By Georgina Clatworthy

With all the stress and excitement that comes with planning a wedding it can be easy to forget exactly why you are doing all this.  Take on board some of these wedding planning tips to ensure that your relationship remains your top priority through this hectic stage and even on the day itself.

Try to Work as a Team:

Many couples will bicker and argue during the wedding planning but you should still try to work together to achieve your dream wedding day.  You never know but sitting up till 3am putting wedding favors together could become one of your most memorable moments!

Enlist Some Help:

If you are working full time as well as planning your wedding then you will almost certainly need some help to get everything done on time.  Even if you are not working, planning a wedding is a mammoth task and often far more than one person can handle alone.  Get your fiancé involved along with your parents and members of the wedding party, it will take some of the strain off you and free up more time to spend together.

Take a Break:

Try to find some time just for the two of you when all talk of weddings is banned.  Consider tips such as a simple meal at home one night or go off on a mini-break before the wedding day.  It will give you both time to relax and remind yourselves why you are getting married in the first place.

Do Something Together:

If you have a shared hobby and interest don’t put it on hold whilst you are busy planning the wedding.  It could provide the perfect escape, especially when things are getting too much.  If you don’t have a shared interest, then try to come up with one which suits you both.  Exercise is a good option where you could both go to the gym or take to cycling together at the weekends.

Plan Ahead:

Your wedding day can quite literally fly by as you progress from ceremony to photographs, to reception venue, to wedding breakfast, to first dance and at the end of the day you realize you haven’t actually spoken a word to each other since the ceremony!  Make a plan for the day itself whereby you can take some time out together to be alone even if it is only for ten minutes.  Other tips for some together time on the day include asking your driver to stop off on the way to the reception venue, perhaps at a bar or inn where you can grab a quick drink and have a private toast; talk a walk together before the evening party starts around your venue and take some Champagne with you! And if you would really like some romantic time together arrange to sit on a table alone together during the wedding breakfast instead of the traditional top table.  It will give you time to chat and have some precious time alone.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Wedding planning can be an overwhelming task and for many brides it is something that becomes all consuming, taking up all of their time and energy as they strive to achieve the perfect wedding day.  From getting engaged to stepping out at the ceremony, planning a wedding can be a minefield of stress, conflict, fun and excitement!  Here are a few wedding planning tips to help you retain your sanity and stay stress-free till the big day is over.

DO make sure you have chosen your wedding date, worked out your budget, calculated numbers and booked your venue before you even begin thinking about your wedding dress or anything else.  Choosing your date and venue is pivotal when it comes to planning everything else.

DON’T let yourself be pressured into buying a wedding dress which you feel is not right.  Take sometime to shop around, find a bridal boutique you like and get a feel for the style of dresses you like most.  You will know when you have found ‘the one’.

DON’T be tempted to buy a cheap wedding dress online unless you are sure it is from a reputable company.  The internet is full of horror stories from brides who purchased designer copies only to find they did not fit properly, looked nothing like the picture or worse still did not turn up at all.

DON’T fall into the trap of changing your looks just because it is your wedding.  Avoid over the top hair do’s, fake tan and oodles of make-up – no one will recognize you!  And moreover you will look back at your wedding photographs later on only to wonder what on earth you were thinking!

DO give yourself a couple of months before choosing your bridesmaids, maid of honor and wedding party.  It can be easy to get carried away with the excitement of the engagement and appoint everyone you know! However, choosing your bridal party needs careful consideration to ensure you have the right people around you on the day.

DO put together a mood board showcasing your wedding colors and preferred details such as wedding favors, as tips for your florist and wedding planner (if hiring one).  It will instantly let them see what you want and give them style references to work with.

DO give your wedding photographer a list of those people most important to you at the wedding and tips on the specific photographs you want.  This will help them to plan photo’s which include your closest friends and family and make sure no one is left out.

DON’T be tempted to jet off on your honeymoon as soon as the wedding is over.  Book it for a couple of days later so you can relieve your day with friends and family afterwards.  Chances are your wedding will be hot gossip!

DO choose a relaxing destination for your honeymoon so you can recharge your batteries after the hurley burley of the wedding planning and the day itself.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Planning a wedding is a very complex undertaking but no matter how much planning you do there is always the risk of something going wrong, even though it will probably be no fault of your own.  Things can go wrong, from minor hiccups to major clangers, but if you follow these wedding planning tips you can at least plan to deal with the unexpected, prevent it costing you a fortune and stop anything from ruining your wedding day.

Putting some contingency plans in place before the big day can help to ensure you do not suffer from both emotional and financial meltdown!  Here are four wedding planning tips you should adopt:

1. Careful planning: check and check again on every planning detail right down to the color of the ribbons on the wedding favors.  When you have done that run it all past at least one other person to make sure nothing has been forgotten.  Even if things do go awry after that you can’t beat yourself up about it, after you did everything you could.  Try to confirm all arrangements, details and timings with suppliers and vendors at least one week before the wedding day.
2. Make a Plan B: this could be a simple as purchasing wedding insurance which will cover most emergencies and eventualities, even postponing the entire wedding till another day.  Or it could just mean you think up back up plans for things like the DJ not turning up or your hairdresser canceling at the last minute.
3. Try to stay positive if things go wrong: if you have the time you will find a solution.  Vendors who pull out at the last minute can usually be replaced by someone else who will probably take pity on you and if orders turn up which are not what you expected you can usually find something more suitable to replace them.  Grit your teeth and keep smiling – it is not the end of the world if the venue doesn’t have enough champagne flutes or the florist cannot get the exact roses you wanted.
4. Recognize when to relax and let things happen: take some well earned time out on the day before wedding and make a promise to yourself that whatever happens tomorrow you will not loose the plot! The most important part of the wedding day is the act of getting married not the celebration that follows.  So if something goes wrong you will not let it ruin your day. 

Things don’t always work out as perfectly as you would have hoped, but use these tips and trying to keep perspective and staying calm will ensure that the chief emotion on the day itself is not anger, but one of joy.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Achieving perfect wedding photographs begins with finding the right photographer.  With so much time spent planning your perfect day you will want perfect photos to remind you of it, from the moment you put on your dress to being seen off on your honeymoon, so that is why it is so important you find the right person to create these memories for you.  Follow these wedding photography tips to help you find the right wedding photographer for you.

Ask Around:

Begin looking for a photographer around a year before your wedding day.  The best ones are always booked up well in advance and you want to be head of the queue!  As soon as you have booked your venue then look to make a final decision and book your photographer as well. 

To get started check out the advertisements in your wedding magazines and local directories and check out the different styles of photography available such as reportage or contemporary.  If you find someone local whose style you love then make a note of their name and contact details.  Follow up on recommendations and tips from friends and family plus any wedding photography tips they can offer.

Meet with Photographers:

Make a shortlist of at least three wedding photographers and book appointments with them to talk about your photography requirements.  Try to meet with them in person and ask to view their work.  Your photographer will be an intimate insider on your wedding day so it is important that you trust their abilities and have built a rapport with them.

When you meet with a photographer for the first time, follow these tips as there are some key areas you will need to cover:

• Ask about their experience and enthusiasm for wedding photography.  Enquire about how long they have been photographing weddings and what they love about doing it.
• Ask about their preferred style of photography as some photographers prefer one style over another.
• Ask about their insurance policy which should be a professional indemnity policy which will protect against negligence and loss of data.
• Ask about a back up plan if they suddenly are unable to attend your wedding.  Most will have a list of colleagues they know and trust to take over.

Sealing the Deal:

Good wedding photography is an investment so allocate around 5% of your wedding budget to your photographs.  The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ is certainly true of wedding photography so don’t be tempted to scrimp on cheap deals or hire your uncle Albert to take the pictures!  Make sure you are clear on their fees and rates, what your package will include and any extra charges such as overtime rates.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Summer maybe in full swing but now would be a good time to think about your wedding beauty tips for your winter wedding.  Winter weather can play havoc with your skin and hair so follow these simple tips to help maintain your radiant bridal looks for the big day.

Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser that will not strip your skin of vital natural moisture and which will leave it feeling soft and supple.

Moisturizing: Central heating can be detrimental to your skin in the winter months.  Moving from the ice cold weather outside to the artificial warmth of indoors can dehydrate your skin.  The best tips here are to layer your skin with moisturizing products which will nourish and protect your skin to seal in moisture.  When it comes to wedding beauty tips, experts recommend using a serum to support your moisturizer and to enhance the appearance of your skin.

Base/Foundation: To achieve the radiant wedding look make sure your skin is as smooth as possible before piling on the base coat and foundation.  Achieving glowing skin in the winter is not very difficult.  Exfoliate your skin to remove all dirt and impurities before applying your base coat and/or foundation.  Not only will it go on smoother, but you will look a picture of radiant, natural beauty on your wedding day.

Hair: Many think that is it the hot sunny months that are particularly detrimental to our hair but it is actually the winter that can make our hair suffer the most.  Cold, arctic air combined with central heating and low humidity can draw the moisture out of the hair making it dull and brittle.  As part of your beauty regime use a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioning hair mask on a weekly basis.

Make-up Palettes: Winter provides the perfect opportunity for brides to go for the pale and interesting look for their wedding day.  If you have a porcelain complexion naturally keep your make-up palette simple and use soft pinks and blush colors to your eyes, cheeks and lips.  If your complexion is darker you can still stay pale but add subtlety with steel grays fashionably ‘flicked’ over the eyelids.  Choose rich moisturizing lipsticks in soft pastel shades to hydrate your lips and keep them kissable all day long!  Highlight your cheeks with a pearly sheen to give true bridal beauty radiance.

By Georgina Clatworthy

A summer wedding means you will need to consider your wedding beauty tips with the time of year in mind.  Here are my tips on how to stay looking stunning whilst the temperatures are soaring outside:

Cleansing:

Every bride wants to be glowing with health and happiness on her wedding day so start using a cleanser which will clear away any excess oil in your skin and minimize pores.  Do remember that not all oil is bad news.  Your skin will naturally produce oils to help keep it supple and to protect it from the elements.  Cleansing your skin with harsh beauty products which are not in balance with natural ph of your skin could leave it vulnerable to infection which causes spots.

Moisturizing:

Applying moisturizer on a regular basis is often top of the wedding beauty tips.  But you don’t need to use the same moisturizer all year round.  If the weather is hot then the skin is naturally moist so use a lighter cream which can be easily absorbed.

Base/Foundation:

In the hot summer weather your make-up can seem to evaporate in thin air in no time! So having a good base is invaluable for your wedding day beauty.  Top tips include using one which has an SPF factor so you do not get sun burnt and if you are worried about an oily T-zone then choose a lotion which can be applied under or over foundation and which does not leave layers of chalky residue behind. 

Hair:

Don’t forget your hair in your wedding day beauty regime.  Humidity can play havoc with long straight tresses and you don’t want it to revert to a natural curly state.  Talk it over with your hairdresser but consider using curl enhancing treatments to define natural curls and waves and prevent frizz.  A light coating of hairspray will also help to prevent your style becoming frizzy in the heat.

Make-up Color Palettes:

In the run up to your wedding try to get a sun kissed look to your face and skin without going overboard.  Spend a few minutes catching the rays in the early morning and evening whilst wearing a suitable SPF of course! For a true bridal look match your summer glow with your make-up for your eyes, cheeks and lips which will give gentle definition to your wedding look.  For true bridal beauty try these tips when it comes choosing your make-up palette:

• Choose soft nudes for your eyes
• Choose lip gloss in peachy pinks with a little sparkle or choose a lipstick which is a couple of shades darker than your natural tone
• Use a similar shade of peach pink on your cheeks
• Finish with a sweep of bronzer to give a healthy glow

By Georgina Clatworthy

The modern wedding is often a glamorous affair with big budgets and a keen focus on detail.  So it is natural for many brides to want to plan the biggest and best wedding their guests have ever attended.  Unfortunately, this often leads to brides loosing sight of what is really important and what the day is all about.  The most important point to remember about your wedding is what you both want from the day, so make sure you follow these wedding planning tips to create a wedding according to your ideas and not someone else’s! 

One reason for the explosion in wedding envy is the many celebrity weddings that have taken place in the last decade.  Many couples seek to emulate their favorite celebrity couple and set about their wedding planning with the aim of making it ‘bigger and better than anything their guests will have seen before’.  In fact you should simply remember that as a couple you are unique and because of that your wedding will be totally different to any your guests have been to before.  Focus on creating a wedding day that reflects your personality and style, and perfection is guaranteed.

Unfortunately, it is when a bride develops wedding envy and attempts to outdo everyone else that things can go horribly wrong….

Turning your wedding day into an opportunity to show off could lead to some bitchy sniping and catty remarks simply because everything from the wedding favors to the dress will be under scrutiny.  It is natural to feel that your wedding will be compared to that of others by your family and friends and that you want to avoid doing anything that someone else has done before.  Every bride wants their wedding to be unique.

Follow these tips when planning your wedding and hopefully you will avoid wedding envy and the dreaded green-eyed bride!

• Don’t get swayed by other people’s opinions.  If you like it have it, if you don’t then say so.  Don’t feel you have to compromise your day for the sake of others.
• Try not to keep banging on about your wedding plans and ideas to family and friends.  This will ensure you manage your guests expectations on the day – too much boasting could backfire on you!
• Nobody’s wedding will ever be perfect in everyone’s eyes.  So focus on what is important to you and your day will be perfect to you.
• Don’t be tempted to copy what your friend did at her wedding.  If you really liked something then try to put your own spin on it.
• Just remember no-one will be marking your wedding day with marks out of ten.
• Focus on the important elements rather than the finer details as most guests will fail to notice them anyway.  Make sure the food is good, the wine is flowing and there is plenty to entertain and your wedding will go down as one of the best in your guests minds.

By Georgina Clatworthy

There is something about a wedding that seems to make people think they can tell you what you should be doing and exactly what you should have.  And whilst you can probably handle your best friend or mom putting in their ‘ideas’, when it comes to what your fiancé wants for the big day then you could find yourself facing a yawning gap between your dreams and his ideals!  So as you embark on your journey towards married bliss it is worth considering the following wedding planning tips which give you the wedding you want whilst still making him think he has got his own way….

I don’t want to be sexist here but what a woman wants for her big day so often is the total opposite of what a man envisages.  Men are generally quite linear when it comes to organizing an event such as a wedding.  Their wedding planning list will probably read something like ‘people, music, booze, some sort of pork products’.  The bride on the other hand is more likely to have her head full of the whole shebang complete with white horses, roses in a delicate shade to compliment her underwear and matching bridesmaids.

So how do you bridge that gap and get the dream wedding you have thought about since you were a girl, without offending your intended?  Trouble is the moment you enter into talks with him about the wedding his eyes tend to glaze over and every answer goes along the lines of ‘whatever you think’!  Time for a little cunning on your part, appeal to his manly nature and avoid going into any of the finer details.  Something like ‘I have been thinking about having a simple affair’ will probably grab his attention quicker than the latest edition of his favorite car magazine.  From here my tips are to go on to explain how simple planning it all will be, how easy and how inexpensive, whilst still being the most romantic day of your lives!

Now you have him in the palm of your hand, but you should pick your moment carefully.  Wait until he is engrossed in his favorite TV show then sublimely hit him with ‘hey, I have just had the most wonderful idea’.  He will still be wrapped up in the warm and comforting world of his TV show but his ears will prick up when you say ‘lets celebrate our wedding with a big party’.  Music to his ears, after all a big party means all his friends, booze and pork products!  Now is your time to land the sucker punch, ‘we could invite everyone we know, have a gorgeous buffet, fabulous wedding favors and of course I will need a new dress, not the one I will wear to get married in, but something in ivory, designer and covered in crystals’.  That should be enough to land you in a win-win situation.

Of course, if he still maintains he wants nothing more than a few beers in the local restaurant and a night in a local guesthouse then you will need to revert to plan A and simply demand an all bells and whistles wedding – or else!  And if he still digs his heels in, simply whisper to him that with all those people at the wedding their will be plenty of free baby sitting on offer! That should be enough to seal the deal.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Your wedding day hair style is your crowning glory to your entire wedding outfit so you need to make sure make the right decision regarding style and accessories.  Check out these top wedding hair tips when it comes to the time to choose your wedding hair style.

• If you are unsure about how to wear your hair on the big day try to research as many different options as possible with an open mind and don’t be afraid to experiment.  Your final choice needs to complement your wedding dress but it should also be a reflection of yourself.
• If your hair is too short for the style you want then you will need to consider having hair extensions applied to make it the right length.  You will need to find a specialist salon to apply them for you so they match your natural hair color.  Alternatively find a stylist who can work with what you have to create something you like and to give you some tips.
• Consider wearing your hair up, down or in-between to keep your options open.  Remember top wedding hair tips say that the style should complement your dress style, your choice of accessories and your personal style.
• The big trends in wedding hair at the moment are for styles which are structured and classic.  Wedding dress trends at the moment are for debutant style dresses with hair styles to match.  After a brief period of relaxed bridal hair fashion, brides are once again going for the fantasy look on their wedding day.
• The choice of accessories will depend on your wedding dress and your hair.  Popular this season is faux and real flowers.
• There is a popular trend towards having a formal hair style for the day time and then something different for the evening party.  This is a great way of changing the look and mood of the wedding, as well providing additional interest for the wedding photographs.
• Always have a trial run before the wedding day to make sure you like the finished result.  When going for a trial take on the board the following tips: take some photographs when it is finished, take along your accessories and veil and be prepared to change styles if you do not like the finished look.
• Wedding hair styles should never really date because they are usually matched to the style of wedding dress.  However, classic hair styles will have more longevity than something more modern.

By Georgina Clatworthy

What bride doesn’t want to look her best on her wedding day?  But achieving that perfect bridal beauty can require many months of preparation and care to achieve the look you require by your wedding day.  Consider the following wedding beauty tips and plan a beauty regime which you can start early on in your planning.

Diet: Whether you want to loose weight or not it is always a good idea to adopt a healthy diet.  Eating a nutritionally balanced diet doesn’t just help you loose weight but also improves the look and appearance of your hair, skin and nails.  It will also help you to feel better and have more energy for all that wedding planning!

There are plenty of different diet plans available to download from the internet.  Alternatively, if you want to achieve weight loss then it maybe beneficial to join a local weight loss group so you get expert advice and support along the way.  For many eating a better diet simply requires making a few easy changes such as drinking more water, five-a-day fruit and veg and cutting back on fast food.

Exercise: Combine exercise with your diet for optimal weight loss results and you will find that you achieve your goals much faster.  But exercise is also a great beauty tip even if you are not looking to loose weight.  Toning up for your honeymoon may be one of your objectives and whilst you do not need to visit the gym everyday, going for a brisk walk or jog will return some benefits.  Exercise is also a good way to escape the wedding planning for a little while each week and give you some time on your own.

If you really want to loose weight, tone up and get fitter at the same time, then consider hiring a personal trainer to design a diet and exercise program which will help you to achieve your wedding beauty goals.

Hair: Your hair will provide a focal point for your bridal look.  Whether you have very short hair or very long hair there are a few tips you should follow to achieve beautiful locks on the day.  Have your hair trimmed regularly to keep it looking healthy.  Consider one or two deep conditioning treatments and avoid over styling it to minimize damage caused by hairdryers, straightners and excessive use of styling products. 

Look for a good stylist early on in your planning and talk to them about what you want for the day.  Listen to their tips on things like changing your cut, wearing your hair up on the wedding day and having color treatments applied.  Arrange a practice session with them around a month before the wedding day to find the right style for your hair with your accessories – veil, tiara etc.

Make-Up: Choose your make-up carefully, even if you regularly wear a lot.  It is tempting to go for all out glamour for your wedding day, but if you don’t wear much make-up generally the end result could be rather more ‘clown’ effect than blushing bride!  The big trend at the moment is to go for a natural look and keep eyeshadows, blushers etc in neutral tones.  If you are not very confident at applying make-up yourself then look to hire a make-up artist.  You maybe able to find someone who can do both your make-up and hair, but always have a trial session before the wedding day for both hair and make-up together so you can see the end result and get even more wedding beauty tips!