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.