WEDDING TIPS
A great way to explore ideas and meet your local wedding suppliers is at wedding shows, where there may also be demonstrations and plenty of advice making your day personalised and special.
Draw up a guest list to give an approx. number of people attending and book your venue – this can be for the whole wedding or just the reception.
Choose a venue that suits your size and style of your wedding, as this will help even if you do not have a clear idea of what you are looking for.
Wedding rings are eternity rings representing unending love for each other that derive from Ancient Egyptians. It is now popular for the groom to also wear a wedding ring and many couples like to have matching bands.
To ease the pressure off your morning, employ a professional hair and make-up artist who will help to give you the exact look you require. A good artist will give a trial beforehand making sure your style matches your skin tone.
Make sure you get plenty of sleep before the wedding, ensuring you look and feel your dazzling best for the photographs throughout the day.
Ask if your venue already has a toastmaster or delegate an usher or your best man to do these duties as follows…
After the serving staff leave, the toastmaster or master of ceremonies will formally introduce the person
(normally the Bride’s Father) who is to propose the main toast to the Bride and Groom.
The toastmaster then introduces the Bridegroom who gives thanks for the toast and also proposes a toast to the Bridesmaids. He will then take this opportunity to thank the parents and other people for helping with the wedding and to give any bouquets and presents.
The Best Man then thanks the Bridegroom on behalf of the Bridesmaids and after reading selected cards and messages of of congratulations, he speaks about the Bride and Groom.
The ceremony of cutting the cake is normally held after the dessert has been cleared, enabling the waiting staff to prepare the cake for serving while the coffee and toasting wine are being served.
This concludes the formalities of the wedding breakfast.
RECEIVING YOUR GUESTS
- Bride’s Father
- Bride’s Mother
- The Bride
- The Groom
- Groom’s Father
- Groom’s Mother
- Best Man
- Bridesmaids
After the receiving line has been formed, guests are introduced to the Bride’s parents and then pass along the line to the Bridesmaids.
SEATING FOR THE TOP TABLE
- Best Man
- Brides Maids
- Groom’s Father
- Bride’s Mother
- The Groom
- The Bride
- Bride’s Father
- Groom’s Mother
- Brides Maid
Other guests may be added to the Top Table outside the Best Man and Bridesmaid.
THE LATEST LOOKS FOR YOUR BIG DAY…
Strapless and Stunning
Strapless dresses are enjoying a make over. With crystak bows at the neckline, super-full skirts, oh-so-sweet empire lines, and sculptured bustiers, there’s more variety coming your way. And the hottest trend is to have a princess dress for the big day and a short version in the evening. How Fab!
The Bigger the Better
A dream come true is to look a princess for the day and there are plenty of gowns to give that true princess magic.
Touch me, Feel me
Give that added touch with lace, shredded fabric, 3D flowers, ruffles, or textured fabric that will give your dress to impress that wow factor!
Slick and Sweet
Still looking like a princess with a slimmer dress if you go for details of embroidery or laced sleeves
Naturally it is the bride that makes the grand entrance at the ceremony, but why not arrive in style by hiring a supercar like a Ferrari.
Dress in style, looking suited and booted, while coordinating with the bridesmaids colours with your cravats or ties and waistcoats, along with the groomsmen.
If you decide to wear top hat and tails then your male attendants must follow suit.
Words of wisdom as the groom prepares his speech, heads off to his stag do and gets ready standing at the alter.
Naturally it is the bride that makes the grand entrance at the ceremony, but why not arrive in style by hiring a supercar like a Ferrari.
Dress in style, looking suited and booted, while coordinating with the bridesmaids colours with your cravats or ties and waistcoats, along with the groomsmen.
If you decide to wear top hat and tails then your male attendants must follow suit.
Writing a speech can be nerve racking but take your time and prepare yourself (and that doesn’t mean the night before!) Write and rehearse so that you are familiar and feel confident with what you have to say in front of people you may or may not know.
Maintain eye contact with your audience throughout your speech by using cue cards, when making your speech.
With everyone having digital cameras is it worth having a professional for your day…
Hiring a professional photographer will ensure that they have plenty of back up equipment of lenses, camera bodies and flashes, so that you are covered for any emergencies!
Experienced and qualifies through a photographic society, entrusts that a professional photographer will be able to adapt to rainy or particular bright days. They will also be able to handle anxious grooms or nervous brides and help put them at ease on the day, which amateur will not have the skills to do.
Two photographers gives the possibility of being in two places at one time; in photographing the preparation of the day, group and informal shots during the day and different perspectives for the speeches and the first dance.
1. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?
Each professional has a different way of working. Look at examples of their work for style.
2. DO YOU DESIGN ALBUMS?
It is a great keepsake from your day. Photographers will be able to create beautiful everlasting albums for you.
3. ARE YOU A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL?
This will ensure that their work is at a level and standard.
4. DO YOU HAVE ANY PACKAGES?
There will often be packages that may include an album and their service combined.
5. DO YOU BACK UP YOUR WORK?
Professional photographer will back up their work plenty of times ensuring they do not loose your images from your day, but always check!
6. ARE YOU FULLY INSURED?
This covers any eventuality.
7. DO YOUR WORK ALONE?
Two photographers can be in two placed at one time.
8. DO YOU CARRY BACK UP EQUIPMENT?
Covering for emergency!
9. WHEN WILL I SEE THE IMAGES?
Check from the day the timescale to see the images.
10. WILL WE GET ON?
Your photographer is like a guest at your wedding, it is crucial that you get along!
Take a look at the style and practicality of your transportation and check with your expert that it is reliable as the tradition is only to be fashionably late!
8 SUGGESTIONS
• Limo
• Horse-drawn Carriage
• Vintage Bus
• American Retro Car
• VW Beetle
• Helicopter
• Classic Car
• Walking
TOP TEN HEN/STAG DESTINATIONS
1. London
2. Brighton
3. Edinburgh
4. Barcelona
5. Cornwall
6. Prague
7. Liverpool
8. Newcastle
9. Lake District
10. Amsterdam
For your stag or hen do try to do something that appeals to all ages and is more then just drinking in the pub.
Through doing an activity it involves everyone and gets each of your friends to interact with each other.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES
STAG
Paintball
Quad biking
Go-Karting
Target Shooting
4×4 Off Road Driving
Extreme Dodgems
Clay Shooting
Rage Buggies
Water Rafting
Mud Buggies
HEN
Pole Dancing
Cocktail Mixing
Pampering Day
Dirty Dancing
Recording Studio
Wine Tasting
Chocolate Making
Cheerleading Lessons
Inflatable Games
Burlesque Dancing
MAKE YOUR CAKE LOOK AND TASTE DELICIOUS!
Think about the taste as well as the look of the cake and consider delivery and storage arrangements.
TIERED CAKES
Traditionally cakes were three tiered fruit cakes, but now you choose flavour, shape, colour and size with figures on top!
CUPCAKES
These are popular due to no cutting involved, each guest has a cake of their own and can be individually styled.