“It may sound unromantic but a prenuptial agreement is a consideration that many modern couples are now making,” explains matrimonial expert Katy Barber from Moore Blatch Solicitors.

“Especially since a landmark ruling in the Supreme Court has given them even greater weight should a marriage breakdown,” she added.

In the case of Radmacher v Granatino, French national Mr Granatino married Katrin Radmacher, a German national and heiress. Before marrying they entered into a pre-nuptial agreement which was signed in Germany where they are legally binding, but the couple married in England.

When the marriage broke down, the husband sought financial settlement through the UK courts despite having signed the pre-nuptial agreement. Initially he was awarded more than he had agreed to in the pre-nuptial agreement, but the wife appealed and won. The judge’s decision confirms that if a pre-nuptial agreement is properly drafted and fair, “decisive weight” will now be given to it in the event of divorce.

Katy added: “When you’re planning a wedding it is never nice to think that it might not end in ‘happy ever after’ but a pre-nuptial agreement can allow people to have a choice over their future and can lead to greater certainty and control of financial settlements.

“Planning financial arrangements early on can save problems later on. They are especially relevant at the moment as more and more couples are now marrying at an older age, meaning they are likely to have progressed further in their careers, may have started a family and amassed property and greater personal assets.”

The average age people are now getting married in the UK stands at 36.2 years for men and 33.6 for women, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In stark contrast, 40 years earlier when the average age of couples getting married was almost a decade younger. Figures by the ONS also reveal that divorce rates rose for the first time in a decade in 2010.So what would be the procedure for entering into a prenuptial agreement, Katy provides a helpful summary below of what you can expect:

1. If you decide to complete a prenuptial agreement, you must enter into this at least 21 days before the wedding.

2. Before signing any agreement, both parties must give full financial disclosure.

3. The weaker party must not put any pressure on the stronger party.

4. Both parties must receive competent independent legal advice.

5. After the wedding, you do also have the option of entering into a post nuptial agreement, which can help reinforce and support the terms of the prenuptial agreement.

Pictured: Katy Barber of Moore Blatch Solicitors

78,000 wedding playlists created on Spotify in the last year, Black Eyed Peas, Kings of Leon and The Killers top wedding music playlists.Nearly 70% of all wedding playlists created by men.

With wedding season almost upon us, leading digital music service Spotify has today revealed that Brits are finally ditching the cheesy tunes when it comes to choosing their wedding music. Analysis of nearly 78,000 wedding playlists that have been created via Spotify has shown that Brits have finally got their groove on, heralding the ‘sad’ demise of novelty songs such as Agadoo, in favour of hip hop and rock tracks.

The top three tracks chosen by betrothed users of the social music service prove it’s no longer about romance on the dance floor. The Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling took top spot, Kings of Leon – Sex on Fire was the second most popular and perhaps most surprisingly, The Killers – Mr Brightside, a song about relationship paranoia and cheating, came third. Stevie Wonder’s floor-filler Superstition and Abba’s party track Dancing Queen did make the top five1 but, romantic crooners such as Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, often considered standard fodder for any wedding disco, don’t get a look in.

Celebrity DJ Sam Young, a regular on the wedding circuit including Freddie Windsor’s Royal Wedding last year attended by Kate and Wills, recognises the trend for creating a bigger party atmosphere at wedding receptions: “Ever since Kate and William got married last year, weddings have become cool again. The rumours about their wedding party exploits dominated the press – apparently party-lover Harry created the reception playlist for them – and now all couples are desperate to recreate that buzz.

“Although at first it might seem surprising that songs about sex and getting trashed are topping wedding playlists, from my experience I know that couples are more concerned with throwing the ultimate party for their guests than slow-dancing the night away.”

Wedding fever hit in spring last year with a whopping 390 per cent increase in wedding playlists created from April to May 2011 and, perhaps unsurprisingly, July proved the most popular month for Spotify users to get hitched. Creating the playlist also proved to be an area where the bride was willing to relinquish control as nearly 70% of all wedding playlists were created by men, which may have influenced the top song choices on the list.

Angela Watts, VP of global communications for Spotify, commented: “With a library of over 16 million free tracks and over 700 million playlists created to date; it makes sense that so many people are now using Spotify to create their wedding playlist. Couples want their family and friends to be part of the celebrations, especially when it comes to the music and often invite guests to submit their favourite tracks before the event. We hear that newly married couples are even sharing their wedding playlist with guests as a lasting reminder after the event – just as you’d share a photo album.”

Spotify has created an ultimate Royal Wedding Playlist with the expert help of DJ Sam Young to mark the first anniversary of the royal nuptials. Using a selection of the best music from the day itself, the playlist is a track by track account 2 of the 2011 celebration. From the procession and choral music in the Abbey to Kate and Will’s first dance and beyond thanks to Sam’s knowledge of the Royal’s favourite party tunes, the playlist allows fans to relive the entire day through music.

The five new suits in the range feature a selection of new fabrics, styles and finishes. Two new pinstripe options, a mohair/merino grey, a blue and a contemporary Princes of Wales check – all designed to complement the existing range and add an extra dimension to any wardrobe.

The new suits are made to a slimmer fit, more modern cut than the traditional T.M.Lewin suits, and are produced using precise designer patterns and completed with striking linings, kissing buttons, strategic pocket placement and meticulous lapel structure.

The skilled, precise attention to detail gives them an element of sophistication one would associate with bespoke tailoring. The range signals a new direction for T.M. Lewin and a desire to create suits that are elegant and edgy but versatile enough to wear not only for work but also for special occasions, like weddings.

Geoff Quinn, T.M. Lewin CEO, said, “This is the first new line we have produced in several years and the suits are more contemporary and sharper than ever before. We haven’t cut corners or compromised quality but have still produced affordable, accessible suits that feel and look tailor-made.”

He added, “These suits not only look great, fit like a glove and wear extremely well, but are also realistically priced. Whether you’re the groom, best man or father of the bride, T.M. Lewin has something that will help you look smart and perform at your best on the big day.”

The suits will be available from early March.

Dine is playing matchmaker by searching for a princess bride to be married in one of its premier venues, Allerton Castle. Forget glass slippers – the first bride to view and book Allerton Castle as her wedding venue in the month of June will be presented with her fairytale pair of designer heels and an exclusive pamper session.

Courtesy of Harvey Nicholls in Leeds, the lucky bride is invited to the store to choose a pair of designer shoes up to the value of £500 and a free make up consultation whilst sipping champagne and enjoying afternoon tea with a guest.

A wedding venue fit for royalty, the magnificent 19th century gothic castle located in North Yorkshire is set in over 100 acres of breathtaking parkland and formal tranquil gardens. The ancestral home of the Lord Mowbray, Segrave and Stourton, Allerton Castle has been offering events through the Dine at Allerton partnership for the last five years and has won awards including Regional Winner in Wedding TV’s Best British Wedding Venues in 2010.

Daniel Gill, Managing Director of Dine commented:

“Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her big day and Dine plays a vital role in making that dream become a reality. A fairytale castle should have a fairytale bride and we are delighted to start the search for our very own Cinderella. We will wait to see which bride will make it to the castle on time and start her ‘happily ever after’ with us!”

Established in 1998, the Dine Group now comprises four companies; Dine Hospitality, Dine Events, Dine at Allerton and Dine at the Mansion. Each one has its own specialist team to expertly deliver services across the Corporate, Private and Wedding markets. Dine uniquely offers a total range of services from concept to completion and is the first company of its kind in Yorkshire to be granted membership of the International Special Events Society.

To learn more about Dine’s services visit www.dine-services.com – or call 0845 450 4545

Since conception in 2005, Murdock has pioneered the contemporary take on a traditional barbering experience and established itself as the one-stop grooming store for London’s most discerning gentlemen.

Next week’s royal nuptials mark the unofficial start of the summer wedding season but whilst brides and bridesmaids are rightly over-indulged in beauty treatments before the big day, the appearances of the groom and his men are often overlooked.

With this in mind, The Murdock Groom’s package offers grooms and their male entourages exclusive use of one of the four stores, all of which evoke classic gentleman’s style and vintage masculinity.

While they sit back with a calming tipple, Murdock’s highly trained barbers will pamper each groomsmen with a haircut, traditional wet shave, head massage, revitalising facial, male manicure and finishing off with a shoe shine.

Founder of Murdock London, Brendan Murdock comments, ‘We offer a traditional barbershop experience which includes discreet customer service along with highly skilled barbers and a relaxing atmosphere. With a wealth of experience grooming some of London’s most successful gentlemen, we are confident that the groom will be looking and feeling his very best before he heads up the aisle.”

The Murdock Bridegroom Package costs £550.00 (for four people) or £750.00 (for 6 people) Off-Site Bridegroom Package Prices on request.

To book an appointment please call +44 0203 393 7946 or visit murdocklondon.com

Copyright: 5 Star Weddings