Tag Archives: wedding

Childhood wedding dreams

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Are you the sort of bride who’s been dreaming of her big day since she was a little girl? Or are you somebody who never thought you’d be get married and are surprised to find yourself picking stationery and choosing between vintage birdcages?

Either way, you’re in good company. Here are some wedding ideas from real brides and how they changed or didn’t change their plans;

Sometimes, little girls don’t always have the most realistic expectations, “The unlimited budget I had in my mind has obviously changed so, due to that, pretty much everything is different!”

The same can’t said for one Bride to Be. “Everything is exactly how I always dreamed it would be – a grand princess fairytale wedding”. Her dad promised her that it would be perfect years ago and he didn’t disappoint.

One real bride’s childhood dream transformed into something more modest. “I always thought I’d be the new Cinderella. With the big castle, big dress and thousands of guests,”now it’s changed to wanting a small laid-back wedding that’s just lots of fun.”

Changing wedding plans

Other brides have changed their minds about lots of things… from colour schemes to who they were going to marry!

One Bride to be always wanted a baby pink and blue wedding, but now she’s having a Cadbury purple wedding with butterflies. And marrying a woman!!

However, one bride has kept to her plan. “I’ve always wanted burgundy, green and cream for my wedding and I’ve always wanted to get married near Christmas.” She got married on 30th November and had the day shes always wanted.

Some of you were surprised that you were even getting married!

“Throughout my childhood, teens and early adulthood, I never planned on getting married,” says one Bride. “It wasn’t until my partner proposed that I actually wanted to get married.”

“I was dead set on not getting married because I saw it as a waste of money,” says another Bride to be. “That wasn’t until I met my husband and I realised what it all really means and that it’s not about the money.”

It goes to show that you never know what’s going to happen in your future. Keep dreams as flexible as possible and don’t be too rigid in your expectations, because you never know what could happen.

Talk to your other half about the type of wedding you want because he may not be comfortable with the big extravagant event you’ve always imagined and it may suit the pair of you far more to have a simpler, smaller do.

At the end of the day you both want to enjoy yourselves and a lot of marriage is about compromise. So find some common ground about what you both want and take it from there.

 

How to make a good wedding speech

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1. Strip it down.

There’s an unfortunate temptation in a short speech to try to cram everything you have to say into a short time. Instead of trying to make the time to fit the speech, however, recognize that you have to make your remarks fit the time allotted and to get all the key points you want to say.

  1. Plan and rehearse.

This applies whether you have five days notice before your speech or 30 seconds. If you’re surprised to be called on to speak, your wedding planning might consist only of conjuring up your three main points while someone else is trying to get everyone’s attention and introduce you, but that’s better than nothing. Ideally, you want to plan everything you’re going to say, rehearse in front of other people, and rewrite over and over.

3. Cut yourself off.

In the history of the entire world, we don’t think anyone has ever said, “I wish that speech had been longer.” So keep track of time, and by all means don’t ramble. If you’ve run out of time to make a major point.

4. Use milestones

For a five minute speech, you want to organize in roughly one-minute intervals, and you want to offer milestones to the audience at the top of each minute. You get one minute for your introduction, during which you explain what you plan to say.

  1. Show. Don’t tell.

For a short speech, show the audience–a couple of photos, a prop, anything that gives the audience’s eyes something to focus on. Raise your glass and propose a toast, rather than just making an announcement. It can be a little bit corny, granted, but it’s much more memorable.

6. Make it personal

You do not need to bare your soul, but in almost every short speech there is an opportunity to connect on a personal level with your audience. Don’t be afraid to allow emotion to enter into your voice if appropriate. If the news is good (and it should be at a wedding), say you’re happy and proud.

  1. Speak up

All of your preparation, cutting, organizing, and emotion goes for nothing if people can’t hear you. If you have good audio equipment, use it. If not, at least start out by asking whether people can hear your voice. One trick: Ask the audience to raise their hands if they can hear you well. If you see a patch of people somewhere without their hands up, you know there’s an issue you need to address.

 

How to annoy the bride

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Being impossible to contact

Bridesmaids being difficult or impossible to contact is a huge problem. We’re not saying it’s compulsory for your bridesmaids’ phones to be in their hands at all times, and kept on loud on their pillow whilst they sleep, but the role comes with certain responsibilities and one of them is being contactable at certain times.

Being fussy about dresses

Choosing a dress style that suits lots of different body shapes is a hard enough task by itself without adding a fussy bridesmaid into the equation. Don’t put your bridesmaids in dresses that don’t suit them or they don’t feel comfortable in, but don’t succumb to a moody best friend just because you didn’t get the dress she wanted most.

Not getting on with other bridesmaids

You want the whole of the bridal party to get on! Through the planning process, through to the wedding day, you’re all going to be spending a lot of time with each other. Maybe one of your maids hasn’t taken a liking to one of your other maids? This causes tension within the bridal party, whether it’s kept quiet or seen through out-right arguments. Resolution? At the end of the day, it’s your wedding and you’ve chosen your best girls to be right next to you the whole way through it, so let her know and realise her mistakes! Arranging ‘get-to-know-each-other’ activities is a great idea to get the bonding started.

Making a mess

Girls are well known for being a bit messy when it comes to getting ready. Clothes scattered across the floor, make-up all over the place and so on. Whilst this is ok in their own bedrooms no one wants a messy bridesmaid in the bridal suite! Each girl should bring a little bag with everything they need for the big day and get ready as soon as possible, leaving a calm and tidy room where the bride can relax before her big entrance.

Not listening

Having your bridesmaids ask you the same details over and over again is not ideal when you’ve got so much to do. You don’t want to be bombarded by questions because your bridesmaids didn’t listen to you in the first place! We’re sure that you’ll have a to-do list for your wedding planning and for your big day – hand one over to each of your bridesmaids, or assign them specific tasks, and make sure they

Uploading photos on social media

Everyone loves a good bride and bridesmaids photograph – but wait! Your bride may not want unofficial shots plastered all over instagram even before she’s cut her cake! Make sure you let your maids know about how you feel about your wedding photos on Facebook. Have an acceptable social media plan in mind, and tell your chief bridesmaid who can spread the word.

We hope you don’t have any of these problems!

 

Remembering your nearest and dearest

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When planning a wedding, of course it’ll be the happiest day of your life, with the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with, surrounded by the people you love the most. But during this special day you’re allowed to feel a little bit sad, as you remember your nearest and dearest who can’t share the celebrations with you.

there are lots of more subtle but equally poignant ways to remember loved ones who have passed away…

Dedicate a reading

Why not have a close family member dedicate a special reading to lost loved ones? Personally, we like this poem by an unknown author…

If Roses Grow in Heaven

If Roses grow in Heaven,

Lord please pick a bunch for me,

Place them in my Mother’s arms

And tell her they’re from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,

And when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek

And hold her for awhile.

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it every day,

But there’s an ache within my heart

Because I am missing her today

This poem is good for anyone else who you want to remember on your big day…

Someone is missing

Let this candle be a loving reminder

that someone is missing today,

Someone our hearts still hold on to,

As we travel along life’s way.

Someone who made life so special,

for all those who gather here,

Someone who won’t be forgotten,

But cherished from year to year.

And now as we pause to remember,

Let us all fondly recall,

how dearly each of us loved him,

and oh… how he loved us all!

Hopefully this has given you some ideas and inspiration. Hugs to you if you’re missing someone close today.

Wedding guest style

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It’s an unwritten rule that the bride’s wedding dress is the focus of attention on her wedding day. It’s a big no-no for a wedding guest to turn up in something that’s going to get more attention than her, so follow these excellent top tips about what to wear.

Think understated ball gown. Strapless dresses give an aura of confidence without showing too much flesh as they highlight the subtle lines of the shoulders. Keep the look girly by opting for silk or chiffon.

Knee length dresses or longer are best and suitably more formal. If you prefer a longer length Grecian inspired maxi dresses can also look stunning. Team with a twisted or plaited rope belt to complete your wedding guest style.

No girl’s wedding guest style outfit is complete without a fabulous corsage or fascinator and sparkling jewellery – just choose carefully!

Satin dresses are a nice day-to-night option. By opting for one with pleated detailing and a cinched waist you can disguise bumps that other dresses would cling to.

Lace panels and net detailing also add a classic, feminine edge to any dress. Look for built in net petticoats to create a chic 50s prom dress silhouette or update a shift dress with a lace clutch bag and fascinator.

Classic v-neck dresses are a safe staple for any wedding and make the most of the décolletage area.

If you are opting for shimmer, tone down the rest of your look. Embellishment is about creating a focus area – so look for a dress where the embellishment is in an area you don’t mind attention being drawn to!

For boho-chic, maxi dresses are the perfect wedding occasion dress. Go for a maxi with a bright floral or digital print, or statement tribal design.

Long necklaces or bangles can often complete this look so why not try it on with some jewellery – just stick to one accent colour.

Checklist:

  • Avoid bright white if possible.
  • Remember: less is more when it comes to make-up, hair styling and accessories.
  • Opt for nude nail varnish. It matches any outfit and is less noticeable when chipped.
  • Take a shrug, structured blazer or pashmina so you can party on into the evening when the temperature drops.
  • Don’t show too much skin: legs or chest, not both.
  • Most important of all, don’t upstage the blushing bride!

Wedding Fireworks

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When planning a wedding remember that in the winter months, night falls far earlier in the evening than in the height of summer. This means that you could hold your wedding fireworks display at an earlier hour with a winter wedding – ideal if you’ve got children attending who will enjoy the display.

Tie the knot in the summer and you’ll have to wait until around 10pm for darkness. By this point the dancing and Champagne will have been flowing for hours – will you really be able to get your guests organised outside to enjoy the show? A master of ceremonies will come in handy here – leave the ushering and organising to them!

On the other hand, in the autumn and winter months you’re more likely to encounter rain. Many fireworks displays are weather dependent, so don’t pin all your hopes on it going to plan.

Check with your wedding venue

Outside space will be essential for any wedding fireworks display to be possible. Beyond that, you’ll need to speak to your venue about what they do and do not allow. Some are happy for you to hold a pyrotechnic extravaganza, while others prefer you to stick to sparklers.

There’s no point planning an enormous display, and investing money in it, only to discover that your venue does not permit it. Plus, your venue can probably recommend companies they’ve worked with before to make organising your wedding fireworks display a breeze. And if a sparkling show is a deal breaker for you, best to have that conversation before you book – either the fireworks or the venue!

Brief your photographer

Once you’ve got the go ahead from your wedding venue and found the company to make it happen, it’s time to share the exciting news! Undoubtedly you’ll be desperate to tell your guests, but don’t forget to discuss it with your wedding photographer, too.

Not all photographers stay beyond the first dance, so check what is included in your package. If you want the fireworks to be captured, why not negotiate extending their coverage until after the display?

A full-scale wedding fireworks display offers the perfect opportunity to capture incredible group photos against the illuminated backdrop. You can also snap dreamy couple portraits as you watch. If sparklers are the order of the day, grab your bridesmaids and groomsmen for enchanting pictures together. Have them surround you, draw letters for long-exposure photography or simply act naturally for reportage shots.

 

A bit of a romance

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A little romance goes a long way. The very best weddings manage to incorporate small elements of romance and elegance without going overboard and still remaining cool!

Your wedding entertainment is crucial in setting the mood for your day so what acts in particular should you be looking at this year to create that warm, fuzzy feeling at your wedding?

Rat Pack Singers

You can celebrate in effortless style with a Rat Pack Singers and Bands. There is something suave and special about this era of music that brings a touch of class to your wedding. The tempo of the tracks are perfect for dancing to and often have a really romantic and personal touch – without going overboard on cheese.

Fire Performers

Make a change to the traditional end of night fireworks and heat things up during the evenings with live fire performers. The flickering flames and amber glow of the fire is inviting to say the least and is something completely unexpected for your guests. Create special moments and surprises for a memorable night.

Gospel Choir

If you’ve seen romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’ then you will know the impact a choir can make on your wedding. The sound of a choir is magnificent during weddings, especially during the ceremony where their grand voices can carry beautifully throughout your wedding venue. If you are in a large venue or a church then the acoustics will be absolutely perfect for this!

Wedding Harpist

If you are unsure about the acoustics of your venue then you can still create a romantic atmosphere with a live musician such as a Harpist. A solo musician like this is beautiful, personal and elegant. Not only that but the harp is an amazing looking instrument within itself. It stands tall and is hard to miss as the talented performer serenades both you and your guests.

Ballerinas

Enthralling snowflake ballerinas gliding across your dance floor with flawless choreography bring wonder and fascination from your guests. Live dancers are always unexpected at weddings and make for amazing photo opportunities. Top tip: Have them perform with you during your first dance to make the that moment even more romantic and memorable.

 

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.

 

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

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.