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Savvy wedding planning

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Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure. Planning a wedding at the last minute can put you into a bit of a whirlwind of activity, in a good way though. Follow our savvy planning tips and you’ll avoid confusion and stress and enjoy each stage to the max!

Finishing touches

These absolutely don’t have to be elaborate, sometimes the simplest thing is best and there’s less to go wrong that way, too. If you’re having a spring or summer wedding you could just sprinkle blossoms or rose petals on the tables to add the wow factor. In winter, put tealights on a mirror in the centre of every table to add a sparkle.

Groom’s outfit
Unlike your wedding dress, suits for grooms can be ordered at much shorter notice. Have a look online and you’ll see that many companies even offer next-day delivery. High street chains usually carry plenty of stock and if you’re marrying out of season you’re probably going to find more choice. The most important thing to get right is the fit, so make sure everybody’s measurements are correct before ordering.

Bridesmaid dresses

Gone are the days when you had to dress each of your bridesmaids in an identical frock, regardless of whether or not it suited them. Now it’s very popular to let your bridesmaids wear different styles of dresses in different shades of the same colour. Let your maids choose their own style of gown that reflects their best features and they’ll be your friends forever and look much more smiley and happy in your photographs.

Forget save the date cards

Email is a wonderful invention for saving time. Instead of wasting valuable days by ordering save the date stationery, send your guests an email save the date instead. Facebook events and groups are also a great way of letting your guests know about your last-minute wedding and they will also help you keep track of how many people will be attending.

Don’t lose sight of your budget

Don’t panic if you’re on a short timescale and overspend, hoping that it will create solutions. If you’re on a tight budget and have very little time, then consider hiring a wedding planner who is likely to pay for themselves anyway. State exactly how much you can afford for a fee and stick to your budget. A wedding planner will be able to negotiate discounts and special rates for you anyway and is more likely to be able to come up with some amazing last-minute solutions for you.

Do it yourself

If you’re having trouble finding a florist who can do your flowers at short notice, then visit a wholesale florist locally to choose your own blooms. Don’t attempt any sort of formal flower arrangement. Instead go for a shabby-chic, rustic sort of look by arranging your flowers and greenery in mismatched vases and bottles.

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork

If you’ve decided to rush off and tie the knot abroad then make doubly sure you have all the legal documents you need in place to make this happen. Your passport needs to be valid, with at least six months left before it expires and you’ll need your birth certificate too. In New York we’ve heard of weddings being organised in under a week but in Italy they take about three months!

Getting married last minute is possible – but just keep the above in mind, especially our words on documentation. A lot will depend on the destination in which you’re getting married, so check local requirements and make sure you’ll qualify in time.

That said, getting married last minute is very romantic and very do-able. Plus, you’re going to be Mr & Mrs just that little bit sooner!

Don’t leave it late to book a venue

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If you’re reading this article then you’re probably newly engaged, so huge congratulations to you both! You’ve got a really exciting time ahead of you; from discussing your budget to choosing a date and selecting the right wedding venue for the style of your wedding and so much more…

However, if you think that you’d rather wait until the New Year to really get going with your wedding plans, then we’d like you to reconsider!

January and February are typically the busiest times in the wedding industry. With romantic engagements taking place under fairy-lit Christmas Trees, in front for warm, cosy fire places, under the illuminated sky filled with fireworks on New Year’s Eve and on the most romantic day of the year in February, you can imagine how busy the best wedding venues get in the spring and summer when it comes to venue viewings and bookings.

Miss the New Year Rush

After the festive season has come and gone, the first thing that engaged couples (just like you) will be planning to do, is book in to visit a load of wedding venues as soon as possible. Wedding venue viewings are done by appointment only, so to avoid missing availability, we would advise booking in to visit your dream wedding venues early – to guarantee you actually get a viewing, or better still, why not make your appointment to visit them before Christmas, where you may find availability is more flexible?

Avoid Competing for Dates

As mentioned earlier, most engaged couples will wait until the New Year before the start to seriously think about booking their wedding. But, as the rest of the UK starts to focus on the festive season, this could be an incredible opportunity for you to get moving with your wedding plans and potentially book an ideal wedding date before anyone else has a chance. If you plan on getting married during 2017 then there’s no time like the present to visit your shortlist of wedding venues and snap that date up before the New Year. January, February and March are typically known for being extremely busy for wedding venues in terms of taking bookings for the next few years…so to ensure availability, it’s best to view and book ahead of the New Year rush.

Start the New Year with a Plan

Once your wedding venue has been booked, the rest of your plans should fall perfectly into place. So, if you book your wedding date before the New Year, you’ll be able to start your year off with a fantastic focus! Perhaps start the year by sending out your Save the Date cards, or start enquiring about wedding suppliers; like good venues, they will get booked up early too!

Unusual wedding entertainment ideas

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When booking entertainment for your wedding day, it’s often difficult to know what works. Do you want to book the same function band that you saw at a friend’s wedding? Perhaps, but you want your special day to be unique! So how can you make your wedding day extra special? What sort of wedding entertainment should you hire for your big day? We’ve come up with a few unique cabaret ideas to help get you thinking!

Drag Queen

A Drag Queen isn’t a typical addition you might expect to see at a wedding but they can be a wonderful Master of ceremonies and deliver a stunning and outrageous show at the reception. From stand up to singing, a drag queen diva will wow your wedding guests. The ultimate in unique wedding entertainment.

Aerial Silk Artist

One for the larger wedding venues, there is no piece of unique wedding entertainment more beautiful than an aerial silk artist. Suspended from the ceiling by flowing silk drapes, a talented performer can twist and turn to music to create an ambient acrobatic display or even improvise a hanging routine. A majestic and graceful act, it’s best to let the photos speak for themselves! No performance is ever the same.

Classical music artists

One for the classical music lovers how about a little background music on your wedding day? Classically trained singers from the Royal Academy of Music will captivate your audience. A fabulous addition to any wedding, enjoy a flawless rendition of your favourite classical piece to make your wedding day truly magical.

Related Dancers

When it comes to unique wedding entertainment ideas, it’s often easy to forget that your guests are as part of the big day as yourselves. A function band is great to get the room going but many attendees are often too shy to hit the dance floor. By booking a dance group who relate to the style of music that your function band play, the evening can incorporate the fun nature of your event and music that suits your particular musical tastes.

Entertainment tips for you 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 awhile. 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!

Perfect Grooms’ gifts

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Seeing as you’ll be wearing your beautiful new wedding 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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

If your man already has everything he needs 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

Wedding cake ideas

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The cake is quite often the thing most people look forward to at a wedding celebration. After all, it’s not a reception without a cake cutting ceremony! These days though there are so many options for cakes. You can have red velvet, lemon meringue, chocolate, marble, carrot, or maybe traditional vanilla. Others may choose to divert from the traditional cake, choosing cupcakes, truffles, chocolate confections, cookies, or a dessert buffet (for those who just can’t decide!). With all these options how does one even begin?

1. Search for the Right Bakery

Choosing a bakery is tough. It can be even tougher if you have a special need – glucose-free, lactose-free, vegan, Kosher, organic, etc. Luckily more bakeries are becoming aware of allergies or special needs and offer delicious alternatives.  Do a quick search for a cake designer in your area who makes a product to your specification.

2. Choose Your Style

Are you a cupcake fan? Or are you a chocolate lover at heart? Or does a traditional tiered wedding cake tickle your fancy? Cupcake towers are becoming more and more popular at birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and more. This takes the hassle out of cutting the cake into equal-sized pieces! Cakes can come in all shapes and sizes these days. Bakeries and cake designers can sculpt a cake into a castle, sports arena, animal, musical instrument, and anything else you can come up with! You can go this route for a birthday cake to match the cake with the birthday person’s favourite hobby. A designer’s ability to do this also is beneficial for groom’s cakes. A dessert buffet is always a fun route to go, as well. You can have all your favourite goodies in one place from a chocolate fountain and truffles to fruit tart and pastries.

3. Find Your Filling

Whether you go with a cake or cupcakes, you then must decide the type, filling, and frosting. So many decisions! However, this is where the yummy part begins – cake tastings! On top of the type of cake, such as red velvet, chocolate, or carrot, you also have the option of having a filling. Fillings can be in the form of fruit, mousse, and cream cheese, just to name a few. Schedule a tasting with your baker to decide which one is just right for you.

Above all, have fun with your cake! A little indulgence never hurt anyone, especially on a day of celebration!

It’s not always going to be plain sailing…

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Choose your co-shoppers carefully

The people you choose to take wedding dress shopping are very important people. Not only should they consider themselves lucky, but they should have a personality that shows it. If you’ve got a couple of friends you feel will get bored or enthusiastic quickly, they may not be your best choices. Get a small group of people that will offer helpful comments on each of the dresses you try on, and that will keep up interest no matter how long the shopping takes!

You won’t always stick to your plan

Before you embark on the wedding dress search, you might have a specific image in your head. Don’t lose that ideal image of a lace fit-and-flare with an illusion neckline, but don’t dismiss other options. Trying on things you don’t think will suit you may sometimes surprise you, you know… Make sure you try on a range of different designs and shapes, and take the advice of the shop assistants into consideration!

It’s not always love at first sight

Remember, most dresses will look bad on the hanger! Try things on! Whilst the shape may not look your cup of tea while it hangs on the dress rail, the moment you put it on, pair it with a killer pair of heels and add the accessories you might change your mind completely. But don’t go through all the dresses you can get your hands on in the boutique, be selective!

Wear the right underwear

For wedding dress shopping, make sure you’re wearing plain and seam-free underwear to give you an idea of how the dress really should look. Step away from the bras and knickers covered in frills and the bows for today, please. You’ll thank us later.

Consider bridal sizes

Picking up your usual size 10 off the dress rail and it not fitting does not mean those after-dinner biscuits last night has gone to your hips already. Fear not! Wedding dresses are typically one to two sizes smaller than regular street sizes, so don’t get too fixed on the number. And for those brides that are wedding dress shopping with the plans to lose weight, don’t be too ambitious. Often, it’s a lot better to order the size that fits you now and deal with fittings nearer to the big day itself.

You will get tired

Wedding dresses – they’re not exactly the lightest of garments, are they? The repetitive routine of getting undressed and dressed during any shopping day is tiring enough, let alone getting undressed and dressed into a series of heavy wedding dresses. Before you head out, get a good, but light, breakfast down you, and keep a bottle of water on hand – then you’ll be ready for the ‘Wedding dress workout’.

Try before you buy

Once you’ve got it on and think it might be ‘the one’, try and glide like you’re walking down the aisle and move like you’re on the dancefloor! If you can strut your stuff in the dress, we’re with you: it is the one. Everyone present, hold back the tears or grab the tissue.

Ceremony music tips

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There are literally millions of pieces of modern wedding music that don’t have any religious association. When wedding planning, most people choose classical music for your ceremony and have lighter pop music during your drinks reception.

Consider choosing two contrasting pieces of music that are moderate length. The first should be contemplative while the guests enter and the second could hint at the celebrations to follow the ceremony.

You are not permitted to have any music during a Civil Ceremony that is overtly religious. Though rules are somewhat more relaxed than in the past, your Registrar will advise and vet your choices.

Choose something celebratory, when your guests leave, that can be heard alongside the happy throng.

If you have the budget, then live wedding music will feel much more personal and special. Harps, string quartets and pianists are the most popular choices. They can also stay at your reception afterwards during your wedding photographs, drinks and canapés.

If you find a title you like on a modern wedding music CD or a website, then make sure you check the title and composer with another couple of similar sources to make sure it is correct.

Modern wedding music for your ceremony

  • Bridal March from ‘Lohengrin’ (Here comes the Bride) – Wagner

  • Canon in D – Pachelbel

  • Trumpet Voluntary – Jeremiah Clarke

  • Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – G F Handel

  • Ave Maria – J S Bach/C Gounod

  • Adagio – Albinoni arr. Giazotto

  • Panis Angelicus – C Franck

  • Wedding March – ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ – Mendelssohn

  • Toccata from Organ Symphony no 5- C M Widor

  • Alla Danza / Hornpipe from ‘Water Music’ – G F Handel

Make your music memorable

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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”

Think about your budget

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Around 20% of couples have blown the wedding day budget, a new survey has revealed…

With the majority of couples overspending by between £2,000 and £5,000, some try to make amends – 7% of married Brits sold their wedding outfits after the big day to save money, and a third of those who didn’t, would consider it.

And it’s not just the couples who are overspending when it comes to the wedding – it’s the guests, too! A massive three-quarters of the Brits surveyed would buy a new outfit if they were going to a wedding, and then there’s the gift

Around three quarters think it’s compulsory to buy a gift if you are invited to a wedding, with half of Brits stating that between £26-£50 was an acceptable amount to spend on a wedding present. More than half of Londoners feel their gifts ought to be repaid with a free bar, compared to the 14% in the North East.

Whether it’s because they can’t afford the travel, the accommodation, the new dress and jacket combo they’ve had their eye on, a wedding gift, or paying for their own drinks, guests are being hit by wedding costs too. It’s no wonder that around a quarter would decline a wedding invitation because they couldn’t afford to go.