I have been visiting and loving the Ritzy cinema in Brixton for nearly 20 years and so I was especially excited to hear that they have started to host weddings. I'm waiting for some new pics from them, but here is a little  teaser of a recent wedding they had there. I'm sure you'll agree how beautiful and happy Aysha and Luke look.

It's always been the tradition in the US, and now it is definitely becoming a more popular part of the wedding here too. When I first heard about this, I did initally feel, 'Oh no - but isn't that just another expense? Does it really need to be done?' And the answer is, no, of course not. It's one of those optional extras. However the more I've read about it, the more I get it. The whole point of it is to gather the people who have been involved in the planning of the wedding so they can meet each other before the big day. And it gives the bride and groom an opportunity to show their appreciation for the things they have done - in an informal way. So this is normally restricted to the imediate family, the bestman and the bridesmaids and close friends.

It can be held up to a week before the wedding, but it usually takes place the evening before. I actually think it's a lovely way to spend the night before the wedding. It can be as relaxed as you like, and doesn't even have to be dinner - canapes and cocktails would be very nice too...as long as you don't get absolutely trashed. Not a good look to have a hangover on your wedding day. 

A few weeks ago we met Robin Dunlop, aka Oyster Boy, who offers an experimental and alternative eating experience at your wedding.  Wearing a kilt, he serves fine oysters straight from a traditional wicker basket.  He was a delightful man to meet and would add a wonderful atmosphere to any wedding party.  The oysters were completely delicious - he can even offer you tabasco and lemon to boot!  Oyster Boy is part of a bigger company called Tempe and Shian who "strive to push the boundaries of food design".  They combine creative food solutions with a boutique and entertaining edge so alongside Oyster Boy there is Mussel Man and Gastronomy Guys (lovin' the tags, guys!)