Tired of being warned about becoming the dreaded Bridezilla? Worried that you’ll never be able to pull off your dream wedding with everything else going on in your life? Convinced there must be an easier way to stay on top of your planning? Luckily for you, Bridebook is here to solve every single one of your wedding woes! And not only that, but we’ll make sure your engagement is as fun and stress-free as it deserves to be – all for free.
Banish the nerves and endless spreadsheets and stay on track with Bridebook.co.uk – the world’s first free online wedding planner. With our state-of-the-art planning tools, your wedding is sure to go off without a hitch (or shall we say without any drone-induced bruises?). With Bridebook’s budget, guestlist, and checklist tools every stage of your wedding planning is covered. Browse thousands of the UK’s best wedding suppliers, filtering your search by what matters most to you, to put together your dream team in no time. Want a break from the planning? Let our amazing experts, from Mary Berry to Jimmy Choo, inspire and guide you with their insider tips.
So what are you waiting for? You have absolutely everything you need to plan every detail of your dream wedding all in one super easy to use place with Bridebook. And the best part? It’s completely free.
And if you need any more inspiration, just check out this video. Don’t let anything catch you by surprise – in drone form or otherwise – and plan your dream wedding today!
Can’t resist these fantastic wedding blooper videos? Check out this one where the Best Man forgot the rings! Amazing hilarity ensues – and well worth sharing with your best man to make extra sure he doesn’t make the same mistake!
Welcome back! For Part II of our Real Bride Bootcamp with Bodyism, our Rosie will be dishing the deets on what it’s really like to undergo a complete menu revamp in the weeks running up to your wedding. Our favourite part? You won’t find any completely ridiculous or unrealistic crash diets here. Both Rosie and Bodyism prefer the “lifestyle change” route, with a particular focus on de-stressing. A perfect formula for a bride-to-be who wants to relax amid flurries of wedding planning while also making sure that they look glorious long after the big day!
Our favourite part of the Bodyism studio? This glorious and deliciously healthy spread of course!
“Bodyism wouldn’t be the full, pampering, celeb-worthy experience without a head to toe nutritional guide included in your body blitz. Though I walked into my nutrition session fully bracing myself for a meal plan of carrot sticks and cottage cheese, I was very pleasantly surprised! My prescribed diet, although not hugely exciting, is very do-able and I will certainly not be hungry. Fish, vegetables, eggs, lean meats- turkey or chicken, avocado, nuts, blueberries, humour. And repeat. In different variations each week.
Beyond just the menu, my nutrition session also gave me a lot of insight into how you can read your body to know exactly how to change your diet for a healthier you. My goal was to loose 7lb, tighten my flabby tummy, firm up my arms (chicken wing syndrome) and reduce inflammation in my face (which has tendency to be chipmunky). It was explained to me that you can read a lot about the body from where your body deposits fats. A fat tummy indicated emotional stress (and I thought it was the Kitkats!) whilst fat on the arm can indicate toxicity from metals, plastics or poor food choices. I am also told that my double chin and often puffy face can be directly down directly to insulin spikes in the body as a result of eating too much sugar (this IS from the Kitkats). It’s actually fascinating.
So combining my bridal body goals with a thorough reading of my fat deposits (such a flattering term), I was set on a strict clean and lean diet plan.
And so to the kitchen!”
Straight from Bodyism’s nutrition experts: channel your inner zen to cut out that tummy flab.
Up Next in the Real Bride Guide series:
Gym Time! Bodyism’s Banging Workouts. Keep your eye out for our next Real Bride article.
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
Ah, the man, the myth, the mystery… the best man. That special enigma of a wedding party member who can make or break a wedding. He may not realise it, but a lot hinges on him. After all, behind every groom is a best man, and a best man’s responsibilities cannot be underestimated. So what happens when things don’t run quite as smoothly for the best man as they should? Or, to put it more bluntly, when he messes up the single, most important job he has? This Best Man experienced a rom-com worthy moment when he forgot the rings to his best friend’s wedding. Incredible, cringe-worthy hilarity ensues as he desperately tries to salvage his tiny little blunder. A major shout out to the bride and groom for keeping their cool!
So that all best men can learn from his mistake, Bridebook has compiled the top ten most important Don’ts – and guess what our number one is….
1.DON’T FORGET THE RINGS!
2.Don’t mention past “conquests” or ex-stories in your speech.
3.Don’t forget to mention the bride in your speech.
4.Don’t get the groom drunk the night before the wedding.
5.Don’t forget to have a “mankerchief” at the ready for the groom at the altar.
6.Don’t let any harm come to the groom on the stag-do, particularly visible and over the collar. And yes shaved eyebrows do count as harm when the poor man is about to get married.
7.Don’t be “that person” at the party who is too drunk, but still try and be the life of the party.
8.Don’t forget to sand the bottom of your groom’s new shoes to help him avoid any embarrassing slippery situations.
9.Don’t perform your speech without rehearsing it in front of a trusted buddy first.
10. And remember… DON’T FORGET THE RINGS!
You don’t want your groom giving you this look… Credit: lbuckworth
Want even more amazing wedding tips, tricks and inspo? Be sure to check out Bridebook for expert articles and state-of-the-art free wedding planning tools!
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
While we all appreciate our Mum, Sis and BFF’s well-meaning tips and suggestions through wedding planning, sometimes they just don’t cut it (we still love you though!). Sometimes what a bride-to-be really needs is another bride-to-be to hash things out with. Someone who really gets what you’re going through. So if you’re not lucky enough to be going through engagement bliss (and stress) with your best friend, we have our own bridal hero here to help. Introducing the lovely Rosie, a real-life bride to be, here to walk us through what it’s really like to experience a model-worthy workout and diet like Bodyism in her final 4 week count down to the altar. Follow this 4-part series to share your muscle aches and sugar craving battles with someone who gets it – and learn a couple of tips and tricks too!
Introducing our Real Bride columnist, Rosie, ready and raring to go!
“The wedding diet – three simple words that excite fear, dread, excitement and a uncharacteristic determination. I am getting married in just 4 weeks and I really did think by now that I would be at Personal Best, Optimum, Rosie Model 101 – the best possible version of myself. I have talked a LOT about the wedding diet, and thought even more about it, and yet there has always been a reason to put it off until next week. On top of that there is of course the cake tastings, seemingly endless champagne (still working through the engagement stash), the DELICIOUS bread basket (carbs are a girl’s best friend, am I right?), all of which have until now seemed FAR more exciting!
So here I am determined to lose 8lbs in 4 short weeks. Luckily for me I have the amazing team at Bodyism, a London based studio that promote ‘Clean and Lean’ living to try and beat the clock and whip me into shape in time for the big day. The Bodyism lifestyle, favoured by celebrities such as Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Elle McPherson and Lara Stone (…er yes please!) focuses on cutting out bad carbs and processed foods (bye sugar and flour) and eating as organically as much as possible.
My first day with Bodyism was visiting their (very swanky and gorgeously pristine) Westbourne Park studio. I felt “cleaner and leaner” just stepping into the place! Goes to show, just getting yourself to the gym can be a huge motivator. Once there, a member of Bodyism’s team of top performance coaches and fat loss specialists then had a go at prodding, poking, weighing and measuring me using their ‘Body Oracle’ system. This system is a great way to kick-start the Bodyism program. It gave me a ‘body blueprint’ identifying key focus area for me specifically so that every effort going forward would benefit me and my problem areas. This will cover both eating and exercise regimes twice a week.
Now I really have NO excuse!
Wish me luck….”
Bodyism Founder, James Duigan, working out with his wife Christiane. We all wish we looked that good in the gym….
Gerard and Rhona had a Scottish fairytale wedding at the Ingliston Country Club in Renfrewshire. Rhona arrived in a beautiful white horse and carriage and was met by Gerard and his groomsmen in grey kilts. After photos in the rolling countryside and at the venues stables, the couple and their guests partied late into the night.
Scotland | Renfrewshire | Bishopton | Autumn | Classic | Modern | Blue | Cream | Country Club
Congratulations to Rhona and Gerard on your beautiful Scottish weeding and a huge thank you to Sheila Galvin for sharing the amazing shots you captured on the day.
Here’s a warm and cosy Winter wedding in a historic medieval building in Norwich. Naturally dark beams overhead added to the ambience along with forest-themed blue and white décor such as pine cones and log centrepieces lining the full-length tables. The bride, Lois, prepared for the cold with a lovely white fur that complicated her wedding dress beautifully. The bridesmaids in navy blue coordinated nicely with the ushers in red details. Looking forward to a night of dancing, Lois changed into a shorter dress, perfect for being spun by her new husband, Jonny!
South East | Norfolk | Norwich | Winter | Natural | Rustic | Blue | Red | Historic Building
Words from the photographer:
“What a special way to kick start 2015! Jonny and Lois enjoyed an afternoon celebrating with their nearest and dearest over mulled wine, tea and scones. Then they partied at ‘the great hospital’ in norwich (ancient beauty dating back to 1249!) their wedding was effortlessly vintage chic and had a very personalised feel. as you can see Lois and Jonny’s adoring eyes and massive smiles boast such a genuine happiness and love for each other.”
Congratulations Lois & Jonny and thank you Hajley Photography for letting us share these beautiful photographs to help remember a very special day!
Can you imagine a more iconic London backdrop for wedding photos than the London Eye? We certainly can’t – and the photos of Laura and Marko’s wedding speak for themselves!
We absolutely love the combination of Laura’s white lace dress and veil and her bridal party’s bold red gowns. Her and Marko looked stunning as they said their vows and celebrated with photographs at one of London’s most famous landmarks, before dancing the night away.
Congratulations, Laura and Marko – what an amazing day! And a huge thank you to Hajley Photography for sharing these fabulous shots with us.
A horse drawn carriage fit for a princess and a helicopter arrival to the wedding reception. Chantelle and Marlon’s wedding day was a glamorous affair from start to finish. The wedding ceremony took place in a beautiful local church followed by a grand wedding breakfast held at the stunning Pendrell Hall in Staffordshire.
West Midlands | Staffordshire | Summer | Glamorous | Helicopter | Pink | Gold | Country House | Vintage
Congratulations to Chantelle and Marlon on your incredible wedding day and a huge thank you to Kayleigh Pope for sharing your incredible photos from the day.
There is more to wedding stationery than just beautiful wedding invitations! Our amazing resident expert Stationer, Papeterie Eugénie shares all you need to know to make your wedding menus positively delectable…
Menus have become a hot wedding topic. Traditionally each round table would have a couple of menu booklets, to be shared amongst seated guests. Today there are a number of fashionable alternatives, which surprisingly may even help trim your budget! Read on, to see which option best suits your special day.
Traditional
Booklets are classic, elegant and what you would expect in refined circles. Choose these if you like graceful tradition. As a general rule, provide two booklets for round tables of six-eight guests, stretching to three booklets for 10-12 guests if possible. Long tables need more, plan on one booklet for every third guest.
Informal
Posters are a great way to make a statement and inject a bit of fun. Use for buffets, an outdoor reception or for less formal affairs. Judge quantities according to your number of guests and entrances to your dining area. You will need to place placards in visible locations; normally two-three prove sufficient and require easel display.
Fashionable
Bookmark menus are all the rage. Create one menu per guest and tuck neatly within the serviette. Personalise with their name at the top and it doubles as a place card. Not only do these make lovely mementos, they can be more cost-effective than menu booklets teamed with individual place cards.
Contemporary
Create a feature on your tables with double-sided postcard menus, displayed in a clasped holder. Mount onto a glitter border to add a touch of luxe or sense of occasion. One or two per table is sufficient as guests can view easily from all sides.
Modest
Trimming back? Choose postcard menus but put the table number/name on the reverse. Request smaller versions as less paper means lower prices. Or display a couple of 8×10 inch menus, in frames on the reception bar. You can still create impact with more limited funds, just think creatively!
So as with all your wedding stationery, choose what you really love – then modify as closely as possible to fit within your budget. That way you retain your personality and stay true to your wedding style!
Happy Planning!
Inspired by Papeterie Eugénie’s beautiful designs and helpful tips? Be sure to check out their Bridebook profile profile and website!
Where better to have a show-stopping day then at the iconic Shepperton Studios. Not only is it a stunning manor house steeped in history, but it has featured in some truly memorable rom-coms including Nottinghill, Bridget Jones and Love Actually. Tiffany and Ashley held their beautiful September wedding at the iconic venue, with fresh lavender and gold accessories it was a sensationally glamorous affair.
South East | Surrey | Shepperton | Summer | DIY | Classic | Country | Lavender | Gold | Film Studios | Manor House
A big congratulations to Tiffany and Ashley on your truly memorable day and a huge thank you to Graham Mansfield for capturing such a special day so beautifully.
A sunny Autumn wedding set in a gorgeous hotel followed by a marquee reception decorated with fuchsia pink flowers and bunting. Noel and Steff had a truly gorgeous wedding day surrounded by their closest family and friends.
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Venue: Eastclose Country Hotel | Photographer: Jennie Franklin
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South West | Hampshire | Christchurch | Autumn | DIY | Classic | Marquee | Pink | White | Hotel
A huge congratulations to Noel and Steff on your beautiful autumn wedding and a huge thank you to Jennie Franklin for sharing your wonderful photographs.
A wedding set in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Harbour, Latifah and Ryan said their nuptials outside in front of their nearest and dearest. The ceremony was followed by the reception at Salterns Harbourside Hotel which was decorated with classic navy blue and white details.
South West | Dorset | Poole | Spring | Coastal | Classic | Navy | White | Hotel
Congratulations to Latifah and Ryan on your recent wedding and a massive thank you to Jennie Franklin for capturing the day so beautifully and sharing your photos with us.
There’s no doubt that wedding music can truly make or break a wedding. There’s nothing better than that wedding band that ticks all of the right boxes, and that gets every guest partying on the dancefloor. But how is a couple supposed to know where to start to find that perfect performer? This is where the likes of Eight Ray Music come in. Representing some of the best wedding performers in the country, who better to guide you through the ins and outs of choosing the perfect music for you wedding than Eight Ray Music‘s very own Tom Sandall. Read on below to get his expert insight into the world of wedding music!
There’s a famous saying that everyone will remember a bad wedding breakfast and bad music at a wedding. Time and again, these two factors are highlighted as imperative to a weddings success. In my experience, the food’s important but the music is critical. From the emotive classical act for the ceremony to the dance floor filling party band, music will set the tone and tempo for your wedding day.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing your wedding music: the budget, the type of act, the guests, your schedule and, it’s easy to forget, your personal preferences need to be considered too.
I hope this guide acts as a useful resource to those looking to gain a better understanding of the available options when it comes to wedding music. One thing to always remember is that everyone’s needs are unique, at Eight Ray Music we tailor the entertainment to suit the individual. So take this as a rough guide and get in touch if you would like more advice!
The Ceremony
The Ceremony is an emotional and memorable moment. To truly capture the immensity of the occasion, I would always advise brides to choose a live musician.
Traditionally, people choose a classical act during the ceremony. Classical musicians add an emotive touch to proceedings and their elegance greatly complements and enhances the occasion. I favour using harpists and violinists, especially if the bride would like the Wedding March played.
You don’t have to stick to classical acts, however. Many people choose to have a more contemporary sound. It’s amazing how many people choose Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud and this means many elect for solo singers, which can be incredibly moving to witness.
For a vocalist I would choose either Mike Newfield (singing below) or Celine of To The Sun. The beauty of hiring these two is the fact that they can also provide the evening entertainment too, helping to cut costs.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iK9-BeDCfEs
Drinks Reception
As people mill into the drinks reception it’s time to lift the mood without proving too intrusive. People are rightly excited, it’s wedding day!
It’s early, however, and people are still in the meet and greet phase. They want to chat and catch up with everyone, there’s no need for an overpowering band.
My two favourite options here are to use a classical act or a roaming band. The latter is more upbeat and will generate a more invigorating atmosphere, but the former is better if you’re looking to keep it a more refined affair at this point.
Every bride is working on a budget. If you want to have music throughout your day but it’s stretching the wedding budget, consider choosing versatile bands.
Using the same classical act for the drinks reception as you did for the ceremony is one way to keep costs down. Some roaming bands, such as the The Roaming Revue, can also provide an evening party band. By booking the same band for both, you will save money on the budget, compared to hiring two different bands for each.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=KApZI9nrLZ0
Wedding Breakfast
Generally speaking, people don’t tend to have music whilst they’re eating. If you do, I would recommend a string quartet. String quartets work well because they’re not too intrusive, people need to breathe, relax and have a chat during dinner.
If a string quartet isn’t for you but you would like music, a roaming band can work well in-between courses as a feature. It helps to lift the dinner and generates a bit of atmosphere.
Novelty acts can also work well during dinner, singing waiters are one of my favourites. As the name suggests, they are musicians disguised as waiters who break out into song. They serve and then they suddenly start singing. And while it’s on the pricier side, it’s an incredibly cool and unique idea.
Suggested Eight Ray Music Band: Soprano Bella (singing waiters), Siren.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1_FLuaxVneM
Evening Band
Live music is so engaging, a top band will create a memorable atmosphere. The mistake some people make here is being too specific in terms of the band they want.
I think when you’re selecting a band you need to consider a few things. You need to find a band who can mirror your character and represent you as people, yet they need to appeal to the majority too. You want as many people as possible inhabiting the dance floor, for as long as possible.
Guests at weddings tend to be a diverse bunch. Older guests are unlikely to be as enthused at hearing modern tracks, just as the younger ones among the crowd may not react well to an evening filled solely with classic hits. That’s why party bands can be a good solution. One thing top party bands have is versatility. Most of the bands on our roster are able to cater to a wide variety of audiences, playing both classic and modern tracks, which helps to please each of the various demographics.
The best part of hiring a live band or musician is that they can read the audience, finely tuning their set throughout the night to suit the mood of the evening, ensuring that the dance floor remains full until the early hours.
When it comes to employing a DJ or soliciting the use of an iPod playlist I think it’s a no-brainer and would reiterate the above point:
Live musicians can read the audience, a DJ will chop and change their playlist to suit the audience; if they are dancing to Motown then the next song is not going to be Skepta. You don’t want to spend your evening skipping tracks, a great DJ takes the pressure off.
In regard to cost, a lot of party bands will offer a package deal with a DJ. It’s always worth asking for this when you enquire, it might mean you have enough budget left for something else – which is always a pleasant surprise!
Bio: Tom Sandall is Eight Ray Music’s Business Development Manager. He specialises in providing exceptional entertainment for weddings and events. Feel free to get in touch with Tom if you would like to explore music for your wedding.
Happy Planning! Inspired by Eight Ray Music’s suggestions? Check out their Bridebook profile.
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
Rachel Khoo is a British cook, broadcaster and writer with her own food television cooking series, and regarded as an all round food expert.
Photos by David Loftus, Laura Edwards and Keiko Oikawa
The Bridebook team definitely had a fan girl moment (or two!) when we heard the inspiring Rachel Khoo would share with us her wedding food tips. The brains behind the online lifestyle magazine Khoollectand multiple critically acclaimed cookbooks including The Little Paris Kitchen, Rachel is a tour de force in the foodie world to be reckoned with.
Pair that with on trend culture and style tips to the plenty and we officially have a major girl crush. Read on to get some awesome tips on how to get creative with your wedding breakfast that will make even the most traditional bride rethink her menu…
With so many delicious canapé options and ideas out there, what are your recommendations to couples in deciding what they serve on their wedding day?
My philosophy on catering is ‘always keep things simple’ and stay true to your own ideas (rather than trying to please each individual guest). You’ll never manage to please everyone’s palates and tastes, but if you choose a broad selection of dishes or options to pick from then no-one will go hungry.
I also think it’s super important to stay in tune with your surroundings and pick food to suit your overall theme. For example, if you’re getting married in Italy, then plan a rustic family-style dinner at a long table, with Italian fare to match.
If you want to keep things casual, then why not go for a barbecue in the backyard – that way, you don’t even have to think about canapes. It’ll just be salads, delicious barbecued meats, and fresh fruit popsicles.
By David Loftus
Always bare in mind what’s in season. Using seasonal produce will make it easy to source ingredients, keep the price down, and also make for a better tasting end result.
Simple is best. With any kind of entertaining I always say focus on getting the best produce possible and it’ll do the work for you.
By David Loftus
Pick foods that represent you and your husband. You don’t have to be fancy for the sake of it. This will make the menu more personal. I love the fact that Kate Winslet did bangers and mash at her wedding.
Remember: the food isn’t the most important part of the wedding, you and your guests are. So if everything doesn’t go your way, don’t stress – your guests honestly don’t care too much. They’re there to celebrate your special day and not to get a slap up meal.
By David Loftus
What are some ways couples can get creative with their wedding day food to avoid the traditional and sometimes boring fillet and salmon dishes?
Some people love those boring fillet and salmon dishes, but I think most are far more adventurous in their eating these days and see weddings as an opportunity to sample new and exciting dishes.
Find a really great catering company, or venue with a brilliant kitchen, and allow them to be creative on your behalf (with your own input of course). Seek out your own inspiration – via food magazines, Pinterest, blogs, and your own heritage and traditions – and bring your ideas to the table. Make sure you incorporate local ingredients in your menu.
It’ll make your wedding unique rather than following a cookie cutter formula. You could use a local product for your wedding favours (e.g. a locally made candy), or serve fish caught by the local fisherman.
By David Loftus
With your patisserie expertise, what are some good ideas for wedding cake alternatives that are perfect for a wedding celebration but still practically feasible?
Sometimes I think brides get a little carried away with their wedding cake, when infact, it’s often the most high-stress but often overlooked part of the wedding. So many times I’ve seen the dance floor full of guests, with a sad lonely cake left in the corner with barely a bite out of it.
My suggestion is to keep your cake simple and low-stress OR opt for smaller, delicate hand-held sweet items instead.
By Lara Messer
Here’s some nice alternatives that you and your friends can either make yourself, or can easily be assembled by your caterers:
Cream puffs or filled choux pastries (and no, you don’t need to stick these together with sugar syrup to create an elaborate croquembousch).
Mini cakes or cupcakes.
A tower of cheese (explained more below)
A pile of macarons (these keep for ages if stored correctly) A tiered cheesecake, or small cheesecakes.
A beautiful pyramid or pile of fresh fruit.
By Keiko Oikawa
What are some tips you can give to a bride who wants to make her own wedding cake?
Plan the flavour and style of cake you want to make well ahead of the big day.
Practice making the cake once or twice before you commit to making the ‘wedding’ cake. This also gives you the opportunity to perfect your decorating and icing.
Find a recipe that freezes really well – that way, you can bake it days or a couple of weeks ahead of the event, then simply thaw and decorate just before the big day.
If you’re not so hot on the decorating side of things, then enlist a friend to help. OR just bake the cake and pay a talented cake decorator to do the rest. You could also keep it naked and dress it up with flowers from your bouquet. A home-made victoria sponge with jam and cream can be just as stunning as a fondant covered traditional cake…and probably tastes better.
By David Loftus
Choose flavours and textures that have universal appeal. Wedding guests range in ages and tastes, so it’s important to offer flavours that don’t just suit you.
Make sure your cake has a sturdy crumb to it and will stay fresh for at least a couple of days. There’s no point making something like a sponge cake that’s best eaten within hours of baking, or a crumbly number that will fall apart in your guests’ hands.
What is the most creative way you have seen food incorporated into or served at a wedding or event?
I’m a huge fan of cheese, so always get excited when I see a simple wedding cake that involve a few large rounds of the stuff piled on top of each other.
By The Cheese Shed
Want even more trendy inspo? Be sure to check out Rachel’s online lifestyle magazine Khoollect for everything from city tips, to produce growing guides, to irresistible recipes for the modern gal.
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
A DIY-inspired, multi-cultural wedding set in the countryside surrounding Stratford-upon-Avon. Prisha and Paul made sure their wedding was truly unique by overseeing almost every element of their day. The flowers were arranged by the bride’s mother and the bride’s lace gown was even hand-made by a friend. Deep purple was themed throughout, reflecting the autumnal time of year.
Cultural | DIY | Purple | Golf Club | Manor House | Autumn
Congratulations Prisha and Paul on creating a truly amazing wedding and thank you to the brilliant Kayleigh Pope for capturing and sharing some beautiful moments from the day.
Like what you see? Take a look at Kayleigh Popes wedding photography profile here.
Here at Bridebook, the world’s leading free online wedding planner, we firmly believe that every bride is gorgeous and that every love story starts from the inside out. But we also believe in the power of feeling your absolute best as you walk down the aisle – and on that front James Duigan has got you covered. The brawn and brains behind Bodyism, the go-to fitness program of supermodels Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Elle Macpherson, Duigan knows exactly how to get you down that aisle – aka catwalk – feeling your absolute best!
Please allow yourself plenty of time to achieve realistic and safe goals. Many brides tend to panic a couple of months before the wedding leading to unnecessary stress. They hardly eat and over-train and when the big day arrives they just look tired and worn out. It’s important to plan ahead, and really think about what you realistically want to achieve before the big day. There’s no use putting your body through immense stress because you think you are going to drastically change the size or your arms or the shape of your waist.
Our bodies are designed to move, so move every day! It doesn’t have to be strenuous, but look to get variety into your week such as a yoga class, a brisk walk, a pilates class etc. You will be surprised how quickly you will start to see results. This will keep you motivated and you are more likely to reach your goal!
3. Work Your Whole Body
Some brides-to-be find it tempting to jump on the cardio train and spend hours slogging it out on the treadmill, which is a huge strain on your body and to be honest, not as effective as you may think. Cardio is a form of aerobic training which will burn fat while doing it, but as soon as you stop, the fat burning stops too. Just doing cardio alone is extremely unlikely to get you a flat tummy! The fastest way to burn that ‘stubborn fat’ is with resistance circuits using AMG movements (working all muscle groups). For example, combining squats, lunges and press-ups to strengthen your core and target all areas of the body. This will increase metabolism, switching the body into a fat burner for up to 72 hours after the workout!
I always tell my clients to eat ‘Clean and Lean’ which means to cut the C-R-A-P: that being caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol and processed food. These are the four main toxins that cause our bodies to cling to fat. If you are wanting to safely get in top shape for your wedding, try to eat five healthy meals a day, two of which should be smaller snacks. I would recommend having the snacks in-between breakfast and lunch and then again between lunch and dinner. Healthy snacking ensures you don’t overeat when you have main meals and will also help you to speed up your metabolism. When choosing snacks make sure you avoid the sugar packed treats; muffins, croissants and sugary smoothies are a no-no! Excellent snacks would be raw nuts, turkey slices, berries and sliced vegetables.
5. Don’t Stress!
It sounds simple and is easier said than done, but the most effective way to get a flat tummy is to stress less. The stress hormone cortisol can cause your body to store stubborn fat around the belly button. Get proper sleep, it will reduce your stress and make you a nicer person in general!
We live in a world of ever growing body image pressures, sometimes promoting unrealistic body ideals. It may sound simple, but keeping oneself motivated is about positivity and listening and accepting your body. Do not see fad diets as a ‘quick fix’ to fitting into a wedding dress. I always recommend living a healthy lifestyle and embracing this as part of your life and who you are. Being confident shows in your posture and body language, so accepting yourself and having confidence in your body will definitely show on the big day!
Check out @bodyism on Instagram for even more inspiration!
Chrissy and I actually had four weddings. Two of my favourite memories from these include the one on a island with just me and her which was completely romantic and beautiful. The other favourite memory was at our one big wedding with our family in Australia and that moment of watching her with her dad and the love and pride he had for her was such a touching moment to witness. I also loved watching my dad speak because it was so heartfelt. Overall it is the feeling of love which is the most important memory to take away.
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you about planning a wedding?
If I am completely honest we didn’t really plan our weddings because we had already taken advice from friends who advised us to remember that all that matters is that you end up married and everyone has fun. It was the best advice we got as we took a step back and enjoyed the moment.
The happy couple, James and Chrissy Duigan
Want more of Bridebook’s amazing wedding day inspiration?
Want to learn how to pull together a fresh and creative wedding menu that won’t make your guests yawn? Who better to guide you than food aficionado Rachel Khoo!
Take advantage of all of Bridebook’s amazing free wedding planning tools today!
Who better to guide you through the bridesmaid dress choosing process than the bridesmaid’s favourite? We’ve called on the wonderful pros at twobirds Bridesmaid to share their top 5 tips on how to keep you and your bridesmaids happy while completing your wedding party look.
Universally flattering styles with endless ways to wrap equals happy bridesmaids!
Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your favourite girls can be very stressful. With different skin tones and body shapes to cater for it might feel like an impossible task! Luckily, at twobirds, we like to keep things as stress free as possible… We understand that every woman is different so our gorgeous range of customizable multiway dresses offer the perfect solution to ensure happy bridesmaids and – essentially – a happy bride.
Colour Scheme
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to finalising your colour scheme and if – like many brides-to-be – you’re struggling to choose it may help to consider other elements of your wedding as a starting point. If your venue has a strong colour palette or your partner’s outfit has a dominant colour, that may inform your choice.
Be sure to keep in mind every aspect of your day when picking your bridesmaid dress colour scheme
Go shopping
Why not make a day of it and gather your favourite girls together for a day of trying bridesmaid dresses, a lovely lunch and then finish off the day with a cocktail in your favourite bar? Dress shopping should be a fun experience so do your research before you go and make sure the dresses you have your heart set on are within your budget.
Any excuse to spend a day with your girls and some bubbly!
Mix & Match
A lot of couples are choosing a tonal mix of dress colours for their bridesmaids which can look really striking on the big day. Tie it all together with the bouquets or ribbons for a cohesive and glamorous look.
With the extensive range of colours available, it’s easy to embrace the tonal trend
Flattering Fit
One size most definitely does not fit all and it’s tricky to find a structured dress to suit every body shape. Multiway dresses are a great option as each bridesmaid can choose their preferred neckline and wear the dress exactly as they wish – subject to bride’s approval, of course! twobirds dresses cover sizes UK 4-24, can be wrapped in endless different ways and we use a huge amount of premium quality, luxurious fabric to ensure a flattering and feminine silhouette.
Win instant points with your bridesmaids by letting them pick their most flattering neckline
Hair & Make up
Lots of couples decide to give the bridesmaids freedom when it comes to hair and make up and – depending on the chosen neckline – hair can be up or down. For example, an off-centre fishtail braid looks amazing with a one-shoulder style while a high ballerina bun will show off a backless dress perfectly.
Remember the hairstyle can be just as important as the dress!
About twobirds
twobirds Bridesmaid is an award-winning retailer, wholesaler and manufacturer of adaptable wrap dresses – offering a beautiful collection of stylish gowns engineered to create a flawless feminine silhouette. Designed to be worn on the wedding day and time and time again, the fluid and comfortable luxurious gowns offer an effortless shopping experience – creating a unified, yet individual look for the entire bridal party.
Launched in 2007 by New Yorker Ariane Goldman, twobirds Bridesmaid has fast become one of the leading bridesmaids dress manufacturers both in the UK and worldwide and has been worn by numerous celebrities including Lady Gaga and The Saturdays’ Mollie King.
The ingenious ‘adaptable’ design concept – inspired by a 1970’s Norma Kamali ‘Infinity’ dress – features bodice straps that can be twisted, tied, knotted and folded to create over 15 neckline and sleeve options. Constructed to maximise assets and minimise imperfections the beautiful gowns create a flattering finish for each and every body shape.
One Dress. Endless ways to wrap. For the wedding day and forever after…. Two Sizes, Universally Flattering and Maternity Friendly.
Cover all your bridesmaid bases with twobirds
Happy Planning!
Want to get your hands on these gorgeous dresses and become an instant favourite with your bridesmaids? Check out twobirds’ Bridebook profile and website to book a fitting!
Recommended nail and toe-nail colours depending on dress, season, venue, style etc.
Brides now actually tend to stay well away from French and try colours that match their dress/bridesmaids dresses/flowers, etc. typically spring/summer weddings stick to pastel or taupe shades as this doesn’t take too much attention away from their wedding dress.
Creative ways to rock non-traditional wedding day nail colours
Some brides love to take it that step further and wear bold, bright colours or even try out designs with gems and crystals. There is no rule for brides and no look is frowned upon which is what gives them so much freedom in their choices! A coat of glitter over a soft colour or full glitter on ring fingers is also a popular look.
Being a nail technician myself I do find brides go bolder on toe nails. Red is the most popular choice as it suits every skin tone, every age.
A lot of brides honeymoon a day or 2 after their wedding day so they choose to have a colour that they will want to wear on holiday too.
Rose is a freelance hair and make-up artist who also works closely with the Liz Earle Beauty brand, celebrities and international bridal clients. Rose is based in London, but travels far and wide and knows how to get you walking down the aisle looking like an absolute goddess. See also the amazing guide she wrote for Bridebook on making the decision between hair up and hair down here. Enjoy!
Love these photos? All of these hair dos are done by Rose herself!
From clips, combs and hair-pins to flower crowns and wreaths, there are many ideas to consider, and it can be a lot of fun exploring the options available. You want to ensure that the hair accessory you choose compliments your dress, your hairstyle and your jewellery.
The overall theme and setting of the wedding also plays a part; for instance, if your wedding features a country garden setting, soft floral hair accessories can work beautifully. For an evening do, you may wish to choose something more dramatic and sparkly to catch the light. Some brides choose to make their hair accessory a main feature, opting for bold and colourful floral wreaths and flower crowns, a perfect choice for hair down styles and boho brides.
That said, if you want the focus to be purely on the dress, the jewellery and the veil (not to mention your beautiful bridal hair style) – you can choose not to have any hair accessories at all, or just add one in for the evening before your first dance.
The following considerations should help you to decide the type of hair accessory that’s right for your day.
The Dress:
Look at the fabric in your dress, are there any ‘sparkly’ or ‘pearly’ elements, or is the material matte? It’s lovely to tie in your hair accessory with the types of fabric in your dress. For example, lace bridal hair combs can really compliment a lace gown, while a crystal hair accessory will work beautifully with a dress with featuring any crystal detailing. The colour tones of your dress can also be used as a guide for selecting a complimentary hair accessory.
These romantic curls and beautiful hair piece would go perfectly with a crystal detailed dress.
The Bridal Party:
Hair accessories can work with all bridal hairstyles; up, down and half up. Once you have chosen the perfect bridal hair accessory, you can select similar complimentary hair accessories for your bridal party. If your bridesmaids are having different hairstyles, a hair accessory could be a lovely way to unify them and maintain your look and feel across the board.
Pair this gorgeous bridal up do by sprinkling complementing flowers in your bridal party’s hair dos.
The Jewellery (and veil):
Any hair accessories you choose should work colour tone wise with your jewellery. As with your dress, it can be nice to match up elements of the detail (pearls, crystals, diamonds) between your jewellery and hair accessory. If you decide to wear a veil, make sure that the hair accessory you choose can be worn with the veil, or have one of your bridesmaids on duty to help you out it on once the veil is taken off.
This Jenny Packham pearl and crystal alice band would go perfectly with some pearl drop earrings…
In love with any or all of these gorgeous hair styles? Check out Rose’s very own Bridebook profile and book her for your big day!
For many people, speaking at a wedding can seem like a total nightmare. For help, we chatted to Lawrence Bernstein at Great Speech Writing who, together with his team of writers, has written 1000’s of wedding speeches for brides and grooms over the past ten years. He shared a few simple tips with us to ensure that your speech on the big day is remembered for all the right reasons.
Courtesy of Guy Hearn Photography
Preparation is key.
Start planning early. Know your speech well enough so that by the time you stand up to deliver it, you only need to glance at your paper to remember what comes next. You don’t want to be ‘reading’ it, however well written the speech is.
Talk slowly…
and take your time. An average wedding speech is 8-10 minutes long. Day-to-day, you’ll be talking at about 220 words a minute. In your speech, aim for 120 and allow for pauses to breathe. It’s a good idea to write these into your script for maximum effect. It may feel like you’re delivering it at a snail’s pace, but your audience will be able to digest it much better.
Speak clearly and loudly!
The audience will be on your side and eager to hear what you are saying.
Emphasize key words.
You do this in conversation, but it’s easy to forget in a ‘formal’ setting. If you’re telling people you’re “so happy”, make it clear – “I’m so happy!”
Remain calm!
Try not to let nerves (or shaky hands) show. Adrenalin can be a positive and enhance your delivery.
Make eye contact with your audience.
Looking up will give you extra confidence and engage your audience.
Body language is vital.
Gesticulate to emphasise a point, don’t forget to smile, and if you are addressing someone, look at them.
Check your posture.
Good posture can make you look and feel more in control. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart and project your voice.
Anticipate interruptions.
Pause for applause and laughter, rather than continuing through it. Be prepared for hecklers by having some responses up your sleeve – even if it’s just an ironic “thanks for that…”.
Stay off the booze!
It may be tempting, but getting drunk will not help you deliver a great speech… save the drinking for when the speeches are over and everyone’s toasting you!
Gerard and Rhona had a Scottish fairytale wedding at the Ingliston Country Club in Renfrewshire. Rhona arrived in a beautiful white horse and carriage and was met by Gerard and his groomsmen in grey kilts. After photos in the rolling countryside and at the venues stables, the couple and their guests partied late into the night.
Informal
Modest
