Oh thank goodness for your wedding day. When else do you get a room full of tables packed with your nearest and dearest? Don’t be daunted by the prospect of working it out, enjoy it! You get to organise a room full of your favourite people – you can set people up, you can make sure your top people become best friends. So follow our tips and create the best seating plan known to mankind.
By Anna Clarke Photography
1) Square or round?
Ask your venue what shape tables they have available (round or square) and how many you can have for your wedding. Then you’ll know how many people should go on each table – and you’re ready to go. If you’re given a choice, have a google and see whether you prefer round or square.
2) Top table
Think about the Top Table. Traditionally, it is a rectangular table perched higher than the rest of the tables, with the newlyweds at the centre, flanked by their parents, the Best Man and the Maid of Honour. If the traditional isn’t for you, go for a circular table in the middle of the guests, or a sweetheart table just for the two of you. It’s your day, so do whatever you want and have the best time!
Start thinking about where your guests will sit sooner rather than later – to give yourself time to enjoy putting the plan together. We recommend dividing them into logical groups, like friends, family, colleagues, or any others that are applicable. This will form natural groupings that you can then mix up; making sure everyone socialises and meets new people! Try and seat people next to someone they will be comfortable with but will also have the most fun with! Balance out: men and women (traditionally you alternate between the two), loud and quiet guests, people that know each other and don’t.
4) Visualise it!
Try writing all the names on post it notes and sticking them to a drawing of the table plan – that way you can visualise it and move people around accordingly. Sneaky tip: use different colours for different sexes so you can keep track of everyone!
Be as considerate as you can of your guests’ needs. Children should be close to bathrooms and exits, the elderly should be close to the speakers as they might not hear as well and if you know some of your guests don’t like each other, sit them apart – drama averted.
6) Logistics
Don’t forget about logistics. Think about where the cake will go, where the photographers and videographers will have the best angles and how to give the waiters the easiest access to the tables.
Your bestest friend/ family member/ work colleague is getting married and you are over the moon! But it suddenly dawns on you: “what do I wear?” Wearing your Sunday best is no longer the norm for weddings, which can range from quaint rustic affairs, to lavish and extravagant soirees. Have no fear! We are here to decode the various dress codes and help you find the perfect outfit.
By Anna Clarke Photography
White Tie
Ladies: A formal, floor length evening gown in a neutral or dark colour. Stay away from white!
Gentlemen: A tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, white shirt, white bow tie, gloves and evening shoes.
Black Tie
Ladies: A floor length evening gown or a cocktail dress.
Gentlemen: A tuxedo, white shirt, black vest or cummerbund, black bow tie and evening shoes.
By secretservice.com
Black Tie Optional or Formal
Ladies: A smart dress, long or cocktail, or a dressy suit.
Gentlemen: A tuxedo or a formal dark suit, shirt and tie.
Morning Dress & Suits
Ladies: Daytime cocktail dress that covers shoulders, or alternatively a blazer on top. Hats are optional.
Gentlemen: Morning suit, waistcoat, shirt and tie.
By Millie Benbow Photography
Beach Formal
Ladies: a smart sundress, knee-length or maxi.
Gentlemen: a summer suit and shirt, no tie necessary.
Semi-Formal
Ladies: a cocktail dress or a formal skirt and top.
Gentlemen: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on season and time of day.
By Anna Clarke Photography
Casual
Even though this says casual, jeans and flip-flops are not acceptable.
Ladies: A sundress, skirt and blouse, or trousers and blouse.
Gentlemen: Smart trousers with a shirt or smart polo, loafers or similar styles of shoe.
Festive Attire
Ladies: A bright and fun cocktail dress, paired with statement accessories.
Gentlemen: A suit, made more fun with a coloured shirt or tie.
Some Extra Tips From Us:
While we always encourage you to dress for the weather to be comfortable, never ever show too much flesh, it is against wedding etiquette.
We strongly recommend you don’t wear white. Sometimes a cream can be acceptable, but really, the white is the bride’s prerogative.
If you are wearing a hat, stick to small and neat. You don’t want to be obstructing the view of everyone behind you!
Traditionally daytime celebrations are before 5pm, and evening celebrations commence around 6pm.
You’re at that stage of wedding planning… choosing a room full of presents for just the two of you! Yup it’s pretty much our favourite bit – who doesn’t love presents?! You’ve spent months choosing what your lovely guests are going to eat, drink and dance to and now it’s time for them to say thank you. For some couples the gift list can be a breeze, especially if they know where they want to register and exactly what they want. Understandably, other couples take a little longer to decide – what if you want everything?! So let’s help you pull together the ultimate gift list.
Traditionally, wedding gifts made up a couple’s first home, so anything from comfy pillows to frying pans, to vacuum cleaners. Now, as lots of couples live together before they tie the knot, you may just be topping up things you have AND choosing things you love but definitely don’t need – why not?! As well as considering your needs, you should think about your style as a couple; if you are not into fancy dinner parties, but love camping, then choose an epic tent, not the punch bowl you will never use! Remember, as your guests browse your gift list, their reaction should be “wow, this is so them!”.
2. What are your options?
Gift list
The beauty of a gift list is that it can be set up in a number of stores and you can choose plenty of different pressies – yay! Stores like John Lewis and online gift lists like The Wedding Shop are absolutely perfect, as they stock a variety of brands and lots of goodies, like household items, clothes and anything else you can think of! Tip: always choose twice as many gifts as wedding invitations that you send! This will give your guests plenty of choice and make sure you do this for price options too. In our experience cheaper gifts will range from £20-40, £40-100 is fairly standard, £100-200 is more on the expensive side and £200+ are the luxury items.
Honeyfund
This option is perfect for a couple who have all the home comforts they need and would prefer going on an amazing and unforgettable honeymoon. There are two ways in which you can do this: one is to collect cash and spend it on your honeymoon of choice. Or you can personalise the experience for your guests – give them the option of contributing to a candlelit dinner, first class travel, or VIP accommodation, all of which will make their cash donations more special, both to them and to you.
Charity Donation
If you are a philanthropist couple, charity donations are another great alternative, especially if you have a cause that is close to your heart. Whether your guests donate to a specific project, or to the charity as a whole, you can let them know what their donations have achieved in your Thank You notes, which will make them feel pretty good about themselves – good deed for the day and wedding present sorted!
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography
Cash
This option can be a bit tricky for a lot of couples, especially as they don’t necessarily know how to ask for cash. But don’t worry, cash gifts are perfectly acceptable and even traditional in a lot of cultures. Just make sure to spread the word to your family and bridal party, who will in turn notify the guests.
Personalised gifts
If you aren’t keen on any of the above options and really don’t want to ask for cash, you can ask your family and friends to get you personalised gifts, which can become awesome family heirlooms in years to come! One of our favourite ideas is a beautifully drawn map, where you can pin the destinations you’ve been to, destinations you want to go to and display it all in your living room, as a gorgeous piece of art. If collecting art and creating your own travel diary isn’t your bag, you can always go for collecting wine and filling up your wine cellar, with a special bottle set aside for your first anniversary and the christening of your firstborn.
3. Etiquette
We hear a lot of couples say that they have decided on their registry/charity/fund, but they don’t know how to let their guests know, especially as etiquette says that you shouldn’t put gift information on your invitations. You don’t need to worry, as there are plenty of ways around this. The first and most traditional is to ask your parents and Maid of Honour/Best Man to gently spread the word amongst your guests about your decision regarding gifts. The second, is to include it on your information sheet or on a subtle card (John Lewis provide these) with the gift list information on, so that you can slip one into your invitation envelope. Another option is to direct your guests to your wedding website and let them know the gift options there. Problem solved!
Long gone are the days when the MOBs had to wear washed out pastels or, horror of horrors, varying shades of the beige suit when their daughters got married. Now bright colours, amazing designs and stunning patterns are available to mums as they watch their daughters walk down the aisle (thank goodness!). Worry not about the amount of choice available! Our guide will make sure you look like an image of sophistication on your daughter’s special day.
When you start the hunt for the perfect outfit for your child’s wedding, let the bride lead the way. She has spent a significant amount of time setting the tone for the event, so will be able to tell you how formally or casually you should be dressed. She might even have a set idea of what she would like you to wear. So sit down with a glass of bubbly, grab some inspiration and talk through both of your ideas.
By Anna Clarke Photography
2. Which colour?
One question we get asked a lot is, “What colour should the Mother of the Bride’s outfit be?” It’s confusing without a strict guideline available. Some mums prefer to coordinate with the bridesmaids, but not match! But we do suggest you complement each other, so if they are in orange, you could wear a rich blue and look fantastic in the photos. We also suggest that MOBs should shy away from black, which can look mournful, red, which can be a bit racy, or white, which is the colour of the bride. Having said that, if done tastefully, all of the above can look fantastic. Choose a colour (or pattern) that doesn’t clash with the overall colour scheme and you will look absolutely fabulous.
The wedding venue and the season can be useful when you are deciding on your outfit. If your daughter is going for a beach wedding, then a relaxed dress will be perfect with some comfortable and pretty sandals, but if it’s a chic evening affair, then tailoring and heels are the way to go. The season will also guide you in terms of accessories: you might want a shawl or a blazer to keep warm with and they can be a perfect addition to any outfit. We would suggest you stay away from sky-high stilettos, not only will you have a fairly long day, but you will immediately start sinking in grass or in the sand – not a good look!
By Stephen Casey Photography
4. Mother of the Groom
Traditionally, as the MOB, you should choose your dress first and then notify the MOG of your decision. While you don’t need to follow this tradition, it is a nice gesture. After all, you will be in a LOT of photos together so you want to make sure you complement each other in your elegance. This does not mean that you should match, only that your outfits shouldn’t clash with one another. Note to self: start looking for the perfect attire six months before the wedding, leaving enough time for the MOG to find something she likes and for all the altering to be completed in time.
Demure and elegant are the main words when it comes to choosing your outfit! This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t inject a bit of personality through your accessories. Your daughter’s wedding is the perfect opportunity to wear a stunning hat or an elegant fascinator. If you don’t feel comfortable with either of those, then shawls, scarves and jewellery are a great way of adding some drama to your outfit. Bit of advice: don’t overdo it on jewellery and go with one statement piece. Our favourite look is a cuff bracelet or some statement earrings, with the neck left bear and feminine.
You also shouldn’t forget to take care of your hair and make-up! It is your daughter’s big day, but you shouldn’t leave your own beautification to the last minute. It’s a special day for you – you’re the Mother of the Bride!
By John Lennie
6. Undergarments
Even if you have found the perfect outfit, it won’t feel right until you have the right underwear to go with it. Choosing good hosiery will make you feel comfortable throughout the day and it will flatter your shape, making you look your best in the outfit that you choose! Try taking your dress to the shop so they can help you pick out the best items for you to lift and hold wherever you might need!
Listen up Best Men – this one’s for you. Your most important duty is to organise… THE MOST EPIC STAG DO KNOWN TO MANKIND (said in raised voice)! The pressure is ON, but worry not; just follow our guide and the boys will be chanting your name for years to come.
Make sure you have a stellar guest list. Start by having a chat with the stag and find out who he wants there – are his colleagues, Dad/future-Dad-in-law, cousins all invited? Make sure you have their emails too, so that you can keep everyone in the loop. We strongly advise you don’t invite EVERYONE the groom knows, as a group that big can get out of control (and not in a good way)!
2. Date
A Stag party the night before the wedding is now universally considered to be a terrible idea (thank goodness) – you don’t want a stonking hangover on your big day. The latest you should have the Stag Do is two weeks before the wedding, because let’s be honest, you will all need your recovery time. We suggest you choose your date by first: asking the groom when he is available, and second, by letting the others know the options. Doodle is a great online programme for working out dates with big groups – it does all the hard work for you – and it’s free! Once you’ve heard from everyone you can select the best date (and don’t worry you won’t be able to please everyone, just make sure the groom and the VIPs are available).
3. Budgets
Before you start planning any of the activities, discuss the potential budget with all the guests. Not everyone will be able to spend hundreds of pounds on a weekend in Vegas and you don’t want to leave people out because of their budgets (you can always bring Vegas to them!). Come up with a few options and prices and ask what everyone else thinks about them (best to do this individually rather than pick people out in a group). Also let people know whether there will be one payment or if there will be extra things that people need to cough up for. We do strongly advise you delegate the budget-keeping to someone who is responsible and good with money, as there will be late-payers who will need to be chased.
Start thinking about where you want to go and for how long. Abroad for a weekend? Or just a night out in the UK? Whichever option you choose, we strongly advise you book everything in advance! Last minute deals may sound great, but you don’t want to travel separately from the rest of the guests and have to stay at separate locations. Even if you are not travelling far, getting in touch with venues in advance is a smart move when it comes to Stag Dos. A lot of clubs will not allow big groups of guys in and they might have restrictions on the awesome fancy dress idea that you came up with. So instead of being disappointed, organise everything ahead of time and let everyone know the plan!
5. What to do?
It goes without saying that this night is about the groom and you should (obviously) cater to his tastes. If he loves mountain climbing, action packed activities and sports, or if he is all about the partying and the debauchery, you should arrange that. Just remember not to go too far, you are the Best Man because you know the groom best, so don’t do anything he won’t enjoy or anything that will get him in trouble with his significant other. We suggest a mixture between a fun, group-bonding activity, a meal, followed by drinking/clubbing/gentleman’s clubs, or whatever form of fun you prefer. Just make sure everyone knows the plan and any dress code/rules that you need to abide by. Add a few surprises and drinking games into the mix and everyone will have an epic time.
6. On the day
Make sure you keep a kitty, so that no one has to overpay and you don’t end up having budget chats in front of the groom – awkward!
Silly as it sounds, don’t forget to factor food into the schedule – your liver will thank you.
Don’t shy away from being authoritative, you planned this, so you know where everyone should be and when. Get bossy.
Lastly, look after the groom. He is your responsibility and you should make sure he gets back to his fiancé in one piece – best to avoid any permanent damage – physical or emotional!
Hello Chief Bridesmaid. This is something we’ve written just for YOU. You have the honour of supporting your closest friend in the run up to her wedding day. Aside from time spent chin-wagging over colour palettes and wedding gowns you get to organise one very important thing…. THE HEN PARTY. Oh yes. Hen Parties have evolved in the last couple of decades, with loads of different shenanigans taking place. At Bridebook, we think it is essential to give you a helping hand with the planning.
What does the bride want? A night of dancing and boozing surrounded by her mates? Or something small and quiet? See what she thinks and then get planning – you know her better than anyone! Note to self: make sure she gets home on the night, AT ALL COSTS.
The bride will chose the list of people to invite. Who and how many people are coming will set the tone a lot so highlight this to her. If mums are coming, something more relaxed may be on the cards. If she wants 20 people to come, get yourself ready for a lot of admin and herding!
Let’s just breeze over the boring but essential bit… budget. Choose a budget, make sure your guests are happy with it and then stick to it. People like to know if there will be extras – will they pay an amount to include all or will they pay for their own drinks on the night. People like to know what they are in for so just be open from the start. Remember not everyone will be earning the same amounts; so consider this before you book an extravagant weekend abroad.
Don’t bombard the girls with emails – three emails can be enough and always BCC the invited guests so that people don’t start sending hundreds back and forth.
– The first email should give some date options.
– The next one should confirm people are happy with the amount owed – and for you to set up when these instalments need to be paid by.
– Finally there should be an email closer to the time to finalise what people need to bring and where they need to be.
Stick to three and people won’t hate you by the time the party starts!
This is the fun bit. You know the bride best, so work out a plan that is very her – don’t take her shopping if she hates clothes and prefers to be in the countryside. You get the gist. So work out a game plan that involves an activity she will love and the food and drink around that.
A few little tips from us:
-Keep it simple, running around multiple locations will guarantee someone gets lost. A big group of girls also needs some downtime so avoid over planning.
-Do not book venues/events late, as availability may be limited. Be sure to double-check your bookings, to minimise your stress levels.
-If you are having fancy dress, check it’s allowed at the venue you’re partying at!
-Bring some flats! With all the walking and dancing that you will be doing, it’s a great idea to give your feet a rest.
There are so many things out there to make the hen party even more special. Pull together the Mr and Mrs Smith game (DETAILS HERE), get everyone to bring a pair of underwear and the bride has to guess who gave which, or put together a scrap book and everyone has a page to fill. On top of that there are badges, hats, balloons and tiny details you can go crazy with – there is a world of inspiration so get googling – but remember to keep an eye on your budget.
Please, please, please make sure you leave time BEFORE the actual wedding to have the Hen Party. Best to avoid re-enacting ‘The Hangover’ – no one wants a hungover bridal party, mum or bride! Obviously your party should be equally mind-blowing, just make sure it’s a while before the big day.
The decorations you have at your wedding bring your venue and theme together and tie in the personalities of you and your spouse-to-be. The beautiful thing about wedding decor is that it can be as grand or as subtle as you like. You can choose anything from huge lettering that spells out your new shared surname, or something small like fairy lights around doorframes or découpage table numbers.
But, if you don’t have this much budget to dedicate towards decor, that’s ok – it doesn’t mean you’ll have to settle for the bare minimum, or worse , no decorations at all. There are plenty of ways you can cut costs while still having a fabulously decorated wedding venue. In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money on wedding decor so you stay on-budget.
No, you don’t need to spend a lot on wedding decor, especially if having an extravagantly-decorated wedding isn’t a priority for you and you’re on a budget. The average amount spent by couples in the UK may be almost £1,500, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend that much. Every wedding is different, from the venue to the theme, so you might not need or want to spend much on decor.
As we’ve already highlighted, you don’t need to spend a lot to have a beautifully- decorated wedding venue if you can’t or don’t want to. Below are 10 tips and tricks for how to save money on wedding decor and still wow your guests.
When choosing your wedding venue, you should consider the style and theme you want to go for and how easy it’ll be to make sure they align. If you want a modern theme but hire a rustic venue, you’ll likely have to spend a lot on decor to make that happen. Choosing a venue that’s already in line with the look you want to go for will help cut costs when it comes to decor.
2. Choose a venue that doesn’t need additional decor
Some venues already ooze class and beauty, which means yours might not need additional decor at all – it might already have stunning floral displays. It might also have the perfect lighting or decor and be practically wedding-ready as it is. Choosing a venue that has plenty of natural beauty is one way to achieve this, such as a park, garden, beach or historical house.
Alternatively, search Bridebook’s comprehensive wedding venue directory for ‘blank space’ venues. They’re literally a blank canvas for you to work with, which means you won’t need to spend any extra money hiding features you don’t like, or battling against a pre-existing style. You’ll instead have all the freedom to bring in your own elements and design, and create a wedding that’s truly unique and personal to you and your partner.
Keeping your wedding decor minimalistic is a great way to have a simple yet modern style, and will also keep costs down. Keep your tables simple and elegant by leaving them free of clutter, and double up by using your wedding favours as decorations. A lovely jar of homemade jam or specially-wrapped cookies with a simple label can also be an affordable and small – yet eye-catching – name card.
Creative use of wedding colours is also a simple way to keep costs down but still make decor pop. Whether it’s flowers or ribbons, a brighter colour will always grab your guests’ attention, so you won’t need to spend a lot on decorations. A bright colour against a muted background will create a very bold look.
As part of our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, flowers and decorations aren’t included in the same category, which means you’ll have to budget separately for each. But, the good news is, there are ways you can make the most of your wedding flowers so that they have double the use.
Why not use the bridal bouquets as decorations? As soon as everyone sits down at the breakfast and all the photos are taken, the bouquets get forgotten, so strategically place them as table centrepieces. You may even want to let your florist know your plans beforehand – that way they can work with you to create bouquets that you can later reuse. Most of your guests will be none the wiser!
Your guests will spend a few hours sitting at their table as they enjoy some drinks, food and the speeches. That means they’ll spend a good portion of their day facing the centre of their table. So, you could focus your decorating efforts on picking the perfect centrepieces to make a lasting impression.
While flowers are a popular choice of centrepiece, you could also consider glowing lanterns, unique terrariums or towering candelabras.
Just because your wedding venue is big enough for 80 guests doesn’t mean you should feel pressured to fill every single inch of space. It can be easy to get carried away, but try to look at your venue from the perspective of a guest – they won’t be expecting a multi-sensory theme park-level experience, after all.
Think about the important spaces and where guests will spend most of their time. Less is often more, so don’t feel the need to cram in as many decorations as you can.
If you start early enough, you’ll be able to save hundreds by designing your own personalised wedding decorations. You could ask around to see if any family or friends have some old craft supplies hanging around, which means you’ll save even more money. With some ribbon and a few pieces of fabric, you’ll be able to create one-of-a-kind bunting. Or with some coloured paper and glue, you can turn cardboard numbers into bright and cheery découpage table numbers.
Paper decorations are particularly cost-effective, not to mention versatile. Think homemade paper chains, origami cranes, streamers, confetti, bunting, tablecloths. Consider making some of your flowers from paper too, perhaps with pages from your favourite books or music scores from your wedding playlist.
Instead of buying or renting chair covers, which can be expensive, and become messy once everyone has sat on them, use wide ribbons instead. Wrap these in a big bow on the back of each chair and voila. This will be much cheaper and add an elegant touch at the same time.
DIY decorations aren’t just an affordable option, but also a very popular one. According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, 63% of couples married in 2023 opted for DIY decorations, so you won’t be alone if you go down the DIY route! You can’t necessarily expect to get the same quality of design and attention to detail as professionally-sourced decor (after all, you get what you pay for!), but if you’re on a budget and keeping costs down is your top priority, it can be a great choice.
Bespoke decorations are naturally among the most expensive, as they have to be carefully designed and crafted by a professional, which can take time, and also require specialist luxury materials and equipment. So, if you want to save money, and are happy to forgo the personalisation, why not choose an existing design that fits in with the venue and your colour scheme? Off-the-shelf decor won’t be as personal to you, but it’s much cheaper. As a bonus, you could also sell it after the wedding and make some of your money back.
Buy your decor second-hand. Lots of new husbands and wives will be selling their decor on auctioning and repurposing sites for lower prices: take advantage of this. Similarly, utilise second-hand fairs and junk sales – as they say, one couple’s rubbish is another couple’s treasure. These are especially good if you’re going for a slightly eclectic look where you don’t need 10 matching items, but just enough items under an umbrella theme.
You could even take it one further and repurpose items you would ordinarily throw out. For example, instead of throwing out empty jars, why not soak them in water to remove the label, then fill them with cheap, battery-powered fairy lights? It’ll cost you very little but look beautiful as the evening sets in.
Try renting instead of buying whatever wedding decorations you need to save as much money as possible (and also reduce waste). Lots of styling and prop suppliers are able to sort everything out for you with a professional vision. There’s also every chance your wedding venue may also have some available.
Alternatively, you could ask friends and family to dig out their old decorations or have a look at what they have buried at the back of their garage or deep within the loft. There may just be something hidden away that you’ll be able to make great use of as a unique piece of decor.
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Everyone knows that there are four must-haves for your wedding: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. Traditionally, these have been carried by the bride (along with a silver sixpence in her shoe!) but we love seeing anybody take up this tradition. The something old represents the past, while the something new symbolises the couple’s bright future together. The something borrowed should be from a happily married friend or relative, in the hope that their good fortune will rub off on this couple! Finally, the something blue is connected to ideas of fidelity and love.
This tradition originated in Ancient Rome, where brides used their wedding veil to hide from evil spirits who envied and wanted to steal her newly wedded bliss. Scary stuff! (For help choosing your veil – whether you’re fearful of spirits or not! – check out this article.)
3. A Rainy Wedding
Rain, rain, go away? Not at all! Rain on a wedding day is believed to symbolise fertility. According to Hinduism, it’s also good luck. Plus, it makes for fab photos – so get your wellies on!
4. The Threshold
The tradition of the groom carrying the bride over the threshold originated in Medieval Europe. It was believed that the bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet! Not hard to believe if she’d spent the whole day in heels… Nowadays, we love this super cute tradition for any couple, not just ones made up of a bride and groom.
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography
5. Tears of Joy
Feeling teary on your wedding day? Don’t worry – it’s a good thing! If a bride cries on her wedding day, it’s believed that she will have used up all her tears for years to come, meaning she’s looking forward to a very happy marriage. We reckon this goes for anyone getting married, not just the brides! So our advice? If you’re wearing mascara, make it waterproof…
6. The Garter Toss
Believe it or not, there’s actually a meaning to the garter toss. In France, it used to be believed that the bride’s dress carried good luck. Unfortunately, this meant everyone wanted a piece of it! To stop the crowd rushing towards the bride to rip off pieces of her dress, some bright spark decided to distract them by throwing a garter. It worked a treat – and it’s stuck around since!
Did you know the honeymoon wasn’t always a fancy holiday? The idea of the honeymoon actually originated from the (thankfully!) long-abandoned practice of grooms abducting their brides. Over the decades, this turned into a tradition where the newlyweds would hide away for thirty (yes, thirty!) days. That’s one month or the length of the lunar cycle – so that’s where we get the “moon”! On each day, a close relation would bring them honeyed wine – and that’s where “honey” comes from. Anyone still up for a honeymoon like that?!
8. Decorating the Wedding Car
Does tying cans to your wedding car seem like a silly idea to you? Well, it didn’t to French gentlemen a few centuries ago! They punished the groom for taking a single girl “off the market” by waking him up in the middle of the night and demanding he repay them with a feast.
Ever wondered why we wear wedding rings? And why do we wear them on the fourth finger of our left hands in the UK? Well, this tradition comes from the romantic Romans. They believed that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart – and the ring’s circle symbolises eternal love!
Believe it or not, the best man has been around for a while – even if they weren’t quite the speech giver they are today! This tradition originated in Anglo-Saxon times. Back then, the groom abducted his bride – so to defend himself from the bride’s family, he took his closest (and strongest) friend as a partner in crime!
The wedding rings you and your partner wear are a symbol of your love and commitment to one another. Not only do they have to be personal to you and your partner, but they need to complement each other and any engagement rings either of you might wear.
The money you might spend on your wedding rings will depend entirely on your taste, the level of customisation you’re after and – ultimately – your budget.
In this post, we’re going to explore everything related to the cost of wedding rings, including the average cost, how much you should spend on wedding rings and why some cost more than others.
In the UK, the average amount of money couples spend on wedding rings is £1,000. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t include the money spent on the engagement ring and any other jewellery you may buy to wear on your wedding day.
In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we reveal that couples spend around £4,000 in total when it comes to wedding bling. However, that’s not to say that you have to stick to that amount – far from it. While some couples do spend this much – and more – you can still buy beautiful wedding rings even if you’re on a far tighter budget.
When it comes to choosing your wedding bands, there are plenty of options available that can affect the price.
While there may be a tradition that states you should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring (which, by the way, you don’t need to stick to), there aren’t any similar traditions when it comes to your wedding rings.
How much you should spend on your wedding rings is a completely personal choice. If you have a smaller budget, and only want to spend a couple hundred pounds, then that’s totally fine – what the rings represent is far more important, anyway. Similarly, if you have a larger budget to play with, then spending thousands is totally okay too – what you spend doesn’t affect the amount of love you have for your spouse-to-be. You should never feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money on your wedding rings.
That being said, there is one exception to this ‘rule’. It’s advised that the metal used in your wedding rings is the same as the metal used in the engagement ring. This is because some metals are more durable than others, and harder metals can damage softer metals. They can also discolour at different rates, leading to them looking mismatched.
This means if your engagement ring is made out of 18-carat yellow gold, your wedding rings should be made from metal with similar durability – ideally 18-carat yellow gold. So, if your engagement ring is made from an expensive metal, your wedding rings should be – if budget allows – as well.
Your wedding ring is one of the rare pieces of jewellery that you’ll wear all day, every day, for decades. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re going, it’ll be with you. For that reason, many couples opt to wear wedding rings that are made from hard and durable – and therefore more expensive – metals.
So, while you may be able to pick up a pair of silver wedding bands for less than £150, because silver is so soft it’s prone to scratches and dents, and can even become misshapen over time.
Meanwhile, stronger metals, such as platinum or palladium, may cost three or four times this amount but are far less likely to become damaged.
Ruby from Lebrusan Studio explains why luxury ethical wedding bands in particular can cost so much, but are definitely worth it if you have the budget:
“In this instance, we may only speak on behalf of our own wedding bands, whose prices we believe to be a fair reflection of the time and skill that goes into making them. Along with ethical sourcing, quality of craftsmanship is one of our top priorities. Committing exclusively to fine materials with sound ethical credentials and 100% local and independent manufacture does not enable us to compete with high street jewellers in terms of price. What we can promise, however, is that our wedding bands are designed and crafted with the utmost care and attention, brought into fruition with the purpose of serving as long-standing heirloom jewels to be passed down from one generation to the next.”
How does the metal type affect the cost of a wedding ring?
The type of metal you pick for your wedding bands will dramatically alter the price you’ll pay. Choosing the right wedding ring takes thought and consideration. The price of precious metals fluctuates, but below is a rough idea of what you might pay for a few popular choices.
Gold
A plain 9ct white gold wedding ring will cost between £150 for a 0.5 cm band to £400 for a 0.7 cm band. The variation in price is due to the amount of gold used to create the ring, as well as the strength of the gold, with 9ct or 18ct rings being the most popular and durable option.
Platinum
Platinum is the most durable metal and won’t show any sign of wear (even if you go rock-climbing in it every weekend), which is why it is also the most expensive option. You can buy a 0.2 cm platinum ring for a minimum of £350 or a 0.5 cm ring for £1,100 from a high street retailer.
Titanium
Titanium is a newbie on the wedding ring market and is a darker colour than other precious metals. It is very light and scratch resistant and can cost as little as £50.
Silver
As we’ve already highlighted, silver is a softer metal, which means it’s more likely to get damaged. However, it’s also a more budget-friendly option for couples keen on a precious metal band but not a lot of budget to play with. The cost of a silver wedding band starts from around £70.
What is the most expensive type of metal for a wedding ring?
Ruby from Lebrusan Studio shares her expert insights and explains about the cost of different types of metal in more detail:
“The greater the pure gold content in a gold alloy, the higher the caratage. In other words, whilst 18ct gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metal, 9ct gold consists of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. The higher the carat weight, the greater the price, with 18ct gold generally tending to cost around twice as much as 9ct gold.
Here at Lebrusan Studio, we offer three types of gold with different provenance stories. Our recycled gold affords our clients the opportunity to minimise their environmental impact by utilising material already above-ground. Priced the same as ‘industry standard’ gold, it’s our cheapest option. Meanwhile, our Fairtrade Gold is a little more expensive because it can be traced right back to its artisanal source, with a proportion of the money we pay for it ensuring safe working conditions, financial security and educational, medical and environmental investment in the miners and their communities. Similarly, our Fairmined Ecological Gold – our most expensive gold option – fulfils the same purpose of championing and supporting artisanal miners, but is extra special because it’s extracted without the use of any mercury or cyanide whatsoever.
In spite of a historic dip in recent years, platinum just about remains a more expensive option than gold. This can be attributed to its relative rarity and its density, as precious metals are often priced by weight. Although white gold, which is almost identical to platinum in appearance, is cheaper, platinum comparatively requires very little maintenance over the years, so is arguably a reliable investment.”
What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding ring?
Just like when it comes to choosing any other piece of jewellery, there are many factors that will affect exactly how much your wedding rings cost.
Design – Many couples choose a simple band, but this isn’t a requirement for your wedding rings. The more intricate the design, the more it’s likely to cost.
Size – The thicker the band, the more metal it requires and therefore the pricier it will be.
Brand/retailer – Rings from high-end brands and retailers, such as Tiffany&Co., will cost more than most online or high street retailers.
Season – During periods of high demand, such as the spring and early summer, costs can fluctuate.
Customisation – Many couples choose to personalise their wedding bands with a meaningful engraving, or the fingerprint of their beloved on the inside. Due to the time and expertise required, this will increase the cost.
Stones – It has become an increasingly popular option for brides and grooms to go for diamond set rings, as they can add a bit of sparkle to a simple band. These are priced similarly to engagement rings, depending on the metal that you choose and the cut, carat and clarity of the diamonds you wish to include. To give you an indication of prices, an 18ct white gold ring with a half band of 0.15ct diamonds will cost in the region of £625.
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Here at Bridebook, we have a fabulous range of jewellers so you and your partner can find your perfect wedding bands. Sign up today and begin your planning journey!
When you’re getting married, a lot of focus is on the bride, but remember, it’s also the groom’s time to shine. Just because the bride gets lots of attention it doesn’t mean the groom has to take a back seat – in fact, it’s exactly the opposite. When a groom is standing next to their partner at the altar, they want to look good, to help them feel good – and a sharp suit or tuxedo helps with exactly that.
The fact that you’re shopping for a suit hopefully means you’re fairly close to the big day itself, meaning your comprehensive Bridebook wedding checklist must be nearly complete…but it also means that your wedding budget might be looking a little more restrictive than it once was.
No fear – there are ways and means to make sure you look like James Bond without an MI5 agent’s salary and still have money left over for a Martini, shaken not stirred. In this post, we’re going to look at how you can save money on a wedding suit while making sure you stand proud while exchanging your vows.
Do you need to buy an expensive suit for your wedding?
No, you don’t need to buy an expensive suit for your wedding. In fact, you might not need to buy a suit at all – renting or wearing a suit you already own are both great options too. Just because a bride might spend an average of £1,300 on a wedding dressdoesn’t mean a groom has to spend the equivalent.
You’ll want your big day to go exactly as planned and be as luxurious and special as it can be – this includes the groom’s wedding attire. Below are 15 ways you can save money on a wedding suit and still look and feel fabulous. For more cost-cutting tips, check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding.
Before you decide to go and buy or rent a tux, first think about the style of your wedding and your chosen venue. A smart suit or tux isn’t always appropriate for a beach or rustic wedding. Discuss the atmosphere you’re going for with your beloved and choose your attire accordingly. For more information, check out our introduction to the groom’s and ushers’ wedding attire.
If you’re contemplating smart attire, then consider buying a sharp, tailored suit instead of a tuxedo. They can look just as good but will be far kinder to your budget, as the only real difference between a tux and a suit is the satin feel. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to wear your suit again in the future.
Many grooms don’t realise that you can even rent a suit, let alone consider it for something as important as your wedding day. But, not only will renting a suit save you money – as much as £250, to be exact – but it’ll also open you up to a much wider selection of styles. What might be way out of your budget ordinarily will be far more affordable if you rent rather than buy. Many vendors will offer rental fees for as little as £50, so it should be high on your list of considerations.
While renting is usually a hugely affordable option, it’s always advisable to compare costs between buying and renting. For example, say rental costs are £50 a day: if you have a destination wedding, those costs could be £350 if you’re away for a week, which could be way more expensive than buying a suit off the rack. With buying, there’s also always the option to sell your suit after the wedding using a website like Vinted to make some of your money back.
You must have heard of the phrase, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get.’ Well, the same applies to getting a deal on a wedding suit. While you might not be able to haggle on price or get a custom deal at a high-street retailer, an independent business or tailor may be able to offer you a deal. This is especially true if other men in the wedding party use the same vendor – you may even be able to get your suit for free or at least discounted in some cases.
It can be tempting to splash the cash when you’re getting married and treat yourself to a new watch or some extra bling, but you might be better off using that budget elsewhere. There’s no reason why you can’t use your own cufflinks, ties or shoes if you’re willing to compromise a little. Just make sure they look dashing and fit in with your overall look and the theme of your wedding.
Chances are, you have a suit or two knocking around in your wardrobe, so consider wearing one of those and save yourself hundreds. You could freshen up the look with a few new accessories, which you could then coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. Just be aware that going down this route will be a compromise of sorts. You might not be able to get the dream ensemble you would be able to get by going to a designer store or boutique, where everything is custom-made and tailored to fit you perfectly on your big day.
If you’re renting a suit, make sure you know the exact details of the return policy. You don’t want to be fined because you return your suit a day late. That’s going to be the last thing on your mind during such a hectic time.
9. Ask groomsmen and ushers to buy their own suits
While matching suits will look smashing in the photos, there aren’t many other advantages to syncing up suits. Follow the popular bridesmaids’ trend and give your ushers a colour scheme which they can dress for. That means you won’t have to buy their suits, they can save money by not having to fork out for a new suit, and everyone will still look amazing in the photos.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to bring cohesion to your wedding party. A little creativity is all you need, such as with matching accessories. Try coloured socks, suspenders, vests or bow ties and have fun with them.
Shop around. Just like a bride will look in a few stores before she buys a gown, so should the groom. The prices of men’s formal attire can vary greatly, so make sure you get the best deal, both in terms of quality and finances. A bespoke suit or tux might look sharp, but many high-street retailers offer a wide selection of fantastic outfits to suit all styles, tastes and budgets if you’re tight on cash.
Believe it or not, browsing charity shops can lead to the discovery of hidden treasures – including a suit to wear at your wedding. It will probably take persistence, but with a little luck, you might just find a wonderful suit hanging on the rack in a charity shop. The only thing to bear in mind is finding your exact size is unlikely, so you may have to take it to be altered, which of course will cost.
Something borrowed doesn’t only have to apply to the bride. Borrowing a suit from a family member or friend will save you plenty, so long as you’re the same size. Again, bear in mind that if you go down this route, you will likely have to compromise, and might not get the exact suit you originally had in mind.
If you have time on your side, then simply keep a close eye on sales and offers. High-street retailers have sales periodically throughout the year, as do independent stores. By biding your time you could save as much as 50%, or even higher if some suits are end of the line.
This is a slightly risky option, as getting the right size can be tricky, but if you know your exact measurements, you could save a bundle by shopping online. Second-hand stores such as Vinted or auction sites like eBay have plenty of bargains, but there are also plenty of online clothing retailers which have more competitive prices than those on the high street.
Plan a budget-friendly wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have loads of tools to help you save money on your wedding and keep track of your finances, including our handy wedding budget calculator. Sign up today and start planning!
While it’s true that most of the focus will go on what the bride’s wearing, just as many eyes will fall on the groom during your wedding. That means, whatever you’re wearing will need to make you look and feel good so you have the confidence to stand in front of your loved ones and say, ‘I do!’
However, when it comes to the right suit, just like a bride’s dress there are plenty of variations to choose from. You could go for a three-piece suit, evening tailcoat, a tuxedo, or one of the various other options which means it probably won’t be a straightforward decision.
In this post, we’re going to take a look at everything related to the cost of a wedding suit, including the average cost, your options and any hidden costs you should look out for.
The average cost of a wedding suit in the UK is around £700-£900, however, this can vary depending on your budget, the formality of your wedding, and the style you’re going for.
As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount spent by couples on the groom, best man and usher’s attire is £764. However, whether you pay for their suits is your decision – unless you want the best man and ushers to wear matching suits then you’re not likely to be expected to pay on their behalf.
While £764 might be the average spent on the groom’s wedding attire, it’s by no means a figure that you have to stick to. Many grooms will spend way less than this, while others will spend ten times this amount. The most important thing to remember is that the groom’s suit matches and complements what their partner is wearing, so communication is key.
When choosing the right suit for your wedding, you have plenty of options, such as:
Morning suit – A formal option that includes a tailcoat, striped trousers, a vest, a collared shirt and a cravat or ascot. Costs start from around £200.
Three-piece suit – Named because it consists of three pieces: a vest, trousers and a jacket. It’s a versatile option for formal and semi-formal weddings. Costs start from around £150.
Business suit – A great choice for a less formal wedding, and can be single or double-breasted. Costs start from around £150.
Black dinner suit – A smart formal option that will make it hard for you not to catch yourself in the mirror and see James Bond looking back. Costs start from around £200.
Evening tailcoat – Generally reserved for very formal weddings and is a fabulous choice that screams elegance. It includes a tailcoat, trousers and a waistcoat. Costs start from around £300.
Tuxedo – Another choice for a formal wedding and the epitome of luxury. A tuxedo can also be paired with a tophat and a walking stick if you want to add that extra touch of class. Costs start from around £300.
Kilt – While traditionally worn by Scottish grooms, there are no strict rules when it comes to wearing a kilt. However, the cost of a kilt can add up as they require multiple accessories. A kilt alone can cost around £100 and go up from there.
Once you know the type of attire you’re looking for, you then need to decide where to start looking for that perfect suit. Where you start your search will also depend on the budget you have and how specialist you want to go.
Bespoke
If you have a larger budget to dedicate to your suit, then something bespoke is a great option. You’ll be able to choose the materials and the exact design, and the suit will fit you perfectly. If you want to go to one of the Savile Row tailors, prepare to spend around £2,000.
Made to measure
A made-to-measure suit is a more budget-friendly alternative to a bespoke suit. You won’t be able to dictate the cut and design, but a ready-made suit chosen by you will be altered to your measurements. For this option, you would need around £400 – £600.
High street retailer
If you have a smaller budget, you can pick up a fantastic suit from a high street retailer like Marks and Spencer or Moss Bros. This will require trying on a number of suits before you find one that fits you perfectly and you might have to take it for alterations at a local tailor. Costs at the average high street store will start at around £150 but can go much higher depending on what you go for.
Hire
If you’re interested in a formal style but not prepared to pay a formal cost, then hiring a suit, tuxedo or morning suit is a much more budget-friendly solution. The cost to hire a wedding suit can start as low as £50, but it’s important you’re 100% happy with your choice and you know the exact return policy.
Charity shop
A charity shop is a great way to secure a lovely suit at a bargain price – however, you need to be patient and be prepared to shop around until you find the suit you’re after. It can also be difficult to find a suit with your exact measurements, so you may need to take it for alterations. If you’re persistent and lucky you may find a great suit for as little as £35.
Are there any additional costs involved with wedding suits?
Once you’ve chosen the suit you’re going to wear at your wedding there are additional costs to be aware of, so make sure you factor these into your overall budget.
Alterations – If you’re having a bespoke suit made then alterations are likely included in the cost, but suits bought from a retailer may need to be altered slightly. Last-minute alterations will also cost more, so make sure they’re arranged with plenty of time to go.
Dry cleaning – You may want to have your suit dry cleaned before and after your wedding.
Shipping – If you’re buying your suit online there may be shipping costs, which could include custom fees if being imported from overseas.
Accessories – You may want to complete your outfit with accessories such as cufflinks, a pocket square and a watch. Check out our post on the cost of wedding accessories to find out how to factor these into your budget.
Material – The material you choose will affect the cost of your suit, with more premium materials costing more. For example, when it comes to wool suits, which tend to be made with ‘worsted’ thread, the higher the thickness of the thread, the higher the overall price of the material will be.
Rental fees – There will be fees for returning a rented suit late or damaged.
Here at Bridebook, we have a range of menswear supplies so you can find the perfect outfit for your wedding, so why not sign up today and take the stress out of planning?
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding suits, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you stretch your budget further.
Met Bridezilla? Crazed eyes, wiry hair, face a scary red colour? Well watch out! There’s another monster in town and it’s a hell of a lot bigger. Say hello to Groomzilla. A rare species, that has been growing rapidly in numbers since the birth of David Beckham, has been spotted in various hotspots around the globe. Hairy feet and roaring noises are not the only signs – here’s a list of things that might suggest you’re dealing with one, or you are one!
By Stanbury Photography
‘Woah, woah, woah where’s my man-gagement ring?’ Grab your bags and RUN.
Is the phrase “groom’s day, groom’s way” being thrown around the house? Be advised to grab a bucket of water and throw it all over their head.
Is he getting worked up about EVERYTHING – budget? Or the guest list? Or flowers? Or parking? Or just every single second of the entire day?! This one has obviously reached the next level of Groomzillaness and needs to be locked in a dark room… for a very long time.
Is the beast suddenly fussing over the wedding photography and shouting, “BUT THEY WILL APPEAR ON WEDDING BLOGS… THE WORLD IS WAITING TO SEE THEM”? Ok. It’s time to call in the professionals. There is nothing else you can do to help him.
Any of those sound familiar? A Groomzilla has been spotted and needs to be contained! You have been warned.
We spend a lot of time talking about how the bride should look her best on her wedding day. Obviously, the same goes for the groom… you’re going to want to look hot! You should feel comfortable, handsome and confident when you say “I Do” to your beloved. We know it can be difficult to decide on what you should wear on W-Day, so let us help you choose the perfect attire.
By Raw Silk Photography
1. Communication
The first step to choosing your attire is communicating with your bride to be. While you don’t have to tell each other exactly what you are planning on wearing, you should co-ordinate in your styles. If you are going for a formal and majestic event, then wearing casual beach wear will not work. Equally, for a relaxed, rustic wedding, a tux will look out of place.
Even if you aren’t big on fashion, you should still spend some time researching your preferred colours, styles and textiles. This will make sure that you are prepared for your fittings and that you will be able to tell the consultants exactly what you are looking for. Besides, you want your suit to show off your personality! To help you along the way, here are some options:
Morning Suit
A morning suit is a very smart option, involving a long coat with tails, trousers, a waistcoat, and optional top hat…
Black Tie
A black tie instantly denotes James Bond in a tux. This is a great option for a smarter wedding. However, bear in mind that “Black Tie” doesn’t always mean tux, it can also be a smart black suit. The difference is that a tux will have a satin feel to it, with buttons and lapels covered with the material.
Three Piece Suit
This is another smart option, involving a jacket, waistcoat and trousers. A lot of grooms are choosing to inject some personality into this by choosing different colours and textures, ranging from deep burgundy to tweed and adding fun accessories, like pocket watches.
Two Piece Suit
This is a very flexible option, as it can be dressed up or dressed down. Similarly, it is great because it can be worn again and again.
Casual Attire
This can really mean anything, from jeans dressed up with a blazer, to Bahama shorts and a smart shirt. Casual attire allows you the most flexibility, but make sure that it is appropriate for the style of your wedding.
Accessories
You can accessorise your suit with a bow tie, a cravat, or a long tie, or no neckwear at all! If you are going for the no neckwear option, make sure you still look dapper with an upright collar, kept in position with a nifty pair of magnets, like those at stiffies.co.uk (you get 20% off if you use the code ‘bridebook’ too!) It is also becoming increasingly more popular for grooms and ushers to play around with colour pocket handkerchiefs, socks and braces, which can be used to tie the bridal party and the ushers together for a more cohesive look.
First of all, make sure you choose the right shop! Not all places are the same when it comes to choice, tailoring and quality. Some of the best shops will have a huge range of suits and tuxes to choose from and they will stock the latest fashions, which will include accessories. Make sure that when you are going to buy, you go to someone who knows exactly what they are doing.
Secondly, don’t assume that all suits/tuxes/ties look the same. Instead, you should listen to the professionals who will help you choose something that flatters your shape. Whether it is a different lapel, a wider tie, or the number of buttons on your jacket, make sure you try a variety of styles before settling on the one that you feel best in. Don’t ignore the quality of the materials either, especially if you are buying. Cheap materials will look cheap in photos and won’t stand the test of time.
Lastly, if you are renting, make sure you read the small print. You will want to know all the details regarding the timings for the returns and cleanings, so that you aren’t faced with any unexpected charges or admin during your honeymoon!
Don’t forget about your budget! A cheaply priced suit does not always mean a bargain, as the quality could be poor and it could be almost impossible to alter. Similarly, while we encourage you to invest in a good quality suit when it comes to your wedding day, only invest in something that will be timeless and something that you will be able to wear again, otherwise the suit will simply hang at the back of your wardrobe. Second hand or rentals are fantastic options if you are looking to save some pennies.
By Ten Twenty One
5. Fitting
Definitely leave yourself enough time for any fittings and adjustments so that you look your sharpest. While we can’t tailor the suit for you, we have some great tips that you can easily apply yourself when trying on different suits (definitely share these with the ushers too):
The width of your tie should match the width of the lapel.
Your jacket should fit comfortably around the neck and shoulders and it should be easy to fasten.
Your shirt should be comfortable around the waist, neck and shoulders. For a formal look, it should be half to a quarter inch longer than the sleeve of your jacket.
If you are wearing a waistcoat, it should line up with your jacket at the front and the bottom should just overlap with the waistband of your trousers.
The hem of your trousers should be on level with the tops of your shoes and they should feel comfortable when you sit down.
You should always try on your bow tie before you buy it! It should feel comfortable and snug around your neck.
When looking for shoes, always make sure that they fit you comfortably. If they are new, get your best man to rub a bit of sandpaper on the soles so you don’t go sliding about.
Try on your formal wear two days before the wedding. This way, you can make sure that everything still fits properly and any last-minute adjustments can be made. We recommend you advise your ushers to do the same!
Your ushers will be by your side, helping you throughout your wedding day, so you want to make sure they look their best too! While all of the above tips can be applied to them, there are a few separate things you should know.
First of all, they don’t all have to match you or even each other! Just like bridesmaids can sport different shades and patterns, so can your ushers. So long as they stand out amongst the wedding guests and they look like a cohesive part of the wedding party, you are fairly unlimited in deciding what they should wear.
Secondly, it is no longer custom for the groom to pay for the ushers’ outfits, they can buy their own or choose something that they already own, providing it fits with your general look. However, if you can afford to and want all of you to match, then it’s a nice treat to offer to pay otherwise a matching tie and button holes can do the trick!
Your bridal party consists of your best pals who have supported you throughout the planning process, who have sat up into the early hours with you making favours while sipping bubbly, and who will wear the second most gorgeous dresses on your wedding day. The process of finding and trying on dresses can be a lot of fun in itself – if not a little stressful until you finally find the dresses.
At this stage, you might have decided who’s paying for your bridesmaids’ dresses, which can come down to your own budget and preferences, and the budget of your bridesmaids. But whoever’s paying, you need to be conscious of the cost. If you’re paying, remember to manage your budget with our handy budget planning tool.
The average cost of bridesmaid dresses is around £80 to £500 per dress, which means you can times this amount by the number of bridesmaids you have to work out the total cost. So, if you have five bridesmaids, you might pay between £400 and £2,500 for all of their dresses collectively.
So, how do you save money on bridesmaid dresses to ensure that – whoever picks up the bill – you don’t go beyond what your budget allows? After all, with the average wedding costing £20,775, you likely won’t want to add any more figures to your ever-increasing expenses.
In this post, we’re going to explore how to save money on bridesmaid dresses, including why they cost as much as they do and what you can do to pay less but still make sure your bridesmaids look stunning.
As with most things that are wedding-related, there’s often a premium price attached to bridesmaid dresses. This is especially true when it comes to dresses made by popular brands and designers. Bridesmaid dresses from specialist wedding boutiques in particular are also often custom-made with expensive, high-quality materials and embellishments. Plus, couples are usually keen to spend more money on purchases for their wedding to make sure it’s extra special.
Thankfully, just because many couples spend between £80 and £500 on each bridesmaid dress doesn’t mean you have to pay that much. There are ways to make sure your spending is closer to the lower end of that scale.
While it’s common for bridesmaids to wear dresses, there’s nothing to say that this has to be the case. If you’re asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, then you’re likely to get a whole selection of wonderful styles, personalisations and preferences.
Instead of dresses, you or your bridesmaids might choose to wear:
Jumpsuits
Rompers
Cultural attire
Separates
Pantsuits
Tuxedos
There’s no right or wrong choice. If you’d like your bridesmaids to all wear similar outfits, just make sure you coordinate this with them early on.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear a specific dress or putting severe restrictions on what they can and can’t wear, then you should offer to pay for their dresses. If you’re open to them wearing a dress of their own choosing, and only have some loose requests – like wearing a certain colour – then it’s easier to ask your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses.
That being said, this is a rather murky rule and by no means something you should feel obliged stick to. For more information, read our blog post on what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for.
Looking to save money on bridesmaid dresses but still have the best-looking wedding squad there is? Below are 10 ways you can spend less on bridesmaid dresses. For more money-saving tips, read our ultimate wedding cost-cutting guide.
It might be tempting to rush straight to wedding boutiques and receive VIP treatment, but a great way to save money if you’re on a tight budget is by browsing the high-street retailers you might shop at all the time anyway. If nothing else, the high street is a brilliant way to get some inspiration and for your bridesmaids to try on a few fabulous outfits.
Need convincing? M&S has a wide range of amazing bridesmaid dresses, and the best part is that costs start from around £65. It’s always worth a trip to your local town or city centre to browse some of your favourite retailers. The quality and level of service might not match that of a designer boutique, but if cutting back on your wedding spending is your top priority, then this can be an affordable and cost-effective option.
Many bridesmaids sell their dresses straight after a wedding, so there are beautiful, barely worn dresses out there just begging to be worn again. Similarly, suggest to your bridesmaids that they can sell theirs after (obviously not before!) the big day to make some of their cash back. Sites like eBay, Knot New and Vinted are great for finding affordable clothing which is practically as good as new. Going down the pre-loved route is also a great sustainable choice if you and your bridesmaids are eco-conscious.
Why not consider renting your bridesmaid dresses? This US trend has come to the UK, and the most gorgeous dresses, including Badgley Mischka and McQueen, are now available to bridesmaids at much lower prices than if you were to buy them outright. You might even be able to bag some extra deals by renting several dresses from the same supplier.
One thing to note is the returns policy. Make sure you return the dresses on time and without any stains or damage, as you might be charged an additional fee.
Online retailers are bursting at the seams with deals. Often the bridesmaid dresses that you’re looking for will be available at a cheaper price somewhere else, or some websites will offer discount coupons. Just be aware that you’ll need to be sure they’ll fit, and fit well – otherwise, you might just spend the same amount on alterations as you would have done in-store. Before you make your purchase, double-check the website’s return policy just in case you have to send something back or swap it for another size.
If you start bridesmaid dress shopping in plenty of time, you can hold out for some cracking deals at end-of-season sales. You’ll be amazed at how many gorgeous dresses you can find at almost unbelievable prices if you’re first in line when the sales drop.
Why not think about going for a non-obvious dress style for your bridesmaids? For example, vintage-style tea dresses can be quite cheap to pick up, so having your bridesmaids in a selection from the same era will look cohesive and unique but not cost the earth. Alternatively, midi dresses are everywhere – capitalise on this by getting some formal-looking dresses for an informal price.
7. Ask your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses
If you’re conscious about your own budget, then there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses. Just make sure you give them plenty of notice and don’t ask them to drop hundreds on a specific dress.
Trust your bridesmaids and give them a few guidelines, like length and colour, and let them pick out their own dresses – that way, they’re likely to be willing to spend more as they can pick something they know they’ll wear again. Just check you’re happy with them before the big day.
Your bridesmaids don’t all need matching clutches and shoes – ask them to stick to a colour scheme and style and let them buy their own or wear something they already have.
Be brave and think ahead of the curve. Bridal jumpsuits are all the rage, but bridesmaids’ jumpsuits aren’t quite at the same hype just yet. This means they likely won’t have super premium price tags next to them, which is ideal if you’re looking to cut costs. Your bridesmaids would not only look incredibly chic in jumpsuits, but have money left over too.
If you’re keen on shopping at a boutique for your bridesmaid dresses (after all, nothing can compare to the luxury of boutique garments, or the experience of specialist service and attention), why not be brave and negotiate with the owner? You might struggle if you’re only buying a single dress, but if you’re buying multiple dresses (or even your wedding dress itself), you might well get a small percentage knocked off the final bill. When you’re spending hundreds (or even thousands), every little saving you make will quickly add up.
Little girls wearing the most adorable dresses while walking down the aisle with flowers on their heads can be a super cute addition to your wedding ceremony. So if you or your beloved have a daughter or maybe some adorable nieces or younger cousins, we’re sure you’ve thought about including them in your wedding party as a flower girl. While we all know a flower girl should look sweet, what do you need to think about to make sure your flower girl is cute and up for the job?
In this post, we’re going to look at everything you need to know when it comes to flower girls, including what they do, how old they are and whether or not you need to have one at your wedding.
Flower girls have been a common role at weddings dating back to ancient Rome, when young girls would carry bunches of wheat and scatter herbs down the aisle before the bride joined the groom at the altar. This was a symbolic gesture to wish the couple good luck in their life as they looked to start a family.
This has evolved over time, but only slightly. During medieval times, flower girls would ward off sinister spirits by carrying garlic. Only during the Victorian era did flower girls start to resemble those of modern times, becoming part of the bridal party to carry and scatter flowers and petals. While what the flower girl carries has changed over time, it continues to symbolise good luck and fertility – for those looking to start a family, of course.
A flower girl is usually the daughter of a friend or relative, and is someone happy to play a part in your wedding. The flower girl will walk down the aisle, after the bridesmaids but before the bride, holding a basket of rose or other flower petals, which they’ll scatter on the floor. They will then either stand with the rest of the bridal party, or rejoin their parents to sit and watch the rest of the ceremony.
Some flower girls may also be given bubbles to add an extra touch of magic. This is particularly beautiful if you have two or more flower girls, with one scattering petals while the other blows bubbles.
A flower girl is often someone who’s close to you, such as a younger sister, niece, cousin, or daughter of a close friend.
Sometimes it will be an obvious choice. But, if you’re part of a large family, and have more than one potential flower girl, don’t panic, this will only work in your favour. It can be a little overwhelming for one flower girl to be the centre of attention, especially if she’s very young or shy. This is why it’s nice to have a pair of flower girls, so that they can look after one another and help each other with their duties. Besides, if there’s a little group of flower girls, they’re guaranteed to have more fun and look extra cute as they walk down the aisle in their gorgeous dresses.
Traditionally, a flower girl is somewhere between the ages of four and nine. Any younger and they might find your wedding a challenge and any older and they’re more likely to be promoted to junior bridesmaid.
Flower girls are frequently seen at weddings around the world. It’s a great way to involve younger guests in your wedding, as well as to introduce the bride. But, if you don’t have any girls under nine in your family or friends circle, you’re hosting an intimate wedding or you simply don’t want a flower girl, then it’s not something you should feel obliged to include. While having a flower girl at your wedding is a cute addition, it’s not something that will impact your big day in any way should you not have one.
How many flower girls can you have at your wedding?
The traditional number of flower girls to have at your wedding is one, but it’s becoming increasingly more common to have two or even three. Basically, if you have several cute contenders and you can’t decide who gets the part, you can have as many flower girls as you like. That being said, you might want to avoid things getting out of hand if you have too many, so it’s probably best to stick to a smaller number. If there are older girls in your family and you’d love for them to be a part of your wedding, why not ask them to be a bridesmaid instead?
Flower girls may not play a large or key role in your wedding, but it’s still important and requires them to follow a few simple rules. So, your chosen flower girl will need to follow a few guidelines so you can be confident everything goes to plan, such as:
They’re happy to have attention on them from admirers at your wedding, including during the ceremony as they walk down the aisle.
They can follow instructions and are happy being told what to do.
They can attend any rehearsals you might have.
They’re enthusiastic and excited to play a part in your big day.
They can be on time and well-behaved.
They’ll also need to be happy to be included in the customary photo shoot, which usually requires a little more patience than it does for other guests, as the wedding party invariably are usually featured in more photographs.
What does a flower girl do on the morning of the wedding?
On the morning of the big day, it’s common for the flower girl to get ready with the rest of the bridal party. It’s a great way to help your flower girl feel included and a big part of your special day. This does depend on your relationship with the flower girl and if she’s old enough and has enough confidence to spend time away from her parents (unless she has other relatives, such as her mum, who are also part of the bridal party).
If your flower girl can’t get ready with the rest of the bridal party, then ask her parents to arrive at the venue in plenty of time to make sure they’re happy and settled before their big moment.
Do flower girls walk down the aisle before the bride (and bridesmaids)?
As the youngest (and most adorable) members of your wedding party, your flower girls may not fully understand what’s expected of them on your wedding day or why it’s such an important role in your wedding. A nice way to get your flower girls excited ahead of the big day is to present them with a children’s book about flower girls (this is one of our favourites). This way, you’re giving their parents an opportunity to fully explain what’s required of them on the day of the wedding, to calm them if they’re feeling nervous and make them feel special. After all, if a book is written about their role, it must be important!
Another nice idea is to organise a lunch with all the flower girls before the big day. That way everyone can become besties beforehand and you can talk them through what they have to do.
On the day itself, it’s a good idea to allocate one of your bridesmaids to look after them and make sure they walk at the right time, know where to sit and feel happy about what they’re doing.
Traditionally, a flower girl’s dress has to strike a perfect balance between the bride’s and bridesmaids’ dresses. The majority of flower girl dresses have the long puffy skirt silhouette with a high neck, with or without sleeves, depending on the weather. While the long skirts look absolutely lovely and make the flower girls feel like princesses, make sure you choose carefully so they don’t trip as they make their way up the aisle. We also find that while the majority of dresses are white, they will have a sash, or another small pop of colour, that ties them together with the bridal party.
If you’d like your flower girls to look less like the bride and wear a dress similar or identical to that of your bridesmaids, then you can absolutely do this. Not only will this look beautiful, but your flower girls will love wearing the same dress as other members of the bridal party.
Traditionally, the mother of the flower girl pays for the dress, while the couple or the bride’s parents (whoever is footing the bill) cover the cost of the flowers, basket and anything else the flower girl might need.
However, this all depends on your budget. These days, more and more couples are paying for their own wedding. For more information, read our post on who traditionally pays for what at a wedding.
In a similar way to how you might give your bridesmaids a token gift to show your appreciation for being a part of your wedding, you may also want to do the same for your flower girls. It’s by no means a requirement, but it’s a kind and thoughtful gesture that shows your flower girls how much it means to you that they were there to play a role in your special day.
A gift for your flower girls doesn’t need to be anything big or expensive. A small toy, a book, or a teddy bear is more than enough so it doesn’t need to add too much to your wedding budget.
If you’re excited to ask one of the little girls in your life to be a flower girl at your wedding, bear in mind the following five tips to make sure everything is as close to perfect as it can be.
Don’t ask more than two or three girls to be flower girls at your wedding. Any more and it might be difficult to get them to do what you need them to do. Plus, the more flower girls you have, the more they’re likely to get up to mischief.
Be as open and honest as possible with your flower girls, and invite them to make decisions so they feel part of your day. They’re probably used to being told what to do, but they’ll be far more enthusiastic if they feel empowered by being allowed to make some decisions, no matter how small they might be.
Make sure you order the dresses as close to the wedding date as possible, as children grow exceptionally quickly! The shop assistants will be able to help you, as they have years of experience in this. Be prepared to go up a size from the girl’s current age when ordering, to make sure the dresses won’t be too small once the big day arrives.
Make sure that the dress design you choose is a practical and comfortable one. Kids run around, fidget and generally don’t have the patience for restrictive designs, so prevent any tantrums ahead of time and think cute but comfortable.
Instead of (or as well as) a book, some brides give a piece of jewellery or a small gift to the little ones to say thank you for being part of the wedding. Obviously, they love this and feel very important!
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Wahooo you’re speeding through the planning! Your wedding is starting to magically appear in front of you and you’ve got the hottest line up of girls to party with throughout. But what do they wear? With all their different shapes and sizes, as well as all the styles, colours and lengths of dresses out there, it can be a fashion overload. Have no fear! With our carefully written guide, you will have a super time shopping (and drinking bubbly) and come W-day they will look awesome – obviously not as beautiful as you though!
Make sure the bridesmaids compliment the overall look of your wedding dress. No, no, no, of course they don’t have to be identical! But say if you’re wearing a beautiful Gatsby-inspired dress, think flappers for the bridesmaids!
By Anna Clarke Photography
2. Styles and cuts
It’s unlikely that all of your closest chums will be the same height and shape. What looks stunning on one, may look horrible on another. Sneaky tip: A-line skirts and empire waistlines will look good on most people. Or why not have slightly different dresses for each person – so one friend can wear long sleeves, while another sports a strapless number. Go for the same colour and material but alter them slightly to suit each person.
Don’t forget about their comfort! Don’t whack them all in backless mini dresses without asking! Check with them first, because if they are uncomfortable it will be obvious in the photographs – and more importantly they may not hit the dance floor!
By Millie Benbow Photography
3. Colours
Just as all body shapes are different, so are skin tones and hair colours. Again, you will want to pick something that will make all of your girls happy and luckily, you can! Pick one colour palette and allow them to pick different shades. That way, your girls can range from deeper hues to pastel shades and all feel fabulous.
By Anna Clarke Photography
4. Decisions, decisions
Why not let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses (approach with caution!) Stick to a colour and a length, occasionally, a material can work well too. Patterns can look fantastic, but try not to clash. This is a great option for the girls, as they may want to wear the dresses again, but you might want to keep an eye on what they choose.
Make sure all of your gals get measured properly! Whichever dress you choose, alterations are a must. For that, the girls will need their bust, waist and hip measurements taken, at least.
Similarly, if one of your bridesmaids becomes or is pregnant, you don’t need to worry. Bridesmaids dress shops and the vast majority of seamstresses will be able to adjust the dress for her needs – with the new addition!
Listen up! Not being apparent about budgets can cause tensions between friends and no one wants that – it’s meant to be all bubbles and celebrations! Traditionally, bridesmaids buy their own dresses, but you will need to be aware of their finances before you set a budget! If you fall in love with a dress but it’s a bit pricey, why not cover the difference in the cost for the bridesmaids? Smiles all round!
By Anna Clarke Photography
7. Shopping – the fun bit!
When you’re selecting the best dresses (with champagne in hand!) We recommend you hit the shops with your nearest and dearest – make a day out of it! Best to go with a couple of the girls to make a decision for everyone, as too many opinions can become confusing. Then you can send everyone in at different points to check they are happy and to have their fittings.
Go crazy with hair accessories, flowers, brooches and anything else that comes to mind. Never underestimate a pretty bolero or a tactically wrapped shawl. These accessories can make a bridesmaid feel great, especially if she doesn’t want to bear her shoulders or her back, or needs to cover up in the church.
Don’t forget about your bridesmaids’ shoes. While high heeled pumps may look great, they may not be comfortable for everyone. We suggest you give your girls guidelines on style and colour and they can pick shoes that they are comfortable in. One less thing for you to think about – done!
Picturing yourself whizzing up to your ceremony venue in a classic Rolls Royce… or a fire truck? Well let’s make that happen with one that looks ace AND is driven by someone you can rely on. To help, we’ve put together a bunch of questions to ask your vendor so you can get back to looking at the cars… or tractors….
1) Can I see some references and get in touch with other couples who have hired your services?
Just like with any vendor, the car providers should be more than happy to share references and showcase happy clients.
2) Can I see the wedding vehicles available?
Try to see them in real life so you can pick out the exact model that you want and not a later or earlier one!
3) Can the groom (as traditionally expected), drive the car after the ceremony or is the driver always required?
This is especially true for vintage vehicles, which need to have an experienced driver who will know what to do should the car malfunction.
4) Are all the vehicles insured and properly licensed?
This is incredibly important, as you don’t want to lose your deposit or have anything go wrong on the day.
By Weddings Vintage
5) Is the car I want available on my wedding date?
You don’t want to spend time lovingly picking out a vehicle only to find out that it is already booked, so check ahead of time, especially during the summer months!
6) How many people can fit into the car?
This is important information, as you will want to know whether the bridal party and mums can travel in one journey, or if you need to add more time for travel ahead of the ceremony.
7) What would happen if the chauffeur were late or the wedding car broke down?
You want to ask this question, because if anything goes wrong, you want to make sure that there is someone on standby, ready to take you to the ceremony without much delay.
8) Do you charge based on time or distance?
Depending on the answer, figure out the mileage to/from the ceremony/reception and the time it would take to travel and you will have a rough price ready.
By Ten Twenty One
9) Will the car remain at the venue until after the ceremony? Would I be able to use it to get to my reception?
The majority of transport providers will include the ceremony time in the overall price of the hire, but you want to make sure you don’t have any unexpected charges.
10) What decorations are provided for the car?
A lot of transport vendors will provide traditional decorations like ribbons and ‘just married’ plates. However, some will be open to you bringing your own and others won’t allow decorations at all.
11) How are the chauffeurs selected? Will they be suitably dressed for the wedding?
You want to make sure that the person who drives you on the most important day of your life is highly professional and dressed appropriately for the occasion. After all, they might feature in some of your photos!
12) Are chauffeur’s gratuities included in the bill?
When you are sorting the envelopes with tips for the vendors in the run up to the wedding, you will want to know whether the chauffeur is covered or not.
Your wedding day is one of the biggest and most important days of your life, and a time when your loved ones all come together to celebrate the love between you and your partner. But, how will you and your spouse-to-be get around on the big day that’s in keeping with the style and theme that such an occasion deserves?
It might not seem like it, but your wedding transport will play a big part in your celebrations. Depending on your schedule and venues, you may need to rely on transportation several times, such as to take you to the ceremony, to the venue for the wedding breakfast, to a location for photographs, to your hotel at the end of the night and possibly even more.
So, you’ll want to ensure you have a stylish ride waiting for you to get you quickly and safely from A to B. But, how much does wedding transport cost?
In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding transport costs, including the average cost, what you might expect for your budget and what factors can affect how much you’ll spend.
The average amount couples in the UK spend on wedding transport is £700. However, this figure can vary dramatically depending on a number of factors, such as the type of vehicle, the distance you’re travelling and the amount of time the vehicle is needed.
In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we revealed that Brits spend an average of £20,775 on weddings, and transport can be a big part of these costs. It’s natural to assume that a horse-drawn carriage will be more expensive than a London black cab – but neither is the ‘correct’ option and instead depends on your theme, your style and – ultimately – your budget. How much you spend on transport is your decision and what’s right for you.
So, what can £700 get you? The average amount couples spend can get you to your wedding in a variety of ways, including land, sea and yes, even air!
VW classics
VW Beetles and Campers are classics and make for a unique choice for wedding transport that is personal and full of character. Costs at The Cotswolds Campervan Company start from £375.
Vintage car
A vintage car, such as a Rolls-Royce or Bramwith Ford Model A, will get you to when you’re going with style and class. Costs at Arrow Vintage Wedding Cars start from £225.
Helicopter
What could be more unique than arriving at your wedding ceremony by being flown in via helicopter? Costs at EBG Helicopters start from £420.
Stretch limousine
Synonymous with luxury, no one can resist a ride in a stretch limousine. It’s impossible to ride in the back of a limo and not feel special. Costs at JD Prestige Cars start from £350.
Sports car
For something with a little more oomph, a sports car like Lamborghini or a Porsche makes a statement and lets everyone know you’ve arrived. Costs at Season Cars start from £450.
Horse and carriage
The epitome of elegance, a horse and carriage are guaranteed to make you feel like royalty when arriving at your wedding. Costs at the Ostler Carriage Company start from £450.
London bus
Full of character and big enough to transport you and plenty of your guests, a double-decker bus is a charming way to get around. Costs at Routemaster Bus London start from £475.
Boat
Not an option for everyone, but if your venue is anywhere near water then why not make the most of it? Costs at Broadland Charters start from £200. Or, if the thought of getting married at sea (well, river) floats your boat, then there are even canal boats that double up as a wedding venue!
Does this cost include the cost of a driver or chauffeur?
If you’re hiring your vehicle through a vendor that specialises in wedding transport, then it’s highly likely that the cost will also include the cost of a chauffeur. However, this is something you’ll want to double check, as the last thing you want to do is drive yourself to your wedding, even if it is behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. You may find that the driver is happy to let you take some creative photos though – just don’t scratch the paintwork with your sequins.
You’ll also want to discuss with your chosen chauffeur the route they’ll take to get you from A to B on the big day. Where possible you may want to avoid congested streets and instead prefer to take scenic routes – but this can affect the cost.
What wedding transport can you get for a small budget?
If you don’t have the average budget to spend, it’s more than possible to get cheap wedding transport that is still reliable and luxurious. Of course, rates can vary depending on what you’re looking for and where in the UK your wedding is taking place, but there are plenty of options available with costs starting from as low as £100. These include cars from DS Executive Cars in High Wycombe, Classic Bridal Cars in Wirral and Kent and Coastal Wedding Cars in Whitstable.
If you’re on a budget, there are several factors to be aware of that can influence how much you’ll pay for wedding transport.
Time
The price will vary depending on how long you need transportation. Traditionally, you would have the car take you to the ceremony and then for the photos with your new spouse, after which you would get driven to the reception venue and then the car would leave, which usually takes around three hours. However, some vendors will rent you the car for the entirety of your wedding day, allowing you to leave the reception in style.
The distance and route your wedding car takes will also be taken into account. For example, some companies will give you the first 40 miles from their base free but will charge mileage accordingly after that. It can also make a difference if your venue is in the middle of a city centre or out in the middle of the countryside.
The number of vehicles
If you and your beloved require more than one car it will increase the overall cost. However, many car vendors will offer packages on these, factoring in a discount, so definitely discuss this with your vendor if you want multiple cars.
Although by no means a necessity, many couples also choose to book transport for their guests, especially if the ceremony and breakfast are taking place at different venues. It helps keep everyone on time and means no one has to worry about driving and finding their way around.
Prices vary, but you can expect to pay £325 for approximately 25 guests and can include around three stops. Naturally, the price will decrease or increase depending on the number of guests, stops and distance. Don’t forget to mention whether or not you will be providing transport for your guests on your wedding information sheet.
While most wedding transport vendors will provide ribbons and bows to decorate your car, you can also buy them yourself, with costs starting from around £5. Similarly, if you want personalised number plates, you can ask for permission from your car provider and buy them for around £20.
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Most of the time, none of us really think about how we get from A to B, we just jump in a car, get on our bike or look up the train times. On your wedding day, this is unlikely to be an option – think of a white dress on the tube and don’t even get us started on the delays! The bridal dress needs to arrive at the ceremony as white as snow, and you want to make sure everyone arrives on time – with transport booked you will be able to take an hour longer on your eyelashes. So here’s all you need to know about wedding transport to make sure you arrive or leave in style!
By Allister Freeman
Let’s look at when you might need transport:
1. Bride and the Bridal Party
As the bride tucks herself in bed the night before her wedding, she needs to know how she’s going to get to the ceremony all dolled up. That means the bride, the bridal party and the bride’s parents too. Typically, this could require two trips, one for the mother and the bridal party and the second for the father of the bride and the bride herself. Sneaky tip: darker cars will look better in photos, as they will contrast the wedding dress.
By Allister Freeman
2. Groom and ushers
Just as a Limo/Rolls Royce/ Carriage/Fire Truck will be taking the bride from getting ready to the ceremony, the same logic applies to the groom, his parents and ushers. In the quest of saving some pennies, their transport does not need to be as luxurious as the bride’s and they can arrange the driving between themselves. Tip: factor in extra travelling time in case of traffic jams.
By Guy Hearn
3. The Newlyweds
Now that you’ve tied the knot, you will travel to the reception venue as a married couple (YAAAAAAAY!). You can use the bride’s arrival car, or have a more fun alternative. Just make sure you have transport waiting for you if your reception isn’t at the same place as the ceremony. Alternatively, if the ceremony and reception venues are in walking distance of each other, then take the scenic walk and your couple pictures at the same time!
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography
4. The Guests
Do the guests have far to go from the church to the reception venue? If so, think about arranging transport here – a bus, taxis or ushers/ people to drive. If you aren’t going to do this, make sure people know the deal on your information sheet. The same goes for the guests at the end of the night. If everyone is staying in the same place, you could hire a bus to come and collect everyone when the festivities end. Do remember that this is super considerate, but no means necessary!
By Allister Freeman
5. Goodbye
The last transportation you might need is a car to take you from the reception venue to wherever you will be spending your first night together. However, if you are staying in the same hotel, this may not be necessary, or, if you’d like to be savvy, just order a nice taxi! Tip: book your transport 3 months before, so that you have plenty of options and don’t have to settle for the only thing available.
Now for the fun bit! When you’ve worked out if and when you might need some form of transport, let’s choose something so you arrive/ leave in style!
Okay okay, I know wedding planning is all about fun, and ‘legalities’ isn’t the sexiest word on the menu. But knowing how to take your loved one’s name, or double barrelling your names together is important stuff! Especially if you are changing the name on your passport – we know you don’t want to run into trouble trying to escape for your honeymoon. So here are all the facts you need to avoid any potential pitfalls!
By Ross Harvey
1. Plan ahead
First of all, you are allowed to change your name up to three months before the marriage ceremony takes place. This means that you can travel under a new name straight after the wedding; however, you will NOT be allowed to travel under the new passport (post-dated passport) until the marriage takes place and your old passport is cancelled.
Note: Some countries will NOT issue visas for post-dated passports, so you will need to check with the country’s consulate.
We also suggest you take photocopies of all your old ID, like your driving license and passport, just in case you might have to prove who you are in years to come!
2. Forms
Secondly, you should prepare all the correct forms. This means the “passports for newly weds and civil partners” form, which you can get here and which should be signed by the official conducting your wedding, if you want the post-dated passport, click here.
Or if you are applying to renew your passport after the wedding:
All of the above forms will need to be accompanied by supporting documents, like previous identification and marriage certificates. Tip: we suggest you get more than one copy of your marriage certificate, so that you don’t have to wait for documents to be sent back to you.
By Weddings Vintage
3. Finances
Financial services, such as banks and building societies will accept your marriage certificate as proof of your name change. It’s worth popping into your bank to find out everything they might need. On average, you will have to inform between 15-20 companies of your name change – have a look through your cards and bank statements to remind you of some you might have to update.
4. Deed Poll
You can also change your name by deed poll, especially if you are a man taking on a different surname, or if you are merging your names together. This is simply a document, written by you that states that you are choosing to abandon your previous name, that you agree to use your new name at all times and that you will require all persons to address you by your new name only. This needs to be signed by two witnesses that are not related to you (they need to provide their names, occupations and addresses). You can prepare this yourself using the phrases used here.
Or you can enlist the help of a solicitor. Once this is complete, use the deed poll as you would a marriage license.
5. Electoral Poll
Don’t forget to update your electoral poll details, as you may get turned down for credit in your new name. Banks use the electoral poll as proof of identification.
6. Final details
Remember, that when you travel, the airline tickets must be in the same name as your passport. So if your airline tickets are in your married name and your passport is in your old name, you will not be able to travel. Similarly, visas in your old passport may become expired upon name change and renewal. If you have any queries, just speak to the airline and embassy directly to make sure.
