Jewellery specialists are on hand to assist gentlemen with their proposal dilemmas as well as providing answers for the perfect ‘wedding gift’ for both bride and groom.

Several glamorous vintage wedding and wedding-style dresses include designs by Dior, Lanvin and Charles James and to complete the look, a selection of tanzanite, aquamarine and sapphire jewels for that something blue. All items on offer will be available to browse at Christie’s Old Brompton Road galleries in South Kensington, London, the weekend prior to each auction.

• Online: 16 – 30 November; Live: 29 November christies.com

This March, Lough Eske Castle invites soon-to-be brides and grooms, from across the country to come and meet some of Ireland’s most prolific wedding suppliers and opinion formers at their exclusive and not to be missed, Wedding Open Day.

The open day, which will last from noon until 6pm will feature everything any impending bride could ever want to know prior to her big day, and includes presentations from a range of popular wedding brands and services including dress makers, caterers, flowers, honeymoon operators and car services. As well as all this, guests will have a unique opportunity to meet the hotel’s very own award winning wedding co-coordinator Noreen Lyons, to get some tips and advice ahead of their special day. They could even make their Princess dreams come true, and book Lough Eske Castle as their wedding destination.

The castle boasts an impressive 96 spacious bedrooms and suites, and is available for exclusive hire if needed. Other facilities include a tempting Aromatherapy Associates Spa and swimming pool, delicious a la carte cuisine at Cedars Restaurant, two bars and 600m2 of banqueting facilities. With its own private dining room ideally suited to family weddings, the Presidential Suite is the icing on this five star rural sanctuary’s cake.

Recent accolades include Noreen Lyons, the Catering Manager being crowned, ‘Best Wedding Coordinator of the Year’ (2012) with the hotel also winning ‘Best Castle Wedding Venue of the Year 2012’, ‘Best Wedding Venue of the Year’ (2010 & 2011) and ‘World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel’ (2009, 2010 & 2011).

As an award winning wedding venue in its own right, Lough Eske Castle is the perfect place to host a Wedding Open Day. Part of the prestigious Solís Hotels & Resorts, the hotel opened just five years ago in northwest Ireland after being transformed from a ruin into Donegal’s only Five Star establishment. Half a decade since the castle’s doors opened, it is widely recognised as Ireland’s quintessential fairytale wedding venue.

For more details visit Lough Estke Castle

However it’s not all about bridal wear and bouquets! For all you men out there, whether you are the Groom, the Best Man or Father of the Bride, you can join in the fun and enjoy an afternoon of free horse racing whilst the ladies in your life try on a few dresses, select a cake and choose the bridesmaids outfits!

The free Wedding Fair, brought to you by Celebrated Affairs, offers brides and grooms the chance to browse and chat to over 40 wedding suppliers who will assist you in planning every aspect of that special day. Brides can get some inspiration on style and ideas on colour schemes whilst enjoying two fabulous fashion shows at 12 noon and 2.30pm by Maid in Heaven of Ashford, all whilst the men in your life enjoy some non-stop sporting action out on the track.

During the afternoon there will be an opportunity to take part in a special one-day only competition to win a Stag or Hen party worth £1,500 at Kempton Park, the ideal location for a great day or night out with friends and family before the big day!

To make the wedding planning experience an extra special day to remember why not treat your beloved to lunch in the stunning glass fronted Panoramic Restaurant? Kempton Park is offering diners who book in advance a discount with prices starting at just £34.40, discounted from £43. Call the sales team on 01932 753518 to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

Gates open at 11:00am, so get there early for a browse around the wide range of stalls before the first race takes place at 1.40pm. The Wedding Fair closes at 4.30pm and the last race of the day takes place under the floodlights at 4.40pm.

Wedding Fairs may not be the favoured Sunday afternoon destination for some men but coupled with an afternoon of free racing it’s a great way to spend the day and keep the little lady happy!

For more information on the event or the racing call Kempton Park on 01932 782292. For information on the Wedding Fair visit celebratedaffairs.co.uk or call 01895 251000.

The Application shows a wedding invitation system where wedding party members could access maps, calendar reminders, gift lists and receive wedding invitations electronically through their smartphones. If brides and grooms and wedding planners start moving over to this new system it could be catastrophic for thousands of creative wedding stationers around the world.

“This could be a serious threat to our livelihoods and our staff’s jobs. We have put our life savings into our wedding stationery business, Ivy Ellen, which launched at the National Wedding Shows in October and recently showed at the prestigious Designer Wedding Show. The irony, of course, is that much of the artwork for our cards is prepared on Apple Macs, being a Mac fan I’m very disappointed in them,” – says wedding stationery, Jeremy Corner, Ivy Ellen Ltd.

One of the advantages of the new system is that it is could be more environmentally friendly as it uses a paperless system and therefore appeals to the Green Wedding sector.

“Three to four trees are planted for every tree cut down to make the paper for our wedding stationery. Our products actually grow forests. According to The Sunday Times scientists have found that performing two internet searches is comparable to bringing a kettle to boil. God knows what C02 those billions of daily internet clicks are really emitting, but online wedding stationery systems certainly won’t be planting trees like our FSC accredited suppliers are” – says Jeremy

He continues: “I think it will be a real shame if couples move away from traditional invitation sending. It feels so special to receive something personal like a wedding invitation or wedding thank you card through the post. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, it deserves more than an email.”

Read Ivy Ellen’s blog  http://ivyellenweddinginvitations.co.uk/weddinginvitations/

Details of Apple’s new patent can be found at patentlyapple.com

Details of Paper’s great environmental story can be found at twosides.info

On the memorable date of July 7, 2007, Eva Longoria and Tony Parker celebrated their union in the romantic city of Paris.

The ceremony, which saw the “Desperate Housewives” star and the renowned basketball player exchange vows, was attended by 250 guests and took place at the Church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois—a location steeped in history.

Eva Longoria was the epitome of bridal elegance, dressed in a bespoke Angel Sanchez creation. The mermaid-style gown was crafted from silk wool, adorned with metallic silk gazar embroidery, and featured a gracefully scooped back alongside an impressive train.

The date 07.07.07, which occurs once every century, is considered uniquely auspicious. Some believe that to ward off misfortune, weddings should be completed before 11:30 a.m. on such a singular date.

Looking ahead, it’s anticipated that the dates 08.08.08 and 09.09.09 will also attract couples looking to add an extra layer of significance to their wedding day. Those planning to marry on these dates should prepare early to secure their special day.