Category Archives: The Big Day

Which season will you wed in?

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It’s that age old question – when should I get married? You’ve been engaged for a year or two and you now need to decide on a date for your wedding day. Would it make more sense to get married in the winter months when everybody can enjoy some gorgeous frost-laden photos or in the summer, when a marquee on the lawn is a distinct possibility? We can’t promise to help you pick the day of the week on which to get married – week day or weekend? – but we can suggest a few reasons to pick each season.

Spring

Why would you pick any other season? Spring is synonymous with new life and new beginnings so it’s a perfectly apt time of year to get married. With daffodils just beginning to flower and lambs running about in fields, it’s a superb time to have a wedding and your photos are sure to be absolutely gorgeous!

Summer

The most popular time of year to get married! Summer is when those who are planning a wedding envisage hot days, the possibility of sipping drinks outside and wedding entertainment that goes on long into the evening. Because we all live and work in the UK, suffice it to say that the weather is not guaranteed though and even if it is, you don’t want it to be too hot. Venues tend to be more expensive during the summer so bear that in mind, whilst your guests may well have a pre-booked holiday so can’t attend. Even so, there’s a reason the summer season is the most popular and who are we to disagree?

 Autumn

With trees changing colour with the temperature, Autumn is the time of year that will provide the finest wedding photographs you can imagine! With a rustic hue to the leaves, the combination of reds, browns and oranges is hard to beat. This is a season where you are more likely to enjoy the wedding indoors and the entertainment is more traditional than most.

Winter

Ah, the coldest of the seasons, where the dark nights arrive early and everybody huddles together as one for warmth. A winter wedding is a true highlight of everybody’s year, primarily because it is a chance for celebration during what many find to be a lonely few months (well, except for Christmas!)

When it comes to the wedding entertainment, most al fresco ideas are unfortunately out of the question, but venues do tend to be cheaper at this time of year and you can still book wedding entertainment of all sorts to wow your guests. A harp or string quartet fit beautifully with the time of year.

 

Make it unique

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Brides across the country are striving to make their wedding unique. Research shows that this is the main cause of anxiety for 53% of couples in Britain planning a wedding. Almost two thirds of couples said that, although their wedding was the best day of their lives, their day lacked distinctiveness. The areas where bride and groom felt they could have added a more personalised touch was through their wedding decorations and what they served to guests.

Welcome reception

A welcome dinner or drinks reception is a great way to break the ice between your out of town guests before the big day. The local pub is a perfect location for this.

Guest welcome packs

Create guides for your guests who are visiting from out of town. Include tips on local pubs and leave it in their hotel rooms. You can also include a local beer as refreshments for the rooms.

Wedding Venue

Use dried barley or fresh hops to decorate the venue instead of flowers. You can also use them in your bouquet! For a really rustic feel, you could have your wedding reception in a brewery or a barley field. Another idea is to use vintage beer crates for seating or to sign your vows on an oak barrel.

Seating

Instead of traditional escort cards, use personalised beer caps or coasters to tell people where they are sitting. An even better idea would be to use actual bottles so that guests can enjoy a drink whilst they find their seats.

Food

Use beer as a main ingredient in meals, such as beer battered fish or steak and ale pies. You can also pair your dishes and canapés with your favourite beers. This way, your guests are introduced to a new beer match with everything they eat! You can also put a twist on a traditional wedding cake by using beer as a key ingredient. For the best of both worlds serve a chocolate wedding cake made with a stout beer. This decadent treat will definitely be something to be remembered!

Drinks

A beer inspired drinks menu is a really nice touch. Serve beer based cocktails using a brew you created or choose beers that represent special times in your relationship. For instance, a beer from the country where you got engaged or the beer you were drinking the night you met.

Toasts

If your fiancée is not a fan of champagne, serve beer during the wedding speeches. Ditch the bottles and serve beer to your guests in tasteful chalices. There are many elegant beers with signature glassware, such as Leffe which has a cork and foil top.

 

The final countdown

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Planning a wedding is not easy but we thought that this 12-month handy planner maybe just the job to ensure you are organised for the big day;

12 months to go…

Have the budget conversation with your fiancé and your parents?

  • Fix a date and time

  • Decide on guest numbers

  • Visit reception venues and book one as soon as possible

  • Buy wedding insurance

11 months to go…

Send save-the-dates

  • Book your wedding photographer and videographer (Make sure the church or wedding venue allows photos and videos to be shot!)

  • Book the caterer, DJ and/or band

  • Make appointments to try on wedding dresses

 

10 months to go…

  • Choose your guests – bridesmaids, ushers and best man etc.

  • Decide on your wedding dress (allow at least six months for a made-to-measure dress to be delivered)

  • Choose and order your bridesmaid’s dress.

  • Start thinking about a honeymoon, including the costs, season and flights

 

9 months to go…

  • Find a wedding florist and discuss your flowers, including buttonholes, bouquets and arrangements for the church and reception venue

  • Taste and confirm your menu and drinks with your caterer

  • Choose and order your bridesmaid outfits

 

8 months to go…

  • If you’re getting married in a church, discuss readings with the minister or priest and music with the musicians

  • If it’s a civil ceremony, enquire about what readings and music are permitted

  • Order invitations and envelopes (allow one invitation per married couple or family), plus place cards, menus and a seating plan

 

7 months to go…

Book transport to the wedding venue and on to the reception for you and your bridal party (as well as a car to take you to your first-night hotel or the airport)

Order your wedding cake

Choose and order wedding favours

6 months to go…

  • Remind your fiancé to get his and the usher’s outfits

  • Choose gifts for the wedding party

  • Pick your wedding rings

  • Confirm the order of service with your priest or registrar, and then have guest booklets printed. If you have a choir, they need copies, too

5 months to go…

  • Go honeymoon shopping (Remember summer clothes aren’t easy to find in the winter and vice versa!)

  • Book a hairdresser and style consultation (do this earlier if you’re planning to grow your hair)

  • Book your make-up artist and trial appointments

4 months to go…

  • If you’re changing your name, renew your passport now or do it after you have your honeymoon. The officiating minister or registrar will sign the form

  • Find out if you need visas or inoculations for your honeymoon.

  • Discuss hen and stag night plans with your friends.

3 months to go…

  • Pick a company and start gift-list window shopping!

  • Book for a colour (if you get your hair coloured) and a trim

  • Organise a rehearsal and inform those who will need to be there

  • Attend a reading of the banns, if you’ll marry in a church

2 months to go…

  • Send out invitations six weeks before the day and keep a list of acceptances

  • Check that your fiancé has organised the rings, his wedding clothes, and your first-night hotel

  • Try on your whole wedding outfit, including headdress, shoes and underwear. Forgotten anything? Get it!

  • Book any other beauty treatments (nails, fake tans, etc.)

 

1 month to go…

  • Confirm numbers with caterers and do the seating plan

  • Discuss special requests with your band or DJ

  • Order honeymoon currency and traveller’s cheques

  • Visit the hairdresser to try out hairstyles with your veil and tiara, and have your final cut and colour

  • Have your hen and stag nights – after all that running around, it’s time to party!

 

Same sex wedding ideas

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With same sex Weddings now legalised, this is a cause for a double celebration, make it loud and be proud. Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate such a wonderful Wedding such as this!!

When it comes to planning a wedding, it’s all about representing the couple’s style and personality — and same-sex weddings are no different. With the law changing in favour of marriage and equality, we’re feeling especially inspired to share some gorgeous wedding-planning ideas for gay and lesbian couples.

We’ve rounded up a few décor ideas that provide a unique twist on traditional wedding details:

  • Kick off the festivities with a personalized billboard sign, a fun way to welcome your guests — and get them excited for the nuptials ahead!

  • Add a twist to traditional ceremony seating with a tongue-in-cheek sign pointing guests to choose a seat and not a side (either way it’s for a bride!).

  • Want to show off your newlywed status in style? Opt for matching ‘Groom and Groom chair designs adorned with greenery or display whimsical “Bride” and “Bride” laser-cut letters in front of your handcrafted sweets.

  • You can also add a humorous — and elegant! — upgrade to the groom’s’ cake with tiered chocolate cupcakes adorned with mini bowties and top hats.

  • For brides, go for simple “Hers” and “Hers” calligraphed signs in front of delicious, non-traditional wedding cakes. And as the night’s celebration comes to a close, send off your guests with personalized canvas totes that read “Love is Love” — a perfect closing to an unforgettable night!

Whether you’re sticking to tradition or going all-out with personalised details celebrate love with

these creative ideas that make for a truly unique same-sex wedding!!

Welcome your wedding guests with a sign with big personality — like a billboard with your wedding-day phrase!

 

Be money savvy

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Between the wedding food, the event space, the wedding photographers and the band — you may have spent a large part of your savings on your wedding. If you were lucky enough to receive wedding gift money from friends and family, you can really make this money work for you. Instead of using your cash for a trip to the Caribbean or on a new car, consider the following suggestions:

Start an emergency fund. We know it doesn’t sound as glamorous as a spa package, but starting an emergency fund and help to combat stress when something unexpected comes up. Whether it’s a sudden boiler breakdown or car repair, this saved cash will help if times get tough. It’ll also make you feel better to know there’s a bit of a cushion. We recommend opening an account that offers quick access and storing away £1,000 — you can always add to it.

Pay some bills. You’ve just planned a huge event and you’ve paid your fair share for it, so don’t feel guilty about using some of your gift money for your monthly bills, or even prepaying your mortgage if you have one. If you’ve been carrying around some unwanted debt — credit card, or car loan — consider paying off some of it. Having trouble deciding which to pay off first? Start by paying off the loan with the highest interest rate.

Watch it grow. It’s a smart idea to save and invest a big chunk of your gift money — this way it can gain interest and over time make money for you. It could be your deposit on a home or a nest egg for retirement. A financial adviser can help make sure you’re putting your cash in the best account for you, whether that be a tax advantaged plan, like a traditional ISA.

Invest in your home. If you’ve been looking for a place to call your own, your wedding money may make a nice deposit payment. As you probably know, the larger your deposit, the less interest you’ll typically end up paying on the loan.

Already have a nest? You could make updates and improvements to your current place, which can potentially increase its property value.

Look into life insurance. Now’s the perfect time to take out life for you and your new spouse. Pushing a plan to the side any further will make it more difficult to attain. Thankfully, this isn’t a huge investment, just a smart one.

Get a good night’s sleep

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Every bride wants to look radiant and healthy on her wedding day, and getting regular, good sleep is a major contributor to getting this! When planning a wedding it’s vital to get some good sleep and here’s how…

Say no to champers

Although lots of people claim that alcohol helps them fall asleep more quickly, it actually reduces REM sleep – the stage of sleep associated with deep dreaming. Losing out on REM sleep can cause drowsiness when awake, so it’s best to avoid it altogether during the run-up to the wedding. Swap alcohol for herbal teas and non-caffeinated soft drinks, which also help with hydration.

Avoid coffee and other stimulants

Caffeine is obviously well known for keeping people awake, but many other snacks and drinks also contain caffeine, such a chocolate, tea and cola drinks. It is best to steer clear of food and drinks containing stimulants, or make sure they are consumed early in the day, as even in moderate doses, they can block sleep neurotransmitters, causing insomnia.

Light exercise

Although time is always tight in the weeks building up to the wedding, you should allow herself some light exercise every day. Avoid too much strenuous activity later in the day though, because this is more likely to cause you to wake up in the night!

Eat foods that contain tryptophan

If you feel you need an energy boost, it’s best to snack on foods that contain tryptophan. This is an amino acid, which is required for the production of serotonin in the body, which in turn produces melatonin – a hormone that helps with sleep. Yoghurt, bananas, milk and eggs are all high in tryptophan.

Put that phone away

Although the days before a wedding can be frantic with so much to do and so many people to contact, brides should try to avoid using their phone, tablet or laptop late at night. Gadgets like this emit blue light, which is said to delay the production of melatonin, so keeping the body awake.

Turn off the TV

38% of people watch television to wind down before they sleep. However, this can actually harm the sleep cycle because watching TV before bedtime encourages you to stay up later than you would naturally.

Listen to sounds that aid sleep

If you’re anxious and finding it particularly difficult to get to sleep at night,try one of several devices or apps available that generate white noise. White noise devices work two ways: by blocking distracting noises, and by producing soothing sounds that are relaxing and help to induce sleep.

Sleep naked

It’s always tempting to wrap up in cosy pyjamas on cooler nights, but going to bed naked can have several benefits when it comes to getting our beauty sleep. Studies have shown that having the wrong body temperature at night can stop the dozing off process, while not allowing the body to regulate its temperature – by wearing clothes, for example – can prevent people from reaching the deeper stages of sleep.

Turn the bed into a sleep haven

Don’t compromise on comfort – make sure your bed is as comfortable as possible, even if it is just to change the bed linen for something luxurious, or swap a thick duvet for clean, cotton sheets to ensure she has a cool and calm night’s sleep before the wedding.

 

Wedding fair tips

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For anyone thinking of attending a wedding fair in the future, here are a few tips

Take Your Time

This is thee number 1 rule! Take your time visiting each and every stall. Don’t just rush in and think that chatting to a wedding supplier means you have an obligation to buy! Every supplier in attendance knows that weddings are expensive and is simply on hand to make the process easier for you. We might hear from you later and we might not, that’s absolutely fine! The reasons suppliers attend these events is not just to meet potential clients, but also to help educate prospective brides and grooms and help them understand their small part of the wedding planning process. So take your time and enjoy the occasion.

‘Entertainment’ Shouldn’t Make you Nervous!

Do not fear the word ‘entertainment’. There are always a few couples who see the word and aren’t entirely sure what it means; they have the music planned but… What else should there be? In short, nothing! You don’t have to have anything at your wedding. The most important part of your wedding is the vows; anything else is secondary. Wedding Entertainment refers to anything that will entertain on your big day from the band to the DJ to harp and so on and so forth.

We hope you’ve enjoyed these few tips for those attending their first wedding fair. We also highly recommend taking a business card and brochure from every supplier you meet so that you can refresh your mind after the fair from the comforts of your own home. There’s a lot to take in and remember, there’s nothing preventing you from attending another down the line.

 

How to avoid any in-law trouble

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The date has been confirmed, and almost instantaneously, your neatly arrange personal wedding planner is bunged with dress appointments, wedding fair flyers and Wedding cakes sampling sessions. Yet in the midst of all this creative carnage, there may be a few VIPs left feeling a tad isolated… the in-laws.
It’s so easy to forget that there’s an entire family unit (equally important as your own) that may be completely oblivious to the upcoming wedding plans; and although many in-laws are perfectly happy with this scenario for others, it can lead to feelings of rejection and sometimes even resentment if they don’t feel the same level of involvement.

Out of nowhere tensions rise and emotions flare as you’re left wondering why you’ve been lumbered with such a treacherous display of family feuding. Is this a tiny glimpse of what to expect during married life? A moody mother-in-law offloading her dismay to anyone who’ll listen? Or worse still, comparing you to her other daughter-in-law who is seen as the definition of perfection.

Family planning

As we all know, a wedding day isn’t just about the Wedding Dress and elaborate selfies. It’s a time when two families become one, so make them feel that way before the big day. Organising fun family get-togethers can be a great way of helping everyone bond, relax and feel included. It’s always a good idea to start off with a neutral environment such as trying out a new restaurant together. If all goes well, keep up the momentum with joint barbeques, birthdays and regular catch-ups.

Dress it up

Inviting both mums along to help you pick a dress is a great way of making everyone feel extra special, particularly if your mother-in-law has no little girls of her own to coo over. However, if this seems a little too invasive then why not ask for her help with choosing the bridesmaids dress or accessories? It will really help in making her feel a big part of the leading ladies.

Don’t forget Daddy

Seeing as many grooms enjoy mulling over the manly aspects of wedding planning such as choosing wedding cars, then why not encourage your future hubby to invite his dad along for the day? The two men can spend an entire afternoon bonding over some vintage vehicles, maybe grab some grub and have a good old father-son catch up.

Talent spotting

If your groom’s dad is a whizz in the kitchen or his mum’s an expert in arts and crafts, you have the perfect opportunity to include their input for the important finishing touches such as making little edible favours or creating artistic centre pieces for the guest tables. You’ll be amazing at how thrilled they’ll be to show off their creative skills!

Keep in touch

Why not start out with a chirpy text message or email? At least they’ll know you’re thinking about them and aren’t as likely to feel completely left out of the loop.

Being able to build and maintain healthy relationships is something we all struggle with at the best of times, however regular communication can help avoid many unwanted feelings of exclusion. As they say, prevention is better than a cure.

Shop smart for your dream wedding

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Whether your dream wedding is a quiet country get-together with close friends and family or an all-out, gold-plated party with costume changes and fancy wedding cars, it all costs money. So how do you save on your big day without sacrificing the fairytale? Here are a few tips to set you on the right path…

Set realistic financial goals

There’s no point setting a goal you can’t achieve – work out what you can afford to spend on your wedding before you think about what you actually want, and set out the budget and any big purchases when you first decide on the date. Opening a savings account or using online budgeting tools can help to get you started.

Plan ahead

If there are expensive additions you absolutely can’t do without, then make sure you have enough time to save for them. Spreading the cost over a longer time period will ease the pressure – the more time you have, the more options you will be presented with. This is one of the best wedding saving tips we can give you – plan ahead! You’ll also be able to take advantage of those seasonal sales that could offer up some bargains.

Prioritise

Don’t get caught up in wanting to have it all. Everyone dreams of the perfect wedding, but there has to be a limit. Stop and think – can you really do without that designer dress? If the answer is no then make cutbacks elsewhere.

Get wed off-peak

Saturdays are the most sought-after day of the week to get married and will set you back the most, so switching to a mid-week wedding could save you a substantial amount – just be sure to give your guests enough warning so they can make arrangements to attend. If you really can’t control the day, you can still control the time – earlier morning or later afternoon weddings usually cost less as you slash your wedding food bill considerably.

Make use of friends and family

Got a friend who’s a brilliant baker? Ask him or her to make the wedding cake. Musician in your midst? That’s the wedding music sorted. Don’t be shy about asking your friends and family to get involved in your big day – chances are they’ll want to help out, and it’ll make for a really personal gift that will be far more meaningful than anything on your wedding list.

Shop around

Keep an open mind about what you want. Once you get your heart set on something – whether that’s a DJ, wedding venue or wedding dress – then it’ll be difficult to walk away if the cost is too high. Weddings can be stressful, so even the smallest set-back can feel like the end of the world. Viewing several options will give you a back-up plan.

Do what you can yourself

Making your own wedding favours and table decorations could lead to significant savings. Plan well enough in advance and DIY your details early. That way, it’ll be a nice way for you and your family to get excited about the wedding, rather than a stressful, last-minute headache.

Try something different

Don’t feel you have to stick with tradition – it’s your day, and you should have the wedding you want. Unless that involves a private jet or a solo performance by Beyoncé, it could work out a lot cheaper. Look at the parts that cost a lot of money (for example, a sit-down wedding breakfast) and see where you can save. Would a buffet, barbecue or a potluck feast be a better option? Stick to your own plans, and you could end up with the wedding of your dreams at a fraction of the cost.

Outdoor wedding venues

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Outdoor wedding venues give you so many more options when it comes to location and usually provides beautiful scenery. On the other hand, there are so many more potential problems and obstacles that can arise by having an outdoor wedding. This is mainly due to the fact that you never know for sure what on earth the weather is going to do. So here are some tips for planning an outdoor wedding.

Location

First you need to decide which location you want to have the wedding at. Have you had your heart set on a beachfront wedding at sunset ever since you were a little girl dreaming about your wedding? Or maybe you prefer a more rustic, woodsy setting. The options are endless: at the park where you shared your first kiss, in your back garden, or at the cinema, the list goes on and on!

Once you choose your wedding venue location, go through the proper procedures. Be sure no one has booked the area for another wedding or event. If the site is public property, get a permit to hold your wedding. Most parks and public beaches require a permit. Also, check with the council on what the rules and regulations are on rubbish removal, and if you can have candles, etc.

Prepare for the Weather

Once you have chosen a location, you will need to set a date. While setting the date, keep in mind of what the weather is like there during that time of year. The UK is a little unpredictable we know, but although it may be raining in the summer it’s usually a nice temperature.

Prepare accordingly for the potential weather and have a backup location in case the rain tries to spoil your day. One item that can really save the day is a marquee. A marquee can save you from light rain and can help shade your guests on a hot, sunny day. A marquee isn’t the cure all for all rain though; if it is a downpour, the ground under the marquee will get soggy and muddy. You’ll still want to have a backup, indoor location just in case. Another weather factor you need to take into consideration is the wind. When choosing wedding hair and makeup, relate to your hairdresser that you’re going to have an outdoor wedding. The stylist will be sure to give you a fantastic look that won’t be blowing away in the wind.

Accommodating Your Guests

Be sure to take care of your guests. If it’s going to be a hot day, have fans and bottled water available to your guests. Be mindful of your guests when you’re setting up the seating, etc. Make sure they’re not blinded by the sun the entire ceremony. It’s also nice to give them some notice in the invitation what to expect. For example, suggest they wear comfortable shoes for sand or soft ground or to bring sunscreen or a sun hat for a bright day.

Keep your guests in mind on a few other notes as well. With an outdoor ceremony, you’ll discover a lot of extra noise all around, whether it be the waves coming ashore or the wind blowing through the trees. Work with your band or DJ to get a wireless microphone or some sort of sound system set up for you.

Don’t Forget!

Here are some things you may or may not think about while you’re planning, but are important to help your day go as smoothly as possible. Have ample seating for your guests both at the ceremony and reception. There are a lot of wedding suppliers out there, and most of them also offer linens, chair covers and marquees. Linens and chair decor are great ways to boost the overall look. If you’re holding the reception outdoors as well, you’ll more than likely need to rent a dance floor.

An outdoor wedding is a beautiful way to have your special day. Keep in mind these suggestions when planning. Also, take tips and advice from any of your vendors (photographers/ videographers) who have worked outdoor events. They have the experience and know about situations that can arise.