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Best Man
Organise the stag night (preferably not the night before the wedding).
Organise the Ushers on the wedding day.
Supervise the issue of Buttonholes and Orders of Service on the wedding day.
Take grooms going away clothes to the wedding Reception Hall.
Drive the Groom to the church.
Take charge of the Ring and hand it to the Groom at the wedding ceremony.
Organise transport for guests from the church to the wedding Reception.
Liaise with the Toastmaster re timing of speeches, cake cutting, etc
Make brief speech, including the reading of telegrams and thanking the Groom for his toast to the Bridesmaids.
Take the Grooms formal wear for return to the hire company at the end of the reception
Chief Bridesmaid
Orgainse the hen party.
Help bride dress on day of the Wedding.
Meet bride at church door and organise other attendants.
Arrange Bridal Veil and Train before the procession down the aisle.
Take bouquet from Bride during Service and return it after the Register is signed.
Take charge of the Brides dress after she has changed to go away.
Enhancing your personal beauty is a small, but very important part of your Wedding Day. Professionally applied make-up and perfectly manicured nails can help to make you feel even more relaxed and confident.
A trial run is always a good idea. This way you get to meet your therapist and she can ensure that your make-up will be just how you like it on your wedding day. At this stage you will also be able to ask her advice about all aspects of your appearance, including skin conditioning, waxing, fingernails, feet etc.
Some salons offer a special service for Brides, travelling to your home, thereby cutting out any fuss or bother and leaving you free to simply sit back and enjoy your wedding day.
Your beauty therapist is also available to coordinate your bridesmaids make-up with your chosen colour scheme, bouquets, dresses etc and she will therefore ensure that you all look your best, on one of the happiest days of your life, your wedding day.
Go on - treat yourself - look good, feel good and be in the nicest frame of mind for your wedding day.
The Bride's mum should not be left out either!
Bomboniere, to use the Italian term, is the provision of small gifts for your guests to take away from a function such as a wedding reception.
The traditional gift consists of ice sugared almonds, representing Health, Wealth, Happiness, Longevity and Fertility, which are placed in a net bag. These are normally colour coordinated to suit the decor of the reception venue.
The idea, however, has been extended so that there is now a large selection of other gifts to choose from, ranging from simple book matches with the happy couple's names on them, to miniature bottles of wine with personalised labels. It is therefore a good idea to consult a Bridal favours specialist to see what is on offer for your wedding day.
To create an individual bridal gown at an affordable price is a reality and pleasure now available with the extensive choice of beautiful bridal fabrics.
For that touch of sophistication for your wedding gown, a brocade in gold or silver, perhaps beaded or sequinned lace, combined with pure silk or regal velvet.
To complement your creation choose materials for your Bridesmaids dresses and Pageboy outfits from the vast stocks of printed silks, cottons and dupions in a myriad of colours, patterns and designs. Brocades and prints are still very popular for waistcoats, cravats and bow ties for the Groom, Best Man, Father of the Bride and the Ushers.
With many brides venturing to more exotic and far away places for their dream wedding, a choice of chiffon or georgette teamed with satin, dupion or taffeta gives a more romantic, softer or casual eloquence.
Outfits that are affordable can be designed and fitted for you alone, in beautiful fabrics for your very special wedding day.
The rich fruit cake that we now regard as a traditional wedding cake has evolved over many centuries. Originally a lighter fruited cake, the bride cake, was baked for the bride's engagement and what is currently known as the wedding cake used to be known as the groom's cake. The groom would give this cake to his guests and by sharing the cake with them, was also asking them to share his hopes for prosperity and good luck. The first record of ornate sugar work on a cake was by an Italian confectioner in the early 1700s.
The cake is probably the second most photographed part of a wedding and it makes sense to choose a professionally qualified confectioner to make your wedding cake. After all, special occasions demand special wedding cakes and a good creative confectioner can make any wedding cake you want. Your wedding cake can be ordered well in advance, but should definitely be ordered 6 months before the wedding. You will need to supply details of the number of guests, the bride's dress colour, the bridesmaid's dress colour and the colour of the flowers if there are to be flower decorations on the cake. A deposit will be payable when ordering your cake. Most confectioners will deliver and set up your cake for a modest charge, ensuring peace of mind on the day.
Many couples worry about cutting their wedding cake - after the initial marking of the cake by the bride and groom (which stems from an ancient Greek custom where a couple shared a sesame seed cake to ensure theirs would be a fruitful marriage) the caterers will cut up the cake for you.
No-one is really sure where the tradition of keeping the top tier of a wedding cake, to use as a christening cake began. If you wish to keep a tier of your wedding cake, place the wedding cake in its uncut state in the original white cardboard box it was supplied in and cover it with the lid. Placed somewhere cool it will keep for several years. Do not place in an air tight container or freeze it.
"Get me to the Church on time" is the way the song goes but it may not be fully appreciated how important a role your bridal car and chauffeur play on your special day. Before you approach a wedding car hire company, decide whether one car can take your bridesmaids and mother to the church and onto the reception, or if a separate wedding car is needed (if it takes a quarter of an hour from home to the church the bridesmaids will have to arrive half an hour before the bride if you use the same car).
Local advertising may give you the telephone numbers of many so-called "wedding car specialists" but it is not advisable to send off a deposit (sometimes half the total charge) on the strength of a telephone conversation. Look for an established full-time professional wedding car company which is still likely to be in business when your wedding day comes around. Choose a firm who knows the area well - knowledge of churches, reception venues and traffic conditions can be vital on the day. Go and see them and discuss your requirements. Viewing of the wedding car(s) is strongly recommended.
A wide variety of unusual and rare wedding cars are available today and it is no longer obligatory to have a white car. As well as the traditional vintage, classic and modern Rolls-Royces, lovingly restored vintage British and American saloons and convertibles are available. You will also be able to choose American Lincoln or Cadillac stretch limousines, or perhaps a seven seater Mercedes.
Don't take it for granted that a name like Rolls Royce guarantees a wedding car in excellent condition! Maintaining and operating vehicles needs professional expertise so use a company that can offer several vehicles or has some back-up if any problems occur.
Although some brides in today's modern world choose not to change their last name, the practice of adding a hyphen followed by your husbands surname is becoming popular. Whether you decide to adopt you husbands surname or not, to avoid problems at a later date, tend to the task of formally changing your name as quickly as possible.
This checklist should help, but please bear in mind that a copy of your marriage certificate may be required.
Social Security
Bank Accounts
Credit Cards
Dr/Dental Record
Car Registration
Passport
Driving Licence
Insurance Policies
Credit Rating
Employment Records
Memberships & Subscriptions
Did you know that most people wear 20% of their clothes 80% of the time?
With this in mind, do consider visiting a Colour Analyst. before you or your party purchase outfits for your wedding. They can ensure that every skirt, blouse, handbag, belt and pair of shoes you buy looks good and makes you feel good! Even with the wedding gown, your skin tone does not necessarily suit white, whereas the latest shades of very pale dusky pink or ivory for your wedding dresses could make you look absolutely fabulous.
The wrong shade can make you look sallow or ruddy, emphasise lines or wrinkles, detract from the image you would like to portray and clash with your existing clothes. However, the right shades can throw attention to your face, clear the skin to allow a healthy glow to develop, complement your existing clothes and make you harmonise from head to toe.
In a colour class with an analyst, your hair, eyes and skin tone will be considered and tested with various swatches of colours to select which best suit you. You will learn how to combine your colours to the best effect and you will also have your face made up in colours that complement YOU.
Most analysts also offer a style class where your bodyshape and personality will be determined so that you can be advised on the best style, cut, fabrics and patterns you should look for, together with the detail you should look for when deciding what to purchase. The days of buying clothes that feel uncomfortable or just "not you" will be over and you will learn to develop your own style and plan your wardrobe so that you buy fewer clothes but have far more to wear. And don't forget the men in the party - they often find shopping for clothes a nightmare and sometimes buy the first thing that fits.. A visit to a Colour Analyst could well prove to be the best investment you have made in yourself - an accessory for life
Tradition... a weighty word. In terms of wedding expenses, it once dictated that the bride's family handled all the nuptial expenses. The changing scheme of society has made it possible for some iron-clad traditions to loosen their grip a bit, and that certainly includes wedding costs.
Probably the most useful approach for you, your groom and your respective families to consider when you draw up the wedding budget is to be communicative, realistic and courteous. If your family is unable to bear the traditional bridal bill, talk to the groom's parents. They may be willing to assume a portion of the financial responsibility. There are probably some expenses that you and your groom can pay, thus taking some pressure off your families. The following is the traditional division of wedding expenses. However, there are times when tradition bows to practicality - the question of who pays for what really boils down to who is willing and able.
Bride
Wedding gift for groom
Wedding ring for groom
Bridesmaids' Dresses
Gifts for attendants
Lodging for out-of-town attendants (optional)
Bridesmaids' luncheon (Hen Party)
Groom
Wedding gift for bride
Bride's rings
Banns, Wedding Licence and Certificate of Marriage
A spectacular end to the day! This is a relatively new, but ever so popular, ending to the day's events. When deciding whether you wish to pursue this unique spectacle, there are some basic rules to follow. You must, of course, not only have the room at your chosen wedding location, but also the owner's permission.
Obviously the larger the display, the larger the display area, but firework pictures on their own can be located in relatively little space. There are many alternatives, ranging from just a firework drawing to a full display and, ideally your firework company should be offering many variables and clearly setting out all costs.
Some of the pictures can be quite stunning and most can be personalised to the bride and groom. The accompanying Displays should be value for money - check to see the total quantities of items - and once again there are many alternatives which do not need to be budget based.
Firework pictures will last one minute and accompanying displays can last up to five minutes. An ideal time for the firing is the departure of the bride and groom but do check that it will be dark enough!
Finally, do inform your photographer/videographer in advance about the display so they can be prepared to capture the spectacle. If they require any specialist knowledge on the filming of fireworks, the firework company should be able to assist.
Although perceived as a 'new' service to brides, the preservation of bridal flowers has been in existence since Victorian times, when it was recognised that the bride carried flowers individually chosen to represent bridal characteristics, eg white roses as a sign of purity, Rosemary as a token of remembrance.
Nowadays, this craft has been perfected so that the brides bouquet and accompanying wedding flowers can be preserved by a process of dismantling and pressing the bouquet on an individual petal basis, which is then reconstructed and mounted into a frame which can be a flat picture or up to three dimensional. Mounts and backing materials can be satin, silk, velvet or water colour and can be coordinated to match your wedding theme.
To select the supplier, it is essential that you view actual samples of their work or portfolios and discuss the options available. All suppliers will have terms and conditions relating to their craft and stipulated requirements with regard to delivery and collection throughout their areas.
It is desirable that you advise your florist in advance that you intend having your bouquet preserved as this will influence the way in which the bouquet is put together. It is also advisable to book your specialist well in advance, especially if you are planning a summer wedding.
Underscore the drama of your wedding with the right flowers. Find a wedding professional who will take the time to learn about you and the ambience you want to create. An artistic wedding florist will suggest lovely and unusual designs for your wedding bouquet and floral arrangements whilst offering a wide price range. Six months before the wedding is not too early to select your wedding florist, especially if you're planning an elaborate wedding. When you talk to your florist, be guided by these elements: the style and mood of your wedding, the season or environment, your budget and, more to the point, what you like. Go prepared. Selecting your gown, the bridesmaids' dresses and the overall colour theme is a must before visiting your florist. Take fabric swatches and descriptions (pictures are even better) of your selected wedding apparel. Also have examples and styles of the mothers' gowns and the attire of the groom and his attendants. With this information to hand your wedding West Countryflorist will be able to suggest floral combinations and artistic treatments to create beautiful floral complements for your wedding. It is always a good idea to request that your florist give you an itemised bill in advance...and make sure that you in turn supply the florist with the names, addresses, and times for delivery of your bouquet, buttonholes, corsages and floral arrangements.
Traditionally, the bridal bouquet is composed of all white flowers but, if you prefer, the addition of colourful blossoms is certainly appropriate. The groom's buttonhole, worn on his left lapel, can be a spray of the same type of blossoms used in your bouquet. Remember that the ushers and groomsmen usually wear carnations different from the groom's and, of course, your attendants' flowers are different from your bridal bouquet. Corsages for the mothers and buttonholes for the fathers are co-ordinated in colour and style within the general floral theme.
You may wish to select certain flowers for personal reasons. Others may be chosen because they have traditional meanings. For example, Hyacinth signifies constancy. Some herbs, too, are important in bridal folk-lore. Rosemary is often used in wedding bouquets because it symbolises remembrance. (In medieval Germany, brides wore rosemary to guard against pregnancy!). Consider including unusual greenery or plants. Asparagus fern and multicoloured coleus are attractive in summer bouquets. Holly and pine sprays are popular for December nuptials. Stalks of golden-brown wheat are a sentimental touch for harvest brides. In any event be guided by the advice of your florist and remember, if budget is a consideration, flowers and greenery in season are more abundant and generally less expensive.
Silk flowers are an equally beautiful alternative to fresh flowers. Manufacturers now produce nearly any type of blossom or plant in fibre form; the bonus is that these exquisite imitators bloom forever.
You'll need a number of other floral pieces for your wedding, including displays for the altar, centrepieces for reception tables, sprays for candelabra, corsages for those who assist with various reception duties, and floral "tokens" for special guests. Ask your florist for guidance. Their artistry, knowledge of wedding protocol and ability to listen to your needs will ensure that you'll get good value for your money, and have the perfect floral accents to enhance your wedding day.
Choosing the right wines and drinks for your wedding, whether a full scale sit-down meal for hundreds, or a simple party with family and close friends, can be a major headache. As with so many other aspects of planning your wedding, the best thing to do is to take advice from professionals in this area. Banqueting rooms, hotels and catering companies should all be able to offer adequate wine lists and bar facilities to fit your budget. Inreasingly, however, receptions are being held at home, in a marquee, or in other venues where there are no such facilities. In this case, you can enlist the help of a local Off Licence or Wine Merchant, who can provide all the wines, beers and spirits you require, plus portable bars, glasses and staff.
Even if you are having caterers in, or going to an established banqueting room, you may have the option of providing your own drinks and, even with a corkage charge, the savings can be substantial.
The tradition, as guests gather for the reception, is to offer sherry or champagne, or both - don't forget the non-drinkers (young ones or drivers) so offer orange juice or mineral water too. With the meal, select red wine with meat or white wine with fish or poultry - visit a good wine merchant who has a wide range and they should be only too pleased to offer advice.
For the toast, champagne is the tradition, but the choice of 'sparklers' from other areas of France, Spain, Italy, Australia, Germany etc is now very good and great savings may be made by using one of.
Every Groom should pay his Bride the compliment of relating his style of dress to hers. An obvious favourite for Formal Weddings is the Morning Suit, which is available in a number of colours ,from various shades of grey, to lightweight navy blue or black. These can be worn with pinstripe trousers or Prince of Wales check trousers and waistcoat and, to enhance your photographs, top hats and gloves can be carried to complete the ensemble.
If the bridegroom selects Morning Wear, the men in the wedding Party are expected to follow suit, including fathers, ushers, best man and,often, pageboys. although full dress weddings are becoming more popular, in keeping with the fashion trend of dressing smartly, some bridegrooms choose to wear an Edwardian frockcoat or an Albert jacket (shorter than the frockcoat with wide lapels).The Nehru jacket with a Manderin collar have also become fashionable. Fabrics now available include velvet and brocades and the colour choice is extensive. There is also the option of a dashing patterned or brocade waistcoat to wear with your selected outfit and these are available in a wide-range of colours, to match the theme chosen for the wedding party.
Whatever you wear it makes sense to choose the flower for your buttonhole in a colour which echoes the theme in the Bride's bouquet. The stylish groom may decide that a fancy waistcoat or different coloured tie or cravat, for him and his best man, will add an elegant touch to a special day.
Most outfits can be hired or bought. Try and find a company that has a workshop on the premises or have their own seamstress available, so if any last minute hiccup should occur, it could be rectified speedily and efficiently. If hiring, it is a good idea, once you've decided on colour, style and number of outfits you require, to visit the supplier you have selected taking with your order a list of the names of the rest of the party so that they may call in individually to be fitted, whenever it is convenient. This allows you to be measured and catered for in a much more relaxed atmosphere than if you should all visit the shop together.
Finally, allow plenty of notice if yours is an Easter or Summer Wedding.
It is not the purpose of this directory to offer advice or comment on the merits or otherwise of religious or civil marriages. As far as the former are concerned, we can only recommend that if you wish to make your marriage vows before God, you should consult with the local clergy or place of worship of your chosen denomination.
As far as civil marriages are concerned, there has been a long awaited change in legislation and the position is now as follows: -
The law says that you can marry on any day of the week between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Marriage legislation now allows you to marry at any Register Office in England and Wales providing you reside within these countries. This is a relaxation of the old system which previously restricted you to marry in your residential district.
There was a time when Register Offices would not accept bookings more than three months ahead. In fact, official Notice of Marriage for a civil wedding can now be given 12 months in advance, and some districts are now accepting provisional bookings years ahead of the marriage day.
For Register Office ceremonies, registrars only work a set number of hours so, in most cases, Register Office weddings continue to take place between IOam and 4pm on weekdays and IOam to 12pm on a Saturday, albeit there may be local variations.
The licensing for marriage of Approved Premise venues has been the most far-reaching part of the marriage legislation. Civil marriages can now take place in Approved Premises licensed by the appropriate local authority. Thus it is now possible to have your marriage ceremony and wedding reception in the same building, and a number of historic venues and country and town hotels with grounds are available for weddings on any day of the week, including Sundays, when Register Offices are closed, and the availability of churches for weddings is very limited.
There are now hundreds of Approved Premises in England and Wales. The conditions of the licence are regulated by local authorities and it is necessary for Registrars to be in attendance at the venue for the ceremony. As with all civil marriage ceremonies, the authority to marry is required from the bride and groom's own district registrar.
The numbers and locations of approved premises will clearly be constantly changing and we at The Wedding Guide will be happy to send you regular updated information on approved wedding venues and any developments in the system when they occur.
Selecting a bridal registry early in the wedding planning cycle can easily be one of your most enjoyable and exciting planning functions. Bridal registries are a free service available at many of your town's finer department and speciality stores. It affords you the opportunity of pre-planning your new home furnishings and guarantees that you'll be receiving truly welcomed gifts from your friends and relatives. You should select your bridal registry as soon after you become engaged as possible. It will function as a helpful guide for selecting gifts for your engagement parties and, of course, the wedding. The proper etiquette for informing your guests about your selected bridal registry is to request your bridesmaids, mothers and relatives to spread the word. It is also proper to include the phrase 'Registered at ________' on your wedding present list - which may be included with your invitations but it is NOT proper etiquette to print this information on your actual invitations.
Your wedding gift registry consultant is more than a salesperson. They can help you with coordinating all the elements that go into furnishing and equipping your first home. Selecting the items to furnish your new home should be a joint effort between you and your fiance. Your guests may then be confident that their gift will be welcomed and wanted. Most importantly, you are allowing your guests to help you and your groom build the sets of china, sterling and crystal that will be with you throughout your lifetime. Todays registries offer you choices from practically every department of the store - crystal, china, housewares, bath accessories, small appliances, furniture, luggage, perhaps even electrical tools. Let your needs and wants guide your choice.
Some stores now have computerised registries which make it even easier to prevent duplication and to inform your guests, especially those shopping in branch stores, of your preferences. With your groom, consider these categories. Note the quantities, sizes and colours or patterns of items you'll need for your new home.
Having selected the wedding dress of your dreams, you will want to ensure that it looks its best on your big day and store it, as your most treasured memento, for years to come.
To achieve these aims, consult a professional wedding dress dry cleaner, skilled in the treatment of wedding gowns - choose carefully - not all are bridalwear specialists.
If you have had alterations made to your dress, you may want to consider having it cleaned, pressed and padded in advance, so that it is absolutely fresh for the day. However, remember to schedule your gown cleaning at least two weeks before your wedding so that it will be ready when you need it.
When the wedding is over, it is essential to have your gown cleaned and heirloomed. The heirloooming process will preserve the delicate laces, beading and fabric of your wedding ensemble and your gown will then be packed securely in a dust-proof box suitable for storage.
If you follow this advice, years from now, your wedding gown may be worn by a beautiful bride in future generations.
Once you've chosen your wedding gown, it is important to shop for the proper intimate apparel for your "dream dress".
A good lingerie shop will have just what you need. When you shop, bring an accurate description - or better yet, a picture - of your wedding gown. Being properly fitted by a "lingerie expert" is vital - correctly fitted lingerie will ensure that you are looking perfect, and feeling comfortable on your wedding day. Shop early, because it is important to wear your intimate apparel to all wedding gown fittings.
Whilst you are there, why not browse through the shop for other lingerie to complete your trousseau. Forget to be practical, just this once, and try on sensuous negligees and peignoir ensembles for your wedding night.
Other items you should consider purchasing include teddies, camisoles, nightgowns, and coordinated pantie, bra and slip sets to wear with your honeymoon outfits.
Today's bride can choose from a large variety of elegant lingerie. What better time is there to splash out on feminine beauty and luxury than for your wedding and honeymoon? Beautiful, sensuous lingerie should be your gift to yourself.
In the planning of every Bride's Wedding Day it is certain that she will want to take every step possible to ensure its smooth running. Regrettably, however, it is equally certain that at some time or other she will have been to a wedding that lacked that important sparkle'.
On reflection, the most likely reason for this was that no one was on hand to co-ordinate the Wedding reception etiquette procedure and generally to take care of all those little unforeseen emergencies that, however carefully things have been planned, can always arise. You may not want to take the chance that this will be the case on your special day.
A professional Master of Ceremonies or Toast Master always adds that touch of dignity and efficiency to any occasion and in a friendly and courteous manner ensures that the families most concerned in the success of the day are able to enjoy it to the full, relaxing in the knowledge that its organisation is in safe and expert hands.
Such customary matters as the receiving line, the cutting of the Wedding cake and, of course, the Wedding speeches all have to be managed. The advice of your toastmaster, which is readily available to you from the moment he/she is booked, can often prove to be quite invaluable.
It may well be that, up to now, you have had no thoughts of engaging the services of such a person for your Wedding Reception. Possibly you feel that your Wedding guests would consider a formally dressed, red-coated Master of Ceremonies to be over-the-top'. However, the modern day toastmaster has the ability to adapt to the particular requirements of each individual function that he attends and his expertise and experience enables him to be either the formal professional or the informal link-man, as the circumstances of the day require.
The mother of the bride and mother of the bridegroom have a long and exciting day ahead of them and it is a wonderful excuse to wear a really special outfit. However, in this day and age, where casual dressing is the norm, we should take special care to select an appropriate outfit for this special occasion. This is where it is important to visit the specialist shops who have the expertise to advise on colour, shape and accessorising.
It is worth taking time beforehand to discuss with the bride suitable colour schemes for both parents, but do be flexible when looking around the shops. This purchase is meant to be enjoyable not a chore! The choice of styles for mothers is very varied - everything from smart tailored suits to soft floaty styles. It is better to wear the style that suits you rather than what you think others expect you to wear!
A hat is a must, but it can make or break a Wedding outfit. The right advice again is vital. Some shops have hats made to match the outfits or can trim hats with matching material.
Mothers will spend a large part of the Wedding day on their feet, so comfortable shoes are important. Shoes and handbag should blend with the outfit - they are not the things you want to see in the photographs first. No shoulder bags nor those that carry the kitchen sink on this day please! It is possible to have shoes and handbag dyed to match your outfit, but do remember, if they are fabric, to spray them with a waterproof spray.
Jewellery to complement the Wedding outfit is important - do not be tempted to wear "grandmother's pearls" if they really do not go.
Last, but not least, gloves are optional nowadays but are usually worn with the more tailored suits and, of course, for Autumn and Winter weddings. The most important thing is to relax, feel comfortable and ENJOY THE DAY.
The music and entertainment for your wedding day is a reflection of your special feelings of happiness. To make your wedding day unique, wedding ceremony music can be used and may feature soloists, instrumentalists, choral or congregational singing, a harpist, a classical guitarist, a piper or, where distances allow, even a jazz band walking in front of the wedding cars to the reception.
Your theme can continue through the afternoon and evening receptions with a pianist or other instrumentalist - from duo to quintet - playing during the dinner hour with, perhaps, a close-up magician, and even a children's entertainer to keep your younger guests amused. Add to this a live band or disc jockey and a fireworks display in the evening and you have something appropriate for everyone.
Contact a number of Wedding professionals who specialise in the types of entertainment you have decided upon. Attend one of their performances. Ascertain the number of performers and the amount of space they will need. Discuss whether you can supply lists of your families' favourite songs, or if their routine is preset. Ask about their attire and find out how often and for how long they "break". Compare costs, note whether the price is based on a flat fee or an hourly rate.
Finalise arrangements with your chosen Wedding entertainers as early as possible, as good performers are often booked up several months in advance. Two weeks before the wedding, talk to your Wedding entertainers again to confirm the date, location, set-up schedule and the time performances will begin and end.
One area where you must use a Wedding professional and rely on his expertise is with the photography of your wedding. Don't err on the side of politeness, or economy, when friends or relations offer to take your wedding photographs. You need a professional wedding photographer who can cope with the unforeseen and avoid potential disasters.
A professional wedding photographer will arrange the groups of family and friends to include all the important studies. He will make the best use of the surroundings to produce the intimate, general and special effect photographs so necessary for your present enjoyment and lasting pleasure. By his control and confidence, order and meaning will be brought to the photographs of your special day. Book your Wedding photographer as soon as you can, it could be an advantage to do this early as some Wedding photographers will hold their quoted price for your wedding photographs even though your wedding may be over twelve months ahead, and good Wedding photographers get booked up.
A specialist wedding photographer will have the knowledge and experience to produce high quality Wedding photographs even under adverse conditions. He will provide a set of colour photographs that will capture the importance and romance of your wedding day, whatever the weather or venue. Select your Wedding Wedding Wedding photographer with care; look at your friends' wedding photographs for example and then insist on visiting your chosen Wedding photographer. He will be pleased to show you more examples of his work and explain his method of coverage and prices.
Discuss the Wedding photographs you would like taken at your wedding. Although it is quite possible that they would already be included in your Wedding photographer's coverage, the more information you give him about your wishes the better he can understand your requirements. If you intend arriving at the church in a horse and carriage, or other unusual form of transport, let your Wedding photographer know about the extra amount of journey time this could take.
Some Wedding photographers charge an attendance fee, plus the cost of each photograph and the album as additional items. Others will offer a "Package Deal". In this case they will quote an all-in price for the Wedding photography, album and a number of prints. This method may make it easier for you to budget your finances, but be sure to select the system that suits you best. Once you're satisfied with the arrangements, relax and leave the Wedding photographer to get on with the job of producing a fine set of Wedding photographs.
It takes only seconds to say words that have implications for the rest of our lives - none more so than our wedding vows. Like most couples, you'll come to your wedding with hope for the future - a really happy life together. But, are you ready?
Couples have high expectations of marriage, without a clear view of how they can be met. So when things start to go wrong (and, despite all romantic novels, these things do happen!), how will you cope? We can learn from the great majority of marriages which endure and give ourselves a greater chance of a happy future together. If you are serious about wanting to 'grow together' (and that's a lifelong task!) then start now, while you're engaged. Of course it's important to plan your wedding carefully. But it is also vital to prepare for your life together - 'til death us do part'
There are many banqueting suites and halls suitable in size and location for a Wedding Reception where the decor does not really lend itself to the occasion. It has been, and still is, possible to improve the appearance of a room or marquee by decorating it with displays of plants and flowers and by incorporating flower arrangements (fresh, silk or dried) on the tables.
More recently the use of helium filled floating balloons has greatly increased the scope of Function Room Decoration. There are now a number of companies offering a complete function suite decoration service, combining the use of both the new and traditional materials - balloons, banners, garlands, flowers and plants.
Balloons now come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used collectively made up as hearts, hoops, arches, entwined initials and a wide variety of other designs. They come in latex or foil, clear, pearlised or metallic and in a wide range of colours. Printed messages and even designs to match disposable tableware are also available. Ensure that you are using a professional Wedding decorator. Displays can be fixed in many ways and positioned almost anywhere, but the Wedding professional will know the correct materials to use to prevent damage. A bill from your banqueting suite for damage to its premises can be expensive and having your Wedding reception stopped by the Health & Safety Officer can be, to say the least, embarrassing! The professional Wedding decorator will avoid both of these eventualities.
Function room decoration is particularly well suited to enhancing the Wedding Reception. There are a number of professional organisations to which hall decorators may belong and they will be happy to identify your nearest registered decorator. The balloon industry now has an international qualification members of The Qualatex Balloon Network undergo extensive training to achieve the Certified Balloon Artists Award (CBA) and this gives the assurance that your wedding decorations will be of the highest professional standards.
As in all facets of planning your wedding, check prices and value for money offered. Fix an appointment to see your Wedding decorator and look at samples of their work. Professionals will want to spend time with you, to ensure that you have a venue for your Wedding reception decorated with fully integrated colours and textures, which will really enhance your special day.
The wedding reception is the first time you formally receive your relatives and friends as a married couple. Properly planned, it becomes one of the most joyous parties you and your groom will ever host. It can be as simple and demure as cake and punch in a church hall, or encompass a glorious five-course dinner and dance. Your personal preference and budget will determine the size of the affair.
Selecting the Wedding reception location really depends on how many people you are inviting. Your Wedding reception can be staged almost anywhere. The church may have a suitable room, or you may want to rent a reception room at a nearby hotel, restaurant or club. If you're being married in the summer and your parents have a large garden, consider hiring a marquee. Alternatively it is often possible to arrange your Wedding reception in the setting of a local historical building; this can make a delightful fairy-tale backdrop for the wedding feast.
Whatever you decide, know that the services of a professional Wedding banquet facility or Wedding caterer can greatly enhance and expedite the planning of your Wedding reception. Once you've decided the setting you would prefer, the estimated number of Wedding guests and your budget, you're ready to begin looking at Wedding reception sites and interviewing caterers. Reserve your Wedding reception site well in advance, and promptly pay any necessary deposit. Most Wedding catering and banquet consultants are willing to tailor your food and beverage service to fit your Wedding budget. If the Wedding guest list is small, consider a sit-down meal. Larger Wedding parties are better served buffet-style. Visit the Wedding reception venue and map out how you would like it set up. Plan to arrange the receiving line where Wedding guests enter the room. Decide also whether you'll have a formal or semi-formal receiving line. Consider grouping furniture to stimulate conversation without obstructing traffic flow.
If you will be offering liquor to your reception guests, station the bar well away from the buffet or food service area so there won't be any congestion. There should always be one table designated for the wedding party, no matter whether it is a sit-down affair or a buffet.
Almost all brides wear a wedding ring. Double ring ceremonies are also very popular. The choice of styles for wedding rings is virtually limitless. You may want to try several jewellers before making your final decision, so start looking at least 12 to 16 weeks before your wedding date.
If the bride is wearing an engagement ring, the selection of wedding rings must centre around that ring. She may know exactly what she wants. There may be a ready match available, or it may be necessary to try on dozens of Wedding rings to find the one that is most suitable. In some instances, the bride's wedding ring may have to be custom-made. This is where a reliable jeweller is essential. Doubtless he will have many suggestions - let his years of experience and trained eye guide you in your choice.
Where the groom is also going to wear a wedding ring, many couples think in terms of a matched set. This may again entail a lengthy search, to find the set which pleases both of you. So be careful not to fix on the word "matched". If the bride's wedding ring is to complement her engagement ring, there may not be a manly match for the groom. He will have to find his own style, which pleases him and suits his hand.
At present, Wedding rings in yellow gold are the most popular, but they are also available in white gold, two-tone yellow and white; in 9ct., 18ct., 22ct., or platinum. Traditional or modern, with diamonds or coloured stones, engraved or bright polished. Thick or thin, wide or narrow - the choice is yours. One last pointer, for comfort and safe-keeping make sure you get the correct fit. Day in, day out, year after loving year, no other piece of apparel can compete with the hours you wear your wedding ring.
The Wedding Reception will, for most people, be the largest single item in the budget and finding the right Wedding venue can also be a major task.
A Marquee in a nearby field or suitable garden can often provide the answer and the garden may not actually have to be that large.
Relatives or friends may well be willing and able to provide the food, but tables, chairs, cutlery and crockery are another matter.
All these problems, however, can be solved by catering equipment hire companies who will provide all the items, delivered to your door, and who have a wide selection of different patterned and coloured table linen. Many companies also offer different types of furniture - plastic, metal, gilt - you name it they have it.
A good hire company may also arrange the marquee and attend to such matters as extra toilet facilities which may be needed if you are having a large number of Wedding guests to a marquee wedding.
Why couldn't you have your Wedding Speech written for you? This is a service that need not be expensive and is gaining in popularity. Everything else on your Big day is helped along by Wedding professionals, so why not the speeches?
But be prepared to ask questions to find out exactly what you will be getting. Will your Wedding speech be totally personalised? How much does it cost? Is there a discount for more than one Wedding speech? What happens if you are not satisfied? A true professional will satisfy you on all these points.
And there's no need to worry about other people. You will still be the one making the Wedding speech - and who's going to know you didn't write it if you don't tell them!
A wedding video/DVD should never be considered a substitute for still photographs. However, by virtue of its sound and movement, a Wedding DVD/video can preserve a distinct and important part of your wedding. Imagine being able to see and hear your Wedding vows being said, reliving again the emotions of the moment.
A video/DVD of your wedding and the following festivities will capture the "real life" that otherwise goes unobserved and is a poignant, often humorous, accompaniment to the traditional wedding photographs.
Avoid the temptation to have a friend or relative make your wedding video/DVD. As with all other aspects of the occasion the services of a Wedding professional are essential; not only will they have superior cameras but their editing facilities will produce a finished product of the highest quality.
Do not leave selection of your Wedding videographer to the last minute. Start looking at least six to 12 months ahead and make your booking as soon as you can. Professional Wedding videographers will be happy to show you demonstration DVD's which will illustrate the enhancements to the overall effect which will come from the latest post production techniques.
In a pre-production planning session, talk to the Wedding videographer about the events you would like recorded. Remember to check if the Church allows filming during the ceremony, as some do not. You may want to design your own package to include footage of the Wedding rehearsal, the hen party, you and your groom in final preparation for the Wedding ceremony, interviews with your parents, special Wedding guests, activities and groups of friends at the Wedding reception ... all captured on film in sight, sound and movement for years to come.
Be clear about the pricing structure. Fees will generally depend on the number and quality of cameras, editing time and special production needs. Most Wedding videographers offer a competitive package to produce a finished video of your wedding day.
Many parents will have cine films of their weddings but often no projection facilities. Why not take the opportunity at the same time to ask your chosen Wedding videographer about the possibility of the transfer to DVD of these old films.
In today's world, where everybody is so busy, the Wedding Consultant can be invaluable in taking the time-consuming legwork out of wedding organisation.
Every element of your wedding day is important and you need time to spend on looking at Wedding cars before you book, working out the menu with the caterer, and so on through the fifteen or twenty different services you will need.
Even then, you will still be dealing with people whom you do not know and you may have just a nagging doubt that everything will not be right on the day. There may be last minute snags to overcome, which are entirely outside the control of your suppliers or yourself.
Your Wedding Consultant will not only save you the legwork during the six to twelve months before your Wedding day, they will also be around to field any problems just before and on the 'big day' itself, so you can relax and enjoy what we hope will be the happiest and most memorable day of your life.
If you have a full-time career and are new to the intricacies of organising a wedding, then hiring a wedding coordinator will save you time and money.
Professional wedding coordinators use their expertise and experience, on your behalf, to achieve the wedding of your dreams. They have already carried out the research and made the contacts, so they will book the flowers, dress, venue, cake, photography, transport and so on, that will best meet your needs.
Whether you want a quiet country wedding in a church or a spectacular themed wedding in an unusual setting, with a wedding coordinator you can rest assured that all will run smoothly and your lasting memories will match your perfect day.
Choose your wedding invitations carefully as they are the first contact you will have with your Wedding guests and can reflect the style you have planned for your special day. It is advisable to select all wedding stationery well in advance, remembering that Wedding invitations should be sent approximately three months before your wedding day and that, once the order is placed, the work itself will take between two and three weeks.
INVITATIONS: You will need one for each family but it is advisable to allow a few extra copies for last minute additions to your Wedding guest list. A wider circle of Wedding guests may be invited to an EVENING RECEPTION and you can choose matching cards for this purpose. You can vary the style of wording to suit either a formal or informal wedding and your printer should be able to advise you. After all, this may be your first wedding, but they deal with them all the time.
REPLY CARDS: An attractive and practical way to encourage prompt replies is to send a matching reply card with the Wedding invitation.
ORDER OF SERVICE: For a church wedding it is suggested that you give each Wedding guest an Order of Service (having first checked all the details with the Priest/Minister before placing your order). Remember the organist and choir will need copies too.
THE RECEPTION: Matching place cards, serviettes, book matches and wedding scrolls are provided plain or printed with the names of the bride and bridegroom; menus are also available. As well as being attractive, these items also make popular keepsakes. Order enough serviettes so that your guests can take home a piece of wedding cake and do not forget to order Wedding cake boxes for those unable to attend.
THANKING GUESTS: Notepaper or notecards are a delightful way to send your thanks for wedding gifts and a useful way of informing people of your new address. Finally, always select from as wide a selection of designs as possible to give you every opportunity to choose a style which matches your taste and pocket.