Bumper big day in Harrogate breaks world record

Harrogate’s Rudding Park played host to a really big day today, with a record breaking £110,000 wedding.
A world record wedding has taken place at Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate North Yorkshire.Pictured:  Paul Macnamara/rossparry.co.ukA world record wedding has taken place at Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate North Yorkshire.Pictured:  Paul Macnamara/rossparry.co.uk
A world record wedding has taken place at Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate North Yorkshire.Pictured: Paul Macnamara/rossparry.co.uk

Leeds couple, Amy and Alex Simmons smashed two world records, having 136 bridesmaids and 97 ushers.

The couple only met last summer but moved their wedding forward after winning a Facebook competition.

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The epic line-up saw them almost double the world record for the most ushers, which previously stood at just 47 and they pipped the former bridesmaid record by four women.

To qualify for the world records, law student Amy, 26 and groom Alex, 32, who have four children between them from previous relationships and are expecting the first child of their own, had to know all of their helpers and couldn’t just have random guests.

Amy called in favours from girlfriends all over the world and TV presenter Alex’s groomsmen included rugby players Danny Kirmond and Jamie Jones-Buchanan.

Every element of their dream day was donated by local companies - including identical bridesmaids dresses worth £35,000 and suits worth £13,000 for all the men.

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In order to beat the world record, the ushers and bridesmaids all had to follow Amy down the aisle.

Alex said: “It has been very stressful but thankfully I know a lot of people who have all mucked in and it has been a great celebration.”

Amy added: “It was amazing. It has been a complete whirlwind.

“It has taken a lot of work but it has been worth it. It has gone better than planned - 100 per cent it has gone better than we have ever imagined.

“Everyone in the same dress looks awesome.

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“It feels ace to be a world record holder and get married on the same day.”

Confetti and Lace Bridal shop owner Abbi Lewis, who came up with the idea, said: “We dressed friends, relatives, aunties and cousins up to make this work.

“It has just sunk in that I’m a work record holder. I’m really, really chuffed.

“It has gone as well as I thought it might have.”

£110,180 bumper wedding:

Confetti and Lace Bridal - Bridesmaids x 130 dresses by Alfred Angelo Bridal (style 7016 in Pomegranate) worth £250 each = £32,500 plus 13 additional as contingency £3,250

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Bridal Gown by Alfred Angelo Disney range - £1,930 including fittings.

Headdress and accessories - £360

Yorkshire Menswear - 100 complete hire suits manufactured by Cameron Ross Hirewear - £10,700

Matching ties made especially - £1,500

Staff costs to fit all bridesmaids and suits from Confetti/Yorkshire menswear - £8,000

Venue: Rudding Park Hotel, Spa & Golf - Pre-wedding dinner plus ceremony and reception for 300. Including bridal suite - £15,000

Wedding Planner - Sally Barber - £5,000

Tim Hardy Photography - £2,600

The Wedding Flower Company, Leeds - £3,250

Flowers By Colette, Rudding Park, Harrogate - £1,200

Rock up and Sing, Harrogate (Choir) - £900

Venue audio - Exclusive Entertainment - £2,800

Mama Doreen’s, Harrogate (Wedding & Cupcakes) - £1,300

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Cheese Board, Harrogate (Large 3 tier cheese wedding cake) - £450

Wilsons Butchers, Leeds (Large 3 tier pork-pie wedding cake) - £390

Blacks Event Furniture - LED Poseur tables plus 250 Gold chairs - £2,000

Exact Image photo drone - £650

Luke Howells Magician - £300

Optimum Fireworks (Firework Display) - £3,500

Additional entertainment - £7,000)

Fire eater Mark Lovatt of Kynetix Entertainment

Michael Bird Band - Two sessions

Yosef Preston - One session

Jack Waltons (from X Factor live finals 2014) - One session

Additional costs: Guinness World Records - official event equipment & gifts plus photographic aids & filming costs: £5,600

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