A1 Wedding & Event Planning

23/02/2022

Wedding Tip.
Budget Strategy : Spend money on what's important to you. DJ, Flowers, Photographer and the little things that make your day.

12/11/2021

A question I am often asked by couples is....who can we have as witnesses at our wedding?
Well the answer is...

Wedding witnesses can be friends or family. Ideally they should be and preferably be over the age of 18 and they must be able to speak and understand English. They will be asked to sign the schedule and witness you signing the schedule and their names will be included on your marriage certificate.

12/11/2021

So we are back open. Its been a long almost 2 years of no planning, no helping couples to be, no offering advice

24/10/2021

Looking for some inspiration?
Planning a wedding?
Lots of lovely suppliers on hand for advice and ideas

22/02/2021

Time to dust of the diaries, the stationary and bring out the confetti and get back to help all our bride and grooms with the essentials.

So following from from PMs announcement this is how we see it

6 People from 8th March (Ceremony only)
15 People from 12th April
30 People from 17th May
NO RESTRICTIONS from 21st June.

14/02/2021

Happy Valentines Day to all our past, present and future clients. Have a great day stay safe

23/01/2021

Getting a lot of Brides messaging us about postponements to their weddings and worries and frustration over the planning and rescheduling of their big days. My heart goes out to you all. But please remember we are all in this together and frustration works both ways. Suppliers included from florists to photographers are equally frustrated as they are unable to work alongside you in helping to make your day as special as it should be. Stay safe everyone we will soon be back planning your day with you.

24/11/2020

Early Black Friday deal. Don't miss it. From now till 31st December any wedding booked with us and taking place in 2021 or 2022 will get....

10/11/2020

Here at A1 Wedding and Event Planning HQ, it's been a quieter year than we had planned through no fault of our own and definitely not the only ones (especially in the wedding industry) we have gad to adapt the way we work
⁣
⁣Being in business for so many years we have managed to work with so many other businesses and suppliers in the industry. We have built up a good supplier list. If you are planning a wedding then take a look at some of the following businesses.

Wedding Dress
Victoria Marie Bridal
Sarah Belle Bridal

⁣Cakes and Food 😋⁣
Bake me Elegant Cakes by Charmaine
Biscuits and Cakes by Mrs F
Fluffy Puffin The Wiltshire Christmas Hamper!

Flowers
Wendy House Flowers
Little Gems

Hair/MUAs
Claire Gut Bridal Hair and Make up
Gemma Mulrooney Hair and make up
Trish Rawlins Make up

⁣Toastmasters
Mark Wilding at Wiltshire Toastmasters

Venue Decor
Steph Hobbs at Venues Covered
Niche Events
Laura at Butterfly Occassions

Transport
Function Cars of Purton
Mike Hennessy
Sterling Cars

03/10/2020

This week has been crazy the MPs in Parliament basically insulted the wedding, event and entertainment industry by saying we are not viable and to retrain in better jobs.

There is no better job than the one that allows you to be part of a day that will live in the memories of everyone who experiences it.

We make people smile
We create amazing images
We make weddings special
We create memories
We work hard on our businesses for years
We have a particular set of skills
We create and make great events.
We have a great work/life/family balance which is important
We don't have 9 to 5 jobs. We are available when our clients need us.
We get to meet so many different people from a variety of backgrounds.
We get to work with so many other great suppliers in the industry.
We get to live the life and freedom we want.

18/09/2020

Wedding planning guide
1. Start wedding planning early
You may have Summer of 2022 in mind as the ideal time to get married, but don’t think for one moment that its Ok you have two years to plan, WRONG, the earlier you start the better and less stressful it will be. Having a clear mapped out plan from the start will make the whole process easier and help ensure you don’t miss something.
2. Sort your budget.
Try to book anything until you have 100% sorted your budget. It’s very easy to get carried away with booking everything and loosing complete track of what you are spending and then finding out you have missed all the little things. Like dress alterations and Bridal party gifts its surprising how these add up.
3. Getting help.
It may be your big day, something you have planned for ages and you want it to go smoothly. Your family and friends will want to help out, not only on the day but in the planning as well. Some of them may have already been down this path, and although it is your day, any help and advice may prove invaluable.
4. Sorting your Guest list
Sorting this early will be top priority as once you have a rough idea on the amount of people you can start looking at venues that can accommodate the amount of people you are looking at. Of course you may have to trim the amount several times as cost per head will vary dramatically which will not play good on your budget. You may have to be harsh at times when removing names from the list but it has to be done and should be for you and your H2B alone to decide, don’t be persuaded by others. They are not paying.
5. Suitable venues
There may be none you like where you live. You may live miles from where you were born. It is of course your choice but be aware of the distance your venue is from the location where most of your guest list live. Booking a venue the other side of the county or country will limit your guests attending due to travel.
6. Plan B
You have planned for this day for so long. It’s not something you want to think about BUT things may and do sometimes go wrong. There could be an issue with a caterer or it may rain at an impromptu moment. Having a backup plan for certain scenario’s will help with the stress levels on the day. Looking at this year alone with the COVID pandemic and the thousands of weddings having to be postponed last minute. Wedding Insurance should be a priority and please check what you are covered for under your policy.
7. Photographer
A subject close to my heart. Long after you day has ended and the guests have gone home and the cake has been eaten. Your photos are all you have left, your wedding album will be the most important thing for your memories. So don’t underestimate the importance of having a good photographer. You should research carefully and get the best photographer you can afford. You need to get on with him/her like a friend as you will spend a considerable amount of your day with them. Many offer an Engagemnet shoot. Take this opportunity to get to know them and to work on your poses and smile.
8. Picking your Bridal Party
Your Bridesmaids, Best man and Ushers should be your support bubble not only on the day but through the panning process as well. Someone you met recently down the pub or cousins you seldom see are a no no. Brothers, Sisters and long time best friends are ideal. They need to know you, your good and bad points and how you react in times of good and bad to help you through it all.
9. Good Food
One of the biggest talking points of the wedding, is the food. Whether it’s a full sit down 3 course, a buffet, a hog roast or even fish & chips your guests will remember the menu. Avoid skimping in this area hungry guests are not a good thing and they will remember.
10. Feel great, but not over the top.
The main culprits are too much fake tan and heavy make-up. Yes you will need to wear slightly heavier than normal to make your features stand out in the photos but remember he is marrying you not a china doll. So don’t go crazy.
11. Give your man his own responsibilities
Your groom may not have been planning his ideal wedding since he could walk but it is his day as well, so give him the chance to be involved. Some things he has to sort himself like picking his Bestman and his suits but also let him get involved with other things such as menu, music budget and styling.
12. Little things count
Its your day and all about the two of you, so everything you plan for your day should be part of you..your personalities, your traits, your ‘you’ things
13. Lists, spreadsheets and budget planners
With hundreds of things to do, suppliers to sort, payments to make, guests to sort it is not possible to keep track of everything by yourself and your brain will explode if you try to. Sit down with your H2B draw up a spreadsheet of what you need and what you budget for each is against what they actually cost, what’s left to pay and when to pay it.
14. Remember…
Wedding planning is stressful if you feel like everything is not going as you planned. Take a step back from it all, breath, chill and relax and remember your wedding is all about, marrying your true love.
IF YOUR STILL STRUGGLING TO FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER POP OVER AND SEE WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY
https://www.facebook.com/A1-Photogenics-314929785189944/ or www.photogenics1.com

31/08/2020

29/08/2020

ONE LOST DAY ⁠
⁠
Today is usually the busiest day in the calendar for weddings in the UK. However, the majority of these weddings will not be going ahead or be significantly reduced in size.

Whilst we understand the need to be safe and careful, it is important that the Government and Ministers are aware of the impact this is having on the wedding sector and couples. We'd like to share some key impact statistics with you:⁠

- The August Bank Holiday Saturday is usually the busiest wedding day in the calendar
- Today, 4,452 UK weddings will not take place
- 133,560 people working in the wedding sector will not go to work today. An additional 213,696 workers will not have provided their services
- A total of 347,256 workers will be impacted in just one lost day
- Annually, the total direct spend on weddings is £14.7bn £9.4bn on the day itself, £3.2bn spend on retail such as outfits, rings and gifts. £2.1bn is spent on travel, tourism and pre-wedding events
- Weddings contribute more to the economy than live sports events
- Weddings contribute three times more to the economy than live arts and cultural events
- Approx. 250,000 people depend on work related to delivering the day itself with an estimated 150,000 more in support functions. That's a total of 400,000 involved in weddings.⁠
⁠
Our sector urgently needs government support. ⁠We are asking for:
CLARITY - We need a date they will review weddings, we need time to plan weddings with confidence and a clear roadmap.
PARITY - so ceremonies from all faiths and communities can take place under the same guidelines as civil ceremonies and be inclusive of all devolved nations.
CHOICE - for couples, by ensuring all types of wedding businesses can survive. We need a stimulus package to help the sector through to 2021. ⁠
⁠
Please share this post and tag your wedding venue, your suppliers and your local MP to help increase their awareness and help make a difference.

02/08/2020

The Wedding industry as a whole has been drastically affected due to Covid19.
Many businesses, including us haven’t worked properly or at all, since March and some have had unfortunately ceased trading.
Many couples have had to postpone their special day through no fault of their own. A special day they have been planning for months or even years.
The Government have to recognise that the Wedding industry and services connected to it are losing over 82% of their earnings this year. Our livelihoods and money which we depend on to pay our bills put food on our tables and a roof over our heads.

WE ARE STILL HERE though the pandemic and are always happy to help our couples the best way we know how. So if you have any questions, inquiries or problems you may have. Or looking for a wedding photographer to cover your big day or require help with suppliers on planning your big day. Drop us a message. Together we’ll get through this!

19/07/2020

Starting this week we will be running a feature called 'Meet the suppliers'. We will introduce to you all our recommended suppliers to you all. People we have worked with over the years whose service and products we highly rate. Stay tuned

14/07/2020

With the current situation around us and the uncertainty of when it will end. Wedding planning is even more stressful than normal. Not knowing how many people we are allowed, when and where it will happen, when will we be allowed to party with our guests who knows...so here's a little exercise. Grab a note book and ask yourselves the following questions
1. What has lockdown taken away.
2. What has lockdown not taken away
3. What has locken given you.
Read and consider your responses and notice that even in times of uncertainty there are still things to be thankful for

28/06/2020

Wedding Tip
It is not set in stone that your speeches have to be after the wedding breakfast. If your H2B, Best Man and Dad's are nervous speakers. Consider having your speeches before you eat. They will feel less nervy and enjoy their food more

26/06/2020

So with the announcement early in the week about weddings although small are allowed after 4th July. How many couples are now looking at starting up their planning again or going to miss 2020 and carry on with 2021?

26/06/2020

So this is the current info from the gov.uk website regarding the latest info on weddings.

The guidance around weddings has been updated to (slightly) clarify the situation. Point 1.17:

"From 4th July, weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place. You should only invite close friends and family, up to a maximum of 30 people. The wedding exception is for wedding ceremonies only. Large wedding receptions or parties should of course not be taking place. Wedding celebrations can only happen when people follow the guidance of six people outdoors, support bubbles or two households indoors or outdoors."

GOV.UK - The place to find government services and information - Simpler, clearer, faster

26/06/2020

"It's all about finding solutions...."
You chose your suppliers and venue because you wanted them to be part of your wedding day. If your plans have had to change you'll want a solution that feels fair. But what if their idea of reasonable doesn't match yours?

07/06/2020

Wedding Blog 01

Why I recommend Pre Wedding shoot

Your wedding day is one of the most if not the most important days in your life. You have planned it for a long time and spent considerable money in making sure it is what you want. Long after the cake is eaten, the music is finished and your guests have gone, Your photos will be the only memories you have left to remind you of your special day..

You will be spending a big part of the day with your Photographer. He will seem like a friend to you all at the end of the day, so he needs to be someone you will get along with, someone who is polite, friendly and someone you feel comfortable with. If you are not then it will show in the photos

A pre wedding shoot is designed to be a bit of fun and enjoyable for all parties but at the same time serious so you get to know your photographer, their photos and their style. I always recommend at least an hour together. Normally, if conditions allow at your venue so you get a feeling of how it will be on the day. Also this serves as a good point to walk through the grounds with them to point out particular places to have photos done when it comes to the private photos of you both. Alternatively go to a local park or gardens. Its more important to get to know them and have good images than where it takes place. It also allows you to take direction from your photographer, who will guide you through the poses on the day making you more relaxed so you know what to expect..

I always ask my clients to dress casual but comfortable. A lot of the poses I do are ones that will be reproduced on the day and some that won’t. It’s more a question of getting on and being happy with them, it’s just to make you relax and enjoy the occasion and have a good time.

It’s also a good time to ask your photographer any questions or concerns you may have, they will be more than happy to answer them, also a good time to share any images or ideas you may have of your own. Having an input on how you feel or what you want is very important. Maybe you have a ‘best side’ or a particular desire to stand a certain way or side. Remember your photographer is there to work with you and create some amazing images not work against you or do things you are not comfortable with. Only you know how you feel.

ENJOY AND CONGRATULATIONS……

27/05/2020

Wedding Planning is exciting but also super stressful. When planning your wedding consider the 5W & 2H rule. Why, What, When, Where, Who, How and How much. It may sound crazy but its not as simple as Venue, Photographer and dress. Here's how
Why....It may be clearly and blatantly obvious why Write your answer on a post it note, notebook or piece of paper. So when your highly stressed and your brain is all fuzzy you can refer to it and all will become clear and you'll remember why you doing this.
What....is it you want on the day. A small intimate wedding or a massive celebration with as many as you can get in the venue, maybe eloping or a romantic little wedding. Once this has been decided the rest will be a walk in the park. Weddings are not a set menu nor set in stone. The only mandatory thing is the ceremony, licence and witnessess. Everything else is your choice. Don't waste your money on things you don't want. Book things that excite you both.
When....do you book? This will depend partly on your budget, Midweek or weekend, Autumn, Spring or Summer,
Where....will it be? Church? Registry Office? Hotel? Beach? Uk or abroad?
Who....do you invite? Well this is also budget related. Perhaps just the 2 of you and 2 witnesses. Maybe a Best Man, 3 Ushers, 10 Bridesmaids and 200 family and friends.Difficult decisions as who not to offend by not inviting them.
How.... on earth is this going to all come together, the mind boggles .From the start, through the planning and even up to the day itself, you'll be asking yourself that same question.
How much....well thats the biggest question of all. Your budget should be the first thing you decide as this is the key point in everything else. With the average wedding in the UK costing £25,000 Plan wisely.
Above all else remember that reason you put on the piece of paper at the beginning. When things seem impossible and stress levels are high refer to it. I promise it will all be worth it even though it does not seem like it at the time,....ENJOY

21/05/2020

Wedding Tip....
On your wedding day ensure you get some alone time away from your guests to take in the atmosphere of the day. Photographers are great for helping you achieve some alone time. Work with them

30/04/2020

For all Brides planning their wedding. Here is a wedding checklist for the main parts. Of course things like favours are optional and down to the individuals choice.

Wedding Checklist
( ) Set Date ( ) Decide a budget
( ) Guest List + Day + Night ( ) Book Venue
( ) Choose Colour Scheme ( ) Choose Bridal Party
( ) Choose Groomsman
Bride
( ) Dress ( ) Underwear
( ) Shoes ( ) Hair
( ) Make Up ( ) Jewellery
( ) Garter ( ) Bag
( ) Veil/Hair Piece ( ) Underskirt for Dress
( ) Grooming – Nails – Waxing – Eyebrows – Eyelashes
Groom
( ) Suit ( ) Underwear and Socks
( ) Shoes ( ) Cuff Links
( )
( )
( )
Bridesmaids
( ) Bridesmaids Dresses ( ) Bridesmaids Shoes
( ) Bridesmaids Jewellery ( ) Bridesmaids Make Up
( ) Bridesmaids Hair ( ) Bridesmaids Gifts
( ) Accessories
Groomsmen
( ) Suits ( ) Socks
( ) Cuff Links ( ) Groomsmen Gifts
Flowergirls or Ushers (Young people in the wedding party)
( ) Outfits ( ) Shoes
( ) Gifts ( ) Hair
( ) Accessories
Wedding
( ) Wedding Insurance ( ) Find a Minister or Registrar
( ) Save the date cards ( ) Invitations
( ) Photographer ( ) Videographer
( ) Photo Booth ( ) Extra Entertainment
( )
( )
( ) Transport ( ) DJ / Band
( ) Caterers ( ) Flowers
( ) Cake ( ) Rings
( ) Something for Rings i.e. Box or Pillow
( ) speeches
( ) Honeymoon
( ) Place Cards
( ) Legalities i.e. Giving notice, sort witnesses
( ) Hotel if Needed
( ) Sort Readings and Music for the Ceremony ( ) Stationary
( ) Venue Decorator
( )Venue Decoration
( ) Cake Topper ( ) Seating Plan
( ) Hen / Stag Do ( ) Order of Service
( ) Wedding Rehearsal
( ) Pack overnight bag if needed
( ) Dress room if needed
( ) Call suppliers 3 Months before
( ) Call Bridesmaids 2 months before to arrange final plans Ref: Night before or Morning Of Day

CONGRATULTIONS!!!!!!! GET MARRIED

25/04/2020

Part 6 of our wedding Planning tips....Happy Planning and Congratulations

OMG only a week to go!

"So much to say!" - Remind the groom to write his speech - he's a man, he WILL forget!

"Last chance Saloon" - Confirm everything! Reception, photographer, caterer, florist, cake maker, travel and so on.

"OUCH!" - Wear your wedding shoes around the house for a few hours during the week. Last thing you want is sore feet on your wedding day.

It's the BIG day!!

Make sure everything is organised and pre-planned, leave yourself NOTHING to do other than get ready - have a nice bath in the morning, if you have time then book a massage and manicure and pedicure but avoid facials on your wedding day.
Enjoy your wedding day and remember - this day is about the two of you - everyone else are there to celebrate you and it's not your job to worry about them now This is why you have best men and bridesmaids - they are your peacekeepers!

And finally:

CONGRATULATIONS!!

23/04/2020

Part 5 of our wedding planning tips

Only 4 weeks to go!

"DON'T do that!!" - Give ushers instructions for the day - write them down if you want to have ANY hope of them remembering them...

"Another toaster? Thank you!" - as your presents start flooding in write the thank you letters. Or you can leave it till after the day and use a good picture of you both and write a thank you note on the back and send as a thank you.

"So that is bright green and pink you wanted?" - Confirm everything for the reception, flowers, catering and the final guest numbers. Some places are happy to accept last numbers as late as a week before, others want much longer...

Uncle Bob next to uhmmm" - Seating plan... decide on your layout and who sits where.

"Organize organize organize!" - Wedding rehearsal, hen and stag do's, best mans duties and

21/04/2020

Part 4 of our wedding planning tips

Three months to go!

�I want THAT one!" Wedding gift lists need to be organised too. If like most people you have lived together for some time then chances are you have all the toasters you need, and waffle irons are not going to be top of your list. Some shops give you £50 if you set up a list with them but can be poor value for your guests. Or maybe money would be more helpful? A donation towards your honeymoon?

"One ring to rule them all" - pick your wedding rings - don't forget that wearing two rings of different metals will usually wear one down faster than the other. So if you have a white gold engagement ring, don't get a platinum wedding ring - it will rub the white gold and eventually wear it down.

"Walk this way" - Run through the order of the service, choose music and what readings you want and check them with the minister/registrar.

"Is this going to hurt nurse?" - get your jabs if you are going to places that needs them and make sure your visas are in order and passports are showing the right names and if you are not going last minute then BOOK the honeymoon.

"Please please please come!" - Send invitations at least 6 weeks before the wedding. Ideally 12 weeks before. You could send "Keep the date free" cards out if you want to make sure that people don't pre-book the date.

"It was an Act Of God!" - Wedding insurance... get it!

"It was a magical night!" - book your first-night hotel. And if you have any sense you will keep its location secret and secure from the best man and probably the maid of honour and anyone else not trust worthy... bribe the hotel staff if need be!

"A face to launch a 1000 ships" - Make-up practice sessions are a must.

20/04/2020

Part 3 of our wedding Planning Tips

6-3 Months to go!

"Pretty as a Rose - Order your flowers - check with your venue and see what florist the use. It might be possible to match the venues own decorations with yours saving money - and they might be open to negotiation as they will be delivering flowers to the venue anyway...

"Tahiti? Bermuda? Inverness?" - Start thinking about where you want to go on your honeymoon - are you flexible about where you are going? Can you book last minute to save money? If you are going in high season and you ONLY want to go to Hawaii - book early!

"But where shall we go?" - look a possible accommodation for relatives near to your venue. Not everyone will want to drive home after the reception... Include a list of places to choose from with your invitations.

19/04/2020

Part 2 of our planning tips

12-6 months to go!

Wedding stationary - if you are going to order it then start shopping around for deals now. Keep your eyes peeled for special offers and see the thread about wedding stationary for ways of keeping costs low.

"Say CHEEEESE" - book your photographer and Videographer if you are hiring them. Of course you really should book this earlier if possible. At the same time or soon after the venue would be best. Venue and photographer are the two things that get booked up the quickest.

"Bring round the car Parker" - if you are not having your ceremony and reception at the same place or need to get there in the first place in style - now is the time to book your transport.

"Let them eat cake!" - Decide on whether you are making your own or paying someone to make it. If you are not DIYing it then start thinking about where to get it from and how big, how, tall and how pink/blue/yellow etc you want it.

"HELP!!" - If you haven't already now is a good time to pick your bridesmaids, ushers, best man and pageboys.

"Like a princess" - Start looking at wedding dresses - decide on style and colour - this could seriously affect your colour scheme so deciding now is a good idea! Also start thinking about attendants outfits. If your partner is Scottish you might want to check what colour their tartan is and whether this might affect your decision in colours on your dress and accessories.

18/04/2020

Over the coming weeks i will be putting up more tips and advice for couples who are planning weddings. Please stayed tuned to ensure you receive the information that will help you.

Once you are engaged

"Guess what?" - You can announce it in local and national papers if you wish or even the local village newsletter.

"HOW much??" and decide on what your priorities are. If parents are helping with the finances then make clear who is paying for what and how much - this will avoid any arguments later!

"Where when how?" Book the church/registry office/registrar and licensed venue - if you don't book it straight away someone else might get in there before you!

"I know the perfect place!" - Decide on a venue and book it - some venues get booked up 12/18 months in advance!

"And this next tune is for the newlyweds!" - Book your entertainment - be this DJ, musicians, magicians, pipers or casinos.

No Aunt Maud IS NOT coming - Draw up a guest list - if parents are helping financially then it's only polite to consult with them. If you don't want aunt Edna and uncle Bob then the best way of avoiding having to invite them is to find the wedding yourself... Unless you have a guest list you won't know if your venue will be big enough or too big and might incur extra charges for being under the minimum number for avoiding fees.