Wedding Planning

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.

Are you planning a traditional church wedding? Getting married in a church that’s significant to you and your family is a beautiful way to start your new life as husband and wife. You will be creating memories that will stay with you for years to come – from the moment the bride joins her husband-to-be at the altar to the moment they exit the church for the first time as man and wife. So it’s worth taking a little time to ensure that the hymns which accompany your ceremony are ones that have meaning to you as a couple. To help you decide, here is our pick of the best.

Here Comes the Bride – the Wedding March

An obvious choice, but one that’s still worth mentioning for its enduring, timeless appeal. Written by Wagner for the opera Lohengrin, it’s the hymn that thousands of brides choose to accompany them down the aisle every year.

All Things Bright And Beautiful

A great choice for couples who have lots of non-regular church goers on their guestlist, this is a hymn that most people will remember from school – and a catchy tune that will have everyone joining in.

Amazing Grace

Another hymn that will be instantly recognisable even to your guests who don’t go to church, Amazing Grace has a haunting and romantic quality that makes it the perfect choice for your wedding day.

Jerusalem

A more classic hymn based on a poem by William Blake, Jerusalem has a grand and empowering quality that makes it a great choice for building up anticipation at the beginning of your ceremony.

Give Me Joy In My Heart

A fun and upbeat choice that’s great for weddings with lots of younger guests, the lively Give Me Joy In My Heart is sure to create a party atmosphere on your wedding day.

Lord of the Dance

Another great choice for anyone with guests who are worried they won’t know any of the hymns, Lord of the Dance is a well known and catchy tune that will get your guests in the mood for dancing and celebrating your special day.

At Canas Wedding Long Ago

One of the few hymns that talks directly of romantic love between two people, At Canas Wedding is a sweet and romantic song that’s not too difficult to sing – a great accompaniment for any moment during your wedding.

By Vows of Love Together Bound

Another romantic hymn that extols the virtues of marriage and love, By Vows of Love Together Bound is a popular choice for weddings – particularly the moment where the bride and groom walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

An evocative hymn that’s particularly popular at weddings with connections to the Armed Forces, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace is a devoted ode to peace and love that sets the perfect tone for the start of your married life.

Morning Has Broken

A sweet, inspiring hymn that evokes thoughts of fresh starts and new life, this hymn is a great choice for brides and grooms embarking on their journey together. It’s also available as a popular cover by Cat Stevens for those who want a more contemporary touch.

There are many important choices you’ll need to make in the run up to your wedding – what clothes to wear, where to get married, what catering to choose for your guests – but one of the decisions you need to make that’s sure to have a lasting impression on your memories of your special day is what song you choose to dance to for the first time as man and wife. To help you in this difficult decision, we’ve taken some time to put together this list of some of the top wedding songs chosen by couples getting married in the UK.

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

An instantly recognisable hit, this fun party classic has been a popular wedding tune for years. A great one for couples who want an alternative to slower, more traditional wedding songs, this track is sure to get your guests on the dance floor and kick the party off in style.

White Wedding – Billy Idol

Another non-traditional wedding track that nonetheless appears on many wedding playlists year after year is this seminal song from rock musician Billy Idol – a popular choice for brides and grooms looking for something quirky and fun for their first dance.

Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler

A song choice that’s slower and more suited to a traditional, romantic first dance, Total Eclipse of the Heart still carries just the right degree of nostalgia and cult charm to make it a great wedding choice for couples who want the best of both worlds.

Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John

A great choice for weddings that will have plenty of younger guests attending, this track is instantly recognisable to many children from the film ‘Lion King’ while still remaining adult and romantic enough for the perfect first dance.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder

Many couples want something a little more unusual for their first dance, and this soul classic from Stevie Wonder is a great choice that’s sure to have guests from all generations joining in the fun.

Eternal Flame – The Bangles

A classic love song and ballad, this timeless offering from the Bangles will be instantly recognised by your guests – a great choice for couples that fancy inspiring a mass sing-along with their first dance.

Crazy In Love – Beyonce

Of course, some couples want a more modern track for their first dance, and Crazy In Love delivers with its addictive hook and strong, empowering female vocals.

Everything I Do (I Do It For You) – Bryan Adams

Some couples just want a fun, cheesy classic for their first dance – and what better choice than Everything I Do, the popular soft rock power ballad that remained at the top of the UK Singles Chart for sixteen consecutive weeks.

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

A blast from the past that’s still well known enough in 2014 to be an excellent choice for a wedding dance, Al Green’s amazing vocal range and funky beats makes this a choice that goes down well with guests from all generations.

PS I Love You – The Beatles

All the previous tracks a bit too modern for you? To add a real vintage feel to your wedding day, why not choose this classic love song by the Beatles? A simple choice that provides an elegant, understated backdrop to your first dance, it’s a great track for couples who want to get back to basics.