Set the mood with music...
Create the perfect balance between entertainment and stylish ambiance for your wedding with acoustic music. Subtle, delicate acoustic music permeates the soul, relaxes the mind and fills the heart with joy without overshadowing your wedding and reception dinner.
Contributed by Akuztik
of Burnley, UK BB12 8AF — 00447960 535470
How to Choose the Right Wedding Musicians
Look, listen & watch. Scan the musician's set list. Do you like the choice of music? Can you listen to demos online? Will they learn a special song just for your wedding? Watch a performance; do they blend in or take over - remember it's your wedding, not the musicians showcase.
Contributed by Akuztik
of Burnley, Lancashire, GB, UK BB12 8AF — 0044 7960 535470
Wedding crackers make great favours.
Wedding crackers, a special type of wedding favour, can be filled with a special gift from the bride/groom such as chocolates or other candies to match your colour scheme and theme. These special favous make a great ice breaker amongst wedding guests.
Contributed by The Surrey Wedding Planner
of Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, UK — 07956 253 552
Best Wedding Planning Advice
As a wedding planner, I find that the best initial advice I give my future clients is to step back and look at the wedding plans from an outsiders point of view. For people who manage to do this, they find the process of planning easier and understand my advice throughout their planning process better.
Contributed by WeddingBliss Ltd
of Lincoln, UK LN7 6SF — 01472 859813
Handle With Care
Your hands will be the focus of attention when showing off your beautiful new wedding ring, so be careful to avoid doing anything that will cause nails to split and break. Use loads of hand cream in the weeks leading up to your special day to get them super soft and smooth.
Contributed by UK Wedding Services
of Worcester, UK — 01905 20206
Where's the BEST man?
Make your wedding day a little easier by prepping your best man! Make sure he's helping with any organising on the day - very helpful for group photos or gathering crowds. Keep him sober as long as possible so you can let your hair down!
Contributed by Anthony Peyper Photography
of Dublin, Ireland — +353 (0) 86 354 7258
Get a Swatch!
When you have chosen your bridesmaids dresses and your own gown, request a sample of material from your dress shop. This will become invaluable when you are out shopping and trying to match colours with napkins, flowers, shoes and accessories!
Contributed by Chloe Beck
of Canterbury, UK CT3 4JH — 0845 373 2703
Tips for choosing your wedding car hire company.
Which wedding car do you choose for the most special day of your life? Wedding car hire tips; Always ask to view your potential wedding car, check the operator's insurance, check for the extras which may incur additional charges not in the budget and ask for customer testimonials.
Contributed by Aces Ambassador Chauffeur Executive Services
of Lincoln, UK LN5 9XA — 07748 441799
Wedding Fruit Cakes
If you want a small piece of fruit cake for a select few guests, it's cheaper to add it to your cake order as a small cutting cake. Most wedding cake makers will only use fruit cake as a base tier, not upper layers due to weight, and this often leads to large amounts of unwanted fruit cake.
Contributed by Debbie's Sweet Art
of Surrey, UK — 01932 240274
Road test your band!
Make sure you hear your wedding band performing live before you book them. Their website and sound clips might be great, but make sure you like their live performance style.
Contributed by Chloe Beck
of Canterbury, UK CT3 4JH — 0845 373 2703
Alternative to Numbered Wedding Reception Tables
It has become very popular to name your reception table after something meaningful to the bride or groom or matching the wedding theme. Not only does this inject a lot of fun and personality into the day, it also extinguishes the dread of placing guests onto the last numbered table!
Contributed by Strawberry Twist
of Yateley, UK — 01252 661910
Set a Wedding Budget
It is important to have a wedding budget and stick to it. Sit down with your partner and/or family and carefully look at your finances. Be honest about what you can afford and spend on each service and bring your budget list along on all of your wedding service interviews to be sure you stay within budget.
Contributed by GFG Events
of London, UK SE19 2SA — 07786 071 995
Wedding Colour Schemes
A great way to choose coordinating wedding colours is to visit your local cosmetics counter. You'll find that eyeshadow pallettes have been toned together perfectly, giving you inspiration for your colour scheme.
Contributed by
of Broxburn, UK —
Wedding Cake Servings
As a rule of thumb for wedding cake servings, fruit cakes yield double the servings as the same sized sponge cake. Likewise, square cakes yield approximately 30 percent more than the same sized round cakes.
Contributed by Novelty Cake Toppers
of International, UK — 01452 722659
Stick to Your Wedding Budget
Have your budget planner and calculator handy anytime you are visiting stores or wedding service providers to be sure you stay within budget and get the best deals. Never buy in haste.
Contributed by LvLv Events Ltd
of South Ockendon, UK — 07833052290
Organising Wedding Gift Thank You List
Keep in mind that the thank you process begins when you gather your guests' names and addresses to send the invitations. Top Tip - save that list! When you start receiving wedding presents, open them and record each gift next to the giver's name and address. Send thank you cards as soon as possible.
Contributed by Propose to invite
of Malton, UK YO17 9DU — 07887 854673
Cool Beach Wedding Dresses
If you are lucky enough to be flying to an exotic, hot location to exchange your vows, opt for a dress that's not clingy. Maximum comfort and lightweight fabrics are key in a tropical climate. Choose a fabric like chiffon or gauze. Both are lightweight and will breathe, leaving you feeling cool, calm and collected!
Contributed by Cutting Edge Brides
of Kent, UK — 01322 316 084
Who to invite to on your Hen Do
The politics of party invitations dates back to long before Hen nights even existed, but don't let those politics get in the way of your special night. When it comes to who to invite, consider who will make your night one to remember! Note that only those on the wedding guest list should be invited to any pre-wedding parties.
Contributed by Chillisauce
of London, UK W1T 3QN — 0207 299 1831
Cut Wedding Costs Not Wedding Style
Solicit help from close family and friends to make your own floral centrepieces or address wedding invitations. Make your own edible wedding favours. Baked cookies, jams and cupcakes are well liked favours! Hire a wedding gown, it CAN be done.
Get married during the week. You can get some great deals on weddings held Monday - Thursday.
Contributed by Chloe Beck
of Canterbury, Kent, UK CT3 4JH — 0845 373 2703
Wedding Rings Tip
Hands tend to swell a little in hot weather and when we are under stress. Before walking up the aisle, rub some hand lotion onto your ring finger so the ring glides on without a hitch!
Contributed by The Wedding Planner
of Wicklow, Ireland —
