Music plays a crucial role in wedding celebrations, as it helps to set the mood and bring your special vision for your day to life. However, knowing which songs to pick can be a tough choice, as there are so many different moments to consider when planning the soundtrack for your big day. In this post I'm going to share four top tips for choosing your wedding day music, from the ceremony prelude through to the evening crowd pleasers.

For your Ceremony

Your ceremony alone will need prelude, processional, and recessional tracks, to help set the scene before, during and after the moment you exchange your vows. You’ll want to choose light, uplifting music to play as a prelude to your ceremony, when your guests arrive at your venue and begin to take their seats. Your processional music will play as the bridal party and bride walk down the aisle, so you’ll want to pick sentimental songs for this portion of the day. For your recessional song, that’ll play as you and your guests leave the ceremony, should be joyful and celebratory - this will be the soundtrack to you leaving the building as a married couple for the first time.

For Special Dances

There are lots of opportunities to play the music that means something to you throughout your day. For the first dance, many couples opt for a slow, romantic ballad, but you shouldn’t feel restricted to any one genre or style if you don’t feel it fits your love story as a couple. Choose a shared favourite song to make this moment feel extra special.

There are also parent dances to consider, like the father-daughter dance and mother-son dance. Of course, these dances are a chance to play a song treasured by you and your parent, such as one that reminds you of a happy memory you share together. You may have cultural or religious dances you want to honor too – this is a wonderful opportunity to incorporate traditional music as you celebrate your heritage.

For your Reception Party

As you reach the reception portion of your celebration, everybody will be looking forward to having some fun on the dance floor. This is your chance to play a little bit of everything, from classic favourites to modern hits, in a variety of genres, to help get the party going. This is also an ideal opportunity to incorporate some musical entertainment into your wedding celebration - consider a brass band or singing waiters to add a little excitement and encourage your guests to let their hair down.

Choose the Kind of Music you Love

Remember that there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to your wedding day, and the kind of music that’s right for your celebration will depend on your likes and dislikes as a couple. Be sure to stay true to your tastes and vision for this very special day. And most importantly of all... have fun!

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6 Tips for Designing Top Tier Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations, a unique reflection of your wedding theme and style, are a significant part of your special day. They offer the first glimpse into the distinctive ambience you're creating. Designing a standout wedding invitation will not only generate excitement but also ensure that your guests remember to RSVP, thanks to the lasting impression your invite will make.

Creating a sophisticated save-the-date and invitation style that perfectly aligns with your vision of the big day can be a creative adventure. You have the freedom to imagine and design, knowing that your wedding invites will leave a lasting imprint on your guests.

Use High-Quality Paper and Printing

In the first instance, you need to make sure you're using a high-quality paper and printing service. Your wedding invitations need to be printed on something more substantial than plain A4 white paper, so choosing handmade paper or thicker paper will work better for you.

Then you need to make sure the printing service you choose is high quality, and you have proof of the results prior to ordering. Using a high-quality paper and printing service can enhance the visual appeal of your invitations, making them more memorable for your guests. Upgrades like metal foiling can really help you go the extra mile to make a statement.

Print the Envelope

Adding your chosen design or colours to the envelope and using the same font as your invite can really help your envelope stand out, especially if it needs to be posted. To do this, you can either print the entire envelope with your design or use a stamp to add a design element. Get creative and weave your bouquet's flowers into the envelope. Add a ribbon design to tie it together or another design to embellish the envelope, not just its contents.

Boxed Invitations

Go one step further than a standard paper invite and send out a box invitation. To create a boxed invitation, start by choosing a box that fits your invitation and any 'little extras' you want to include. Note that you don’t have to only include the invite itself, but you can choose a style that moves away from the standard invite size and shape. You can include little extras in the box, such as a magnet to save the date, a small candle, or anything else you feel is representative of your wedding and personality.

Add a Rubber Seal

If the rubber seal reminds you of Harry Potter, firstly, you're not alone. Second, think about the fact that the seal alone triggers that memory for you. Can you use this to your advantage to help you create that memory for your guests? A rubber seal on the envelope instantly elevates the invite and makes it seem more personal and important than simply sticking it on the envelope. To use a rubber seal, you can either purchase pre-made seals or create your own using a stamp and wax. Paired with an off-white or coloured envelope, a rubber seal could be exactly what you're looking for.

Get Creative with Your Invite

Why not think outside the box and have some fun with your wedding invites? It doesn't need to be on paper; it can be anything and everything you wish. You can send out video e-vites to save on printing costs and make it more personal and fun. You can choose to be the main focus or make a mini trailer of the venue to create an invite that is guaranteed to be something people remember. You can bake the date onto cookies, add a note on a box of sweets, or in a pop-up card that ejects confetti when opened. All of these ideas can be tailored to the type of couple you are and the type of wedding you will be having, ensuring that your wedding starts with a bang and is remembered as the most memorable one.

Pocket Invitations

It's not an invite that fits into a pocket, but more an invite with pockets in. These invites are ideal for multiple events or cards they need for different dates. For example, if you are creating an invite for your bridesmaids or groomsmen, you can add in date cards for any bridal parties or stag events, you can include pre-wedding dinners or rehearsals for those in the immediate wedding party or add in separate invites for both the ceremony and the evening party so people can attend one or both. Other options include adding to your dress code, rules for the day, i.e., no children, or even directions, menus, or anything else people need to know. This way, you've thought of everything all at once!

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6 Ways to Add Theatrical Flair to your Wedding Day

If you've ever planned a wedding you'll know how many choices and decisions there are to make - especially if you're going down the more traditional route. However, there are so many different wonderful ways to celebrate a wedding day in these modern times, so why don't you spice up the day a bit with something a bit more different? So if you would you like your nuptial festivities to add a bit of theatrical flare keep reading, as this post shares 6 ways to add some theatrical flair into your big day.

Save the Dates with a Twist

Give your wedding an unforgettable flair when sending out Save-the-Date cards by giving a creative spin with them. Why not make this announcement more of a grand reveal, similar to a movie trailer - consider sending out a custom video invitation that teases elements of what's to come, such as a stylised shoot of your venue or dramatic reading of the date, as part of an effective invitation strategy to get guests excited and curious about your main event! A fun promotion idea might include using printed air fresheners bearing your wedding date that will serve as reminders whenever people get into their cars.

A Dramatic Dress Code 

Your dress code can help set the scene of your dramatic wedding with elegance. Inspire guests to channel their inner divas with an all-black attire theme featuring touches of gold or silver; or go bold by inviting guests in unconventional colors like red or electric blue! Don't forget to mention it on invitations so guests know exactly what attire to wear for it. You could even add drama into your own look too by including long veil, an elaborate headpiece or unconventional dress silhouette as part of it - don't be shy about making an impressionable look statement with this part of it all on such an important day!

Make an Extraordinary Entrance

Making an impressive entrance can set the bar high for the rest of your wedding. Arrive via horse-drawn carriage or vintage car for maximum impact. Or make an impressionable statement with an unexpected dramatic arrival, such as helicopter or flash mob arrival - leaving guests talking for years afterwards! Keep it a surprise until the very last moment to create even more suspense. Remember this will be their first impression of you on your big day so ensure it reflects both your personal style and theme of the wedding event!

Set the Stage

Your venue of your wedding plays an integral role in setting the scene for drama. Consider selecting locations with inherent theatrical flair such as historic mansions, castles, or venues with panoramic views. Unusual venues like opera houses, old theaters or circus tents may add even more of a theatrical feel. Decorate these places with dramatic elements like red carpets, grand chandeliers and dramatic up lighting. Consider seating guests theater-style during ceremonies to heighten drama further; this way every moment becomes part of an exciting play that features both you and your beloved as characters onstage throughout its course!

Dramatic Decor

Your wedding's decor can help bring its dramatic theme to life. Dare to be bold, make a statement, and use vibrant hues such as deep reds, purples and gold to evoke feelings of opulence and luxury. Add large, ornate centerpieces to your tables with tall candelabras and dramatic floral arrangements for maximum impact. Don't overlook the details, such as velvet table cloths, crystal glassware and gold cutlery which all contribute to creating the overall effect. Hanging decorations such as chandeliers or fairy lights add extra vertical interest while drawing the eye upwards - and if budget permits use drapes and curtains for an unforgettable theatrical backdrop during your nuptials!

The Main Act

Your ceremony and reception should emulate a captivating play, offering unforgettable scenes that will keep your guests talking even after its conclusion. Here is where your creativity can shine and the details that reflect your story can come together seamlessly. Consider making an entrance on horse-drawn carriage or being serenaded by a choir as you walk down the aisle. At your ceremony, instead of using traditional readings as the focus for entertainment, consider having an engaging dramatic recitation or performance that represents your journey together. At your reception, consider hiring performers such as ballet dancers, theatrical actors or fire performers to surprise and entertain guests - these extra performances will not only impress guests but will make your wedding standout with dramatic and unforgettable moments!

Adding drama and delight to your wedding doesn't require lavish details or extravagant arrangements - instead it should reflect who you are as an individual and love story. So don't settle for an ordinary day when there's so much potential in designing one that embodies everything about who you are as an individual. Happy wedding planning!

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Fine Art Techniques for Dramatic Wedding Photos

Every wedding photographer dreams of creating a portfolio of stunning images that will become treasured memories for couples to look back on for years to come. With the right knowledge and techniques, it’s possible to use light and shadow to create dramatic, artful wedding photos that are as beautiful as they are memorable.

In this post, Newcastle wedding photographer Sarah-Jane Ethan offers some top tips, to help you explore how you can use light and shadow in creative ways to make your wedding photos truly stand out.

What is Light?

In order to understand how best to use light and shadow, we first need a clear understanding of just what this is. In the simplest terms, light is the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes are able to perceive. It is made up of many different types of waves, some of which can be seen by our eyes and some of which cannot. These include infrared and ultraviolet light, as well as X-rays and gamma rays.

The type of light we can see with our eyes is known as visible light, and it ranges from red to violet in wavelength. When we use light in photography, we are essentially harnessing this visible portion of the spectrum to create images.

We can manipulate light in a number of ways, from controlling its intensity and direction to using different tools, such as reflectors and diffusers, to shape it for our desired effect.

What Are Shadows?

Once we understand light, we can start to understand the magic of shadows. Shadows are caused by objects that block and absorb the light, creating a darker area in the image. When you are taking photos, shadows can be used to create depth and drama, or to highlight certain features of a subject. However, it is important to use them sparingly – too much shadow can make an image look flat and lack dimension.

Which Techniques can be Used to Capture Dramatic Wedding Photos?

Whether you are an experienced photographer, or just starting out in your craft, there are a number of techniques that will allow you to take advantage of light and shadow, and capture stunning, dramatic wedding photos; let’s take a closer look at them below.

The Importance of Light

Light is one of the most important elements in photography, and wedding photos are no exception. To ensure you capture the perfect shot, it’s critical to understand how light behaves and how best to utilise it.

Start by studying the direction of light and understanding how the position of your subject affects the resulting image. For example, a bride may look more beautiful when the light is coming from behind her, creating a halo effect, while taking photos of the couple in backlit images will bring out the details and textures in their clothes and create a stunningly romantic image.

Using Shadows to Add Drama

Shadows are an essential element of any wedding photo, bringing depth and drama to your shots. Playing with shadows is also a great way to add artistry and a sense of movement to your images. 

For example, consider using a long shadow effect to create the illusion of movement or depth within the image. This can be achieved by utilising natural light sources, like windows or doorways, which will cast longer shadows when placed at an angle. Similarly, you can use this technique to create dramatic silhouettes for a truly unique look.

Using Contrast to Make an Impact

Contrast is another great way to make your wedding photos stand out. High-contrast images often have a lot of visual impact, as they draw attention to the subject while creating a moody atmosphere. To achieve this effect, focus on using light and dark elements in the same image. For example, shooting a bride’s light-coloured dress against a dark background will create a strong visual contrast, making the dress stand out in the photo.

Creating Atmospheric Effects

With a bit of imagination and creativity, you can also use light and shadow to create atmospheric effects in your wedding photos. Using backlighting to capture the bride and groom’s silhouettes against a stunning sunset can add an ethereal feel to your images. Another trick is to use light and shadow to create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere by using candlelight or fairy lights.

Light and shadows are essential elements of photography, and they are often used to capture stunning wedding photos. Experimenting with different techniques can add drama, depth, and atmosphere to your images. So, you shouldn’t be afraid to play around and see what works best for you, and get ready to enjoy the truly breathtaking results.

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What you Need to know About Insuring your Jewellery

You’ve popped the champagne, toasted with family and friends and you can’t stop staring at your left hand. You’re engaged! The next step – before you even say yes to the dress – is to make sure you protect that glittering diamond and keep it safe for many happy years to come. For most people, an engagement ring is the single most valuable piece of jewellery they own. So, like your home and car, it’s vital to make sure it’s insured and stored safely. Not sure where to start? In this post I have outlined a couple of simple steps to help you on your way. 

Call your Insurer

Many couples insure an engagement ring under their household insurance, such as the home insurance policies with FBD. Most contents cover will include jewellery, but depending on its value, the ring might need to be added as a specified item. It’s important to take your time to go through the details and arrange the right cover for you and your lifestyle. It might also be a good time to evaluate your overall home insurance, especially if you’ve recently renovated, built an extension or purchased new additions for the home. If you’re lucky enough to receive high-value gifts for your engagement or wedding, you’ll want to make sure that these are protected as well, especially if you’re planning on heading off for an exotic honeymoon overseas.

Valuation

In the event of a claim, insurance companies will usually ask for supporting documentation, such as the receipt or an original valuation. The jeweller you or your beloved purchased the ring from will often provide a valuation without charge. If not, the price depends on the value of the ring, and can usually be negotiated. You should choose a reputable jeweller with proper accreditations for this task, as you want to ensure you get an accurate valuation you can rely on. It’s important also to keep the original document safe, sending it to the insurance company by registered post and asking for it to be returned when they’re finished their inspection. Some insurers require you to get the ring valued every couple of years, as the value of jewellery, especially diamonds, can fluctuate. You don’t want to be under or over-insured.

Check the Fine Print

When it comes to special high-value items such as engagement rings, most insurance policies have certain requirements regarding valuation, maintenance and storage. It’s always a good idea to read through the paperwork and ensure you’re covered for all eventualities including loss, destruction or theft. For most people, it makes sense to get cover for outside the home, as well as inside. Rings can sometimes go missing on holidays - they can easily slip off fingers slick with suncream - so you should probably check that it’s insured overseas before you fly. Depending on the value of your ring, you may be required to keep it in a locked safe when not wearing it. Be careful to take note of these little details so that you’re fully covered should the worst happen.

Keeping it Safe

We’ve all seen those social media posts about rings lost in swimming pools, shopping centres and even down a lift shaft. You don’t want that to be you, so have a think about how you can keep your beautiful new ring safe as you go about your daily life. There are small changes you can make that’ll help protect your ring, such as using hotel safes on holidays and secure lockers in the gym. Make sure you don’t leave it out on display at home, and it might be a good idea to leave it on while washing your hands - you certainly don’t want to leave it behind, or worse, watch it disappear down the sink! It can be tricky too to make sure it fits properly, depending on how warm or cool your hands are - if it’s a little loose, you should get it resized or even get a ring-guard fitted. Weddingbee has a handy guide to making sure it sits just right on your finger.

Maintenance

Depending on your contents cover or your specified item policy, you might find that you need to get a professional jeweller to check the ring’s settings every two years or so: nobody wants that precious diamond to come loose. That’s often a good time to get it cleaned, too, as hand sanitiser, creams and washing-up liquid can build up on jewellery, dulling the sparkling effect of a precious jewel. It’s important you bring your ring to a professional, well-recognised and fully insured jeweller to be cleaned or checked, though, so that it’s in safe hands.

Making sure your engagement ring is protected and insured will help give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy this special time of your life - all you have to do now is send out the invitations, organise the party, and show up on the big day!

In the interest of disclosure and transparency, the syndication of this article has been provided and paid for by FBD Insurance. 

Achieve the Perfect Themed Wedding

A large amount of effort and money goes into turning your wedding dreams into a reality. So of course you want to make each and every aspect of your big day is super special. A great way of making sure everything is special and works together, is by choosing a theme for your wedding. Whether this is based on a certain colour, season or style, it can be as extravagant or low key as you like. 

This it will not only make everything look good together, but it also makes decision making a lot easier too. So, if you want to know more about how you can stick to a theme for your big day, then read on as I'm going to be sharing some top tips for picking the theme of your wedding. 

Outfits and Accessories

The outfits and accessories that you, your partner and guests opt for can either add to or subtract from your overall theme. The colour you choose can be tied into your big day within the bridesmaids dresses, flowers, ties and pocked squares, and of course table linen. You can even ask your guests to stick to your chosen colour or theme, by giving a strict dress code within your invites - why not use this prom dress finder to find the perfect outfit? Don’t be afraid to do this as after all it’s your day, and they will no doubt be more than happy to help you make the most of it.

You can also make an effort to style yourself in the appropriate way with accessories and such, for example adding a luxurious white faux fur shawl to your outfit for a winter wonderland wedding, or adding a vintage hair piece for a 1920s style wedding. It’s likely that you also have control over what your bridesmaids will be wearing, so be sure to search for bridesmaids dresses with varieties of colours to find out what will really boost your theme. 

Styling your Venue

The venue that you choose and the style changes that you make are so important. Opting for a blank room and not providing or requesting any specific design changes will definitely ruin any theme you have gone with. Alternatively, finding an extravagant location that goes perfectly with your chosen style, such as a castle for a fairytale wedding, will be such an amazing feature that really improves the overall experience for both you and your guests.

Adding some extra features to your venue will help you to create a more unique and enjoyable space. Whether this be in the form of elegant chair covers and personalised name place cards to take dining to the next level, or disco lights and other party features such as the wedding photo swap app that can help you to get the night started. Whatever you do make sure to be consistent throughout. There's no point picking a certain theme and then not really going for it - go big or go home I say.

Perfecting your wedding theme couldn’t be simpler when you make the most of the creative steps detailed above. Start with your outfit and accessories, and continue with your venue by making your own design changes. And have the most magical day!

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Four Wedding Preparations you can do Online

Your wedding is the best day of your life, but it also costs the most. In addition to this, wedding preparations require a significant amount of time, and it may be challenging to find the time to carry out all of the activities that are listed on your to-do list. This is especially true if you already have young children to care for. Fortunately, there are ways to complete these tasks without having to get dressed if you don't want to! Here are just a few of the finishing touches for your big day that can be completely organised online.

Photographer

Thanks to the internet, we now have instant access to a wealth of information at our fingertips. This means that a task such as hiring your photographer can now be done completely online, as you will be able to see their portfolio of shots taken in the past, get a price, and even contact details so that you can get in touch with them to discuss specifics about how you would like your wedding photos to look. You can even pay online, so you can plan your wedding while your little ones run wild.

Rings

If you and your soon-to-be husband have already determined the size of the rings that you and he will wear, you can now order your wedding bands online and have them shipped to any location of your choosing. Many people get engaged without having a wedding band, and if this is something you'd like to have as well, you can even order engagement rings online so that every aspect of your wedding is perfect down to the smallest of details. Do not be fooled into thinking that these rings will be of poor quality, as all of the materials are conflict-free and sourced from only the best sources. Therefore, you do not need to worry about the diamonds on your finger as they are of the best possible quality.

Table Decorations

Table decorations are a touch that not many people remember from when they attended weddings. However, those same people would definitely notice if there weren't any either. To your great relief, you no longer have to wander aimlessly through various stores in search of suitable centrepieces. There are countless websites and options to choose from such as these wedding flowers.

Entertainment

Of course you also have the ability to organise the entertainment as well. Again, thanks to the power of the internet and YouTube, it is now simpler than ever before to research entertainment prior to the day of your wedding, and you can do so without having to leave the comfort of your own home. It is likely that performers in the entertainment industry, such as singers and comedians, have posted videos of themselves performing on YouTube and other websites of a similar nature, so that fans can examine their work.

Good luck with you planning!

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4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Engagement

If you've recently gotten engaged, congrats! Now, your big question is probably "what happens next?" It will likely take a bit of time until you can officially start planning your wedding. In the meantime, you and your fiance can still do plenty of things to make this time even more special. An engagement doesn't have to be just a precursor to the wedding; it can be an exciting period in its own right, and in this post I'm going to share four ways you can make the most of your engagement.

Celebrate with Friends and Family

Engagements are a great excuse to throw a party! This is a chance to celebrate with those closest to you and can be a special event. It's your chance to set the tone for the rest of your engagement and have a party that's as memorable and unique as you are. Getting people involved and excited is a great way to make your party a special event. If you don't know where to start, take a look around for inspiration: there are tons of ideas for engagement parties out there.

Get to Know One Another Better

Engagements are a great chance to get to know one another on a deeper level. By fully enjoying your engagement, you can remember there's no rush to get married - this period can be as long as you want. Discussing the future is good, especially if you put forward your expectations and goals. There are also tons of questionnaires online that are specifically designed to help you get to know your partner better. If you decide to do something like this, ensure you're both fully present and listening to one another. Engagements are also an excellent opportunity to move in together, if you haven't already, and spend time together just the two of you.

Plan the Big Day

Engagements are a good time to start putting together your wedding budget. While it may be too early to start booking vendors, it's never too early to begin researching potential options for everything from catering to wedding photographers. You'll get a good feel for what's out there and how much things cost. This will make it easier to start booking things when you're ready and have a set date. Plus, this also gives you a chance to sit down and discuss your wedding priorities with your fiance. You can also do various preparations with your partner, like picking your new wedding rings together. It's good to do this well before the wedding to narrow down what kind of ring you'd like, from a 2.5 carat diamond ring to a family heirloom.

Go on a Romantic Engagement Trip

There are many different ways to celebrate your engagement, but one of the most common is a romantic trip away. You can use this trip to celebrate your love, explore new destinations, and get a feel for what married life might be like. If you both have a passion for sports, you could try sailing or even scuba diving. If you're more into cultural activities, plenty of places offer guided tours that make for a great way to experience the best of a new location. No matter what you decide to do, remember that this is your time to enjoy each other and celebrate your new engagement. Make the most of this opportunity to relax and enjoy a break from the daily grind.

An engagement is a great time to celebrate and get excited about the future. Engagements are usually pretty long, so make the most of the time by getting to know each other better, planning the wedding day, and going on a romantic trip together. An engagement is a chance to enjoy the excitement and anticipation of the future! Here's to a long and happy future together.

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5 Tips for Getting Your Proposal Right

It’s such a special moment when your partner says 'yes!' and you get to experience that rush of love simultaneously. But how do you make sure the most crucial moment in your life is perfect? In this post I'm going to share 5 tips, that will hopefully make your marriage proposal unforgettable and romantic.

Include Flowers

Receiving a bunch of flowers always make my day, so of course they are perfect to include in a proposal. If you are stuck on ideas, get the help of experts in a flower shop to help you select the flowers that will best fit your partner’s personality or those that represent your relationship. Comforting words for your partner is also essential during the proposal. If you are composing a poem or song to sing to your partner, you can work with experts to help you pen it, so it comes out beautifully.

Choose a Good Location

Of course the location of your proposal it is up to you, but it's always a good idea to make sure you look for a romantic and private location to make the moment memorable. Some ideal locations could include your partner’s (or yours as a couple) favourite spot, a romantic restaurant or out in nature where it’s quiet and serene. You might think your partner would prefer a more public announcement, but try to remember it's about the two of you, and not how many people are watching.

Pick out the Perfect Ring

An engagement ring gives an impression of stability and is an excellent example of commitment to your partner. You could ask a professional designer like Reve Diamonds to help you pick the right ring, as they will be most knowledgeable about gem stone and different cuts. It's always a good idea to consider the wedding band in the future too, as your partner will most likely want them to match and fit together nicely.

Plan Ahead

It is best to try to plan for your proposal at least two months ahead, to give you enough time to pick and purchase the ring and plan the moment properly. You could get family and friends on board if you want too - just make sure you only tell those that you know won't ruin the surprise!

Be Creative

It's always lovely to get creative with decorations in the spot you're planning to propose. Why not try and hire a professional designer to create the perfect romantic atmosphere with flowers and your partner’s favourite colours. I've seen proposals written in the sand, or held up with perfectly placed signs. Whatever you do though, just make sure it's something you know you'll both love and enjoy.

The steps mentioned above are the basic rules that will help you to make your marriage proposal unforgettable. But of course the most important thing to remember is the love and happiness between you and your partner. When you are ready to propose, be willing to accept your partner’s response however it may go. And good luck!

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5 Steps to a Beautiful Budget Wedding

When you're planning your wedding, you want every detail to be perfect. You want the day to be something you'll remember fondly rather than something you'll look back on and wish you had done differently! You might assume that if you have a limited budget, it won't be feasible to have a gorgeous wedding, and you'll have to make some sacrifices, but that's not entirely true – you can have a beautiful wedding on a budget, and in this post I'm going to some suggestions on how to accomplish it.

Catering

The food is often one of the most expensive aspects of any wedding. You may want to provide a three-course dinner to your guests, but this can end up being incredibly pricey. However there are other options when it comes to your Wedding Breakfast. If you schedule your wedding properly, you can simply serve a buffet-style dinner, which will also help add a more relaxed feel to the day.

You could even choose to provide the food yourself if that is a possibility. However, if you want to go down this route you've got to keep in mind that preparing for a wedding, and making sure the food is ready might be a bit too much for one person to do by themselves. If you intend not to hire an outside caterer, then you'll need to plan well in advance, and you'll need to enlist the help of friends and relatives to save you from getting too stressed.

Other ideas include a big barbecue after the ceremony or even a potluck event where everyone brings a dish and shares it out. There's so many different options available now, so just make sure you research, research, research!

Invitations

Invitations are another major expense that is often neglected and when it comes time to obtain estimates, the truth price can come as quite a surprise. All of that printing, not to mention mailing the invites, will quickly add up - just one 2nd class stamp costs 65p. One option to save money in this regard is to email the invitations to as many people as possible. In this way, you can still design something lovely, but it will be digital and therefore not cost anything to send.

If you prefer to be more traditional then the best advice is to shop around. In that way, when you find a place to buy printed foil invitations, you can be sure you're getting the best deal. Some companies will now let you design and send straight to the recipient which might help you to save some pennies too.

The Dress

When you think bride, you're first thought it most likely going to be about 'the dress'. Luxury gowns can cost thousands of pounds, and when contrasted to the rest of the wedding, it simply doesn't seem fair to spend so much money on just one thing. Some shops sell used wedding gowns that you can visit (or even look at online). Remember that these gowns have only been worn once for a few hours, so they are usually in excellent condition, and they are a fraction of the price of a brand new on!  Plus, unless you tell them, no one will ever know it's a secondhand dress. You can look at places like Asos for wedding dresses these days too, where you can find beautiful gowns at a fraction of the cost.

Don't Ask for Gifts

Many weddings include a gift list that specifies what the happy couple would want guests to send as gifts. It may make more sense to ask for help with the wedding budget rather than presents, particularly if you're already living together or have been living independently and have everything you need.

For example, if you know a photographer, instead of gifting you anything, ask them to shoot photos of the day. The same can be said for a cake maker, a dressmaker, a florist, or anybody else who might be able to assist. It will save you a lot of money and ensure that you don't get any unwanted presents. Of course, it's important to be sensitive; some people may not want to offer their services, and instead they might want to let their hair down and have a break. Always let them know there is no obligation, but that if they want to help out, they certainly can. 

Choose the Right Date

Consider getting married outside of the usual season, or even on a weekday, to save money on your wedding. According to Bridebook's 2019 wedding report, couples could save almost £5,000 by having their wedding in January or February instead of the busy months of June to August. And you could save up to £6,000 by getting married on a Tuesday or Wednesday rather than a Saturday! Although it may not be quite what you imagined at first, a winter wedding can be stunning, and many people would be glad to take a couple of days off work to celebrate your special day with you.

This is a collaborative post.

5 Ways to be a More Unique Bride

Only a handful of brides are willing to break from the conventional bridal appearance to do something different. While it is important to give your appearance that classic touch on your wedding, it also pays to be yourself and allow your unique style to shine forth. But the millennial attitude to wedding wear is changing, with more brides abandoning off-the-peg wedding gowns and going with more fashionable and red-carpet-worthy dresses instead. 

Being a modern bride entails abandoning the established norms and going with a bold appearance that showcases your personal style. This could be avoiding a veil, wearing a suit, choosing flats over heels, or going with a shorter skirt. In this post I'm going to share 5 different ways you can be a more unique (but still absolutely beautiful) bride.

Choose the Right Wedding Dress for YOU
Most brides spend a lot of time picking out the perfect wedding dress, and of course I definitely think this exactly what you should do. But make sure it's the perfect dress for you. Don't just pick a dress because your bridal party thinks it's the one you should go with either, make sure it's the one that makes you feel the best. Try on lots of different styles (including the ones you might not usually go for), and get ready to 'say yes to the dress'.

Forget the Veil
A veil has always been a traditional part of the bridal appearance, but it is okay if you do not feel like wearing one. A birdcage veil or a bejewelled bridal headpiece are perfect substitutes for a veil, or just simply pick a wedding hairstyle that makes the statement for you. If you feel you need to wear one, you could always opt to wear one just for the ceremony, and pick a hairstyle that won't be ruined when you remove it.

Think About your Jewellery
Don't feel the need to wear a diamond set handed down through generations if its not your style - remember, it's your wedding day not your relatives. A simple piece of wedding jewellery makes an excellent pre-wedding gift from a groom or bridesmaids, so why not incorporate something like this into your big day. And if big diamonds and pearls are your thing, go for it!

Don't go for a White Gown
Vera Wang, the queen of bridal couture, has shown that wedding gowns in non-traditional colours can still be dazzling on a bride. Let her be your inspiration for a coloured wedding gown. Blush, pinks, black, and red wedding dresses are available from most bridal stores. 

Or Don't Wear a Dress at All
If you want a timeless appearance that doesn’t include a wedding dress, a chic jumpsuit is a perfect choice. The elegant ivory jumpsuit from Roland Mouret is designed with a tailored bodice and very wide legs best suited for a statement heel. This jumpsuit retains the charm of the traditional wedding gown whilst being much more comfortable and simple. 

Whatever you decide for your wedding day, just remember that as long as you feel beautiful, that is all that matters. Everyone will think you are the belle of the ball whatever you wear!

This is a collaborative post.

How to Add an Irish Touch to your Wedding Day

Wedding planning is an exciting and busy time for any bride to be. However this can be especially true if you are planning to have a very traditional affair, such as an Irish wedding. But even if you are not Irish, anyone can add the rich meaning and symbolism of an Irish wedding into their big day. Doing so can not only add an extra layer of meaning and closeness to the day, but also make your wedding stand out from the rest. In this post I'm going to share a few of the ways you can bring an Irish twist to your wedding, to hopefully make your day extra special!

The kind of wedding ring used in Celtic culture is the Claddagh ring (where the ring shows a heart being held by two hands). This ring symbolises friendship, love, and loyalty - the basis of a happy and lasting marriage. These words are often engraved inside the ring as a constant reminder of what is important. How special is that?

Handfasting is another important tradition that is fulfilled in an Irish celebration. This is done by taking a piece of ribbon or rope and physically tying the couple’s hands together. Originally this was done as an engagement ceremony to show the couple’s intention to get married in the future. However today it is done during the ceremony (either during or after the vows) to show that the couple is now one. You could even make this extra special by having the ribbon embroidered with your wedding date and initials.

In a traditional Irish wedding the bride would carry an actual horseshoe down the aisle to bring good luck to the marriage. Of course today it is more appropriate to add decorative horseshoes into the decorations instead. You could even add a small horseshoe charm to your bouquet for a more subtle approach. Irish brides also wore blue dresses instead of white, which may be a step too far for some brides. So why not incorporate blue into your bridesmaids dresses or colour scheme instead!

As you can see there are many ways to incorporate some Irish traditions into your wedding day. The infographic below shares a few more ideas to consider. I hope this has given you some inspiration!

Infographic Design By Claddagh Ring

This is a collaborative post.

Planning your Perfect Wedding Day

Getting married is one of the most exciting and life-altering events you can experience. However this scale of event cannot pulled off without planning everything out as much as you can. There are a lot of considerations you are going to need to make when it comes to sorting out your big day! Make sure you think about the sort of day you want to have, and be sure to leave yourself enough time to plan out the big day in the least stressful way you can. Here are just four things you need to think about when planning your wedding.

Your Venue
One of the first things you need to make sure you get right when planning a wedding, is to pick the wedding venue. This is something that can take people a long time to decide on (plus there's often a waiting list for the popular venues), however a lot of the time the venue you choose will largely be determined by your budget, and the style of wedding you want. If you want a more rustic style then maybe a barn or an outdoor venue will be more suitable. Or if you want to go traditional then you need to contact your local church and venues.

Wedding Package
Once you have settled on a wedding venue then deciding on the rest of the big day is much easier.  This will also help with all of the extras that come with the venue, including decorations, food, a d even the evening entertainment. Most wedding venues will have their own wedding packages to choose from, where you can pick what you do and don't want included. A wedding planner (that can also come with the venue sometimes!) can be helpful in deciding what is important.

The Guest List
It is also essential that you make sure you do as much as possible to get the guest list right - and that's before you send out the save the dates. This is potentially one of the most stressful and difficult parts of planning a wedding, especially if you need to please a lot of people. But just remember that your wedding day is just that.. yours! Only invite those who you love and want to be there, not just because you need to fill numbers or someone else said so.

Food
Food and drink choices may be included as part of your wedding package, but it is still important to spend time thinking about the choices. Choosing what kind of food you want to see at your wedding is really important as after the ceremony people do get excited about the wedding breakfast! A sit down meal is usually the preferred choice, but a buffet can also work well for large numbers, or even for the evening guests. Make sure to find out dietary requirements and give guests time to decide on options (if you're giving it to them).

This is a collaborative post.

Is Winter the Best Time to get Married?

Getting engaged is such an incredibly exciting moment in your life. Prosecco will be popped, you’ll be congratulated by all of your friends and family, and showing off your beautiful new ring on your finger. But when do you start planning the big day? And when actually is the best time to get married?

A lot of people pick the date dependent on a special occasion - the engagement date, the date of your first date, etc. But a lot will pick their favourite time of year and then a date. If you are dead set against a long engagement, you will you have to think of how long it will take you to plan and prepare a wedding for the following year. Is waiting until the next one just that little bit too long? Plus there’s a much better chance that you can secure your dream venue faster if you book further in advance, or choose an off-peak date to get married.

There is something truly magical about a winter wedding. This collection - https://www.manorbythelake.co.uk/weddings/winter-wedding-collection/ (put together by Manor By the Lake) has so many beautiful, inspirational ideas. Not only is a winter wedding a very classy option, but it has the distinct advantage of having no weather pressure. Instead of scanning weather reports weeks in advance, and hoping right up until the day itself that the sun will make an appearance, you can relax, knowing that you have put every provision in place for the winter to do its worst.

You might be worried that there will be fewer options for flowers come the winter months but there are still many fabulous options. The deep reds will look very striking against a white dress, and there are options to include more creative choices in your bouquet. Pine cones, holly springs and even a sprinkling of 'snow' could make a bouquet that extra bit special!

There are some truly beautiful dresses out there for winter too. Of course if you're getting married in the colder months you might want to consider sleeves or extra accessories. However even if the dress you fall in love with is sheer and strapless, you can always accessorise with gorgeous fur stoles, or spangled shawls, long, white satin gloves and you could always wear your thermals underneath - no-one would ever know!

This blog post has some great tips on quashing those pre-wedding nerves. But overall, remember to plan it your way (and that includes holding it at whatever time of year you like). Come rain or shine, your wedding will be fine, and perfect for you.

This is a collaborative post.

How to Squash those Wedding Day Nerves

Even if you've planned a very low-key affair, your wedding day is always going to be a huge event. It’s the union of two people, which is something to be celebrated no matter if you follow tradition or prefer something of your own making! But no matter what you have planned, even with everything sorted and all the plans in place, it is completely normal to feel nervous and anxious on the day itself.

Therefore there's absolutely no shame in planning or emotionally preparing for your wedding day, In fact many people (both male and female) consider this absolutely necessary. After all, experiencing the day with nothing but anxiety and a little worry, no matter how irrational, can somewhat put a dampener on things! But hopefully after reading this post, you'll come away feeling a little bit more relaxed, as I'm going to share my top pieces of advice to help you emotionally prepare for your wedding day.

Self-Care

Self-care is an important practice to keep on top of, especially in the months leading up to your wedding day. Many brides feel the need to lose weight before the big day, but this isn't necessary at all. But making sure YOU feel confident and happy on the day is essential. Taking the time to find comfortable and well-fitting underwear to wear under your dress can make a huge difference.

If you feel stressed, care for yourself. Take it easy. Spend some time reflecting, or time engaged in a restorative practice that can help you feel like much more of yourself. You would be stunned as to just how effective this can be, and how regularly practiced this can reduce your stress and anxiety by several levels, if not nullifying it completely. Why not even head to a spa for the day with a sibling or friends, to help you relax and switch off from all things wedding for a while. 

Visualisation

No matter how well you plan your wedding day, you can never be one hundred percent sure that things will go completely to plan. Things such as the weather are completely unpredictable! But that small slice of doubt can lead us to stress over the most minor details. This is where visualisation might help. Simply sitting back and thinking about the wedding going well, about the ceremony you’re to have, about bonding with your family members can really help relax your mind. This way you can feel the day becoming a success, and it also helps you subvert your subconscious worry while thinking about the day as something possible and wonderful to experience.

The Best Services

The age-old story of ‘you get what you pay for’ is perhaps most illustrated when it comes to any wedding day. You are only going to have this special day once, so you'll want to have and use the best! Using a professional service such as that offered by Vittore Buzzi would be a great choice, as you will you know beyond anything else that you are in good hands - and then you can feel much less worried about how the day is experienced too.

Wedding Rehearsals

A wedding rehearsal can really help you prepare for the day. Not every one will be able to make it to your wedding rehearsal, but it can give you the chance to show the photographer around, ensure that the catering services are able to set up in preparation, and make sure that everyone knows where their seating is. This will hopefully iron out any kinks that may have been causing you to worry previously,  plus it will be a good chance to catch up with your wedding party before the big day too!

Speak About your Nerves

Bottling up your emotions is never a good thing, and so if you do feel true anxiety or worry, then speaking about it to your family or spouse can be important. You could also try using natural remedies such as Kalms or Rescue Relief to help you gain a better standard of sleep, and help reduce your nerves on the day. Speaking about your nerves is important, because simply releasing them can stop those little thoughts and emotions from bouncing around your mind too much. If things are really worrying you though, then it might be a good idea to visit your Doctor.

Meet Some of your Guests Prior

For some, a wedding day may be the time in which they reconnect with their family, or friends that they haven’t seen in some time. When reconnecting with these people on your actual wedding day, you may find your nerves a little heightened. After all, we all feel just a little more alert when meeting someone after a long time, even if you used to be super close.

It might be worth going for a coffee with a distant family member before, speaking to them on the phone, ensuring that you know who they are bringing as their plus one and even adding them as a friend on social media can be important. This way the social arrangement of your wedding day needn’t be cause for additional concern.

Feelings of Guilt

It’s not uncommon for brides to feel a sense of guilt on their wedding day, especially if they’re not used to being the centre of attention. But when you think about it, although your wedding day is going to be the biggest day of your life, it's just another lovely day for everyone else. So don't feel too stressed about making everything perfect, as long as it is for you. Everyone is likely going to have a great time, and one day in your lifetime where you are able to celebrate yourself and your marriage is more than acceptable!

Hopefully this has helped you feel a bit more relaxed about you big day, and good luck!

This is a collaborative post.

6 Details to NOT Forget when Planning your Wedding

Planning your big day is fun and exciting, but there is an awful lot to remember! With so much to consider, it’s not surprising many couples forget things when they’re organising their wedding. If you’re worried you’ve forgotten something or you want to make sure you’ve got everything covered, then hopefully this post will help, as I'm going to share 6 things that you simply cannot forget when planning your wedding.

Provide extra seating

People don’t like to be crammed into a small space, so provide extra seating when you can. This is particularly important at the ceremony, when people may want to sit next to other guests they know. Wedding professionals often recommend having around 20 extra seats to ensure your guests are comfortable. 

Assign someone to manage the day

Suppliers won’t naturally know where to go or when to act, so you’ll need someone to be in charge on the day. As the Bride and Groom the day should be about relaxing and enjoying the wedding, so make sure you appoint someone else to do this for you. If you don’t have a designated wedding planner or master of service, make sure to ask a family member or friend to step in. This will help with sitting guests at the ceremony, or announcing timings for things such as photographs or food.

Set up a wedding website

A wedding-specific email address and wedding website can make the organisation of your big day straightforward and efficient. When you’re contacting suppliers, you can ensure all replies are collated into one inbox, rather than mixing it with your personal or work mail. Similarly, a wedding website makes it easy for people to RSVP and check venue details before the big day. This saves you answering endless queries from your guests and ensures you receive your RSVPs as quickly as possible!

Plan the honeymoon

When you’re caught up planning the wedding day itself, it can be easier to forget about the honeymoon! However, you’re going to need a holiday to relax after all your planning and prep so take advantage of honeymoon packages before it’s too late. With the best locations and resorts already in high demand, planning in advance will ensure you get your pick of hotels and benefit from the best prices.

Arrange transportation

If you’re holding your ceremony in one location and your reception in another, you’ll need to factor in transportation. While guests may have vehicles with them, the wedding party won’t so make sure you have cars arranged in advance.  Even if your ceremony and reception are being held in the same location, you may require transport from your hotel to the venue. Groomsmen and bridesmaid might arrive after the other guests but before the Bride and Groom, so make sure everyone can get to where they need to be on time. Just make sure the transport you have arranged can fit everyone in!

Plan for bad weather

You can never guarantee sunshine, so it is always a good idea to have a contingency plan in place for bad weather. If you’re getting married outdoors for example, check the venue has a suitable room available in case it rains. Similarly, scope out some suitable indoor locations for photographs so you’ll have alternative options if the weather lets you down.

When is your big day planned for? Good luck!

This is a collaborative post.

8 Fun Wedding Theme Ideas

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting, but most stressful things you’ll ever do. And deciding where on earth to start can be one of the trickiest parts! Choosing the theme of your wedding is tricky, but with the right idea, you can create an unforgettable day that will represent you and your future spouse beautifully. But what theme to choose? In this post I'm going to be sharing 8 fun wedding theme ideas, that hopefully you will love.

Festival

If you and your fiancé love nothing better than getting muddy in a field listening to live bands, then a festival theme could be an ideal way to share that vibe with your family. Think live music, teepees, outdoor games and food trucks. Why not send out wristbands or tickets instead of traditional invites or Save The Date cards for an extra touch of fun?

Beach

Love the beach? Then why not get married on one! Think light and breezy fabrics, tropical details and relaxed island vibes. Check out some beach wedding tips to make sure you choose suitable clothing, food and decor to tackle sand and sea on your big day. If you can't afford an actual beach, then why not get creative and make your own!

Photo by Arshad Pooloo on Unsplash

Fairytale

A very popular theme for those who love the romance and magic of classic Disney films - fairytales. Go for large floral arrangements, blush tones and why not even look into hiring a horse and carriage instead of a traditional wedding car.

Rustic

If you’re tempted by a venue like a barn, then maybe go for a rustic theme to compliment it. Fill your venue with hay bales, string lights and mason jars full of candles. Think simple, outdoorsy details, like using natural woods and hessians in your decor, and carry seasonal, local flowers to match your colour scheme. The current trend for naked wedding cakes also fits the rustic theme well!

Photo by Tikkho Maciel on Unsplash

Christmas

Getting married at the most wonderful time of the year? What better excuse to go all out with the festive spirit. Decorate your venue with lots of lights, a Christmas tree and flowers in deep reds and golds. Fill your evening playlist with Christmas classics and serve hot chocolate or mulled wine to really get in the Christmassy mood. You could even hire a Father Christmas for that extra festive touch!

Travel

This is a perfect theme if you and your partner met while travelling, or just simply love exploring and adventuring together. You could send out airline tickets or boarding passes as invites. Then decorate your venue with maps, photos from your travels and decor from the countries you've visited. Name tables after countries you’ve visited together - maybe even adding a photo from each destination for that final touch. You could even ask guests to sign a globe instead of a guestbook, to make an extra special keepsake!

Vintage

Are you an art deco fanatic or a rockabilly babe? You could theme your wedding on your favourite era or decade, by finding appropriate props, decor and music. If you really want to stick to the theme you could even ask guests to come dressed in appropriate outfits for your chosen era!

Photo by Thomas Curryer on Unsplash

Geek

Are you both Trekkies, Jedis or wannabe Vampire Slayers? Theme your wedding on your favourite 'geeky' things, whether it’s games, comic books or movies. You can inject a lot of fun with a theme like this, such as sending out invites that look like old school game cartridges, filling bowls with Lego for centerpieces or naming your tables after favourite comic book characters. This is a perfect theme for fancy dress too!

This is a collaborative post.

The 4 Biggest Signs You’re Ready to Propose

It can be difficult to judge exactly when you should consider proposing to your partner. You shouldn't just listen to the peer pressure of family and friends (or the hints dropped by your partner!). It's got to be at a moment when you think BOTH of you are ready to commit to marriage. If you're still unsure, there are luckily plenty of signs that you can look out for, and I'm going to be sharing 5 of the main signs you're ready to propose in this post.

You Talk About the Future
This is usually a red flag if it’s done in the first few weeks or months of a relationship, but if you’ve been with your partner for a long time and your talks have gone from “what should we do this weekend?” to “where should we look for a house to buy?”, then there’s a good chance you’re both ready to tie the knot.

You Support Each Other’s Passions
Whether it’s a sporting career or a business venture, being supportive of each other and understanding each other’s ambition is a great sign of things to come. Neither of you should feel you are giving up something you love in your relationship.

You're Honest About Your Financial Situation
One of the most difficult things to trust a partner with is your financial situation. If you’re both open about your finances and can trust each other with money, then it’s a good sign that you’ve already built a lot of trust in each other. You cannot go into a marriage with secrets and worries.

Your Friends and Family Support You
Having a friend or family member be against you proposing is usually something to take into consideration. However, if they’re all really supportive of your relationship then it usually means they’re giving you the thumbs up on your engagement. A close friend or family member may even be a good help for choosing the ring!

If the signs are right and you’re ready to take the next step, then the infographic below will help with the actual proposal itself - it's got to be perfect after all!

Graphic by The Wedding Band Shop

This is a collaborative post.

5 Tips for a Fun Filled Wedding Reception

After the 'I Dos' and ceremony itself, the part of your wedding your guests will remember most is the reception. So you need to make sure you keep this in mind when wedding planning! To make the evening truly memorable, you should focus on making sure the guests in attendance have as much fun as they possibly can. Of course this is easier said than done, but with the right ideas in place and enough planning, you'll be sure to have the best wedding reception in town!

To help you with you planning, I've put together a few ideas and tips that are sure to make your reception a night to remember - and all for the right reasons!

Unexpected Entertainment and Games

Your wedding reception should be fun and joyful. You could achieve this by providing entertainment and games, that’ll keep people interested and having a good time throughout the evening. There are so many choices that are predictable these days though, so why not pick something a little more unexpected and unusual? Why not have steel drummers or a rock band instead of a DJ or swing band? A mixologist could entertain your guests with your own specialty cocktail, or how about getting an impersonator to be your master of service? Whatever you decide, keep it fun and all about you!

Keep People Coming to the Dancefloor

If you can keep people coming to the dancefloor, that’s one way of knowing that they’re enjoying themselves and having a good time! Good music is the most important factor in creating a busy dance floor, so make sure to choose your DJ or band carefully. Some DJs will even provide extras such as dry ice and lighting to make the dance floor even more fun!

Hire a Photo Booth

If you want to do something fun and memorable, then why not look into photo booth hire. Your guests can take funny photos of themselves with you or with other guests, which can then be compiled into an album as a memory of your big day. You could even get guests to leave messages on the back of their photos to use instead of a guest book!

Re-think your Wedding Breakfast

Re-thinking your wedding breakfast is another way to have some fun at your wedding reception. Rather than providing food or a buffet in the conventional ways that most weddings do, why not do something different? You could hire a streetfood stall or have a festival BBQ. There are all kinds of ways to feed your guests in a more exciting way!

End the Day with a Bang

Finally, make sure that the evening goes out with a bang! The very best way to do that, both figuratively and literally, is to host a firework display outside the venue. It’s a fun and magical way to end a fun-filled evening and memorable day. It will make for some amazing photo opportunities too.

Your wedding reception should always be fun and enjoyable for everyone - especially you. That’s why it’s worth putting as much planning into the party as you put into planning the ceremony. Good luck with your planning!

This is a collaborative post.

5 Mistakes to Avoid when Choosing your Wedding Dress

One of the most important parts of many bride’s wedding day, is that moment when their groom sees them walking down the aisle. When everyone gets to see 'the dress' that you spent so long deciding on and keeping secret. So it's not wonder that for many women, wedding dress shopping can be incredibly stressful.

You of course want your dress to be memorable for all of the right reasons, but with so many gowns to choose from, it can be tough to get it right. So, if you want to really wow at your wedding, here are 5 key mistakes to avoid when buying your wedding dress!

Ignoring the Experts

Of course it’s your wedding, and you want to recreate the fairytale that you have in your head, but remember to take advice from others too. There are lots of excellent bridal consultants and dressmakers out there, who will have a really good idea of which shapes and silhouettes will work for you.

Not Considering the Wedding Ring

Most brides (and grooms) spend time weighing up the pros and cons of particular wedding rings. Should they choose rings with VS clarity diamonds, or go for something plainer? Will it match her other jewellery? It’s rare however, for the bride to consider whether the ring will match her wedding dress! You don't want a huge ring just to get overshadowed by an even bigger dress.

Doing it Online Only

Of course there’s nothing wrong with buying your wedding dress online, but it's usually best to do so after you have tried a few dresses on in real life. This will help you to get the right size and style to suit you, and even give you more ideas!

Ditching your Style

Whether you have a classic or quirky style, it would be foolish to leave it behind on your wedding day. Embrace your own style and choose a dress that is completely you, even if it isn’t what’s expected. You'll feel far more comfortable and beautiful if you pick the style you love.

Expecting a Massive Weight Loss

So many women determine that they will lose weight for their wedding. But if buy a tiny dress to reflect your goals, you could potentially end up with a dress you can’t fit into. Anything can happen between buying your dress and the big day, so don't put any extra stress on yourself. A dress can always be altered smaller!

This is a collaborative post.