An Edinburgh Shopper's Perfect Wedding.

Arranging the perfect wedding can be a stressful experience, but it really doesn’t have to be. Edinburgh is bursting with amazing retailers ready to ease the pressure, and we’ve just made planning your big day even more straightforward: all your pre-nuptial concerns are sorted out right here. So sit down and take a deep breath, organising your wedding just got a whole lot easier!

The Ring

It represents the whole marriage and you’ll hope to wear it for the rest of your life – so it better be something special! Luckily Edinburgh has so many reputable jewellers you are sure to find that perfect ring in no time.

• Hamilton and Inches sells some of the most beautiful designer jewellery to be found in Edinburgh. If money is no issue, you can spoil her with an exclusive gem that will be the envy of all her friends.
Hamilton and Inches Ltd, 87 George Street, 0131 225 4898

• For a ring with a real sense of history, visit Goodwins for a unique vintage piece. Their range of personally sourced antique jewellery is the largest in Scotland, so you are certain to find an individual piece that suits your bride-to-be perfectly.
Goodwins Ltd, 106-108 Rose Street, 0131 220 1230

• If you are looking for something more modern that really stands out, Lime Blue might be just the place. They design much of their stock themselves, as well as seeking out the best in contemporary jewellery from across the world.
Lime Blue, 107 George Street, 0131 220 2164

• Rock Candy Gallery offers a huge range of unusual rings to suit every budget. Stocking ranges from well established international designers, as well as smaller emerging artists, you could find a luxury piece by a famous name, or a future classic by the next big thing.
Rock Candy Gallery, 111 Rose Street, 0131 225 4109

Wedding Stationery

Announce your wedding day in style with beautiful invites from any of these experienced stationery retailers. While you’re at it, you could always pick up name cards, guest books, thank you notes...

• Paper Chase holds all things paper orientated under one roof. You can find invites specifically designed for weddings, or choose from a wide range of plain cards and have them printed as you choose. They also stock lovely handcrafted guest books lined with rose petals, or for a quirkier approach, go for a cheeky Las Vegas themed album.
Paper Chase, 77a George Street, 0131 226 4323

• Have more control over the look of your stationery with Marks and Spencers’ range of ‘print your own’. Pick up a CD and the set you prefer and you’re away! They have everything you could need, from RSVPs to favour boxes, so you really only have to make one stop!
Marks and Spencers, 54 Princes Street, 0131 225 2301

Hen and Stag Nights

Whether you want to have a quiet and classy send-off or a big night out with the lads, you’ll find something for everyone in Edinburgh city centre.

• Printed T-shirts: always a must. InterSport has an in house printing facility so no matter how many or few of you there are, you can get individually printed shirts that let everyone know there’s trouble coming!
InterSport, 53 Elm Row, 0131 556 3463
 
• Ann Summers do a wide range of naughty accessories to make your night a hit, from flirty feather boas raunchy costumes. Guaranteed to spice up a girls night out!
Ann Summers, 89 Princes Street, 08700 534 062

• For a more relaxed time, why not spend a day or two being pampered with friends in a spa? The Balmoral Spa has wedding packages for both the bride and groom, and will leave you soothed and re-energised.
The Balmoral Spa, 1 Princes Street, 0131 556 2414

And what about the night out itself? Everyone wants something different from a pre-wedding bash, so check these trendy nightspots to see which suits you best.

• For that touch of class, Tigerlilly’s does an incredible range of both classic cocktails and those with a modern twist, all expertly poured by their trained mixologists. Give in to the glamour and grab a glass of champagne to celebrate, then swing downstairs to luxury club Lulu to hit the 70s style disco floor and dance the night away.
Tigerlilly and Lulu, 125 George Street, 0131 225 5005

• For a more sedate evening, Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Bar provides all the high class indulgence you could want with an outstanding view. Try their cocktail of the month or sip on one of their hand selected wines chosen from the finest vineyards around the world, all while you admire the magnificent Edinburgh skyline from their open-air terrace.
Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Bar, 30-34 St Andrew Square, 0131 524 8350
 
• If you’re just looking to let your hair down and have wild night out, Garibaldi’s is the place for you. Fill up on nachos and chilli, sample a margarita or two, then let the mix of salsa and modern pop sweep you up to boogie.
Garibaldi’s, 97 Hanover Street, 0131 220 3007

The Bride

Every woman wants to look her best on her big day, and we know just where to go to make sure you do.

• Caroline Castigliano is one of the most respected names in UK bridalwear: the chic, understated and contemporary designs for which she is renowned have enabled her to create a range of exquisite bridal gowns. With only eight luxurious boutiques in the UK, your dress is sure to stand out as exceptional.
Caroline Castigliano, 6 Waterloo Place, 0131 558 3355

• For a traditional bridal lehnga, make sure you visit Creations. Their range of stunning jewel coloured designs are sourced directly from Delhi.
Creations, 353 Leith Walk, 0131 553 6000

• For the widest selection of wedding gowns available, try Berketex Bride. Their expert stylists will guide you through the vast array of fabulous frocks and help you choose that perfect dress.
Berketex Bride, 48a Frederick Street, 0131 225 7070

• Emma Roy has a vast collection of designer wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses which offer an extensive choice of style and price.
Emma Roy of Edinburgh, 31-33 Leith Street, 0131 557 2875

No wedding dress would be complete without some sensational finishing touches, and these retailers really know how to bring out the best in a dress with some show-stopping accessories.

• For a wide choice of gold accessories, Aslam Jewellers should be your first stop. They also now specialize in diamond, platinum and white gold and have a new crystal range.
Aslam Jewellers, 307 Leith Walk, 0131 553 5454

• To make your wedding attire that bit more individual, you can find unusual and quirky pieces that let your personality shine through at Arkangel’s exclusive boutique.
Arkangel, 4 William Street, 0131 226 4466
 
• Trinket in the West End stocks vintage pearl and rhinestone jewellery by high-end designers such as Miriam Haskell and Hattie Carnegie - guaranteed to give your wedding outfit a distinctive touch.  Or, if contemporary jewellery is more to your taste, you can find unique pieces in pearls, silver and gold by well-known Scottish designers such as Sarah Hutchison and Marianne Anderson.
Trinket, 18 William St, 0131-226 4604

• For those of you lucky enough not to have budget issues, you could go for all out glamour with a spectacular tiara from Swarovski. Or for a more discreet touch of sparkle, how about a set of Confetti Hair Pins? A perfectly understated but stunning way to hold that veil in place
Swarovski, 100a Princes Street, 0131 220 6565

And for the wedding night…

• Boudiche offers a hand-picked selection of exquisite bridal lingerie by many exclusive designers. From strapless bras and traditional lace cups, to basques and garters, you can find the finest pick of the collections here.
Boudiche, 15 Frederick Street, 0131 266 5255

•  Luxury retailer Boobytrap Boutique also provides brides-to-be with wide choice of gorgeous underwear such as corsets, stockings and much more. Making your trip that little bit more special, staff are ready to properly measure you, dispense advice and serve cupcakes and coffee.
Boobytrap Boutique, 15 William Street

• If you’re lucky enough to be sashaying voluptuous curves down the aisle, Bravissimo’s well cut lingerie is sexy, flattering and supportive.
Bravissimo, 20 Multrees Walk, 0131 550 3620

The Groom

Let’s not forget about the main man – it’s his big day too! Need help finding the perfect place to pick up an outfit fit to walk to the altar in? We’ve already done it for you!

• Whether you are looking for traditional highlandwear or something a bit different, Kiltpin continues to set the standard!  It has consistently been voted the top formalwear company in Scotland by its delighted customers.
Kiltpin, 48 Princes Street , 0131 226 4725

• It's your big day, so make sure you feel like a movie star and get a kilt fit for a celeb from 21st Century Kilts? Owner Howie Nicholsby’s trendy alternatives to traditional kilts have been worn on the red carpet by the likes of Vin Diesel and Amir Khan. If it’s good enough for them…!
21st Century Kilts, 48 Thistle Street, 0131 220 9450

• If you want to go for a classic suit, Crombie really know their stuff. You can enjoy the excellent service that comes with over 200 years in the business and will leave with a piece of painstaking workmanship that will last and last.
Crombie, 63 George Street, 0131 226 1612

Mother of the Bride

Their outfit is almost as important as the bride’s and can be even harder to pick! So we’ve listed some of the best places to find that special something with minimum fuss and maximum ‘WOW!’

• Hobbs gives that quintessentially British flavour to a wedding outfit and you know the excellent tailoring means you will be able to wear it again and again. A classic for the future, so go on and spoil yourself – it’s an investment!
Hobbs, 47 George Street, 0131 220 5386

• For something extra special, Harvey Nichols has the pick of many fantastic designers and their advisors are delighted to help you find the ideal item to take you from the ceremony right through to the evening celebrations.
Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St Andrew Square, 0131 524 8350

• To suit a more modest budget, Debenhams has a brilliant choice of designer clothes and accessories at high street prices. Elegant dresses, shoes and of course – hats! – can be found by recognisable names in a generous range of sizes.
Debenhams, 109 Princes Street, 0844 561 6161

The Rest of the Wedding Party

For something more unique, add a Nordic flavour to your bridesmaids’ dresses and check out Kakao by K’s gorgeous Scandinavian designs. The fresh clean lines of their pieces add a sophisticated charm to any outfit, and their beautiful range of jewellery, bags and hairpieces add that final touch of glamour .
Kakao by K, 45 Thistle Street, 0131 226 3584

Don’t subject your closest friends and relatives to dress disasters! There are lots of places to pick up stylish and affordable dresses that will have your bridesmaids looking their gorgeous best.

• Coast always has a wonderful array of bridal shoes and accessories appropriate to the season. The elegance and affordability of their formal and evening dresses are well known, making Coast a popular stop for bridesmaid dresses.
Coast, 61 George Street, 0131 226 4995

• Fantastic for classic dresses for guests or bridesmaids, Monsoon is another high street hero. Pick up the outfits for the page boys, flower girls and bridesmaids, along with the shoes, jewellery bags or hats!
Monsoon, 45/46 Princes Street, 0131 558 3544

• Debenhams’ in-house label Debut is also a great place to check out stylish choices for your wedding party. You can often pick up a bargain and due to Debenham’s national presence, it’s easy to find a full set of your favourite dress for all your bridesmaids. They also do an adorable range of formalwear for kids.
Debenhams, 109 Princes Street, 0844 561 6161

• Another useful name is John Lewis, as they stock a great range of bridesmaid dresses for children and adults, as well as a selection of cute page boy suits.
John Lewis, 69 St James Centre, 0131 556 9121

• If the groom’s party want to spruce up nicely, Slaters sells a wide range of men’s formal wear. They also provide a comprehensive hire service for suits and kilts and their experienced staff are happy to help pick and fit every outfit.
Slaters Menswear, 100 George Street, 0131 220 4343

The Venue

The perfect day needs the perfect setting, for ambience, atmosphere and of course, amazing photographs.

• VinCaffe is a perfect wedding reception venue for up to 100 people. Personal service is coupled with unique and adaptable menus, and with a ground floor reception area, first floor dining and an area for dancing after the meal, you are guaranteed a day you and all your guests will remember.
VinCaffe, 11 Multrees Walk, 0131 557 0088
 
• The Dome has all the glamour and luxury you could want from a wedding venue. Nestled in the centre of town on the exclusive George Street, both The Georgian Suite and The Green Room exude style and comfort.
The Dome, 14 George St, 0131 624 8624

• The prestigious George Hotel not only offers a distinguished venue, but a whole wedding planning service. They will help you decide on things such as the budget, theme and menu, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on the night.
The George Hotel, 19-21 George Street, 0131 225 1251

• Edinburgh’s central Registry Office is just south of the centre, right next to the bustling Royal Mile. From here it is easy to get anywhere in the city and conveniently there are many excellent hotels nearby for visiting friends and relatives.
Registry Office, 2 Victoria Street, 0131 220 0349

• For the ultimate Edinburgh wedding, you could hire a venue within Edinburgh Castle itself. There are three complete wedding packages to choose from, or you could hire a single venue and organise the reception and ceremony yourself. Either way, your guests will never forget being led to the gatehouse accompanied by torch bearers and pipers, whilst looking over the scenic panorama of Scotland’s capital.
Edinburgh Castle, Castle Hill, 0131 225 9846

Flowers

The right flowers can add that perfect finishing touch to your venue, so you’ll want to get them just right.

• Lilium is a long established Edinburgh institution, specialising in bespoke wedding services which will set off any theme perfectly. If you are overwhelmed by the options, they offer expert advice and will produce a beautiful and unique display tailored to your personal tastes. Pop in for a free consultation and see what they can do.
Lilium, 5a William Street, 0131 226 4999

• Irene’s Florist provides a complete design and delivery service for your wedding. Aware that each wedding is a unique occasion, they take time to ensure the flowers complement and enhance your day. 
Irene’s Florist, Jenners, Rose Street , 0131 226 4725

• A distinctive little florists with a personal flair, Garlands will make sure each table decoration is as flawless as your bridal bouquet.
Garlands, 29 Elm Row, 0131 556 6111

• Florenza promise to provide fresh, distinctive designs which exceed expectations. Their staff work closely with you to ensure that every stem is just as you imagined and the custom made results are sure to take your breath away.
Florenza, 101 Hanover Street, 0131 226 6169

Guest Accommodation

With all the fun you’ve got planned your guests are going to want to stick around, and they’ll need somewhere to stay. Luckily there are so many fantastic places all within walking distance of city centre activities they will be spoiled for choice.

• If they are looking for luxury, how about staying in what Conde Nast Traveller described as “one of the 25 coolest hotels in the world.” Rick’s hotel is the last word in luxurious design whilst also serving practicalities such as cable TV and wireless internet.
Ricks, 55a Frederick Street, 0131 622 7800

• The epitome of old town Edinburgh class, The Balmoral Hotel is the place to see and be seen. On the doorstep is the world class shopping of Princes Street and Waverly Station is right next door. With a Bollinger bar and Michelin starred restaurant within its walls, this really is one of the best hotels the city has to offer.
The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, 0131 556 2414

• The Rutland Hotel is positioned in the heart of the fashionable West End with easy access to shops and bars. It boasts enviable views of Edinburgh castle and the 2009 Scottish Hotels Award for Most Exciting New Restaurant.
The Rutland Hotel, 1-3 Rutland Street, 0131 229 3402

• If you have a lot of people to house, this place is a bargain and only 10 minutes from Princes Street. The Regent House Hotel can accommodate up to 45 people at £30 per person per night and they throw in a tasty continental breakfast too.
The Regent House Hotel, 3 Forth Street, 0131 556 1616

Catering

You might be too nervous to eat yourself but you don’t want your guests to go hungry! We’ve found the most delectable caterers so you can let someone else worry about the sandwiches and just get on with enjoying yourself!

• Valvona & Crolla provide a comprehensive outside catering services for weddings. They tailor to individual needs, are completely flexible with menus and can cater for up to 150 people.
Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row, 0131 556 6066

• For those of you who love a good roast, Well Hung and Tender offers delicious and award winning hearty fare to suit any wedding; catering for anything from a three or four course formal dinner, right down to a relaxed barbeque. With their Aberdeen Angus steaks voted the best in Britain by a Farmer’s Weekly competition, you know your guests will be feasting on the highest quality beef Scotland can produce.
Well Hung and Tender, 67 Castle Street, 07754486131

• For a smaller exclusive wedding party, Michelin starred restaurant The Kitchin can cater for small private parties. They create their exquisite dishes from locally sourced produce and their expert sommeliers can provide the perfect wine to complement each dish.
The Kitchin, 78 Commercial Quay, 0131 555 1755

The Cake

Fruit, vanilla or chocolate? Cupcakes or tiers? Decorated or plain? There are so many choices when it comes to your delicious centrepiece it's easy to become overwhelmed, so let these seasoned professionals show you that the proof really is in the pudding!

• Truly Scrumptious Cakes was recently voted an outstanding wedding supplier and their beautiful cakes are designed to your smallest specification. They also feature exclusive designs by Paul Bradford whose past commissions include making replicas of Edinburgh Castle and the Empire State Building.
Truly Scrumptious Cakes, 48 Princes Street, 0131 226 4725

• Marks and Spencer do a very affordable range of yummy cakes in fruit, chocolate and sponge flavours, in an assortment of designs. Easy to order online and ready to collect from your local store within 3 weeks, this service is hassle free and very convenient.
 Marks and Spencers, 54 Princes Street, 0131 225 2301

Drinks

Often venues will be able to arrange caterers and drinks providers for you, but if you want to make the day more personal, the fine booze and bubbly these retailers can provide should really pop your cork!

• Rocco specialises in exclusive ranges and have provided the tipple for many a celebrity wedding. They supply direct to you or the venue and every couple that chose Rocco to put the fizz into their celebration will receive an exclusive gift set as an extra thank you.
Rocco Venezia, 51 William St, 0131 220 0566

• With a huge selection of wine and champagne and over 60 years of experience, Great Grog provides affordable and individual ranges, often from small independent producers. They are also happy to offer a 10% discount on unmixed cases of 12 bottles – even better!
Great Grog, 43 Rose Street, 0131 225 1616

Looking your best!

Beforehand…

You don’t want little things like a last minute break-out to spoil your wedding photographs, but with a little forward planning you’ll have them all wondering who airbrushed your photos!
NB If you book any skin treatments make sure you have them at least a week before the wedding, in case your skin reacts badly. Similarly, if you are trying a new makeup range that you haven’t used before make sure you test it a few days beforehand.

• Get your skin looking its best and book yourself a facial from Zest. Choose from a range of treatments, from blemish zapping to major hydration, and your therapist will customize the procedure at each step according to your individual needs, ensuring you have a uniquely beneficial experience.
Zest, 8 Haddington Place, 0131 556 3366

• The Clarins Studio will give you a healthy glow with a professional fake tanning treatment that’s guaranteed not to leave streaks. It includes a deeply pampering massage and you can get dressed straight afterwards.
Clarins Spa, Jenners 48 Princes Street, 0131 260 2474, John Lewis 69 St James Centre, 0131 550 7552

• Even though we’ve made things so much easier for you, no doubt you will still be tense in the run up. That’s why you should take time out to unwind with a relaxing massage at Anthyllis Organic Health and Beauty. They specialize in holistic treatments that encourage a deep sense of wellbeing. Exactly what the doctor ordered!
Anthyllis Organic Health and Beauty, 0131 313 2001

And on the day…

In an ideal world everything will run smoothly, but inevitably there is a minor hiccup or two. That’s why forward planning is essential, so have a dress rehearsal, book a hair and makeup appointments for well before the ceremony itself, and leave plenty of time to get to and from each place.

• With its abundance of glamorous make up counters, Harvey Nichols is a great place to get your wedding make up done. Book a taster session with your favourite brand a couple weeks prior to get your look exactly how you want it, and on the day you will be looking every bit the blushing bride.
Harvey Nichols, 30-34 St Andrew Square, 0131 524 8388

• Girls, we all know bad hair can ruin a day, just don’t let it ruin this one. Charlie Miller is an Edinburgh institution, so you know that you’re in safe hands. They can skillfully whip up a gravity defying up-do or gently curl your tresses leaving you with natural looking gorgeous hair in no time at all.
Charlie Miller, 13 Stafford Street, 0131 226 5551, 8 St Andrew Street, 0131 556 9898, 39 Frederick Street, 0131 255 1141

• Make sure your nails are looking their best as he slips the ring on your finger and book in for a manicure. Nail Art and Beauty does exactly what it says on the tin –your hands will look soft, smooth and pampered. How natural or eye catching they are is up to you!
Make sure you leave enough time for any varnish to dry, and try not to use your hands for at least an hour.
Nail Art and Beauty, 13 Crighton Place, 07501 069 262
The Car

You’ll want to make a grand entrance, so make sure you show up in style and arrange to be dropped off in a wonderful set of wheels.

• Elegance Chauffeur Drive will take care of all your wedding transport needs.  Choose from their fleet of chauffeur driven Mercedes S-Class Limousines and Viano MPVs, with luxury coaches for all your guests.

Telephone Jenners : 0131 226 4725

Wedding Favours

Leaving little presents on tables will make the reception feel more personal and by giving each guest a small favour they will all have something to remember your big day by.

• If your guests like a wee dram, how about sending them off with a taste of Scotland with miniatures of your favourite whisky from The Whisky Shop. Although they don’t offer a personalising service in store, you can easily add a ribbon and individual card. For those who find the fire water a bit much, they also stock miniatures of many other favourite tipples.
The Whisky Shop, Princes Mall, 0131 558 7563

• Valvona and Crolla’s section in Jenners’ Foodhall can offer sumptuous wedding favours from a fantastic selection of fresh chocolates, which can be individually wrapped for a small and delicious gift.
Valvona and Crolla, Jenners, 48 Princes Street, 0870 607 2841

• Paper Tiger has a few good ideas up its sleeve for memorable gifts. How about popping a few pretty indoor sparklers on a table to create glittering photos, or you could give your guests packets of wild flower seeds to brighten up a garden or window box.
Paper Tiger, 6A/8 Stafford Street, 0131 226 2390,

• Chocolates are always a big hit, so why not go straight to the high street leader? Thorntons provide some great little gifts, like glamorous boxes holding a couple of sweets for each person, or individually lettered truffles which leave everyone feeling extra special!
Thortons, 99b Princes Street, 0131 225 9335

• A great idea for table favours, disposable cameras can be left out for guests to take their own pictures which you can develop later to get a real sense of the party! Kodak Express sells a variety of single use cameras, and can develop them for you afterwards.
Kodak Express, 37 Hanover Street, 0131 220 0405

First Dance

Your first dance as a married couple...it’s terrifying! We’re all worried that we’ll trip or stand on our partners toes, so bring in the professional help. These guys really know their moves, from foxtrot to flamenco, so you can stop worrying about breaking your neck and concentrate on enjoying the moment.

• For the more adventurous of you out there, Latin Bar El Barrio runs weekly salsa classes for beginners and improvers. Imagine your friends and family’s faces when the passionate beat kicks in as you sashay across the floor and break into a scorching salsa routine!
El Barrio, 119 Rose Street, 0131 226 4311

• Edinburgh Weddings is based just off Leith Walk and they know exactly how nervous you might be feeling. Their ‘first dance’ lessons will build up your confidence, allowing you to practice to the song of your choice in any convenient venue, including the comfort of your own home!
Edinburgh Weddings, EH7 4YT, info@edinburghweddings.com

Entertainment

You’ll want something to keep people interested and dancing into the wee hours and these folk are in the business of keeping people up!

• The Wedding Music Company is one of the UK’s leading providers of wedding music. Run by a combination of experienced event organisers and former professional musicians, they combine a large and comprehensive network of professional performers with outstanding attention to detail.
The Wedding Music Company, 21-23 Hill Street, 0131 624 4005

• Display all your favourite pictures of your time as a couple, or memories of childhood and family as you dance the night away. 3D Wedding Disco’s huge plasma screens can show personal images or music videos to boogie along to and if you’re brave enough you can even have a go at entertaining the crowds yourself on the karaoke machine!
3D Wedding Disco, Melville Street, 07843 634 453

Gifts

After all the hustle and bustle of the day itself, don’t forget to get down to the important business of opening all those wonderful gifts! But to make sure you don’t end up getting five of the same foot spa, why not make a gift list for your friends and family to help them chose you the ideal present.

• There are lots of reasons to set up your gift list at Jenners, for example, if your Wedding List purchase value exceeds £1000, you can receive a £75 reward voucher and all your friends and family who spend over £50 will receive a £15 voucher as well. The whole process is organised and overlooked by your own personal concierge and when you open your Wedding List, both the bride and a friend will receive a special pampering session from the makeup brand of their choice.
Jenners Wedding List, 48 Princes Street , 0844 800 6410

• To beautify your new maritial home, you could set up a gift list at Cath Kidston. This service includes a personal shopping tour with an advisor who helps compile the list, and then cards are made for guests, listing all relevant details.
Cath Kidston, 58 George Street, 0131 220 1509

• Debenhams stock something for everyone, so it’s an ideal place to set up a gift list. Setting one up is easy and can be done in store with Specialist Wedding Advisor, or online in the comfort of your own home. If the choice of gifts is just too overwhelming, you can even set up a gift card account, which guests can simply credit and personalise with a message.
Debenhams, 109 Princes Street, 0844 561 6161

Even if you aren’t the bride or groom, a wedding can still make you fret if you can’t find the right gift.

• To make a wonderful additional to the newly wed’s home, The Leith Gallery offers art vouchers as wedding presents. If the couple are huge art lovers, they can also run a gift list here.
The Leith Gallery, 65 The Shore, 0131 553 5255

• Royal Artizana stocks many unusual gifts such as art, jewellery, textiles, household accessories and ornamental figures, which will make your gift really stand out.  They also sell favour bags and offer a design service to create something that bit different.
Royal Artizana, 115 Leith Walk, 0 131 555 3999

• The Pipe Shop does a great range in luxury cigars as individual wedding gifts for the groom, best man or the ushers.
The Pipe Shop, 92 Leith Walk, 0131 553 3561

Photographs

You will want to remember your special day for the rest of your life, and a beautiful set of photographs will help to bring all those fantastic memories flooding back.

• Paul Gavin Photography aims to capture your wedding day with a mix of traditional, fun, relaxed and dramatic images, giving you a personal collection which you can be proud to show your friends and family for years to come.
Paul Gavin Photography, 48 Princes Street, 0131 226 4725

• For something a little different, Pennykid Photography really captures those artistic moments of a wedding that usually go unnoticed. The website has lots of examples from other weddings, so you can really see the quality of service you will be getting.
Pennykid Photography, 2 Pilrig Street, 0131 554 8261

• To inject a bit of glamour into your wedding album Metro Studios Photography will bring out your inner model. With 20 years of experience in shooting portraits and weddings, as well as model portfolios and makeovers, they really know how to get your good side!
Metro Studios Photography Edinburgh, 5 Alva Square, 0131 225 5959

The Honeymoon

Something to look forward to when all the excitement of the day is over, your honeymoon should be the most romantic holiday you’ll ever have, but don’t let that overwhelm you! Why not let someone else arrange all the details, so all you have to think about is whether to pack a bikini, or a wetsuit, or a fur coat...

• At House of Fraser the Honeymoon Concierge is free of charge to Wedding List customers and is run in association with the UK’s leading independent travel company Travel Counsellors (Guardian Awards Travel Agent of the Year 2006 & 2007). Their advisors have an average 20 years travel experience and are available at hours that suit you. Plus there’s the added benefit of knowing that everything booked is completely financially protected against supplier failure at no cost to you.
Jenners Wedding Services, 48 Princes Street, 0131 226 4725

• If you fancy going down under for your honeymoon, why not go straight to the experts? Aus Travel specialise in travel to Australia and New Zealand, so really are the best people to advise you on your Antipodean adventure!
Aus Travel, 33 George Street, 0870 166 2190

• If you find the journey itself is the holiday, book onto an inspiring and individual trip with Trailfinders. Their selection of tours includes voyaging across the Pacific, spotting game in the African savannah and an opulent expedition on the Orient Express.
Trailfinders, 14 Castle Street, 0131 243 2800

Once you’re all booked, that’s it! Just sun sea and sand to look forward to, right? Wrong! Don’t worry though, we’ve listed all the essentials to make sure you don’t forget a thing.

• Boots the Chemist is a one-stop-shop for holiday must haves. If you are off somewhere hot stock up on high factor sun screen and rehydration salts. For humid climates pack plenty of insect repellent and if you’re shipping off stay on the safe side and get a packet of sea-sickness tablets. Get some DVT socks for the plane and if you need any special medication, such as anti-malarials, you can grab them at the same time as your swimming costume and camera film.
Boots, 141 Princes Street, 0131 225 4615

• You’ll be stuck up a creek without a paddle if you forget your holiday money. American Express can exchange all your pennies for pesos at competitive rates. It’s always a good idea to take some of your funds in travellers cheques as you are protected against theft and they can usually be replaced within 24 hours.
American Express, 69 George Street, 0131 718 2508

• Pack light, but stylishly, with holiday gear from John Lewis. Their holiday shop has everything you need for a beach break, from flip-flops and swimwear to sunglasses and hats. You can pick up suitcases and holdalls from their luggage department too, and for a fun finishing touch, how about a Radley passport holder!
John Lewis, 69 St James Centre, 0131 556 9121

• If your trip is more active in nature, Nevisport can cater for skiers, hikers, climbers or campers with their extensive range of clothing and equipment. Check out their insect repellent clothing and travel towels for the diehard explorer.
Nevisport, 19 Rose Street, 0131 225 9498

Compiled and written by Alex Reynolds

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