Wedding Hair...Tiara or Hair Pins?
A bridal tiara will give you a beautiful traditional look. Try one on to see if it suits your style. Pins are very versatile and give a more contemporary look. They are great if you are not sure how you are going to wear your hair for the big day. Your hairdresser can play around to get a look you love.
Contributed by Yarwood-White
of Cobham, UK — 07917660830
Choose comfy undies for the big day!
There's nothing worse than knickers that rise up in all the wrong places and a bra with a mind of its own! So, choose underwear that you know will be supportive and comfortable as well as give a nice shape - even if it's not the prettiest to look at. You can always change later if you need to. When purchasing undies, bring along your dress to be sure they work together too.
Contributed by Chloe Beck
of Canterbury, UK CT3 4JH — 0845 373 2703
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
Destination Wedding Legalities
When preparing for your wedding abroad ensure you check the necessary legal requirements with your wedding planner or relevant consulate to ensure you don't have any last minute surpises when you arrive at your destination. The worst that can happen is the wedding will be cancelled, so get prepared!
Contributed by UK/Ireland Top Wedding Sites
of Rotherham, UK — 866 721 8000
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 —
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
Scared to dance that first dance as husband and wife?
Scared you will forget your first dance? Stage fright?! Help combats those nerves by filming your dance lessons and first wedding dance on your phone and watch regularly. This will help to improve your movement memory over time and help you to relax! Good luck and enjoy!
Contributed by Dynamique Dance
of Nottingham, UK NG5 6JL — 07867504626
Choosing Your Wedding DJ Specialist
Be sure to hire an experienced, professional wedding DJ who issues a contract, will liaise with you about the wedding music, has an extensive music collection and the required licenses and insurance.
Contributed by Wedding DJ Network
of West Sussex, UK RH12 5FZ — 01403 240270
Choosing a Wedding Cake Maker
3 factors for choosing a wedding cake maker: Taste, Finish and Professionalism. Do they have professional facilities, or are they making an occasional cake as a weekend hobby business? Do they have wedding cake photos of past work to see their finished designs? Schedule a cake tasting before hiring.
Contributed by Jenny's Cakes Ltd.
of Carluke, Scotland ML8 5RE — 01555 860755
Wedding Car Hire
Always go and see the car you want to hire for your wedding day. Be sure that car is the car that you will be getting on the day of your wedding no there will be no (bad) surprises.
Contributed by Circle Of Love
of London, UK — 01293 562 139
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 —
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
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
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
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
Take your time planning the wedding of your dreams!
You're engaged! Congratulations. Give yourself plenty of time to have organised this once in a lifetime event properly. Enjoy the whole run up to it. Don't rush or cut corners just to get done. Time spent will pay off later in all of the details.
Contributed by Beauty Weddings
of Glasgow, UK G52 4EE — 0845 4670508
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
Home Made Cookie Favours
One of our brides made her own sugar dusted wedding cookies for personalised favours, packaged in cellophane bags and guests' printed name on the card clipped to the bag-doubling as a place setting. Fantastic for the personal touch and brides on a budget.
Contributed by Derbyshire Wedding Planners
of Chesterfield, UK S42 6DD — 07727 426380
Budget Wedding Centerpieces
Budget centerpieces don't have to look cheap. Simple things like candles can make a big impression and warm atmosphere.
Contributed by Simply Charming Events
of Pontypridd, UK — 01443405620
Wedding Shoe Saftety Tip
Make sure you wear your wedding shoes around the house a few times before the big day to be sure they are comfy and don't give you a blister. Wear them to vacuum if you wish! If you're sure you won't be returning them scuff the soles very slightly outdoors so they have some traction and help prevent slipping and falls.
Contributed by Chloe Beck
of Hersden, Canterbury Kent, UK CT3 4JH — +44 1227 712 618