There’s a quote that says: ‘Falling in love was the easy part; planning a wedding – yikes!’
If you are planning a wedding, or know someone who is, then help is at hand! Here you’ll find inspiration for the big day from county companies who will help you make your dreams come true.
From venues to jewellers to bridal shops, start planning your perfect Shropshire wedding.
Don’t forget to enter our competition to win tickets to The National Wedding Show, find out more here.

Stunning Paris chiffon sheath dress with sparkling Swarovski crystals, by Maggie Sottero. Jeanette From Wedding World, Shrewsbury
Tie the knot at Barnutopia
Against the backdrop of the glorious Shropshire and Powys hills, glamping site Barnutopia is set to expand its glamping and camping facilities and convert its long barn as a wedding and event venue for up to 120 guests.
Located in rural Shropshire on the Powys border, Barnutopia is tucked away in a gorgeous spot that’s out of the way yet within easy reach of Oswestry and all amenities. After just one season, Barnutopia established itself as a sought-after glamping destination with over 80 five-star reviews.
Their recently added party barn has proved popular for birthdays and family celebrations and they are now excited at the prospect of hosting weddings.
For more details go to www.barnutopia.com
Queen of the castle
For a dream wedding there is nowhere more magical, authentic or special than Ruthin Castle.
Set within acres of woods and parkland a little over 20 miles from Chester, this luxury hotel and spa is a royal gem.
The castle can host wedding receptions for up to 120; licensed civil marriages for up to 140 guests; and marquee weddings catering for up to 225 guests.
You can even enjoy a ‘reception with a twist’ in the medieval banqueting hall.

Delphine Manivet lace textured wedding dress, £249 from La Redoute
www.ruthincastle.co.uk
Fairy tale day
What better setting for a truly romantic day than by choosing Whittington Castle near Oswestry for your civil ceremony.
A fairy tale castle, ivy clad ruined walls, medieval moat and a twin towered gatehouse entrance all await for your perfect day – the ideal backdrop for all of your photographs.
Whittington Castle is committed to providing a first class service to all those wishing to book a civil ceremony. With this in mind they will only ever book one ceremony per day in order to give their full attention to all those who book.
Ceremonies take place in the Lady Eleanor Room in the south tower. Luscious hand painted silk velvet wall hangings adorn the walls.
The castle prides itself on its small and friendly approach, providing an historic and elegant venue for smaller, more intimate ceremonies. It also has contacts with medieval re-enactors who can help create medieval themed functions.
Step one is to make an appointment to meet and discuss your plans and to look around the castle with castle manager Sue Ellis without obligation. Sue can be contacted on 01691 662500.
Dresses to muse over
Muse Bridal in Newport stocks a range of designer gowns from Ronald Joyce, Victoria Jane, Benjamin Roberts and Romantica.
You will also find shoes from Rainbow Club, veils by Joyce Jackson and Richard Designs along with a tempting collection of exquisite headdresses and tiaras.

Demure sheath dress gets an extra dose of drama with illusion sleeves, neckline and open back, romantic lace and flowing chiffon skirt. Vaughn From the Maggie Sottero range at Wedding World, Shrewsbury
You are invited to take time to indulge in browsing the stunning collections and share your thoughts and ideas with the team there, before exploring the delights of discovering an array of different styles with your own personal ‘fashion show’ for invited family and friends.
Individuality is very important to Muse Bridal. They pride themselves on relaxed, friendly, one to one attention, offering encouraging, constructive advice for every bride choosing the perfect dress to reflect her own personal style, beauty and personality
Don’t tell the groom!
British grooms are being cut out of wedding planning and aren’t trusted by their future wives to make decisions on their own, according to new research.
A survey of 2,235 UK adults, carried out by One4all, the Post Office gift card, revealed brides are taking full control when planning their big day, allowing very little input from their fiances.
More than 1 in 3 (35%) brides weren’t willing to let their future husbands make any decisions whatsoever without them.
Just half of grooms made the decision on who they had as a best man or groomsmen without any input whatsoever from their fiancée. And only 50% of grooms had a say on who attended the wedding and contributed to the guest list.
The decisions that brides were least willing to let the groom make were what the bride wore, who the bridesmaids were, the flowers, the cake and the décor.
The research also found that the tradition of the bride’s family footing the bill is dying out – 23% of married couples say they paid for their wedding themselves, while 11% of groom’s parents contributed to the wedding either equally or more than the bride’s.

Demure sheath dress gets an extra dose of drama with illusion sleeves, neckline and open back, romantic lace and flowing chiffon skirt. Vaughn From the Maggie Sottero range at Wedding World, Shrewsbury

Striking fishtail tulle gown with V-neck in ivory. From the Benjamin Roberts 2017 range, at Muse Bridal, Newport

Striking fishtail tulle gown with V-neck in ivory. From the Benjamin Roberts 2017 range, at Muse Bridal, Newport

Ball gown dress with embellished lace, tulle and detachable sleeves. In ivory/blush or ivory/ivory, from the Benjamin Roberts 2017 range at Muse Bridal, Newport

A sheath style bateau neckline gown with lace, chiffon and detailed belt. From the Benjamin Roberts 2017 range at Muse Bridal, Newport

A sheath style bateau neckline gown with lace, chiffon and detailed belt. From the Benjamin Roberts 2017 range at Muse Bridal, Newport

A ball-gown style dress with embellished applique and tulle. From the Benjamin Roberts 2017 range at Muse Bridal, Newport

Cressida wedding dress, £395 from Phase Eight
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