Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - Page number 9 - September/October 2021 (Issue 88)

News flash! Southampton-based Olivia George bridal boutique has exciting new plans in the pipeline. From the end of this year, the business will be focusing solely on plus-size bridal. Co-owner Carolyn Foster explains, “We already specialise in dresses up to size 28 and are now starting to phase out our smaller samples and will only stock dresses from size 14 up to 34. We’re really excited about this, we already help lots of curvy brides to find their dream dress and our focus now is all about making sure we have plenty of styles available for then to try on.” Visit www.olivia-george.co.uk EAT, DRINK AND BE MARRIED AT THE TANK MUSEUM The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset has hosted its first ever wedding. Rachel and Daniel Titley said ‘I do’ at the museum in front of a Second World War tank, earning themselves a place in the venue’s history book. Their son Adam played an important role and was able to pick his favourite tank for them to say their vows in front of. “When we heard couples could get married at The Tank Museum, knowing how much Adam loves it there, made the choice simple for us.,” says Rachel. “The team was amazing and we couldn’t have asked for more! Being able to include our son in the decision-making process and allowing him to plan everything was hugely important. Adam absolutely loves The Tank Museum, it’s his favourite place. Now every time we come back to visit, we’ll have a shared special memory as a family as well.” Weddings at The Tank Museum were launched in January this year and bookings are already being taken for 2022. Events Manager Rosanna Dean adds, “Having our in-house catering team means wedding guests can enjoy everything from afternoon tea to a sumptuous wedding breakfast.” The venue can cater for weddings of all sizes with up to as many as 1,000 guests, what’s more all profits go to help support the museum charity and preserve history for generations to come. Visit www.tankmuseum.org. THE BEES KNEES Looking for a tempting tipple with a local flavour to toast your nuptials. This delicious new cocktail created by 44 Foods features a tasty combo of Conker Dorset Dry Gin and Black Bee British Summer Honey - quite literally ‘The Bees Knees’! Conker’s Dorset Dry Gin is a blend of ten botanicals, distilled in Bournemouth from British wheat spirit and New Forest spring water, while Black Bee’s British Summer Honey boasts floral flavours with a light golden colour, available from www.44foods.com Co mbine the two with a dash of lemon juice and enjoy. NEWS All the latest from around the region Twilight ‘I dos’ New Forest venue the Balmer Lawn Hotel has launched a romantic Twilight package for couples looking for a chilled, intimate celebration. Couples can tie knot in the evening and celebrate afterwards with up to 50 guests. The package is available from Monday to Thursday and as well as the ceremony it includes the drinks reception and canapés, hot fork buffet or barbecue and DJ until midnight. General manager Michael Clitheroe says, “We have seen an increase in couples looking for a more intimate wedding experience and what better way to say, ‘I do’ than at twilight in the stunning New Forest!” To find out more visit www.balmerlawnhotel.com. Nea rlywed www.kim berleygarrod.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9