This article from a leading menswear supplier highlights the importance of dressing up for the occasion!

Did you know that 24% of men think jeans are suitable interview attire?

A recent survey found that 24% of men thought that it was appropriate to wear jeans to an interview as long as they were smart, and coupled with a shirt and tie.

However, with 83% of employers stating that they’d make an instant decision based on what a candidate is wearing, shouldn’t wearing the right clothes be one of the most important things in your preparation for an interview?

There are a plenty of different styles, trends and cuts out there – but a traditional suit is an absolute must-have for an interview.

What to look for in an interview suit

The main things to look for when purchasing men’s suits for an interview are:

• Colour – this should be black, charcoal, or navy blue. Suits can be livened up with subtle pinstripe. Some may think that black is overly formal, but the rule is always to overdress, rather than underdress.
• Style – a good interview suit should be single breasted, with no more than three buttons. Any more than four buttons will look out of place in a business environment. Likewise, a two-piece suit is just fine: wearing a waistcoat can look a little ostentatious and sometimes even old-fashioned.
• Fit – ensure that your jacket is not stretched when buttoned, particularly across the chest and back. Your trousers should create a neat vertical line – do not be tempted to choose trousers which gather above your shoes.
• Fabric –natural materials are nearly always better than man-made fibres such as polyester, and natural fabrics such as wool or cotton will help keep you cool.
• Accessories – shoes and belts should always complement your suit. The safest option is usually a good pair of traditional black leather shoes (well-polished) and a black belt, but you can wear other colours according to your suit colour.
•  Shirts – a white shirt is generally best: 80% of employers say that they prefer a candidate to wear a clean white shirt, yet only around half of all young men own one!

• Ties – Ties should be understated, and not too brightly-coloured or patterned.

Finding the right suit is much easier than it may seem. It can be worth spending some time trying different styles and colours until you find a suit that is suitable. When we look good, we feel good – and this can be very important to a successful interview. Don’t waste the opportunity that you’ve been given, and dress to impress!

Wedding Fair 2012

Saturday 4 February

List of exhibitors:

Rowley Manor Hotel

KCFM 99.8

Crystal Vision Tiaras

Debenhams Gift Service

The Classic Way vintage cars

It’s all about the dress – wedding dresses

Beverley Wedding Shoes

Force Five Winds – music group

YF Events

Beverley Minster Mother Union

Ye Olde Candy bike

A perfect wedding venue styling

2 Chefs catering

Flowerstyle florists

Flowers By Anne-Marie

Bridget Freer Clinical Hypnotherapist

The Casanovas – music group

Rudstone Walk

East Yorkshire Coaches

Fons Vitae Beauty

Insight Photography

Hallmark Hotel

Ambience Venue Styling

Tie the Knot Chair cover hire

Darryl Brooks Photography

TD Entertainments

Ian Spencer Photography

Fossca Photography

Tickton Grange Hotel

Pixel Creations

Spire Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals – Cosmetic surgery

Tiers and Celebrations – cakes

Mountain Wave Travel

Tips for the Best Man to write a wedding toast

Becoming a Best Man is like becoming a royal guard to the Queen Mother. It is a matter of great pride and honour. Best Man means that you have to be the ‘best’, and also deliver the best speech. It is in fact a moment of sentiment, as you have to stand up and address a toast to the bride and groom, amongst 100’s of guests. There is definite pressure as all attention is on you, during those 2 minutes of your speech. You cannot afford to mess it up all, it might sound tough but it is not.

Writing a great and meaningful toast is all about creativity and simplicity.

You have to be a bit patient and a little hardworking. This is because the groom has been chosen you to be his Best Man after a lot of thinking. He must have something good about you in his mind. So, you cannot be reluctant and just deliver some off the cuff nonsense. Have similar faith in yourself and give a proper speech, where every word is simply wishing luck  and love to the newly weds!

So, what you have to do first? Clearly preparation is King in this regard!

To begin with you should jot down all your thoughts about the soon-to-be wed couple. Write quite freely, relating your relationship with them, especially with the groom. Write these questions and try to answer them first:

• How are they known to you?
• Why were you chosen to be the Best Man?
• In describing individual bride and groom, what are the first few adjectives that streams into your mind?
• Groom’s state prior to the meeting of his bride and how much has he changed after meeting her?
• How did they meet each other?
• How were you told about the bride by the groom?
• If you happen to be a married person, then how would you give some marriage tips and advice to the couple?
• Can you relate to any special event or anecdotes to illustrate either the groom or the bride?
• Go through sample wedding toasts and jot down few simple ones, just in case that is!

After writing and answering all, the above -  you have to utilize them into some entertaining yet heartfelt words.

The Beginning:
First you have to begin by giving a brief introduction about yourself, since all present in the room would not know you. It is suggested to excuse yourself  and ask for their attention.

Then, introduce yourself and tell them about your relationship with the groom. If you want the attention of the guests, it would great if you crack a joke or quote something funny related to marriage. Prior to the speech’s end don’t forget to give thanks to the host  parents  – traditionally the bride’s father and family – and if the couple are paying themselves for everything in the wedding, then just say that “we are all delighted” or something “to be present in this beautiful occasion”.

The mid: At this point all the above notes that you have written should be applicable.

It would be good if you tell something funny, or a hilarious story related to the couple, or either of them.

However, this should not be anything humiliating, and you should keep that in mind. Talk about your opinion of love, marriage, union etc tell story or even talk about the changes that has occurred via their relationship. Since you are the Best Man; you be close to  and know the groom much better – but always maintain a balanced toast and speak about both the bride and the groom.

Avoid long speeches, as others won’t be interested in your ramble.

One major no-no in a speech is, talking about ex-girlfriends or relationships. You should simply avoid it along with adult content, since the guests could include elderly people and children. Lastly, remember that sincerity always goes a long way, so if you speak from the heart and be honest about everything then nothing can go wrong!

Closing of the speech: It is advisable to end your toast or the Best Man speech with a traditional toast that offers good  wishes or  a blessing for the happycouple.

Raise the glass of champagne or wine with congratulations and  salute the couple – remember to take a sip of the toast – you’ve earned it!

Just like finding a wedding dress to fit your body type, you should also look for a neckline on the gown that will compliment your body type as well. Most brides don’t really think about finding a neckline to suit them, and just go with the most popular neckline today, which is the strapless neckline, even if it isn’t the most flattering neckline for them. I’ve seen too many brides choose a neckline that doesn’t compliment their upper bodies at all, sometimes to the point of looking ridiculous. Here is a list of what to look for in a wedding dress neckline that will make you look and feel like a beautiful bride.

Bateau – This is a higher neckline that softly follows the curve of the collarbone. It is high in both the front and back, opening wide at the sides and ending in shoulder seams. It enhances the chest area and is great for smaller chested brides, avoid if you have a larger bust since it could overwhelm.

Square – As the name implies, this neckline fits the shape of half of a full square. A square neckline works well for women that are already well-endowed without revealing very much cleavage. Good for most general body types.

Halter-Top -This neckline is great for tall and/or broad shouldered brides, not really for narrow shouldered brides or those with a large bust.

Jewel – this follows the curve of your neck, and works well for brides who want to enhance their chest area, and like the bateau neckline, stay away from it if you are already large busted.

V-Neck – The V-Neck is a great neckline for the hourglass body type, and full figured women, and the plunge of the V depends on the dress.

Scoop - The Scoop neckline dips down in a U shape on the bodice. It is great for a pear shaped body type, and most other body types as well.

Strapless – This neckline doesn’t require any definition. The strapless neckline is great if you are well endowed, or if you have great shoulders. Stay away from it if you are small chested.

Sweetheart – This neckline forms a type of heart shape at the bust line, and works well in accentuating cleavage and for the large busted.

Queen Anne – The Queen Anne sits high on the back of the neck and opens lower across the front of the neck. Works well for most body types and can help in elongating the figure or displaying a discreet amount of cleavage.

There are many types of necklines for wedding gowns, and I have covered the most popular. Try on as many necklines as you can and be honest with yourself about how you look. Choose a neckline that you are comfortable with, as you will be the center of attention on your wedding day.

If you’ve visited any bridal boutiques, or looked at many designer bridal gowns, no doubt the thought has crossed your mind. Is it really possible to find an affordable wedding dress in this day and age? Remember, just because your friends spend thousands of dollars on their wedding gowns does not mean that you have to! Here are some tips on where to start looking:

The Internet

There are all kinds of discount wedding dress websites which offer new or last year’s wedding gowns at greatly discounted prices. Also, with websites like Ebay and Craigslist, you can find new and used wedding gowns for purchase. It is always sad to have a wedding canceled, but there are many brides out there wanting to sell a dress that they have been stuck with from a wedding that never went through.

Look for Sales

Also, many bridal shops offer sales on their merchandise at least once a year. Put yourself on their mailing list, call often, and when you go to the sale know what kind of bridal gown you are looking for. You could also shop for dresses in the off season, when many bridal boutiques will have their dresses on sale anyway.

Rent your Dress

Okay, if you’ve finished cringing, really sit down and think about it. Your bridal gown is a dress you will spend a lot of money on, and only wear it for a few hours. Many people now are renting their dress, and saving money on wedding dress preservation costs as well as the expense of buying your wedding gown from a store. No one has to know that you have rented your dress, no one will ask to see your dress after the wedding. Its a great idea, though most people do not want to wear one that is used.

Have your Dress Made

Talk to your family and friends, and see if any of them know a talented seamstress who will be able to create a dress for you. Fabric for wedding dresses is not expensive, and that coupled with a fee to a seamstress will greatly reduce your wedding gown budget. Also, you will save money on dress alterations since the dress will be made to fit your shape. I had my dress custom made, and would endorse it to anyone. I was extremely pleased with my dress, and saved thousands.

It really is possible to find an affordable wedding dress in a time where everything for weddings can sometimes overpriced and overwhelming. You can be frugal and still find a dress that you absolutely love!

Perhaps the most important decision for any bride is the wedding dress. From a young age, most girls fantasize about their perfect wedding, the groom, the flowers, the cake, and most importantly, the dress. It is the most important dress we as women will ever buy, and yet will only be worn for only a few hours. Yet in those few hours she is the center of attention, and memories and photographs are made that will last a lifetime. So now you are out looking for the perfect dress, but don’t know what to look for? Here are some guides to help you find the perfect dress that compliments your body type for you to feel and look your best on your special day!

The Hour-Glass Figure:

The most flattering wedding dress types for you would be an A-line or dress with a dropped waistline.
There is some argument about a ball gown dress and a corseted dress, and it your own taste will need to play a part in this as well. Make sure that you have a gown that accentuates your curves, and not draw one that draws the eye to an unflattering line. Make sure you are emphasizing all the right curves!

The Pear-Shaped Figure:

With this body type the goal should be to find a wedding dress that brings balance to the top half and bottom half. The A-line and Ball gown would work best to disguise fuller hips, and paired with either a Strapless, V-Neck, Off-the-Shoulder, or Scoop neckline will draw attention to your upper half and work to bring proportion and balance out your figure.

The Petite Figure:

Being thin, whether tall or short, nearly every silhouette will flatter your figure. Watch out for big elaborate gowns if you are short, as they could overwhelm your small frame. The empire or princess gown will tend to lengthen your figure and add some height. Small straps or strapless gowns can be very flattering. If you are tall, you may want to stay away from empire dresses as they will draw more attention to your height.

It would be best to try on some of the gowns that you like, and just see what works for you. A dress off the rack, or in a magazine may not look the same on the model as they do on you. Be sure to try on a number of wedding dresses and necklines to determine what works best with your body type and tastes. Remember that, while your weight may fluctuate between the time you buy your gown and the day of your wedding, your body type will not change. So, even if you’re planning on losing weight before your big day, choose a wedding dress that suits you today.

Some of the sweetest and most beautiful weddings I have ever been a part of or even had the privilege to attend haven’t been the fancy giant affairs where you can tell that the family has spent tens of thousands of dollars, instead it’s the real simple weddings that have my heart. Now, I have nothing against giant fancy weddings, but it seems brides get so caught up in the exact shade of flower and noses on ice sculptures being too big and forget they’re marrying the man of their dreams, their perfect match. I had a very dear friend get married a couple of months ago the other side of the world,  and unfortunately was unable to attend. But I got to watch a video of her real simple wedding and enjoyed every moment. Here are some of my favorite things about simple weddings.

Real Simple Weddings are Relaxed

Your wedding is supposed to be the best, happiest day of your life, right? Yet brides work and stress and give themselves ulcers and migraines over the tiniest details that most people never even notice.

When you have a real simple wedding, you nearly cut your work load in half, and aren’t nearly as stressed as your wedding day approaches.  You can spend that time bonding with your new family, spending those precious moments planning your lives with your soon to be groom.

Real Simple Weddings are Cheaper

When you don’t have to worry about all the extras for your wedding, you wind up saving yourself a lot of money. Whether it’s in the wedding ceremony or your wedding reception, all those little savings add up to a world of difference.  All of a sudden it doesn’t matter if there are large flower arrangements on the end of every pew, tulle or rose petals work just as well, and save a ton.

Real Simple Wedding Receptions Can Be Fun!

While this many not work in every case, my friend has a real simple wedding reception, which included a picnic in a nearby park pavilion.  A friend grilled the meat and different families brought side dishes, and of course there was wedding cake! After the meal, the families changed into comfortable clothes for volleyball games, baseball games, and Frisbee.

Don’t assume that just because your wedding is simple and less expensive than other options out there, that it won’t be nearly as beautiful or sweet as brides who are spending tens of thousands of dollars more on their weddings. You can still have a beautiful wedding, and spend your savings on more important things, like a honeymoon or a down payment on a house! Have any of my readers been to real simple weddings and want to share some details? I’d love to hear them!

The United Kingdom has strict marriage laws about marriage that every couple intending to get married should be aware of.

First of all, both parties must be 16 years or over, currently unmarried and not closely related by blood. Those between the ages of 16 and 18 must have written consent to their marriage from parents or legal guardians.

The engaged couple must go in person together to the Register Office in the district where they live. The couple must have lived in the district in England or Wales for a minimum of seven days prior to submitting an application for a notice of marriage. Couples may only go to the Register Office separately if they live in different districts.

Each person must present legal proof of identity such as a birth certificate, passport or other document. Persons who’ve been previously married must also bring with them a death certificate for the prior spouse or a decree of divorce in order to prove they are currently unmarried. The marriage notice must include the names of the engaged couple, their ages, current marital status, current address, nationality, occupation and name and address of the registered wedding venue.

Wedding ceremonies may only be held in a church or other place of religious worship; in an officially registered public venue such as a historic home, a hotel or similar location; or at a registry office. The Marriage Act of 1994 does not permit weddings to be conducted in open-air venues such as a public park.

A 16-day waiting period must take place between obtaining the notice and conducting the wedding. Since couples often must reserve their registered wedding venue as much as 18 months in advance, it’s essential to time the application for notice of marriage to coincide with the scheduled venue. Marriage notices are valid for 12 months only, so it’s crucial not to apply too early nor too late.

The law requires at least two people to sign as witnesses to the marriage registration at the wedding ceremony. Typically the maid or matron of honor and the best man perform this service for the bridal couple.

There are additional legal requirements when a UK couple marries abroad or a UK citizen marries a person of another nationality.

When marrying abroad, the first step is to contact the British embassy in the country where you are planning to get married. In most cases, couples must file a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) to verify legally that they are not currently married to someone else. This form is available from the British embassy or consulate.

Next, contact local authorities in the country to find out what laws to follow and what documents are required, since these may take months to arrange. Some countries require that international couples establish residency before they may wed in that country and residency can take as much as 30 days to accomplish. Don’t forget that any international guests may require visas and other documentation to attend the ceremony. In addition, everyone may need to get immunized, especially if the wedding occurs in a tropical country. Travel insurance and wedding insurance are also advisable.

When a UK citizen marries a person of another nationality, he or she must also file a CNI. For example, Italy requires a specific CNI known as a Nulla Osta. UK citizens who marry citizens of Ireland can obtain their CNI forms from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.

For further details, write General Register Office, P.O. Box 2, Southport, Merseyside PR8 2JD.

There are a number of options for holding civil ceremonies in the U.K; the first option is the registrar’s office. While this option is quite an attractive one if only because it is relatively inexpensive, the downside is that many government offices are stark and unattractive and may detract from the special feeling of your wedding day. Additionally, there may not be enough room to accommodate all your wedding guests.  Look over the office first and then make your decision.

Civil ceremonies can also be held in any venue licensed for weddings by the registrar that the registrar and clergyman (if you are having one) agree to appear at. This includes several stately homes and buildings. You can ask your local registrar for a list of licensed buildings in your area or you can look online for licensed wedding venues. The ceremony will be the same but the background will be much more interesting and attractive. Contact the venues to find out details about costing.  You may also be able to hold your reception at the same venue.

If you are looking for a more relaxed venue for your wedding ceremony, there are golf clubs and even parks, which are also licensed venues. You may even be able to host your wedding in a museum. If you have a particular location in mind, check to see if they are licensed for weddings. Remember that as much fun as quirky locations can be, they have drawbacks, especially if they are outdoors. After all, the weather may not always cooperate with your plans. Make sure you and your fiancé agree about the type of venue you prefer for your ceremony.

Keep in mind though, that while civil ceremonies can be held in several different places, they cannot be held in a church. The rules governing religious ceremonies are somewhat different.

Although the bride is in charge of the wedding, bridesmaids should be consulted when it comes time to choose their dresses. It can mean a lot of stress and fuss between the bride and each of the attendants but it really is the right thing to do.

The best bridesmaid dresses feature simple, classic lines. The attendants shouldn’t be competing with the bride. The colour can be anything you chose, although most brides avoid dressing their attendants in black or white. Pastels and jewel tones are favoured in bridesmaid dresses.

The number of attendants you have in your wedding will influence how you shop for your bridesmaid dresses. A single attendant can buy a dress that is appropriate in a department store. Even two attendants may be able to find the same dress in a department store in different sizes. Larger parties will probably have to buy their dresses at a shop that specialises in bridal and formal wear. The bridal store is usually the most expensive option. Wherever you choose to buy from, the bridesmaid’s dresses will usually have to be ordered in the correct sizes and then altered to take into account different shapes and sizes.

When you chose your bridesmaids dresses, keep in mind that your bridesmaids are usually friends and relatives. You’ll have to live with them after your wedding is over, so keep the choice of dress in perspective.