By Georgina Clatworthy

Your wedding reception venue will be one of the most expensive elements of your wedding budget so it is important that you make the right choice.  You may have several potential venues local to you but there are several considerations you need to make before you book one for you wedding day.

First and foremost you need to make sure you allocate a realistic sum to your wedding budget for your reception venue.  Remember this sum will usually only cover the hiring of the room and may not include extras such as furniture, cutlery, crockery, staff and decorations. Basically you will need to assign a figure for someone unlocking a door!  Make a few phonecalls to local venues to find out what they offer and how much they charge, this can then help you to set a sum within your budget which should prove sufficient when the time comes to make a booking.

Reception venues will often offer up certain packages which can be tailored to your needs.  These packages typically include the room hire, staff, furniture and linens.  Extras could include catering, if the venue is a hotel or restaurant, crockery, cutlery, glassware, table decorations, sound system and perhaps a separate room for your evening party.  Large venues often have a designated wedding coordinator who will organize every element of your reception for you according to your wishes.  Smaller venues such as halls or public buildings are unlikely to have such a person available to you so you will need to organize everything yourselves.

When you go to view potential venues you both should attend.  Make an appointment and ask for any brochures etc to be sent to you prior to the appointment.  When you attend the appointment there are some key questions you need to ask:

• Is your wedding date available
• How many people can be accommodated within the function room/area
• Is there a larger room available for the evening party – important if you are inviting more guests to the evening do
• What is included in the price
• Can you provide your own caterers
• Can you provide your own drink
• Is a bar available
• Is there sufficient car parking available
• How far is it from your ceremony venue (if held at a separate location)
• How far are the restrooms from the function suite
• What are the payment terms
• What extras are included or charged separately
• What if you run overtime
• Is staff included in the price and if so how many
• Are there any other weddings/functions booked for your wedding day
• Can you get any discounts/extras/freebies – for instance can you get a discount for booking the hotel up with your guests

Take your time and don’t feel under any obligation to make a booking there and then.  Some venues may try to get you to sign on the dotted line as quickly as possible but you should take the time to discuss the merits and shortfalls of each venue between yourselves before making a final decision.  It is worth arranging a second appointment for those venues that you like the most before you make a final booking.

When it comes to booking a venue make sure a proper contract is drawn up which lists the obligations and responsibilities of both parties and make sure that any quote given to you includes all the extras and any charges applied for things like damage or running overtime.  It is usual to pay a deposit at the time of booking to secure the date and facilities so make sure you have your credit card with you!

By Georgina Clatworthy

Your wedding reception will be one of the biggest parties you will ever organize and one of the trickiest tasks you will need to complete will be organizing the seating plan.  You may be thinking ‘why do I need a seating plan?’ well, without one, your guests will simply all file into the reception room and mill around wondering where to sit and who with.

A seating plan will give you greater control over who sits were and with whom so as to avoid any potential conflicts between people who do not get on and also with the aim of creating a happy wedding atmosphere by sitting people together who you are sure do or will get on.  Giving your guests some guidance on where to sit will also speed things up and you will get everyone seated and ready eat in no time at all.

Seating plans are particularly important for a large formal wedding and even if you are not having a sit down meal, you may still have tables set out so a seating plan is still a useful tool for a buffet style reception.  If your wedding is small and intimate then you may find that a seating plan is not necessary and in that case it can be wise to intimate to your guests that it is a ’sit anywhere’ event.

Traditionally, the reception venue will be laid out with a long table at one end of the room, known as the top table, with several smaller square or round tables laid out to one side of the top table.  The aim with the arrangement of the smaller tables is for your guests to be able to see the bride and groom from wherever they are sitting.  Now of course, some of your guests will have their backs to you but make sure there is sufficient space between the tables so they can turn their chairs to you when the speeches and toasts commence.

The tables nearest to the top table are traditionally reserved for the families of the bride and groom and all other guests are then fitted on the remaining tables.  The top table will consist of you and your husband in the center, your mother and father on either side, the groom’s father and mother to one end and the best man and chief bridesmaid to the other end.  There are many variations of the top table, particularly to accommodate parents who are divorced and remarried.  The one constant is that you should both sit in the center and you can organize everyone else in a way that works best for you.

When working out who will sit where it is a good idea to write the names of each guest on pieces of card, followed by a larger card with the table numbers on.  You can then arrange each guest around a table in a configuration which works well for you.  There are some considerations though:

• Try to sit people of the same age together
• Avoid placing singles on tables of couples, try to put at least two single people together on a table but avoid any matchmaking!
• Keep couples and those with children together
• Try to sit people together whom you think will get on together well

You aim is to try to achieve lively tables where everyone can engage with each other in a friendly and cheerful manner.  Once you have worked out where everyone will sit you can go ahead and have a seating plan board made to display at the entrance to the reception room.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

Custom made table plans from a wedding stationery store can actually be quite pricey, but you can save yourself money if you make your own.  Table plans are not difficult to make & you may actually find yourself enjoying the distraction from all the other wedding ’stuff’ that’s going on.

Whether you’re a nervous beginner or a crafty expert, our step by step guide will show you how to create a table plan you can be proud of!

Things you will need:

• Large piece of polyboard about 5mm thick about 60 x 38 cm
• Colored paper such as wrapping paper in your chosen wedding colors
• Thin white card
• Quality paper suitable for printing on
• Wide width ribbon or braid in your wedding colors
• Thin ribbon or cord
• Cutting board
• Craft knife
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape
• Spray adhesive
• Paper adhesive
• Colored marker pen
• Embellishments such as buttons, flowers, brooches etc

1. Cut your wrapping paper to 76 x 53 cm & using the spray adhesive, spray the wrong side of the paper.  Position the board onto the paper center & press down firmly.  Turn the edges of the paper over on to the back of the board, folding the corners in for a neat finish.  Use any extra adhesive as necessary.
2. Now you need to work out how your table plan will look.  Get some inspiration from the internet if you need to.  You can add a ribbon border all around the board or just along the top or bottom.  Make sure you measure the position of each band of ribbon accurately to ensure the design is symmetrical.
3. Next measure the central space of your board where you will position the cards that contain your guest’s names & table numbers.  Use a pencil to mark the position of each tag.  This design will have nine cards in a tag style which will appear to hang by ribbon.  This mark will denote where you will place the ‘hanger’ on which you cards will hang.  This hanger could be a button, brooch, flower or some other embellishment of your choosing.
4. Cut out your tags from the thin card to a size of 12 x 6cm.  On your computer, type out lists of six guests names, centered & in your chosen font.  Print them out on your quality paper & cut them out to a size of 12 x 6cm.  You need to ensure you have enough space at the bottom to write the table number.  Use the spray adhesive to attach the paper to the card tags.  When dry you can write the table number on the bottom of each using the marker pen.
5. Now you need to attach them to your board.  Use the glue to attach a 10cm piece of thin ribbon or cord in a loop to the back of the tag on the top edge.  You can add another embellishment to the top of the tag at the bottom of the loop if you like.  When the glue is dry hang them on the board in number order.
6. If you want to hang your table plan up attach a piece of ribbon to the back in a loop using glue & some double-sided tape.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

After you have decided on the venue & the style or theme of your wedding it is time to turn your attention to your reception room by bringing together everything you will need to create the ‘look’.

This is an exhaustive list, & by no means a complete one, as creative brides will often think up other little extras to add in.  But I have tried to cover the basics & it is up to you to then add in anything else you feel is necessary.

Furniture – The venue may provide all this for you, including tables, chairs, extra side tables etc.  If you are perhaps hiring an empty hall or erecting a marquee in the garden then you will need to bring in your own.  A marquee company may have furniture packages for you to choose from, although you might want to look elsewhere to get better prices.

You will need to hire in:

•  Tables – top table & smaller tables for your guests to sit at. If you are having a buffet then you will need long tables on which to layout the food.
• Side tables – to display your wedding cake on & one for the wedding gifts & guestbook. You might also want some small tables to display your flower arrangements on.
• Chairs
• Other items to consider are sofas, couches or benches so your guests can sit in comfort & relax in small groups, perhaps during the cocktail hour before moving to the dinner tables.

Table Linens – This includes table cloths, which can be large covers to cover the full table with smaller cloths over the top.  These are often presented in two colors according to the wedding scheme, for instance, a white cloth underneath with a pink one over the top.  Napkins in your chosen main wedding color, perhaps to match the top table cloth & chair covers.  Many brides choose to add these to bring some extra color or to hide ugly chairs.  Usually they are white but you may be able to get them in a range of other colors.  It is more common to use white ones with a colored sash tied around the top.

Don’t forget to hire in extra cloths for any additional tables & make sure you take into account the shape of your tables, round, square, rectangular, long.  Square cloths on round tables doesn’t work very well!  Be aware that is you hire in linens you will likely have to pay a cleaning charge as well.

China & Crockery – Again your venue may provide this but if it doesn’t or you do not like it then you will need to look to hire it in.  There a re many hire companies out there who can give you a range of styles & options to choose from, from classic white to vintage patterns, you can find crockery to match just about any wedding scheme.  Make sure you hire enough pieces & don’t forget that you will need plates for each course, bowls for dessert, side plates, serving plates & a few spares.  You should also think about coffee & tea cups along with milk jugs, coffee/tea pots & sugar bowls & extra plates on which to serve your wedding cake.  Take note of any charges for breakage & collection/delivery costs.

You might also want to look at adding in charger plates, which are large decorative plates which take the place of traditional place mats & sit underneath the main crockery.  They do make a nice decorative addition to your tables & are well worth considering.

Cutlery – From kings pattern to simple contemporary styles your choice of cutlery should also tie in with your wedding style.  A traditional wedding with lots of flowers & opulent touches would be complete with some luxurious gold plated kings style cutlery, whilst an Asian theme would be set off with some contemporary cutlery with bamboo style handles.

You will need to order the following items according to your menu:

• Knives & forks for the first course
• Soup spoons
• Fish knives & servers
• Knives & forks for each additional course
• Steak knives
• Dessert forks
• Dessert spoons
• Tea spoons
• Side knives – for bread & butter
• Servers – knives, spoons, tongs etc.

Don’t worry though as the hire company will be able to guide you, just furnish them with your menu & number of guests & they will do all the calculations for you.

Glassware – From cut crystal to smooth contemporary lines, your glassware can add the perfect finishing touches to your tables.  Some brides don’t like to use those often provided by venues as they can appear scratched or worn from years of being washed in a glass washer.  If you are a having a particular style or theme you may want a particular type of glassware to coordinate.

Glasses you will need to consider ordering include:

• Red wine glasses
• White wine glasses
• Champagne glasses
• Water glasses

These are the main types of glass usually found at a formal place setting.  Other types of glass such as beer or tumblers, will be provided by the venue or if you need to hire them in as well, you can choose a cheaper type as they won’t be part of your table settings.

Other items – You may also want to think about items such as hot food servers, chillers, serving platters, wine coolers or champagne buckets. A wedding cake stand if not provided by your cake maker.  There is also your entertainment to consider, things such as a dance floor, seating for your entertainment & tables.

 By Georgina Clatworthy

Once you have the basics in place for your reception – tables, chairs etc, it is time to turn your attention to the details.  I have already discussed table cloths & linens in the reception shopping list & other items such as charger plates, so this is about all those other little details that will transform your reception room from bland & boring, into fabulous & wow!

Centerpieces – These are the decorative arrangements that will sit in the center of your tables.  Traditionally floral arrangements, these days anything goes & creative brides are coming up with ever more unusual versions for their reception tables.

You will need centerpieces for each of your guests tables, arrangements for the top table, in which you might want to include your bouquet in front of yourself & your groom & arrangements for additional tables such as the wedding cake & guestbook/gift tables, although many brides will use their bridesmaids bouquets for these tables.

Seating Plan - Essentially a map telling your guests where they are seated.  It is usual for the seating plan to be presented on a large board displayed at the entrance to the reception room.  You can make one yourself or have one custom made for you in your wedding colors & to match your wedding stationery.

Lighting - Lighting can be vitally important for your reception as it will help to set the tone & atmosphere.  Your venue may already have a good lighting system in place allowing you to adjust the lighting in certain areas as you want.  Alternatively you may have to introduce additional ceiling lights or change the shades on the existing one (get permission first!) & add in some table or floor lights too. 

Take some time to think carefully about your lighting, if possible visit the venue at different times of the day so you can see how the natural light plays out over the course of the afternoon & into the evening, this will help you come up with a lighting scheme that will keep the atmosphere at a constant.  Adding some candles to your tables or into your centerpieces will also help the ambience, but ask the venue first if you can light them.

Place Cards – Such an important addition to your tables is often overlooked by brides.  Your place cards will provide the final finishing touch to your place settings so take some time to consider how to best present them.  In their simplest form they are handwritten tent cards, but you can also purchase small frames or holders to set them off to perfection.

Wedding Favors - These are the little gifts you give to your guests as a token of appreciation for joining you on your wedding day.  Never overlook wedding favors, many guests will expect them!  Coordinate them with your wedding style or theme, including the packaging.  You can double them up as place card holders or make the place card holders the wedding favor! 

Additional Decorations - These can include floral arrangements, which you may have brought over from the ceremony site, banners, garlands, paper lanterns, ornaments.  Whatever your style or theme make sure you add to the whole scheme with some additional decorations to complete the look.  Check out hire companies which specialize in props or interiors for some interesting items.

Extras - This includes your guestbook, post box for cards, cake stand & servers.

By Georgina Clatworthy

One of the first tasks on your wedding planning list will be finding the right venues for your ceremony & wedding reception.  You may already have somewhere in mind or you may be looking for somewhere extra special. Some couples will choose the same venue for the ceremony & reception, whilst others will have separate locations. 

Whatever your choice, here are some handy tips to bear in mind when it comes to finding a suitable venue.

• When you go for meetings both of you should attend if possible.
• Always take a note pad & pen to take down any notes.
• Make a list of questions you want to ask before the meeting.
• When considering a possible venue take into account your budget, distance from your ceremony venue (if separate), number of guests, your wedding theme & the atmosphere you want to create.
• Consider what will make your wedding special & what is important to you.

Wedding venues are wide & varied so here are a few options to consider:

• Your home or parents home
• Theatres/museums/municipal buildings
• Beach – you may need a permit or license to hold a wedding here
• Hotels & conference centers
• Restaurants & bars
• Country clubs & club houses
• Public spaces such as parks
• Zoo
• Country houses, estates, mansions, ranches & vineyards
• Boats, yachts & cruise ships
• Rented halls & ballrooms

It is important to be flexible on your location.  Always choose two or three options in case your first choice is unavailable on your wedding date.  Some locations will offer every amenity you will need whilst others will just rent you the space & you will need to supply your own caterers, furniture etc.

What is important is to take into consideration your wedding budget, how much work you are prepared to do, your guests comfort & accessibility. It is always worth looking at several places which offer different things & then weighing up the pros & cons afterwards.  The cheapest option may not necessarily be the best, whilst a more expensive package may stretch your budget but will give you everything you want on the day.

How to Find Potential Venues

• Start by asking around friends & family, especially those who have recently got married or who have held an event for a special occasion.
• Think about venues you have been to before, either for weddings or other occasions.
• Do you have a favorite location in mind, maybe you have a favorite restaurant locally or perhaps you like the idea of the public park.
• Check out online wedding forums. Post a thread asking if anyone local to you has any recommendations.
• Check out local wedding guides, online directories & national publications. Often you will find a range of special offers for various venues & you may strike lucky!

By Georgina Clatworthy

MC stands for Master of Ceremonies & is a person who will play a very important role on your wedding day.

Traditionally the MC is responsible for the smooth running of the wedding reception & they have a number of duties to carry out to ensure the event is a success.

If you are considering hiring a wedding MC then here is a list of the typical duties an MC would have to carry out:

• 1. Introduce themselves to the waiting guests at the wedding reception – this should be brief but with enough gusto to kick start the party atmosphere. It should also be done before you & your husband arrives.
• 2. Announce both sets of parents, the members of your wedding party & yourselves. Make sure the MC knows how to pronounce everyone’s names to avoid any embarrassment! Also make sure they know how you want everyone to be introduced as to your guests.
• 3. Make announcements during the reception – it is the MC’s role to inform guests of all the various events that will take place during the reception. These include the toasts, speeches, cake cutting, grace, when the meal will be served, the first dance, when you leave the reception & when it is finished. These announcements can be very dull & very formal, so hire an MC who can inject some fun & humor into them to keep the party spirit alive.
• 4. The Speeches & Toasts – the MC will need to introduce each speaker in turn & those who will be making a toast.
• 5. Delivers their own wedding speech – some couples don’t wish for a lot of speeches so ask the Mc to make a speech & toast instead. It is also possible that the MC may have to stand in for a speaker who cannot attend at the last minute. In each case you should make sure you furnish with plenty of facts about yourselves & that they have enough information to create a speech that is warm, concise & sincere. If you want them to inject some humor into it then make sure you let them know, likewise if you don’t want any jokes.
• 6. Ensures the wedding reception timeline is kept to – this is very important, not only should they make sure everything is kept to schedule but that there are no lulls in the party or that nothing is forgotten. Strict timekeeping will ensure no nasty surprises when the final bills come in. Caterers, entertainers & venues will all add on extra charges for overrunning your on time.
• 7. Ensures everything runs smoothly – it is their responsibility to make sure you have a memorable day so they will need to coordinate with wedding planners, members of the wedding party, venue staff & other vendors to ensure everything goes according to plan & to sort out any problems which may arise.

When hiring a wedding MC you should look for someone who has experience, whom you feel comfortable with & with whom you get along with from the first meeting.  Obviously you don’t need to hire a professional; there maybe someone close to you whom you feel could fill the role perfectly.  Whoever you choose you should make sure they know their responsibilities & who you know will approach the role with consummate professionalism to make sure everything runs smoothly.

 By Georgina Clatworthy 

In these difficult financial times you may be looking at your wedding budget & wondering how to extract a few more cents (or dollars!) from it.  The one thing you don’t want to do though is compromise too much on those details that make up your dream wedding.

Don’t worry though! Here are 25 top tips for savvy couples to save money & still have a fabulous wedding.

1. Hire a Wedding Planner – It may seem like you are spending more money by hiring a professional, but they can actually save you money in the long run.  Hand over your budget to them & they will control all the expenses & allocate funds accordingly.  Another advantage is that wedding planners often have special relationships with many suppliers & vendors & as a result can give you great prices, deals & packages.
2. Reception Size - Keep the size of your reception to one which you can afford, which means not letting the guest snowball out of control.
3. Wedding Photographers - Try to find a photographer who will charge you by the hour rather than only through a set package.  This will give you greater flexibility over the cost & the shots that you want.
4. Manicures - have a weekly manicure in the run up to your wedding as this is less expensive than a full set of false nails for your wedding day.
5. Avoid the Peak Season - The wedding high season tends to run from April through to October, to take advantage of the good spring & summer weather.  Move your wedding date to outside of these months & you can make considerable savings on venue hire & other suppliers.
6. Catering Costs - Choosing a buffet over a sit down meal will save you money not only in terms of food but also waiting staff, as you need less for a buffet.
7. Honeymoon - Avoid choosing dates that coincide with school holidays as flights, accommodation etc will be more expensive during those dates.  Also avoid locations where major sporting or musical events are being held as accommodation demand will be hire & rates at a premium.
8. Prioritize - Decide on where your wedding priorities lie.  What elements of your wedding day are the most important to you?  Make a list in order of preference & allocate your budget accordingly.
9. Fake It - Faux flowers are now more realistic than ever & can represent a considerable cost saving over their fresh counterparts.  Think about adopting them for buttonholes, corsages & centerpieces.
10. Ready Decorated Venues - This applies particularly church & religious ceremonies, although other venues may apply.  If your wedding date falls on or during a holiday or festival, find out if the venue will be already decorated with flowers & decorations.  If it is you can save a fortune on not having to splash on decorations yourself.
11. The Fizzy Stuff - Champagne is expensive & is often one of the first things to be sacrificed on the wedding planning list.  Opt for alternatives such as Cava or sparkling wine.  There are some great choices available & at reasonable prices.
12. Flowers & Foliage - Fresh flowers & foliage can form a significant part of your budget, so try to cut back on the amount you order.  Find alternatives for your table centerpieces, such as candles or even your wedding favors, piled high in a decorative bowl.  Flowers tend to be more expensive so fill in your arrangements with foliage which is cheaper.
13. Frequent Flyer - If you are a frequent flyer make sure you sign up for frequent flyer schemes with the major airlines & use the rewards for your honeymoon.
14. Honeymoon Extras - Make sure your honeymoon hotel knows it is your honeymoon as you may find a few extra treats coming your way!
15. Sample Sales - When shopping for your wedding dress look out for designer sample sales.  It is a good opportunity to bag a designer frock at a low price.
16. Simple Cakes - Choose a simple wedding cake & keep the decorations to a minimum.  The more work you make for the designer the more expensive it will be.
17. Time of Day - Getting married later in the day means that you won’t need to feed your guests again in the evening.
18. Who Do You Know? - If some one in your family can make dresses or bake cakes or maybe sings in a band, make sure you utilize their talents.  Make use of any contacts someone close to you may have too.
19. Slimming Down - If you want to loose weight before the wedding use an online service instead of splashing out on slimming classes.
20. Honeymoon Season - Save money on your honeymoon by avoiding peak season, temperatures will only be a fraction lower but the cost will be considerably lower.
21. Make Your Own Music - if your reception venue has a decent enough sound system save money on the live entertainment & create your own disco with an i-pod!
22. Mini Cakes - For a small wedding consider handing each guest a cupcake instead of wedding cake.  You will only need an exact number & will avoid any wastage.  They could also double as wedding favors too.
23. Bouquets - Have a hand tied bouquet instead of a larger trailing or shower style.  All that intricate wiring of the flowers takes time & costs more money.
24. Book Early - Book your vendors & suppliers, like your photographer as early as possible.  The best ones are always booked fast & the closer you are to your wedding day the less likely it is you will get a discount.
25. Stationery - Save on your wedding stationery by cutting out pricey items such as envelope liners, RSVP cards & blotter papers.  Set up an online RSVP website so your guests can respond the modern way!

By Georgina Clatworthy 

If you still need more ways to cut costs for your wedding day, then here are 25 more ways to save $’s:

1. Cheap Flights – Book your honeymoon flights with a lesser known international carrier who often has prices up to 70% cheaper than the major airlines.
2. Savvy Bookings - If you are booking your hotel accommodation direct with the hotel ask for their best rate or rack rate but never settle for the first quote.
3. Multi Tasking Flowers - Flowers are expensive so make them work hard for you – if you are having a large number of bridesmaids then use their bouquets as either table centers or to decorate the cake table & other areas of your reception room.
4. Get Personal - Recommendations from family & friends are worth their weight in gold so get asking around.
5. License to Drink - Using a venue without a drinks license will save you money on corkage charges.
6. Booze Cruise - If you are supplying your own drinks for the reception then look to go on a booze cruise & take advantage of cheaper drink prices from wholesale outlets or even abroad.
7. Keep the Numbers Down - If you are having a formal sit down meal then limit your numbers for the afternoon reception.  Invite everyone else to the evening party instead.
8. Honeymoon Time - Be flexible about flight times when you jet off on honeymoon.  Early morning or late evening/night flights are often cheaper than flights leaving midday.
9. Double Up - Think of things that can double as something else.  For instance instead of having a place card & wedding favors, attach name tags to your wedding favors instead.
10. Flower Friendly - Ask for locally grown, in season blooms as these are often cheaper than those more exotic blooms that have to be imported.
11. Stylist Savvy - Hire just one person to do your hair & make up instead of two.
12. Camera Shy - Place disposable cameras on your tables & ask your guests to take pictures throughout the reception.  This will negate the need to keep your photographer on & you will get some great pictures too!
13. Bubble Trouble - Real flower confetti can be expensive, as a cheaper alternative give each guest a bottle of bubbles instead.
14. Budget Bank - Set up a separate bank account for your wedding budget so that it is kept separate from your everyday expenses.
15. Gift Lists - If you fancy the idea of a trip of a life time for your honeymoon, why not ask your guests to contribute towards various elements of it.  It is a great alternative to the traditional gift list.
16. Financial Advice - If your parents’ are contributing towards costs then make sure everyone knows exactly what they are funding.  Make out lists for everyone detailing what they are paying for & costs.
17. Travel Safe - Be sure to take out adequate travel insurance for your honeymoon. It is another expenses but the cost of medical assistance abroad can be expensive.
18. Thank You Mum - Save money on thank you gifts for your mum, mother-in-law etc, by giving them the table centerpieces instead.
19. Cheap Hair - Think about asking for a junior stylist to do your wedding hair, they will often be cheaper & could bring a fresh modern approach to your style.
20. Stick to the Schedule - Make sure you stick to your times & schedule on the day.  Vendors such as musicians & caterers will charge you overtime if you keep them longer than contracted.
21. Trail Run - Make sure you have a trial run with your make up stylist; it is a good way to negotiate a discount for the trial, wedding day & your bridesmaids.
22. Budget Bookings - If you aren’t flying far then try booking with a budget airline for the cheapest rates, just make sure you book well in advance as cheap flights can be booked out very quickly.
23. Donated Dresses - Look out for charity store finds on your wedding dress or your bridesmaid dresses, also check out classified ads & EBay for nearly new, worn once or brand new gowns.
24. Flower Power - Make double use of your church floral arrangements by having them transported to your reception venue.  Pedestal arrangements will look fabulous at the entrance, whilst pew ends can be used on chair backs.
25. Bargain Offers - Check out competitions & offers available in magazines & books, you may be able to get money off vouchers to use at national retailers or maybe even win the entire wedding!

By Georgina Clatworthy

The second part of my guide to the hottest trends to hit wedding receptions this year!

• Fragrant Herbs – For a funky alternative to fresh flowers try using fragrant herbs such as lavender, rosemary & eucalyptus instead. Apart from the fantastic aroma, they can be used in many creative ways, such as table centers, napkin rings & wreaths. You could also have a few sprigs added to your bouquets & buttonholes.
• Sip in Style - Instead of the plain boring glasses that you usually get from the hire company, try using a selection of mismatched glassware. Different colored glasses or vintage crystal styles look amazing when set out on your tables.
• Carnival Tunes - For a relaxed but lively vibe to your party hire in a carnival street band. Their wonderful unique sounds will be a hot trend for summer weddings.
• Sweet Treats Galore - Create a decadent party with a lavish spread of jellies, macaroons, brownies, strawberries & profiteroles.
• Dazzling Dance Floors - For the ultimate in old school glamour hire in a fabulous dance floor, such oak parquet, inset LED lights or even a mirrored floor!
• Big Bubbles - Upsize your champagne bottles to super size, such as Jeroboam which will serve 24 glasses or Rehoboam which will serve 36 glasses. With bottles this big you will only need to purchase a few!
• Flames & Fireworks - Tea lights & candles on your tables will create a romantic glow & atmosphere. If you are planning a firework display, make it dazzling with a live fire act as well. Another alternative to fireworks are Chinese sky lanterns. These paper balloons are lit & then sent skywards by your guests.
• Mirror, Mirror - The hottest trend for table decorations will be clean crisp lines, lots of mirrors & crystals. Don’t forget to bling up your floral arrangements as well, add a sprinkling of glitter, diamonte pins or even diamonte buckles.
• Hanging Around - The most glamorous parties at the moment are featuring Burlesque performers. However a full on striptease may not be everyone’s cup of tea for a wedding reception! A good solution is to book a happy hour chandelier. This involves a dancing angel, suspended from a chandelier serving champagne to your guests!
• Mini Cakes - Rich fruit cake is not to everyone’s taste these days. As an alternative serve your guests mini cakes instead. This little cakes look really chic & your guests can take them if they didn’t want to eat them right away.
• Deck the Trees - For outdoor weddings create a bohemian vibe by decorating trees with bunting & wreaths during the day. When night falls light up some pretty colored lanterns.
• Keep Cool - Summer weddings can be hot affairs, so give your guests some cooling refreshment. Freeze your champagne glasses so that everyone’s first sip is crisp. Try freezing flowers in ice sculptures for beautiful centerpieces & for something a bit more quirky why not hire in an ice cream van!
• Simple Flowers - Many brides are now asking for simple arrangements of just one or two flower types. Arrangements in oversized wine or martini glasses are becoming very popular & are an inexpensive choice too.
• Classic Cocktails - Stick to classics such as cosmopolitans & whiskey sours as these always go done well with guests of all ages.