is best known for being one of the most beautiful scenic destinations in Japan. Hiroshima boasts a vast amount of Japanese history home to the tragic Atomic Bomb happenings in 1945. Soak up its history before heading over to Miyajima Island and stay in the luxurious Iwaso Ryokan for a true Japanese experience. Encounter the docile population of wild deer and visit the wave-lapped Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate watching the sunset behind it. This shrine is one of the most beautiful and romantic landmarks to visit in Japan. http://visithiroshima.net/

Dunton, Colorado

Colorado is renowned for its outdoor pursuits and there’s plenty of fun to be had in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, such as horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing and stand-up paddle boarding. After a day outdoors, honeymooners can relax at Dunton Hot Springs, a restored 1800’s ghost town with hand-hewn log cabins, fine dining using local produce and soothing hot springs that can be enjoyed year-round. The Mountain Romance package ensures an extra special experience and includes champagne, flowers and chocolate-covered fruit upon arrival, spa treatment and private excursions. www.colorado.com

Yosemite Tuolumne County, California

Surround yourself with towering granite peaks, alpine meadows, vast lakes, wildlife and more in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County for couples who prefer a more active honeymoon. Stay at the secluded McCaffrey House B&B with only cedar and pines for miles and enjoy a one-to-one service from the couple that own the property. From there it’s easy to discover the multitude of activities on your doorstop in Tuolumne spanning the Yosemite Valley floor, Gold Country and High Sierra. Take a hike round Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoia’s or the peaceful Hetch Hetchy reservoir. Step back in time and explore the sleepy towns of Jamestown, Sonora and Groveland or discover the beauty of Pinecrest Lake and Stanislaus National Forest before winding down with a cider at the Indigency Reserve. visittuolumne.com

South Lake Tahoe, California

South Lake Tahoe is a nature-lover’s paradise and a great adventure destination from which to start married life. Located on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites – ideal for honeymooners as each boast their own fireplace and private deck or terrace. The year-round lakefront heated pool and hot tub are the perfect place to unwind with views of the mesmerising waters of Lake Tahoe – one of the clearest lakes in the world at 99.7% purity. tahoesouth.com

Huntington Beach, California

Sunsets are spectacular on the patio of Pacific Hideaway, Kimpton Shorebreak’s modern American beach tavern in Huntington Beach. Perfect for cool couples, all guest rooms at the hotel come with matching animal-print bathrobes, and many offer soaking tubs, private patios and breath-taking ocean views. Drink in the views preferably while sipping a handcrafted cocktail, local craft beer or a coastal California wine from the hotel bar. Adventurous couples will want to try sunrise yoga on the beach or a couples’ surfing lesson, while the evening brings opportunities for romantic s’mores on the sands and a multitude of beachside bars and restaurants to sample. www.surfcityusa.com

For Culture Vultures…

The Setouchi Region, Japan

Setouchi offers various unique places perfect for newlyweds first holiday as a couple, from guesthouse stays, soaking up true Japanese culture to luxury hotels with stunning sea-views. For those who want to embrace Japanese art and culture Setouchi is the ideal destination. Home to the Setouchi Art Triennale, taking place every other year, there are plenty of art installations located on many of the islands; Naoshima is particularly famous for its contemporary art. An art-lovers dream, The Benesse Hotel has four separate wings with each room featuring a unique artwork. Guests of the hotel get exclusive after hour access to the Benesse House Museum. Book in early and get a room hosting a spectacular sea-view. https://setouchitrip.com/

Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Under the radar Miyagi should not go a miss. Miyagi is located just North of Tokyo and has a lot to offer. It is the perfect honeymoon destination for those looking to explore the unique Japanese culture. For couples who like the great outdoors, Matsushima Bay hosts 206 islands of pines and stunning cliff formations. Marvel over these on a cruise around the islands. For nature lovers, Mount Zao is a must, hike up the mountain range for breath-taking views of the emerald green Okama Crate Lake. For food lovers, Miyagi gets top marks, it holds a wide range of some of the best seafood restaurants. Miyagi Prefecture specialises in Gyutan (cow’s tongue), Kamaboko (grilled white fish cake) and Zunda (mashed edamame soy bean). https://visitmiyagi.com/

For 5 Star Luxury…

Le Taha’a Island Resort and Spa – The Islands of Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti scream serenity, perfect for newlyweds to relax, unwind and just enjoy each other’s company surrounded by crystal blue waters. Private island Le Taha’a is the ultimate hideaway destination in Tahiti. The private islet overlooks the shores of Taha’a on one side and Bora Bora island on the other. It is home to 58 suites and villas each constructed using traditional Polynesian architecture and décor built out over the blue lagoon. The resorts spa is nestled in a beautiful exotic garden featuring bamboo trees with massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps all on offer. This resort is also perfect for thrill-seeking newlyweds. Mark the occasion with a deep-sea dive exploring all that the tropical underwater world has to offer. You can swim with manta rays, sharks, hike around exploring the island or head out for a romantic canoe with no one else around. https://tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/

Dana Point, California

Situated between Los Angeles and California, Dana Point is California’s coolest, coastal gem. Home to beautiful beaches, fine dining and whale watching opportunities aplenty, Dana Point is the number one choice for a relaxing honeymoon where peace and tranquillity is virtually guaranteed. There are four premium hotels to choose from, one of which is the AAA five-diamond Monarch Beach Resort, offering sophisticated luxury at its finest. Honeymooners can make it an experience to remember by staying in one of the penthouse suites, indulging in a spa treatment or sipping on champagne in front of ocean views. visitdanapoint.com

Santa Barbara, California

Romance is at the heart of what makes Santa Barbara tick. The quintessential American Riviera’s signature red-tile roofs, white-washed buildings and lush gardens—nestled between a dramatic mountain range and the sparkling sea – ensure newlyweds will easily settle into the groove of coastal California. The recently-reopened San Ysidro Ranch is the perfect honeymoon hideaway fit for an A-lister. Nestled in the Montecito foothills of Southern California’s wine country, celebrities have been flocking to the ranch for over a century for its blend of natural beauty, romantic heritage and classic luxury. Fill the days with fine wines, leisurely dinners and plenty of relaxation.

www.santabarbaraca.com

San Diego, California

Home to world-class attractions, outdoor recreation and delicious, Mexican-influenced cuisine, San Diego is a city that has it all. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a beautiful five-star property located within San Diego’s Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Honeymooners that stay at The Lodge get the best of both worlds – a secluded property surrounded by a wealth of nature but a short drive away from San Diego city centre and its many restaurants, bars, theatres and shops. Guests can head on a guided hike through the natural reserve, enjoy a decadent lunch at the hotel’s signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien or unwind with a spa treatment. Newlyweds can try the Couples Massage, which takes place in a romantic candlelit room and finishes with a taste of the hotel’s signature Hawaiian sea salt dark chocolate. www.sandiego.org

It’s the undisputed jewel in Wirral’s wedding crown. An awe inspiring 19th Century Manor house complete with its own walled gardens, lake, magnificent interior and multiple stunning spaces for your big day. From the achingly beautiful Lakeside Marquee to the magical music room; there is a whole world of possibilities waiting to be discovered at Thornton Manor…