Now there's a header to catch your attention... and there really is no catch. We're wanting to hear what brides-to-be (and recently marrieds!) think, and would be delighted if you would share your thoughts with us and other like-minded brides-to-be at one of two informal events (see below) all based around some fun, free pampering and entertainment.
In Edinburgh on Wednesday 10 Feb from 6-8.30pm at Hard Rock Cafe, Queen Street* Come along and enjoy FREE cocktails, as well as learning how to make them and take home a fabulous wedding goodie bag - all in return for letting us know what you think about weddings, and organising them! Feel free to bring your bridesmaid along...
In Glasgow on Thursday 11 Feb from 6-8.30pm at 15 Royal Terrace Day Spa, West End* Come along and receive a FREE beauty treatment or makeover, as well as a fabulous wedding goodie bag - all in return for letting us know what you think about weddings, and organising them! It's also a great opportunity to chat with others going through wedding planning - do they have the same issues as you?
If you fancy it, get your skates on, there are only a few places left... email liz@vowsawards.co.uk with your name, tel no., wedding date and which event you'd like to attend (Edinburgh or Glasgow).
FREE GIFT FRIDAYS!!Stop press! We are delighted to announce the launch of the SWD's Free Gift Fridays, starting at 3pm Friday 12th February on our website.
Simply click here to find out more about how it works... for now, lets just say, you're gonna love it!
WIN, WIN, WIN! The Spring/Summer 2010 Scottish Wedding Directory is on sale now and it's packed full of fantastic fashion for the whole wedding party as well as tips and advice on everything you need to know about getting married in Scotland. And as always there are also some fantastic competitions for you to enter. Win a fabulous five-star luxury stay at Edinburgh's Prestonfield House, a five-day stint at the Loch Ness bridal boot camp and a sparkling dancefloor for your reception! If you fancy getting your mitts on any or all of that, click here to have your copy dispatched today!
WIN! A book about kisses... in plenty of time for Valentine's DayGet all smoochy with your hubby-to-be by winning a lovely book about kissing! 'The Compendium Of Kisses' is a brand new book by Lana Citron and contains pretty much everything you'll ever need to know about the subject - including how to ask for a kiss in every language under the sun! For your chance to win one of 20 copies we've got to give away, simply send the answer to the question below to Liz@scottishweddingdirectory.co.uk along with your name and address.
Q: Which 1927 film starring Greta Garbo and John Gilbert was the first to feature a French kiss?
Click here for a full list of terms and conditions.
WIN! ONE OF 20 STACKS OF STEAMCREAM HIGH TECH MOISTURISERS!We reckon STEAMCREAM skincare is a surefire way to get silky soft skin in time for Valentine's Day - so all you romantics out there, get yourselves well-prepared for those intimate moments! This luxurious moisturising cream contains an oatmeal infusion to soothe skin, almond oil to help plump it and cocoa butter to soften the skin's surface. The cream is formed using an innovative steaming process that helps create a light and glossy texture for quick absorption, and it smells lovely. It's been developed for use on the face, body and hands - and with several new beautiful designs available for Valentine's Day, you can pick your favourite to keep you in the mood for romance. For your chance to win, you just need to be one of the first to send your name and address to Liz@scottishweddingdirectory.co.uk with STEAMCREAM in the subject bar.
Jonathan James Couture Designer DayThe gorgeous new Gem collection from Jonathan James Couture is just one of the many fantastic ranges on offer at Prestwick-based bridal boutique Contessa D this weekend. The event takes place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th February, so telephone now for an appointment before all the spaces are snapped up by eager brides! Take a look at Jonathan's website for a sneaky peek at the beautiful dresses in the collection, many of which will be available to try on during the salon's designer day.
T: 01292 670 507 www.contessa-d.co.uk, www.jonathanjamescouture.com
It's Rachel Scott Couture month!Already fallen in love with a Stewart Parvin wedding dress? Well you'll be pleased to hear that Rachel Scott's bridal boutique in Edinburgh's Morrison Street is welcoming Stewart back for a Designer Day on the 20th of this month. Phone Rachel for an appointment and more information on what's sure to be a well-subscribed event. And there's more. You'll be able to see Rachel Scott and her team at two Edinburgh wedding exhibitions this month as well - a selection of dresses and bespoke accessories will be on show at the George Hotel Wedding Fair and at the Apex Hotel's wedding fair - which are both taking place on 21st February.
T: 0131 229 9775 www.rachelscottcouture.co.uk
Savings galore at Berketex BridesThe good news is that wedding superbrand Berketex Bride is kindly offering money off accessories when you buy a dress; the not so good is that the offer ends on Saturday 6th February, so you'll need to be quick as a flash! So if you already had an eye on one of its gowns, why not bite the bullet and order it this week? Do so and you'll be in line to receive up to £250 towards accessories. Log onto the Berketex Bride website to find your nearest store, there's bound to be one not too far away!
www.berketexbride.com
It takes twoYou may have heard of 'for your eyes only' shoots, but here's a new twist - Glasgow based company Beautifully Boudoir has launched a boudoir photography package with a difference just in time for Valentine's Day... Women can now include their significant others in a photo session; this is a chance for engaged couples to capture that lovely pre-wedding feeling in a timeless portrait session. At a cost of £195, you take home a one-off piece of artwork and this price also includes a consultation, the services of a professional make-up artist, hair styling and the all-important expert digital re-touching!
T: 0141 334 3768 www.beautifullyboudoir.co.uk
Time to shop!The Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee is the location for an unusual wedding show this month, with two days of events taking place on February 20th and 21st. You'll find all sorts going on throughout the mall and at a special Event Zone where fashion shows and demonstrations will take place. And there's another great reason to go along - all attendees will be in with a chance of winning a wedding at the Hilton Dundee!
T: 01382 224 562 www.overgate.co.uk
Give the key to your heartViolet and Blue has a great solution for those looking to give their intended a really romantic gift for Valentines. Indeed, you could be really organised and save it up for the day of the wedding. 'The Key To My Heart' set is priced at £19.99 and includes a wooden heart-shaped box filled with red rose petals and a romantic message printed on a material of your choice (parchment paper, cotton, silk or linen). For a small additional fee the gift box can also be engraved with your partner's name and the wedding date, or any other short message.
T: 01236 725557 www.violetandblue.co.uk
New linen packages at 88 Events88 Events has just launched a new range of hire packages designed to give you fantastic table linens at new reduced prices. They have been created to help make designer wedding styling more affordable and to eliminate annoying shade variations between hired chair covers and your venue's own tablecloths. The packages also feature floor-length tablecloths, which can hide unsightly table legs. If you're interested call now for more info, and don't forget to ask about the upgrade packages, which offer you the opportunity to put your own stamp on your wedding table designs in a cost-effective way. www.88eventscompany.com
The chocolately way to a man's heart...If you're thinking about offering favours with a difference or even a buffet that's a little bit out of the ordinary, why not try Biggar-based Simple Simon's Perfect Pies? As with any food you're organising for the wedding, you'll need to have some tasting sessions (it's the law, you must!), so why not give pie tasting a go now? If you need even more of an excuse, how about the fact that Simon has re-introduced his amazing Chocolate Sweetie pie just in time for Valentine's Day? Apparently this quirky pudding offers romantics the ultimate in aphrodisiac deserts! Visit the website to order yours now.
T: 01899 220 118 www.simplesimonspies.co.uk
Open day at 29 GlasgowTrendsetters looking for a wedding reception with a difference are sure to be inspired by a visit to 29 Glasgow when they have an open day next month. The event is due to take place at the venue on Royal Exchange Square on Sunday 28th March and will run from noon to 6pm. Entry is completely free and any budding brides who do go along will be welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine.
T: 0141 225 5615 www.29glasgow.com
Hen weekend with a frightA scarily great weekend of fun, fine food and the chance to solve a murder are just a few good reasons to go along to Huntingtower Hotel's Murder Mystery weekend. The pretty Perthshire hotel (and wedding venue) is found just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Perth city centre and the weekend takes place from Friday 26th February until Sunday 28th February. The two-night package includes dinner, bed and breakfast and three murder mystery sessions.
T: 01738 583 771 www.huntingtowerhotel.co.uk/murdermystery
Happy birthday Balbirnie House!Over the next year, there's a multitude of celebrations taking place to commemorate Balbirnie House's 20th birthday. And they kick off with great rates on overnight stays at the Markinch hotel. There is still some availability for dates in February and March, so why not up the romance factor with Balbirnie's Platinum Break package? This includes afternoon tea on arrival, a bottle of chilled Lenoble Champagne, overnight accommodation for two with dinner, bed and full breakfast, Bucks Fizz in the morning, and even a complimentary newspaper. All this comes in at an extremely reasonable £89 per person, per night, so book now before all the best dates get snaffled.
T: 01592 610 066 E: reservations@balbirnie.co.uk
Cruise into married life...The Macdonald hotel chain is helping newlyweds to make their dream honeymoon come true this year, by offering a complimentary seven-night cruise with any wedding booking that's worth at least £5,000. The offer is available to couples booking 2010 dates and holding their celebrations during the week (ie between Sunday and Friday).
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/offers/weddingcruise
Skye's first starIn a glittering year for one of Scotland's best-loved hotels, Kinloch Lodge at Sleat on the Isle of Skye is perfect for a romantic getaway and has been awarded a Michelin star for its food, the first to be awarded on the island! Which, as every foodie knows, means the cuisine is consistently outstanding. In addition to the Michelin star, Kinloch retained their Red Grape award for its wine list. In 2008 the venue introduced wine, whisky and beer 'flights' to accompany each course, where wines are carefully tailored to complement the particular flavours of each dish - and they've proved exceptionally popular.
T: 01471 833 333 www.kinloch-lodge.co.uk
