By Georgina Clatworthy

Budgeting your wedding flowers cost can be difficult because certain flowers will carry a premium over others.  Whilst you can calculate the cost with the help of your florist it can be a good idea to know where you can save money on your wedding flowers and where you should be spending it.

Where to Spend…..

Talk to your florist about creating impact in your venues without having to cover every available surface with flowers.  For your wedding ceremony a bridal bouquet is essential, as well as posies for your bridesmaids, buttonholes for the groom and groomsmen and corsages for your moms.

You should also have at least one large arrangement to sit on the altar at the ceremony venue or to go at the front of the venue.  Most couples will allocate the majority of their budget to flowers for the wedding reception particularly as this is where they and their guests will spend most of their time.  Flowers for the reception include table arrangements, centerpieces and flowers for items such as the wedding cake, chair backs and wedding favors.

Where to Save….

Just as with everything else to do with your wedding day, it is possible to save on the cost of your wedding flowers too without compromising on style.

• Choose flowers which are in season
• Keep your arrangements simple.  Wired arrangements will cost more, as will ornate designs with lots of flowers.  Hand tied bouquets are far cheaper than more formal bouquets.
• Flowers are more expensive around holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mothers Day.
• If you really a particular flower which is expensive, use it exclusively in your bridal bouquet.
• Get double value from your arrangements by moving those used at the ceremony to the reception venue.
• Instead of splashing out on bouquets of flowers as thank you gifts, give away your table centers instead.

By Georgina Clatworthy

It has become a growing trend to ask for money as a wedding gift as opposed to more traditional wedding gifts.  Trouble is many couples find asking for a wedding cash gift a difficult undertaking and many guests do take offence at being asked to give money rather than something more sentimental.

In the past asking for a wedding cash gift would have been unheard of.  Wedding etiquette frowns upon even mentioning wedding gifts to your guests, although many do appreciate being given a gift list.  But the trend for asking for money has likely been fuelled by the rising number of couples who pay for their wedding themselves, rather than the tradition of the bride’s parents footing the bill.  Because of this it can seem understandable that most couples will look to recoup some or most of the cost in this way. 

There is another reason why asking for money as a wedding gift has become so popular and that is because many couples now live together before they marry.  As a result most will already have the traditional wedding gifts of linens, towels, crockery etc so asking for money instead is the next best option.

Asking for money in any context is never easy, but is particularly difficult when asking friends and family to give you cold hard cash as a present.  A good approach can be to decide on what you will spend the money on beforehand, your guests won’t ask for a receipt naturally, but many would like to know that they are paying for something in particular rather than merely handing over cash for you do with what you want.  Consider using the money for a major purchase such as an item of large furniture or maybe home renovations, you guests may find this more acceptable.

The most efficient way of telling your guests what you would like as wedding gift is to give it a discreet mention on your wedding invitations, however this is not always the most gentle approach!  If you have a wedding website then you could place a page on it to tell guests about your preferred wedding gifts or opt for a simple word of mouth approach, although this may not result in as many guests finding out.

If you are particularly worried about asking for money, then combine it with a traditional wedding registry.  This way you will be giving your guests the option of a traditional gift or money gift and it will not seem so offense to you to ask for money.

By Georgina Clatworthy

It has become a growing trend to ask for money instead of a formal wedding gift, but with wedding etiquette being very strict about asking for gifts on the whole, is there a polite way to ask for wedding cash gifts from your guests?  Here are a few suggestions on how to get money gifts without actually having to ask:

• Wishing Well: Setting up a wishing well at your reception is a good alternative to asking for cash via your wedding invitations.  Simply let your guests know by word of mouth that there will be a wishing well at the wedding where they can slip their wedding cash gifts in.

• Vouchers: If asking for money in any way leaves you feeling uncomfortable, then asking for vouchers is a great alternative.  Set up a gift registry which lists vouchers from your favorite stores and retailers and add it to your wedding invitations.

• Honeymoon Contributions: There are tour operators that will allow you to add your honeymoon to your gift list so that guests can make a contribution towards the cost.  A search on the internet will reveal tour companies who offer this service.  There are also websites which allow guests to purchase treats for you to enjoy whilst on honeymoon such as day trips, activities and romantic meals.

• Mix and Match: There are websites which allow you to give your guests lots of choice over the type of cash gift they give you.  These sites offer choices such as vouchers, cash, honeymoon donations, flight upgrades and more traditional wedding gifts.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Chances are you will be wearing them for most of the day so when it comes to finding your bridal wedding shoes is makes sense to choose a pair you will never want to take off!  Check out these ten tips on choosing the perfect bridal shoes which will not only compliment your wedding dress but your feet as well!

1. As soon as you have chosen your dress begin looking for your bridal wedding shoes, especially if you want them custom made.  Aim to have your shoes by the time your first dress fitting is due.
2. Don’t scrimp on price when it comes to choosing your shoes.  Because you will be wearing them for most of the day you need a pair which is comfortable and   quality shoes will always provide the best in terms of comfort.
3. Choose your shoes to match the style of your wedding dress.  For instance with big skirted 50’s style gowns being popular at the moment you need to choose 50’s style peeptoes or slingbacks to compliment.
4. Don’t forget to consider the color of your dress when choosing bridal shoes.  Although ivory is the most popular color for both dresses and shoes, if your dress is in another shade then you will need to match your shoe color too.  As an alternative you could go for shoes or sandals in silver or gold which will compliment any shade.
5. Just as you did with your wedding dress, when looking for your shoes try on as many pairs as possible till you find a pair which are perfect both in terms of style and comfort.
6. Always choose a pair of well made bridal shoes which should feel comfortable and support your foot, no matter how high or strappy they maybe.
7. Always ask lots of questions to help you make the right choice and ensure you spend your money wisely.  Find out where they were made and who by, what fabrics have been used and if they could be dyed another color later on.
8. If you having your shoes custom made expect to be asked plenty of questions by the designer too.  They will want to know all about your dress including fabrics, colors and embellishments and also they will want to know about your wedding style and the look you want.
9. Consider choosing a classic style of shoe which you could wear again for another occasion.
10. If you really have a love of shoes you may find it difficult to choose just one pair.  It has in fact become a big trend to purchase two pairs of bridal shoes – 1 pair for the ceremony and reception and another pair which are more comfortable for dancing in later on.

By Georgina Clatworthy

Bridal wedding veils are one of the most traditional and popular accessories for your wedding, but with so many styles to choose from how do you know which is the right one for you?  Here is our quick guide to veils to help you find out:

Short Veils:

• Fascinator: this is simply a small piece of veiling which is attached to a variety of different hair accessories like hairbands and combs.  Often they are worn at an angle with the veiling partially covering the face.  They are perfect for fashionista brides looking for something contemporary.
• Bouffant: reminiscent of the sixties and seventies, the bouffant bridal veil is a full style which skims the shoulders and consists of several layers.  Although it can suit all styles it does not work so well with traditional wedding dresses.
• Blusher: one of the more popular choices for bridal wedding veils, the blusher veil can be found in various lengths but is distinguished by the shoulder length layer which covers the face.  This is best suited to traditional dress styles and formal weddings.

Mid-Length Veils:

• Elbow: this style of veil suits most dress shapes and styles and is particularly good for drawing the eye to any detail at your waist.  It looks perfect with tea length dresses and is the best choice if you are petite.
• Fingertip: fingertip veils should reach your fingertips when your arms are straight by your sides.  It is a good choice if you want a romantic style of bridal veil but without the hassle of lots of trailing fabric behind you.  It is also a good choice if you are very tall.
• Waltz or Ballerina: this design is usually found in lengths which fall between the knees and ankles.  Avoid teaming it with dresses which have a shorter skirt length so you don’t look out of proportion.  Apart from this it works well with any dress shape especially body skimming dresses.

Long Veils:

• Chapel: this style is best when worn with a long dress or one with long sleeves.  Chapel veils are romantic in style and skim the floor so they are particularly suited to formal weddings.  If your wedding dress features a small train, ensure the veil extends beyond it.
• Cathedral: if you want something dramatic then this ultra long veil is a good choice.  It should extend about 4ft beyond your dress and is the most formal option so perfect for a traditional wedding.
• Mantilla: this veil is Spanish in origin and features stunning lace edging or can be made entirely from lace.  It is ultra romantic and complimentary to dresses with lots of detail.  It does tend to be more opaque than other types of veil and although found in various lengths it is best worn long for lots of drama and impact.

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

Despite all your meticulous planning, when it comes to your wedding day there is still potential for things to go wrong.  Question is how will you cope should something go awry?

If it Rains: Even if you have planned a summer wedding you can’t always rely on weather to be kind!  Have plenty of umbrellas on standby just in case the heavens open and if there is real risk of it raining during your wedding day and you have planned an outdoors reception, consider getting a marquee erected so you have somewhere to flee to.

If the Best Man Falls Ill:  Ok so the chances of this happening are far less than it raining on the day but never the less it can be a good idea to get your fiancé to prep one of the groomsmen on the best man’s duties should they be need to step in at the last minute.  Just make sure he picks someone who can confidently give a speech and who won’t pawn the wedding rings on the way to the church!

If you Awake on the Wedding Morning with Sudden Outbreak of Spots: Stress and tiredness have a habit of bringing on nightmare scenarios such as spots and pimples, which occur at just the wrong time!  Make sure your bridal make-up kit contains an effective blemish concealer which will clear and conceal spots so no-one will ever know!

If There’s an Argument: There is nothing like wedding for reigniting family feuds or causing an argument at some point during the day. If you are prepared for one then when it happens it won’t come as a shock and ignoring it is probably the best course of action.  However a full blown shouting match can be more difficult to deal with, probably best to prep the groom and best man on handling that one!

By Georgina Clatworthy

The secret to cutting costs on your wedding reception catering is to do it in such a way that no one notices.  Your reception catering is a very important part of your wedding celebrations as everyone will remember the food served, whether it is good or bad.  So follow these ten tips on cutting your catering costs without compromising on the quality of the food you dish up.

1. Stick to your Budget

Be up front with your catering company from the start as it is much easier to maximize your budget than it is to cut costs once you have finalized your menus.

2. Choose your Venue with Care

Catering costs can be very dependant upon where you are holding your reception.  An expensive venue will likely include pricey wedding reception catering.  If your budget is tight then look for venues that give you the flexibility to bring in your own caterers.

3. Have a Late Start

Each of your wedding guests will cost you an average of between $15 and $30 per hour so you will need to plan your day accordingly.  A late start to your wedding celebrations can save you a fortune on your budget, especially as you will not have to feed your guests twice.

4. Allocate Costs

Ask for a breakdown of costs from your caterer.  It is likely you will find that 25% of your costs will be for the chef and waiting staff and another 20% for equipment hire.  You can save money here by opting for plain and simple table linens, glassware and crockery, leaving you with more money to spend on the food.  However, you should not compromise on the service as this is an integral part of making your wedding day memorable.

5. Choose a Menu to Remember

Avoid trying to spread your budget across several courses, instead choose a hearty menu which will leave your guests feeling full but which uses inexpensive ingredients.

6. Use Seasonal Ingredients

As with flowers, using ingredients which are out of season can make the bill bigger so work with ingredients and dishes which are of the season and preferably locally grown to reduce your catering costs.

7. Keep it Simple

Look into which dishes are more expensive and cheaper alternatives.  Simple dishes not only cut your costs but are likely to appeal more to your guests as well.

8. Replace your Dessert Course

One of the best ways of cutting your reception catering bill is to replace your dessert course with your wedding cake.  Another alternative is to serve petit fours with coffee.

9. Give your Toasts with Sparkling Wine

Many people cannot tell the difference between real Champagne and sparkling wine or Cava, so go for the cheaper option for your wedding toasts.  Do though try to buy the best you can afford and aim to order it outside of the peak wedding season when costs are lower.

10. Limit your Guest List

It may seem obvious but the best way to bring your catering costs in on budget is to limit the number of guests invited.  If you want a formal sit down meal then limit the guest list to close friends and family and invite everyone else to the evening party and serve a less expensive buffet.

By Georgina Clatworthy

When it comes to wedding flowers ideas there are some key aspects you will need to consider first before making a final decision on what to have and the types of flowers to include.  Achieving perfect wedding flowers can be one of the most difficult aspects of your wedding planning, so it can be a good to collate as many ideas a possible before you meet with your florist.  First and foremost though take the following steps when it comes to choosing your wedding day blooms.

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Your wedding budget controls every aspect of your wedding including your wedding flowers ideas so make sure you assign a realistic figure for your flowers when you put your budget together.  Many brides will dream of filling their venues with beautiful flowers but before you pursue your ideas you need to work out how you have available to spend on flowers first.  On average you should allocate between 5 and 10% of your budget for your wedding flowers and remember that this figure also needs to include the cost of vases and the florist’s time in preparing your arrangements.

2. Find a Good Florist

Recommendations from family and friends is a great way to find good vendors for your wedding, including florists.  You may already know a florist in your local area or have received recommendations from your venue, who often have a list of vendors and service providers available.  One advantage to using a florist who knows the venue you have hired is that they will be able to design and arrange your flowers for maximum effect within the venue itself.  Another tip for finding a florist is to look out for beautiful arrangements in hotels, restaurants and other public buildings and then enquiring as to who arranged them.

3. Know your Style

As well as matching your flower arrangements to your wedding style, you should also consider the style of your venue.  For instance, if you venue is contemporary in style then your flowers need to be modern in style to coordinate.  More traditional venues such as country mansions lend themselves to more traditional styles of flower arrangements.  Look through your bridal magazines for inspirations and ideas when it comes to style of arrangements and put together a mood board of pictures for your florist to work with.  You also need to note the color of the décor and carpets in your venue so you can choose flowers which will complement them as well as coordinate with your wedding colors.

By Georgina Clatworthy

If you are having a traditional wedding with all the customs and traditions included, then it is a good idea to draw up a wedding day schedule or running order of events so that each member of the wedding party knows what will be happening and when.  Typically, a wedding schedule will include items such as the photographs, speeches, toasts and cake cutting, but you can also include any other elements that you are having within the running order.  A wedding day schedule does not have to be strictly for a traditional wedding either, drawing one up for an informal wedding whether it is big or small will help to ensure everything goes to plan on the day.

A typical wedding day schedule will look something like this:

Ceremony: Ask your celebrant/priest/officiant to give you an order of service so you know the order of events for the ceremony.

Formal Photographs: If you are having formal posed photographs then these will likely be taken after the ceremony outside your venue or venues.

Reception: The traditional receiving line is perhaps less observed these days and instead many couples are choosing informal welcome drinks or cocktail hour instead whilst more photographs are taken.

Dinner: Traditionally known as the wedding breakfast as it is the first meal of your married life.

Speeches: Within wedding etiquette there is no rule about when the speeches should take place but traditionally they would follow the dessert in the schedule in this order:

• Bride’s Father: Traditionally the bride’s father would introduce her to the groom’s family, give short stories of special memories of his daughter and finish with a toast to the couple.
• The Groom: The groom will mostly spend his time thanking people, beginning with the bride’s parents, thanking the bridesmaids and thanking the guests for coming.  He may also say a few words about his new wife and then propose a toast to the bridesmaids.
• The Best Man: The best man will introduce the groom to the bride’s family and usually will make a funny speech about the groom (without being too risqué or causing offense).  The best man will also be responsible for reading out messages and cards from absent guests.  He ends with a toast to the happy couple.

Cake Cutting: The cutting of the wedding cake is announced by either the Master of Ceremonies or the best man and will usually take place after the wedding breakfast and speeches.  The couple will cut the first slice and then the cake will be taken away, sliced and served to the guests.

First Dance: The first dance signifies the beginning of the evening celebrations and commences with the couple taking to the dance floor alone and dancing to a favorite song.  It is then traditional for the bride to dance with her father, the groom with his mother and the best man with the chief bridesmaid.  The bride and groom will then dance with their respective in-laws, at which point the guests are invited to join them on the dance floor.