Brides who like to kick up their heels and enjoy themselves come to the fore this issue – our theming stories will hit the spot for those who love to party, party, party. Indoors or out, summer weddings are when everyone is in the mood for a ‘hot’ night.

Over the past few months we’ve asked our readers what’s most important in their planning and it’s clear that finding new ways to have an intimate and relaxed wedding is high on their list. With that in mind, we show you some inspiring ideas for involving the whole family on your wedding day, right in your own backyard. Our pizza wedding is a fab solution for couples who want to celebrate with something a little different. It was a wonderful day on location where my niece and nephew and their friends were on hand, hanging lights and bunting from tree-tops, climbing up ladders, and loving every second of it! What a wonderful way to get everyone involved, after all, it’s the fun you have with friends and family in the days leading up to the wedding that often leave the nicest memories.

This issue we launch our innovative new gift registry section that will invigorate the way you look at the list-making process. Our guest interior stylist, SHANNON FRICKE inspires us as she elaborates on choosing pieces to uplift your home – you can truly ‘love where you live’. Shannon gives tips to defining your own style and shares with us some of her favourite registry picks.

Once you have your list down pat, invite friends around for your first New Year’s Eve party as husband and wife. We make throwing a stylish soirée easy with step by step instructions and fabulous free download invitations. Be the hostess with the mostest with minimum fuss. What better excuse to unwrap all those beautiful wedding gifts and get celebrating!

One last thing – you can cook up a storm together in the kitchen with our amazing reader feedback prize. Simply tell us what you think about WEDDING STYLE GUIDE to go into the draw to win the complete set of GORDON RAMSAY’S famous cookware range for ROYAL DOULTON – move over Masterchef.

So, make the most of long summer days and relaxing weekends planning your dream wedding with us and from all the Style Guide team – Happy Holidays.