Five great moments for your Wedding

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Morning

The pre-wedding jitters can easily be set to bed by a little entertainment in the morning! When family are gathered together in the hotel just waiting for a few hours to pass by, there’s nothing better than a bit of entertainment from a strolling act to enliven proceedings. A great time for a magician to diffuse some nerves and ensure that talking to your Great Uncle isn’t as difficult as you’d feared. A brilliant ice breaker, we highly recommend this whilst the bride and groom are busily getting ready.

Ceremony

During the ceremony itself! You’re probably wondering if you want a traditional wedding march to accompany you as you walk down the aisle, but why have that when you can have a small jazz band playing off to the side? It makes for a far more unique proposition than an organist playing that same tune you’ve heard at hundreds of weddings before and can even form part of the ceremony itself should you decide to put your own spin on things.

Drinks Reception

Whilst the bride and groom are off having their photos taken with their various in-laws, cousins and old University friends, it leaves the rest of the wedding party to stand about somewhat aimlessly drinking some Champagne or non-alcoholic equivalent. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Hiring a wedding pianist for an hour, or perhaps a solo singer is a perfect example – always goes down a treat.

Wedding Breakfast

Although technically speaking it’s nowadays more of a wedding dinner than a wedding breakfast, this is another part of your wedding day where a little bit of something is a nice idea. Naturally it all depends on your budget but after the food and speeches the bride and groom tend to walk between tables, happily greeting those they haven’t seen in a while. For those who aren’t on a table with anyone they know very well, the small talk ran out somewhere between the main course and dessert. As such, some light entertainment in the form of a quiz – perhaps about the couple? – or caricaturist can go a long way!

Reception

We needn’t go into too much detail about whether a band of DJ is the way to go… Just know that entertainment is pretty much a must have for this portion of your wedding day and can make the occasion even more special to those who have travelled a long way! There are a whole host of acts that come under the ‘wedding entertainment for hire’ banner, so you don’t need to stick to just one! 

From a wedding photo booth to a wandering band, simply click around the website and see what takes your fancy.

Five basic planning rules

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It’s natural to stress over all aspects of an event but if you follow these five basic event planning rules, you’ll be a brilliant wedding event planner in no time! So whether it’s your first time booking entertainment for an event or you’re an old hand, here are a few tips that it’s always worth remembering.

Make a List of Entertainment Ideas

This may seem like a no-brainer but always make a list of the entertainment ideas you have in mind for your party or event so that you don’t get side-tracked when looking at all the other event entertainment which is out there! There are a lot of superb entertainment acts out there but not all of them will be suitable for your special event. As such, it’s best for wedding event planners make a list of the sort of thing you’re looking for even if you have quite a broad spectrum.

Get the latest exciting acts.

One of the most important things about being an event planner is that you need to know what is available on the market. After making your list of entertainment ideas, it’s now time to look out for any other acts the people seem to be excited about and consider the date as well. Make sure you get the latest exciting entertainment act.

Budget Wisely

Decide on a budget far in advance of when you sit down to allocate the funds to each part of your event or wedding. Entertainment can be pricey, as can each part of event planning, but shrewd event planners are the ones who do not waver from their initial costings and ensure that they are getting a good deal. Musicians in particular vary widely in price but rest assured we at Red Masque only advertise the very best acts who have excellent reviews.

Give Yourself Some Time

People like to plan early so don’t leave it until the last minute before booking the entertainment for your event. Some of the most popular acts are already being requested by event planners for weddings late in 2016, so don’t delay if there’s a piece of entertainment you just have to have! It’s better to book sooner rather than later as this also gives time to deal with any possible song requests or dealing with venue difficulties like sound limiters.

Think About Everything Else

Well, once you’ve booked the entertainment, it’s time to focus on other things. Event planning is all about juggling tasks and assigning time to each of them. Once your wedding entertainment is booked, start thinking about how to improve your venue by picking a nice theme. Then onto the catering and flowers. It feels like it’s never ending but it doesn’t have to be. So book your entertainment early and then allow yourself some time to think about everything else.

Take your time to pick your music

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Music is a very personal to each individual and it will play a very important part in your wedding.  You don’t have to be from a particular faith to enjoy a piece of music, just go what feels best for you. The Wedding ceremony music has to be right for both of you, and to have the right piece played, you will remember your wedding day for years to come.  

To help you choose, this is a list of some wedding music that you might want to consider including in your repertoire:

Wedding Ceremony Music– The Common Requests
1. “Air in G” from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D (J.S. Bach)
2. “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9(Beethoven)
3. “Trumpet Voluntary” or “Prince of Denmark’s March” (J. Clarke)
4. “Clair de Lune” (C. Debussy)
5. “Hornpipe” from Water Music Suite (G.F. Handel)
6. “Wedding March” from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (F. Mendelssohn)
7. “Canon in D” (J. Pachelbel)
9. “Allegro from Spring”, first movement theme from The Four Seasons (A. Vivaldi)
10. “Bridal March” from the opera Lohengrin or “Here Comes the Bride” (R. Wagner)

 

Wedding Ceremony Music Alternatives 

Favourite choices for Christian weddings:

1. “Amazing Grace” (American Folk Melody)
2. “Ave Maria” (F. Schubert)
3. “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” (J. S. Bach)
4. “The Lord’s Prayer” (A.H. Malotte)
5. “Simple Gifts” (Elder Joseph)

Favourite choices for Jewish weddings:

1. “Dodi Li” (N. Chen)
2. “Erev Ba” (O. Avissar & A. Levanon)
3. “Siman Tov” (traditional Israeli song)
4. “Sunrise Sunset” from the musical “Fiddler on the Roof”

Favourite choices for Celtic weddings:

1. “Mairia’s Wedding”
2. “Star of the County Down”
3. “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”
4. “Skye Boat Song”
5. “My Wild Irish Rose”

The Perfect Autumn Wedding

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Your big day is coming up and we’re here to help you plan the wedding of your dreams! Autumn is the perfect time to get married. Something about this season just makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, and who better to do that with than your new husband or wife? 

First Thing’s First: Indoor or Outdoor?

It’s tempting to have an outdoor wedding in Autumn, especially for those in the leafy areas. Keep in mind that while it is very beautiful, the Autumn can be quite chilly. Never fear- you can have both the comforts of home and nature’s beauty, whether you’re inside or out. Here’s how:

Outdoor Weddings

The wonderful thing about having an outdoor wedding in the Autumn is how simple the decorating can be on your part, while still achieving a breath-taking ceremony. The rich hues of red, orange, yellow, green, and brown decorate themselves. Warm, seasonal colours will surely pop against that perfect white gown. But, let’s talk colours later. The tricky part about outdoor weddings is weather. Wedding planning takes months and months of careful planning, and unpredictable weather changes can be a serious threat to your perfect day.

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Plan ahead. Schedule marquee rentals from a vendor ahead of time. In most cases, you can do this through the same service that provides your chairs and tables. Because weather is flippant and unpredictable, most vendors will have a reasonable cancellation policy for marquees, allowing you the freedom to make the call much closer to the date without scrambling to find a marquee at the last minute. Talk to your vendors. They want your day to be perfect, too.

Keep It Simple

With so many vibrant colours around you all of the beauty that nature has to offer- clean, classic decorations go a long way.

Lights. Consider using white string lights, vintage-style iron lanterns, or round paper lanterns to offset your colourful surroundings.

Sparklers are the new confetti and it’s no surprise why. Aside from being beautiful and inexpensive, sparkler send offs make for gorgeous wedding photos and by opting for sparklers over confetti.

Add seasonal decoration. Chances are you will need to make some final touches. Depending on how classic or rustic you want your ceremony to be, the amount of decorations will vary. For a more rustic approach, consider decorating with bales of hay, bright orange pumpkins, and natural wood. For a classic look, all of these same ideas could still apply, but probably in smaller doses. Consider painting the pumpkins and using them as vases/centrepieces for a sleeker look.

Indoor Weddings

For those of you with indoor weddings, weather and temperature won’t be as much of a concern. But, to have a true autumn themed wedding, you will have to bring nature inside to you! Here are some recommendations that may help you achieve that Autumn look you’re searching for.

Let Mother Nature Inspire You

Natural wood tables and chairs. Going with a very simple and natural looking wood will bring the feeling of nature inside.

Leaves. This one’s a freebie! Bag them up and bring them inside to decorate. You can line the aisle with bright, multi-coloured leaves for an outdoor feel.

Make use of the pumpkin. They aren’t just for Halloween. Aside from the endless possibilities of seasonal pumpkin foods and cocktails, they make wonderful decorations. Paint them, spray them with glitter, carve your initials into them, mark them with table numbers, use them as vases or candleholders…

Regardless of Location…

Choose bridesmaid’s dresses that are rich in colour. Popular colours for autumn include burnt oranges, deep reds, golds, chocolate browns, and dark purples.

Take advantage of what the season has to offer by using autumn colours, serving seasonal food and drinks, and using your favourite things about autumn to create beautiful centrepieces, placeholders, and other decorations.

A bright white dress will pop against an autumn colour palette, for sure. But, if you’re going for a more vintage look, go for a creamy off-white dress instead.

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy yourself. We wish you a wonderful autumn wedding and the happiest of marriages!

Planning an outdoor wedding

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Outdoor weddings 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 beach front 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 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 its 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 hair and makeup styles, 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 table and chair rental companies 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 (photographer, musicians, etc.) who have worked outdoor events. They have the experience and know about situations that can arise.

1920’s Wedding theme

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Weddings that are themed around a particular era have become more popular as couples are looking to the celebration to reflect their style. The Roaring 20s are a big one. This decade is full of Big Band Jazz, Art Deco visuals, and intricately adorned ensembles—a theme that has been trending since the release of The Great Gatsby in 2013. Although the movie illuminated this classic style, there’s been an ongoing appreciation for all things vintage, and it looks as if this will continue. 

​Here are some ideas for your 1920’s Wedding theme:

  • For a 1920s theme, a classic palette of black, white and gold is easy to achieve and truly timeless and elegant. For the bride, we love the look of a trumpet-style gown.
  • Bridesmaids can be styled in simple LBDs with the addition of headpieces or fascinators, and the groomsmen will look dashing in classic black tuxedos.
  • Champagne towers are making a comeback, especially in Roaring 20s-inspired celebrations. We adore the look of sophisticated black and white striped linens.
  • For brides preferring something a little more colourful, jewel tones are the way to go! Think of the rich shades of a peacock feather for inspiration.
  • ​With vintage ​wedding cars you can show up in style and use this classic as a prop in your wedding photos.
  • ​For wedding entertainment, try a unique performer like a Charlie Chaplin impersonator. With a comedic 20s era presence, Charlie can make your guests feel like they’ve travelled to a time of satire and silent films.
  • ​For your wedding photos, ask your wedding photographer about vintage overlay options for development. Your big day will be captured with a nostalgic 1920s look.

We wish you a happy marriage and roaring celebration! 

Favourite themes for 2016

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Finding the right theme for your wedding can be a massive headache – especially when you and your soon-to-be spouse have different tastes.

Here are some of the most favourite wedding themes for 2016 so you and your betrothed can find some common ground

Vintage nautical

Although vintage wedding themes have been a firm favourite for the last few years, 2016 will see this taken to the next level with more niche trends. For example, we’ll start to see the entire wedding based upon a particular reading, like the Owl and the Pussycat, which is becoming more popular as couples shy away from traditional love-based or religious musings, or perhaps a more nautical theme, like Titanic, that turns the usual into the more unusual. Suited to all seasons, you can easily incorporate this styling into every aspect of your wedding, whether you opt for an indoor or outdoor ceremony.

Fantastical wedding

What could be more outlandish and fun than stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland, or maybe Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Whether you want to bring the Mad Hatter to your party, or would rather sample the sweet delights of Willy Wonka, the fantastical theme will help your wedding and the after party start and end with a bang. Bright colours, wonky decor and brash props make this a standout theme for 2016.

Get colourful!

Top tips for colour trends and theming for 2016 is all about being bold and brave with colour. It’s time to lose the pastel pinks and make your wedding pop. It’s all about making a big impact and sophisticated fun. This works really well with a Mexican themed wedding – think Mexican fiesta bunting, jars of colourful punch, colourful flower wreaths in your hair – or alternative wedding gowns that don’t necessarily fit to the white or ivory stereotypes.

Party decor

It’s goodbye to bunting and hello 2016 is the year of balloons, streamers and real plants as the centrepiece on tables. We’ve long been a fan of getting creative at weddings with colours and objects and we’re super-happy to see colour-coded props and peg boards making an appearance. It won’t lose that handmade feel though, so crafty-types, don’t fear. Feel free to add your personal touches to the entire experience and let your creativity run wild!

Retro

Feeling as though the vintage theme may be a bit too old-fashioned, but still looking to inject a bit of nostalgic fun into your big day? How about opting for a retro theme instead? Take a trip back to the 1950s and give your wedding a Grease-like feel, complete with diner-style food, multi-coloured straws and maybe even hire a vending machine or bar to finish the venue off properly. Finish everything off with an Airstream wedding photo booth and a retro looking enclosed photo booth – think Berlin photo mats – both can be set to print in vintage style old strips.

Inject some fun into your big day with customisable wedding photo booths and pop boxes, designed to fit any wedding theme or occasion.

Be savvy and save with some great tips

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With the average wedding in the UK costing around £20,000, it’s understandable why some couples quiver at the thought of tying the knot. But this shouldn’t steer those wanting to get hitched away from their dream day. To prove that this is the case, Oxford Abingdon Hotel have created a simple guide to give ‘wannabe weds’ some handy tips on how to avoid a five figure bill while still achieving a wedding day to remember

The engagement

Avoiding an engagement party to cut costs is totally missing out on a valuable opportunity to gather essentials which could help to cover costs otherwise incurred. By being opportunistic and holding a small gathering to celebrate will spark generosity between friends and family which will be needed in the run up to the big day.

Spreading the word

Nothing pulls harder on a guest’s heart strings than a hand-written invitation. Scattered with personalised notes and hand-stuck pictures; there is no cheaper way of convincing a guest to join in the celebrations on the big day.

Save on the date

Everyone wants to say their vows on the weekend. Instead pay less and give family and friends the opportunity to take some well-deserved time off during the week to celebrate? It often costs much less to host your wedding on a Friday and means your guests can stay and celebrate with you all weekend long if you choose!

No limits on location

Being in love with a prestige location needn’t mean it has to be ruled out. For example, wedding venues in Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds, the Lake District and other countryside wedding locations can be pretty pricey; however, by doing some homework, modern residencies like the Oxford Abingdon Hotel can cater for a range of sizes and budgets while still being in the heart of the destination.

The wedding breakfast

One of the biggest costs faced is internal or external catering. As oppose to cutting back on courses or opting for a buffet, why not consider inviting fewer guests and upping the style of dining? Alternatively, a buffet can also be a viable option which will reduce the overall cost.

Ban the bar tab

After stretching the budget to craft a truly fabulous wedding day, it could all have been in vain if one chooses to start a bar tab. Instead, pay-as-you-go to avoid a bad start to the honeymoon.

Unwanted wedding gifts

No matter how many lists or hints received by guests, it is inevitable that a handful of, to put it nicely, non-favourable gifts will be received. By utilising handy sites like eBay and Gumtree, shifting these will help save for a dreamy honeymoon.

If you’re planning a wallet-friendly wedding in Oxfordshire, Oxford Abingdon Hotel has some fantastic packages starting from just £2,015, which includes welcome drinks, three course wedding breakfast and much more… giving you even more to celebrate!

Weddings that won’t cost the earth

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Want an A-list day on a Z-list budget? These fabulous packages mean you can achieve the day of your dreams without breaking the bank! Emily Berryman reveals how to plan a budget wedding that is still amazing!

Wed in a windmill!

Where? Cley Windmill, Norfolk.
The deal: If you prefer quirky over conventional, this cosy mill on the north Norfolk coast is well worth checking out! Brimming with fabulous photo opportunities, guests with be thrilled by the pretty round rooms, cosy fireplaces and rustic beams. And the best bit? Exclusive hire with all the trimmings can be yours for as little as £3,665! This includes one-night mid-week accommodation for 20 guests, a chic canapé and prosecco drinks reception followed by a decadent three-course meal with wine for 24 people – the only problem is, you may never want to leave.

Get hitched in the capital!

Where? Hotel Russell, London
The deal: If you want an iconic celebration on a shoestring, this opulent hotel in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury is hard to beat! Offering a range of packages to suit all budgets, get more bang for your buck by plumping for the ‘Perfect Day Package’, which will keep a party of 50 elegantly wined and dined for a very pocket-friendly £3,995! Including your own wedding coordinator, a sumptuous three-course spread, fizz and a complementary first night stay for the newlyweds – a DJ or yummy canapés will also be thrown in to make sure your day goes with a bang.

Spectacular scenery!

Where? Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Gloucestershire.

The deal: Craving a Cotswolds wedding? Brilliantly, this luxury four-star hotel offers an impressive all-inclusive package for celebrations held during January and February, starting from £4,995. Including all the essentials – from room hire for your ceremony and reception, a top notch wedding breakfast for 60 people and an evening buffet for 100 – plenty of coo- inducing extras will be thrown in for good measure such as a red carpet welcome and use of the picture-perfect lake for your wedding snaps!

Fairy-tale dreams!

Where? Combermere Abbey, Shropshire

The deal: For a bespoke day full of breath- taking views and Happily Ever After charm, this spectacular Abbey offers “Magical Winter” and “Marry in March” packages for an impressive £4,500 – saving you £1,300 off the usual hire rate! Available for weddings held on Fridays and Saturdays during the months of November, December and March, this price includes exclusive use of the Victorian Glass House and Walled Garden Pavilion, a first night stay in the cosy Stone Lodge, plus oodles more lovely goodies such as a champagne breakfast hamper and use of a vintage car. Well, a bride needs to make an entrance!

Take to The Thames!

Where? Runnymede-On-Thames, Windsor 

The deal: For a wedding with real wow factor, this beautiful hotel offers an “Unconventional Package” for £135 per person – which means you can party with 35 of your nearest and dearest and still come in under the £5k budget! Including venue hire for your civil ceremony, a delicious riverside three-course barbeque and four-hour riverboat cruise, complete with stunning views and your own banging DJ – why stay on land when you can take your party to the river?

Farm charm!

Where? South Farm Cambridgeshire

The deal: For couples who prefer to do things a little differently, this gorgeously rustic venue offers an amazing “Intimate Winter Wedding Mid-Week Package”, which costs £3,750 for 40 people. Including a romantic civil ceremony in The Old Dairy, a hot buffet wedding breakfast and bacon butties for the evening reception – some drinks, the dance floor and use of the bridal suit are also included. A few pounds still left in your wedding piggybank? We recommend paying a bit extra for your guests to spend the night in restored – and very cute! – gypsy caravans.

Rochdale bargain!

Where? The Royal Toby, Rochdale

The deal: For matrimony that won’t max out your credit cards, The Royal Toby
have created a bargain off-peak ‘Sapphire Package’ for couples who get married on any day but Saturday! Catering for 50 day and 100 evening guests, everything from your ceremony and reception room hire to a three-course meal and evening buffet are included – plus wedding essentials like your DJ, linens, and centrepieces.

Hire a castle!

Where? Lumley Castle, County Durham

The deal: Think a castle wedding is out of reach? Refreshingly Lumley’s ‘Fairy-tale Package’ means history-loving couples can now enjoy all the grandeur of high society for as little as £2,500! Say ‘I do’ in one of Lumley’s magnificent state rooms before enjoying a formal three-course wedding breakfast fit for a king, for 40 people. An evening buffet and first night stay in one of the castle’s grand bedrooms is also included, so you are guaranteed to feel like royalty.

Get hitched at Gretna!

Where? Smith’s Hotel, Gretna Green

The deal: For a Scottish bash with your nearest and dearest, what could be more special than becoming Mr and Mrs in the UK’s wedding capital, Gretna Green? Exchange your vows in the famous Blacksmiths Shop in front of 18 guests before heading to the swanky Smiths Hotel for a yummy three-course wedding breakfast and evening spread of sausage sarnies and chips. A steal at £2,375, this package also includes your wedding photos, cake, toasts and first night stay.

Country chic!

Where? Stapleford Park Country House Hotel, Leicestershire

The deal: A secret hideaway for countless celebs, if you are looking for a small but perfectly formed celebration, this sprawling estate is a must-visit. Offering a spend-savvy ‘Intimate Package’ at £115 per person (available for small weddings held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays), doing our marital maths, this means you could bag the tranquil grounds, a stylish drinks reception and three-course wedding breakfast for 30 people for just £3,450.

Surprise your groom with on the wedding day

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When it comes to weddings, sometimes it’s easy to forget that it’s not just the bride who likes a little romance – a surprise gift for the groom on the wedding morning can set the mood for the day and make him feel loved and appreciated. Here are some of our top picks for grooms’ gifts!

Seeing as you’ll be wearing your beautiful new dress, and likely new jewellery and shoes, it’s only fair that your groom gets a little something special on the wedding day – apart from the gift of marrying you, of course! There are traditional options for the groom’s gift the morning of the wedding, but never underestimate the appeal of something small but meaningful to your man.

Buying something that reflects his hobbies is always a good idea – if he’s mad about football, why not buy him a season ticket to watch his favourite team play? If he loves a certain band, buy him tickets to see their live concert. It may seem obvious, but these touches will show your husband-to-be just what you mean to him.

Your gift doesn’t need to cost the earth, either. Your man will most likely be feeling a little jittery before the ceremony, so why not send him a bottle of whiskey and a box of cigars to share with his groomsmen and to calm his nerves? Or, have cooked breakfasts delivered to the hotel suite for the guys to enjoy while they get ready in the morning. Whatever you send, accompany it with a handwritten letter telling him how much you can’t wait to see him – spritz a little of your signature scent on the paper and he’ll be feeling romantic in no time.

Traditional touches

If you want something traditional that you know your groom will love, then you can’t go far wrong with a watch. If he’s an old-school type, then a pocket watch would be a great choice – particularly if you engrave it with his initials or the date of your wedding. For the more modern groom, a wrist watch is the perfect gift for the morning of the wedding. Attach a note with the time of the ceremony (along the lines of ‘See you at 1pm!’) for a personal touch. 

A hip flask is another traditional groom’s gift – we particularly like this modern version from David-Louise Designs. You can also engrave it with your groom’s name and a personal message –  wrap it with a bottle of your man’s favourite spirit for a gift he’ll cherish.

Many brides will buy their grooms cufflinks for the big day, as they’re a gift that can be worn on the wedding day and for many years to come – plus they’re easy to personalise! Engrave them with your wedding date and he’ll never forget your anniversary!

Thoughtful artwork

If you and your husband-to-be are equally house-proud, then getting something that you can display for all your house guests to see is a sweet idea. We love this framed record of your first dance song – this would be a particularly great gift if your man is a music buff.

For the honeymoon

If your man already has everything for the wedding day sorted, why not think ahead and buy him a gift he can use on your honeymoon? A pair of designer sunglasses would work for a beach honeymoon or a ski break, and luxurious toiletries in a leather washbag will always come in useful. 

If you want to treat your groom to something a little saucy, then you should definitely consider booking in for a boudoir photoshoot. Companies do sexy shoots especially for brides, and package the photographs in a gorgeous keepsake album for you and your groom. Leave it in his bedroom with a note reading ‘Meet me at the altar!’ and he’s sure to be feeling ready for the honeymoon!

The little things

If you’ve already got your groom a present, or you’ve agreed that you won’t spend a lot of money on each other, then why not choose one of these little added extras just to show him you’re thinking about him?