Sunday, 29 November 2009
Saturday, 28 November 2009
THE RECEPTION
The wedding reception allows family and friends of the couple to offer their congratulations and celebrate the couple's new status. The style of reception will depend on the budget available and the number of guests as well as personal preferences. The wedding reception is one of the most expensive elements of any wedding. The main decisions to be made are:
• the type of location, e.g. hotel, church hall, home
• who will do the catering? e.g. in-house, outside caterer, family and friends
• style of catering, e.g. sit-down meal, buffet
Plans for the wedding reception should be initiated as soon as the wedding date is set. Advanced notice of 3 months is usual for many venues although longer may be necessary for popular venues or at busy times of the year.
The reception should be held near to the location of wedding ceremony as is possible as this simplifies the transport arrangements.
Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations when choosing a wedding reception venue. It is essential to visit the venue before making a booking. Relying on telephone enquiries and pictures in brochures is not adequate preparation when making such an important decision. Remember that garden may have looked lovely 20 years ago when the brochure was printed but a lot can happen!
TYPES OF VENUES
Hotels, Restaurants, Banqueting Suites
The main advantage of holding the reception in a hotel, restaurant or banqueting suite is that they can organise all the catering and other arrangements leaving the couple and their family to enjoy the wedding celebrations.
When you have drawn up a short-list it is a good idea to visit the hotels or restaurants for a meal before making enquiries. This will give some idea as to their standards of food, service and the general atmosphere of the venue.
Many function venues provide a wedding service. They may offer an inclusive price for a fixed number of guests which includes changing room for the couple, food, drink table decorations etc. or they offer these services for an extra charge.
If there is to be an evening reception, it usual to hold this in the same location.
Ask for a brochure, if available, and then arrange an appointment.
The following is a list of topics to be discussed before making a booking:
• The number of guests and the size of the function room. The larger venues may have several function rooms of different sizes.
• The menu. Most venues will offer a choice of menus and wines at various prices. Ask what provisions they make for special diets such as vegetarian or for diabetics.
• Seating plans. Ask what seating plans are possible in the space available. The final choice will depend on which groupings of people you think get on well with each other.
• Discuss the times when the reception venues will be open to your guest and the timings of meals, music etc. Make sure that there are no time gaps between the wedding and reception or reception and evening celebration and if this is unavoidable inform guests in advance.
• Room and table decorations. Ask to see the table linen and place settings to ensure they do not clash with the overall colour scheme of the wedding. Floral room and table decorations and balloons may be supplied by the venue or you may wish to use another supplier from outside.
• Parking. Does the venue have enough parking spaces for all guests and, if not, is it easily available in the surrounding area?
• On arrival guests are usually greeted and offered a drink. The venue will probably offer Champagne, sparkling wine, Bucks Fizz or Sherry. Ask for prices and which soft drinks they can offer.
• Will the head waiter or some other member of staff act as master of ceremonies?
• Changing room for bride and groom. Most venues offer a room for the bride and groom to change in.
• Ask which other weddings are taking place on the same day and if you will you be sharing any facilities such as bars or reception areas.
• Check the toilet facilities. The bride and bridesmaids will need more room than usual if they are they are wearing elaborate skirts.
• Does the venue have an adjoining room or perhaps a table in a corner of the main room where wedding gifts can be displayed?
• If the reception is being held in a hotel they will often offer special rates for the bridal suite or for guests to stay overnight. The bridal suite can also be used for those romantic wedding photographs so check it out!
THE RECEPTION
Where to hold your reception will depend on several factors, with cost and budget the most important, coupled with how many guests you wish to invite. In addition, you need to consider how much time you can personally spend on organisation.
We recommend that you work to an approximate budget per guest. This will give you a good basis for making comparisons. The main options are to hold the reception at home, in a hired venue, or in a hotel or restaurant.
AT HOME
Holding your wedding reception at home will certainly keep the costs down - providing you have the space. For small receptions it is ideal and gives you complete freedom to decorate in your own style. If you have the luxury of a spacious garden then you could hire a marquee to add more space and a certain sense of style. According to your choice of marquee, it could be the focus of the reception. On the other hand you may decide to opt for a smaller shelter for a buffet, which could double as a precautionary measure for bad weather. Holding the reception at home gives you the option of using an outside caterer or for you and your family to provide the catering.
All marquees are different. However, as an approximate guide, you will need around 40' x 60' to place a marquee for 125 guests for a sit down meal. Most brochures will state the size of the marquee according to the number of seated or standing guests, which makes selection very straightforward. In addition, marquee hire companies can generally offer flooring, lighting, tables, chairs, heating, dance floors and an entrance porch. A lot of companies will suggest a marquee which joins on to the side of the house, if you have French windows. You will need to arrange an appointment for a representative to visit the venues. As marquee hire is seasonal, and not just for weddings, once again you will need to book well in advance.
HIRING A HALL
If you have decided to hire a venue it is likely you will have heard about it, or used the hall or venue, before. If not then you will need to look for appropriate locations. Consider access for guests, catering (and catering restrictions) and parking. Security is also important, if the hall will be left unattended after setting up.
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
For a quiet life hold your wedding reception in a local hotel or restaurant which offers a specialist reception service package or one of the New licensed venues where you can hold the ceremony and the reception. You may want to check accommodation details for you and your guests if they are travelling a long distance. Using a hotel or restaurant will free up a great deal of your time to concentrate on enjoying the day, and getting the rest of the many organisational details right.
CATERING
If you are keen to do your own catering, plan well in advance and think about how much time you will have closer to (and indeed on) the wedding day for the final touches. You may need some help in the final stages of preparation. A brilliant book to get if you want to plan your own catering is The Goodhousekeeping Guide to Catering for crowds. Published by Edward Press, priced £17.99 and available from all good book shops. If you are planning to use professional caterers or a restaurant, it is wise to try a few different dishes. While most caterers will be more than happy to devise a menu just for you, they will also have their own sample menus which you could choose from across different price ranges. Remember to consider the vegetarian options, and any other special requirements your guests may have. The caterers will also be able to quote you a cost for supplying crockery, service, table linen and glasses.
The wedding reception allows family and friends of the couple to offer their congratulations and celebrate the couple's new status. The style of reception will depend on the budget available and the number of guests as well as personal preferences. The wedding reception is one of the most expensive elements of any wedding. The main decisions to be made are:
• the type of location, e.g. hotel, church hall, home
• who will do the catering? e.g. in-house, outside caterer, family and friends
• style of catering, e.g. sit-down meal, buffet
Plans for the wedding reception should be initiated as soon as the wedding date is set. Advanced notice of 3 months is usual for many venues although longer may be necessary for popular venues or at busy times of the year.
The reception should be held near to the location of wedding ceremony as is possible as this simplifies the transport arrangements.
Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations when choosing a wedding reception venue. It is essential to visit the venue before making a booking. Relying on telephone enquiries and pictures in brochures is not adequate preparation when making such an important decision. Remember that garden may have looked lovely 20 years ago when the brochure was printed but a lot can happen!
TYPES OF VENUES
Hotels, Restaurants, Banqueting Suites
The main advantage of holding the reception in a hotel, restaurant or banqueting suite is that they can organise all the catering and other arrangements leaving the couple and their family to enjoy the wedding celebrations.
When you have drawn up a short-list it is a good idea to visit the hotels or restaurants for a meal before making enquiries. This will give some idea as to their standards of food, service and the general atmosphere of the venue.
Many function venues provide a wedding service. They may offer an inclusive price for a fixed number of guests which includes changing room for the couple, food, drink table decorations etc. or they offer these services for an extra charge.
If there is to be an evening reception, it usual to hold this in the same location.
Ask for a brochure, if available, and then arrange an appointment.
The following is a list of topics to be discussed before making a booking:
• The number of guests and the size of the function room. The larger venues may have several function rooms of different sizes.
• The menu. Most venues will offer a choice of menus and wines at various prices. Ask what provisions they make for special diets such as vegetarian or for diabetics.
• Seating plans. Ask what seating plans are possible in the space available. The final choice will depend on which groupings of people you think get on well with each other.
• Discuss the times when the reception venues will be open to your guest and the timings of meals, music etc. Make sure that there are no time gaps between the wedding and reception or reception and evening celebration and if this is unavoidable inform guests in advance.
• Room and table decorations. Ask to see the table linen and place settings to ensure they do not clash with the overall colour scheme of the wedding. Floral room and table decorations and balloons may be supplied by the venue or you may wish to use another supplier from outside.
• Parking. Does the venue have enough parking spaces for all guests and, if not, is it easily available in the surrounding area?
• On arrival guests are usually greeted and offered a drink. The venue will probably offer Champagne, sparkling wine, Bucks Fizz or Sherry. Ask for prices and which soft drinks they can offer.
• Will the head waiter or some other member of staff act as master of ceremonies?
• Changing room for bride and groom. Most venues offer a room for the bride and groom to change in.
• Ask which other weddings are taking place on the same day and if you will you be sharing any facilities such as bars or reception areas.
• Check the toilet facilities. The bride and bridesmaids will need more room than usual if they are they are wearing elaborate skirts.
• Does the venue have an adjoining room or perhaps a table in a corner of the main room where wedding gifts can be displayed?
• If the reception is being held in a hotel they will often offer special rates for the bridal suite or for guests to stay overnight. The bridal suite can also be used for those romantic wedding photographs so check it out!
THE RECEPTION
Where to hold your reception will depend on several factors, with cost and budget the most important, coupled with how many guests you wish to invite. In addition, you need to consider how much time you can personally spend on organisation.
We recommend that you work to an approximate budget per guest. This will give you a good basis for making comparisons. The main options are to hold the reception at home, in a hired venue, or in a hotel or restaurant.
AT HOME
Holding your wedding reception at home will certainly keep the costs down - providing you have the space. For small receptions it is ideal and gives you complete freedom to decorate in your own style. If you have the luxury of a spacious garden then you could hire a marquee to add more space and a certain sense of style. According to your choice of marquee, it could be the focus of the reception. On the other hand you may decide to opt for a smaller shelter for a buffet, which could double as a precautionary measure for bad weather. Holding the reception at home gives you the option of using an outside caterer or for you and your family to provide the catering.
All marquees are different. However, as an approximate guide, you will need around 40' x 60' to place a marquee for 125 guests for a sit down meal. Most brochures will state the size of the marquee according to the number of seated or standing guests, which makes selection very straightforward. In addition, marquee hire companies can generally offer flooring, lighting, tables, chairs, heating, dance floors and an entrance porch. A lot of companies will suggest a marquee which joins on to the side of the house, if you have French windows. You will need to arrange an appointment for a representative to visit the venues. As marquee hire is seasonal, and not just for weddings, once again you will need to book well in advance.
HIRING A HALL
If you have decided to hire a venue it is likely you will have heard about it, or used the hall or venue, before. If not then you will need to look for appropriate locations. Consider access for guests, catering (and catering restrictions) and parking. Security is also important, if the hall will be left unattended after setting up.
HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
For a quiet life hold your wedding reception in a local hotel or restaurant which offers a specialist reception service package or one of the New licensed venues where you can hold the ceremony and the reception. You may want to check accommodation details for you and your guests if they are travelling a long distance. Using a hotel or restaurant will free up a great deal of your time to concentrate on enjoying the day, and getting the rest of the many organisational details right.
CATERING
If you are keen to do your own catering, plan well in advance and think about how much time you will have closer to (and indeed on) the wedding day for the final touches. You may need some help in the final stages of preparation. A brilliant book to get if you want to plan your own catering is The Goodhousekeeping Guide to Catering for crowds. Published by Edward Press, priced £17.99 and available from all good book shops. If you are planning to use professional caterers or a restaurant, it is wise to try a few different dishes. While most caterers will be more than happy to devise a menu just for you, they will also have their own sample menus which you could choose from across different price ranges. Remember to consider the vegetarian options, and any other special requirements your guests may have. The caterers will also be able to quote you a cost for supplying crockery, service, table linen and glasses.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Planning the Wedding Music,
• Themed Weddings and Who Pays??
•
• WEDDING MUSIC
Going in to the church any church organist will suggest the traditional and rather stately 'Bridal March' from Wagner's Lohengrin and, as with Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary' it's as good as anything for getting the congregation 'in the mood'. But you might like Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', used in the film four Weddings and a Funeral for something a little faster.
•
• SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
• This can take ten minutes, so you will need a musical impression. It is hard to beat a good soprano singing an Ave Maria. Gounod's heavily romanticised, but very beautiful arrangement of a Bach solo keyboard work is probably the most popular, but Catholic Weddings still tend to opt for the more understated serenity of the Schubert. If you have a really good soprano or chorister you might like to emulate Royal weddings with Mozart's motet Exsultate, jubilate', 15 minutes of celebratory vocal fireworks for a high voice with a famous closing Alleluia. perhaps the most sublimely beautiful of all vocal wedding favourites, Mozart's 'Laudate Dominium, from his Solemn Vespers has a soprano or boy treble solo soaring gloriously above a choir. All of these works can be accompanied by, or arranged for, organ piano. If you’re looking for something non-choral we have seen guests in awe at a solo cellist.
•
• GOING OUT OF THE CHURCH
The most famous piece of music associated with weddings is, that favourite processional, the 'Wedding March' from Mendelssohn’s' Midsummer Night's Dream. Prince Charles chose the fourth of Elgar's magnificent 'Pomp and Circumstance' Marches. But if that is too grand, Widows 'Toccata' is a wonderful way to leave a euphoric congregation. Once outside the church we aim to get the family groups shots. The doorway arch also makes an excellent backdrop.
•
• THEMED WEDDINGS
It is now increasingly quite common for couples to give their wedding day a theme. This gives them the opportunity to make their wedding a little different, and also has the advantage of making it easier to coordinate the look and style. The theme itself may derive from your profession, for example a military wedding, or, in some cases, from a shared hobby. Themes can be as subtle or as prominent in their influence as you like, from patterned stationery to hints of special colour in your wedding dress and decorations, right through to major theming which is coordinated throughout all aspects of your wedding day.
•
• PAYING FOR YOUR WEDDING
There are no hard and fast rules nowadays about paying the bills. More couples are paying for their own weddings with some help from their parents.
It is nevertheless important to determine the total amount you want to spend early on in your planning: work out a budget to include the costs of the wedding, reception, and honeymoon. This will help you to decide on the right reception venue, and how many guests to invite.
Careful planning and sensible budgeting will help you relax and enjoy your day, you don't need to go beyond what you can afford. Whatever your budget, you can stage a wedding to suit, and make it memorable.
Before you pay for it, or book, anything make a personal inspection of the venue to find our exactly what you are paying for. Remember, which ever venue you choose it will be in your wedding photos for ever. When looking at venues check the gardens, sun terraces and even inside because if it’s a rainy day all your photographs could be taken inside!
• Themed Weddings and Who Pays??
• WEDDING MUSIC
Going in to the church any church organist will suggest the traditional and rather stately 'Bridal March' from Wagner's Lohengrin and, as with Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary' it's as good as anything for getting the congregation 'in the mood'. But you might like Handel's Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', used in the film four Weddings and a Funeral for something a little faster.
•
• SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
• This can take ten minutes, so you will need a musical impression. It is hard to beat a good soprano singing an Ave Maria. Gounod's heavily romanticised, but very beautiful arrangement of a Bach solo keyboard work is probably the most popular, but Catholic Weddings still tend to opt for the more understated serenity of the Schubert. If you have a really good soprano or chorister you might like to emulate Royal weddings with Mozart's motet Exsultate, jubilate', 15 minutes of celebratory vocal fireworks for a high voice with a famous closing Alleluia. perhaps the most sublimely beautiful of all vocal wedding favourites, Mozart's 'Laudate Dominium, from his Solemn Vespers has a soprano or boy treble solo soaring gloriously above a choir. All of these works can be accompanied by, or arranged for, organ piano. If you’re looking for something non-choral we have seen guests in awe at a solo cellist.
•
• GOING OUT OF THE CHURCH
The most famous piece of music associated with weddings is, that favourite processional, the 'Wedding March' from Mendelssohn’s' Midsummer Night's Dream. Prince Charles chose the fourth of Elgar's magnificent 'Pomp and Circumstance' Marches. But if that is too grand, Widows 'Toccata' is a wonderful way to leave a euphoric congregation. Once outside the church we aim to get the family groups shots. The doorway arch also makes an excellent backdrop.
•
• THEMED WEDDINGS
It is now increasingly quite common for couples to give their wedding day a theme. This gives them the opportunity to make their wedding a little different, and also has the advantage of making it easier to coordinate the look and style. The theme itself may derive from your profession, for example a military wedding, or, in some cases, from a shared hobby. Themes can be as subtle or as prominent in their influence as you like, from patterned stationery to hints of special colour in your wedding dress and decorations, right through to major theming which is coordinated throughout all aspects of your wedding day.
•
• PAYING FOR YOUR WEDDING
There are no hard and fast rules nowadays about paying the bills. More couples are paying for their own weddings with some help from their parents.
It is nevertheless important to determine the total amount you want to spend early on in your planning: work out a budget to include the costs of the wedding, reception, and honeymoon. This will help you to decide on the right reception venue, and how many guests to invite.
Careful planning and sensible budgeting will help you relax and enjoy your day, you don't need to go beyond what you can afford. Whatever your budget, you can stage a wedding to suit, and make it memorable.
Before you pay for it, or book, anything make a personal inspection of the venue to find our exactly what you are paying for. Remember, which ever venue you choose it will be in your wedding photos for ever. When looking at venues check the gardens, sun terraces and even inside because if it’s a rainy day all your photographs could be taken inside!
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Our Hair & Beauty Countdown
• Take it from us, you cannot start planning your wedding too soon, especially when it comes to hair and beauty. To look your beautiful best on your big day, plan all your hair and beauty routines well in advance - do the groundwork now, make sure every minute counts so you'll be relaxed in the knowledge that you look simply divine when it really matters.
• I - Gorgeous Hair
• One Year
Start by getting into good habits. Wash your hair with the correct formulation shampoo for your hair type, then rinse with conditioner if needed. You should always apply conditioner to the old, dry ends of long hair but not to the oily roots as this will only make it limp.
Make sure you have your hair trimmed regularly to guard against split ends and avoid overusing heated appliances and styling aids.
If your hair is chemically treated, take special care to wash it with appropriate shampoo and conditioner, in order to achieve and maintain your hair in good condition.
• Six Months
Visit your hairdresser for a general chat about your hair and what you want to achieve. If you need to grow out a fringe or a perm, this gives you plenty of time. Discuss any radical changes of style and go for it now so that there's still plenty of time to limit damage if you then decide it’s really not you. Your Wedding is not the time to try out a completely new style or a new hairdresser unless he or she comes tried and tested and highly recommended by a friend you trust. But do you trust any friend that much?
• Three Months
You should have ordered your wedding dress by now, so you will know the shape and style. Get together with your hairdresser for an in-depth consultation about your style options. Don't feel you have to grow your hair and abandon all visits to the salon, it simply won't work. Concentrate instead on the looks you can create with your length of hair. Take time to discuss any changes of colour. If you've never tried this before, use a colour-enhancing wash-in/wash-out variety to see if it suits you first, as any drastic changes of colour should be approached with caution. (Try Laboratoires Garnier Movida Easy-Cream, which works in 15 minutes and lasts 4-6 weeks. If you do use a permanent colour, apply this a couple of weeks before the Wedding so you won't have any root re-growth.)
• Six Weeks
Have a practice session with your hairdresser so you can see if you like his or her wedding hairstyle suggestions and whether they suit you and your dress neckline. Make sure you take your headdress with you and don't forget to say if you're wearing a veil and, if so, whether you plan to take it off at the reception as this will affect the way your style is constructed and how it looks from behind.
• Two to Three Weeks
Have any colour treatments done now and if you are having a perm, give it time to drop before the big day. Whatever your style, have a trim to sharpen up the shape.
• One Day
Wash your hair the night before your wedding - freshly washed hair is hard to work with especially if you intend to put it up.
• On the Wedding Day
Don't be afraid to use styling products - if you're having a very structured or complicated hairstyle, its a good idea to get someone to carry a small can of hairspray so you can keep your hair under control at the merest hint of wind.
• WHICH HEADDRESS ?
• Alice Bands
Also called headbands, these are best worn with medium to long hair and should be worn with your hair down.
• Coronets
Just about anyone can wear a coronet but make sure you secure it by fixing it to your hair with long pins.
• Fresh Flowers
For a simple look, thread flowers through your hair or simply use them to cover the comb of your veil. Ask your florist to supply single loose flowers which will co-ordinate with your bouquet.
• Tiaras
All hair types suit tiara, just use pins to secure it in place. Bear in mind, a tiara might slip if you have very fine hair.
• Combs
Best for Medium to long hair, especially if you wear your hair up.
• Hats
Only wear a hat (with or without a veil) if it's appropriate for your outfit.
• Veils
Try on a full range of veils when you are having your wedding dress fitted so you can see which length looks best, or none at all.
•
The Body Beautiful
• One Year
Not many Brides are one hundred percent happy with the shape of their body, so now's the time to throw yourself into doing something about it - with a goal as important as looking completely gorgeous in your gown, you're bound to be successful. Whether you want to loose a lot of weight, just a little or simply tone up, you should take a look at your diet. Weight loss is only permanent when it’s low and, to loose weight slowly you need to eat healthily. Crash diets simply don't work when you most need energy. Exercise is the key to both weight loss and firming up, so introduce a simple regime that you will stick to and enjoy.
• Six Months
Get into good body habits by using a body brush or scrub at least once a week to slough away dead skin cells. Start at your feet and work up the body in small circular motions, always moving towards your heart. To make sure your skin stays extra smooth, after every bath or shower, smooth yourself with a good body moisturiser.
• One Month
Now's the time to consider hair removal. If you want to remain smooth and hair-free through your honeymoon, waxing is your best option. However, to wax successfully hair needs to be a certain length and needs to be left to grow for at least a month. Other hair removal methods, like depilatory creams and shaving, need no consideration until nearer the day.
If you are very pale and would like a little healthy colour as you walk down the aisle, consider the self tanning option. It takes practice, which is why you should give it a go now. It’s best to apply straight after body lotion so that its absorbed smoothly and evenly. Once you've mastered the art, you can either keep applying it until the big day (each application lasts about four days), or leave it until a few days before the wedding.
Have a professional manicure, especially if your nails need a lot of work. if not give yourself a weekly mini-manicure (see below) from now until the big day.
• One Day
Do all those last-minute things such as removing unwanted hair, painting your nails and having a pedicure. If you've got time, treat yourself to a relaxing hour-long massage to soothe away any pre-wedding jitters. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy yourself!
• On The Day
Relax in a luxuriously fragrant bath. The only way to ensure that your perfume lasts throughout your wedding day is to layer it with products of the same scent. Choose your (or your fiancé’s) favourite fragrance and then indulge yourself. Start by having a bath or shower using scented gels and soaps, then apply your body lotion or moisturiser, talc or deodorant and finish with a quick spritz of eau de toilette (pure perfume is too strong) on your pulse points. Don't spray perfume directly on your dress as it will stain. Instead spray a cloud in front of you and walk through it.
• OUR STEP-BY-STEP
WEDDING MINI-MANICURE
• Remove your nail polish and file your nails into shape. Ideally the tips should mirror the base.
• Apply cuticle remover and leave for at least five minutes.
• Cover the 'hoof' end of an orange stick with cotton wool and gently work back the cuticles from the nail plate.
• Rinse your hands in soapy water and dry with a soft towel.
• Massage in plenty of rich, hydrating hand cream unless applying nail polish - in which case, apply the base coat to protect your nails, two coats of colour and a top coat. Then use the hand cream.
• Beautiful Face
• One Year
A clear, smooth, glowing complexion is every bride's dream and it is achievable if you start early enough. Skin renews itself once every 28 days, so that gives you 12 new skins to improve on!
Start by drinking more water - it's next to impossible to drink too much and it will help clear your complexion. Good basic skin care is also a must, so make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturize morning and night. Facial exfoliators will help to make skin more radiant so use one at least once a week.
• Six Months
Treat yourself to a monthly facial, especially if you've got lingering skin ailments that home treatment won't clear up. For serious skin complaints, ask your GP to refer you to a Dermatologist.
• Three Months
Now's the time to think about your make-up. If you are not entirely confident about applying it yourself, give yourself plenty of time to find a professional make-up artist in your area or have a make-up lesson. If you're planning to do your own make-up for the big day, its best to keep your colours fairly neutral. It’s always nice to have new make-up to wear on the day, so treat yourself to new eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, blusher and lipstick, choosing shades that have similar tones. Whenever you have time, practice applying one area of your make-up, such as your foundation, then another time work on your blusher or eye shadow until you build up the full picture.
• One Month
Have a complete run through of your make-up from start to finish so that you can gauge exactly how much time you will need to allow on the day. It’s a good idea to do your hair at the same time, especially if you're going to need rollers as you're hair is completely off your face so it’s the perfect opportunity to do your make-up. If, at this stage you know its taking too long, you've got time to simplify the process.
• One Day
Tidy your eyebrows and make sure you've got everything you're going to need for the wedding day so there are no last minute panics.
Don't deviate from the make-up you have already chosen and rehearsed, as unplanned changes rarely work and you won't have time to rectify mistakes. Ask your mother or chief bridesmaid to carry your powder compact and lipstick so you can touch-up during the day.
•
• FINDING THE PERFECT FOUNDATION
• Foundations with a rosy tinge won't warm up your complexion. Blushers and bronzers are designed to do this.
• Test a new foundation on your cheek rather than on your hand or wrist where your skin tone is slightly different.
• Always check the colour of the foundation in daylight (outside is best), as shop lighting can be harsh and deceptive.
• Remember that skin tones change through the year so the foundation shade you bought for your winter colouring might be too pale for a summer wedding.
• Make sure your foundation is compatible with your moisturiser as some combinations do not blend.
• Ask for a sample to take home to test the colour match, skin compatibility, how long the foundation lasts, how it feels and how easy it is to apply.
• If you're looking for a new base, good foundations for summer brides include, Helena Rubenstein's Translucence Light Perfecting Make-up and Rimmel's Shine Control Foundation.
• Do not forget to set your foundation with a dusting of loose translucent powder.
• Take it from us, you cannot start planning your wedding too soon, especially when it comes to hair and beauty. To look your beautiful best on your big day, plan all your hair and beauty routines well in advance - do the groundwork now, make sure every minute counts so you'll be relaxed in the knowledge that you look simply divine when it really matters.
• I - Gorgeous Hair
• One Year
Start by getting into good habits. Wash your hair with the correct formulation shampoo for your hair type, then rinse with conditioner if needed. You should always apply conditioner to the old, dry ends of long hair but not to the oily roots as this will only make it limp.
Make sure you have your hair trimmed regularly to guard against split ends and avoid overusing heated appliances and styling aids.
If your hair is chemically treated, take special care to wash it with appropriate shampoo and conditioner, in order to achieve and maintain your hair in good condition.
• Six Months
Visit your hairdresser for a general chat about your hair and what you want to achieve. If you need to grow out a fringe or a perm, this gives you plenty of time. Discuss any radical changes of style and go for it now so that there's still plenty of time to limit damage if you then decide it’s really not you. Your Wedding is not the time to try out a completely new style or a new hairdresser unless he or she comes tried and tested and highly recommended by a friend you trust. But do you trust any friend that much?
• Three Months
You should have ordered your wedding dress by now, so you will know the shape and style. Get together with your hairdresser for an in-depth consultation about your style options. Don't feel you have to grow your hair and abandon all visits to the salon, it simply won't work. Concentrate instead on the looks you can create with your length of hair. Take time to discuss any changes of colour. If you've never tried this before, use a colour-enhancing wash-in/wash-out variety to see if it suits you first, as any drastic changes of colour should be approached with caution. (Try Laboratoires Garnier Movida Easy-Cream, which works in 15 minutes and lasts 4-6 weeks. If you do use a permanent colour, apply this a couple of weeks before the Wedding so you won't have any root re-growth.)
• Six Weeks
Have a practice session with your hairdresser so you can see if you like his or her wedding hairstyle suggestions and whether they suit you and your dress neckline. Make sure you take your headdress with you and don't forget to say if you're wearing a veil and, if so, whether you plan to take it off at the reception as this will affect the way your style is constructed and how it looks from behind.
• Two to Three Weeks
Have any colour treatments done now and if you are having a perm, give it time to drop before the big day. Whatever your style, have a trim to sharpen up the shape.
• One Day
Wash your hair the night before your wedding - freshly washed hair is hard to work with especially if you intend to put it up.
• On the Wedding Day
Don't be afraid to use styling products - if you're having a very structured or complicated hairstyle, its a good idea to get someone to carry a small can of hairspray so you can keep your hair under control at the merest hint of wind.
• WHICH HEADDRESS ?
• Alice Bands
Also called headbands, these are best worn with medium to long hair and should be worn with your hair down.
• Coronets
Just about anyone can wear a coronet but make sure you secure it by fixing it to your hair with long pins.
• Fresh Flowers
For a simple look, thread flowers through your hair or simply use them to cover the comb of your veil. Ask your florist to supply single loose flowers which will co-ordinate with your bouquet.
• Tiaras
All hair types suit tiara, just use pins to secure it in place. Bear in mind, a tiara might slip if you have very fine hair.
• Combs
Best for Medium to long hair, especially if you wear your hair up.
• Hats
Only wear a hat (with or without a veil) if it's appropriate for your outfit.
• Veils
Try on a full range of veils when you are having your wedding dress fitted so you can see which length looks best, or none at all.
•
The Body Beautiful
• One Year
Not many Brides are one hundred percent happy with the shape of their body, so now's the time to throw yourself into doing something about it - with a goal as important as looking completely gorgeous in your gown, you're bound to be successful. Whether you want to loose a lot of weight, just a little or simply tone up, you should take a look at your diet. Weight loss is only permanent when it’s low and, to loose weight slowly you need to eat healthily. Crash diets simply don't work when you most need energy. Exercise is the key to both weight loss and firming up, so introduce a simple regime that you will stick to and enjoy.
• Six Months
Get into good body habits by using a body brush or scrub at least once a week to slough away dead skin cells. Start at your feet and work up the body in small circular motions, always moving towards your heart. To make sure your skin stays extra smooth, after every bath or shower, smooth yourself with a good body moisturiser.
• One Month
Now's the time to consider hair removal. If you want to remain smooth and hair-free through your honeymoon, waxing is your best option. However, to wax successfully hair needs to be a certain length and needs to be left to grow for at least a month. Other hair removal methods, like depilatory creams and shaving, need no consideration until nearer the day.
If you are very pale and would like a little healthy colour as you walk down the aisle, consider the self tanning option. It takes practice, which is why you should give it a go now. It’s best to apply straight after body lotion so that its absorbed smoothly and evenly. Once you've mastered the art, you can either keep applying it until the big day (each application lasts about four days), or leave it until a few days before the wedding.
Have a professional manicure, especially if your nails need a lot of work. if not give yourself a weekly mini-manicure (see below) from now until the big day.
• One Day
Do all those last-minute things such as removing unwanted hair, painting your nails and having a pedicure. If you've got time, treat yourself to a relaxing hour-long massage to soothe away any pre-wedding jitters. Most importantly, don't forget to enjoy yourself!
• On The Day
Relax in a luxuriously fragrant bath. The only way to ensure that your perfume lasts throughout your wedding day is to layer it with products of the same scent. Choose your (or your fiancé’s) favourite fragrance and then indulge yourself. Start by having a bath or shower using scented gels and soaps, then apply your body lotion or moisturiser, talc or deodorant and finish with a quick spritz of eau de toilette (pure perfume is too strong) on your pulse points. Don't spray perfume directly on your dress as it will stain. Instead spray a cloud in front of you and walk through it.
• OUR STEP-BY-STEP
WEDDING MINI-MANICURE
• Remove your nail polish and file your nails into shape. Ideally the tips should mirror the base.
• Apply cuticle remover and leave for at least five minutes.
• Cover the 'hoof' end of an orange stick with cotton wool and gently work back the cuticles from the nail plate.
• Rinse your hands in soapy water and dry with a soft towel.
• Massage in plenty of rich, hydrating hand cream unless applying nail polish - in which case, apply the base coat to protect your nails, two coats of colour and a top coat. Then use the hand cream.
• Beautiful Face
• One Year
A clear, smooth, glowing complexion is every bride's dream and it is achievable if you start early enough. Skin renews itself once every 28 days, so that gives you 12 new skins to improve on!
Start by drinking more water - it's next to impossible to drink too much and it will help clear your complexion. Good basic skin care is also a must, so make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturize morning and night. Facial exfoliators will help to make skin more radiant so use one at least once a week.
• Six Months
Treat yourself to a monthly facial, especially if you've got lingering skin ailments that home treatment won't clear up. For serious skin complaints, ask your GP to refer you to a Dermatologist.
• Three Months
Now's the time to think about your make-up. If you are not entirely confident about applying it yourself, give yourself plenty of time to find a professional make-up artist in your area or have a make-up lesson. If you're planning to do your own make-up for the big day, its best to keep your colours fairly neutral. It’s always nice to have new make-up to wear on the day, so treat yourself to new eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, blusher and lipstick, choosing shades that have similar tones. Whenever you have time, practice applying one area of your make-up, such as your foundation, then another time work on your blusher or eye shadow until you build up the full picture.
• One Month
Have a complete run through of your make-up from start to finish so that you can gauge exactly how much time you will need to allow on the day. It’s a good idea to do your hair at the same time, especially if you're going to need rollers as you're hair is completely off your face so it’s the perfect opportunity to do your make-up. If, at this stage you know its taking too long, you've got time to simplify the process.
• One Day
Tidy your eyebrows and make sure you've got everything you're going to need for the wedding day so there are no last minute panics.
Don't deviate from the make-up you have already chosen and rehearsed, as unplanned changes rarely work and you won't have time to rectify mistakes. Ask your mother or chief bridesmaid to carry your powder compact and lipstick so you can touch-up during the day.
•
• FINDING THE PERFECT FOUNDATION
• Foundations with a rosy tinge won't warm up your complexion. Blushers and bronzers are designed to do this.
• Test a new foundation on your cheek rather than on your hand or wrist where your skin tone is slightly different.
• Always check the colour of the foundation in daylight (outside is best), as shop lighting can be harsh and deceptive.
• Remember that skin tones change through the year so the foundation shade you bought for your winter colouring might be too pale for a summer wedding.
• Make sure your foundation is compatible with your moisturiser as some combinations do not blend.
• Ask for a sample to take home to test the colour match, skin compatibility, how long the foundation lasts, how it feels and how easy it is to apply.
• If you're looking for a new base, good foundations for summer brides include, Helena Rubenstein's Translucence Light Perfecting Make-up and Rimmel's Shine Control Foundation.
• Do not forget to set your foundation with a dusting of loose translucent powder.
Planning
Planning
• Start your wedding plans early, start your preparations from the day you get engaged.
• You must decide with your partner exactly what sort of wedding you would both would like. Formal or informal? Intimate or extravagant?
• When it is time to choose the date of the wedding, allow yourself enough time to plan the wedding of your dreams.
• Once you have decided on the venue for the ceremony, book it as early as you can. Popular dates during the summer, are booked anything up to a year in advance.
• Money is an important factor which must be taken into consideration and a realistic budget should be set. Then arrange a meeting for everyone who will be contributing towards the cost involved in the initial discussion.
• You must both decide at an early stage who will be paying for what. You don't want any nasty surprises at a later date and nor does your dad!
• Consider buying some wedding day insurance. Many companies now offer packages to cover accidents prior to and on the big day itself - just in case. The post office also does wedding insurance.
• The reception venue needs to be booked and confirmed as soon as possible. It is a good idea to visit as many possible reception venues as you can to compare what each one has to offer. It is a good idea to ask for written quotes so you can make your decision at home without feeling pressurised. Remember to check the grounds, it’s where most of your wedding photographs will be taken.
• You now need to compile a guest list and then decide on the type of catering your require. A lunchtime buffet works well when your guests are a mixture of young and old. It also keeps costs down. A formal sit-down meal is wonderful but is also your most expensive option.
• Ask the experts' advice on getting value-for-money and your best choices of drinks for the number of guests.
• The caterers will have many years experience on menu planning so take there advice when given. They will have lots of valuable experience about what works and what doesn't.
• Once you have found a suitable venue, book the date, time and exact room(s) you will need in writing. Ask for written confirmation in return.
• If you would like menu cards for the centre of the tables ask your stationers to print them and place-names if you are having a sit-down reception. It would be a good idea to have two large table plans to post either side of the dining room.
• Ask your parents to help with the seating plans to avoid any family upsets.
• Now it is time to start looking for a wedding dress for the big day. You may be surprised how long it takes to make a gown, even one brought off-the-peg. The minimum notice for any gown is about eight weeks.
• Consider the colour of your skin when choosing the shade of your dress. Pure white only really suits brunettes or black brides, blondes and redheads look better in ivory. Try on as many different styles of dress as you can. Some wedding dresses have little hanger appeal but look wonderful once they are on.
• Wedding dresses are expensive so you could consider hiring the dress. You can hire a one-off designer gown for about the same as you would pay for an off-the-peg manufacturer's dress.
• Decide on your 'something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue'. This is the prefect opportunity to wear treasured family jewellery and gifts from very special friends.
• Go shopping with your bridesmaids to choose dresses that suit them all. If they are of varying ages, use a theme rather than asking teenagers to wear the frills and flounces that only look cute on the under-tens.
• Sit down with your groom and work out what he will be wearing. Most men hire their wedding attire and this needs to be done about four weeks in advance./
• Once you have chosen your wedding dress, buy suitable bridal lingerie and take it to one of the fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
• You now need to arrange photographers for your big day. It would be a good idea to interview them and ask to see examples of their work and only book someone who seems flexible and has lots off ideas. Get confirmation of the booking in writing.
• Setting a colour theme for the whole wedding can make it easier when choosing your dress, the bridesmaids' outfits, the flowers and the reception decorations.
• Visit a number of florists but not on a Saturday when they are usually very busy. A good florist should work with you to create something to suit your individual style of wedding. Be wary of anyone who just shows you pictures of 'standard' bouquets. Ask your florist to prepare two very special bouquets as thank-you for both mums. These are traditionally presented by the groom during his speech
• Invitations need to be sent out about two months in advance. There are many different designs from the formal to the hand-made.
• Book your wedding transport and confirm the exact model of car and the colour if it's part of your theme.
• If you want your new surname on your passport to take on honeymoon, apply for the name change as soon as you can as this can take some time.
• Start shopping around for the best deals for your honeymoon. Room upgrades, champagne, flowers and a free dinner are readily available for honeymooners.
• Once the honeymoon destination has been decided upon ask about necessary visas and make an appointment with your doctor for any inoculations.
• Help your mum and future mother-in-law to choose their outfits. Ask your florist to design special corsages to match their colour schemes.
• Go shopping with your groom for your wedding rings. It is a nice idea to have the rings engraved inside. Even just your initials and the wedding date is very romantic.
• For the reception you will have to decide on the type of music you would like. A DJ is always a good option as they can play a variety of music. If you want to have live music, listen to tapes from potential groups and try to hear them live at least once.
• If you are having a live band, remember they need to take regular breaks so you will need some kind of entertainment to fill in the gaps. Ask your venue about facilities for taped music.
• Visit your baker or ask your caterers to recommend someone to make the wedding cake. Expect to pay at least £300 for a three-tiered traditional cake, a lot more if you want a cake with a theme.
• Save about half the cost of your cake by getting a clever mum or friend to make the basic cake then take it along to a professional to have it iced and decorated.
• Ring around all the local department stores and ask to be sent details of their wedding gift list services. Choose one or several stores and spend an afternoon choosing your gifts with your groom, your mum or your best friend.
• Ask someone in your family to be in charge of the guest list, ticking off names as and when they accept. Your venue will probably want you to confirm final numbers a week or two in advance.
• Obtain permission from your venues to throw confetti. If this is not permitted, tell your guests to bring rice, which the birds will eat, or rose petals.
• A month before the wedding visit your venue when it is not being used and plan your room decorations. Flowers everywhere are expensive and two well placed displays can be just as effective.
• Book your first night accommodation. Visit all the local hotels and ask to see the bridal suite. Check what 'extras' are included in their honeymoon package, like a chauffeur-driven care to drive you to the airport the following morning.
• Buy a supply of disposable cameras and put a couple in the centre of each table at your reception. This gives your guests something to do and you should get a supply of wonderful behind-the-scenes informal pictures to supplement your album.
• You need to buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids. Get the gifts inscribed with your names and your wedding date.
• Have a trial-run at the hairdressers a week or two before the wedding day. Take along your headdress and veil and even a digital camera to make recreating your wedding hairstyle easier.
• Treat yourself to a make-up lesson with a professional. Take careful note of all the colours they use and how they use them so that you can do the same on your wedding morning.
• It would be a good idea to pack your honeymoon cases and take them to your first night hotel the day before the wedding.
• Nominate one of your bridesmaids or a close friend to pack up your wedding attire following the reception and store it for you until after the honeymoon.
• Assemble a small bag with your wedding day essentials, like a hanky, a lipstick, an aspirin, a comb and hair grips and ask someone to keep it for you.
• And finally, Smile, Relax and above all have a Wonderful Day.
• Start your wedding plans early, start your preparations from the day you get engaged.
• You must decide with your partner exactly what sort of wedding you would both would like. Formal or informal? Intimate or extravagant?
• When it is time to choose the date of the wedding, allow yourself enough time to plan the wedding of your dreams.
• Once you have decided on the venue for the ceremony, book it as early as you can. Popular dates during the summer, are booked anything up to a year in advance.
• Money is an important factor which must be taken into consideration and a realistic budget should be set. Then arrange a meeting for everyone who will be contributing towards the cost involved in the initial discussion.
• You must both decide at an early stage who will be paying for what. You don't want any nasty surprises at a later date and nor does your dad!
• Consider buying some wedding day insurance. Many companies now offer packages to cover accidents prior to and on the big day itself - just in case. The post office also does wedding insurance.
• The reception venue needs to be booked and confirmed as soon as possible. It is a good idea to visit as many possible reception venues as you can to compare what each one has to offer. It is a good idea to ask for written quotes so you can make your decision at home without feeling pressurised. Remember to check the grounds, it’s where most of your wedding photographs will be taken.
• You now need to compile a guest list and then decide on the type of catering your require. A lunchtime buffet works well when your guests are a mixture of young and old. It also keeps costs down. A formal sit-down meal is wonderful but is also your most expensive option.
• Ask the experts' advice on getting value-for-money and your best choices of drinks for the number of guests.
• The caterers will have many years experience on menu planning so take there advice when given. They will have lots of valuable experience about what works and what doesn't.
• Once you have found a suitable venue, book the date, time and exact room(s) you will need in writing. Ask for written confirmation in return.
• If you would like menu cards for the centre of the tables ask your stationers to print them and place-names if you are having a sit-down reception. It would be a good idea to have two large table plans to post either side of the dining room.
• Ask your parents to help with the seating plans to avoid any family upsets.
• Now it is time to start looking for a wedding dress for the big day. You may be surprised how long it takes to make a gown, even one brought off-the-peg. The minimum notice for any gown is about eight weeks.
• Consider the colour of your skin when choosing the shade of your dress. Pure white only really suits brunettes or black brides, blondes and redheads look better in ivory. Try on as many different styles of dress as you can. Some wedding dresses have little hanger appeal but look wonderful once they are on.
• Wedding dresses are expensive so you could consider hiring the dress. You can hire a one-off designer gown for about the same as you would pay for an off-the-peg manufacturer's dress.
• Decide on your 'something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue'. This is the prefect opportunity to wear treasured family jewellery and gifts from very special friends.
• Go shopping with your bridesmaids to choose dresses that suit them all. If they are of varying ages, use a theme rather than asking teenagers to wear the frills and flounces that only look cute on the under-tens.
• Sit down with your groom and work out what he will be wearing. Most men hire their wedding attire and this needs to be done about four weeks in advance./
• Once you have chosen your wedding dress, buy suitable bridal lingerie and take it to one of the fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
• You now need to arrange photographers for your big day. It would be a good idea to interview them and ask to see examples of their work and only book someone who seems flexible and has lots off ideas. Get confirmation of the booking in writing.
• Setting a colour theme for the whole wedding can make it easier when choosing your dress, the bridesmaids' outfits, the flowers and the reception decorations.
• Visit a number of florists but not on a Saturday when they are usually very busy. A good florist should work with you to create something to suit your individual style of wedding. Be wary of anyone who just shows you pictures of 'standard' bouquets. Ask your florist to prepare two very special bouquets as thank-you for both mums. These are traditionally presented by the groom during his speech
• Invitations need to be sent out about two months in advance. There are many different designs from the formal to the hand-made.
• Book your wedding transport and confirm the exact model of car and the colour if it's part of your theme.
• If you want your new surname on your passport to take on honeymoon, apply for the name change as soon as you can as this can take some time.
• Start shopping around for the best deals for your honeymoon. Room upgrades, champagne, flowers and a free dinner are readily available for honeymooners.
• Once the honeymoon destination has been decided upon ask about necessary visas and make an appointment with your doctor for any inoculations.
• Help your mum and future mother-in-law to choose their outfits. Ask your florist to design special corsages to match their colour schemes.
• Go shopping with your groom for your wedding rings. It is a nice idea to have the rings engraved inside. Even just your initials and the wedding date is very romantic.
• For the reception you will have to decide on the type of music you would like. A DJ is always a good option as they can play a variety of music. If you want to have live music, listen to tapes from potential groups and try to hear them live at least once.
• If you are having a live band, remember they need to take regular breaks so you will need some kind of entertainment to fill in the gaps. Ask your venue about facilities for taped music.
• Visit your baker or ask your caterers to recommend someone to make the wedding cake. Expect to pay at least £300 for a three-tiered traditional cake, a lot more if you want a cake with a theme.
• Save about half the cost of your cake by getting a clever mum or friend to make the basic cake then take it along to a professional to have it iced and decorated.
• Ring around all the local department stores and ask to be sent details of their wedding gift list services. Choose one or several stores and spend an afternoon choosing your gifts with your groom, your mum or your best friend.
• Ask someone in your family to be in charge of the guest list, ticking off names as and when they accept. Your venue will probably want you to confirm final numbers a week or two in advance.
• Obtain permission from your venues to throw confetti. If this is not permitted, tell your guests to bring rice, which the birds will eat, or rose petals.
• A month before the wedding visit your venue when it is not being used and plan your room decorations. Flowers everywhere are expensive and two well placed displays can be just as effective.
• Book your first night accommodation. Visit all the local hotels and ask to see the bridal suite. Check what 'extras' are included in their honeymoon package, like a chauffeur-driven care to drive you to the airport the following morning.
• Buy a supply of disposable cameras and put a couple in the centre of each table at your reception. This gives your guests something to do and you should get a supply of wonderful behind-the-scenes informal pictures to supplement your album.
• You need to buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids. Get the gifts inscribed with your names and your wedding date.
• Have a trial-run at the hairdressers a week or two before the wedding day. Take along your headdress and veil and even a digital camera to make recreating your wedding hairstyle easier.
• Treat yourself to a make-up lesson with a professional. Take careful note of all the colours they use and how they use them so that you can do the same on your wedding morning.
• It would be a good idea to pack your honeymoon cases and take them to your first night hotel the day before the wedding.
• Nominate one of your bridesmaids or a close friend to pack up your wedding attire following the reception and store it for you until after the honeymoon.
• Assemble a small bag with your wedding day essentials, like a hanky, a lipstick, an aspirin, a comb and hair grips and ask someone to keep it for you.
• And finally, Smile, Relax and above all have a Wonderful Day.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
For the groom
For Grooms Who Want To Get It Right - Here Are Our 20 Top Tips
Going Shopping can be overwhelming at the best of times but when it's for such a big day, you'll most probably need some help. Don't feel bad about it, it'll be far more fun and will prevent stress-induced bad buys. This is your big moment too and you want to get it right.
• Don't rush into anything. Take time to read lots of magazines for inspiration. If you're still not getting anywhere, consult a professional style councillor and ignore this guide!
• With the information gleaned from your research, set a realistic budget for your wedding outfit taking everything into account and stick to it, rigidly.
• Start your shopping process well in advance of the wedding (preferably several months), particularly if you're having something such as a waistcoat, frockcoat or Star Trek suit made, as your tailor will require lots of warning. The same applies if you are hiring an outfit - you might need to make alterations which take time.
• Get yourself accurately measured for everything from waistcoats to suits.
• Don't buy anything tight fitting. it may give you bulges in all the right places but it is guaranteed to become devilishly uncomfortable after all that nuptial nosh and those bottles of bubbly!
• Buy your wedding shoes at least a month before your wedding and wear them in as you don't want to be begging the chief bridesmaid for elastoplasts at the reception. Not very manly.
• Co-ordinate your outfit to your Bride's by asking her for small details about her own dress. Whatever you do, don't force information out of her or make her spill the beans if she really doesn't want to. No does mean No, after all.
• An ivory shirt looks better than a white one which can often look like something you would wear to the office.
• Make sure you wash and iron your shirt the day before so that you don't end up with unsightly, unironable fold marks.
• Morning Suit wearers (Grooms, Best Men and Fathers of the Bride, traditionally) should remember that cravats are worn by the Groom and Best Man only. its ties for everyone else. Sorry Dad.
• Morning Suit wearers should remember that traditionally, their coat should be black in the morning and grey in the afternoon.
• Dinner Suits and black tie suits are generally reserved for formal evening do's, although they are popular for Weddings in the U.S and abroad.
• Always leave the bottom button of your waistcoat undone - but don't ask why!
• If you're wearing a kilt, don't be a true Scotsman. No undies in the presence of ladies and officers is very bad form.
• Your buttonhole should be made of the same flowers as your bride's bouquet.
• Never have a waistcoat matching your tie and handkerchief. Instead, choose a colour from the waistcoat and select your tie accordingly.
• If you're wearing a cravat, ensure you wear a high-necked waistcoat so that the cravat can be tucked in neatly with minimal fear of escape.
• Make sure your trousers are the right length, neither too long or too short and that the sleeves of your jacket allow for an inch of the shirt cuff to be seen.
• Morning wear is not the only suit. Take on board every style of jacket available - from a lounge suit to a frockcoat or Nehru-style jacket but, above all, wear something you will feel comfortable in.
• On the morning of the ceremony, don't go to the pub to get some Dutch courage, go have a professional shave and manicure instead. That way you'll be just as relaxed as if you'd downed a couple of pints, you don't risk blood on your collar and your hands will look simply lovely when you exchange rings.
Going Shopping can be overwhelming at the best of times but when it's for such a big day, you'll most probably need some help. Don't feel bad about it, it'll be far more fun and will prevent stress-induced bad buys. This is your big moment too and you want to get it right.
• Don't rush into anything. Take time to read lots of magazines for inspiration. If you're still not getting anywhere, consult a professional style councillor and ignore this guide!
• With the information gleaned from your research, set a realistic budget for your wedding outfit taking everything into account and stick to it, rigidly.
• Start your shopping process well in advance of the wedding (preferably several months), particularly if you're having something such as a waistcoat, frockcoat or Star Trek suit made, as your tailor will require lots of warning. The same applies if you are hiring an outfit - you might need to make alterations which take time.
• Get yourself accurately measured for everything from waistcoats to suits.
• Don't buy anything tight fitting. it may give you bulges in all the right places but it is guaranteed to become devilishly uncomfortable after all that nuptial nosh and those bottles of bubbly!
• Buy your wedding shoes at least a month before your wedding and wear them in as you don't want to be begging the chief bridesmaid for elastoplasts at the reception. Not very manly.
• Co-ordinate your outfit to your Bride's by asking her for small details about her own dress. Whatever you do, don't force information out of her or make her spill the beans if she really doesn't want to. No does mean No, after all.
• An ivory shirt looks better than a white one which can often look like something you would wear to the office.
• Make sure you wash and iron your shirt the day before so that you don't end up with unsightly, unironable fold marks.
• Morning Suit wearers (Grooms, Best Men and Fathers of the Bride, traditionally) should remember that cravats are worn by the Groom and Best Man only. its ties for everyone else. Sorry Dad.
• Morning Suit wearers should remember that traditionally, their coat should be black in the morning and grey in the afternoon.
• Dinner Suits and black tie suits are generally reserved for formal evening do's, although they are popular for Weddings in the U.S and abroad.
• Always leave the bottom button of your waistcoat undone - but don't ask why!
• If you're wearing a kilt, don't be a true Scotsman. No undies in the presence of ladies and officers is very bad form.
• Your buttonhole should be made of the same flowers as your bride's bouquet.
• Never have a waistcoat matching your tie and handkerchief. Instead, choose a colour from the waistcoat and select your tie accordingly.
• If you're wearing a cravat, ensure you wear a high-necked waistcoat so that the cravat can be tucked in neatly with minimal fear of escape.
• Make sure your trousers are the right length, neither too long or too short and that the sleeves of your jacket allow for an inch of the shirt cuff to be seen.
• Morning wear is not the only suit. Take on board every style of jacket available - from a lounge suit to a frockcoat or Nehru-style jacket but, above all, wear something you will feel comfortable in.
• On the morning of the ceremony, don't go to the pub to get some Dutch courage, go have a professional shave and manicure instead. That way you'll be just as relaxed as if you'd downed a couple of pints, you don't risk blood on your collar and your hands will look simply lovely when you exchange rings.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Your perfect dress
Your Dream Dress and Our 20 Top Tips To Help You find It
The pre-wedding task most Brides look forward to is choosing a Dress. You may have fantasized about the creation from the moment he popped the question, but the chances are you probably haven't yet considered the practicalities of actually finding your Dream Dress.
So, whether you have a clear idea, or your spoilt for choice and don't know where to start, get loads of inspiration from Wedding Magazine fashion pages and use this guide to ensure that what should be lots of fun, is lots of fun.
• Use Wedding Magazines for inspiration and to get an indication of the range of styles, trends and the latest prices.
• Spend a day shopping for ideas, set a budget and then make sure you stick to it.
• Allow plenty of time to find your Dream Dress - it may take you a while and most shops expect you to order at least three to four months before your wedding day.
• Try on as many styles as you can. Lots of dresses have zero hanger appeal, but look great once you put them on.
• Its a good idea to start out with a general idea of the kind of dress you like: traditional, straight, empire line, princess line, etc.
• Remember to look at your rear view! Your Guests will have an uninterrupted view during the ceremony, so it's got to look good.
• Think about whether you want a theme to your wedding (colour, period, style) as this will make your choice of dress easier.
• Be practical - a huge skirt will be hard to manoeuvre in a tiny church.
• Consider the season of your wedding. Late spring or summer ceremonies call for cool silk, chiffon, pure cotton or lace. Late autumn and winter weddings demand warm, heavier fabrics such as brocade, velvet and duchess satin.
• Don't dismiss man-made fabrics - a good quality dress is a cost-effective option which travels well (synthetic fabrics crush less) - important if you've a long trip to the ceremony or are getting married abroad.
• Generally, a pure white dress looks better on brunettes, while ivory and cream flatters the traditional English Rose.
• If your budget is limited consider hiring you dress. You can pay about the same to hire a designer dress as you would to buy a mass-produced frock.
• You could recoup some of the cost of a designer dress by selling it after the wedding (if you can bear to part with it). There are several agencies and exchanges that will help, but your gown must be in pristine condition.
• Make the most of your natural assets. Tall, slender brides look stunning in long, lean silhouettes, while shorter brides should avoid full skirts and trains, opting for smaller details and trims. A V-shaped waist makes you look taller, you can emphasise a neat waist with a sash, show off good legs with a short skirt, hide plump arms under long sleeves and bony shoulders under high necks. Finally, bustles are a definite no-no for the pear shaped!
• Always take at least one other person with you (two is best) when shopping for your dress, so that you know what your wedding finery looks like from every angle.
• Ask to try on a veil with the dress so you can get an idea of the complete look - a short veil may well turn a dress from ordinary to special, while a long veil might not work at all.
• Choose your Bridesmaids' outfits to match detail or colour on your dress. And if you have a theme, make sure you tie in with your maids.
• Think about the style of your shoes: whether or not you want a heel may affect the whole look of your dress.
• Consider any other accessories that you may need to set off your wedding dress - jewellery, gloves, bags, scarves etc. will all add finishing touches and complete your look, but will they bust your budget?
• After the wedding, preserve your dress by having it expertly cleaned and boxed.
The pre-wedding task most Brides look forward to is choosing a Dress. You may have fantasized about the creation from the moment he popped the question, but the chances are you probably haven't yet considered the practicalities of actually finding your Dream Dress.
So, whether you have a clear idea, or your spoilt for choice and don't know where to start, get loads of inspiration from Wedding Magazine fashion pages and use this guide to ensure that what should be lots of fun, is lots of fun.
• Use Wedding Magazines for inspiration and to get an indication of the range of styles, trends and the latest prices.
• Spend a day shopping for ideas, set a budget and then make sure you stick to it.
• Allow plenty of time to find your Dream Dress - it may take you a while and most shops expect you to order at least three to four months before your wedding day.
• Try on as many styles as you can. Lots of dresses have zero hanger appeal, but look great once you put them on.
• Its a good idea to start out with a general idea of the kind of dress you like: traditional, straight, empire line, princess line, etc.
• Remember to look at your rear view! Your Guests will have an uninterrupted view during the ceremony, so it's got to look good.
• Think about whether you want a theme to your wedding (colour, period, style) as this will make your choice of dress easier.
• Be practical - a huge skirt will be hard to manoeuvre in a tiny church.
• Consider the season of your wedding. Late spring or summer ceremonies call for cool silk, chiffon, pure cotton or lace. Late autumn and winter weddings demand warm, heavier fabrics such as brocade, velvet and duchess satin.
• Don't dismiss man-made fabrics - a good quality dress is a cost-effective option which travels well (synthetic fabrics crush less) - important if you've a long trip to the ceremony or are getting married abroad.
• Generally, a pure white dress looks better on brunettes, while ivory and cream flatters the traditional English Rose.
• If your budget is limited consider hiring you dress. You can pay about the same to hire a designer dress as you would to buy a mass-produced frock.
• You could recoup some of the cost of a designer dress by selling it after the wedding (if you can bear to part with it). There are several agencies and exchanges that will help, but your gown must be in pristine condition.
• Make the most of your natural assets. Tall, slender brides look stunning in long, lean silhouettes, while shorter brides should avoid full skirts and trains, opting for smaller details and trims. A V-shaped waist makes you look taller, you can emphasise a neat waist with a sash, show off good legs with a short skirt, hide plump arms under long sleeves and bony shoulders under high necks. Finally, bustles are a definite no-no for the pear shaped!
• Always take at least one other person with you (two is best) when shopping for your dress, so that you know what your wedding finery looks like from every angle.
• Ask to try on a veil with the dress so you can get an idea of the complete look - a short veil may well turn a dress from ordinary to special, while a long veil might not work at all.
• Choose your Bridesmaids' outfits to match detail or colour on your dress. And if you have a theme, make sure you tie in with your maids.
• Think about the style of your shoes: whether or not you want a heel may affect the whole look of your dress.
• Consider any other accessories that you may need to set off your wedding dress - jewellery, gloves, bags, scarves etc. will all add finishing touches and complete your look, but will they bust your budget?
• After the wedding, preserve your dress by having it expertly cleaned and boxed.
Norton Grange Show
Sunday's show was a great success. We really enjoyed meeting some lovely brides and looking forward to the big day now. The next Norton Grange fair has not been arranged yet but we will be there again in the new year.
We booked weddings for Haigh Hall, Norton Grange, The Royal Toby to name a few.
We booked weddings for Haigh Hall, Norton Grange, The Royal Toby to name a few.
Friday, 16 October 2009
Wedding shows this weekend!
We will be going to Norton Grange in Rochdale and the Last Drop in Bolton this sunday, be sure to come along and meet us and to take full advantage of the show offer.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Our website
Please go to http://www.dvdweddingphotography.co.uk/
We should be updating site soon and adding lots more photographs from recent weddings.
If you come along to one of the wedding shows we will be having a show offer with wedding coverage and three albums all for £795
We should be updating site soon and adding lots more photographs from recent weddings.
If you come along to one of the wedding shows we will be having a show offer with wedding coverage and three albums all for £795
The Wedding Show
Well the wedding shows really are in full swing now with most Sundays being taking up attending local hotels and big convention centres for the national and regional shows. This week we will be at the Norton Grange in Rochdale and the Last Drop hotel in Bolton. We are looking forward to a great attendance from brides and grooms alike on Sunday.
So how can you make the most from attending a wedding show.
Firstly, it is worth listing all the things that you are still looking for. Some of the larger shows ( such as the GMEX in Manchester) have a list of exhibitors on their website- once you know who you want to meet you can do some research and visit the exhibitors websites before meeting them at the shows.
Nearly all of the wedding shows do have a bridal fashion show. Most of the visitors to the wedding show want to see the show so this is the perfect opportunity to go speak to exhibitors at the stands as usually this is the quietest time and the stands tend to get swamped after the fashion show.
Some people suggest that you should avoid being persuaded into buying at a show. I disagree- I feel that the wedding shows offer a great opportunity to get a wedding show offer which is fantastic for all you brides and grooms who want to save a little money. At the end of the day your going to book with somebody why procrastinate only to book later for more money!
I always suggest that you should take somebody along with you who will give you their honest opinion- Its also nice if the groom comes to as it is nice when you can both choose together.
Finally, wedding shows are fun.. try to enjoy x
So how can you make the most from attending a wedding show.
Firstly, it is worth listing all the things that you are still looking for. Some of the larger shows ( such as the GMEX in Manchester) have a list of exhibitors on their website- once you know who you want to meet you can do some research and visit the exhibitors websites before meeting them at the shows.
Nearly all of the wedding shows do have a bridal fashion show. Most of the visitors to the wedding show want to see the show so this is the perfect opportunity to go speak to exhibitors at the stands as usually this is the quietest time and the stands tend to get swamped after the fashion show.
Some people suggest that you should avoid being persuaded into buying at a show. I disagree- I feel that the wedding shows offer a great opportunity to get a wedding show offer which is fantastic for all you brides and grooms who want to save a little money. At the end of the day your going to book with somebody why procrastinate only to book later for more money!
I always suggest that you should take somebody along with you who will give you their honest opinion- Its also nice if the groom comes to as it is nice when you can both choose together.
Finally, wedding shows are fun.. try to enjoy x
DVD Wedding Photography is blogging!!
Wow! We are finally joining the bloggers at last!
Well what can we say so far the wedding fayre's have been a complete success with weddings being booked for so far as late 2011. We have been booked to do some fantastic venues, Peckforton Castle, Mitton Hall, Lancaster Williamson Park Memorial. I am quite looking forward to doing the Midland Hotel in Morecambe with its fantastic art deco surroundings.
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