Get your family involved in your big day

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Make your own photo bunting

DIY bunting is always popular with brides wanting to personalise their wedding – it’s super easy to make and can transform plain spaces like marquees. Why not take it one step further and create bunting out of family photos? It will go down a storm with your guests, who will love reminiscing over the photographs during the reception.

Ask them to do a reading

One of the most meaningful ways to include family members in the ceremony is to ask them to do a reading. This is an especially lovely way to involve family members who may be be a little further removed from the immediate family, such as aunts or uncles.

Have personalised place cards

This is another sweet photo idea – use pictures of your friends and family in their place names! It’ll get everyone talking on their tables, and literally putting faces to names means that you’re less likely to get awkward introductions. We also love it when couples use photos on their table plans for the same reason.

Set up a hashtag

In the age of social media, it’s becoming much faster and simpler to share your wedding photographs and videos of the big day with lots of people at once. If you’re embracing social media on your big day, why not consider setting up a hashtag and letting your guests know for easier photo sharing? You may have to explain it a little to the grandparents, but once they realise that they’ll be able to see everyone’s photos all at once, they’re sure to be on board!

Have a family wedding wall

This is a great way to observe family wedding traditions on your big day while still keeping it your own. Get as many family members as you can to send you their wedding photos before the day, and then create a big canvas out of all of them. If nothing else, this is a great way to see how wedding trends change! We also love it when couples recreate one of their parents’ wedding pictures for a nostalgic photo opportunity.

Don’t forget granny!

It might seem obvious now, but your wedding photographs will be over quicker than you think – so if you know your grandparents would love to be involved in the formal photos, make sure your photographer knows this before the day. The pictures will make great keepsakes to send your family after the big day, and they’ll always treasure them.

 

Muslim Wedding planning

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For people across the world, a wedding is a time of joy, celebration and unity – and for followers of Islam, this isn’t any different. While there are obviously some differences between a Muslim wedding and other religious or non-religious ceremonies, culture and personal preference still play a pivotal role in what happens on the big day (or days).

Be it a three-day Indian wedding or a traditional Western format, there are certain elements of Muslim weddings that are consistent across the world. This step by step guide by modern muslim fashion brand AbayaButh, shares tips for planning your traditional Muslim wedding – from the ceremony to special customs and outfits!

The Date

When it comes to planning a wedding date, many Muslims favour the Islamic month of Shawwal, but this isn’t essential. Most times of year are suitable, though you should avoid the sacred months of Ramadan and Muharram. This means you’re free to organise your wedding for your favourite time of year – whether that be a blissful summer wedding or a cosy winter affair.

Arrange The Wedding Venue

In Islam, it’s not compulsory to marry in a mosque, which means you’ll have scope to pick a venue of your own choice. Whether you’d like an intimate setting with just your closest family by your side, or a larger venue to accommodate a wider circle of friends, the decision is yours as to where you want the ceremony and celebrations to take place. After the ceremony itself there will be a walimah, which is usually a meal where guests can celebrate the occasion – though this can be anything from large-scale festivities to a pared-back and quiet gathering.

When it comes to the walimah, you should think about the food you would like served. In many cultures, it’s members of the family who provide the food and drink on the day – and what you serve is entirely personal preference. Local fare is often provided at modern Muslim weddings, and usually includes sheep, goat or alternative meats such as chicken or fish. Again, specifics vary depending on region.

Agree On A Mahar

As one of the most important days in the life of a Muslim, there can be a lot of pressure to pull off the perfect wedding. Again, personal preference will be your guide throughout the wedding planning process, but you should consider the key elements that make up the ceremony. One of the first things to think about once a date has been set is the mahar, a pre-agreed dowry payment from the groom to the bride. Agreeing on a suitable mahar is something usually discussed privately between the bride’s and groom’s families, and can be anything within the groom’s financial means. From a lavish piece of jewellery to an item of clothing or a simple payment of money, making this decision well ahead of time will ensure the groom has plenty of time to prepare before the big day.

Hen-na Night

A common tradition amongst Muslim brides to be in the Middle East and South Asia is to have a henna party a few days before the ceremony, where delicate, artful patterns are drawn on the hands and feet of the bride. Make the most of this ceremony by giving gifts to the bride and eating lovely food – this party is a perfect opportunity for female bonding before the big day! It’s also common to have a similar ceremony for the groom, so find yourself a skilled henna artist and you’re well on your way to a perfect pre-wedding celebration.

It’s not just the bride and groom that will celebrate before the wedding. A common ceremony in Islamic cultures is the fatha, in which the fathers of the bride and groom, along with male family and friends, stretch out their arms and recite prayers at the local mosque the Friday after the proposal. Make sure to make time for these important ceremonies before your wedding for a flawless Islamic ceremony.

The Wedding Dress

The aesthetic of your Muslim wedding can be anything you like, as long as it’s modest. Some Wedding dresses are intricately patterned with embroidery and jewels sewn in to really make the ceremony as opulent as possible, but others opt for a more simple, one-colour design. As Islam is an incredibly diverse religion, no two Islamic cultures are the same. If your wedding is cross-cultural, then even better, as the best and most beautiful aspects from your respective cultures can be combined to make a ceremony that is a perfect blend of the bride and groom’s personalities.

The Ceremony

Next, you’ll need to think about the ceremony, or nikah, itself. The nikah can be as simple as you like, requiring only two male witnesses and a Muslim knowledgeable in Islamic law – which is usually an imam or Qazi. Separated in two different rooms or areas of the hall, you and your partner will be presented with the nikah namah – the marriage contract – which will be signed after being read aloud to those present. The officiator will then solemnise the marriage by reading a sermon, which is most often the first chapter of the Quran.

A Muslim wedding bears many similarities to weddings in other religions – they’re a time to celebrate love, faith and unity. Whether you’re a bride-to-be in India, England, Malaysia or Egypt, your wedding day will be one of the most important of your life – so put in preparation well ahead of time to pull off the wedding of your dreams.

 

The Wedding Processional Order

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When planning a wedding, we’ve listed the entire processional order starting with mother of the bride and finishing with the bride. Make sure your bridal team know who they should follow and who goes next…

Mother of the bride

The mother of the bride is the first to walk down the aisle to mark the start of the procession. She traditionally takes the first seat in the left hand aisle.

Mother of the groom

The mother of the groom shortly follows, taking the first seat in the front right hand row.

Grandparents of the bride

If both grandparents are attending your wedding it is also tradition for them to be included in the wedding procession. The grandparents of the bride should sit in the front left hand row with the

Mother of the bride.

Grandparents of the groom

Followed by grandparents of the groom who should sit in the front right hand row with the mother of the groom.

Groomsmen

The groomsmen can walk in one by one or together and will stand at the front awaiting the entrance of the Groom.

Best Man & Groom

The best man may walk in with the Groom or as the last of the groomsmen. The best man will stand by the groom’s side during the wedding ceremony and often holds the bride’s ring or both rings.

Officiant

A crucial element to the ceremony, the officiant of the marriage is also honoured with a position in the processional either down the aisle or from another side room. The officiant will stand at the front with the groom.

Bridesmaids & Maid of honour

Traditionally the bridesmaids will walk in together, closely followed by the maid of honour who is the last person to assist the bride with her dress and make sure the bride looks perfect for her entrance.

Flower girls, page boys & ring bearer

Flower girls, page boys and/or the ring bearer will precede the bride down the aisle. This marks the end of the processional, the rings are given to the best man and maid of honour by the ring bearer.

Father of the bride and the bride

Finally, the bride’s father will traditionally walk his daughter down the aisle and give her away to the groom who waits at the altar. The father of the bride will then take his seat next to the mother of the bride.

 

The Best Places To Wed

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BEST BARN VENUE

Cruck Barn, Arley Hall, Cheshire

When planning a Wedding; Barn weddings are perennially popular, and the Cruck Barn at Cheshire Arley Hall is hard to beat if you’re looking for a venue that blends history with contemporary style. The Grade-I listed, timber-framed barn dates back to the 1400s and is set in 18 acres of formal gardens with a lime tree avenue, arboretum and woodland walks. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, over owing with charm and character.

BEST OUTDOOR WEDDING VENUE

Sheene Mill, Royston, Hertfordshire

This 16th-century watermill is set on the banks of the River Mel in beautifully landscaped gardens. Take your vows in the picturesque outdoor gazebo, and relax over wedding reception drinks on the lakeside decking. The grounds are spectacular year-round, with banks of snowdrops in winter, bright seasonal flowers in summer, and vibrant autumn leaves. The Garden Conservatory overlooks the millpond, populated by families of wildfowl, including Will, the venue’s resident trumpeter swan.

BEST COASTAL VENUE

The Alexandria, Lyme Regis, Dorset

Prepare to be blown away by the incredible views from the Alexandra, renowned as one of Dorset’s best boutique hotels. The Alexandra looks out across Cobb Harbour to the world heritage Lyme Regis bay and the Jurassic coast beyond, the inspiration for many a romantic story, lm and TV series…

There’s road-free access to the beach: a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The hotel itself is a haven of English style and charm and has racked up an impressive portfolio of awards and accolades from the press and tourist boards.

BEST SETTING

Blair Castle, Pitlochry, Scottish Highlands

If you’re looking for a venue within a setting that’ll take your guests’ breath away, you’ll be hard pressed to find better than Blair Castle. For over 700 years, it’s carved a fascinating history that even involves Queen Victoria and Bonnie Prince Charlie… The 13th-century castle is now a five-star wedding location – offering an array of historic interiors, contemporary spaces and spectacular gardens. On the outside this authentic Scottish castle is surrounded by extensive grounds and gardens, lochs, rivers and glens.

BEST LARGE SCALE VENUE

Hylands Estate Chelmsford, Essex

Struggling to whittle your guest list down? It’s not a problem at Hylands, which can host weddings for up to 300 people. The Grade-II* listed mansion has a wealth of spaces for your celebration, including the majestic Banqueting Room with its silk lined walls, gold plated detailing and views over the Serpentine Lake. If you’re looking for something more modern, check out the Grand Pavilion, a contemporary space with oor-to-ceiling windows and courtyard views, ideal for large receptions.

 

What To Ask Your Bridal Boutique

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What happens after you’ve chosen your dress and paid your deposit? Read this expert wedding dress shopping guide to ensure you have the best bridal experience possible!

  1. Will you be the only bride in the boutique?

Do you want an exclusive, special experience or would you prefer a slightly more ‘high street’ approach? If there is more than one bride-to-be trying dresses, will you get to see the entire range?

The experience that you have will be quite different from shop to shop. Some boutiques are small and only have one bride at a time out of necessity, others have ample space but to offer the entire boutique exclusively to just one bride at a time. Then there are others that can have two or more brides-to-be in at the same time choosing a wedding dress. Consider the kind of experience that you want.

  1. What is the boutique and its location like?

Is the location private and exclusive for you to try on dresses without being disturbed by prying eyes or passers by looking in? Like a lot of brides, you’ll want to keep your chosen dress a secret until the big day!

What kind of mirror do they have, will you be able to see yourself from all angles? With such pretty backs on some dresses, are you going to be able to see the detail when you are trying them on? Always consider the size, facilities and location of your chosen boutique.

  1. What are the online reviews like?

Don’t just look at the ‘star’ rating invest time and have a read of what the real brides say. If a boutique gives a really exceptional experience their brides will go out of their way to let others know and that boutique will have a lot of favourable reviews. You will spend quite a few hours with your dress shop, choosing and then having your dress fitted, so devote a little time to reading the reviews.

It’s probably the only truly impartial view that you will get from a cross-section of brides that have been through every step of the journey. It should give you a realistic idea of what you can expect and it will help you choose the boutiques that you would like to visit.

  1. Is there a large and varied range?

What’s your budget? Does the boutique stock a range of dresses from designers that are within your budget?

What’s your style? From boho bride to city chic and pretty princess, does your chosen boutique have dresses that match your style?

  1. Is there parking available?

If you choose a busy city centre boutique leave enough time and take enough change for parking. Also think about when the time comes to pick up your dress, will you be able to get parked nearby? What if it is raining and you need to dash to the car with your wedding dress?

  1. Can in-house alterations be done at the boutique?

Does the boutique offer a seamstress service in house or do you have to take your dress elsewhere? What does the seamstress charge, ask to see a price list? Even with a made-to-measure dress it’s likely some alterations will be needed, even if it’s just a bustle to enable you to tuck your train up so you can dance the night away! Where are the alterations done? In the boutique? In front of the main mirror? In the main dressing room? Will the bridal consultant who sold you the dress be involved in your fittings to ensure continuity? Does the boutique add a % onto the seamstress’s costs or do they charge the seamstress to work with them?

  1. Does the boutique offer to store your dress for you?

What happens when your dress arrives? Imagine taking it home and your groom stumbling across it! With most brides shopping for their dress well in advance of their big day there can be months of

storage needed. Does the boutique offer this service and if so do they charge for it?

  1. Does the boutique charge for any extras?

Will you be given a dress bag and a sturdy hanger when you pick up your dress? Does the boutique charge for steaming your dress? It’s wise to check these things so there are no surprise charges for you.

  1. Can accessories and bridesmaids dresses be bought at the boutique too?

Does the boutique stock a wide range of accessories such as veils, hair accessories, shoes and earrings? They all go together to build up your complete look for your big day and it’s helpful to be able to try various options with your dress and experiment a little.

Think about your girls too, will you be able to get bridesmaids dresses and flower girl dresses from your chosen shop. This can make fittings easier for you all, and also a lot of fun!

  1. Does the boutique get paid for recommending other suppliers?

Word of mouth is really important in the wedding industry and lots of brides will ask for recommendations. It might be a good idea to ask if suppliers are recommending other suppliers because they think they are really brilliant at their job, or whether it’s because they are getting paid a fee on every booking.

 

The Night Before Your Wedding

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The day is almost here! After all that planning, you’re going to be feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness because your big day is actually happening… tomorrow!

To make sure you’re not feeling too lost in excitement, we’ve put together the things you should do the night before your wedding day.

Wash your hair

Whether you’re getting in a professional wedding hairdresser to do your ‘do for your wedding day, or if you’re keeping it in house and getting one of your bridesmaids to bring along their curlers and clips, washing your hair the night before will make sure your a lot easier to work with. Yes, freshly washed hair means it will still smell like your apple shampoo and conditioner as well as shine like the sun, but silky smooth hair can be a little too silky smooth for your hair styling appliances.

Honeymoon packing

If you’re off on your honeymoon or minimoon straight after the big day itself, it’s a good idea to, firstly, pack ahead of time, and secondly, double check it the night before your wedding. This way you won’t have that awful realisation mid wedding reception that you forgot to pack underwear for your trip. Make you and your hubby-to-be a checklist and use it to get packing in the weeks before the big day, then bring out the checklist again on the night before just to make sure you’ve packed absolutely everything you will need so you can quickly whisk yourselves away after the wedding…

Last minute beauty prep

Tonight is the time for the finishing touches! Manicure? Check. Pedicure? Check. Just completely spoil yourself with a totally relaxing beauty session with your bridesmaids to prepare for the day. Run yourself a bubble bath, play some chilled out music and have a good old gossip with your girls. But do remember, now is not the time for a facial. The night before your wedding is not the time to be introducing some new things to your beauty regime – it only risks the potential of waking up to an absolute corker on the end of your nose.

Step away from the spot

Talking of spots, if you’ve already got one or two – as annoying as they are – don’t pick them! Your wedding make-up will do the trick. If you’re getting someone in to do your make-up, they’ll know all the tricks in the book, or if you’re doing it yourself and you’re unsure on how to go about covering and concealing, YouTube it! YouTube has so many amazing hair and beauty tutorials to inspire your wedding look. But remember, it’s always a good idea to try out any new make-up techniques before the wedding day itself to get an idea of what suits you and your complexion.

Emergency kit

Round up all your big day essentials the night before to be ready – from kirby grips and safety pins just in case, to the essential lip gloss for topping-up before all the photos! That way you won’t be up all night thinking about what you’ll do if your hair goes out of place. Get it done and save the midnight stressing, and consequential lack of bridal beauty sleep – the most important kind of sleep!

Outfit checklist

If you’re all together, organise all the bridal party’s outfits ready for the big day. Lie them out on the bed and make sure everyone has got everything: the dresses, the suits, the ties, the accessories, the shoes. Only realising that one of your bridesmaids has got one shoe missing on the morning of the wedding probably isn’t the most ideal situation, right? There isn’t exactly a lot of time to schedule in an emergency jog to the nearest shoe shop on that specific morning…

 

Who should do what

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Planning a wedding is a pretty daunting task for any bride and groom, which is why traditionally the bridal party have a number of jobs to help with the process, and to ensure smooth wedding planning at all times…

Bride and groom

The bride and groom’s biggest responsibility is obviously to seal the deal and get married, but they have some crucial planning decisions to make first. It’s important that the bride and groom work on these decisions together and share the workload fairly, and that both are happy with each decision made.

  • Set the budget
  • Compile a guest list (this will be influenced by the budget)
  • Choose a theme, date and venue – make the necessary reservations and deposits
  • Organise invites, flowers, a photographer and wedding entertainment
  • Choose the wedding rings
  • Write the wedding vows
  • Thank-you notes for the guests
  • Greet everyone at the reception
  • Dance the first dance at the reception – some couples have lessons beforehand

In addition to the bride and groom’s joint responsibilities, each traditionally have tasks to handle on their own. The bride needs to choose her bridesmaids and maid of honour and their dresses, and choose a gift for her hubby-to-be. The groom needs to choose his groomsmen and best man and their attire, and also choose a gift for his wife-to-be.

Bride’s parents

In past traditions the bride’s parents have always paid for the majority of the wedding, but today the cost is usually distributed between mainly the couple, the bride’s parents and the groom’s parents. However there are still certain responsibilities for the bride’s parents to take care of.

  • Help the bride and groom with the guest list
  • Offer assistance and moral support with the wedding details
  • Attend any wedding rehearsals
  • The bride’s father escorts her to the ceremony and usually walks her down the aisle

Groom’s parents

The groom’s parents have very similar responsibilities to the groom’s parents:

  • Help the bride and groom with the guest list
  • Offer assistance and moral support with the wedding details
  • Attend any wedding rehearsals

Maid of honour

The maid of honour is traditionally a sister or best friend, and is the member of the bridal party that the bride relies most on. The maid of honour’s responsibilities include:

  • Organising any bridesmaid-related activities
  • Coordinating the hen do
  • Most importantly, organising the wedding dress shopping and any fittings
  • Helping the bride and groom with any ad–hoc tasks or errands  (keeping record of RSVPs, etc)
  • Attend any wedding rehearsals
  • Help the bride dress and get ready on the morning of the wedding
  • Arrange her veil and train during the processional and recessional
  • Holds the bride’s bouquet at the altar
  • Sign the marriage license as the bride’s witness
  • Helps the bride during the reception with the dress

Bridesmaids

There is no minimum or maximum number when it comes to bridesmaids and you can have as many as you want for your wedding. Bridesmaids can be single, married and any age.

  • Assist the maid of honour with the wedding planning duties and help the bride when needed
  • Help organise the hen do
  • Attend any wedding rehearsals
  • Walk in the processional and recessional

Best man

The best man is the groom’s go–to man during the wedding planning and his biggest support. The best man is traditionally the groom’s brother or best friend, and can be single, married and any age again.

  • Organise the stag do
  • Help to organise the groomsmen’s suit fitting and pick this up before the wedding say
  • Write a speech for the wedding reception
  • Attend any wedding rehearsals
  • Make sure the groom gets to the ceremony on time
  • Brings the rings to the ceremony
  • Signs the marriage license as the groom’s witness

Groomsmen

Apart from assisting the best man, the groomsmen don’t actually have many responsibilities before the wedding.

  • Help the best man with any wedding planning duties
  • Attend the stag do
  • Attend any wedding rehearsals
  • Arrive early at the ceremony on the wedding day and help to greet and seat guests

The final countdown

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When your dream day finally dawns, after all those months of planning a wedding, you want it to be nothing but dreamy. Often things don’t go entirely to plan, but you can still have the most perfect of days, so don’t let the worries build up. For a day filled with smiles and a sought-after stress free wedding morning, we’ve put together our top tips to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

One month before

Your bookings should all be made and arranged by now – we’re talking florists, cakes, wedding venue styling, entertainment, beauty – but it doesn’t hurt to get in touch again and finalise your plans. If you’re able to and haven’t already, arrange the timings for your event so you have a clear running order for the day in plenty of time. Make sure you include notes for the parts you won’t be present for yourself, too, like setting up – someone will need to know what goes where and when!

One week before

Finish any handmade items and DIY elements. Whether they will be decorative or you’re making your own wedding favours, when the day comes around you’ll be thanking yourself for finishing ahead of time. Get them all packaged as you’d wish and put aside in a clearly labelled box, ready to go for your wedding morning.

Now is also a great time to remind your bridesmaids and groomsmen what roles you’d like them to play on the day (if you need some pointers, you’ll love this bridesmaid jobs guide!). Dish out the jobs to keep things manageable and relax knowing that all the plans are in place.

One day before

The chances are you’ve prepared an ‘Order of the Day’ in some shape or form already, but this tends to begin with the ceremony. It’s a great idea to write down a running order for your wedding morning, too, so that you allow plenty of time for each element.

Think about what time your hair and makeup will be done, remembering to budget time for the bridesmaids too, when you’ll get into your dress, how long you’ll need for photos, and even when you’ll have a bite to eat! Give yourself some spare time on top so you don’t end up keeping your groom waiting should anything be held up (it’ll also save you from any last-minute panicking!).

Remember, it’s not worth worrying about things that are out of your control. Maintain this mantra for the simplest way to have a stress free wedding morning and follow these tips to start your day exactly as you’ll end it – in wedded bliss.

 

Quick Dream Weddings

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Is planning your wedding in six months really doable? The answer is YES! Whatever your reasons for getting married quickly are, brides often find themselves having to plan their big day in rather more of a hurry than they thought they would have to.

Whatever you might think, there are enough suppliers and wedding venues to go around, it all depends on the time of year you’re getting married and the day of the week. Just remember, if you’re dream wedding entails a weekend wedding in high summer then this might be more difficult to sort – the most in demand season for weddings will require a little more planning in advance. BUT… marry midweek and you’ll find plenty more options open to you! (not to mention the saving you’ll make along the way!) When planning a quick wedding it’s important to establish the couples priorities and whether these can be achieved within the time frame.

The pros of planning in under six months

  • It’s all very romantic – you won’t have to wait long until you’re Mr and Mrs!
  • You’ll have to make quick decisions – which is good if you’re a bit of a dawdler.
  • You’ll probably have a slightly smaller wedding, so it will more than likely cost less.
  • Chances are you may get a better deal on your wedding venue, especially if you’re marrying out of season and if you’re prepared to get married mid-week.
  • You may have to buy your dress off the peg or at a sample sale, which means you’ll probably save money on something made to measure. A good dressmaker can always make alterations quickly in any case.
  • No time to have a cake made by a designer? Some high street stores have some amazing ready-made wedding cakes and you can decorate it yourself with accessories or flowers to personalise.
  • If you’re brave enough to book a honeymoon last minute, you could end up with a bargain.

The issues you may face

  • Not everybody will be able to attend – they may already have holidays, work commitments or a birth of a baby in the diary.
  • You’ve got less flexibility about where you can marry and the date – popular venues, especially in the height of summer, tend to get booked up 1-2 years in advance.
  • If you’re looking for your dream designer wedding dress then it probably won’t be ready in time (most designers and bridal shops need at least three months to put a frock together).
  • You might not get the photographer you want – fashionable photographers can be booked a year or two ahead at peak times.
  • If you’re an indecisive person, a quick wedding turn around may bring on more stress than is worth.
  • You might not be getting married at the time of year you dreamed about.
  • You’ll probably have to take some time off work quite close to the wedding/honeymoon to get your plans in order.
  • If your wedding is in term-time, some kids may not be able to get time off school to be flower girls or pageboys.

Elements To Plan ASAP

Organise your wedding venue

You really need to focus on where you’re going to get married – where the ceremony and reception is taking place and when. Try to organise the ceremony and reception at the same location – this will save on planning time. See what dates they have available, check for discounts for off-season or mid-week weddings and go from there.

Book a photographer

The shots of your wedding day will provide lasting memories so book a photographer you can work with. We suggest you contact four and check availability but if you’re really set on them, don’t book your venue until you know they can do that date.

Your wedding dress

Some designers will need six months to create your dream gown so get it ordered quickly. If you really don’t have six months, we suggest asking your local bridal boutique about how quickly they can get a dress in stock, or alternatively, try the sample sales. These can provide amazing bargains if you’re lucky. Just factor in the cost of dry cleaning.

Your wedding entertainment

If you’re particularly set on somebody and they’re available you need to get on and book them pronto.

 

Weddings for less

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Planning the perfect wedding for less is becoming ever more do-able, and the trend for handmade weddings stronger than ever.

And while we’re all for it, here at Wedding Branch there are a few elements we definitely don’t think you should scrimp on. It’s worth splashing the cash on your wedding dress and wedding photographer – these are the core elements that will define your big day and the way you remember it, so it really is worth getting the best you can afford.

Prioritise

Between the ceremony and reception, temptation abounds for spending – whether it’s on the wedding breakfast, the decorations, the wedding entertainment or the cake.

Instead of splurging on them all, spend on the parts of the day that matter the most to you. If you are a total foodie, then that exquisite three-course meal might be worth the money. If you can’t live without live music, hire a band, but forgo some of the other extras.

You’ll also want to consider what aspects will play the biggest role in your day. Where will you spend the most time and what will you be doing? Spend money where you’ll be able to appreciate it longest.

Hire don’t buy

You’ll almost definitely buy your wedding gown, but you don’t have to do that for the groom and groomsmen’s suits too. If keeping the big day suit isn’t top of your husband-to-be’s priority list, hire it instead to keep your costs down.

Likewise, don’t feel you have to buy every decoration, string of bunting or table runner. Look to the many businesses that offer everything you need, from décor to tableware to garden games, for hire to get your dream day for less.

Friends & family

Your friends and family will be full of excitement in the run up to your wedding day. Put their excitement and skills to work and have them help you with the preparations.

If your best friend is a whiz on the sewing machine, enlist their help sewing bunting. If you know a brilliant baker, why not ask if they would make your cake? Get together to prepare favours, place settings and all the little jobs that soon stack up.

Save the date

Saying ‘I do’ on a summertime Saturday means you’ll pay premium prices. Opt for a midweek ceremony or get married out of the peak wedding season to make your budget go further.

Taking last minute cancellations is another great way to nab your dream wedding venue within your budget if you’re flexible on the date. Venues will be keen to fill the date, so are likely to reduce their rates and might even throw in some extras for free.

Foodie festivities  

The three-course sit down wedding breakfast is no longer the only option for your reception. Try an increasingly trendy barbecue or hog roast to give your guests great food at more affordable prices. Choosing food that is in season will also help you get more for your money – the same applies for flowers.

Ditch starters in favour of canapés after the ceremony or the traditional dessert course in favour of a DIY dessert table. This could be a sweets stand, cheeseboard, cookie station or even slices of your wedding cake. Provide cellophane bags alongside your sweet selection so they can double up as your wedding favours.