This is a cherished chapter for your mum too. Wed samples some top treats for quality mother and daughter bonding time..
Beyond your betrothed, the pre-wedding period puts the focus on another very special relationship in your life - your bond with your mum. Whether it's choosing the dress, deciding on the decor or handmaking the invitations, it's often our mums to whom we turn during those precious moments that punctuate our wedding planning experience. "Over 75% of brides visiting the shop bring their mother with them to help with the big decision," comments Amanda Kerrison from bridal boutique Amanda K. Cabotine and Zeila
Despite not having a traditional mother-daughter relationship with my own mother, even I've found that wedding planning has brought us closer together; we've had many happy times sharing stories about her own big day and laughing over photos of her and my dad from the '80s! Inspired by the pre-wedding bonding, here's a selection of tried and tested experiences for some cherished mother and daughter moments.Head StartFor something chic to wear to the wedding and plenty of fun to boot, book a workshop with Holly Young (hollyyoungboutique.com) or have one-to-one tuition on how to create a showcase headpiece for the wedding day (de rigueur for the mother of the bride!). Up and coming milliner Holly, who has worked with milliner to the stars Philip Treacy, will ensure your creation makes a unique and oh-so fabulous statement.
Ladies Who SpaSpend a chilled out day together at Fistral Spa in Newquay (
fistral-spa.co.uk). Aside from the sumptuous selection of massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, there's plenty of opportunity to chat, reminisce and bond in the poolside Jacuzzi and indulgent steam and sauna rooms. Lunch is served alongside panoramic views across Fistral beach and the relaxation room, which is equipped with comfy loungers and an ample selection of magazines, is the ideal place to relax while waiting for your toenails to dry.
Mums, Bums and TumsWant to get into shape for the big day? Then get mum involved. A fitness partner is great for those moments when your motivation is waning. What's more, it's a good chance to slim down, tone up, boost your fitness levels and have fun at the same time. Think aqua aerobics, Pilates or high-energy sports such as circuits or spinning. You might even try dancing: combining quality time with the weight-shedding and toning benefits, you can learn a few dance moves to break out at the wedding reception. Try The Big Dance Company (thebigdancecompany.com) and allDance (alldance.org.uk), while St. Michael's Hotel and Spa run a range of fitness classes (
stmichaelshotel.co.uk).
Shop Till You DropAside from all those visits to bridal boutiques looking for your wedding gown, choosing your mum's wedding outfit is the ultimate pre-wedding mother-daughter bonding activity. Try the specialists in dressing the mother of the bride Manor Fashions (
manorfashions.co.uk) and bridal boutique Amanda K (
amandakbridal.co.uk), which stocks a fabulous selection of mother of the bride outfits. Make a day of it and go for a champagne lunch as a special treat. Being the mother of the bride needs celebrating as well - after all, it's a very prestigious role!
Mini Break MagicFor the ultimate indulgence, opt for a girlie getaway in a chic sanctuary that offers prettifying treatments, relaxation facilities and an indoor pool. The Bay Hotel in Newquay (
newquay-hotels.co.uk) offers specially tailored mother-daughter spa breaks. For something further afield, visit the renowned health spa Cedar Falls in Somerset (cedarfalls.co.uk) where reduced calorie meals and daily activities such as yoga, exercise classes and personal training are offered alongside 44 acres of grounds for leisurely afternoon walks - a perfect getaway to help you both relax before the wedding day dawns.
MY FAIR LADYMum will look every inch the glamour puss in these oh-so chic fashions...Dress Code by Veromia
Dress Code by Veromia
Dress Code by Veromia
Dress Code by Veromia
Cabotine and Zeila
Cabotine and Zeila
Cabotine and Zeila
Ronald Joyce
Ronald Joyce
Ronald Joyce
StockistsCabotine and Zeila, Ronald Joyce:
Manor Fashions www.manorfashions.co.ukDress Code by Veromia:
Amanda K www.amandakbridal.co.ukwords Jessica Bilington
Copyright WED Magazine 2013