Tag Archives: theme

Winter Wonderland Weddings

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There’s something magical about winter and in particular, a winter wedding. As the public flock to various winter-themed events and Christmas markets, it’s difficult to know quite how your wedding can capture that Christmassy atmosphere without becoming tacky and whilst also seeking to retain all of the magic that makes December such a wonderful time of the year to get married. Yes, it’s a lot colder than if you had a summer wedding but with these fabulous acts, you’ll be sure to have a great day. 

There’s nothing quite as gorgeous a carousel. A free standing aerial rig, two acrobats perform a choreographed show or ambient performance for the whole family to enjoy. Coming with an ‘Ice Garden’ theme and able to be used for acrobatic or aerial silks or hoop, this is a stunning slice of entertainment for your big day. A mesmerising, relaxing affair, it is sure to take a bit of the stress off ahead of the best man’s speech!

You could go for the usual wedding band or DJ for your wedding reception, but what with the festivities of the season taking hold, it might be a somewhat unique idea to hire a brass band to perform Christmas classics for the room. Feel free to join in with some of your favourite Christmas carols or sit back as husband and wife and just enjoy the occasion. A chance to really put your mark on your wedding day without necessarily being too overtly Christmassy!

Wedding Day Traditions explained

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There are lots of weird and wonderful wedding day traditions – your own wedding day might include a few ancient superstitions to avoid bringing ‘bad luck’ without you even realising! Here are a couple you might not know about…

Rain on your wedding day is thought to be unlucky – not only for the soggy guests, but the rest of the marriage too! However, it is considered good luck for a bride to meet a spider, chimney sweep or black cat on her way to the wedding ceremony.

One of the most familiar superstitions is that it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding ceremony. This one isn’t such a romantic tradition – it originated in a time when arranged marriages were common, and seeing each other was more likely to result in one or both parties doing a runner!

Have you ever wondered why the groom carries his new bride over the threshold? In medieval Europe, it was believed that evil spirits might make their way into the house through the soles of the bride’s feet!

Much of the bride’s outfit has been based upon superstitions, including a white wedding dress to signify virginity and purity. Some think that a sugar cube in your glove will sweeten your union, whilst almost every bride knows the traditional poem, ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’.

Wearing ‘something old’ is meant to represent the life that the bride is leaving behind, while the ‘something new’ represents her new life as a married woman. The ‘something borrowed’ should come from someone who has had a long and happy marriage, and blue is meant to symbolise purity, fidelity and love.

The final part of the poem is ‘and a silver sixpence in her shoe’. Traditionally the bride’s father would slip a sixpence coin into his daughter’s left shoe on the way to the altar, to bring luck and wish the happy couple a long and prosperous life together. Today, you can buy special wedding sixpences to recreate this tradition.

For many years it was also tradition for the bride and groom to give each other gold and silver coins after exchanging rings, and this act is recorded in the first book of common prayer published in 1549. Gold Sovereign coins and silver Britannia coins are a perfect way to observe that tradition today.

Used to symbolise prosperity, love and unity, coins have a long-standing history within many wedding traditions across the world.

In Wales, silver coins are inserted into the popped champagne or wine corks and given to the bride and groom as a lasting memento of their day of celebration.

In Sweden, the bride’s mother gives her a gold coin to put in her right shoe and the bride’s father gives her a silver coin to put in her left shoe to represent their wish that she will never be without.

In Spain and Latin America, a coin is given by the groom to his bride after the blessing of the rings. It symbolises his willingness to share all that he has or will have. The coin is kept as a family keepsake and passed down from mother to her eldest son on his wedding day.

In Poland, coins are tossed over the newlyweds instead of confetti as they leave the ceremony. The couple is required to pick up all of the coins together as a sign of their new unity.

Planning the perfect Hen party

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The Hen party is one of the events surrounding your wedding that you may be anticipating but not know too much about- which is why we are pointing you in the right direction that will help you, your friends, and your family know what to do when it comes time to plan your Hen party,

Although you are completely invested in your wedding planning with the help of your fantastic vendor team, your Hen party is one of the moments when you’re likely going to take a step back and let your Mum, maid of honour, or bridesmaids step in. While you might like a quick planning break, your party may be the first larger scale event that your closest ladies have planned, and they might feel a little overwhelmed. So to keep the panic at a minimum, here are eight of our best tips so your shower is one you and your guests will all enjoy and remember:

1. Don’t be afraid to offer a few suggestions.

Both you and your groom have already built up a rapport with a team of vendors you can’t wait to work with on your wedding day, so don’t be afraid to share their names. Although your best ladies might have ideas of their own, offering the contact information of the pros you love will cut their research time down to a minimum. Also, if you’ve been dreaming of a specific Hen theme, make it known and share your Pinterest board. Lastly, make sure to share the names and contact information of the ladies that must be included on the guest list. Then step back and let the others do the planning.

2. Decide if the Hen party is a surprise.

Traditionally, Hen parties were always a surprise; however, there are times when a surprise just isn’t in the cards. If the bride does not like surprises, fill her in on the bare minimum specifics – date, time, location, and a hint about what to wear. If none of these points sound like your situation, then surprise away! Whatever you opt to do, make sure to decide early on.

3. Contact a photographer.

Although the number of pros you opt to work with for a Hen may be far less than a wedding, a professional photographer is simply a must. And their calendars fill up quickly! Personal recommendations, chatting with the bride, and taking a peek at the guest lists are all great places to start in order to find a photographer. Let the hosts and guests enjoy the party rather than worrying about capturing every moment from behind a lens.

4. Choose your venues, theme, menus, and time.

One point influences the other, which is why they are often a package deal. Some of the most popular venues are country clubs, wine bars, restaurants, and private homes (gardens are a wonderful option!). If you are thinking about hosting the Hen party at a country club or restaurant, know that you’ll be working off of their menu options. A home allows you to completely customize everything from the colours and décor to the menu and length of the event. In terms of menus and times, plan your Hen party for brunch or lunch and have a length of at least four hours in mind.

5. Know your DIY limits.

Taking on a few projects as a group, such as décor design, menu planning and preparing, creating escort or place cards, or creating an event timeline (writing down the key moments that must happen during the shower and when will help you immensely) is completely fine. But, don’t feel as though you have to tackle every project without a professional. Know your limits whether that’s in regards to time, comfort, or creativity, and consult with a pro if you no longer feel comfortable or confident.

6. Games or no games.

Hen parties are known for their games, but sometimes they might not feel completely organic to the event you have in mind. Playing your own version of the newlywed game complete with the bride or groom answering fun questions about their relationship on video and guests voicing their guesses tends to be a great option. Another plan – create a ribbon bouquet for the bride to use at her rehearsal as a group. Leaving the games to a minimum will allow all of the guests, including the bride, to relax and mingle instead. Plus, it leaves more room in the event timeline in case lunch or opening gifts takes more time than you had initially intended.

7. Invitations!

Similar to a wedding, plan to mail your invitations at least 6-8 weeks in advance of the party, if many guests are traveling in from out of town, send the invites earlier to allow everyone time to make arrangements. Make sure to include all of the basics on your invitations – time, date, location, and what to wear.

8. Event lead up & day of…

If you hired professionals, make sure to confirm all of your plans and provide any additional details at least two weeks in advance. Attempt to complete DIY projects several days, if not a week, in advance (obviously, this excludes food and flowers). Know your rainy day plan – whether that’s moving to a marque or moving indoors, make your decision at least two days prior to the Hen party. Finally, allow more time than you initially thought necessary to set in terms of events, there’s no such thing as too much set up time. Finishing early just means you have time for a another glass of champagne.

Save money and help you impress on your big day!

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Happy talk

Build up the hype and get your friends talking before the wedding day by creating unique save the dates and invitations. A budget saving craze in the US right now is for couples to shoot a short film telling the story of their relationship revealing the date of their wedding, and then email it to friends and family!

Music to our ears

Have a unique wedding ceremony by incorporating different types of music. To save money, how about asking a friend play the guitar at the ceremony and have everyone in the congregation sing along to your favourite song? It’s a nice twist on traditional hymns and will be a special moment to remember.

Time for tea

Rather than serving a traditional three-course meal at your wedding, think about mixing it up a little. Serve a dish at each table for guests to share and enjoy. Think about a bespoke wedding menu to fit your budget.

Creative cakes

Tiered wedding cakes continue to be popular at weddings, but it’s great when couples look to do something different. Think about money saving options like cupcakes, cake pops and pick and mix stands. They’re often cheaper than a tiered cake and can be personalised, too.

Trendy transport

Drive off with your new husband in something unusual. Think about leaving in style in a fab vintage sports car or be unexpected and save money by arriving to your wedding with your bridesmaids on classic bicycles!

Fab focals

Think about working with focal points in your wedding venue to make them part of the style or theme. One example could include filling a fireplace with large white lanterns, and making a post box out of a wishing well where guests could safely post their cards and gifts.

Bright ideas

Invest in some lighting to help transform your wedding venue from day to night. It doesn’t have to be expensive, a few uplighters and coloured ceiling washes can make a huge difference. Think about some great lighting designs for my events that really add the wow factor but don’t blow the budget.

Take care

From flip flops for sore feet, pashminas for cold shoulders, fans to cool down in the heat and personalised ponchos for festival-style rain – all these budget saving but very effective ideas show your guests you have really thought about them, too.

All together now

Think about communal areas at your venue and how you can personalise them to make them unique to you. Think about high gloss banners to hang on top of signs at a wedding venue to announce the couple’s wedding. These spaces are perfect for guests to mingle and get to know one another. Think about candles, perfumes and essential toiletries in the bathrooms for a personal, thoughtful and simple touch.

VIP guests

Make guests feel special by re-creating the VIP areas you see in trendy clubs. Place a chilled bottle of Champagne and vodka on the tables in the reception room for guests to enjoy – it really makes an impact and can help save on the bar budget!

Unique Weddings

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Here are some top ideas to make your wedding a standout celebration.

A Luxurious Reception Lounge

Give guests a place to mingle between dance breaks by creating a lounge area at your reception. Fill the space with couches or chairs and plenty of pillows to sink into. It’s the perfect way to keep everyone in on the party even when they’re resting. Really want to wow? Close off the area with curtains to create a VIP vibe.

Ushers

You may already be planning to have your ushers escort guests to their ceremony seats, but consider having reception ushers. These “live escort cards” walk guests to their tables for an upscale restaurant experience. Ask your reception venue or caterer if its waiting staff can do this double duty, or assign a few ushers to the job.

Guest Transportation

If you’re planning on shuttling your guests from the ceremony to the reception, make the journey part of the fun by renting some seriously cool mass transportation. Take wedding transportation to new heights with a hot air balloon ride. Or, if it’ll suit your wedding style, get nostalgic with some charming buses. And for extra flair, customize the ride by playing fun music or decking out the wedding bus with a sign that reads, “Wedding Guests”

Pre ceremony cocktails

Your guests won’t be expecting any drinks until the reception, so give them a pleasant surprise by setting up a table of light beverages on the way into the ceremony. Just don’t serve anything too strong — think: mimosas or fruit-infused iced teas they can sip before taking their seats (and don’t forget to have non-alcoholic versions too!). Have your caterer or ushers collect any stray glasses to make sure the space is tidy before the processional begins.

Welcome Bags

Make your guests feel like VIPs with welcome bags that go beyond a map and a few snacks. Stuff personalized tote bags with mini bottles of bubbly or a six-pack of a local microbrew, a gift certificate to your favourite local coffee shop and an individual “Welcome!” note from you.

Make your guests feel like VIPs with welcome bags that go beyond a map and a few snacks. Stuff personalized tote bags with mini bottles of bubbly or a six-pack of a local microbrew, a gift certificate to your favourite local coffee shop and an individual “Welcome!” note from you.

Wedding favours

Keep your guests comfortable all day by thinking ahead. Out of town guests will appreciate a custom scented soap so they don’t have to rely on the standard hotel samples. Planning on dancing until the next morning? Put out baskets of flip-flops (in your wedding colours, of course) so guests can take their shoes off. Having an outdoor reception that might get breezy? Make sure guests keep warm by offering up some cosy pashminas. And for a summer outdoor ceremony in the afternoon, provide a station with spray-on sunscreen and a stack of inexpensive sunglasses.

Convenient Child Care

Hire a babysitter (or two) and set her up in a room so your youngest guests have a place to go when they tire out. If it’s possible, pick a room near your reception location so parents can stop by to check in on and then return to the party easily. Stock the room with snacks, games and a portable DVD player to keep them entertained, and make sure there’s a soft sofa and blankets for those inevitable naps.

First Dance Confetti Drop

Your first dance will be one of the highlights of your wedding, so add this extra-special touch to up the entertainment factor (and make for some serious photo ops!). If your song is slow and romantic, have fresh flower petals instead of confetti dropped from the ceiling. Your rental company and florist can work together to make this happen — and don’t forget to make sure the reception waiting staff will be standing by to clean up.

Show stopping ceremony exit.

If you play it right, your ceremony exit will be one of the most heavily photographed moments of your wedding — so forget the rose petals and birdseed. Jazz up your exit by passing out small bags of colorful confetti, paper airplanes, mini beach balls, or even lavender buds for everyone to toss your way. Even better: Stage your own mini parade by passing out parasols and noisemakers for your guests to escort you to your getaway car.

Fairytale Weddings

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When it comes to romance, beauty and timeless charm, Disney has it all sewn up. Everyone has a favourite Disney character or story, and even if you’re not the biggest Disney fan, it’s hard not to be bewitched by the escapism of Disney’s larger-than-life fairy tales.

In celebration of Disney’s enduring sparkle, be inspired by four of the most famous — and best loved — Disney princesses. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a Disney themed wedding, or you’d just like a touch of Disney magic on your big day, check out these four very special Disney princess mood boards.

Eternally Elsa

Frozen is a modern classic, loved by millions across the globe. Perhaps you’re such a big fan of the film that you’ll be playing “Let It Go” as you walk down the aisle…or maybe you just want to incorporate some of Elsa’s signature sky blue into your wedding styling. With her side plait and ice cool beauty, Elsa is a stunning Disney icon — and a few touches of Frozen magic will make your wedding day spellbinding.

Charming Cinderella

Cinderella is perhaps the most popular princess to inspire a wedding day. Her fairy-tale revolves around love and marriage — and a beautiful girl’s search for Prince Charming. Now you’ve found “the one”, you could celebrate your own love story by taking a leaf out of Cinders’ book: go for full-on glamour with a huge ball gown, sparkling headdress, sensational underwear, a horse drawn carriage, glitzy reception décor and — of course — a beautiful pair of glass slippers.

Seductive Snow White

Snow White is a dark fairy-tale complete with a wicked witch, a poisoned apple and a glass casket where Snow White sleeps until she is woken from her slumber by a handsome prince. If you’re using this story as your inspiration, forget the seven dwarves and concentrate on the enigmatic beauty of this Disney classic. Opt for dramatic make-up, a crimson dress, blood red roses against bright white icing, linen and candles, and a classic red and white colour palette. If you’re a raven haired beauty with a mysterious side, Snow White is definitely the princess to inspire you.

Rocking Rapunzel

In the 2010 Disney movie Tangled, Rapunzel appeared as a feisty, independent and spirited princess with a bubbly personality — as well as magic golden hair. If you want to blend timeless Disney romance with a contemporary edge, use Rapunzel as your role model. Look for a boho-inspired gown, 70s-style headband, pops of purple in your colour scheme and – in keeping with Rapunzel tradition – a castle with a tower for your reception.

Disney Weddings

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There are plenty of subtle ways you can incorporate Disney into your wedding day – whether it’s choosing Disney-inspired wedding readings, Disney love songs as your walking-in and walking-out music, or the most romantic Disney quotes weaved into your wedding speech at the reception.

Here are some of the most romantic wedding readings from Disney to use on your wedding day…

Tangled

“And at last I see the light,

And it’s like the fog has lifted,

And at last I see the light,

And it’s like the sky is new,

And it’s warm and real and bright,

And the world has somehow shifted,

All at once everything looks different,

Now that I see you…”

The Incredibles

“You are my greatest adventure.”

Monsters Inc.

“I wouldn’t have nothing if I didn’t have you.”

Beauty and the Beast

“Tale as old as time,

True as it can be,

Barely even friends,

Then somebody bends,

Unexpectedly…”

Cinderella

“So this is love,

So this is love, Mmmmmm,

So this is love,

So this is what makes life divine,

I’m all aglow, Mmmmmm,

And now I know,

The key to all heaven is mine,

My heart has wings, Mmmmmm,

And I can fly,

I’ll touch every star in the sky,

So this is the miracle that I’ve been dreaming of,

So this is love…”

Tarzan

“‘Cause you’ll be in my heart,

Yes, you’ll be in my heart,

From this day on,

Now and forever more,

You’ll be in my heart,

No matter what they say,

You’ll be here in my heart,

Always…”

Alice in Wonderland

“You’re mad, bonkers, off your head!

But I’ll tell you a secret: all the best people are…”

Winnie the Pooh

“Any day spent with you is my favourite day. So, today is my new favourite day.”

The Princess and the Frog

“You’re the best thing I never knew I needed,

So when you were here I had no idea,

You’re the best thing I never knew I needed,

So now it’s so clear I need you here always…”

 

Wedding and festival season

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Here’s our quick guide, to create a Glastonbury festival themed celebration for your own big day. It’s ideal for laid-back couples who favour fun and characterful touches over outdated traditions.

Plan a Glastonbury festival themed wedding and it won’t just look great, it’ll be the most fun wedding your guests have ever attended! So book your tipi and let’s get planning…

One of the beauties of throwing a Glastonbury festival themed wedding in a tipi or yurt is that you get lots of ceiling height for hanging decorations. Cluster colourful pom poms together for a fun, festival vibe. Then, add atmosphere as night falls with endless strings of festoon lights, both inside the tent and outdoors too…

Illuminated oversized letters are a trend that took the wedding world by storm and never really let up. They’re also big news at festivals, so we think purchasing some giant letters for your own Glastonbury festival themed wedding is a must! For a twist on the theme, you could always try letter balloons, or go pint-sized with a letter block guest book.

One of the most important elements of any Glastonbury festival themed wedding reception is the wedding entertainment. Make sure guests are clued up on all the food and festivities to come with an illuminated chalkboard. This line-up of fish and chips followed by fireworks and dancing has us tempted…

 

Wedding themes

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By giving your wedding a theme, you will make your wedding day personal and unique to you. To help you plan your own big-day theme, we’ve created a handy tips that should help you along the way.

Don’t just follow a fashion. If you both love music then why not choose that as your wedding theme inspiration? You can have invitations that reflect the type of music you love, you can have a live band playing at your reception and you could even take a turn at the microphone yourselves.

Or if you’re both city people and are planning a metropolitan big day then use that as part of your theme. Maybe have a city landscape on your invitations and hold your reception in a funky loft-style venue. You just need to really think about what expresses the two of you as a couple and take it from there.

If you’re having a music-themed wedding then you could burn a CD of your favourite music and put a copy at every place setting. Try not to give favours that are completely random and have nothing to do with your wedding theme, think about what will fit in. They don’t need to cost much money, but they should be relevant.

If you’re having a country garden wedding theme, then maybe have your wedding in a marquee or a barn. A function room in a hotel won’t have quite the effect you’re looking for, so shop around for something that fits.

Try not to do these things: Brides often fall into the trap of thinking they need a theme AND a colour scheme. One or the other will be fine, but both can make the reception a bit of a shambles, with lots of extra work for you.

If you’re having a vintage theme, then don’t insist that everybody dresses in vintage-style clothes. The fact that they have made the effort and have almost certainly spent money to attend your wedding should be enough to ask of your guests. If they want to dress up and follow the theme then that’s fine – but don’t insist upon it.

Finally, you don’t have to have a theme if you don’t want to, it’s all up to you! It’s your day and you should do it your way.

 

The roaring 20’s

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The Roaring 20s are a big one. This decade is full of Big Band Jazz, Art Deco visuals, and intricately adorned ensembles. 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!