As the nights are getting darker and there's a crisp chill in the air, our thoughts are turning to winter. It's time to say goodbye to the glorious, ahem, British Summer and start thinking of warming our cockles in front of a roaring fire, searching for last years gloves (and normally only finding one) and having the eternal debate over if it's still ok to wear Uggs for another year.

It's also time to start thinking about winter weddings so if you're a winter bride or a photographer who has any lovely wintery weddings to share with us, please do get in touch. We'd love to dedicate November to winter weddings and December to all things Christmassy from Christmas Weddings to lovely gift ideas from wedding suppliers.

If you would like to contribute a real wedding or you have products that would make great Christmas gifts, drop us an email soon.

There's a hot new trend in wedding decor and it's a very simple but hugely effective one that takes little skill or expense to make a big impact. Ribbons are huge for 2012 and 2013 wedding and can be used to make stunning backdrops, to decorate chairs and aisles or to hang from ceilings to create a canopy of colour.

Ribbons are a great way to decorate chairs as a modern alternative to white chair covers. This pretty image from Elizabeth Anne Designs shows.

                                           

Use colourful ribbons and paper lanterns or pom poms to add colour to ceilings, as this bright colour pop wedding shows.

                                              

                           

I love the pretty ribbon canopy shown above from Intimate Weddings via the Life Work Media Blog.

To see some more ideas of how you can use ribbons as part of your wedding decor, visit How 2 I Do Wedding & Event Planning's board in Pinterest here.

Goldney Hall recently hosted a wedding fair with a vintage twist in association with Auntie's Vintage. There was a great range of top suppliers on hand in both the main house and the stunning light and airy Orangery.




Couples had the opporunity to look around the venue and the gorgeous grounds featuring an ornamental canal with bubbling fountain, the stunning tower and the intruiging shell lined grotto.

Peter Undery, general manager, said: “We have a fabulous venue on offer which appeals to both traditional and cultural weddings.This event gives brides-to-be a chance to tour our grand ballroom and help couples plan their big day with an extensive range of top wedding exhibitors in attendance. Come and see the rooms set up, tour the exhibition and meet the experts who can help you plan your special day, as well as taking part in our charity raffle."

Admission is free and the event runs from 10.30am – 4.30pm. For further information visit www.thewintergardens.com

Le Soiree des Filles (that's "girls night out", if your GCSE French is letting you down) will be taking place at the iconic Holburne Museum in Bath on Thursday 20^th September. Doors open at 6:30pm and the event runs until 9pm. Guests will be greeted on the evening with a beautiful hand illustrated map of the venue so that they can plan their own bespoke programme of consultations and demos throughout the evening.

     

Set in the stunning surroundings of the museum’s glass atrium and the beautifully classic gallery space, bride-to-be’s will have access to some of the South West’s leading independent wedding experts who will be on hand with tailor made advice.




The line up includes floral demos from the Tallulah Rose flower school (shown above), bespoke stationery from Meticulous Ink and exquisite bridal dresses from The Mews, Clifton to heavenly patisserie from Cinnamon Toast and bridal hair by Melanie Giles as well as wine tastings, book signings and live music. Bride Electric will also be live blogging as the evening unfolds and streaming the highlights of the event via Facebook and Twitter. There is free admission and free parking.

Image Credits: The Hulbourne Museum and Tallulah Rose Flower School

On Sunday 16th September, local Bristol wedding suppliers are invited to
afternoon tea in one of Bristol's hidden wedding venues.

Arnos Vale will have free music, cakes, tea and tours around the buildings and general site. They are licensed to hold both Anglican wedding and civil ceremonies and can hold ceremonies from 2 people right up to 106. They also have on site caterers who can cater for up to 80 people for a banqueting style reception or up to 220 for a chilled out and relaxed buffet option.

Arnos Vale know that getting married in a cemetery might seem like an odd idea, but how many wedding already take place in chapels and churches sat amongst grave stones.

Arnos Vale say "This is an unusual, unique, funky, tranquil, beautiful, scenic venue and offers something a little different to the norm! If you have a couple looking for somewhere a bit different and a venue with a difference but without compromising on location or surroundings then please come along on the 16th September and find out more about Arnos Vale for yourself."

So, if you want to come along then call Sarah on 0117 9719117 (extn 202) or email [email protected] leaving your name, business type/name and how many are going to be attending with you.

Find out more on the website http://www.arnosvale.org.uk/index.php/news/440-afternoon-tea

There are lots of big wedding fairs taking place this month. Take a look below to get inspiration for your own big day.

Love Actually The Grand Thistle Hotel, Broad Street, Bristol: Sunday 2nd September 2012. 11:30am to 4pm. Free Admission.