Wedding Tips

A lot of efforts go into planning a perfect wedding and it can be quite stressful since there are so many little details to finalize. Thankfully, you can avoid stress and enjoy the day by being prepared with the following tips and tricks.

·   Write your vows ahead of time

While there’s nothing wrong with using the pre-written vows from your officiant, you can make the moment special by writing your own wedding vows. Every love is one-a-kind. Writing your wedding vows allows you and your partner to personalize the moment and celebrate how incredibly unique your love is. However, writing your vows at the last minute might make you forget some lines that you’ve always wanted to say due to the pressure of the planning. So be sure to write them ahead of time.

·   Delegate responsibilities

No matter the amount of time and efforts you put into planning your wedding, there’s still a good chance that there are plenty of little details that still need to be worked out on that day. However, it’s your special day; don’t be brought down by questions and concerns. Decide on a point person that you can trust and let them make the decisions without you. You want to enjoy this day because it goes by in a blink.

·   Don’t forget to eat and sleep

Most people find it hard to sleep on the eve of their wedding and this can potentially ruin the big day. If you think you could do with some help to get some rest, you might want to explore available solutions like warm milk, sleeping pills or any other trick you know. Also, don’t forget to eat as skipping meals can make you feel queasy and lighthearted. Whatever you do, be sure to get something in your stomach when you get the opportunity.

·   Choose your photographer and videographer

The benefits of these professionals might not be obvious on your special day but you will appreciate their presence after your wedding. While these professionals are important, you don’t want to hire an amateur to cover your big day or someone who lacks the essential qualities of that profession. Be sure to do your homework so you can choose a person whose works moves you.

·   Create a shortlist

Your photographer and videographer might be good at what they do but you know best what memories you want them to capture before the day is over. Give your photographer a list of moments to take note of as well as the list of people you want him to capture. It also helps to designate someone as a photo wrangler to help corral your guests for a picture. Because you don’t want anyone missing in any of the shots, you might want to pick someone who knows the family and your guests.  

·   Appreciate your guests

Your visitors come from far and near to be a part of your special day, so ensure it doesn’t end without appreciating them. You can meet them individually to appreciate their participation in your happy moments and you may want to give them some useful gifts also.

 Conclusion

Your wedding day is one that you should enjoy and the tips above can make everything go smoothly to help you enjoy every moment of your day. 

Planning a wedding can be likened to a huge project – it can be very demanding. Like everyone else, you want your wedding day to be perfect but because you’re human, there’s only so much you can do without making a mistake. Here are the five biggest mistakes you don’t want to make when planning and preparing for your special day.

1. Not setting a budget

Perhaps, the most common mistake people make when it comes to wedding preparation and planning is failing to establish a budget. Most couples make an assumption about how much the wedding ceremony might cost, often due to what they heard from friends and family members or what they read online. If you don’t set a realistic budget before anything else, you may fall in love with a venue or a wedding dress only to discover that each one costs more than you can afford.  Set a budget first and then you can use it to decide how much to pay for every item on your list.

2. Not having a rain plan

Planned a beautiful garden wedding with thousands put into the décor without a contingency plan for the weather? Most couples count on luck to ensure perfect weather, which is the equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and yelling, “I can’t hear you, rain.” Rather than just hope that your wedding won’t be disrupted by the elements, protect yourself by preparing a plan B if you’re planning an outside affair.

3. Not putting together a full list of guests

Another top mistake most couples make is sending out their save-the-dates only to discover that their venue cannot accommodate that number of guests. The problem? They already invited friends and loved one, making it quite complicated to withdraw the invites. Sometimes, the problem with the guest list is that your loved ones might want to invite others you’re not thinking off and this can get things out of control. It’s best to discuss it with those supporting you and then wait till you can confirm the capacity of the venue before you draw up your list.

4. Skipping the video

The prominent reason most couples skip video is that the costs. They believe they’re saving by not hiring a videographer but it is no surprise that most of them eventually wish they shelled out more on a videographer to document their day. If you’re planning your wedding on a budget, see if you have a loved one that’s willing to pitch in for the cost of the Videography as a wedding gift.

5. Doing everything yourself

There’s no rule that says you have to do everything for yourself. Even if you can do most of the tasks, you shouldn’t so you don’t end up totally burned out by the time the wedding day comes. Shop around for vendors with the vision and style that is compatible with yours, and let them help you create your perfect wedding day.

Bonus tip

Another huge mistake most couples make when planning their wedding is assuming that they have enough time. The simple truth is that you may never know how much work planning a wedding requires until you get started. You may even have to take time off from work when you commence planning. Believe it because chances are high that it’s going to happen.

Your wedding transport is an important part of your big day. Whether your planning a ceremony out of town and need plenty of vehicles to whisk all your guests to the venue or you’re just looking for a really special car to host your first journey as man and wife, there are plenty of options for you to choose from.

Here is our pick of some of the best:

Limousine

One of the most popular choices with brides and grooms celebrating their big day, limousines have many benefits. They are elegant and stylish, with roomy interiors that are perfect for accommodating your entire party. For added wow factor, choose a limo with its own built-in bar and enjoy chilled drinks en route to the wedding.

classic wedding car hire

Another popular option, arriving at your wedding in a beautiful classic wedding car is a great way to get your guests talking. There are plenty of iconic brands to choose from including Rolls Royce, Bentley, Beauford and more, so you can find a style to suit any budget and taste.

Self drive sports car hire

For many people, their wedding day is one of the only chances they’ll get to hire a luxury car. So why let the chauffeurs have all the fun? With a self drive sports car hire package, you’ll have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the world’s most famous vehicles.

Minibus and coach hire

For weddings where there is a long distance between the locations of the ceremony and the party, or for out of the way weddings in rural locations, hiring a minibus or coach to transport your guests ensures that nobody has to worry about driving their car – so everyone can relax and have a good time.

Vintage bus hire

For group transport with a more retro feel, why not hire a cool vintage bus to transport your guests in style? There are a variety of models to choose from, from iconic Bedford buses to spacious double deckers from a bygone age.

TukTuk Hire

Want something completely different? How about arriving at the venue in the back of an Asian-style tuktuk? A fun and exhilarating way to travel, these open-sided vehicles are great for weddings in warmer weather and are sure to get you noticed wherever you go.

Open Top Car Hire

Getting married in the summer? Why not choose an open top wedding car? If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with fine weather you can roll the top down and enjoy the sensation of the wind in your hair – and if not you can just keep the top on and still enjoy all the comforts of a luxury car.

horse Drawn Carriage Hire

Want something really romantic for your big day? It doesn’t get any more traditional than hiring a horse-drawn carriage for the bride and groom. If you only have a short distance to travel to get to the venue, this can make a really magical start to the celebrations.

London Taxi Hire

For something a little quirky and fun, why not hire a black London taxi for your wedding? Surprisingly roomy, these vehicles can accommodate up to 5 passengers in comfort and are a great way to make a big impact when you arrive.

VW Camper Hire

Channelling a sixties vibe for your big day? What better way to complete the theme than by hiring an authentic VW Camper as your transport for the day. To really get the party started, choose a camper that comes equipped with its own bar and pile all your friends in for the ride.

There are so many moments throughout your wedding day that you will treasure forever – the moment the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time; the moment you step out of the venue as man and wife; the cutting of the cake. One of the most important moments is of course your first dance. Whether you just want a traditional romantic song or you’ve choreographed a whole routine to impress your guests, you’ll want to make sure that your choice of music is something that means something to you as a couple. For some inspiration,

check out our list of some of the best:

I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

Managing to be both romantic and epic, this track is ideal for couples that want a meaningful song that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fun for those who enjoy classic rock yet accessible enough for all the family to enjoy, it’s a great choice for your first dance as man and wife.

Iris – The Goo Goo Dolls

Another track in the same vein as the previous song, this beautiful ballad has some really dramatic moments that you can have some fun with if you plan on choreographing a routine. It’s also got plenty of romantic slow parts too, so you’ll have plenty of chances to cuddle up on the dancefloor.

Elbow – One Day Like This

Catchy and uplifting, this is a song that will be stuck in everyone’s heads for hours. Combining haunting string sections with beautiful yet unusual vocals, this track is a great choice for those that want something a little out of the ordinary.

It Must Be Love – Madness

For something really different, why not pick this fun cover by British ska band Madness? Great for getting everyone out on the dance floor to join in the fun, it’s an instantly recognisable tune that’s a guaranteed ice breaker.

I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You – Elvis Presley

One to please the older generations at your wedding, this classic love song is easy to slow dance to and has plenty of romantic lyrics to ensure there’s not a dry eye in the house.

Come Away With Me – Norah Jones

A more unusual choice of song with a modern twist, Norah Jones’ haunting vocals and beautiful lyrics make this track a great choice for a first dance.

So Here We Are – Bloc Party

Want something a bit more unusual for your first dance? This track by the British rock band Bloc Party is sure to surprise and delight your guests. For the added wow factor, why not plan some dance moves ahead to fit the really dramatic parts of the song?

You’re My Best Friend – Queen

Put a smile on the faces of all the dads at your wedding with this track from everyone’s favourite rockers, Queen. An offbeat, fun choice for your first dance, this one is sure to have your guests rocking out at your side.

At Last – Etta James

A perfect choice for a traditional or vintage-themed wedding, this beautiful, haunting song from the 1960s makes a wonderful accompaniment to your first dance. For extra impact, slip on some sixties style threads or accessories before you take to the dance floor.

Close to You – The Carpenters

Another classic song that’s instantly recognisable is ‘Close to You’ with its romantic imagery and catchy lyrics. There are plenty of versions to choose from, but the Carpenters cover is one of the most popular and a great track for the first dance at a traditional wedding.

When you’re planning a London wedding, it can be difficult to come up with ideas to make your celebration stand out from the crowd. But with so many different venues to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect space for your special day. Whether you want to really wow your guests with a ceremony in a famous London building or hunt out some really special secret places in the capital,

here is our guide to some of the best London wedding venues:

Claridge’s London

For the ultimate in wedding glamour, what could possibly beat a wedding at London’s world famous Art Deco hotel? Follow in the footsteps of the celebrities with a ceremony in the 1930s ballroom, then dine on gourmet cuisine from some of the capital’s best chefs.

ZSL London Zoo

Want something really different? Your guests are sure to remember a wedding at ZSL London Zoo for years to come. As well as offering the chance to get married at one of the most famous zoos in the world, a wedding here also comes with the option to have exotic animals greet your guests on arrival!

Bleeding Heart Tavern

Want a celebration that captures some of London’s rich and varied history? Why not get married in a 600 year old candlelit crypt where Henry VII partied for five days when he married Catherine of Aragon in 1531? The dramatic space seats up to 44 in comfort.

Kew Gardens

The famous Kew Gardens offer a variety of venues where you can tie the knot, from elegant country manors and quaint cottages to more modern spaces and outdoor options. What’s more, hiring a venue here means you’ll be supporting Kew’s vital conservation and research work.

London Eye

Want to say your vows with the whole of London as a witness? On the London Eye, couples can get married in a private, flower-decorated ‘pod’, taking in the scenery on 2 rotations – one for the ceremony, and one for you and your guests to relax with a chilled glass of Champagne.

Thames Cruises

Another great idea for those that find static wedding venues boring, a wedding on a luxury boat in the Thames is a great way to take in the city. You can hold the whole ceremony and reception on board as you cruise along, or plan a boat trip between venues as part of your day.

Icebar by Icehotel

What could be more romantic than cosying up to your partner in the UK’s only permanent bar made of ice? The bar is kept at -5 degrees and can cater for up to 60 guests – gloves and thermal capes included! Afterwards, you can warm up with dinner and drinks in the comfortable lounge.

Kensington Roof Gardens

Despite being a busy modern city there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor weddings in the heart of London, and this is one of the best. Located high on a roof overlooking Kensington, the roof gardens offer a magical space for you and up to 500 guests to celebrate in style.

Tower Bridge

A great choice for anyone with guests visiting from abroad – imagine the looks on their faces when they see your choice of venue, a cosy and historic room tucked away in the North Tower of the iconic bridge itself.

Syon Park

For a country house feel without leaving the city, the grand Syon Park with its extensive grounds is a fantastic choice. There are a choice of rooms to choose from for ceremonies and evening receptions, with space for up to 160 guests.

When you arrive at the venue on your special day, you can be sure that all eyes will be on you. And while your choice of wedding outfit, the flowers and the bridesmaids and groomsmen will all be noticed, your wedding car is the first thing that your guests will see – so you want to be sure it’s one that will make a big impact. With a wedding limousine you’ll be guaranteed a grand entrance, as well as plenty of space to relax and prepare for your big day.

Here’s our pick of some of the best:

Hummer Limo

Our first choice is a limousine that’s as striking and unusual as it is quirky and fun. A stretch limousine version of the iconic Hummer car, these vehicles are great for party animals and come equipped with funky interiors boasting extras like light up bars and karaoke machines – ideal for getting the fun started in style.

Pink Limo

A great choice for the bride and her bridesmaids, a pink limousine offers a fun alternative to a white or black vehicle. Boasting matching leather interiors, pink limousines make a great ‘boudoir’ on wheels to help you and your friends get ready for your big day.

Dodge Charger Limo

Another funky and slightly unusual choice, travelling to your wedding in a Dodge Charger limo is a surefire way to get noticed. Boasting an eye-catching modern exterior and plush interior with leather seats and a built-in bar, these are perfect for the bride or the groom.

Mini Cooper Limo

Want to add a retro touch to your wedding day? These stretch limousines based on the iconic design classic are sure to raise more than a few smiles when you arrive at the venue. With six wheels, a black and white exterior with unmistakeable checked roof and a roomy, luxurious interior, they’re sure to add a touch of 60s charm.

Range Rover limo

A sophisticated and stylish choice that combines a spacious interior with a modern and attractive exterior, the Range Rover limousine is perfect for those who want to ooze glamour on their big day while still enjoying the high-tech benefits of a modern wedding car.

Chrysler limo

The elegant Chrysler limo is a popular choice with brides and grooms who want a really sleek and stylish wedding limousine. Available in a choice of colours, this limo has a spacious interior with room for plenty of passengers, comfortable leather seats and a backlit on-board bar.

Audi Q7 limo

For the ultimate in glamour and class, hiring an Audi Q7 limousine is a great way to acquire a stunning status symbol for your big day. This luxurious car with its stunning exterior and comfortable interior is sure to turn your guests green with envy!

Bramwith Limo

Want to go retro for your wedding day? There are plenty of vintage limousines available to hire and the Bramwith is one of the best. With its beautiful classic design and roll-top roof in the rear for summer days, this limo will make you feel like a star from the golden age of Hollywood as you arrive at the venue.

Bentley limo

Another great choice for a classic wedding limo is an elegant and understated Bentley limousine. With its contracting paintwork, elegant design and retro cool interior, this limo has everything you need to feel like royalty on your special day.

Ferrari limo

Want something totally different? Why not wow your guests by arriving at the church in a fantastic Ferrari limousine? Featuring gullwing doors for a dramatic entrance and available in a choice of colours, this vehicle is sure to have your guests talking for years to come.

With many guests often attending several weddings in one year, more and more couples are turning to wedding themes as a way to make their ceremony stand out from the crowd. From historic and period themes to movie genres, colour themes and more, choosing a theme wedding has plenty of benefits. Having a theme can help you with important choices when planning your wedding, and also helps guests who are struggling with what to wear. Themes also allow you to add plenty of clever little touches to your wedding, making sure your guests will remember it for years to come.

Here’s our pick of some of the best wedding themes:

1920s Wedding

A popular choice at the moment due to the popularity of 1920s-themed cultural phenomena like Downton Abbey and the Great Gatsby, the decade of flapper dresses, decadence and sequins is the perfect inspiration for your special day.

Medieval Wedding

Also popular with fans of the books and TV series Game of Thrones, a medieval-style wedding guarantees plenty of fun on your big day. Choose embroidered dresses with pointed sleeves, indulgent banquets packed with meat and game and period drinks like mead for an authentic touch.

Festival Wedding

Channel the celebratory spirit of Glastonbury for your own festival-style wedding. Great for couples on a budget, all you need to create the right atmosphere is a field, a marquee, some willing bands and a bar stocked with cider and real ale.

fairytale wedding

A fairytale wedding is what many brides dream of, and there are plenty of ways to make it come true. If you can afford it, a castle makes a magical setting for your special day, but there are also plenty of woodland venues around the country offering the same enchanting atmosphere at a fraction of the price.

Beach Weddings

Whether you’re opting for the exotic white beaches of somewhere like Thailand or Fiji or the more accessible (and affordable) beaches of the British coast, a beach wedding is a truly romantic occasion you’re sure to remember for years to come.

Extreme Weddings

From getting married while skydiving to saying your vows in the basket of a hot air balloon, extreme weddings are all the rage. And don’t worry if not all your guests are as adventurous as you are – simply hire a more traditional venue near by and set up an internet link so they can watch the proceedings in comfort.

Attraction Weddings

Britain boasts hundreds of magical and unique tourist attractions, so why not use one of them as a memorable setting for your big day? From museums and aquariums to art galleries and even theme parks, there are lots of different venues to choose from.

Seasonal Weddings

For a simple and effective theme for your big day, why not choose a seasonal theme? Summer weddings can make use of bright colours and abundant fresh flowers, while Winter weddings look magical with shades of white, red and green.

Gothic Weddings

A Gothic wedding doesn’t mean you have to go down the aisle swathed in black, but simple touches like carved pumpkin lanterns and atmospheric décor make a Halloween-themed wedding a quirky and unusual choice.

Geeky Weddings

With more and more people falling in love with ‘geek culture’, weddings themed around Star Wars, Lord of the Rings or favourite video games are no longer an obscure tradition. All you need to do is make sure your invitations contain an overview of the theme, so that any uninitiated guests won’t be left in the dark.

When making big decisions about how they want to celebrate their special day, many brides and grooms turn to the high profile weddings of celebrities and royalty for inspiration. And while most couples won’t have the influence to get married in Westminster Abbey or the bank balance to fly all their guests to a private paradise island, there are plenty of ideas to be drawn from a quick glance at the top celebrity weddings of the past. Here is our pick of the best:

Kate Middleton and Prince William

One of the most anticipated weddings of modern times, Kate and William’s royal wedding inspired wedding-fever around the globe with approximately 2 billion people watching the live broadcast around the world.

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier

In one of the first fairytale weddings of the celebrity age, the Hollywood star Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier of Monaco in an elaborate ceremony in 1956. The wedding inspired a whole new generation of brides to choose full-skirted wedding dresses over the more slimline styles favoured in earlier years.

Kate Moss and Jamie Hinch

The supermodel’s wedding was responsible for kickstarting a trend for laid-back, bohemian ‘festival-style’ weddings when she married Hince from the band The Kills. The ceremony was just a small part of ‘Mosstock’, a weekend-long exclusive event for guests featuring gourmet food and entertainment from the cream of rock and roll.

Jackie Kennedy and President Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy’s status as one of the most iconic fashion icons of the twentieth century was cemented when she married US President John F Kennedy in 1953. The wedding took place in Newport, Rhode Island and was attended by over a thousand guests.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia Rossi

One of the most high-profile same sex weddings ever to take place, Ellen and Portia tied the knot in 2008 in an intimate ceremony surrounded by just 20 of their closest friends. With both brides looking beautiful in a white suit and white halterneck dress respectively, the day was certainly one to remember for the happy couple.

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale

When singer Gwen married British musician Gavin, the scene was set for one of the most rock and roll weddings of recent years. The bride’s traditional white Dior dress was given a quirky twist with pink ombre detailing on the hem was worn twice – once for the wedding in London and again for a second ceremony in LA 2 weeks later.

Bianca Perez-Mora Macias and Mick Jagger

Another classic rock and roll wedding – this one capturing the very essence of the 1970s – Mick and Bianca’s Mediterranean wedding took place in the glitzy town of St Tropez, where the four months pregnant bride stunned guests in a daring deep v-neck and on-trend maxi skirt in white.

Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles

One of the most iconic royal weddings of all time, 750 million people tuned in to watch on their televisions as the twenty year old Diana Spencer wed the heir to the British throne in a fairytale dress that inspired thousands of brides.

Katy Perry and Russel Brand

When the musician and notorious lothario tied the knot in 2010 they set a new record for the most elaborate celebrity wedding. Taking place in India, the wedding featured 20 camels, elephants and horses among the guests.

Liza Minelli and David Gest

Famous as one of the weirdest and most outlandish weddings of recent years, Liza Minelli was walked down the aisle by Michael Jackson in front of 500 guests – many of whom were celebrities from the golden age of Hollywood. The ceremony featured famous singers, countless outfit changes and a six foot wedding cake.

In decades past, brides and grooms had somewhat limited options when it came to choosing the venue for their special day. Typically, there was a ceremony in a local church or registry office, followed by a wedding breakfast in a local hotel. Today, couples are spoiled for choice with hundreds of thousands of venues offering dedicated wedding packages all across the country. From grand exclusive use venues to magical woodland glades and back-to-basics DIY spaces, everyone can find the perfect place to say “I do” – here is our pick of some of the best.

Bovey Castle, Dartmoor, Devon

The ultimate wedding venue for those who want a rural wedding without sacrificing on any luxuries, Bovey Castle is an award-winning wedding venue featuring grand architecture and landscaped gardens in a spectacular setting deep in the beautiful Devon countryside.

Weddings In the Wood, New Forest

What could be more romantic than an intimate wedding beneath the green canopies of the New Forest? This venue has a wood-clad barn and a marquee – so you can stay cosy in bad weather – and can cater for up to 225 guests.

Aikwood Tower, Selkirk, Scotland

Always dreamed of a fairytale wedding? You can be king and queen of your own Scottish castle with a wedding in Aikwood Tower. Perfect for intimate weddings of up to 80 guests, this sixteenth century castle boasts luxurious accommodation on one of Scotland’s finest estates.

The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth

Want to enjoy an eco-friendly wedding but nervous about going back to basics? The Green House Hotel offers the best of both worlds. An award-winning boutique venue in the heart of Bournemouth, the Green House prides itself on its green credentials and dedication to sustainability.

Stockbridge Farm Barn, Sherbourne, Dorset

One of the finest medieval barns in England, Stockbridge Farm Barn is a great choice for couples who want something a little different. With its striking appearance, huge vaulted space seating up to 180 people and beautiful location in the Dorset countryside, the barn offers the perfect backdrop for a day to remember.

Natural History Museum, London

Another great choice for those seeking somewhere quirky and unusual to celebrate their special day, London’s Natural History Museum can accommodate up to 650 guests in its grand Central Hall. The jaw-dropping centrepiece? The Museum’s famous diplodocus skeleton looming over your guests.

Pennyhill Park, surrey

While your wedding day will obviously be the main event, many couples today are choosing venues that offer a little something extra for guests to enjoy in their downtime. At Pennyhill Park there are Championship golf courses and a state-of-the-art spa available for guests attending weddings at the luxurious country house hotel.

The Cary Arms, Devon

Want an authentic English Inn wedding that doesn’t compromise on quality? The Cary Arms offers a comfortable and luxurious private saloon and a sci-fi inspired glass ‘pod’ for brides and grooms looking to celebrate their special day – all in a stunning location on the dramatic South Devon coast.

Eltham Palace, London

A historic venue with a twist, Eltham Palace was once home to Henry VIII before being kitted out with a striking Art Deco interior. With a special package offering weddings for just £1000, it’s ideal for couples who want a memorable location in Central London that doesn’t cost a fortune.

Cleeve Abbey, Somerset

For a really romantic backdrop to your wedding, what better choice than the ancient Cleeve Abbey in the idyllic Somerset countryside? Combining a choice of cosy indoor rooms, dramatic ruins and outdoor spaces, the abbey is a great venue that your guests are sure to remember for years to come.