How To Plan A Wedding

17/05/2023

Do modern day couples believe a horseshoe is a lucky charm for their new life together?

The Ancient Greeks aligned the horse shoe shape to the crescent moon. This is linked to fertility and new beginning.

The Romans believed the horseshoe offeredprotection against evil spirits.

The Victorians adapted the horse shoe as a good luck token. The shoe is tied so that it's displayed as an U (to stop the good luck spilling out of the open end).

So when would you give a horseshoe?

Traditionally a younger member of the wedding party, flower girl or page boy gives the horseshoe to the couple at the end of the ceremony. After they have been proclaimed married before the couple prepare to walk back down the aisle.

Are you planning a horse shoe for your wedding?

02/05/2023

Capture the essence of your home with our stunning A3 poster.

Featuring the inspiring phrase 'This is where our beautiful starts', this poster will remind you and your loved ones of the beauty and warmth that your home provides.

Perfect for any room; hang it in your living room, bedroom or hallway to create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere.

We use FSC certified paper.
A3Classic Matte Paper Poster
170gsm

Available from our Etsy shop here
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1470385537/classic-matte-paper-poster?click_key=ff543f25151e65fba0a106b892e64e21bfa04901%3A1470385537&click_sum=54ed6499&ref=shop_home_recs_9

25/04/2023

The male equivalent of the the bride's bouquet toss, is the garter throw.

Traditionally the groom would take the garter from his newly married wife's leg and toss it towards the unmarried male guests.

The person catching the garter is said to have good luck and be the next person to marry.

As a UK wedding tradition I rarely see this.

The majority of Brides feel uncomfortable having an item of clothing removed in front of guests, often in the middle of the dance floor. And even more object to their husband removing the garter with his teeth!

One solution around this dilemma is to have two garters. The first retained as an item of lingerie, the second, supplied solely for the groom to throw.

What are your thoughts on the garter toss?

23/04/2023

The bouquet toss - yes or no?

In my experience the bouquet toss is not as popular as it was.

The tradition behind the act is whoever caught the bouquet would be 'the next to marry'. It was seen therefore as an act of good fortune to be the catcher.

For the bouquet toss to work there needs to be a number of single people at the wedding. However, not all of will want to readily identify with the 'unmarried' status. So, rather than cause their guests t feel uncomfortable, the bouquet toss is left out altogether.

I also find that there is a growing trend amongst brides to be more sustainable about their wedding day. Often this involves the bouquet being recycled using the latest flower preservation and pressing techniques.

In my next post I will be exploring the male alternative to the wedding bouquet toss. Any ideas?

21/04/2023

Left or right?

The male button hole is always worn on the left.

More traditional suit jackets may have a dedicated button hole to place the flowers however for may grooms they have to pin the flowers to their outfit.

Pin on the left just above the heart.

Ladies such as Mother of the Groom and Mother of the Bride traditionally pinned their buttonhole on the right with the flowers facing down. However, many have forgone this tradition and position the buttonhole/corsage on the left.

What will you do?

19/04/2023

So what should you carry inside your bridal handbag?

Most brides opt for a small clutch or shoulder bag which means there isn't room to include much. Here is a list of our top 5 must have items:

1) lipstick and matching lip pencil
2) small make up mirror for a discrete touch up
3) pain relief tablets, just in case
4) tissues
5) chewing gum/mints/breath freshener

Ask you wedding planner or venue coordinator if there is a safe place you can store your bag. Better you are carrying your bouquet than your bag :)

It's optional if you include your phone.

17/04/2023

And so the wedding season begins.....

Have you attended a 2023 wedding yet?

If so, did you notice any key trends or ideas you want to use for your wedding day? Please do share, it's really interesting to hear what's influencing your plans.

01/04/2023

Being dehydrated is no joke; it causes headaches, feelings of dizziness and nausea and you feel shattered.

It's understandable when you plan your wedding how you can become so immersed in the to do list or meeting suppliers that you forget to take a break, visit the bathroom and top up on water.

Which is why we created our fun Bride to Be, newly engaged, 17 oz water bottle made from high quality stainless steel with the copy
"I said yes; time to plan to plan my wedding"

It has double walled insulation which keeps drinks really cool (and hot should you prefer). The bottle has a leak proof top, and is a great size for slipping into your handbag.

And you get extra points for using a green, more sustainable option that the standard plastic bottle.

No excuses anymore about the amount of water you drink.And, what a fab way to let everyone know you are planning your perfect day and have said yes to the love of your life!

You can buy from our Etsy shop here
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1405303602/i-said-yes-newly-engaged-fun-gift-white?click_key=4dd5a176091c0ddd2c38ca29645245a198efc3f3%3A1405303602&click_sum=c1658645&ref=hp_rv-1

30/03/2023

The power of a crochet hook!

A wedding dress with buttons is super classy however, closing and opening the buttons can be such a fiddly task. Which is why we recommend the humble crochet hook.

However, not all crochet hooks are equal. They vary in the size of hook and, in the thickness of the metal. If the metal is too thin, the hook can break.

We provide a 4.5mm hook supplied by The Quilted Bear in the Goody Bags we give to our VIP Guests attending the wedding fairs we organise.

28/03/2023

Having access to information is one way couples find helpful to help them to feel more in control about there wedding day. So in this post, we unpick what happens in a Civil Wedding Ceremony.

Nearly three quarters of UK couples choose to exchange their wedding vows in a licensed wedding venue or Registry Office.

You can book the Registrars up to 2 years in advance.

Notice of Marriage must be given within 12 months of your intended wedding day however it's generally done 8 weeks prior. And don't worry, the Registrars will take care of this for you as part of their fee.

The minimum notice you can give to hold a civil wedding ceremony is 28 days. There are exceptional circumstances where this can happen quicker - speak to the Registrars if this applies to you.

A few weeks before your wedding day the Registrars will contact you to discuss your vows and any ways you might be planning to personalise your ceremony e.g. a reading or music recital. Remember, the civil ceremony is non-religious.

On the day there will be two people from the Registrars Office in attendance. A Registrar who will record your marriage details on your wedding certificate and the other performs the Celebrant role, conducting the service.

You can find out more information about the registration service by looking online at your local authority's website.

Have you thought how you might personalise your ceremony and vow exchange?

Follow us for more helpful tips and information about your wedding day.

26/03/2023

In the current economic climate its unsurprising I am hearing more comments from couples about the DIY Wedding option.

This generally involves a venue that is 'dry-hired.'

Which means you rent the space and are responsible for all aspects of the wedding, including the decoration, set up/layout, arranging catering and bar service and restoring the venue to its former self .

Dry hire venues are usually hired over a weekend to provide the time for couples to set up, celebrate their wedding day, and then take everything down again.

Popular venues for DIY Weddings are village, church or school halls.

Once a reasonably priced option, many of these venues have, over the last few years, worked out ways to increase their hire fee. For example, you can often pay to upgrade the style of chair used (and compared to hiring chair covers and sashes, often it's cheaper to hire the more decorative Chivari style wedding chairs). The tables may also be open to upgrade e.g. round tables instead of the more functional rectangular shape. And, the most expensive of all options, many now offer internal marquee linings and lighting to pretty the space.

In addition to the venue hire the costs, most couples hire (or buy) styling items such as candlesticks, table runners, suspended ceiling decor including hoops and ladders. You can collect and drop off however many stylists also offer their services to style to space for you.

And before you know it, the budget begins to take a hit that you might not have been expecting.

Unless you are a really creative person who is excited to craft all aspects of their DIY wedding day, supported by an army of family and friends who are willing to give up their time to help the day before and the day after the wedding, you may want to think twice about this option.

If you are considering DIY because you think its a cheaper option, my recommendation is for you to compare this to a local hotel package where everything is done for you.

Do you agree?

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24/03/2023

Can you describe your wedding day vision in 3 words?

Being able to share your plans in a simple and quick way can be super helpful for wedding suppliers. Especially those you may be meeting during this wedding fair season.

Here are a few opposite scenarios you might find helpful:

Formal or laid back

Traditional or contemporary

Small and intimate or large gathering

Family friendly with children present or adult only

Indoor or outdoors

Lavish or budget friendly

Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter

In addition to sharing information with wedding suppliers, if you and your partner have yet to chat through what you both want on your wedding day, you might also find this list a useful starting point to working out your wedding vibe.

12/03/2023

Think carefully about the number of guests you plan to invite; your day guests and the number evening guests. This is crucial for your wedding venue search.

Work out a minimum and maximum number of guests you will feel comfortable with for each part of your wedding celebration.

The minimum number of guests is a non-negotiable. If you choose to view a wedding venue that has a smaller guest capacity than you need, you will be disappointed. The venue can't magic space so it is your wedding plans that will have to compromise.

Similarly, don't shortlist a venue where the space is too big for the number of guests you plan to invite. It will lack the ambiance and atmosphere your wedding day deserves.

Add the numbers to your wedding venue search criteria.

11/03/2023

Be it your wedding venue, your choice of wedding outfit or your honeymoon destination. If you look for things you can't afford you will be disappointed!

Previously I have shared how the first task most newly engaged couples take one is finding their wedding venue. And they do this without knowing their budget. Which means they can find themselves on a viewing for a venue they simply cannot afford.

With unintended consequences.

Any other venue can feel like second best.

So what are your options if you find yourself in this situation:

- you can postpone your wedding to a later year to give sufficient time to save more. (Don't forget to factor in that prices will also be higher)

- you opt for a mid week or out of season wedding which is cheaper but potentially more difficult for your guests to attend, especially those in work

- you borrow the additional money; not a great way to start your married life and an expensive long term option

The key is to not put yourself in this situation in the first place.

Work out how much you have to spend on your venue and catering and add this to your venue shortlist criteria.

In my next post I'll cover another important search criteria to add to your wedding venue search which will also stop you from viewing a venue that won't work for your wedding.

I have a free guide '5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Wedding Venue' which goes into this in more depth. You will find a link to this in the bio.

10/03/2023

Can you believe it's been 4 weeks since Valentine's Day! And if you are one of those romantic couples who got engaged own this day, you are most likely beginning to think about planning your wedding day.

Asking where should I start?

Many couples start by researching wedding venues. However, there is a little work to be done before you do this!

Together you need to have a chat about what type of wedding you each want. Remember, even though you love each other, you might have a different idea of what your wedding day looks like.

Work out what is non-negotiable and start from there.

Over the next few days I'll be covering other things to consider before you go off looking at venues.

Follow us to stay in the know.

09/03/2023

Wedding planning continues no matter what the weather. Stay warm with our 15oz stainless steel travel mug 'Miss To Mrs In Waiting'.

Keeps your drink at the desired temperature (hot or cold) with a leakproof top to avoid spills over those all important wedding notes!

Treat yourself or buy as a gift for a newly engaged bride to be.

08/03/2023

Why not let everyone know you don't want to be disturbed because you are busy planning your wedding.

White ceramic mug with pink detailing to the handle and inside the mug with the catchy slogan 'Don't distract me I'm planning my wedding.'

A great engagement gift or as a treat for yourself as you work through the details of your wedding plans.

Buy here https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1419512017/dont-distract-me-im-planning-my-wedding?
click_key=7362a3646d581b5c6f57c699c56582571f73f20f%3A1419512017&click_sum=59881e72&ref=hp_opfy-4

06/03/2023

31 months is the average period between getting engaged and exchanging your vows.

The time between the two is getting longer; up 10% on last year according to the Bridebook 2023 Wedding Report.

If you are newly engaged hire congratulations. If you are planning your own wedding, you might be wondering how long it's going to take?

Whilst each couple is unique, there is a general consensus within the wedding sector that planning your own wedding can take between 200 and 300 hours.

Which means you could be spending up to 10 hours each month planning your wedding.

Follow Us for hints and tips on how to plan like a wedding professional.

We want you to have as much free time with your other half as possible :)

04/03/2023

2022 was an unusual year; many couples fulfilled their wedding dreams that had been put on hold two years earlier due to Covid.

This is most likely the reason behind the high wedding costs reported in the Bridebook Wedding Report 2023.

Please don't feel that you have to spend this amount - you absolutely do not!!!!!!

If you remember you maths class at school, the average is found by adding all the money spent and dividing it by the number of couples replying to the survey. The average is taken in order to smooth out those who spend considerably more and of course those who spend much less.

If you are on a budget the key information to take from this report is:

- marrying midweek will cost you less
- marrying out of season e.g. February will also cost less
- and surprisingly, don't plan a June wedding on the basis it will be cheaper that a July or August wedding, because it won't!

For other practical advice on how to plan your wedding day yourself and get the max from your budget, why not download my ebook on this very subject. 300+ pages just £9.95
https://www.howtoplanawedding.co.uk/eBookDownload

03/03/2023

Please DO NOT DISTURB I'm busy planning our big day.

It's your moment to shine right?

Fun gift for the Bride to Be!

Ladies classic crew neck tee-shirt :)

01/03/2023

As wedding fair seasons gets under way; what better way to kick off your wedding planning journey than with a cuppa in one of our fabulous mugs!

Don't distract me I'm planning my wedding

To buy your mug (also a fun gift for someone who is newly engaged) check out our Etsy shop

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1419512017/dont-distract-me-im-planning-my-wedding?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=wedding+planing+mug&ref=sr_gallery-3-38&organic_search_click=1

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18/02/2023

Get your wedding planning off to a great start; download our free guide '5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing A Wedding Venue'.

Link in bio or here
https://www.howtoplanawedding.co.uk/choosing-a-wedding-venue

16/02/2023

"I never knew love like this existed until I met you"

Hold on to this thought during the tough times.

Especially when you start to plan your wedding.

It's remarkable how everyone suddenly has a point of view, a correct way of 'doing things' and a vision of marriage that might not fit your vision for your wedding day.

Take deep breath and know that you are not alone!

Follow Us for helpful advice, hints and tips on how to minimise stress and enjoy your wedding planning journey.

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14/02/2023

Did you receive a Valentine's proposal?

How exciting for you!

Enjoy the moment and when you are ready to start planning your wedding, don't forget top check out our free resources to help you.

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06/02/2023

3 things to consider when planning your budget and the implications for each.

1. How much do you currently have saved
2. How much can you afford to save each month if you don't have sufficient to pay for the wedding?
3. Are you being gifted money towards your wedding by family or friends?

Here are a few things for you to consider.

If you have savings, you might have put money aside each month for a 'rainy day' not necessarily for your wedding. This helps you to feel comfortable and secure because you have a nest egg to draw on should the need arise.

Ask yourself how much this nest egg need to be to continue to help you feel safe and prepared in case of emergency?

If this is most of your current savings then you need to think about saving more to pay for the wedding.

PS don't forget to allocate funds towards date nights!

Lastly, I want to touch upon financial contributions from family (or friends). This is a generous thing for them to do and you should value this. However, be aware that sometimes financial gifts are given based on some implied level of decision-making input.

Only you can decide if you are willing or able to negotiate others' input into your wedding day plans.

Also, there are other financial implications for family monetary gifts, especially where one family is wealthier. In this situation I often suggest that couples ask for funding towards elements of the wedding rather than a lump sum.

Try and find things of similar value e.g. overnight in the wedding suite of a hotel might be the equivalent to the cost of wedding transport. Or your wedding party florals might be a similar value to a post ceremony drinks and canapé reception. The key here is to avoid embarrassment or pressure for family members to overstretch their budget by providing items of similar and affordable value for all parties.

Accepting monetary gifts and their associated implications in one of reasons why many couples choose to fund their wedding 100%.

Even if this involves waiting a little longer.

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05/02/2023

Don't settle for a bland wedding day that doesn't truly reflect you both as a couple.

It really is worth the time to think about your shared interests, hobbies and passions. And then to work out how you can include these in your special day.

It can be something as simple as replacing your table numbers with the names of your favourite Italian towns or cities.

Or featuring your hobbies in your guest entertainment - passionate about golf - perhaps a crazy golf course might work for you?

You can even choose your catering around your personal food tastes.

What you create is a 'wedding theme'.

We prefer to call it a personalised wedding :)

04/02/2023

How to include those unable to attend your wedding through ill health, distance, work commitments or they have sadly departed.

There are many ways you can do this, here are just a few ideas.

Let me know your thoughts or other suggestions as I am always on the look out of ways to hep couples in this sensitive area.

02/02/2023

Family politics is one of the trickiest areas to deal with when planning your wedding day.

There are 'creative' solutions to most situations you can drawn on. You can even choose not to invite certain people; a big decision that can have long-running consequences.

If you are genuinely concerned that family members 'might kick off', especially after a few drinks, then you might want to consider hiring private security for your wedding day.

What? (yes, I hear you).

Private security hire is not just for the celebrity wedding.

And it's more common than you might think, with a number of venues asking this of couples as a standard T&C.

For you, you will have the benefit of knowing there is a trained professional who can step in at any moment to to diffuse a situation or ease tension. Someone who is not a family member.

It works a treat, both with guests and for you as a couple.

In my experience this isn't overly expensive for the peace of mind it offers. If you want to find out more, contact local event security firms close to your venue.

What do you think?

30/01/2023

So much to think about when choosing your wedding day outfit!

28/01/2023

Trying to please everyone on your wedding day is so difficult.

And sometimes you have to concede that you can't please everyone and put you and your partner first.

You can do this by using creative ways to meet people half way. This is the sort of information we share in our eBook which is based on true life situations our couples have overcome.

It's tricky.

It can make you feel sad, sometimes disappointed and other times even angry.

Remember, you are not alone.

Others have faced similar challenges, overcome them, and you can too!

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26/01/2023

Newly married couples say planning their wedding day was the most stressful part of their engagement period.

Without a clear focus on what you both want, what is important to you and how much you have to spend, It's very easy to have multiple changes in your plans. And, to overspend on the budget, especially in the last few months.

Worse still, it can consume your personal life.

Your conversation revolves around the wedding.

Your weekends are filled with wedding plans and meeting suppliers.

I get it.

You want to please people, you want everyone to have a fabulous day and you haven't planned a wedding before so you lack a little in confidence to stick to your original ideas.

If you want to get off to a flying start with your wedding planning, check our eBook 'How to Plan a Wedding Yourself: for Newly Engaged Couples.' It could save you hours :)

https://www.howtoplanawedding.co.uk/eBookDownload
£9.99, 300+ pages of practical advice
Link also in bio

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25/01/2023

300+ pages of practical advice for any couple planning their own wedding day.

Ebook available for immediate download just £9.99

23/01/2023

Save for later 🔽

21/01/2023

18/01/2023

Wedding custom and practices varies between cultures, heritage and geographic location.

My specialist knowledge falls within the legislation governing weddings in England.

I support engaged couples planning their own wedding by offering practical advice. I do this through my free resources, a dedicated ebook available to purchase and by working 1:1 with couples at my wedding venue.

Do you have a question or situation you need help with?

Comment below or drop me a DM if you want a confidential reply.