romantic

Most couples wait between 13 and 18 months from saying “yes” to saying “I do”. [i]And in an ideal world, long engagements present the perfect, relatively low-pressure opportunity to thoroughly consider (and sometimes reconsider) exactly how you want your wedding day to be. Do you want a luxury venue or something simple and low key? Do you want to go abroad or do you want to stay local. Church or registry office? Full length and fabulous or on-the-knee and quirky? Rustic summer ceremony or romantic mid-winter wedding?

Are you looking to get married in a location that can be made to look and feel just how you want it to?

Barns are perfect as they are often a blank canvas, giving you the scope to have your wedding styled exactly how you always imagined, however their size alone can be daunting.  Lindsey Hunter of Get Knotted gives us her recipe for transforming a barn from blank and chilly to warm and romantic.

Being a mum-to-be and a bride-to-be all at the same time may seem to pose a fashion challenge. But fear not - Seraphine have the perfect maternity wedding dresses to make sure your bump works for you on your big day! Swoon over a range of stunning styles to suit your shape, from full-length classic maternity gowns to romantic lace cocktail dresses.

Work the Empire Waist

Celebrity Cruises’ 11 night Greece, Turkey & Italy cruise is the perfect honeymoon for those wanting to soak up the classic European culture.

Begin newlywed life in the romantic city of Rome, explore the hidden piazas, opulent baroque churches and classical ruins. Discover the finest Italian fashion and lose yourselves in the many art galleries, gardens and palaces that Rome has to offer.

Then relax with your loved one and enjoy the luxury lifestyle on board Celebrity Reflection. Sip on cocktails in a private alcove at the Lawn Club, the glorious grassy top deck on the ship. Or perhaps visit the spa for a massage and unwind in the Persian Garden whilst watching the world go by.

Sheet masks, they’re biggest beauty trend of the century. But there is more to them than a creepy selfie opportunity, they deliver a cocktail of hydration and active-ingredients to your skin, fast.

If your big day is just round the corner, a 7-day Sheet Mask Challenge will get your skin glowing, radiant and deeply hydrated in no time. No top facialists required, no stack of lotions, potions and essences, just one sheet mask, daily, for 7 consecutive days.

Timeless Truth, the UK’s award-winning, leading brand, has a sheet mask for everybody. Do pick & choose for your specific skin

The UK’s original Fairtrade jewellery brand Cred Jewellery has released a brand new collection of elegant, yet ethical engagement rings – perfect if you’re looking for a unique ring with a unique story. Made completely from Peruvian Fairtrade gold and fully traceable Canadian diamonds, Cred Jewellery’s Clara collection comprises five stunning designs to suit any woman’s style…

For the ultimate statement, opt for the 18ct Fairtrade white gold Clara Halo Solitaire where a crescent of shimmering pavé diamonds surround a scintillating one-carat Canadian diamond. Or to suit a more delicate style, the Clara Petit Gemme Ring is the sweetest token of love with three diamonds to represent a couple’s past, present and future together.

Are you looking for somewhere a bit different for your honeymoon that still offers all of the charms of Europe’s most romantic cities? Then look no further than Portugal’s second city of Porto. Most famous for its fantastic table wines, the city lies at the mouth of the Douro river as it pushes its way out into the Atlantic. Take a trip up the river and you can witness the breath-taking city scape that covers the ancient hillsides. Porto offers the finest in old-world charm and romance, a rich culture, and cuisine to die for, making it one of the most fascinating under-the-radar destinations for your honeymoon.

Host your dream London wedding at Angelus Restaurant, a beautiful brasserie de luxe for a spellbinding and romantic day. Angelus Restaurant has the perfect combination of quintessentially English and French romance for the Bride and Groom's special day which they can cherish forever in this lovely venue.

Angelus Restaurant is located just next to Hyde Park, in a stunning mews street providing the perfect balance for a London chic venue. Thierry Tomasin, is a classic French host able to seamlessly guide a Bride and Groom through their wedding reception and keep any wedding fears at bay; with his team’s expertise, culinary skills and wine knowledge, the Angelus team will add that extra sparkle to your day.

A defining point in any relationship, proposing is a moment that will be recounted to friends and family for the rest of your lives. Ease the pressure on a romantic Valentines retreat in a stunning destination as Health and Fitness Travel, the leading specialists in wellness holidays worldwide, present their top romantic retreats for a unique proposal and memorable start to the next chapter of your lives together. Pop the question on a romantic beach horseback ride in Costa Rica, on a thrilling spa safari in South Africa or tree top dining in Thailand, for a destination proposal neither of you will ever forget.

This Valentine’s day, La Belle Assiette is offering an alternative to crammed dining rooms and overpriced “special” menus, by giving customers the chance to hire their own personal chef for the big occasion. With the restaurant industry bracing itself for one of the busiest nights in the calendar, diners can dodge the hordes while enjoying a romantic, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of their own homes, prepared, served and cleared away by one of an extensive database of professional chefs.

Once you’ve chosen from one of the website’s huge range of set menus, your personal chef will buy fresh ingredients, prepare your meal and act as waiter for the evening, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy the occasion with your other half.

It may not have been the setting for Pretty Woman or Maid in Manhattan, but in recent years Rotherham’s largest independent hotel has proved to be the star of its own romantic blockbuster, with 17 members of staff meeting their perfect partner whilst working at the popular three star hotel.

Carlton Park Hotel has been shooting Cupid’s arrow since it first opened its doors in 1981 and hosts more than 80 weddings each year. But it’s behind the scenes where true love has blossomed and fairy tale matches have been made with many of its staff falling for its charms; meeting and eventually marrying ‘The One’ within the walls of the hotel.

It could be argued that by being a bridesmaid you have the best of both worlds. You’re in the thick of the wedding limelight yet you don’t have the intense pressure the bride and groom face. Yes, we have to admit, being a bridesmaid is a lot of fun. That said, you still have a responsibility to look fabulous and in-keeping with the bride and the tone of the wedding.

If you have the privilege of being a bridesmaid in the forthcoming months, you may want to consider the following essential bridesmaids’ trends for 2016.

The tea length dress

A three course meal packed with aphrodisiac to get you in the mood and some top romantic tips.

On Valentine’s Day, it can often be tricky to decide on the perfect thing to do. This year, top chef Keith Goddard is sharing his insider secrets on his expert tips to prepare a seamless romantic dinner at home.

Valentine’s Day is about adding a personalised touch to the evening, from serving your partner’s favourite drink to preparing a dish using their favourite chocolate. You don’t want to spend all of your evening in the kitchen so, the number one piece of advice is to keep it simple and let the special ingredients speak for themselves.

Is this the most romantic trip ever? Well this Valentine’s Day you could be wooing your other half with one of the most romantic breaks ever – a night on an island.

Put a tick on your bucket list and treat your beloved to a trip that will see you spend the night on a defence fort built to protect England from Napolean III in the the water of The Solent. Choose from Spitbank Fort or No Man’s Fort, both of which lie between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, and enjoy a night of luxury not to be forgotten. During your night on the unique forts guests will receive a bottle of Laurent Perrier to pop, a box of chocolates and of course a red rose.

Capture the beauty of your loved one for all time in the luxurious, opulent and romantic style of a bygone era this Valentine’s Day. The indulgent gift of a Boudoir Portrait is set to transform the clichéd Valentine’s Day gifting experience.

The Boudoir Portraits have become sought after as the ultimate, luxury gift experience with a difference, a must-have for both well-heeled women and couple. Since 2014, artist Skye Holland has been capturing clients ‘in boudoir’. With the personally tailored experience of a champagne lunch and portrait-sitting that unearths even the most reluctant Goddess, as they are spectacularly, tastefully and lovingly rendered in ink and paper.