Category Archives: Planning

A Mini-moon in the New Forest

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Mini-mooning is a growing trend among newlyweds when planning a wedding. Just 1.5 hours from London by train, the New Forest is fast becoming a top minimoon destination and with its stunning landscape, range of activities and beautiful couples’ accommodation, it’s easy to see why. Here, we explore what makes the New Forest so special.

Honeymoons are the perfect remedy to the busy and exciting wedding day. They give couples the chance to getaway and recuperate together and enjoy a well-deserved break month, if not years, of planning a wedding.

While traditionally a couple was sent off on their honeymoon straight after the reception, and therefore had no chance to chat with their guests until two weeks later, today’s newlyweds are choosing to postpone the longer break, or to substitute it entirely in favour of a shorter mini-moon. The New Forest is a world away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and provides the ideal setting for a romantic break.

Amazing accommodation

Let’s face it, you don’t want your run of the mill hotel for your mini-moon. A once in a lifetime event, it deserves accommodation that wows, and there’s plenty of that in the New Forest.

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, Beaulieu River View is a gorgeously secluded bolthole for two. Stood on stilts above the Beaulieu River, it certainly has the wow factor and mini-mooners have been visiting for years, drawn by The Wind in the Willows reminiscent surroundings and the open plan living inside.

Fantastic activities

A mini-moon in the New Forest gives couples the chance enjoys a wide range of activities together. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a novice looking to try something new, there’s something to suit everyone.

Walking is a very popular pastime in the New Forest, thanks to the miles and miles of exquisite landscape, approved walking route and plenty of wildlife to spot en route. What could be more romantic than rambling through the woodland, chatting away and getting a bit of post-wedding cake exercise thrown in too?

Other outdoor pursuits such as cycling, horse-riding and watersports like kayaking are also popular and there are lots of activity centres offering rental of equipment and organised trips. Take a look at New Forest Activities for their range of days out and shorter trips, including foraging trails and kayaking.

Not everybody like the beach…

Not everybody wants the ‘classic white sandy beach, azure blue swimming pool, hot sunshine, and cocktails at sunset’ type of a honeymoon. When planning a wedding why not take a look at some of those overlooked destinations that might not have a tropical climate but can still get you hot under the collar.

The lovely Lake District

How about a mini-moon walking in the Lake District, staying at some fantastic B&Bs and a lovely hotel. If you are fair skinned the sun can be a bit problematic so when you come back from the Lake District, you’ll be suntanned in a healthy way.

Super-fun skiing

Some people would much rather be skiing down a mountain than on a beach. Some couples find beach holidays boring. If you have ever only skied in Europe, why not go to the States to try out the snow there? Jackson Hole in Colorado is very recommended for all your skiers out there. If you’re both serious skiers and want a more action-orientated sort of honeymoon this maybe the honeymoon for you.

Ice cool Iceland

If you fancy going somewhere different and literally cool in every way, then consider a visit to Iceland. Just three hours from London, you can watch the Northern Lights, visit hot natural springs and soak in the geothermal pools, scuba dive and quad bike. There’s also a big nightclub scene in Reykjavik, if that’s your thing. It’s a great winter and summer destination and if you go during June, July and August you’ll enjoy 20 hours of straight daylight.

Going Japanese

Love sushi? Always wanted to visit Japan? Your honeymoon should be a holiday to remember and Japan offers an amazing once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. It’s one of the top places to go skiing but if you go to the Hakuba Valley in the Japanese Alps you can also see the local snow monkeys keeping warm in the hot springs and dip into a hot tub yourself.

The skiing is amazing for both downhill skiers and snowboarders and you can choose from a luxury hotel to self-catering accommodation. There are plenty of English speakers to help you if your Japanese isn’t up to scratch and the village apparently has a great atmosphere. Get there on the bullet train from Tokyo (a lifetime experience in itself).

 

How to choose the right music

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We suggest that you don’t choose anything too cutting edge. That doesn’t mean to say you can’t show off your taste in music but if you choose that week’s number one hit, you might regret it in years to come. Just as you might regret wearing a wedding dress that’s heavily styled for the moment. Go a little classic and you’ll never be out of style.

There are also some things you’ll need to bear in mind when making your music choices.

You need to consider just how long it’s going to take you to walk down the aisle. It usually takes about one to two minutes for most brides to walk the aisle. So choose a piece that doesn’t have a long intro or is instantly recognisable. If you’re planning a religious ceremony, some churches won’t allow you to play non-classical music or your own music. So you need to check your choices with the vicar.

Next, you should be thinking about how your wedding music is going to be played. If it’s in a religious building, keep it classic and have it played on the organ. Alternatively, you could organise your own musicians to fill the hall with romance.

Four pieces of music to play when you walk down the aisle;

  • The wedding processional from the Sound of Music.

  • Clair de Lune by Debussy.

  • For The Love of a Princess from Braveheart.

  • The Bridal Chorus by Wagner.

Well this is the most traditional of traditional music to walk up the aisle to. Everybody will know you’ve arrived when this starts to play!

Now what about after you’ve said your vows? When you’ve signed the register and you’re legally man and wife and starting the first steps on your new life together?

Here you can change the tempo a little bit, and have something that’s celebratory and uplifting.

  • Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours by Stevie Wonder.

This says it all really. You’ve said your vows and you’re on your way. A timeless piece that’s joyful, catchy and instantly recognisable.

 

Sharing your big day

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When planning a wedding, ceremonies are all about sharing. While the big day ultimately belongs to you, the couple getting hitched, it’s also a special and significant moment for the people who know and love you best. So, how can you involve your guests to make your wedding day into a truly shared experience for everyone.

For centuries, people have used rituals to help cement their unions. One relatively new wedding ritual is the lighting of the unity candle, where close family members of the betrothed couple light a separate candle each before the ceremony. The newlyweds then take their respective candles and bring them together to light one single flame.

In a twist to include everyone in your new union, you could hold a version of this ceremony in reverse, letting each guest light a candle of their own from your united flame.

Showering confetti over the happy couple is another time-honoured wedding ritual. Make sure everyone is prepared for the big moment by handing out confetti dispensers like wands or cannons to all your guests. (This is a job that you can delegate to a trustworthy member of the wedding party)! Alternatively, why not set up a ‘confetti bar’ beforehand, so that everyone can mix and match their own unique concoction?

Once you’re on the dance floor, you’ll want everyone to come and join the party. Why not make everyone feel included by playing one song for each guest? The DJ can announce any special dedications or significant songs with comments from the nominator. The mixtape approach will make your reception into a truly communal experience that everyone will appreciate… and they’ll have no excuse not to get up on their feet and boogie!

Posing for wedding photographs is the perfect opportunity to get everyone involved while creating some stunning shots! You could set up an aerial shot and get everyone to stand in formation to make a heart shape or a word. Or if you have suitable space, why not lead everyone in a procession around the grounds of your wedding venue? It’ll be a special, shared experience to cherish, and you’ll be able to treasure some ‘action shots’ of all your guests together.

It’s also good to give your guests somewhere they can all share their respective wedding photographs of the day. Wedding apps like WedPics allow your guests to upload all their snaps to one central place, making sure you don’t miss a thing! Alternatively, set up a Facebook event for your wedding day. This will ensure that everyone can communicate and stay in touch after the big day.

 

A Wedding Under £1,000

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With wedding dresses alone averaging out at over £1000, is it really possible to plan the perfect wedding under £1,000?!

Given that the average UK wage is just under £28,000 per annum, it’s clear that getting married is an expensive pursuit. Not only that, it’s one that puts many couples in a huge amount of debt, and at a time when life should be a carefree bed of roses.

It may not surprise you that it’s possible to get married without breaking the bank, and it is, in fact, possible to have a perfect wedding day for less than £1000. Being savvy in your choices and concentrating on what really matters can mean you still have the day of your dreams, as well as enjoying a debt-free marriage! Start married life wedding debt-free with a guide to wedding planning for less than £1,000!

1. Do it yourself

You can delegate almost every job to a wedding planner, other than saying ‘I do’ and spending the rest of your life in marital bliss. Save the cost and do it yourself.

2. The Guest List

The idea of a lavish crowd might excite you, but keep it to close friends and family and you’ll be saving thousands of pounds. Aim for a list of 40 for starters and do your best to stick to it.

3. Use the talents of your guests

Do you have a keen photographer, DJ or cake baker amongst your friends and family? Then use them. Although professionals will tell you differently, there’s not an awful lot to baking three wedding cakes and stacking them on top of each other.

4. The Venue

Have a budget, shop around and source your own venue – village halls are a good starting point – then decorate it with the help of friends and family. Go local and save time and money on a wedding car – delegate a friend to drive and glam it up yourself.

5. Food & Drink

Many wedding venues will allow external catering, and buffet food is cheaper. Marry later to avoid serving two meals. And does anyone really want vol-au-vents and finger food, when a massive plate of serve-your-own hot dogs will fill the hungry.

6. The Outfits

Purchase or hire suits from the high street, ask the best man to wear his own and colour co-ordinate with matching ties. High street brands are all jumping on the wedding attire band wagon and offering affordable ranges of wedding and bridesmaid dresses for under £100, and for some of them, no one will be able to tell the difference.

7. The Honeymoon

You’ll be exhausted following your big day, and may just want to sleep and indulge in whatever else newlyweds get up to. Save money on a massive holiday abroad for a time when you can afford it after the wedding.

Essential Costs

  • Detailing essential costs will let you know how much you have left to ‘splash out’ on non-essentials, be these hair, jewellery, flowers, decorations etc.

  • Marriage License & Fees: approx. £150

  • Venue: Village hall hire from £20 per hour x 7 hrs = £140

  • Food & Drink: 40 person self-service buffet catering from £5 per head; buy your own booze for £250 (average 50 bottles of wine or 30 crates of beer)

  • Outfits: Men’s suit from £49; wedding dress from £69

  • Rings: Matching titanium bands from £35

  • Total Essential Costs: £893

  • Budget left for non-essentials: £107

Keep the kids entertained

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When planning a wedding here are a number of ideas to ensure that if yours isn’t a child-friendly day, that the kids are entertained throughout the speeches and beyond.

Balloon Modellers

There are a number of fun balloon modellers to hire that can entertain children in a variety of ways. Not just for children’s parties, these superb artists can make pretty much anything out of their very special balloons. Whether a child would like a dog or perhaps even a hat ‘made’ from Pineapple and other delights, our balloon modellers are more than up to the task. Unlike other children’s entertainment, you might just find your adult guests wanting to get involved as well!

Petting Zoo

The best thing about hiring a petting zoo is that everybody can get involved and enjoy having animals at your wedding. Just like balloon modellers, this idea is perfect for guests both young and old, with a particular highlight being Tony the Pony (above, dressed as a unicorn). Children will be in their element as they pet the animals inside the enclosure and they may just be allowed to feed them as well! Lovely.

Comedian

Perfect for deploying during the wedding speeches, hiring a children’s comedian can entertain the kids in another room whilst their parents are listening to the best man’s various anecdotes about the groom. A Comedian is hugely popular for a children’s entertainer with family friendly jokes and routines that are sure to have the kids in fits of laughter.

Face Painting

A simple and traditional idea and one that always goes down brilliantly, face painting is a hugely popular affair at every event and wedding. Whether children would like to go for a tiger look or a butterfly, there are numerous options available to ensure that every single child is happy on your special day.

Wedding Superstitions

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We are going to run you through some of the good omens and bad omens on your wedding day. If you see any of these things then we strongly advise you to focus on the wedding entertainment regardless because if it’s a slice of good luck – celebrate! If it’s bad, then hey, you’ll want something great to take your mind off it.

Good Omens

  • Seeing a rainbow – If you see a multi-coloured refraction of light in the sky then the good news is you will have good luck throughout your wedding. Having the sunshine – If the sun shines, then you’ll have a good day. Obviously. After all, the sun is shining!

  • Meeting a black cat – We aren’t too sure if just seeing a black cat is enough but from what we’ve read, seeing one on your wedding day is good luck. If you see one on any other day, it depends from which direction the cat comes.

  • Meeting a chimney sweep – Arguably a little more likely a few decades ago, allegedly it is good luck to see a chimney sweep on your wedding day. Presumably you want to keep them a fair distance away from you, mind. You wouldn’t want to get the soot on your wedding dress!

Bad Omens

  • If it rains – In order to get a rainbow, there has to be a bit of rain, surely? Perhaps the two cancel each other out.

  • A pig, hare or lizard running across the road – Quite why it’s this trio of animals that are regarded as bad luck on your wedding day is anybody’s guess. If you don’t get married on a farm or in the desert then you should be okay!

  • Seeing an open grave – It’s fair to say if you see this on your wedding day, then it’s sure to make you a little bit upset. That being said, the same would be true if you saw an open grave on any day so we advise ignoring this one. Unless the church has been double booked!

  • Meeting a nun or a monk – This isn’t technically a bad omen unless you’re wanting children because apparently bumping into a nun or a monk on your wedding day foretells barrenness.

  • The groom dropping the wedding ring – Again, we aren’t sure if this is a bad omen or simply bad luck. Imagine dropping the wedding band in front of all those people on the biggest day of your life!

  • The bride tripping or falling over her front door – This is where the custom of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold comes from although what happens if the bride did trip or fall isn’t quite known. Again, if it happened, it’d be bad because somebody has just fallen over, which is never good.

 

Plan a historical wedding

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Costumed Characters

This is undoubtedly the first thing to organise once you’ve settled on hiring a wedding venue. Costumed characters are actors that can instantly convince all of your guests that you are now stepping into the past. Whether you require a nobleman, a merchant or even a court jester, these brilliant additions to your wedding day will immerse your friends and family into the historical theme!

Lute Player

It wouldn’t be a historically themed wedding without some apt music for the occasion! With guests arriving at your wedding venue, why not have the sounds of a lute ringing out to all and sundry as everybody steps back in time. Perfect for those who would love an Elizabethan, Tudor or Renaissance wedding, the costumes are sure to impress you as well! Available as a solo performance or as part of a three-piece band, there’s nothing quite like it!

Singing Monks

The sound of a choir is quite unlike anything else in the entertainment world; the beauty of tens of voices coming together to form a beautiful melody is one that is completely unrivalled. There’s a reason that composers of these works were revered back in the day! Be they setting the mood before your wedding ceremony or perhaps featuring as background music during the drinks reception, Singing Monks will hugely enhance the authenticity of your historical wedding.

A Good Ol’ Dance

By hiring a symphony orchestra, you’ll be able to enjoy a more traditional dance than you’d see at many other weddings. We weren’t sure whether to class this under ‘symphony orchestra’ or not but ultimately, having a historical dance is one that everybody would enjoy! Even if you move on to more recent songs and instruments later in the evening, beginning with a traditional dance will no doubt delight everybody in attendance and would be quite the spectacle, especially in a historical setting!

Have a traditional wedding

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Book a harpist for the ceremony

There’s something beautiful about having a harpist play. When planning a wedding, the sound of a harp emanating through your venue is a truly gorgeous moment. The tinkling of the strings really is the perfect sound to accompany a walk down the aisle and when it comes to tradition, we don’t think there’s much better.

Book a string quartet for the drinks reception

When the vows have been spoken and guests have retired for a few drinks, a string quartet is a wonderful accompaniment to their surroundings. The bride and groom will be having their photos taken with the photographer and such a gap shouldn’t be an awkward situation. With the soothing sounds of a string quartet, this is a lovely opportunity to friends old and new to chat to one another on this special day.

Book a jazz band over dinner

The dinner! Many guests’ favourite moment of the day with food, drink and of course, the speeches! The bride and groom often walk from table to table during the lunch or dinner and we find that having some background music certainly enhances the atmosphere. Booking a jazz band is a great choice with top acts including Clints Jazz Band

Book a function band for the evening

Not only do they get the party started in style, they’re sure to fill your dance floor and ensure many a happy memory as the evening wears on. Able to learn a tune that has a sentimental attachment to the newlyweds or more than capable of rattling through the hits to ensure that your wedding guests will keep rockin’ all night long.

Book a DJ to finish the evening

Bands generally play 3 x 45 minute sets so if you’re wanting to dance and party for longer than three hours, a DJ is a great choice. Able to play virtually any song from the past 70 or 80 years, you’ll be able to seamlessly blend Gangnam Style with Crazy Frog, Agadoo and Ernie, The Fastest Milkman in the West (if you so desire). No matter the genre, our DJs are all hugely experienced and you can relax knowing that your party will still be going long after you head off to the hotel!

 

London weddings

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You might be thinking that you and your bride or husband-to-be want something a little bit different from your wedding. Out with the church or marquee wedding and in with, some inspiring and incredible London wedding venues that you never knew were available to you! Thespians, animal lovers and more will adore this quick feature on amazing places to get married in London!

The Globe Theatre

Imagine walking down the aisle in a building beloved by tourists and theatregoers all around the world? Imagine the footsteps that have walked on the very spot where you say your vows, reciting various lines from Shakespeare, perhaps even berating him for a line change. Yes, you can get married in the Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank and for those that love theatre and the arts, we can’t think of a better location. Met your better half at drama school? This is the wedding venue for you!

The Gherkin

If you’re a fan of heights and iconic London architecture, then the Gherkin has to be a top choice for your wedding shortlist! The very top is completely off limits to the public so if you’re a person who’s a little put off by the hordes of people at the Sky Garden or The Shard, this is definitely the venue for you. With a stunning 360 degree viewing area.

London Zoo

Are you a fan of animals? If you’ve ever wanted to get married amongst reptiles, mammals and various other members of the animal kingdom then getting married at London Zoo might be the thing for you! A unique wedding venue in the heart of central London’s Regent’s Park, there’s nothing quite like getting married at a zoo and all profits from your celebration go directly to helping critically endangered animals.

Fortnum & Mason

Did you know that there are a number of private venues you can book at Fortnum & Mason for a dinner and that you can actually celebrate your wedding within the world famous building? From the tiny but exclusive Crypt to the luxurious splendour of the Boardroom there really are a number of high end spaces to choose from for your wedding venue.

One Marylebone

A seriously stylish London wedding venue, One Marylebone is actually a location where we have hosted a sensational Alice in Wonderland party. Located on its own individual island among the surrounding roads, this gorgeous venue is Grade I listed and has been restored to its original design by Sir John Soane. Featuring a stunning courtyard that is sure to wow guests, One Marylebone might just be the most impressive venue in London that you have never heard about!

 

Get married on a weekday

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About 99% of happy couples want to get married on Fridays or Saturdays. However, despite there being many valid reasons for this, a future bride and groom should always take into consideration a mid-week wedding as it can have many advantages.

Here are her five reasons to choose a mid-week wedding over a weekend…

Cost

There’s one thing couples always ask, how much? Couples fall head over heels for wedding venues and are then put down by the price. However, mid-week weddings are often far more negotiable when it comes to price. It is believed that a mid-week wedding can work out about a third cheaper.

Availability

There is nothing more frustrating for a Wedding Coordinator than showing a couple around their wedding venue and then not being able to find availability for them. Popular wedding venues get booked up in advance so by opting for a weekday wedding, the availability is often a lot better and there will be more flexibility with dates.

Intimacy

Mid-week weddings suit a smaller and more intimate affair. Close family members and friends may be more than happy to take a couple of days off work to celebrate with you. For example, if you choose a day later in the week such as a Thursday, this means that the working week is nearly over and your guests are much more likely to let their hair down.

Quality

Wedding suppliers, from photographers to florists tend to prefer mid-week weddings as not only does it mean they can spend longer at the venue (as Saturday’s tend to be far more hectic), they also have more availability too. Setting up and arranging supplies during the week can also save significant amounts of money too, due to each supplier’s weekend demand.

Timing

It can seem like you spend your whole life waiting for the weekend. And this shouldn’t have to be the case for finding a free weekend at your chosen wedding venue. By having your wedding during the week, you will simply be able to get married sooner! This means there is no big countdown and you don’t have to wait over a year for the big day.