Choosing a DJ or musician for your big day is mega important to ensuring you and your guests have an unforgettable time. Whether you have a solo cocktail singer or a 10-piece jazz band, these are our top tips to remember.
Research
Look into what you can afford in your budget and what sort of music you want as a couple. Before you set your heart on your favourite local band to play at your wedding, research into all other options before pinning your hopes on one idea. Always have a plan B too, incase the vendor you ask is not available. It is also crucial to clarify if the DJ or musicians hold public liability insurance and all of their electrical equipment is certified – if not, this could cause big problems on the day, and most venues ask for music vendors to confirm this before they are allowed to play.
Consider Your Venue
A solo singer may get lost in a huge venue, but if you’re having an intimate drinks reception outdoors then a single musician would suit this. Think about the size of your venue, how much room you can afford to reserve for musicians, and how many guests there will be listening at one time.
Hear Them In Person Beforehand
Before booking anyone, be sure to meet them and hear them play in person. This will help you determine whether they are the right fit for your special day. Ask them for any upcoming gig dates or wedding exhibitions they may be playing at and make the effort to go and see them. You can also chat to them about your expectations and requirements for your special day to make sure they are a good match.
Always Soundcheck
It’s super important to ask your musicians to get to the venue early to set up and have a full soundcheck before any of your guests arrive. Your attendees will hate standing around listening to instruments being tuned, so make sure your musicians are ready well in advance of any arrivals. Ensure there is plenty of power supply too, so there’s no sudden power cut halfway through your first dance!
Playlist Do’s and Dont’s
Ask your music vendor for a full list of their repertoire and with your partner choose which songs you want to cut. This is to avoid cringey moments when a song is played that reminds you of your ex! Also make a note of your favourite songs from the list so your musician or DJ knows your ‘must-play’ requests. If your special song is not included in their repertoire, see if your musicians can learn it especially for you!
Consider Your Guests
You and your husband-to-be may love rocking out to heavy anthems, but remember to compromise. If there are a lot of older relatives at your wedding, throwing in a few 60’s numbers will make their night – and it could be a lot of fun for all involved! Also ask to keep the song choices censored for any young guests that will be attending.
Think Carefully About Your First Dance Song
A first dance can be awkward, especially if you’re not that great on your feet, so don’t choose a super long track. It is, of course, your special moment – however four minutes of swaying back and forth can be tiresome for your guests after they have initially smiled and taken a photo. Choose a song that is special, but will also get everyone involved by the end so all of your guests can enjoy it as much as the two of you.
Noise Levels
Check with your venue about any noise limitations and the time when loud music has to cease. Relay this back to your musicians or DJ so they know how much time they have, and can fit in all the requests and encores thrown at them! Have a think where the speakers are too, so you don’t place someone with sensitive hearing in the loudest part of the room.
After the most perfect proposal and receiving the engagement ring of your dreams, finding a wedding band to match will take some time. Consider these tips before you start to shop…
What’s Your Style?
Are you a platinum woman, or will a warm gold suit your skin tone? Have a think about what metals you like and if you’d like something detailed or simple. Consider if you want your band engraved, heavily embellished or finished with glitzy gemstones before you start ring shopping, so you can put more of your efforts into the style you like. And if you’re not at all sure what type of ring you want, start dreaming! Take inspiration from Pinterest and other sharing sites that might give you a few ideas of what ring would suit you.
To Match Or Not To Match?
Do you want your wedding band to match your engagement ring, or just complement it? Would you like you and your husband to- be’s bands to match metals, or take on your own unique styles? Now is the time to answer all of these questions, but don’t be afraid to take a different stride. You and your partner’s rings could entwine two different metals to represent your individual personalities, meaning you could always have them connected to you on your finger. How romantic!
Budget, Budget, Budget!
Just like any other part of your wedding planning, you will need a budget. You might want to research a little into how much your dream ring might cost, before creating an unrealistic budget and being disappointed. Set aside enough of your wedding funds to go towards a ring that you love as you will be wearing it for a long time to come. Take into consideration how much it will be to insure your ring too.
Lifestyle Choices
Ponder your day-to-day lifestyle before committing to a specific ring. Certain metals will be better for different people, so if you’re always on the go and want your ring to feel extra durable, go for platinum and avoid stones that may fall out or get dirty. Or if you’re someone who uses their hands a lot and wants a ‘comfort’ choice, try a flatter band with more rounded edges so your ring slips into your life with ease.
Make Sure It Really Fits
Throughout all the seasons of the year and among having children and many different exercise regimes, your ring will experience it all. But you will need to make sure it’s sized right in the first place so it can be comfortable during all of these situations. Your fingers will expand and slim down depending on the weather and also your weight, so go and try on your ring on different days or in different heats so you can work out what size will be most comfortable for you the majority of the time.
Think Ahead
Most people wear their wedding bands all day, every day for 50+ years. So when choosing your dream ring, you will need to consider if you’ll still like it in years to come. Following the latest jewellery trends can be a great place to start, especially when it comes to finding inspiration. If you do so, however, take into consideration that these styles may become less popular over time. Just make sure you are in love with them regardless. Choose a ring because you have fallen in love with it, not just because your friends love it at the time. Also, don’t forget to get it insured!
Don’t Forget The Upkeep Of Your Ring
After all the time you will spend wearing your ring, don’t expect to have it looking totally sparkling year upon year without any maintenance. Embellishments, gemstones and engraved rings will take more work to make them look new again, so research into what you can do to keep them clean. (And if you’re not sure you can commit, ask your jeweller about what type of wedding bands are low maintenance!)
Bridebook Business‘ aim is simple: we want to make sure that your Business profile is seen and matched with as many of our happy couples as possible.
Our Venue and Supplier search is one of the fastest growing functions on Bridebook, having increased by 700% since the start of the year! To meet this high demand, the Bridebook team have been working on Business Account updates that will not only improve your SEO and increase profile load speed but also benefit your business overall.
5 Bridebook Business Account Updates That Will Benefit Your Wedding Business.
1. Network builder: Add and support the fellow Venues and Suppliers you love working with to your Bridebook network. This help couples when deciding their wedding team, as they will know who you have worked with previously and that you are confident in their skill and professionalism. It also shows that you have a high level of industry knowledge and backing, which is paramount to your wedding business success.
2.Review capability: Couples, guests and recommended suppliers are now able to share their feedback on your services. Why not share your Bridebook profile link with past couples and on social media to gather feedback and praise.
3.Venue Styling tags: Select the styling tags that best describe your venue. By doing this you improve the relevance of search by couples, helping you to specify your target audience.
4.Improved usability and photo uploading: Drag and drop multiple photos into your business account and move them around with ease. Remember to set your most enticing business photo as your profile thumbnail, as this is the photo that couples will see first.
5. (Coming soon!) ‘As Featured On…’ Personalised Bridebook Business Badges For Your Website: Build your industry reputation by showcasing your Bridebook profile to potential couples with your personalised badge. Want to be the first to receive your exclusive Bridebook badge? Email [email protected] with the subject title ‘Badge me’.
Over to you!
To update your Bridebook profile, log in to your Business Account HERE. Once updated, you will instantly increase your profile searchability and are able to connect with our community of 40,000 couples. In short, spend a little time adding all the photos, videos, and information you love about your business, and we will show off your business for you!
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and marketing your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Who can I contact for help?
For any questions about your Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on suppliers.bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!
Supplier Stories is an original Bridebook Business article series, which will go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.
Whether the ‘story’ is that of a venue owner, photographer, cake designer or anyone who is involved in the big day, we strive to recognise the devotion and skill that goes into piecing together one of the most memorable days in 2 people’s lives. These Supplier Stories will take a look into the individual’s experience and the industry as a whole, as well as a true story in itself that is most definitely worth celebrating.
Blushing Cook’s Story:
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Blushing Cook Sammi-Jo Gascoyne. A true artist, Sammi combines outstanding and contemporary baking skills with stunning decoration, using fresh flowers to make natural, delicate and eye-popping wedding cakes. After working for Michelin star chefs and award-winning bespoke cake companies, Sammi is now embracing her own vision and is definitely one to watch! So without further ado, over to Sammi!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am obsessed with anything floral. Floral prints, flower markets, growing flowers on my balcony and my flowery Doc Martens which I wear everywhere. I love cooking, simple delicious food and finding new places to sample other people’s hard work and talents.
I am also a huge Sausage Dog fan! Being a cake maker makes that hard to have one, but my family have 7 so I sneak back there for cuddles!
2. Share your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I was always very creative. When I left school I was offered a place at university to study Fine Art and suddenly realised that as much as I loved art, I loved food and I wanted to cook. I started working as a pastry chef and after a few years, I went to train at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. I have worked for various cake companies, including Peggy Porschen. I set up Blushing Cook last year as a new venture with the intention to create natural, delicious and beautifully decorated cakes, combining all the skills I had learnt through the duration of my training as well as my love for botany.
3. What drew you to the wedding world?
For myself, the most important element of cooking anything is bringing happiness to other people, however momentary it is. I love the idea that I am responsible for probably the most important cake of two people’s lives. I still feel the same adrenaline delivering a cake now that I did on my first delivery.
4. What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?
I went to a beautiful wedding in Tuscany last year. Two school friends got married there and the views were spectacular, the food delicious and the Negronis flowing. They were childhood sweethearts and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room through the speeches. I made them some wedding favour biscuits with edible flowers as their wedding gift as I couldn’t get a cake to Tuscany that easily, so it was lovely to be a part of it somehow.
5. What’s your favourite wedding memory?
Running across a room full of people stopping my friends from toppling their cake over after trying to slice it with a sword very precariously, looking completely bonkers myself!
6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?
I think that traditions are changing and people are very often funding their own weddings. They don’t want to spend fortunes on an unnecessary thing, so I try my hardest to make my cakes affordable as I can without compromising the quality, as I am very particular about my work (which is usually why I am awake at 2am decorating cakes!).
7. What trends are you seeing in the industry?
People are definitely favouring a more natural approach to cakes. I use Italian Meringue Buttercream instead of the traditional fondant or Royal Icing and people seem to love it. I also use fresh flowers and my clients are more than happy to have these as opposed to the traditional sugar ones.
8. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
People know what they want! Pinterest boards and screen shots are so helpful to me when a couple are describing what they want. It’s an amazing platform for advertising and you can plan your wedding on your commute to work – it’s fantastic.
9. What do you think makes Blushing Cook unique?
For myself, the taste of the cake is just as important as how it looks. I have had so many people comment that they didn’t normally like cake, but they loved mine. I try not to make it too sweet and always moist and fluffy. My approach to my relationship with clients is to imagine I was ordering a cake. I want them to trust me and my product. I love meeting new people, often we get distracted from cake discussions and end up discussing their new puppy or something silly. I stay in contact with lots of my clients and I love to hear that they were happy with their cake.
10.What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Fun and laughter! You can have the most amazing setting but the most important factor for myself is that everyone feels relaxed and enjoys themselves …. and delicious CAKE of course!
11. What do you love about Bridebook?
I think Bridebook is fantastic. It’s so easy to use and such a great way for people to find exactly what they are looking for. It’s always one step ahead with their knowledge of suppliers and if I was planning a wedding it would be the first place I would look for everything and anything, which is the beauty of it – it covers everything!
A huge thank you to Sammi for sharing her supplier story. Check out Sammi’s beautiful Blushing Cook’s cake designs in her Bridebook profile.
Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].
Supplier Stories is an original Bridebook Business article series, which will go behind-the-scenes and into the wedding world through those that know it best – the experienced and talented venues and suppliers across the UK.
Whether the ‘story’ is that of a venue owner, photographer, cake designer or anyone who is involved in the big day, we strive to recognise the devotion and skill that goes into piecing together one of the most memorable days in 2 people’s lives. These Supplier Stories will take a look into the individual’s experience and the industry as a whole, as well as a true story in itself that is most definitely worth celebrating.
Blushing Cook’s Story:
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Blushing Cook Sammi-Jo Gascoyne. A true artist, Sammi combines outstanding and contemporary baking skills with stunning decoration, using fresh flowers to make natural, delicate and eye-popping wedding cakes. After working for Michelin star chefs and award-winning bespoke cake companies, Sammi is now embracing her own vision and is definitely one to watch! So without further ado, over to Sammi!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am obsessed with anything floral. Floral prints, flower markets, growing flowers on my balcony and my flowery Doc Martens which I wear everywhere. I love cooking, simple delicious food and finding new places to sample other people’s hard work and talents.
I am also a huge Sausage Dog fan! Being a cake maker makes that hard to have one, but my family have 7 so I sneak back there for cuddles!
2. Share your story? How did you get to where you are today?
I was always very creative. When I left school I was offered a place at university to study Fine Art and suddenly realised that as much as I loved art, I loved food and I wanted to cook. I started working as a pastry chef and after a few years I went to train at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School. I have worked for various cake companies, including Peggy Porschen. I set up Blushing Cook last year as a new venture with the intention to create natural, delicious and beautifully decorated cakes, combining all the skills I had learnt through the duration of my training as well as my love for botany.
3. What drew you to the wedding world?
For myself, the most important element of cooking anything is bringing happiness to other people, however momentary it is. I love the idea that I am responsible for probably the most important cake of two people’s lives. I still feel the same adrenaline delivering a cake now that I did on my first delivery.
4. What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve attended?
I went to a beautiful wedding in Tuscany last year. Two school friends got married there and the views were spectacular, the food delicious and the Negronis flowing. They were childhood sweethearts and I don’t think there was dry eye in the room through the speeches. I made them some wedding favour biscuits with edible flowers as their wedding gift as I couldn’t get a cake to Tuscany that easily, so it was lovely to be a part of it somehow.
5. What’s your favourite wedding memory?
Running across a room full of people stopping my friends from toppling their cake over after trying to slice it with a sword very precariously, looking completely bonkers myself!
6. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the wedding industry currently?
I think that traditions are changing and people are very often funding their own weddings. They don’t want to spend fortunes on unnecessary thing, so I try my hardest to make my cakes affordable as I can without compromising the quality, as I am very particular about my work (which is usually why I am awake at 2am decorating cakes!).
7. What trends are you seeing in the industry?
People are definitely favouring a more natural approach to cakes. I use Italian Meringue Buttercream instead of the traditional fondant or Royal Icing and people seem to love it. I also use fresh flowers and my clients are more than happy to have these as opposed to the traditional sugar ones.
8. How do you feel technology is changing the industry?
People know what they want! Pinterest boards and screen shots are so helpful to me when a couple are describing what they want. It’s an amazing platform for advertising and you can plan your wedding on your commute to work – it’s fantastic.
9. What do you think makes Blushing Cook unique?
For myself, the taste of the cake is just as important as how it looks. I have had so many people comment that they didn’t normally like cake, but they loved mine. I try not to make it too sweet and always moist and fluffy. My approach to my relationship with clients is to imagine I was ordering a cake. I want them to trust me and my product. I love meeting new people, often we get distracted from cake discussions and end up discussing their new puppy or something silly. I stay in contact with lots of my clients and I love to hear that they were happy with their cake.
10.What do you think makes for the perfect wedding?
Fun and laughter! You can have the most amazing setting but the most important factor for myself is that everyone feels relaxed and enjoys themselves …. and delicious CAKE of course!
11. What do you love about Bridebook?
I think Bridebook is fantastic. It’s so easy to use and such a great way for people to find exactly what they are looking for. It’s always one step ahead with their knowledge of suppliers and if I was planning a wedding it would be the first place I would look for everything and anything, which is the beauty of it – it covers everything!
A huge thank you to Sammi for sharing her supplier story. Check out Sammi’s beautiful Blushing Cook’s cake designs in her Bridebook profile.
Want to feature in your own Supplier Story? Get in touch with Beth at [email protected].
On your wedding day, you’ll be surrounded by your friends and family. Among them, your bridesmaids will be some of the closest allies and will have a key role to play not just in the wedding itself, but as part of the build-up as well.
But, when it comes to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for, how do you know who picks up the bill? Is it you, your family, or your bridesmaids themselves?
Your bridesmaids will do a lot to support you already, and as tough as it is to talk about costs, it’s a must. Establish from the beginning what they’re responsible for and what you’ll be covering for them. Then hopefully that’ll mean there are no awkward arguments during the lead-up to your wedding.
But, how do you know who pays for what? What are the traditions and the unwritten rules about what you should pay for and what your bridesmaids should pay for themselves? In this post, we’re going to explore exactly that, including who should pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, who pays for the hen do, and what else you should be aware of as your big day approaches.
One of the most difficult subjects to talk about with your bridesmaids is who pays for their dresses. Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones who pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses. However, it’s becoming increasingly more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses.
It’s also traditional for each of the bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, which will complement the bride’s beautiful dress. But, it’s also becoming more popular for each of the bridesmaids to wear a different dress, but one that usually sticks closely to the theme or colour scheme of the wedding.
Of course, this does depend on the costs involved. If the dress you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear comes with a high price tag, it’d be unfair of you to expect them to pay, so you’d probably want to foot the bill on that occasion.
Whatever you choose to do, or whatever your budget allows you to do, just make sure you’re open and honest with your bridesmaids at all times. If you’re asking them to pay, give them as much notice as possible, so they’ll have a long time to save. Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dresses is relatively common, but it’s important to give them plenty of time to afford it. Saving for a £200 dress is a much easier task if your wedding is two years away compared to just a couple of months.
While many brides and their families offer to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, it’s not as common to offer to pay for their shoes. Shoes may be a part of their outfit, but there’s usually far more flexibility when it comes to footwear than the dress. So, this will often be something the bridesmaids pay for, whether it’s flats, heels or wedges.
Who pays for the bridesmaids’ accessories?
Similar to the shoes, it’s usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids themselves to pay for any accessories they might want to wear, such as any jewellery or bags.
The cost of bridesmaids’ dresses can vary hugely depending on whether you choose to buy dresses from a wedding boutique or a high street retailer. Neither is the right answer – both offer wonderful dresses – it just depends on your style, taste and budget.
Specialist bridal shops that also sell bridesmaid’s dresses, such as The Bride’s Wardrobe and Cherished Wedding Boutique, have ranges that suit a variety of budgets, with prices starting from around £200.
High street retailers such as M&S offer a great selection of affordable bridesmaids’ dresses, with prices ranging between £75 and £250. There’s also the option to rent, although this isn’t quite as popular with dresses as it is with wedding suits.
What if your bridesmaids can’t afford the dress you want them to wear?
If you’ve asked your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses (which you’re well within your right to do) then you may face an additional challenge: what if your bridesmaids can’t afford it?
If you’re asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dress, then you possibly already knew about their financial situation. Similarly, you hopefully gave them enough of a heads-up so that they could save money for their dress. Even then, you may face the awkward situation where they’re not able to pay for the dress.
If this happens to you, where possible we’d recommend that this is something you try to find a little more budget for, and offer to pay for your bridesmaid’s dress. It wouldn’t be fair on that particular bridesmaid to expect them to pay, especially if it means them getting into debt. The only other option would be to uninvite them from being a part of the bridal party, which will almost certainly cause tension and could damage your relationship with them forever.
It’s a tough situation, and one that’s hard to offer advice on as every situation is different. Just make sure that you let your bridesmaids know they can speak to you about any concerns they have, because you definitely don’t want anyone to feel stressed or anxious because they’re struggling to find the funds to pay for their dress.
Often, your bridesmaids will cover the costs of arranging your hen party, such as travel, accommodation and activities. But, expect to pay for a few drinks for your hens along the way.
The only exception to this is if you’ve had a heavy hand in the planning process. It would be unfair to expect your hens to pay for a long weekend to Prague – especially if you were the one to suggest it. Travel can be pricey, and not all of your bridesmaids will be in a position to pay for additional costs, especially if they’re not exactly cheap to begin with.
Cheat sheet to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for
If you’re in a rush, check out the below quick reference cheat sheet for everything you need to know about what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for:
What you bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for: quick reference cheat sheet
Complete list of what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for
Check out our below guide to discover what you might ask your bridesmaids to pay for. Just remember, every wedding is unique – just like your bridesmaids – so these aren’t strict rules that you should stick to.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Your bridesmaids should pay for their own shoes and accessories. However, a great gift to thank your bridesmaids for being a part of your big day would be a token piece of jewellery that they can wear on the day.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Hen party costs are also up to the bridal party – they can split this between them and still give you the best pre-wedding party of your life. The only caveat to this is if you have ambitious plans, such as a trip to Europe or something else on the pricier side.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Travel and accommodation associated with your big day are the duty of your bridesmaids to organise and pay for. However, you could help them out by booking a block of rooms at a discount price, or if your venue is far away, you could arrange for a large group of you to travel together to cut down the cost.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
If your bridesmaid chooses to give you a wedding gift (and they may not as they’ve already spent a lot of money and effort on your wedding) the cost is up to them. It may only be something small, but it will be a lovely keepsake to mark them accompanying you on your big day.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Aside from any welcome drinks and wine/fizz with meals, unless you’re offering an open bar your bridesmaids will expect to pay for their own drinks, particularly as the evening reception begins.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
The bride is expected to pay for any floral accessories and the bouquets being held by the bridesmaids. Don’t forget about any extras, like corsages.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
If you choose to have your bridal party stay with you in your hotel suite on the eve of your wedding, that’s your responsibility and you should cover the cost of this.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
Transportation on your wedding day is also up to the bride and her family to pay for. Your bridesmaids will have enough to think about on the day, so do them a favour and arrange how they’ll get from the altar to the reception. You could save these costs by having the ceremony and reception at the same location.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
This one almost goes without saying, but your bridesmaids shouldn’t have to pay for any food on the big day. This includes any pre-ceremony food as you get ready, such as salmon and scrambled eggs and a cheeky glass of Buck’s fizz.
What about the grey areas?
As we’ve already highlighted, it’s entirely up to you and your budget to decide whether or not you offer to pay for your bridesmaids’ dresses. If you’re expecting your bridesmaids to wear a dress that’s on the pricier side, then this is something you should probably offer to pay for. One of the unofficial rules is that if you’re giving your bridesmaids certain ‘rules’ they have to stick to, then that usually means it’s something you should pick up the bill for.
Hair and makeup is another tricky one. If you’re not that fussed and want to save some pennies, ask them to do their own hair and makeup (they will look stunning anyway). However, if you specifically want a glamorous or particular look for your bridesmaids, you will have to pay for a professional. Your chosen hair and makeup artist can probably offer you a deal if they’re looking after several people in your wedding party. Read our post on the cost of wedding beauty for more information.
Alternatively, if your bridesmaids are being a little diva-ish and want to hire a professional without your requesting it, they’re probably better off picking up the cost – or you could split the bill in goodwill to keep them sweet. Remember, your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so make sure you’re happy with the final looks.
The most important thing you can do is keep money talk open and honest. Talking about money can be difficult at the best of times, but doubly so when you’re asking someone to spend some of their own hard-earned cash. As soon as you know your plans, communicate them to your bridal party so they know exactly what’s expected of them and how much they’re going to have to save.
Evening Standard columnist and wedding planning expert Hamish Shephard has the following advice: “Asking someone else to spend money on your wedding can be a difficult subject to bring up. The best thing you can do is to just be honest. In the UK, the average cost of a wedding is £19,184, which can sharply rise if you have to buy dresses for three or four bridesmaids.
If necessary, be prepared to compromise. You might be spending a lot of money on your wedding, but that doesn’t mean your bridesmaids don’t have financial concerns or commitments of their own. Before you ask them to pay for their own dresses, try to be sympathetic to their financial situation. The more open and transparent you are, and the more time you give your bridesmaids to save, the easier the conversation will be.“
For more expert insights from Hamish Shephard, check out his recent feature on the Financial Times’ Money Clinic podcast, which covers the high cost of being a wedding guest, and how both guests and couples can approach the subject of money And for tips and tricks on saving some cash, read our guide to saving money on bridesmaid dresses.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools and expertise you need to plan your big day. Want to find the perfect dresses for your big day? Look no further! We’ve got hundreds of boutiques to choose from that can provide both wedding and bridesmaid dresses.
In order to succeed in the highly competitive wedding industry, it is important to attract regular attention that will increase your popularity. For many couples, experience and understanding equals professionalism, and self-promotion is one of the most effective methods to advertise this.
Couples always want the best. Tell them why you are just that.
When organising their wedding, couples want nothing but the very best, often seeking recommendations through friends and family in order to find the most outstanding wedding venues and suppliers. In the absence of personal advice, however, couples will begin to search elsewhere. This is why it is important to build an excellent repertoire highlighting experience, expertise and professional knowledge.
External confirmation, in any of its forms, not only gives couples a greater peace of mind but also helps boost business exposure. When buying a product, we all want that added sense of security, and to know that ‘it’ actually works as advertised. And the same thing goes when couples are deciding on their wedding team; if they can see real life reviews and official associates, they are much more likely to consider you!
Here are Bridebook Business’ Top Tips for Self Promotion:
Build your network and recommend fellow suppliers.
If you have previous experience working alongside other suppliers, be sure to include this on your website and social media profiles, especially if they are an established name. This can help to offer reassurance to couples, as if they have the knowledge that things have gone smoothly before, they will be more encouraged to consider you as a potential wedding supplier. Constructing strong relationships with fellow suppliers is crucial to building out your network, which will almost certainly prove useful one day in the future.
Reviews & Testimonials From Past Clients
Having a valid and relevant set of client reviews can provide customers with an added sense of security and verifies that what you and your business offers, is genuine. The Wedding Report 2017 revealed that couples on average read 7.6 reviews before making a booking. It is the second most relied upon source of feedback (friends and family recommendation being the first) and is, therefore, invaluable to your business. Bridebook provides a space for couples, guests and family members to share their feedback following a wedding. You know you’ve done a good job, so be confident and ask your couples to share the reasons why.
Social Media
Social media is now the most effective platform in order to successfully promote your business. No matter what your business size or status, never hesitate to tell the world about your skills and services. Sometimes it can just be about the basics and the more often you get your name out there, the greater your presence in the wedding industry will become. Signing up to the most popular social media outlets including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest will really help you to gradually increase your exposure, but it is important to find the most appropriate channel for your business. For example, Instagram is all about image sharing so may therefore be best utilised by photographers. Venue suppliers on the other hand may find greater reward from maximising Facebook; where they can formulate longer posts, including information on location and available dates.
Blogs
Wedding blogs are a particularly useful source for couples, helping with inspiration and also as a means to find valid recommendations; repetition fundamentally leading to familiarity. To begin with, conduct a detailed web search into the most popular online wedding blogs, and furthermore, wherever possible get in contact with ‘Real Weddings’ editors. Always remember however that it remains crucial when making a submission to tailor your wedding stories to each individual blog’s tone and style. If you show a willingness to comply with certain standards, there is a greater chance you will be chosen to feature.
Awards
Wedding awards can be organised locally, nationally and internationally, making them crucial (and fun) to get involved in where possible. Do your research and nominate yourself for those that are relevant to your business. To further increase votes make sure to ask all of your past clients for their support and also encourage them to mention the awards to their friends and family too. Don’t be shy! And of course, once you have been shortlisted, or if you are even lucky enough to win, be sure to showcase this sufficiently, including on your website and social media pages. Also, don’t forget about the yearly Bridebook awards, where finals are judged by both our team here, and also top wedding industry names. It really will help to bring a positive recognition to your brand!
Show off your credentials
When building a company profile, many professionals forget to include a list of previous credentials and accreditations. This is so important since it provides further information about your experience and expertise. When advertising work in the wedding industry, it is important to remember that you are selling services that are extremely competitive; therefore it is important to include elements that make you stand out. Simply list your relevant qualifications just like you would include them on a CV, mentioning your school, university and past employers to add validity.
Bridebook Business Handy Hints: To get things started, maybe take some of the comments from your website and social media platforms or even perhaps use feedback from past clients and add them to the Testimonials section in your Bridebook Business Account.
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and market your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Who can I contact for help?
For any questions about Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on Bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!
In any wedding, the couple are always, of course, the two most central characters of a wedding. But you, the venue and suppliers, the behind the scenes professionals, are what bring that magic together. Without your continued dedication and skill, it would be near impossible for any big day to become a reality.
Bridebook Business Is Here To Help!
Here at Bridebook.co.uk, we recognise and understand the pressures involved, not only on the wedding day itself but everything that allows you to be a part of that day, including the promoting your business and finding business leads. So we’re here to help. By offering you relevant and industry led advice, our aim is to provide you with the information you need to boost your marketing confidence and increase your presence in the UK’s wedding industry.
Build your confidence and promote your business on these top wedding channels:
Pinterest: Weddings are all about the visual. Virtual pinboards are a very effective planning tool for brides to be. Explore how Pinterest could help your business.
YouTube: Not just the home to funny videos of cats, YouTube is the second largest search engine with more than 3 billion searches a month. Could uploading regular content help to showcase your services?
Instagram: Over 20% of the world’s internet users now have an Instagram account and is for many people a visual diary. Could this powerful social media platform offer potential inspiration for your customers?
LinkedIn: LinkedIn can help to nurture relationships with fellow suppliers, while showcasing your own talent.
Email Marketing: Email may seem slightly outdated when compared to more modern social media platforms. However, it can be still incredibly effective when proving your work ethic to any potential customers.
Copywriting: Without fun and engaging content featured on your website or blog, it may be difficult to effectively communicate your business purpose.
Self-Promotion:Confidence is essential when building a business network.
Word of Mouth: Friends and family really enjoy a good gossip. How can a solid repertoire of clientele help to promote your business?
Finally, always make sure to keep your Business Account up to date with the most recent news and updates from your business. You can do this by going to business.bridebook.co.uk and selecting log in.
Want more tips and tricks as to how to grow and marketing your business? Like the Bridebook Business Facebook Page and receive weekly updates from industry experts and thought leaders across the UK.
Who can I contact for help?
For any questions about Bridebook Business or your free wedding business account on Bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!
Amidst all the fun and excitement of throwing a wedding party, there lurks a more serious, stressful side. As the angst sets in, even the most grounded Bride and Groom can end up wanting to run for the hills, and no more so, than on the big day itself.
As a venue manager or supplier, getting a nervous bride down to the ceremony room and ready to walk down the aisle, on time, and in a fit emotional state can be difficult. Calming the groom so he can enjoy the wedding breakfast, without worrying about making his speech, is equally demanding.
MindMarriage has put together some incredibly insightful tips for how to help calm and guide a couple through some of the more stressful periods, helping to make both their and your experience that much smoother.
How You Can Help
As a venue manager, getting a nervous bride down to the ceremony room and ready to walk down the aisle, on time, and in a fit emotional state can be difficult. Calming the groom so he can enjoy the wedding breakfast, without worrying about making his speech, is equally demanding.
Imagine if you had the power to help. That by using some simple words, you could easily help the bride or groom feel calmer and more confident. MindMarriage works with hundreds of stressed brides and grooms providing Hypnotherapy before the wedding, and have some top tips for keeping them calm on the day.
You probably don’t believe this could actually work but the truth is that over time we’ve all been subliminally conditioned to accept certain trigger words.
You would never suspect these hypnotic words of being able to dramatically change someone’s state of mind but used consciously and correctly, they can significantly alter thoughts and feelings.
So, what are the magic words?
The Magic Words
“IMAGINE”
By asking your bride or groom to imagine something, you bypass that critical part of the mind that throws up objections, and essentially sneak in through the back door of their mind.
As strange as it may sound, the brain literally cannot tell the difference between imagining reality, and actually experiencing reality. As far as your brain is concerned, there’s no difference between visualising yourself calm and confident walking down the aisle, and actually being calm and confident walking down the aisle!
“YOU”
Words that refer to us are particularly hypnotic as our critical minds take a break when we evaluate ourselves, in comparison to being naturally critical of others.
There’s nothing as stimulating to us, as ourselves! As long as the words are specific to the individual you’re addressing, it’s guaranteed to carry them along in a daze.
For example, a hairstylist or makeup artist, would confirm not just how great the style is, but how great it is on that particular bride, negating their self-doubt.
“BECAUSE…”
Explaining your reasoning before asking a question, significantly influences the decision making.
The word ‘because’ satisfies the brain’s natural search for reasons. So, give your wedding couple a reason to feel calm and it’s more likely they’ll feel calm!
“Everyone is going to have a great time because you’ve planned everything perfectly”.
There are lots of other hypnotic words but these three are particularly powerful.
Now you have some of the tools to ensure that the couples you work with are cool, calm and collected throughout the wedding planning process and your time working together. It’ll be a much more enjoyable experience for the couple and yourselves, and is sure to help your brand stand above the rest!
As the planning stage kicks in and you realise the size of the task ahead of you, amidst all the excitement, anxiety can often kick in.
Some of us worry more than others, and with weddings people worry about all sorts of things: the size of the task, the cost, being the centre of attention, how they will look, making a speech, feeling judged, wanting the day to be perfect, and so on. All absolutely understandable, for this is the biggest day of your life, right?
Mind Marriage is here to remind you that while it’s perfectly natural to feel some elevated stress, there is still a lot you can do to help you manage it and ensure you keep in sight the most important thing – that you’re getting married to your life partner and celebrating your relationship.
How does anxiety affect us?
A surprising amount of people experience anxiety without even realising it. Some of the ways it might manifest itself is by experiencing some of the following:
Lack of enjoyment of the process
Making rash or poor decisions
Not doing things as well as you normally would
Having negative thoughts
Catastrophizing
Feel irritable and/ or short tempered
People who are calm and relaxed generally enjoy the process much more; furthermore they perform better on the day, and have much better memories of the day. Three very good reasons to address those nerves!
You are what you think! Your mind is a very powerful thing and most of us believe that we aren’t in control of our thoughts. But you ARE in control, and you become what you think about. Your mind actually does exactly what it thinks you want it to, and it responds to the words you say and the pictures you make.
So, if you are saying ‘I can’t do this, it’s too much for me, I’m not good at it, I can’t make decisions… .’ your mind will believe this to be the case. It becomes a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy.
However, you can create an image in your mind of how you want to be and tell your mind this is what you want. Tell yourself:
I can do this
I am so good at it
It excites me
I make excellent decisions
I’m loving this
Simply by thinking the right thoughts, you can change the way you feel.
Start imagining your wedding and the planning process the way you want it. Create a picture in your mind and think about that picture. Believe in it.
Try this:
Pick your favourite ‘uplifting’ song, one with positive messages, something like Simply the Best by Tina Turner, We are the Champions, or Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.
Now pin those positive thoughts to your song, and listen to that song every day.
Your mind loves what is familiar! The old negative thoughts and images will become unfamiliar and your mind will banish them! The new, positive thoughts and images will become familiar and your mind will take you towards your goal.
Comment below with any tips or tricks you’ve learnt along the way of how to best manage your stress or anxiety during your planning and big day. Unfortunately, this topic is not nearly addressed enough even though the majority of brides suffer from it. With careful planning, support and the right approaches, your wedding planning and big day can be as enjoyable an experience as you want it to be!
The essence of this morning workout is working on exercises that are fundamental to how we move in everyday life and will help you move more effectively. We will work the whole body as a unit rather than working body segments separately. The end result is a more effective workout with a bigger result for your time and effort.
HOW SHE DOES IT
Perform each move for 60 seconds, rest for 30 seconds between each exercise.
Take two mins rest and repeat the circuit.
GLUTE BRIDGE
Why she does it
This is a fantastic exercise to activate your glutes and improve butt strength as well as teaching you how to extend your hips whilst keeping your core braced.
Strong glutes can help reduce risk of injury by taking the stress off of the lower back and helping with hip function.
The position
Lie on your mat, arms by your sides and legs bent at a 90-degree angle. Your feet are hip width apart and heels rooted to the ground.
How she does it
Engage your abdominals and push down through your heels. Squeeze your glutes to extend the hips so your pelvis comes into one straight line.
Hold at the top for a count of two keeping the glutes engaged before releasing and lowering back to the ground.
Be mindful
Don’t just throw yourself up as this will simply send you into excessive lumbar extension, move through the movement carefully.
SQUAT
Why she does it
The squat is a fundamental exercise that everyone should be doing and is able to do. They challenge strength, mobility, balance, and flexibility in your hips and ankles which all translates into helping your body move more effectively. You will primarily be working your butt, legs and abdominals.
The Position
Stand with feet firmly planted on the floor about shoulder width apart, toes slightly turned out. With your hands clasped in front of your chest, gaze forwards, back straight, chest proud.
How she does it
Ground down through you’re heels as you sit your hips backwards allowing your knees to push outwards in line with your toes as your butt lowers just below parallel.
Be Mindful
Do not let your knees collapse inwards. You can always reduce your range of movement as you work on your technique.
PRESS UP
Why she does it
If you thought the press up was just a chest, shoulder and arms exercise, then think again. Done properly, the butt, abdominals, back and legs play a key part to the press up and developing coordinated strength.
The position
In full plank position, shoulders are in line with wrists and feet together. Firm your thighs, locking out the knees, and drawing your legs together. Squeeze your butt tight and draw your abdominal in creating a strong, solid body.
How she does it
Keeping your body solid from head to toe in the plank position, slowly lower your body all the way to the floor. Once your chest is on the ground you have two options.
Keeping the thighs firm, buttocks tight and abdominals engaged, push down through your feet and hands and return to plank position.
If you can’t push yourself up from the bottom of the pushup, that is okay, just return to the top with your knees on the ground.
Be Mindful
If the lowering phase in full plank is difficult then it’s perfectly ok to perform the movement on your knees, slowly lower and return.
CRAWLS
Why she does it
This exercise integrates your whole body whilst challenges the nervous system to learn new movement patterns and proprioception (awareness of your body in space). From an aesthetic point of view this one really works your core and is great for working the upper body too.
The Position
Come onto all fours with your knees just forwards of your hips. Your knees hover 2 inches max off the floor. Spine is neutral and gaze down.
How she does it
Purposefully crawl your left hand and right foot forwards working in unison (lifting and placing the hand and foot at the same time). As your crawl, keep the movement purposeful and try not to extend the gap between the hands and feet.
Take 4 steps forwards and 4 steps backwards, repeat x 10
Be Mindful
Keep your knees close to the floor throughout the movement.
PLANK TOUCHES
Why she does it
I love this variation on the plank as it’ really focusing on body awareness, engaging the mind and physical body. You will work your core whilst challenging co-ordination and balance.
The Postion
Come into a full plank position on your hands and feet. Your gaze is down and abdominals engaged.
How she does it
Focus on rooting down through the non-moving hand and foot. Engage your abdominals as you move opposite elbow to knee and return under control
Be mindful
As you move, focus on keeping your hips as still as you can and keep the movement precise and controlled.
STEP UP WITH KNEE LIFT
Why she does it
This exercise is excellent for strengthening the glutes and legs whilst boosting your metabolism.
The Position
Stand in front of a step/bench, with the left foot firmly on top. Your spine is straight and hands clasped in front of your chest.
How she does it
Root down through your left heel and focus on “firing” the left glut as you step yourself up to stand tall, bringing the right knee towards the chest.
Return the right leg slowly to the start position, keeping the movement slow and controlled.
Be Mindful
If you’re struggling with balance, then step the right foot onto the bench rather than taking the knee to the chest.
With over 40% of engagements happening between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, the UK will be seeing Save the Dates and engagement party invitations flying across the country left right and centre. If you’re one of the lucky many to be sending Save the Dates then congratulations! But don’t let preparations daunt you: in perfect addition to our free wedding planning tools, our incredible stationery experts at Paperless Post have all you need for smart and easy wedding announcements – perfect for today’s couples who move faster than the Royal Mail. So what are you waiting for? Start sending those Save the Dates! You won’t believe how good it feels…
Start Spreading the News
Since you got such good tidings over Christmas, now’s the time to share. If you’re feeling especially generous, an engagement party is an ideal way to kick off the many wedding festivities to come. It’s also a great introduction to the convenience, customisability, and ease of our other event invitations. You’ll find options for every style of party—from drinks at home to something more formal—including a few photo invitations with room for spare frames from your engagement shoot.
Make Your First Mark
Your save the dates are the first “official” step in your wedding stationery timeline, so now’s the time to make a stunning first impression. Whether you’re celebrating in a classic mode, trying out something more rustic, or embracing modernity, you’ll be in good hands with options from design stalwarts like Liberty London, contemporary stationers like Rifle Paper Co., or something from our own team of wedding aficionados.
Put It All Together
They’re pretty, of course, but our online save the dates are nothing if not practical. You can track whether your guests have opened them and they’ll collect postal addresses for you, too. (Use that list to order a set of pre-addressed envelopes for your printed invitations, and save yourself the hand-inscribing.) While you shouldn’t start counting heads just yet, this early show of interest will help you start making decisions about your venue, your caterers, and how many paper invitations you’ll need to order.
Date, Set, Match
Even with that bit of pre-planning, we’d still recommend sending out your save the dates approximately 6 months before your wedding day and sending your printed invitations 3 months later. (Eagle-eyed readers will note that that’s 3 months before the big day.) If your venue is farther afield guests will really appreciate the extra time to make transport arrangements, and you’ll be surprised how quickly time flies when you’re planning anyway! We can make the paper stationery simple, of course—many of our save the dates come with matching suites of printed invitations, menus and programs, and couples’ stationery, to carry the theme of your wedding through every event. Whether you opt for flat printing, thermography, letterpress, or engraving, each part of your ceremony is sure to be well-appointed.
Are you in love with Paperless Post’s incredible online and printed invitations as we are? Check out their whole collection of tools and exquisitely designed stationery online today!
Time to plan the most romantic holiday of your life! The Luxury Travel Book share with us their favourite honeymoon destinations. Feast your eyes below!
Remember you can receive 10% off your booking by mentioning Bridebook.
This stunning studio apartment is situated in a quiet side street near the Quai d’Orleans, on the Ile St Louis. With luxurious furnishings, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling French windows, it opens to a balcony which benefits from fabulous views of the Seine, the Left Bank, Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral.
Situated in a great central location in San Marco, just off Campo Santo Stefano, this splendid apartment comes with the advantage of a furnished ‘altana’ roof terrace with spectacular views over the rooftops of Venice. The interiors are of a very high standard and offer the very best of Italian styling, hand-crafted furnishings and luxury fittings.
This ultra-luxurious penthouse spans the top floor of a modern architecturally designed beach house, and situated just across the road from palm-fringed Camps Bay Beach. The property is ideal for romantic couples, with its deck, complete with Jacuzzi and panoramic views of Camps Bay Beach
The village of Oia on Santorini is one of our most romantic honeymoon destinations. Located right on the westernmost point of Santorini, Oia is justifiably famous for its magnificent sunsets and its charming pastel coloured houses, perched on the edge of the cliffs, about 150 metres above sea level. This small Santorini ‘cave’ house has a private cliff-side terrace complete with chromatherapy Jacuzzi tub, set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
Another Oia romantic hideaway, perched on the steep cliffside in a quiet location in Oia town, where the famous caldera views and sunsets can be enjoyed. With typical cave-like whitewashed curves, the property combines the traditional Santorini architecture with the modern comforts, and there is a secluded terrace where guests can relax, looking out over the blue Aegean sea and the volcano.
A stunning apartment in a listed 19th Century building right in the very heart of Seville. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir, it a short walk to the main sights, including the Cathedral, the Reales Alcázares (Royal Palace), and the archive of the Indies. There are magnificent views from the apartment’s two terraces.
A charming villa located at Punta Reginella in the heart of Positano. A lively neighbourhood by day, full of small restaurants and boutiques, it is very quiet at night due to its location, 60 steps below the road which passes through Positano. The main beach of Positano and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which are the heart of the village, are a just few minutes away on foot.
The height of luxury in Cape Town, tucked away in Bantry Bay with spectacular ocean views, yet close to all the attractions of Cape Town. With its exquisite sea view location, dramatic architectural proportions and minimalist decor, this villa is attached to one of the most exclusive small hotels in the world, offering complete privacy and discreet personal service, including the services of a private chef. Guests also have full use of the spa relaxation area with sensation shower, sauna, steam room and jet pool.
Bridebook.co.uk, the free app and website that connects couples with local UK suppliers, are thrilled to bring you the most comprehensive study on UK weddings: The UK Wedding Report 2017!
Together with The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA), Bridebook.co.uk have examined the behaviours and spending habits of nearly 4,000 recently married couples in the UK. We’ve uncovered trends, statistics and average costs based on the real-life answers of UK newlyweds.
Use these learnings to influence your business’s marketing strategy, inform decision-making and ensure your prices are competitive to help you book more weddings in 2017-2018.
Get the most from the report and increase your wedding bookings with Bridebook.co.uk
Haven’t claimed your FREE Bridebook.co.uk profile yet? Visit Bridebook Business to get started!
There are 15,000 registered UK venues and suppliers with free profiles in the Bridebook.co.uk directory. By claiming/creating your free Bridebook.co.uk Business account, and adding all the information you love about your business (inc. photos, details, links to your social media, reviews and more), you are instantly searchable and accessible to our community of 40,000 couples (Top tip: the more information you add, the higher you will appear on search and the more couples will find you).
Once your profile is complete, couples are able to view your business profile and contact you, sending all relevant lead information directly to your inbox – saving you time, and making sure that enquiries received are relevant to you and your business.
How do couples find you on Bridebook.co.uk?
1 in 7 UK couples visit Bridebook.co.uk (and our newly launched iOS app) to plan their weddings with state-of-the-art free personalised wedding planning tools such as Checklist, Budgeter, Guestlist Manager and Advice which keep them on track from day 1 to wedding day. Couples visit Bridebook.co.uk week after week to follow their checklist tasks and search the supplier directory (the largest in the UK) for local providers every step of the way. Couples can filter their searches by location, style and specific offerings they want so they’re connected suppliers that best fit their needs.
Any questions?
For any questions about your free wedding business profile on Bridebook.co.uk, email our friendly supplier success team at [email protected] who always want to hear from you. We look forward to helping make 2017-2018 a fantastic year for your wedding business!
Alright, confession time. There are some of us who may or may not be just a little bit intrigued by celebrity couples. We just can’t help ourselves! So if you’re as guilty of this as some of the Bridebook.co.uk team are, this piece is perfect for you… our top list of duos we’re putting our money on getting engaged in 2017!
And though we may be just a little biased, we’re also convinced they’ll all be planning their weddings on Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s free online wedding planner and app. Because all the smart couples do…
Cheryl Cole & Liam Payne
Photo by Getty Images
With a baby on the way any time soon, this X Factor couple are sure to take things to the next level. Payne is rumoured to have already bought a ring for Cheryl, so it’s only a matter of time before we find the One Direction singer down on one knee.
Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton
Photo from Inquistir
Rumours have surrounded this duo for a while regarding an engagement when Stefani showed off some bling on her left hand last year (supposedly hinting to Shelton about marriage). It seems to have worked, as Blake has been seen jewellery shopping recently – only time will tell!
Katie Holmes & Jamie Foxx
Photo by Getty Images
Having reportedly been secretly dating since 2013 and recently celebrated New Year together in Miami, things are looking serious for Holmes and Foxx. The couple seem like they have a lot in common, both with daughters from previous relationships, so we reckon it won’t be long before it looks like they’ll tie the knot.
Jim Parsons & Todd Spiewak
Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic
November marked the 14th anniversary between the Big Bang Theory star and his partner Todd Spiewak. Parsons continually denies engagement rumours, however Spiewak is said to have wanted to marry for a long time – and with encouragement from Ellen Degeneres during an interview with Parsons, we have high hopes for this pair!
Prince Harry & Megan Markle
Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage
Has the prince finally found his princess? We think so – and it’s in the form of Suits star Megan Markle. They reportedly spent their first Valentine’s Day together this month, hiding away at Kensington Palace. We just want to know when he’ll follow in the footsteps of his brother, and when to expect another royal wedding!
Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom
Photo from Inquistr
Having both moved on from previous marriages, we’re predicting great things for this pair. They’ve been linked since January 2016 and have even sported rather epic couple’s costumes at Hallowe’en, dressing devotedly as Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. They can commit to dressing up, but can they commit to each other? We think marriage is on the cards at some point.
Adele & Simon Konecki
Photo by Getty Images
We all know Adele is great at writing break-up material, but it’s her love songs that hint at a potential engagement – after all, her and boyfriend Simon Konecki have been together for 5 years. They’ve had a son and are now talking about having more children, so are her love songs telling their story? We don’t think it will be long before the singer can expect a proposal.
We analysed survey results from nearly 4,000 couples across the UK and found that the average total wedding costs have reached a new high of £26,989. However, whilst supplier costs are increasing, today’s couples are continually finding new and different ways to save on their weddings.
This year, we’re seeing fewer couples going to the chapel as more couples are holding their ceremony at their venue…which is likely to be aCountry/Manor House, the most popular venue type. When choosing a venue, couples are swayed by stunning views/grounds and friendly staff.Venue managers, take note – couples want beautiful backdrops for their photos!
Venue and catering top the list for supplier costs at £5,819 and £4,747 respectively. With wedding dress, photographer, videography and rings costing upwards of £1,000 each, the wedding budget can max out quickly. But does the average UK couple actually pay this much? The answer is…a reassuring “No!” (You can breath a sigh of relief now.)
From hiring lower-cost DJs to homemade cake, couples are finding ways to save in all aspects of their wedding. Interestingly, almost half of couples are booking weddings on a weekday other than Saturday which can lead to significant price reductions from various wedding day suppliers.
Considering these savings, today’s couple spends an average of £16,842. Want to save even more? Consider getting married in Scotland where the average wedding spend is only £13,683…and avoid expensive London where average wedding spend is £25,450, almost ten grand higher than the national average.
When it comes to wedding planning, mum’s opinion actually counts. While couples enjoy reading reviews (7.6 for each supplier) they lean on mum for her support with 42% couples reporting their mum to be heavily involved in planning. Awwww. (Or Yikes!) They also enjoy visiting wedding fairs, with more than half of couples attending fairs near their homes.
Couples identify the most difficult aspects of wedding planning as managing the guest list, managing the budget and knowing what to do next.Bridebook.co.uk to the rescue! With Bridebook.co.uk’s free Supplier Directory, Guestlist, Budget and Checklist tools, and the newly released iOS app, next year’s couples should find wedding planning a breeze.
After weeks of scouring wedding dress shops and hours of fitting room dramas, we know that ‘the dress’ is important. But choosing your wedding jewellery is just as crucial to give you the perfect look as you walk down the aisle. So before you start your search, be sure to consider these steps first, all from our expert insight here at Bridebook.co.uk
Complement Your Dress
First off, the colour of your jewellery needs to stay in theme with your dress. If you’ve gone for an ivory or champagne shade of gown, gold metal will really set off this style and make you glow. If you’ve chosen a bright white gown, platinum or silver jewellery will enhance your look – or try rose gold metal to complement a dress with soft pink or blush tones.
Find a Skin Match
The same goes for jewellery working with your skin colour. If you are dark-skinned or have an olive complexion, try and find a lighter hue of jewellery that will stand out, perhaps a silver metal. On the other hand, a pale colouring can be complemented by tones of warm golds – but remember to adjust this if you’re planning on getting a tan for your big day! Whilst we are on the topic of skin tones have a read of our article: Nu Bride’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Make-Up Artist for Your Skin Tone.
Hair Accessories
Remember what you’re putting in your hair before you choose what jewellery you’re going to wear on your big day. Think about whether you’re going to sport the veil look, a glitzy tiara, or just using a simple accessory to finish off your hair style. When jewellery shopping, take your hair items with you so you can match metals if need be.
Be Comfortable
On your wedding day, you still need to do ‘you’. So if you don’t normally wear extravagant necklaces and heavy earrings, why do it on the best day of your life? You need to feel confident and comfortable in what you’re wearing, so let it emulate your personality and be yourself!
Oh, the dreaded wedding guest list… Between long lost cousins three times removed and that actually kind of annoying friend you haven’t spoken to in months, even thinking about who to invite can be daunting.
Luckily for you, Bridebook has one of the simplest and most advanced Guest List Tools in the world – and it’s free! As soon as you’ve read these top tips, it’s time to get stuck in. Stressful guest list planning will be a thing of the past.
1. Keep an Eye on Your Budget
You might want everyone and their uncle to be invited to the celebration of the century (and we’re sure they’d want to come!), but you’ve got to think about your wedding budget. How many people can you actually afford? Remember, more guests means finding more space, more food, more favours… and more money. Stick to your budget. It’s as simple as this: if you know you can only afford to invite 100 people… Only invite 100 people!
2. Consider Your Wedding Location
When you choose where to get married, give some thought to your guest list. If your venue is located somewhere closer to home, then it’s more likely more people will be able to attend. If you’re thinking about getting married on the other side of the country (or in a different country altogether!), you’ll need to rethink who it’s realistic to expect at your big day. Will guests be able to afford to travel that far? Can they take the time off work? Will elderly family members still be able to make it? If you haven’t chosen your venue yet, this might be a factor in your decision. If you’re already set on a particular place, have a think about who will actually be able to make it before you invite the masses and potentially get let down.
3. Think About Capacity
After your budget, this is the next big one. At the end of the day, how many people will actually fit in your venue is a pretty hard and fast cap on the size of your guest list. If you’re still looking for your venue, you can use the filters on our Venue Search Tool to find venues that can house the capacity you want. When you visit potential venues and look round the space, double check what they say the capacity is – then reduce it. Remember, you won’t just have guests at your wedding. If the venue says you can fit up to 200 people in one space, consider what else you’ll require there. You might want space for a band, dining tables, etc. Take that into account when inviting guests. It’s all about finding a balance between a jam-packed crowd that can barely move and a half-empty venue that feels too big for a small number of guests.
4. Kids or No Kids?
It’s pretty likely that at least one of your friends or relatives will have children, so think carefully about whether you want to invite them or not. It’s absolutely fine if you don’t, but you do need to remember to politely mention it to the parents well in advance. It’s nothing to be nervous about – and they might even welcome the chance to have a proper night out! On the other hand, if you decide to have a child-friendly wedding, it does mean some extra work. Make sure to work out where children will sit (eg. do you want a kids’ table?) and whether there’ll be a separate kids’ menu. It’s always worth thinking about how you can keep them occupied throughout the day too. Keep them entertained and all will be well!
5. Make a Decision on Plus Ones
Oh, plus ones… The cause of endless headaches. After all, it’s obvious that if a close relative is part of the wedding party, their significant other will be welcome at the wedding. But what about that friend with a new partner you haven’t even met yet? When it comes to plus ones, our best advice is to decide your position and stick to it. For example, if a couple has been dating for over a year, the plus one is invited. No ifs, no buts, no exceptions – otherwise, you risk ending up in sticky situations when people realise they’ve been treated differently.
6. Assume Everyone Will Attend
We know, we know – the temptation to over-invite is real. But this isn’t a house party! There’s nothing worse than having too many people on your guest list and having to uninvite someone. By assuming everyone invited will attend, you leave it open for them to decide. You might not expect them to be able to attend (or they might never RSVP!) but they may actually be able to make it. If you’re still worried about numbers, why not create a backup guest list and order a separate set of invitations with a later RSVP date to send out if your numbers unexpectedly drop?
There you have it – our top tips for getting started with your guest list. Remember to head over to our Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channels for more tips, tricks and wedding inspiration. But for now, it’s time to sit down with your partner, figure out who to invite and start adding them to your Bridebook…
Getting engaged can be an overwhelming feeling, and rightly so. You’re about to embark on the journey of a lifetime (let alone all the planning!). So to help you stay on track and stress free, Bridebook.co.uk, home of the UK’s #1 Wedding Planning App, is imparting our wedding planning insights to you to help you set off on the right foot.
Announce Your Engagement (of course)
Call your close family and friends, or gather them together to tell them the big news. You may want to host an engagement party, but just remember to tell the most important people first before they hear it from someone else! Have a look at some more creative ideas here: 6 Ways To Announce Your Engagement
Insure Your Engagement Ring
Believe it or not, insuring the ring is rarely thought about after an engagement with all the excitement of the proposal. It will be your most prized possession and is likely to be worth a lot, so take care of it and get it insured! Also remember to get it properly sized – you really don’t want to lose it!
Set a Potential Date
One of the most commonly asked questions people will ask you once you’re engaged is ‘When’s the wedding then?’ Talk to your new fiance about what season you’d like to get married in and work out how long it will take you to plan the wedding to decide what month and year your prospective date will be.
Location, Location, Location
You will need to pick where you’d like your big day to take place. Would you like it near your hometown, or will you choose a destination holiday? It is important to decide this now as lots of things will change depending on where you host your wedding. Luckily for you, Bridebook has the UK’s largest wedding venue and supplier directory so finding your perfect venue has never been easier.
Budget
Decide on a budget early on so you and your husband-to-be can work within it the whole time. Use Bridebook’s free wedding budget calculator to get a personalised break down of how much you should be spending on what, all depending on your overall goal budget. There is room for compromise though, so if you spend less money on one area, you could assign the spare cash to indulge on something else!
Start Daydreaming!
The fun part is dreaming up all the ideas of your perfect day. Have some fun with it, collect all your ideas so you can remember them, and you could even create a wedding blog to share your visions with others!
Book Your Priorities
The wedding venue is likely to be the first thing you book, but don’t forget about that band that you fell in love with and have to have play on your special day. Lots of wedding vendors are booked up well in advance, sometimes a couple of years ahead, so if there’s one or two things you know you can’t be without on the day, book them now! And no matter what you’re looking for, don’t forget to check out Bridebook’s easily searchable wedding supplier directory.
Keep Your Wedding Planning Simple
To reduce the stress of planning your day, try to be organised and enlist the help of your friends and family if need be. The easiest way of preparing is to use Bridebook.co.uk, our free wedding planning site that allows you to keep everything (vendors, budget, guestlist) in one place and personal to you. You can then focus on enjoying your engagement and dreaming up your special day!
