It’s been an exciting year in the world of wedding stationery, with couples daring to be different and create something really personal to them. Papeterie Eugenie’s bespoke service means we are perfectly placed to pinpoint emerging trends, with the help of our inspirational clients. So, we’ve decided to share a few of this year’s favourites – predicted to vogue throughout 2017…
Share Your Story With an Illustration
We must start with this imaginative customised map, heroed by Bridebook’s very own Hamish & Rosie. Bespoke illustration is the perfect way to connect with guests and personalise your special occasion. No-one else will have the same!
Create an emblem unique to you both. Monograms motifs are our hottest prediction. Beautiful and personal, these can be used on everything from your wedding cake to your dance-floor lighting!
2017 trend predictions: Monogram motifs, foiled or letterpressed across your stationery.
Embrace the Romance
Our recent showstoppers – delicate, beautiful and romantic! Marry a monogram motif with letterpress, blush papers and pearlised lazer-cut. Add a dreamy quote – could we get any more on trend!
Taking super luxe to the extreme. Bespoke letterpress crest, tissue lined boxes, artesian hand-crafting, signature seals and miniature bow-ties… choose your style and impress with serious hand-craftmanship!
Elegantly understated, a metallic hint adds luxury to classic stationery. We’ve created meaningful motifs, family crests or beautiful borders pressed into each item – the list is endless.
2017 trend predictions: Chic metallic hints of rose gold, dusky blues and muted gold.
2016 top trends, set to continue…
Entwined initials – classic, elegant and timeless.
Personalised bookmark menus – contemporary, personalised, a lovely keepsake.
Venue illustrations – include old-school sketches of your desirable wedding location.
More Examples of Papeterie Eugenie’s Incredible Work…
Curious about what 2017 has in store for the wonderful world of weddings? Well, not to panic, because it’s here: Bridebook’s list of the Top 7 Wedding Trends you should expect to see in 2017. And don’t forget, we’re not just trend spotters, but also problem solvers. We have all the wedding planning tools you’ll need in the run-up (better yet, they’re free!), as well as the UK’s #1 Wedding Planning App. We’re your new best friend – and thrilled to be so, too.
Original Forms of Transport
2017 will bring new and modern ways of arriving at your wedding. We’re talking speed boating, parachuting, rowing (check out the amazing boat photo by Lars May below!) or even paragliding down the aisle! Never mind the wind swept look, it will add a complete WOW factor to your big day. Not feeling brave enough? Get some encouragement from our “Flying Bride” article; yes, a bride that actually flew down the aisle being held up by 250 helium filled balloons (all thanks to The Molecule Show)!
Blank Canvas Venues
This year, we’re saying ENOUGH to the hair-pulling vision-ruining frustration that can accompany short approved supplier lists and no blu-tack rules. Instead, couples are taking their wedding by the horns, and looking to fairly blank venues to be able to make their big day completely their own. of the spreadsheet and hair-pulling nonsense that has been associated with wedding planning for so long. Instead, introduce yourself to the UK’s largest wedding venue directory, where you can find the perfect place for your big day – whether that’s a renovated farm or a disused pickle factory.
Dress Less Bride
Who says you have to wear a dress at your wedding? The “dress-less” bride is one of the hottest wedding trends that has continued on from 2016. Look no further than bridal companies, House of Ollichon and Yolan Cris who will kit you out head to toe with a completely unique look.
Half Day Weddings
If you have a half day wedding, you could save yourself a small fortune. Have fun getting inventive with your eating options and serve your guests high tea or brunch instead of a full-blown wedding breakfast. Your guests will still love the food you serve and love the experience, but you’ll have saved some cash that could go elsewhere.
Dessert Wine
Instead of the usual champagne toast, serving dessert wine instead is actually much cheaper. Plus it has the extra benefit of being nice and sugary to get your guests all fired up for the dance floor!
Sharing Plates
Continuing the wedding breakfast theme – sharing plates are another hot 2017 wedding trend. They’ll create a great atmosphere around the table as your guests all share a meal together. It also allows your guests to be in control of their portion sizes. More roast potatoes for me, please! Top tip – make sure your table isn’t too cluttered with glassware, flowers or centerpieces to allow ample space for you and your fellow diners.
Virtual Reality – Film Your Wedding in 360
The rise of wedding videography has been well documented, and 2017 is going to see it get an upgrade. The Christmas present of choice, Virtual Reality, is set to be the next big thing. With VR videographers and apps soon to pour into the market you’re going to want to have your big day filmed in 360, so you can re-live your big day, anytime you like!
Congratulations, you’re engaged! You’ve been dreaming of this ring for years, and now that it’s a permanent fixture on your left hand, you’re going to want to ensure it stays looking sparkly and new for many more. After all, you need to guarantee that you can see the glint in your peripheral vision when you’re searching for venues in our online directory, right?
Insurance
This should be first on your list of things to do – you never know what could happen to your brand new piece of bling. It sounds like an obvious thing to do, but we hear far too many heartbreaking stories about rings being lost or stolen…make sure you don’t have one of these to tell! Remember to add this to your specific total on our free budgeting tool, too; that way you can keep all of your costs together in one place.
Leave it to the professionals
Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning of your ring with professionals. Whatever you do…don’t do this at home, because you run the risk of damaging the ring more. With regular maintenance and cleaning, you can ensure your diamond stays in tip-top condition and stays firmly in place.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Fancy a bit of spring cleaning? Your best bet is to take your ring off! But remember to store it in a safe, dry place. You could, of course, alternatively wear gloves, but if your ring has a stone or a setting, it’s likely to rip the material.
Take Care
Yes, diamonds are famed for their strength as one of the world’s hardest natural materials, but that doesn’t mean they can’t chip! Be careful not to knock your ring against other hard surfaces.
Introducing David’s Bridal’s New Birmingham Store…
The Bridebook Team had the incredible opportunity to explore the brand spanking new David’s Bridal store in Birmingham – and my goodness were we blown away! And to show just how excited we are about it, we are hosting a £1000 David’s Bridal giveaway!!
For those not in the know, David’s Bridal is an American behemoth in the wedding industry and the largest clothing retailer of wedding and special occasion wear in the WORLD. With exceptionally extensive choice of designs and brands, including collections by Vera Wang and Jenny Packham, David’s Bridal is truly the one-stop-shop for brides. And with the new store in the centre of Birmingham, the midlands is about to experience the wonder that is David’s Bridal for themselves! In the meantime, here’s our own sneak peak into the gorgeous space and incredible services…
By Dave Evitts
The Birmingham Store
The new Birmingham store is a magnificent 15,000 square feet of everything from wedding dresses and head to toe accessories to MOB outfits and hen do swag. While this may sound too good to be true, or even a little daunting, the free flowing layout, 38 spacious changing rooms (yes 38!) and exceptional customer service ensure you feel taken care of from the moment you step in to when you find ‘The One’. And when that moment happens you even get to ring a bell to announce it!
By Dave EvittsBy Dave Evitts
With Birmingham as David’s Bridal’s 4th UK based store (the first three being located in London’s Westfield, Watford and Glasgow) continues to deliver on it’s promises to brides-to-be: to provide a beautiful and welcoming space that has everything you need for your wedding under one roof.
By Dave Evitts
So midlands brides, what are you waiting for? Start your wedding shopping adventure at the Birmingham store asap! And in the meantime, enter our exclusive £1000 David’s Bridal giveaway today!!
Keep exploring the Birmingham David’s Bridal store below…
By Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave EvittsBy Dave Evitts
With an overwhelming feeling of excitement on your big day, food may be the last thing on your mind. Avoid becoming a hangry bride by making sure to eat when you can. Knowing what to eat (and not to eat) can be tricky though. Here is our go to guide…
What TO eat:
1. Start the day by having a light breakfast, making sure to include a mixture of wholegrains and healthy fats to help beat the bloat. As long as you remember to eat, your day has got off to a great start.
2. Depending on the time of our wedding ceremony, it might be long time coming until your next meal so make sure you enlist a bridesmaid to keep some healthy, high protein snacks close by such as almonds.
3. For most brides, dinner will be at the wedding. When it comes to choosing your wedding meal, make sure to choose a mixture of lean proteins and vegetables, which will give you that energy to dance the night away.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water during the day.
What NOT to eat:
1. If you want to stay dry in your wedding dress avoid caffeinated drinks and spicy foods on the lead up to the big day! These two stimulants can activate your central nervous system which triggers you to sweat.
2. Skip the pre- dinner champagne. Especially, if it’s been a while since you ate. The bubbles will fill your stomach with air making you feel bloated.
3. Avoid milk and dairy products. These should be fine in moderation, but can lead to an irritated stomach if you are already feeling anxious.
4. It’s easy to reach for the sugary snacks for an extra boost of energy but this can easily backfire and lead to a blood sugar crash! #weddingvibekill
With everything going on it will be easy to forget or simply not have time to eat, but don’t make this the case. Fuel up when you can!
The role of a page boy at a wedding is an honorary position typically given to a young boy who plays a special part in the wedding ceremony. Because the role of a page boy is relatively small, they’re not necessarily imperative, but if you have a boy of appropriate age in your family, asking them to be a page boy is a thoughtful and loving gesture. Plus, it allows you to get a few ‘ahhs’ from your guests before the tears start to flow as you exchange your vows.
In this post, we’ll take a look at what a page boy is, what they wear, and their responsibilities as part of your big day, as well as some helpful tips for ensuring everything goes down without a hitch.
A page boy is a young boy, often a family member or close relative of the couple, who is selected to take on a special role in the wedding ceremony. The page boy’s role may vary depending on cultural traditions and individual preferences, but it generally involves assisting the wedding party or symbolically participating in the event.
But don’t worry, a page boy is more of a symbolic role, so you don’t need to worry too much about something going wrong if your page boy misbehaves or you don’t have a boy of the right age in your family.
Why is a page boy called a page boy?
‘Page’ is a medieval word that refers to a male attendant or servant to noble figures or knights. A page would work in a castle or home from between the ages of 7 to 14 in exchange for food, lodgings, clothes and a basic education.
Today, the term has evolved to mean a young boy who has a small role at a wedding, and will help in a small, token way, such as by helping to hold the train of the bride’s wedding dress, throw flowers or petals, or simply look adorable in a little suit as they walk down the aisle.
Typically, page boys are aged between 3 and 10. This is because boys younger than 3 can be much harder to give instructions to, and boys older than 10 may be given responsibilities much closer to that of an usher (if in fact, they want to play a role in your wedding at all).
Is there a difference between a page boy and a ring bearer?
Yes, there are differences between a page boy and a ring bearer. At modern weddings, because there isn’t as much need for someone to help the bride with a long train on her dress, the role of a page boy is far more honorary than it used to be. Meanwhile, a ring bearer has an important role to play, as they carry the ring pillow down the aisle so the happy couple can exchange rings during the ceremony.
Page boys are traditionally seen at weddings, especially if you’ve invited a lot of guests and would like to include younger family members in the ceremony. However, if your wedding is small, there are no boys under the age of 10 in your family, or you simply don’t want one, there’s nothing to say you need a page boy. As we highlighted above, it’s more of an honorary position these days and is seen more as a loving gesture than giving someone in your family a job that could make or break the big day.
In our guide to alternative wedding ideas, we even cover how it’s common for couples these days to have a page girl instead of a page boy. It’s your wedding, so do whatever you want!
Can you have 3 page boys at your wedding?
Unlike the ring bearer, of which there is usually only one, you’re welcome to have as many page boys at your wedding as you like. If you have a particularly large family, you might want to have a maximum of three. After all, a group of young lads getting together can sometimes lead to trouble. But, nothing’s stopping you from having a dozen or more if you want to make sure everyone has a role in your wedding (just be prepared for a little mischief).
What does the page boy do on the morning of the wedding?
On the morning of the wedding, the page boy can do whatever they feel comfortable doing as everyone prepares for the day ahead. If close to the groom, the page boy might enjoy getting ready with the groom and his family, as well as the best man and ushers. This might depend on whether or not the page boy’s parents will be close by and how well they know others who will be there.
Speak to the page boy’s parents and talk to them about what they think their son would prefer to do. If they’re very young, you don’t want to scare them or make them feel anxious, and they may want to be close to their parents. If this is the case, then fine. Remember, when it comes to modern weddings the page boy isn’t likely to have a major role in the ceremony itself.
Traditionally page boys are in charge of carrying the bride’s train down the aisle, but nowadays, with fewer brides choosing to have long, flowing trains, their responsibilities have evolved. That being said, if you do have a dress with a long train, asking the page boy to uphold this traditional part of the job should be something they can do without any issues.
Today, the page boy might have a dual role where they also carry the rings down the aisle. However, this depends on the age of your page boy and if you trust them to safely hold on to the rings. What a responsibility for the little man! If you’re worried about your precious rings disappearing, you may like to replace them with replicas and have your page boy carry those down the aisle instead. You can squirrel your actual rings away with one of your bridesmaids or ushers so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Other things you might ask your page boy to do could be:
Hold a symbolic object – The page boy may be tasked with holding a symbolic object, such as a ring cushion, a bouquet or a special item that represents the couple’s love or cultural traditions. The page boy presents this object during the ceremony to the appropriate person.
Escort the flower girl – In some cases, the page boy may accompany and walk down the aisle with the flower girl or another young member of the wedding party. This adds a sweet and charming touch to the procession.
Scatter petals – If you don’t have any little girls in the family or you know a page boy would enjoy it, why not have them scatter petals down the aisle as an adorable and romantic gesture?
Carry a sign – You might ask your page boy to carry a sign down the aisle that says something like, ‘Here comes the bride’ or ‘Please stand’, which gives them an important but very cute thing to do.
Scattering petals or flowers isn’t exclusive to flower girls. Both page boys and flower girls can be invited to scatter petals while walking down the aisle, which acts as a symbolic gesture of happiness for the bride to follow. Whoever you choose to scatter petals (if this is something you choose at all), it’ll definitely make for some wonderful photo opportunities.
Page boys are a fantastic combination of smart and cute, so you’re welcome to dress them in any style that’s in keeping with your wedding. This could be a tuxedo or a suit with a waistcoat and tie. If you have some Celtic blood in your family, take it to the next level of cuteness by dressing your page boy in a kilt with a tiny sporran.
Do page boys need to match the groom?
It’s common for the page boy to wear an outfit similar to that of the groom, but that’s not something set in stone. So, be as adventurous as you like. But, when it comes time for photos, the groom, best man, ushers and page boys will all look equally as fabulous if there’s some cohesion.
Do page boys wear buttonholes?
Yes, along with the groom, dads, best man and ushers, the page boy will usually wear a buttonhole. Just make sure the page boy understands it might be delicate and become damaged if fiddled with.
Like you might do for other members of the wedding party such as the bridesmaids and mums, you might also want to show your page boys and flower girls how much of a great job they did by giving them a small gift. It doesn’t have to be something big and expensive (and definitely not a bottle of wine) but a small toy, game or teddy bear would likely be hugely appreciated.
Excited to have a close friend or family member take on the role of page boy at your wedding? Just bear in mind these five tips so it all goes exactly as planned:
Make sure your page boy attends any wedding rehearsals to familiarise them with the ceremony proceedings and their specific role. Encourage them to ask questions, listen to instructions and practise their tasks so they can feel confident on the wedding day.
Make sure the parents of your page boy know exactly what the page boy has to wear and where they’re going to get ready on the morning of the big day. It’s often a miniature version of the groomsmen’s attire or a suit that matches the wedding theme. Make sure the page boy’s clothes fit well and are comfortable to wear throughout the day (which will prevent fidgeting).
Make sure everyone knows what time to arrive at the wedding venue, allowing ample time for preparation and to get dressed. Being punctual ensures stress and anxiety are kept to a minimum, which can otherwise rub off on your page boy.
Be thoughtful and understanding towards your page boy, but remind them to be on their best behaviour throughout the day. Make sure they know how important their role is and that they can ask you questions at any point if they’re not sure about something.
While it’s your day and you or your wedding planner will be in charge, keep your page boy included so they don’t feel like yet another grown-up is telling them what to do. Ask them what they’d like to do and let them make some decisions to help them feel included.
Remember, younger boys are more likely to throw a tantrum during the wedding ceremony or, even worse, may completely refuse to take part. To avoid either situation, you may wish to have a slightly older page boy or not have one at all…remember that page boys are by no means an absolute must for a wedding.
If the little man does throw a wobbly on the day, then bribing him with sweets, toys or other special treats is certainly an option to consider (but we didn’t tell you that!).
Finally, to make your page boy feel even more special or to give him a bit of encouragement, consider buying him a small ‘Thank You’ present. Not On The High Street has a whole page dedicated to presents for page boys.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Planning your wedding is a wonderful and exciting time, so hopefully this guide has helped answer your questions about page boys. Sign up to Bridebook today to access our range of tools and resources to make planning your wedding simple and stress-free.
While wedding planning, you can sometimes get so wrapped up with all the celebrations and organising, down time with your significant other is often the last thing on your mind. Here at Bridebook we believe its crucial to have regular pre-wedding date nights. While they don’t have to be fancy, it is important that they are just about the two of you! Take a read of our top 5 pre-wedding date ideas:
1. Wine tasting evening: Have a look to see if any of your local wine store holds a tasting evening. Choose a day that works for both of you and go have fun! If wine isn’t your thing, check out chocolate or cheese shops too.
2. Gourmet picnic: Cruise the supermarket aisles and load your trolley with all the delicacies you can find. Now head to the most romantic spot in town – away from all the stresses of finding the perfect dress and choosing your dream venue.
3. Plan to have breakfast together: Life is busy… we get that! Try setting your alarm half an hour earlier and plan to have breakfast together. Too busy for an eggs on toast moment? Meet for coffee together once a week instead.
4. Take a class together: Discovering something new together can add that extra spark to your relationship. Whether its learning a new language or taking a cooking class – go and enjoy the time you’re spending together.
5. Mini getaway: Even if its less than a mile away from your own bed, choose a hotel and get away for the night– just the two of you! Have a wander around the local shops, go for a long walk or try a new place for dinner. Sometimes a small getaway is just what you need!
Do you want to kick start your exercise routine ahead of your big day? Want to break free from the sweaty, smelly gym environment? Well, we have just the thing! Introducing…BARREtoned which will (literally) “shake” you in to that dress you’ve been dreaming of. We had the chance to speak with the owner of BARREtoned to find out her top 5 tips to achieving that dream bridal body:
Get the Guns Out
Reverse push-ups and bicep curls are a great way to sculpt those arms in preparation for the big day! Don’t fret, you won’t “bulk up”…just create long, lean, beautiful muscles.
Work for a Peachy Booty
“Folder-over” at the barre, is one of the best exercises to get that heart pumping and calories burning as well as creating a lifted booty and stronger thighs!
Hour Glass Silhouette
Trim your waist with our infamous “pretzel” (not the one you eat). You’ll definitely feel this one the next day!
Long Lean Thighs
Forget standing around and discussing your latest tutu… we’ve got shaking to do! Burn through a ton of calories with about 5-7 minutes of shaking per class.
Flat abs for the Honeymoon After?
Not a problem! At the end of each class we have a 15 minute concentrated core workout. After as little as 8 sessions you’ll really start noticing a difference in your body. You’ll feel re-energised, stronger and leaner.
More about BARREtoned:
BARREtoned is one of London’s finest ballet barre studios, located in Notting Hill. BARREtoned offers a full body workout using small controlled movements to work each muscle group to exhaustion. They cater for total beginners as well as seasoned gym-goers. It’s super fun (we promise), time passes quickly AND it actually works.
BARREtoned are kindly offering all Bridebook brides:
50% off the first month of BARREtoned’s “Bridal Special” making it only £85 and £170 thereafter (6 month contract).
FREE BARREtoned tank top, grippy socks and a BARREtoned tote bag.
A complimentary private “Hen Do” class for up to 11 of your friends.
Don’t live in London? BARREtoned provide online classes too so you can take their class from wherever you like. Contact the studio to claim your discount code.
The Wedding Shop is the UK’s longest established independent wedding gift list service with over 450 brands and over 27 years in the industry.
The gift list rules are changing. Gone are the days of heavy Mother-of-the-Bride involvement and overly bride-centred list. Your gift list should be seen as an amazing opportunity for you both to choose things that you will enjoy and treasure using together.
The Wedding Shop has pulled together the ultimate modern-day His ‘n’ Hers gift list just for Bridebook. See Bridebook’s complete gift list comparison right here for even more options.
Think of it like this – your gift list is essentially shopping without opening your own wallet! The Wedding Shop have over 350 great brands to choose from as well as the option to create personalised cash funds with no hidden fees. Plus if you can’t find what you’re looking for, they will source it for you.
There really is something to suit every couple!
The Entertainers
Add all the right ingredients to your gift list to make you the hosts with the most, taking your post-work drinks, Saturday night dinner parties or even a big family gathering to the next level. You will be the envy of all your friends with all the right tools to become the ultimate at-home bartenders.
The Outdoor Explorers
If you relish every moment to go and explore the great outdoors, make sure your list is packed with outdoor essentials such as the perfect picnic set or even his ‘n’ hers matching bikes.
Plus, regardless of its’ shape or size, make the most of your outdoor space all year round by investing in good quality garden furniture and a top notch BBQ that you will actually want to venture outdoors to enjoy.
The Lazy Weekenders
If your perfect weekend starts with an indulgent lie-in, make sure you do it right, starting with the most romantic breakfast in bed with all the trimmings and by that we don’t mean bacon but beautiful china, luxurious cushions and soft bedding.
The Tech Lovers
If it’s new technology that you both love, treat yourselves to the latest home gadgets or quality sound system to ramp up the fun factor in your home. There is also never a better time to invest in a quality camera or camcorder to make sure you capture all the amazing moments you will share together in the years to come.
The Adrenaline Junkies
Always wanted to do a tandem skydive together or go on that once in a life time road trip? Pick from hundreds for out of this world experiences or create personalised cash funds that your guests can contribute knowing they are helping you make memories that are going to last a lifetime.
Voted Best Gift List Provider 2017, The Wedding Shop is the UK’s longest established independent gift list service with over 27 years in the industry. Our service is designed for couples who want unrivalled choice, flexibility and exceptional service all in one place. Create your dream gift list that is entirely unique to you, with absolutely no hidden fees.
Chose from over 350 brands and combine products you love with honeymoon contributions, personalised cash funds, memorable experience days, annual subscriptions or even a charity fund that is close to your heart. Visit one of our four beautiful showrooms or build your list entirely online, your very own personal Gift List Advisor is on hand to offer any advice or guidance you may need. Plus you can build your list on the go with The Wedding Shop App. The handy barcode scanner means you can add products to your list while you out and about.
As well as unlimited choice, you will receive full financial guarantee, free UK delivery, and a lifetime discount of 10%.
It’s always exciting receiving a wedding invitation, especially when you see the words “and Guest” written next to your name. But after the excitement wears off about not being a lone solider at the wedding, you might be stuck wondering who to bring. You’re suddenly left with a big responsibility. After all, nobody wants to be the one who brings the guest who takes advantage of the free bar and spends the rest of the night in the toilet. Follow our tips to save you any potential embarrassment!
Will Your Guest Actually Show Up?
Everyone is flakey now and again but not showing up to a wedding is a big deal. Make sure the person you are inviting is responsible and reliable and they’ll actually block off the date of the year. Weddings are expensive and the price per head is no small matter. You don’t want to be in the situation where you’re making excuses for their absence.
Have You Seen Them in a Social Situation?
You’ve been out for the occasional drink but have you seen them in any social situations? Some people act differently when they are in big groups of people and may end up being a big cause of embarrassment on the day of the wedding. You want to be able to feel relaxed, without having to keep a watchful eye on your guest. Make sure he/she has manners and will heed the dress code.
Beware of The Exs’.
You don’t want to be the one who brings any drama to the wedding. Make sure the person you are bringing isn’t someone’s ex or anyone you know might make another wedding party member or guest feel uncomfortable. Consider the to-be-weds feelings—and the feelings of other guests too.
Introduce Your Plus One to The Happy Couple.
If the couple doesn’t know the person you’re inviting, be polite and introduce your plus one to them at some stage of the day– it’s a nice thing to do since they are paying for them to be there.
So your wedding is one of the biggest events in your life meaning you’re unlikely to get a ton of sleep on the night before the big day. Bridebook is here to help with our top 5 tips to help get those zzzzzs.
Avoid the Booze
Although having a glass (or two) of wine before bed sounds like a great idea at the time, it can actually effect your quality of sleep. Opt for mug of de-caffeinated herbal tea instead.
Lace Up Your Trainers
Exercise is the best way to ‘de-stress’ and take your mind off things. Try going for a run or a light stroll an hour or so before bedtime.
No More Phones
Take advantage of your ‘Do Not Disturb’ setting on your phone so you’re not distracted or woken up in the middle of the night.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water is really important to aid a good night’s sleep. It also helps keep your skin plump and well hydrated.
Don’t Dwell On It
Accept and embrace the fact you may not get the best night’s sleep before your wedding, but don’t be hard on yourself about it! Try creating a ‘sleep’ playlist on Spotify to help calm all your emotions you may be feeling.
Whilst we hope and pray that nothing goes wrong on your wedding day, it’s always better to be prepared. Here at Bridebook, we’ve compiled a list of some essential items you’ll need for those ‘just in case moments’. These should be readily available at the ceremony and wedding reception. Maybe put your maid of honour in charge of this one!
28 Items You’ll Need In Your Wedding Day Survival Kit
Pain killers
Plasters (normal and blister plasters)
Large bottle of water
Tic Tacs or Smints
Money (just in case!)
Chalk (to cover up any smudges or smears you may get on your wedding dress)
Comb or hair brush
Dental floss
Eye drops
Emergency extra earring backs
Hairpins or ponytail holder
Hair spray
Makeup (for quick touch-ups)
Matches
Mini portable sewing kit
Mirror
Nail file
Perfume
Deodorant
Safety pins
Cellotape
Small scissors
Straws (so you can drink without messing up your lipstick)
Tampons
Tissues
Tweezers
Snacks
Wet wipes
Want some more helpful ‘on the day’ tips ? Have a read of our wedding day tick list!
Deciding between ‘boho chic’ or ‘classic romance’ can be a hard enough decision when it comes to wedding planning. However, couples nowadays are faced with a much bigger conundrum: The Wedding Hashtag! Over 55% of couples incorporate a hashtag into their big day, so here’s how to choose yours.
Be Unique
The last thing you want is for the photos of your big day to get mixed in with someone else’s. Make sure to check the social-sphere to check it hasn’t already been taken.
Throw It Out There
Once you have decided on the perfect hashtag make sure to ‘announce it to the world’! Include it on the save the dates, invitations or even cocktail napkins so everyone can get tagging and tweeting those photos!
Include Both Your Names
Get brainstorming with those ideas. Whether you want to include your first, last or nick names, write them all down to get those creative juices flowing. If you’re really struggling you can opt to use a wedding hash tag generator… yes, these things do exist. Wedding Hash Tag Wall is a popular one.
Make It Short and Sweet
Don’t make it too complicated. Steer clear of words that can be easily misspelled. If guests are confused and not sure what it is they are likely to use the wrong one AKA: bride’s worst nightmare.
Happy Hashtagging!
What hashtag have you decided on for your big day? Leave a comment below.
Here at Bridebook we believe your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. For all your lovely brides to be out there we have come up with a ‘On The Day’ tick list. Follow our top 5 steps:
Fuel Your Day
Start the day off right with a filling and energising breakfast, such as a bowl of porridge or a bagel and Greek yogurt. If the weather is nice, take yourself off for a 15-minute stroll. This will really help calm your nerves and give you a little ‘me time’ before the celebrations commence. Freshen up with a nice cool shower. Gently exfoliate and moisturise your body.
Preparation
You may be tempted to start on the champagne early. Only allow yourself one glass. You want your skin to look fresh, not blotchy. Read more about making your skin look flawless in our article written by Bobbi Brown. Lay out your wedding dress and get everything ready including your survival kit so you are prepared for any emergency situations. You’ll most likely be wearing heels all day so remember to pack a pair of flats, and savour the moments your feet can relax.
Stay Calm
Take a minute to yourself to breathe and calm down. Do some simple relaxation exercises to help manage wedding day stress. No one should be phoning you on your wedding day, but if it does ring make sure to forward your calls on to your maid of honour or a bridesmaid.
Thank Your Parents
Your parents probably had a lot to do with making this day special; by helping fund your day and all the time and advice they put in to help make your vision happen.
Go Get Married!
And breathe! You’ve been dreaming of this day since you were a little girl, so go and enjoy it!
On Friday September 30th, the Bridebook team were lucky enough to attend the fabulous Brides The Show – and what a treat! We were blown away by the outstanding quality of exhibitors and stand management. After spending all night at the show (no seriously, we were the last to leave!) we got to meet some of the best of the best of the wedding industry.
So if you were unable to attend or aren’t from the London area, don’t fret! We’ve put together a list of all of our favourite stands and brands in attendance at this year’s show. And even better, we got them each to write us a little description of their experience so you can really feel like you were there! A big, big thank you to Brides Magazine in particular for hosting such a fabulous show.
The Wedding Shop
The Wedding Shop not only had some of the loveliest ladies at their stand expertly walking us through all of their features, they also sponsored the gorgeously decorated VIP area – or VIB for those in the know (Very Important Bride!).
“The atmosphere at Brides The Show is like no other bridal show, the Conde Nast team put on such an incredible production curating inspirational ideas for every aspect of wedding planning. We love to be there as it enables us to showcase our services and product in an creative environment that seems to only gets better and better every year.”
Philippa Craddock
Philippa Craddock’s stand blew us away the moment we walked through the doors. Decked head to toe in the most beautiful and ethereal flowers and plants it was the perfect haven amongst the excitement of the show.
“The weekend was an enormous success. We love Brides the Show as it gives us the opportunity to meet, face to face, a huge number of brides and to receive direct feedback on the things that are most important to them. It is also a super opportunity to catch up with everyone at Brides, fellow suppliers, planners who we might not have seen for a few months over the busy summer and to meet new planners who are just starting their journey into the wedding world.”
Twobirds Bridesmaids
Twobirds Bridesmaids has such a stunning array of different dress colours and materials it was only natural that their stand lived up to their reputation! Whether you want your bridesmaids classical or mix-matched modern, Twobirds is for you.
“Brides the Show is always spectacular and this year was no exception. With luxury suppliers from every facet of the wedding industry under the same roof, couples were treated to wall to wall inspiration. We always have a fantastic time at Brides the Show and it’s always fantastic to introduce ourselves to people who haven’t yet seen our beautiful gowns in person.”
Prezola
Prezola may have been one of the favourite brands at this year’s show! Their gorgeous Prezola Bar serving champagne all evening was a hit with most of the attendees and really captured the fun and excitement that wedding planning and gift lists are all about!
“We love being a part of Brides the Show as it’s so inspiring to see all corners of the wedding industry come together and everyone is so creative! This industry is ever-changing and we’re always excited to see what happens next! We thought having a Prezola Bar this year was the perfect opportunity to reach out to brides-to-be in a fun and whimsical way, as boring is something we never do!”
David’s Bridal
The legendary American bridal brand is making quite an impression on the UK industry! Brides are falling for their countless gorgeous designs and range of pricing and, if their wonderful show staff are anything to go by , their spot on customer service too!
“David’s Bridal loved exhibiting at Brides The Show as it was the perfect opportunity for us to meet so many lovely Brides and Bridesmaids and have them experience a selection of our newest styles of David’s Bridal Designer Gowns and Bridesmaids collections. The show is definitely one not to be missed as it provides inspiration and ideas for women who want the very best expertise, advice and to see all the latest style trends. It has a fantastic atmosphere and really brings the magazine to life.” Terrie Kasianczuk, David’s Bridal UK Regional Director
Wedding Smashers
Keeping the party alive from start to end were the wonderful Wedding Smashers. A personal favourite of the Bridebook office, any party with a Wedding Smashers’ DJ in attendance is sure to be a blast!
“Wedding Smashers has been providing the sound track to BRIDES for the past 3 years and our stand is positioned at the entrance to the show. We love being able to DJ to guests as they arrive and exit the show and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our technical DJ skills to potential Bride & Grooms’ as well as chat to couples that have already booked us and just want to come and say hi! We love the social aspect of the weekend and being able to network with other suppliers in the industry is a great way to work out what trends are going to be popular next year!”
Richard Murgatroyd
With some of his most jaw-droppingly gorgeous imagery on display it’s no wonder Richard’s stand was such a hit. I guess that’s what you should expect of an award winning and National Geographic featured photographer!
“What I love most about Brides the Show is that they have managed to keep a lovely, informal and fun feeling to the show whilst assembling the finest wedding suppliers in the country. You’ll not meet a nicer group of people, all totally dedicated to helping you realise your dream wedding.”
Zita Elze Flowers
Zita Elze’s stand blew everyone away. Decked head to toe in the most gorgeous flowers, it felt like walking through a magical fairytale! Truly a sight to see and any bride would have been lucky to book them!
“This year’s concept for Brides The Show was pure white, modern chic with sparkling transparent notes, a 21st century fairytale – I was so thrilled to win a gold design award for the stand! The show is such a great opportunity to connect with brides and their grooms and also to mix with friends and colleagues from the wedding industry. Among our latest wedding ideas we included some finely scripted engraved perspex discs, hung from a tree laden with blossom, to announce the wedding guests’ seating. The wedding design was completed by Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium‘s elegant and romantic 6 tier petal shaped wedding cake which I dressed in fresh white flowers.”
Domino Purchas
Domino Purchas’ cakes are the sort that capture your imagination in staggering ways. With a perfect balance of contemporary visuals and classic elegance, brides were flocking to this stand!
“The vibe at Brides was wonderful! There was a wide range of potential clients with varying budgets and very different tastes, which made for a fascinating and engaging three days. It was also great to be exhibiting with a range of leaders in this industry, from exciting new venues to some staggering dress designers.”
Happy Planning!
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
You’re engaged… congratulations! Now it’s time for the fun stuff. Before you start planning your wedding day (using all of Bridebook.co.uk’s free wedding planning tools, of course) you must remember to take that all important engagement selfie. Follow our fail safe tips to ensure you capture the perfect one:
Perfect Excuse For a Mani
Moisturise, push back those cuticles and apply a nice colour to compliment your engagement ring. And if you only do the one hand for the photo, we won’t judge – just remember to do the correct hand!
It’s All About That Lighting
Natural light is the best way to show off your bling, but beware of shadows ruining your shot. Alternatively, use artificial light to your advantage and show off your rock’s shine and sparkle.
Relax
We’re trying to avoid Chandler’s “claw” – no creepy hands here please. Natural relaxed hands look so much nicer, so find a prop to rest your hand on. If you are finding the whole thing too stressful (who knew you could worry so much about hands that have got you through your whole life so far?!), forget about hands altogether and maybe just use your ring box to display your ring instead. Obvious, but effective.
Mind Your Surroundings
Choose a background that is visually interesting but fairly simple (like a cool texture or colour). There is nothing worse than a cluttered backdrop for a photo with a specific point of attention, as it’s super distracting and detracts from the main point (you’re getting married!).
See No Price Tag
If you know how much your partner splashed out on your ring, try not to include it in the caption. It’s not what it’s about, after all, and not what you’re trying to convey with your photo. You want to share joyful news with your friends, family and loved ones, not share smug information on how much your partner saved up to ask you to marry him.
Don’t Be Afraid Of Filters
Remember Instagram have made it easy for anyone to take share-worthy photos, so if you have tried all the tips and tricks and still don’t love your ring selfie, don’t be afraid to add a filter! Cool, fresh filters tend to work better, so unless you want to set a heady, dramatic tone to your upcoming nuptials, avoid dark and heavily-saturated filters.
And now, share away! This is your moment to show off your brand new bling and let all your family and friends know your incredible news. Then it’s time to start planning the nitty-gritty; move over filters, enter finance. But don’t fret, we’re here every step of the way – let our free budget tool become your best friend.
This article is a beauty based must read for all you brides to be. When the big day arrives, and all those months of meticulous planning have paid off the last thing you want to worry about is smudged mascara ruining your photos or risk being too heavy handed and making you look less blushing bride and more over-blushed bride!
As the beauty editor of My Beauty Matches the first (and smartest) personalised product matching site for beauty, as well as the largest beauty retailer in the world, I’ve picked up some incredible tips from some of the best makeup artists out there. Not only am I a dab hand at creating the perfect palette of bridal nudes for all skintones, I am also privy to makeup tips from what can only be described as the makeup oracles (Bobbi Brown, Charlotte Tilbury to name a few). But I’ve also whittled down my kit to the products that I know will last the distance; and outlast even the most energetic bride on the dancefloor.
MyBeautyMatches.com
These tips are a bride-to-be must read. From necessary pre-wedding preparations to knowing what products will give you a gorgeous glow (even if sleep has been somewhat lacking in the run up) and are sweat, crease, smudge resistant and let’s not forget waterproof. Because who doesn’t love a good cry at a wedding? Read on for my tried and tested wedding makeup tips:
Do a trial run with a makeup artist
Never try something new on the big day, you are just asking for a disaster. Take photos of the look you want to your makeup trial and check the results in a few different lighting settings to ensure the colours match your skintone.
Don’t skip the moisturiser
This is an essential wedding makeup tip. Worried about getting a shiny face in photos, and think skipping the moisturiser will help? Wrong for so many reasons. If you have dry skin, the products will settle in the fine lines and wrinkles, making you look tired. If you are going to be indoors most of the day we recommend using a moisturizer without SPF as too much can leave you with a ghostly sheen. La roche Posay Hydreane Light 40 £13.50 is a light, oil free moisturiser that will nourish your skin leaving it comfortable and shine free all day long.
MyBeautyMatches.com
Do use a silicone free primer
Silicone based primers can be slippy, especially in the heat and your makeup will just slide right off. Try Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance £28.50 which will give your more base staying power. Don’t let eyeshadow creases ruin your big day and use a primer for your eyes too, pat on Clinique All About Shadow Primer For Eyes £16.00 before your eyeshadow to give it lasting hold even through the happiest of tears.
Do use long – lasting formulations
Being camera ready all day is demanding enough, so make your products work hard, so you don’t have too. Look for crease proof, sweat resistant, long lasting and waterproof for products for some serious staying power. Armani Lasting Silk Uv Foundation 6.5 £36.50 is a high resistance, fresh foundation that will give a luminous semi-matte finish that lasts all day.
MyBeautyMatches.com
Do blend
One of the biggest wedding faux pas is having a different colour face to your neck and chest, wearing white will only make this show up even more. Use a damp sponge to blend your foundation all the way from your face to your decolletage for a soft, airbrush-worthy finish then use Daniel Sadler Invisible Veil Face Powder for a flawless finish that won’t rub off on your dress.
Do use a concealer that matches your foundation
Don’t go one shade lighter in an attempt to brighten the under eye area. You will just end up looking like a panda in photos. Shiseido Perfecting Stick Concealer £24.00 camouflages blemishes and dark circles without creasing or drying out the delicate eye area.
MyBeautyMatches.com
Don’t contour, Nontour!
Your wedding is not the time to go for a heavy contour. Think ethereal not Kardashian. Use a highlighter on the areas that would naturally catch the light for a gorgeous bridal glow. This is one of my favourite wedding makeup tips and I’m currently obsessed with this one shade suits all (literally EVERYONE) Perricone Md No Highlighter Highlighter £29.00. Apply to the top of your cheekbones, down the middle of your nose, cupids bow, between the brow bones and the middle of your chin and blend with a fan brush to diffuse it beautifully into your skin. For those wearing a strapless dress blend a little on your collarbones and shoulders to catch the light as you move.
Do use a powder
Prevent shine ruining your fun by dusting a little translucent powder. Daniel Sandler Invisible Blotting Pressed Powder £18.50 has a permanent place in my makeup kit. It doesn’t cake, dry out the skin or change the shade of your foundation, or natural skintone. It’s so super lightweight, that the only thing you will notice whilst wearing it is the shine free results.
Do set your makeup
Use a makeup setting spray for makeup that won’t budge an inch until you want it too. NYX Cosmetics Make Up Setting Spray Matte Finish/long Lasting £8.00 is a professional product at high street prices and all my makeup artist friends swear by it on shoots as even under hot lights, makeup won’t melt, smudge or crease.
Ready to find the perfect make-up artist for your dream wedding? Search through all of the U.K’s best suppliers by what matters most to you on Bridebook today! Just check out our state-of-the-art supplier search tool.
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
