SPONSORED: Planning your wedding? Here’s everything you need to know

Getting married is one of the most exciting events in your life, so naturally it takes a lot of planning.

In fact, it takes brides-to-be and grooms-to-be an average of 20 months to plan their special day from start to finish and according to a study this year, the actual time taken is 528 hours (or 22 full days).

Because there are so many things to tick off on the ever-growing to-do list, from flowers to favours, we have compiled this feature with all you need to make the Big Day as special as you hope it will be.

Create a memory that lasts forever at Timothy Sharp

Timothy Sharp is a family jewellers and workshop specialising in bespoke wedding rings

Choosing a wedding ring is an enjoyable experience shared together, something you can treasure and most importantly creating a ring and a memory that lasts forever.

With over 30 years’ experience, Timpthy Sharp can help and advise what style and design will best compliment your engagement ring.

Each ring is handmade using traditional and latest technologies in their own workshop.

Why not have your ring made from sentimental gold?

You can even visit the workshop and see your rings being made or they can send images from start to finish to show friends and family

It’s a special time of your life and at Timothy Sharp they are very much aware how important it for you to be happy with the one thing from your big day that you will see everyday, the wedding rings.

*To find out more, visit the website by clicking here.

For the best service and deals in Highlandwear, it has to be McCalls

McCalls are the ultimate Highlandwear outfitters supplying exceptional tailored kilts from £399 and high quality hire outfits from as little as £65.

Choosing from the contemporary classics of the PRIDE range, or the more traditional clan tartans, is just part of your experience, as their friendly staff are on hand to help you from the initial tightening of the tape measure to the last stitch made to your kilt.

Any occasion, any budget, any size, McCalls will always find you an outfit to suit.

Exclusive to McCalls is the PRIDE range, consisting of 14 unique, contemporary and eye-catching tartans such as the ever popular Modern Pride and the increasingly in demand Midnight Pride.

The PRIDE range includes more than just kilts as they have a wide selection of Highlandwear accessories, scarves, hip flasks and ribbon within the collection.

McCalls not only like to provide the best service but the best deals to their customers. Their current offer is ‘Grooms Go Free’ where-in if you book at least six kilt hires, they will supply one hire outfit absolutely free.

This offer applies to all McCalls branches throughout Scotland. Terms and conditions will apply.

*Visit the website by clicking here to check out your local branch.

For women’s wedding fashion, choose award-winning Moda Dea

Moda Dea opened in September 2009 in a small shop in Barrhead, East Renfrewshire.  The owner, Rosemarie McInally, had identified a real need for a boutique in the area for all the fashionistas in the surrounding districts.

The boutique quickly became a huge success and Rosemarie and team had created a jewel in the crown in Barrhead. Unsurprisingly, they outgrew the shop and moved to larger premises at 98 Cross Arthurlie Street – allowing them to offer a much larger range of fashion specialising in Mother of the Bride/Groom, cocktail and casualwear in sizes 8-26.

To accessorise there are fabulous hats/fascinators to match every outfit and the award winning Rainbow shoes are also available which can be dyed any colour.  A fabulous selection of jewellery is available to add the finishing touch.

Rosemarie and team are passionate about making their clients feel good about themselves whatever the occasion, understanding what suits all shapes and sizes and have a wealth of experience in the fashion industry, aiming to provide them with an enjoyable shopping experience.

Rosemarie travels all over Europe to bring new labels to the shop with an emphasis on fabulous fabrics, styles and fit.  The team have a passion for fashion that will never diminish and customer service will always be a top priority.

There is no doubt why they won the award for Best Fashion Boutique in Glasgow in the Scottish Business Awards last year and also won the Scottish Women’s Awards for the Best Independent Retail Business in Scotland.

*What next? Follow Moda Dea on Facebook by clicking here. They look forward to welcoming you and promise you will not be disappointed!

Find your dream dress at Alison Kirk Bridal

Alison Kirk Bridal has two wedding dress boutiques in Perth and Dundee.

They have a different selection of beautiful wedding dresses in each boutique to give as wide an offering as possible. With over a decade in the bridal industry they pride themselves on their personalised customer service, ensuring every bride receives the attention she deserves throughout this special time.

With a dedicated bridal consultant and exclusive use of the bridal suite, you are ensured a relaxed and enjoyable appointment.

In Perth, the boutique offers exquisite collections for brides, bridesmaids and flower girls from leading bridal designers including Justin Alexander, Naomi Neoh, Ellis Bridals and Sincerity Bridal.

For bridesmaids they are over 200 dresses by Dessy and Belsoie to choose from.

Dundee’s boutique opened in October 2016 as a second boutique to the Alison Kirk Bridal family and has spacious dressing areas as well as a fantastic selection of dresses from Justin Alexander Signature, Sweetheart Gowns, Lilian West, MiaMia Bridal and Rita Mae.

They also stock a great range of bridal accessories as well as bridesmaid dresses from Colour by Kenneth Winston and B2 Bridesmaids by Jasmine.

Staff at Alison Kirk Bridal love what they do and look forward to helping you find your dream dress.

*For help finding your dream dress visit the website by clicking here.

Carriages of Scone go that little bit further for you

Carriages of Scone has the largest fleet of wedding cars in the Perth area, specialising in Rolls Royce vehicles. They been providing wedding transport since 1993.

They provide transport for you whether it’s just one or up to 10 cars required on the day. Whatever your transport requirements are for your big day, they will do their best to meet your needs.

Call the Carriages of Scone team on 01738 551375, between 9.30am to 5.30pm (Monday to Saturday) to discuss your requirements in greater detail. They are always prepared to go that little bit further to make your day more memorable.

Some of the vehicles you can choose from include:

Rolls-Royce Silver Spur 111
Jaguar Sovereign x300
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Jaguar xj350 Sovereign l.w.b
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Ford Galaxy Titanium X
Daimler Eagle

*For more information email: carriagesofscone@hotmail.com or visit the website by clicking here.

Splendid Gentlemen are a wedding band with a difference

At Splendid Gentlemen they like to do thing a little differently.

If you are dreading having to wade through the sea of cheesy wedding bands, you will be glad to hear that these splendid gentlemen appreciate the subtle but important distinction between a ‘wedding band’ and ‘a band that plays weddings’. No matching suits. No Grease Megamix. That’s because they see themselves as a contemporary cover band, for a cooler, more fun wedding.

These humble gentlemen don’t like to brag, but they do have a couple of awards and nominations, along with more testimonials than they’ve seen on anyone else’s site.

So if you’re looking for something a little different for your wedding, to give it that extra bit of oomph, why not give them a bell on 0797 9490300?

They are gentlemen, so they’re very polite.

*To find out more about this ‘band that plays weddings’, visit the website by clicking here.

Stunning Flowers offers a unique floristry service

Stunning Flowers is an independent event floristry business based in the beautiful county of Perthshire – where inspiration surrounds them.

At Stunning Flowers they love to create stylish arrangements with a bit of a wild side by using seasonal blooms and foliage. They offer bespoke and unique floristry services for weddings and events, special occasions or saying goodbye to a loved one.

From grand displays to small but spectacular posies, they have it covered. To view some of their stunning flowers, follow them on Instagram by clicking here.

*To find out more, or to book, email: rosclaase@gmail.com or click here to visit the website.

Truly Scrumptious will help you design your perfect cake

The multi-award-winning Truly Scrumptious Designer Cakes have been known for creating some showstoppers throughout the years.

Their versatility and creativity mean they can create something you could only ever dream of. From traditional and elegant to quirky and unique, they can do it all.

As a family-run business, they like to make sure customers are well looked after. Planning a wedding is so exciting but it can also be stressful so they like to take the pressure off their couples as much as possible by providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.

If you are on the look out for the perfect cake for your special day Truly Scrumptious would love to welcome you in to their shop for a one-to-one cake tasting and help design your perfect cake.

*For more information, visit the website by clicking here.

Choose one of the Top 50 bridal make up artists of 2019

Make up by Sharon Cuthbert specialises in bridal make up and is proud to offer a professional and reliable service which is friendly and open to diversity.

Make up by Sharon Cuthbert has been nominated for Best Wedding Make up Artist: The Scottish Vows Awards 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, the Scottish Wedding Awards 2017 and 2018 and the Confetti Awards 2018 and 2019.

Sharon says: “Bridal make up really is my passion and it is such a privilege to be asked to be part of someone’s special day, from the first point of contact to the finishing touches of my beautiful brides. It is a pleasure and I feel lucky to call it my dream job!”

From magazine front covers to being named in the Top 50 UK Wedding Make up Artists for 2018 and 2019 by GoHen.com, Sharon has a multitude of knowledge when it comes to weddings and make up.

She offers exceptional customer service and puts her clients at the forefront of any experience whether it’s Bridal Specialist, Editorial, Photos shoots, TV, Special occasions or Party.

Sharon’s 2021 Wedding Diary is now open.

*For pricing and to keep up to date with Sharon visit the website by clicking here.

Capercaillie Cards design wedding stationery – with love

Capercaillie Cards, which is run by Carol Hall, specialises in beautiful stationery.

Carol is very passionate about what she does. Because she works from home, she can offer clients a relaxed environment in which to discuss their ideas at a time to suit. Working from home also allows her to keep  prices competitive which is an important consideration for any wedding budget.

You can expect a high quality, professional service along with the best quality materials for your wedding stationery and Carol will work closely with you to ensure your wedding invitations sets the tone for your special day.

The full range of wedding stationery is available and each item is made with love.  Clients have the option to choose from a range of designs or have a bespoke service which reflects their own personality and theme. All components can be changed to suit individual colour schemes and tastes.

Crafting from an early age, Carol consider myself very lucky to have realised her dream of having her own business doing something that she loves and is very passionate about.

*For more details, visit the website by clicking here.

Boothy and the Geek brings no ordinary photobooth experience

So, if you’re a 21st century bride, Boothy and Geek have the perfect photo experience for you and your guests.

Introducing the ultimate wedding mirror booth, the Beauty Mirror. Completely customised for your wedding day. Create an interactive and exciting experience. Choose your backdrop for beautiful image creations.

Add the fun factor by using premium physical props, digital props and beauty filter to enhance your photo creation.

Got some spare time? Play some retro games in between photo sessions. Your guests get to share their wedding photo creation via text messages and print their creation as a memento of your day.

This is no ordinary boring wedding photobooth, it the wedding mirror experience you’ve been dreaming of.

*To find about more about this wedding mirror experience, visit the website by clicking here.

*Now you have started planning your wedding, it is time to think about the venue…