The Venue.

Directions to the Venue

The hotel is situated directly opposite, and connected to Marylebone Station at 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ

 

Travelling from
West - M40 to Marylebone Road
East - M25 to M40, to Marylebone Road
North - M1 to Edgware Road, turn left on to Marylebone Road
South - M25 to M40, to Marylebone Road

Directions from Heathrow Airport:
Heathrow Airport is situated 15 miles west of London.

By Car:
Take the M4 (which leads on to the A4) to the M25. Continue until the A40 (M40), and then turn right into Marylebone Road 

By Rail:
Using Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes to Paddington Station. From Paddington Station, The Landmark is five minutes by taxi, or two stops by tube to Marylebone Station. 

Directions from Gatwick Airport: 
Thameslink trains run from Gatwick to Kings Cross Thameslink station, Kings Cross Thameslink Station is a 15 minute taxi ride from The Landmark London Hotel. Alternatively, The Gatwick Express terminates at Victoria Station, which is 15 minute taxi ride from The Landmark.

Landing Cards

This is really just a reminder as most of you have traveled to London before.  But just in case, here's the reminder: at some point on your flight here, the flight attendants will hand out "landing cards".  If you are asked if you require one, you do (Americans do) require one. 

In order to complete the card, you will need your passport, your flight information and the address of the hotel which you are staying in London.

After you have landed, you will pass through immigration.  The immigration officer will collect this card and your passport for inspection. 

If you are sleeping or otherwise forgot to get a card on the plane, they are available just before you approach the immigration officers, right when you enter the immigration hall. 

The Heathrow Express

The Heathrow Express runs from Heathrow airport to Paddington Station about every 15 minutes.  From Paddington Station, you can either take a taxi to your hotel or you can take the Tube to the stop nearest your hotel.  The Heathrow Express is fast and convenient but is pricey.  It is about 15 Pounds per person.  Depending on how much luggage you have and how many people are in your party, a taxi directly to your hotel may be the better option.

Here is the webiste for the Heathrow Express: http://www.heathrowexpress.com

    

The Gatwick Express

Gatwick airport is further from London than Heathrow airport, but still very convenient.  There is an express train that runs from Gatwick airport to Victoria station.  The train runs every 15 minutes and takes 30 minutes to get to London.  Tickets cost about 16 pounds per person.  Since Gatwick airport is so much further from London than Heathrow, taking a taxi from the airport into London could cost upwards of 100 pounds.  If you want to take a taxi from Gatwick, it is best to arrange for a car service to pick you up as opposed to hiring a taxing at the airport.  Alternatively you could take the Gatwick express to Victoria station and then take a taxi from the station to your hotel.  

The website for the Gatwick Express is: www.gatwickexpress.com

Arranging Ahead...Consider a Mini-Cab...

In the UK, in order to cut down on the expense of black cabs and other drivers, the government allows for people with their own cars to be licensed as mini-cab drivers.  These are very common and are used regularly.  One company in particular Jason and I use whenever we are heading to the airport.  You can book online and either pay the driver (in cash) or use pay pal.  They are very reliable and have always been friendly and courteous.  There is also a choice of cars, depending on how many people you have and how much luggage you have.  

Also, you can book a pickup from the airport.  For a fee the driver will wait at the airport for you (with a sign), and take you to your hotel.     

http://www.onlineairportcars.co.uk/

The Tube from Heathrow

Another option from Heathrow airport is the London Underground (The Tube).  The Piccadilly line runs from the airport into central London.  Depending on where in central London your hotel is, there are a number of transfer stations to the other lines.  The Tube ride will take about an hour to reach central London, and there is a place by the door where luggage can be kept.  The Piccadilly line starts at the airport so there will be no one on the train when you get on making it very easy to get your luggage sorted and out of the way.  The closest terminal to the Tube station is Terminal 2.  Depending on which terminal you land in, you can look for signs posted in the arrivals area for directions on how to reach the Tube.  An example of the sign is shown above.  

A journey from the airport into central London will cost around 4 pounds per person.

Since you will likely have to transfer trains once you are in central London, you may want to ask your hotel for directions and the closest Tube stop before you get here.   

Travel through History

Black cabs are convenient way to travel around London.  Unlike San Francisco, the streets are filled with them.  If you have a specific destination and time you are leaving, you can also call for a cab to pick you up at your location.  If you are planning on taking a cab into the city from the airport, your fare, depending on where you are staying will start at 35 Pounds.  We pay at least this much to our house, and we live on the edge of central London.  Obviously, traffic and distance will effect the price.  

Using cabs around London is certainly more expensive than public transport, but taking one once is definitely worth it.  The view is fantastic, and after all where else in the world are you going to take such a historic ride?  Not to mention, cabbies here are polite, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable.  They have to study for at least two years and take an exam nicknamed "the knowledge" before they can be licensed to drive.  Its worth one ride, for sure!

Oysters, Visitors and Cheaper Fares!

Oyster cards for visitors, available from some overseas agents can only be used to pay as you go and can be used as soon as you arrive in London.

• The cards are sold with an initial £10 or £15 balance on them to pay as you go 
• Available at adult-rate only
• The cards cost £2 each (i.e. a card with a £10 pay as you go balance will cost £12)
• They can be topped up with additional money to pay as you go at all standard outlets at Tube stations, London Overground stations, Oyster Ticket Stops and London Travel Information Centres
• They cannot be loaded with 7 Day Travelcards

Can I get a refund on any unused credit when I have finished with my Oyster card for visitors?

If the remaining balance is under £5, you can get a refund at a Tube station ticket office, and they will cancel the card.

If the balance on the card is more than £5, you will need to complete a refund form (available from Tube station ticket offices). The card will be cancelled and you will be sent a refund by cheque.

Alternatively, you can send your Oyster card for visitors to the Oyster helpline to claim a refund.

Oyster Ticketing and Refunds, 
55 Broadway, London, 
SW1H 0BD

Please note that cheques will be issued in Sterling and you will be responsible for paying any exchange rate fees.

How much does an Oyster card for visitors cost?

The cards cost £2 each and are sold with an initial £10 or £15 balance on them to pay as you go. Therefore an Oyster card for Visitors with a £10 pay as you go balance will cost £12; a £15 balance will cost £17.  

Where can I get an Oyster card for visitors?

At present, Oyster cards for visitors may only be available from overseas travel agents who sell tickets on our behalf. They are also available from Gatwick Express. It is expected that they may be sold from other outlets within the UK and online over the coming months.

Oysters and Travel

Traveling around London is incredibly easy.  This is a city made for walkers, and even better is our transport system.  Officially called the London Underground System, it is affectionately nicknamed the Tube, the subway system has stops all over the city and is a clean, convenient, and pleasant ride.  Tube stops are identified with this symbol:

Tickets to ride the Tube can be purchased in all stations.  You can purchase a paper ticket for a single journey, an unlimited day ticket -- called a travel card, or (and this is my recommendation), you can purchase an OYSTER CARD.  

In case the traveler's oyster isn't available, you can always purchase a regular oyster card!

Oyster cards are a swipe card that can be used on the Tube and on all buses.  The city of London is trying to encourage people to use oyster cards, and therefore, right now for a single journey on the Tube its 4 pounds.  However, if you use oyster, the same journey is only 2 pounds.

  

An oyster card can be purchased from a ticket window.  You cannot use a machine to purchase an oyster card.  The card itself costs 3 pounds -- which is refundable.  When you purchase the card, you then can place any amount on the card.  For instance, if you were here for a week, and plan on using the Tube a lot, you could put 20 pounds on the card --  making your total purchase 23 pounds.  The ticket office also accepts cash and debit or credit cards.  

Another benefit to the oyster card is that it can be refilled at anytime, either at the ticket office or by the ticket machines.  

Here is the website for oyster cards: https://oyster.tfl.gov.uk/oyster/entry.do

Here is an example of the oyster card and also the yellow swipe spot you will swipe the card over. 

The Key to London

The Underground (Tube) map for your reference!

TFL

All the transport systems in London are combined under the name Transport for London.  Here is the website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/

On the TFL website there is a link to bus and Tube maps.  Tube maps are easily located in every station, and most guide books and hotels generally have copies.   

Children, Travel and Zip!

Under-5s

Children under five can travel free at any time on buses, the Tube, trams, DLR, and London Overground as long as they are accompanied by someone with a valid ticket or are using Oyster to pay as they go

5-10 year olds

Children aged 5-10 years can now travel FREE at any time on the buses, the Tube, trams, DLR and London Overground at any time.

On buses and trams

• Unaccompanied 5-10 year olds can travel free at any time. They do not need a ticket or photocard to do so

On the Tube, DLR and London Overground:

• Up to four 5-10 year olds can travel free when accompanied by an adult who has a valid ticket, is using Oyster to pay as they go or has a Freedom Pass
• If they are travelling unaccompanied, 5-10 year olds need aunder-11's Oyster photocard to travel free at any time

Under-11s travelling with an adult will not be issued with tickets and will be allowed to pass through the ticket gates at stations. Please note: if they have an Oyster photocard they should not use it when being accompanied, or they could be charged a fare.

Like Shopping?

Assuming you are aware of the current exchange rates and are still willing to shop here (*smile*), there are a few things you should be aware of.  Namely, VAT.  Simply put, VAT is like sales tax, only its charged around 17% in the UK.  You can, however, as a US citizen have this money refunded to you on when you leave you the UK.

Here's how it works.    

1) When you are shopping, in order to be eligible for a VAT refund, you have to spend more than 150 pounds in a single store AND that store has to be registered for VAT refunds.  Likely the only stores that will not be able to give a refund are very small stores where you wouldn't likely be able to spend 150 pounds.  All of the major stores, department stores, Harrods, designer stores will be able to help you with the paperwork for a refund.  You can also look for this symbol:

2) When you are paying for your purchases, ask the cashier for the forms required to claim your refund.  In the boutique stores, it is likely the cashier will do this for you.  In places like Harrods, they have a separate department in the store where the refund paperwork is handled. You can decide at this time if you want cash back at the airport or the refund placed back on the credit card you used to make the purchases.  

3) Take the paperwork, your passport and the goods to the airport.  You have to take the goods with you on the plane, in a carry on bag.    

4) There is a customs desk where the office will review your paperwork, check the goods and sign your forms.  If you are requesting cash back, the officer will direct you to a bureau de change, where you can hand over the paperwork and get cash back.  There is a small fee for this service.  If you are requesting that the money be credited to your credit card, you then place the forms in the provided envelope and then drop it in the mail box (at the airport) and your refund will be processed.

Here is some official language from the government website:     

How do I claim a VAT refund when I leave the UK?

Full information explaining the conditions for being able to claim a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund, is available in Notice 704/1 VAT refunds for travellers departing from the European Community.  Please read this before you buy any goods as you will not be able to get a refund if you do not follow the correct procedures. 

Having consulted the relevant VAT Notice, you will now be familiar with the Retail Export Scheme.  Remember, when you see Customs:

1) You must have all your good available for inspection, so please see Customs before you check-in your suitcases.

2) You must ensure the tax refund document is fully competed by you and the retailer before you you reach Customs.

3) If you do not present your refund document and goods to Customs you will not get a refund.

Here is the government website all about VAT and refunds:

http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageTravel_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000141

&propertyType=document

The Landmark.

The Landmark has kindly set aside a block of rooms for us at a reduced rate.  If you would like to book one of these rooms, please call and make your booking over the phone, as opposed to booking online.  When you book, be sure to tell them that you are attending our wedding in order to be sure that you get the reduced rate. 

The Landmark's contact details are:

222 Marylebone Road

London

NW1 6JQ

Tel: 01144-207631-8000 

99 Pounds or Less

Harlingford Hotel

61-63 Cartwright Gardens 

Tel: 01144-207387-1551

www.harlingfordhotel.com  

This hotel is in Bloomsbury which is all the way across central London.  It is very close to a Tube station though, so transport to the wedding, our house and other sights would be very easy.  It has 43 rooms and was remodeled in 2006.  It is period decorated, but it is three stories without an elevator.  It also very close to the British Museum.  

Base2Stay

25 Courtfield Gardens

Tel: 01144-207244-2255

www.base2stay.com

This is a really cool hotel.  It is just around the corner from our old house.  The owner did not want to pay ridiculous fees for travel hotels when he never used the gyms or room service, etc.  There are 67 rooms.  They have a gorgeous, but simple, modern decor.  Each room has a kitchenette and Italian armchairs that can fold out to sleep one or two extra people at no charge.  Also around the corner is a very large supermarket.  The Tube station is also close by.

B+B Belgravia

64-66 Ebury Street

Tel: 01144-207259-8570

www.bb-belgravia.com

This is a Georgian mansion in Belgravia -- one of the nicest areas in London.  The rooms are classic, with an elegant theme.  There are 17 rooms, and the rate includes breakfast.

20 Nevern Square

20 Nevern Square

Tel : 01144-207565-9555

www.twentynevernsquare.co.uk

This one has an Eastern theme to it.  Its 23 rooms all with slightly Asian decor.  The rate also includes breakfast.

Name Brands

The Holiday Inn -- London Kensington

100 Cromwell Road

Tel: 01144207373-2222

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/lonke;jsessionid=DO0

VBVYUBGVNICTGWAKCJBQKM0YDKIY4?_requestid=197564

This hotel is the smaller Holiday Inn in this area.  In fact it is also across the street from the big Holiday Inn, which I have detailed below.  

The Holiday Inn

London Kensington Forum

97 Cromwell Road

Tel: 01144-870400-9100

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/lonhi;jsessionid=4QH2243RG25

DYCTGWAKCJBQKM0YDKIY4?firstpoint=dcb1&_requestid=191223

This hotel is also in our old neighbourhood.  I have no idea what the rooms are like but they have a great pub that Jason and I used to watch football matches in!

The Cromwell -- Best Western

110-112 Cromwell Road

Tel: 01144207244-1720

http://www.bw-thecromwellhotel.co.uk/

This hotel just opened in June 2007.  Very close to transport links, and nearly across the street from the Holiday Inn.  

London Marriott Hotel Kensington

147 Cromwell Road, Kensington

Tel: 01144-207973-1000

www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lonlm-london-marriott-hotel-kensington/

I can tell you about this hotel, because our old flat actually backed up to it!  Its a great hotel. Very American and mainstream.  Its about two blocks down from the Holiday Inn.  

Bed and Breakfasts

We live in the borough of Fulham.  Here are a few of my recommendations for bed and breakfasts in the area.  I haven't actually been to look at them, but if you are interested, let me know I will be happy to head over and check it out.

This is a website where you can search and book bed and breakfasts in our neighbourhood.  Most are quite small with only 2-5 rooms, but for the money and being located in our neighbourhood, they are certainly worth a look!

www.londonhometohome.com/homes_parsons.html

My friend Lauren also recommends www.specialplacestostay.com.  She says they have used this site to locate bed and breakfasts as well as hotels all over and have never been disappointed.

22 Marville Street

This bed and breakfast is also around the corner from our house, on a charming street.  It only has 2 bedrooms -- one double and one twin (with room for an additional bed).  The double has its own bath and the single shares a bath with the house.  This bed and breakfast is about 4 minutes from our house.

Christine Drake

Tel: 01144-207381-3205

http://www.sawdays.co.uk/search/display.php?BookID=BBB9513&PlaceID=PL41156&returnURL=%2Fsearch%2Flisting.php%3Fwhere%3Dfulham%26amp%3Bseq%3D140%26RecFrom%3D0#

8 Parthenia Road

This bed and breakfast is a six minute walk from our house.  It has one double bedroom and one single bedroom, priced between 80-100 Pounds a night.  There is also broadband access for guests.  

Caroline and Geore Docker

Tel: 01144-207384-1165

http://www.sawdays.co.uk/search/display.php?BookID=BBB4998&PlaceID=PL25499&returnURL=%2Fsearch%2Flisting.php%3Fwhere%3Dfulham%26amp%3Bseq%3D610%26RecFrom%3D0#

21 Barclay Road

I have a very good friend who used live outside of London.  She has stayed at this bed and breakfast a couple of times and raved about it each time.  There are two double bedrooms here that share one bath.  There is sherry in the afternoons as well as a grand piano for your enjoyment.  

Charlotte Dexter

Tel: 01144-207384-3390

http://www.sawdays.co.uk/search/display.php?BookID=BBB4998&PlaceID=PL25499&returnURL=%2Fsearch%2Flisting.php%3Fwhere%3Dfulham%26amp%3Bseq%3D610%26RecFrom%3D0#

15 Delaford Street

This place is quite small, only the one bedroom pictured here.  It is however, quite near our house and located near good transport links.  Oh and its also around 80 Pounds per night.  Not a bad deal at all!

Tim and Margot Woods

Tel: 01144-207385-9671

http://www.sawdays.co.uk/search/display.php?BookID=BBB4988&PlaceID=PL25491&returnURL=%2Fsearch%2Flisting.php%3Fwhere%3Dfulham%26amp%3Bseq%3D749%26RecFrom%3D0#

Serviced Flats and Apartments

There are tons of serviced flats throughout the city, so explore the site and others like it.  For your reference, we live in the borough of Fulham.  The boroughs of South Kensington, Sloane Square and Knightsbridge are all very convenient to tourist destinations.  As well, the wedding is in the borough of Westminster, or more specifically in Marylebone.

A serviced flat or apartment is a fully furnished flat/apartment where everything is included in the payment for the flat.  A serviced flat is a nice option for families or groups of people looking for a cheaper accommodation option.  In a serviced flat, you can cook for yourself (as all cooking supplies are included), you can do your laundry, watch cable tv, use the phone, (in most circumstances) use broadband and the best part, they are generally cleaned daily or at least a couple times a week.  Typically, everything is included, pots, pans, linens, towels, etc...   

Another website I searched brought me this result in Gloucester Road.  Its a great location and the flat looks very nice in the pictures.  The website has lots of "homes from home" so you may want to browse the areas.  http://www.homefromhome.co.uk/site/propertyDetails/19987

Aston Apartments (Extended Stay) is in a great area.  Very close to Gloucester Road tube station, its perfectly located for sightseeing, as well as being close to our house.  You can also check the rates online.

http://www.studios92.co.uk/info/AS31.htm

This is a flat very conveniently located, though in a different location from the flat mentioned below.  I haven't been to the flat, but its in a great neighbourhood and is only 4 Tube stops from our house, and is very convenient to the museums and Hyde Park.  

http://www.londonapartmentservice.com/2_Harrington_Gardens_London.htm

This is the flat that my mom, Curt and I stayed in when I first moved to London.  We rented a spacious two bedroom flat (one master with an en suite bath and a second bedroom with twin beds), fully furnished, with a kitchen and laundry.  There was a daily cleaning service as well.  Its in a very good location, close to shops, a tube station and a grocery store.  Its also a short bus ride to our house.   http://www.londonapartmentservice.co.uk/Draycott_Place_apartment_London.htm

"Is it going to rain?" You ask.

Summertime in the City!  -- June- August

"London is glorious in the summer.  The capital is full of luscious parks and welcoming open spaces and there is a wealth of outdoor entertainment to enjoy.  Temperatures can skyrocket in the summer but they also can remain temperate and pleasant.  Pack for summer, but make sure you bring an umbrella, a light jacket and a waterproof for those rainy days or afternoons!"

June 

Average Temperature Highs: 67F

Average Temperature Lows: 48F 

Average rainfall: 45 mm

Wanna Leave a Tip?

If so, here are a few guidelines:

Eating in a Restaurant:  First, in the UK it is generally considered rude for a server to bring you the bill without you asking for it first.  So, whenever you are finished with your meal or are ready to go, just ask the server to bring you the bill.  Second, you will want to check the bill for a service charge or gratuity.  It is very common in the UK for restaurants to include the tip on the bill, generally at a rate of 12.5%.  It is not considered rude to ask a server if gratuity is included if you are unsure.  Also a very, very nice tip is 12.5-15%.  We are much more likely to tip around 10-12.5%.  (Also, you can look on the menu to see if service will be included.  It generally says so at the bottom.)  Credit card machines are brought to the table here, and your card is run in front of you.  If you wish to leave the tip on your credit card, the machine will prompt you for doing so.  

Eating and Drinking in Pub:  The vast, vast majority of pubs are self-service.  Whether you are eating or drinking, you will place your order at the bar.  If you are only drinking, you can order your drinks at the bar, and then select a table.  It is not customary to tip the bartender.  If you are eating, you will select your table first, and if there is a table number you should make note of it before you order your meal.  Meals are also ordered and paid for at the bar.  The bartender will take note of your table number and a bartender or server will bring you your meal.  It is not customary to tip the bartender nor to leave a tip on the table when you are finished.

Riding in a Taxi: Taxi drivers are not usually tipped here, but they certainly appreciate it.  Jason typically rounds up to the next pound, I often add another pound or two to the total.  It is always appreciated.  

Hotel Staff: We generally tip hotel staff as you would in America.  A couple of pounds for bringing the luggage up, etc.     

ATM Mania

This is purely a personal preference, but Jason and I do not care for Bureau de Changes or the Travelex shops.  We think the commission rates and the fees are unreasonable.  Therefore, we just usually just take local currency out of the local ATMs.  You may also want to check with your bank and see if there is a partner bank where there are no fees or less fees.  For instance, Bank of America partners with Barclays Bank and thus the fees are much lower and some are waived entirely.  

I also wanted to mention that there are ATMs in the arrivals hall at the airport, so if you chose to take your money out of ATMs, there is one right there, right where you will arrive.  Thus, you can avoid changing your money either in America or at the airport.  There are also currency exchange offices right next to the ATMs, so you can change money there if necessary.  

Music, music and of course, more music

Since music is so on my mind today, as we are hiring all the musicians and DJs for the evening, I would love to hear your requests, favorite songs, or just general musical suggestions.  You can email me your suggestions, or you can leave them for everyone to see in the comments directly underneath this post!  How exciting!  World-wide recommendations!  

Oyster Card Deals -- Attractions

There is so much to see and do in London and with an Oyster card you can save money too. So, whether you're sampling some fine wines, cycling round the city or seeing the sites, take your Oyster card along for a really great deal.

• 2 for 1 offer at London Aquarium
• 2 for 1 offer at Madame Tussauds
• 2 for 1 offer The London Bicycle Tour Company
• 2 for 1 offer The London Dungeon
• 2 for 1 offer at Vinopolis
• 2 for 1 offer at Shakespeare's Globe Tour & Exhibition
• 2 for 1 offer at HMS Belfast
• 2 for 1 offer at Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms

Oyster Deals -- West End Shows

London plays host to some of the greatest shows, from the high drama of revolutionary France to the glamour and glitz of Chicago showgirls to the rockin' tunes of Queen. So take your pick of the very best entertainment - and save money every time!

• 2 for 1 offer at We Will Rock You
• 2 for 1 offer at Chicago
• 2 for 1 offer at Les Misérables
• 2 for 1 offer at Avenue Q
• 2 for 1 offer at Stomp
• 2 for 1 offer at The Woman in Black
• 2 for 1 offer at Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story
• 2 for 1 offer at The 39 Steps

Oyster Deals -- Museums and Galleries

Some of the world's great museums are to be found in London and they offer a truly fascinating insight. So whether you want to find out about the natural world, or the story of London, it's river and it's people, we've made sure you get a great deal too.

• 2 for 1 offer at The Natural History Museum: Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition
• 2 for 1 offer at Museum in Docklands
• 2 for 1 offer at Design Museum: Matthew Williamson
• 2 for 1 offer at Tate Modern: Louise Bourgeois
• 2 for 1 offer at Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising
• 2 for 1 offer at Institute of Contemporary Arts Cinema

Oyster Deals -- Events

London is host to an unrivalled variety of events. Showcased in some of the world's most famous venues, you can wander through enormous halls packed with exciting things to see and do. So get there quickly while they're on and enjoy them for less with Oyster.

• 2 for 1 offer at Royal Horticultural Society
• 2 for 1 offer at Chelsea Physic Garden
• 2 for 1 offer Fuller's Brewery Tour

Bus Tour Anyone?

The first company is the company that Jason and I have used the most on our travels (in Europe and in the United Kingdom).  We have always had a great time.  There are two other main companies in London that many of friends and family have used, and have also said great things about them.

http://www.city-sightseeing.com/

http://www.bigbus.co.uk/uk/html/uk_our_tours.html

http://www.theoriginaltour.com/

Ode to hats...

As this is an English wedding, hats are on the mind.  I would love it if everyone wore hats!  Having said that, hats are expensive, can be large, and tough to carry, say on the plane!  I totally understand the complications of bringing a hat with you or buying one here and taking it home.  SO, I have prepared this post for you to look at, consider, and if in the end you decide against wearing a hat -- fine with me!  

I am just thrilled to have your company on our special day!

Traditional Hats...

Traditional hats are just what you are thinking of!  Hats.  Hats are generally created by a milliner.  "Millinery refers to hats and other articles sold by a milliner to women, or the profession or business of designing, making, or selling hats and hat trim to women.  A milliner is a hatter who designs, makes, sells or trims hats."

  There are a number of websites where you can buy hats new or worn once, or hire (rent) hats.

I have selected a number of websites to give you an idea of sizes and prices.  One caveat, as its winter, some of the low cost major hat producers, as opposed to the boutique producers, are still in winter hat mode.  I will post more websites after the season has changed!

One more thought.  If you are thinking of ordering a hat in the UK, you are welcome to have it shipped to my house, or if its in London, I am happy to pick it up for you. 

Mary's of Enfield

http://www.marysofenfield.co.uk/hats1.htm

Hats for Purchase

Elaine Fashion and Design

http://www.elainefashions.co.uk/hats.html

Hats fur Purchase

Wedding Hats for You

http://www.weddinghats4u.co.uk/Products/typedetail.php?ID=1

New and Worn Once Hats for Purchase

(This is a great site with loads of hats!  They will also ship internationally.)

No. 25 of Bourne End

http://www.no25theparade.co.uk/accessories.htm

Hats for Purchase

Melita Boutique

http://www.melitaboutique.co.uk/hats.php

Hats for Purchase

Temptation Hat Hire

http://www.temptationhathire.co.uk/2565/frames.php

Hats for Rent

(Great site -- loads of different hats and styles!)

Millinery Matters

http://www.millinerymatters.co.uk/gallery.html

Hats for Purchase

3Ds -- Distinctive Decorative Designs

http://www.wedding-favours.com/Hats%20for%20every%20occasion.htm

Hats for Purchase

Fascinators....

Thinking you don't have a hat head?  Like your hair style too much to cover it completely?  Not wild about having hat head hair?  Well then -- think fascinator!  "A fascinator is a headpiece worn on the hair and worn almost exclusively by women.  Fascinators are commonly made with feathers, flowers and/or beads.  They attach to the hair by a comb, headband or clip.  They are an adornment for formal attire and are an alternative to wearing a hat.  They are also worn at weddings by guests."

3Ds -- Distinctive Decorative Designs

http://www.wedding-favours.com/Tiaras,%20Crowns,%20Tiaras%20UK.htm

Fascinators for Purchase

Millinery Matters

http://www.millinerymatters.co.uk/gallery2.html

Fascinators for Purchase

Temptation Hat Hire

http://www.temptationhathire.co.uk/2565/frames.php

Fascinators for Hire

(Again great site, great selection and collection or delivery!)

John Lewis

http://www.johnlewis.com/Fashion/Women's+Accessories/

Fascinators/Fascinators/5544/ProductType.aspx

Fascinators for Purchase

(This is one of the largest department stores in England.  Closer to the wedding they will have a much larger selection.  Definitely worth a return look!)

Mary's of Enfield

http://www.marysofenfield.co.uk/hats1.htm

Hats and Fascinators for Purchase

Elaine's Fashions

http://www.elainefashions.co.uk/hats.html

Hats and Fascinators for Purchase