What is a Micro Wedding and 13 top reasons to go ahead with a Micro Wedding anyway!

What is a Micro Wedding and 12 reasons to go ahead with a Micro Wedding anyway!

The way brides and grooms are getting married has changed since the pandemic started nearly a year ago. Huge grand weddings are for now, a thing of the past and some couples are opting fora ‘micro wedding ’instead.

What is a Micro Wedding?

A micro wedding is of 20 people or less. Due to the restrictions in place, some weddings have even been limited to 15. A micro wedding is still a wedding with all the traditions (if you want them) but on a much smaller scale. With fewer people, wedding ceremonies are now shorter in length and have a much more intimate feel to them.

2020 was certainly the year for micro weddings and will they will definetly be a wedding trend for 2021 and we think it’s something to be fully embraced! Although this may not be for everyone, a micro wedding will allow you to still get married on your wedding date (out of lockdown). Here are our top 12 reasons why you SHOULD have a micro wedding once the lockdown has been lifted!

#1 You’ll save money

Having a small wedding with fewer guests will surely be much cheaper. You won’t have to worry about saving 100’s from your pay packet each month.

Wedding Photographer Paul from PK Photography said ‘ I have always offered full day photography packages and hourly rates for smaller, intimate weddings too. I have seen a rise in smaller packages for intimate micro weddings in 2020 and they still provide plenty of fantastic photographic opportunities because there is often less time-pressure with fewer people at a wedding. Many of the town halls in the area boast impressive, historical architectural backdrops for your wedding photography. I have simply divided my full-day wedding photography fee to create an hourly rate should couples want to book me for their mirco-wedding. That said, you will still receive the same standard and intensity of creative photography whether booking for two hours or ten.’’

#2 It’s all about you!

You may have been engaged for years and already maybe postponed your wedding not once but twice (thanks covid!). At the end of the day weddings are about the union of two people. Embrace it and celebrate your love and commitment for one another.

#3 Paperwork now > Party Later

With the main ceremony and signing of the register out of the way and with experience of a first wedding, the second celebration will go smoother too! A complete celebration, without the first-time jitters, nerves or stress of planning the perfect day. The second day will be something to celebrate with all your friends and family (and let’s face it we all can’t wait to party again!) so it will be one hell of a party!

Once the legal side of the wedding is sorted your less restricted to where you can get married for the second time! Garden Party anyone? Beach Wedding? Picnic in the Park Wedding? A weekend away wedding? The options are endless! 

#4 Two wedding dresses

If you couldn’t decide between the princess bridal dress or the city chic bridal dress? Well guess what? Now you don’t have to! Smaller Bridal Dresses are all trending in 2021 due to the rise of the Micro Weddings and we are loving them! Choose a shorter dress for your Micro Wedding and you can still wear your OTT princess dress on your second party! Who wouldn’t want to wear two wedding dresses anyway?!

#5 The day is more relaxed, authentic and less stressful!

With fewer guests comes less work, you can say bye to strict timelines as you don’t have to worry about getting 150 guests from the reception to the wedding party leaving a more relaxed day for everyone! A smaller guestlist for some people will reduce anxiety induced by the thought of walking down the aisle and saying their vows in front of 100’s of people. A micro wedding can feel more authentic without the pressure of impressing your guests and will probably feel more authentic. 

#6 You don’t have to worry about inviting your estranged Auntie Karen.

Wanting a huge wedding is understandable and you can easily get caught up In your wedding guest list. Inviting your colleagues or friends you haven’t spoken to in years but invited you to their huge Ibiza wedding in the 90’s, or your Antie Karen who you have only met once but are obliged to invite just to make your mum happy.

With the current restrictions now, you CANT invite everyone! Your close friends will understand and be happy for you and there are many ways to still keep your uninvited guests involved in your wedding.

#7 Changes are easier to manage

If you have been eager to get married in 2020 or in 2021 you may be thinking about postponed wedding number 4! We know all too well about postponing events and the stress that comes withit! The plus side of having a micro wedding? Any surprises or last-minute changes that come with restrictions and the pandemic are much more manageable with a smaller guest list.

#8 Your day your way!

Micro Weddings offer a perfect day for you to completely personalise how you want it to be. You rip up the rule book and say bye-bye to traditions if you want to. It’s your day so personalise it how you want to!

#9 Your supporting local small businesses.

Because of the local restrictions in place, couples are sourcing wedding suppliers, foods and drinks all locally! This is fantastic as you are supporting small local businesses who will like many of us of certainly struggled through these tough times.

Lizzy the owner of a local Welsh farm and liqueur business Shlizzy has been growing fruit at their farm for 30 years and loves providing their popular local produce for parties and weddings. Shlizzy combines quality spirits with homegrown fruit to produce fabulous fruit liqueurs. With popular flavours such as rhubarb gin liqueur and blackcurrant gin liqueur and more unusual flavours such as tayberry gin liqueur or gooseberry gin liqueur, there's something for everyone. Couples can be far more adventurous and are opting an interactive local food and drinks menu whilst supporting small businesses. Lizzy said ''The beautiful range of bottles can be completely personalised for a special wedding gift or as wedding favours, party favours or corporate gifts. You can also choose your favourite spirit as a base if gin is not your thing'.'

The Wedding Industry is made up of 1000’s of small businesses and now more than ever they need weddings to keep them afloat.  They will be so happy to work during these times and will go above and beyond to ensure your celebration is perfect!

#10 You spend more time with your guests.

Let’s face it bigger weddings can be consumed of making sure you have said hello to everyone and do you really get a moment to yourselves? A micro wedding gives you more time to connect with your guests and they will feel more valued for it! The day will be so much more relaxed and everyone will have the chance to mingle together!

#11 It gives you something to look forward to.

In a time of living in a pandemic we all need something to look forward too! We are all in desperate need for good news through these tough times. It will ease the stress of waiting. So say yes and book that date! Spread the joy of your wedding and post on Instagram or Facebook too! You’ll receive a bigger than normal reaction of joy as everyone wants something to celebrate!

 #12 Don’t stress about the small stuff

With micro-small intimate weddings now becoming a big trend, anything goes!! There are many things that you can do without! Don’t stress about the small stuff this day is about your partnership, name change or whatever reason you decide you want to get married. It’s all about the love between you and your life partner

 #13 You’ll have more budget for your honeymoon!

Ok, so you may not be able to whisk away to the Maldives or the Caribbean in the coming months! But you can save the money you would of spent on a huge wedding and put it towards that dream honeymoon or traveling trip you have always wanted to take!

Start planning that trip for your 1st or 2nd anniversary instead. Need I say more? You’ll thank me later!

Final thoughts…

We are all for Micro Weddings, however, we know there is also a huge downside of not having close friends and family there. Guests who haven’t made the cut may feel upset about the decision, however most will come around. You can also check out our top tips on how to still involved your guests in your wedding day. 

Our final thoughts are to be sure you really want a micro wedding, this may not suit all couples and some may find it hard to let close friends or family down. Be sure you’re happy with the decision before you make it as you don’t want the feeling of guilty on the run-up to your wedding day. Having a second party plan can be a great idea to reassure your guests they will be a part of your day and have a HUGE celebration together then.

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A City Chic Micro Wedding In Liverpool with just 15 guests.

Katie and John met at work 14 years ago and Katie was taken with John’s cheeky charm instantly. From dinner dates in the work canteen to a city chic wedding at Liverpool Town Hall and a reception at the Shankley. After postponing their wedding not once but twice, we’re delighted to share their wedding day story with you.

When and how did you get engaged?

I got engaged on my 29th birthday - I was planning on going for a meal with my family and friends but my partner John said why don’t we go to your grandma and granddads instead (he was secretly planning all my close friends & family to be there and didn’t want to propose to me in an Indian!). He also knew how close I am to my grandma and granddad and how many memories I have in their house. I arrived there and tbh there were so many people there and all of Johns's family and I was thinking what’s going on here!!

John then brought the cake out, a three-tier cake (made by my cake maker Cousine Molly Robins) he then made a speech that he had written and memorised and then got down on one knee, opened a secret door on the top tier of the cake, and pulled the ring out! It was so perfect and thoughtful and I was so happy to have my close family and friends there too! They were just as happy as I was!

madisonpicture.co.uk

How long did it take you to plan your wedding?

We booked with 6 weeks to the big day (planned for October 2020 originally) but it was then postponed for another month due to the lockdown.

What was your budget?

We didn’t have a budget and we spent about £10k - but we splashed out on wedding rings which we absolutely love!!

What made you decide to go ahead with a micro wedding?

We had cancelled a wedding 3 years earlier due to falling pregnant and then we were planning on getting married in May 2021 and after being together for 14 years and two kids later we just thought, we aren’t cancelling AGAIN! So we just went for it and I’m so glad that we did!

madisonpicture.co.uk

Tell us about your wedding dress?

I went for a sweetheart, shin-length city wedding dress. As it wasn’t a big wedding I decided not to have a big dress. Although last minute I decided to add a drape. But it was lovely, a Liverpool designer who I have followed for 20 years made it for me, Kirsty Doyle. Although I think I loved my daughter’s dress more (pictured above), Kirsty also made it - it was perfect and the dress I would pick for phoebe if we were to have a big wedding.

madisonpicture.co.uk

And what accessories to do you choose to complete your wedding outfit?

I got earrings from my best friend Hannah diamond solitaires. I had a beautiful headpiece designed for me by Katie Mangan Millinery - I sent her pics of my shoes and dress and the piece she made was perfect. My shoes were Christian Louboutin and felt like real-life Cinderella shoes! My handbag was from an online boutique. Then on the wedding morning my husband to be surprised me with a beautiful white gold diamond bangle that went perfectly.

madisonpicture.co.uk

madisonpicture.co.uk

How about your Hair and Make up?

My amazing hairdresser Tony Anthony done my hair, it was absolutely perfect and he has also done my wedding party all on the same morning. My makeup was done by Thomas McHugh and I had a couple of trials and it couldn’t have been more spot on. I wanted to look as natural as possible and how I would normally look when I do my hair and makeup (just a bit more polished) and it was great!

madisonpicture.co.uk

What did the groom wear?

The groom’s suit was from TM Lewin and John wore Hugo Boss shoes.

madisonpicture.co.uk

How big was your Wedding Party?

We had 13 guests plus bride and groom as the restrictions in December 2020 were limited to up to 15 guests.

Who was in your wedding party?

Immediate family - mum and dad, brothers and sisters but no partners of brothers and sisters.

What theme did you choose?

I didn’t have a theme, just a get married quickly theme. 😂

Tell us about the food you had?

The Shankly hotel provided the food, we went for a Christmas dinner as it turned out to be a Christmas wedding! (Due to it being postponed).

madisonpicture.co.uk

What entertainment did you have?

Liverpool Town Hall has a piano so we decided to book Liz from The Live Piano Experience for the ceremony. We couldn’t have any music at the reception! But the hotel played background music through the PA system for us.

Tell us about the suppliers you used?

The venue dressers we had for the first wedding date in November could not accommodate our December date so I ended up saucing venue decor separately. I ordered fabulous chairs direct from Wirral Hire. I used drapes and stands and a beautiful candlelit walkway from Sweet Pea and Ivory and then used some fabulous realistic looking fake flowers from Wow Flowers in Liscard - they helped me out super last minute (like less than a week before!) Our photographers were Maddison Pictures and they were fabulous.

madisonpicture.co.uk

How did you choose your wedding venue?

I’ve always loved the city and the Liverpool Town Hall is so beautiful, it’s like a hidden treasure. So that was the first thing I booked when we decided then booked a venue nearby.

How where suppliers about your date change?

Great, everyone was so understanding plus not very busy due to the circumstances!

madisonpicture.co.uk

What covid restrictions did you have to take into account?

A low number of guests, keeping everyone separate as much as possible and everyone kept there and clean. My cousin’s girlfriend Lucy even made everyone face masks so we all matched. Mine was made from material from my wedding dress and we left all the masks as favours on the chairs for the ceremony.

Why did you choose a micro wedding?

We didn’t want the stress of cancelling a huge wedding. We’ve been wanting to get married for a while and I guess one drunk night during lockdown madness we thought, hey let’s just do it! I also wanted the same surname as my two children Phoebe and AJ (pictured below). Plus we are going to hold a big party once we are able to do so to celebrate with everyone.

madisonpicture.co.uk

madisonpicture.co.uk

Anything you would of done differently?

Maybe just gone for it and got a big dress! Although I can do that at the second wedding party we will have when we can have everyone there!

What was the best thing about having a micro wedding?

The fact I get to celebrate all over again and now John and I are FINALLY happily married. There wasn’t much stress at all organising it either!

The best things about planning your wedding?

The best thing about planning it was not having to plan a big wedding!

What was the hardest thing about having a micro wedding?

Not having all my close friends and family there. Some did wait outside the town hall to throw confetti to see us after we got married which meant so much to us!

madisonpicture.co.uk

The hardest part of planning a wedding in general?

Organising every little bit in such detail!

What advice would you give any couples thinking about having a micro wedding?

Think about how you are going to tell your closest friends and family that can’t attend - do it to them gently and be prepared for some upset but on the whole, they will all be happy for you.

madisonpicture.co.uk

madisonpicture.co.uk

Would you do anything differently?

Maybe worn a full-on ball gown like Princess Diana 😂

What about your honeymoon?

As we have two kids (1&3) the honeymoon was more going to be a family moon! I got made redundant not long before the wedding and my partner has his own business so we decided to go to Dubai for 5 weeks just after Christmas and see what work would be like out there and also have a little family moon in the meantime! We are still here!

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What's hot in the world of travel and what we can expect as the UK comes out of lockdown.

Join Not Just Travel as they talk about the latest trending holiday destinations for 2021, 2022 and 2023. Plus find out what's hot in the world of travel and what we can expect as the UK comes out of lockdown.

Please note the competition has now closed. However, Becky Davies from Note Just Travel has a competition and special offer available during our Virtual Wedding Fayre (enter between Saturday 6th March and 14th March) for anyone who books a holiday, honeymoon or hen and stag party. See details below the video.

Competition: Every booking from the Virtual Wedding Fayre gets entered into a prize draw to win a Hotel Chocolat hamper sent directly to their door.

Special Offer: Free airport lounge passes for every honeymoon booked during the Virtual Wedding Fayre- start your honeymoon in style and have a drink on me!

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Our top 2021 jewellery trends that Brides can't get enough of…

Bright and happy days are on the way and Jon Richard Jewellery want to help 2021 Brides sparkle after all of the challenges they may have faced the past year. From contemporary updates for the modern bride to classically crafted pieces that will be treasured forever, discover the Jon Richard bridal 2021 collection today.  

Use this exclusive 25% off code* for your dream wedding day jewellery and bridesmaids gifts available now at  www.jonrichard.com

*REDEVENT25

Modern Twist  

Your journey to your wedding day has been anything but traditional so it’s no wonder Brides are being drawn to add a modern twist on their special day. Our contemporary Jon Richard Cubic Zirconia Allway Baguette Necklace plated in 18ct gold will add a touch of modern glamour to your big day.

 Boho Perfection

 Our hair vines can be styled in multiple ways; from weaving into a bohemian braid to styling elegantly as a headband with flowing curls. Style yourself to perfection with our bohemian braid hair tutorial, accessorised with a statement pearl and crystal hair vine.

Botanical Styling

With inspirations from nature, our botanical bridal pieces create a wildly romantic look. With stones set by hand and plated in Rhodium this trend is made to be treasured, and will help you create a beautiful bridal style on your big day.  

Vintage Inspired  

Seamlessly combine vintage jewellery with modern pieces, pair pearls with crystals or silver to compliment your vintage jewellery, or add pieces that are actually new but have been inspired by vintage. We love our Jon Richard Cubic Zirconia and Pearl Drop Necklace plated in 18ct white gold and matching earrings.

Gold

Maybe everything that glitters really is gold… Add a warmer hue with our Gold bridal pieces for a contemporary look, we suggest you opt for a handcrafted golden hair piece and perfectly co-ordinate with gold toned jewellery.

Romantic Rose Gold

Our rose gold plated bridal pieces have had an update for 2021, perfectly designed for the modern bride. Chic and on trend, think of soft, warm rose gold hues embellished with statement shining Cubic Zirconia stones set by hand for your dream contemporary bridal style.

Delicate Sterling Silver

If you want to treat your bridesmaids to a meaningful keepsake, the Simply Silver by Jon Richard Personalised collection  is the perfect gift; use our free engraving service to add a personal touch to Sterling Silver and 14ct Rose Gold Plated bracelets and pendants for a piece she is sure to love and admire. Each comes with a soft gift pouch to ensure they can be treasured forever.

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Expert Cheshire Cocktail Making Class! Raise a glass to cocktails that will be trending at your 2021 Wedding!

Enjoy mobile bar company ‘Cheshire Cocktail’s’ expert cocktail-making class! Raise a glass to cocktails that will be trending at your 2021 Wedding!

We love a good wedding and party so we can show offer our cocktail-making skills! Cocktails are huge in 2021, offering a touch of elegance and class and complimenting restaurant-style fine dining that is also trending in 2021. Perfect for a garden wedding bash and outdoor weddings too! We are completely mobile so can go anywhere and get your party started!

We can add in your favorite cocktails at any party but for now, bottoms up to our top three favorite cocktails that will be trending in 2021. We’ve even given you a cheeky receipt so you can try these at home with your hubby or wifey-to-be! Let us know your favorite ones!! :-)

Tequila Sunrise!

Firstly, Tequila Sunrise. Created in Phoenix, Arizona in the 1930's. The cocktail is named as it is supposed to resemble a sunrise looking into the glass. 

How to make the above cocktail, you will need the following ingredients/equipment:

Tequila (50ml)
Grenadine (up to 25ml)
Topped with Orange Juice
Ice Cubes
Orange Slice
High Ball Glass (or something similar from your cupboard)
Bar Spoon or Tea Spoon
2 x straws
Cocktail Pourers
Cocktail Shaker
Drink Strainer/Sieve

This is a short and enjoyable too! It is also very easy to make! Lets "Mix it Up" and make it:

To make this cocktail, you will need to pour the Tequila (50ml) and the Orange Juice into the cocktail shaker, with a few ice cubes, (roughly 3/4 of the way up inside of the cocktail glass).

Then shake the cocktail 10/15 times over your shoulder, so that it has mixed properly. Pour the drink into your chosen glass, (with some ice cubes), by straining the drink.

Now pour the Grenadine (25ml) into the drink. Then give the drink a stir with the spoon, slowly to get the correct effect.

Finally, garnish with a slice of orange on the top of the glass.

Relax, sit back and enjoy the drink!

Moscow Mule Cocktail.

The combination of Smirnoff Vodka and Ginger Ale invented in Los Angeles, California in the 1940's a businessman called John Martin had the purchasing rights of the Smirnoff vodka brand and he realised that the Americans were not really into vodka.

Another man called Jack Morgan, who owned a British pub in Los Angeles called the Cock 'n' Bull was apparently struggling to shift his stock of Ginger Ale and his girlfriend was said to have owned a copper factory, so that's how the drink ended up in a copper mug. If you have a copper mug, rather than using a glass at home, the copper mug makes the drink cold.

For this cocktail recipe, you will need the following ingredients/equipment:

50ml Vodka
Ginger Ale
Ice Cubes
Slice of lime (for the garnish)
Copper Mug or Tumbler Glass (or something similar in your cupboard)
Cocktail Pourer
Knife/Chopping Board
Cocktail Shaker or Jam Jar (with a lid)
2 x straw (optional)

To make this cocktail, you will need to follow these simple steps.

This is a fairly straightforward cocktail to make but also very easy to drink too.

Firstly, place a few ice cubes in the glass/copper mug, them pour 50ml Smirnoff Vodka into the glass.

To finish the drink, top up with ginger ale. For the garnish, cut a lime slice and place on the edge of the glass.

Serve with a couple of straws, if you would like too.

Kick yourself back, relax and enjoy when making your cocktails.

Screwdriver Cocktail!

Lastly, the Screwdriver cocktail. The origin of this drink from America when the oil workers used to secretly sneak in vodka and tip this in their glass of morning orange juice while working on the job. As they did not have a clean spoon to mix the drink, they used a screwdriver instead! Hence the name. 

For this cocktail recipe, you will need the following ingredients/equipment:

50ml Vodka
Orange Juice
Ice Cubes
Slice of orange (for the garnish)
Strainer
High Ball Glass (or something similar in your cupboard)
Knife/Chopping Board
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail Pourer
2 x sip straws (optional)

To make this cocktail, you will need to follow these simple steps.

This is a fairly straightforward cocktail to make but also very easy to drink too.

Pour 50ml Vodka and orange juice into a cocktail shaker along with a few ice cubes about a third of the way up, inside the cocktail shaker.

Shake the cocktail 10/15 times over your shoulder, until properly mixed. Place a few ice cubes into the glass, then pour the drink into the glass by straining it.

For the garnish, cut a (quarter) of an orange slice and place on the edge of the glass. Serve with a couple of straws, if you would like too.

Relax and enjoy!

Contact Cheshire Cocktails to see how they can bespoke cocktails and all your favourite drinks to compliment your Micro Wedding and impress your guests with a tipple or two! They bring the bar to you with their mobile bars to cater to your venue, ourdoor or garden weddings, garden parties or hen & stag parties!

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Why you need Live Music at your micro wedding and a Q&A with expert musician CelloUna.

Why you need Live Music at your micro wedding and a Q&A with expert musician CelloUna.

Due to the impact of the pandemic Micro Weddings are Trending in 2021. With guest limits on weddings, some couples will be scaling down their music too!  Claire from CelloUna is here to offer her top tips and answer your question on why music is such an important part of your wedding day in 2021 and how she can make your micro wedding extra special.

Why have music at your Micro Wedding?

Your wedding is a unique day.  Live music definitely helps to create that perfect atmosphere.  There are so many important parts of the wedding where music playing in the background will create a romantic ambiance!  Could you even imagine a wedding without music? Now more than ever we are craving music to make up for all the live concerts we have missed out on this past year.

Why scale down on live music?

Maintaining distances will continue to be important in the immediate future, so an individual musician or duo will be a popular and more practical choice in 2021. With outdoor weddings on the rise, individual musicians are a popular option for this summer!

A single or duo musician can go anywhere!

Pick a musician that can move with you outside for your ceremony and drinks or can even play at your garden wedding too!  The cello is easily moved to where ever you want it to be! If the drinks reception is being held in a different room we can move- outside or inside!  It is great to have music in the background as guests mingle, get involved with photos and the music will help guests relax too! CelloUna is a great option and very adaptable.

Mini concert style music is on the rise in 2021

As dancing is out of the question at the moment mini-concerts will be on the rise in 2021. Music will be more about having a sit-down experience due to the restrictions, sort of like a mini-concert. With so many concerts being cancelled in the past year, this will be an unforgettable experience for you and that your guests will absolutely love!

When should a musician play during the day?

The main requests I have are

-       Playing whilst your guests arrive.

-       A special song as the bride enters.

-       Your choices of songs as the register is signed

-       A song as the newly weds leave.

You can even still have your first dance to live music, how wonderful would that be! If receptions are able to go ahead, you can have live music or background music whilst you’re enjoying your wedding meal too.

So why choose a cello for your wedding day?

Because of it's middling range, the cello has a special sound and lives in the richest, warmest areas in music. With it’s deep layers the cello is one of the most versatile of the strings instruments. Enjoy sinking into the depths of music with it’s lowest note vibrations, yet peaking with the sweetness of the high notes too! The cello has never been more of a popular choice for weddings and really will be a performance everyone will remember!

Add your favourite music with a backing track!

Not only a classical instrument the cello can transform your favourite song accompanied by a backing track. Push the traditional boundaries merging old styles with new, offering a pioneering cool concert for you and your wedding guests.

Whether you and your partner’s song is Jazz, Pop, Rock n Roll or anything in between the versatile cello can indulge in all your musical wishes! With less guests to please you really can create a playlist based on all the music you and your partner love!

Smaller guest list – bigger emotions.

Weddings are an emotional day for all as it is. In a year when you’re not able to have everyone there emotions will be bigger than usual and music will be so much more meaningful and sentimental.

What sort of music can I have?

Every bride and grooms choice of music is very personal.  Popular choices are Pachelbel’s Canon, Make you Feel My Love (Adele), All you Need is Love (Beatles) and A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) or even Bach Prelude in G + Apres Un Reve (like Harry + Megan’s wedding!). 

Some couples have had themed weddings - there has been a Star Wars wedding!  Perhaps this isn’t for everyone!!  CelloUna can work with you to make the music choices perfect for your special occasion.

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 What packages are available with CelloUna?

The most popular package is 3 hours, which covers: music as the guests arrive into the ceremony room, ceremony and drinks reception.

Also available is a package for up to 2 hours, which covers: music for the ceremony and some of the drinks or the ceremony alone.

If you would like to book CelloUna to make your wedding extra special contact Claire through the links below.

Listen to CelloUna below!!

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Why we need eco-friendly weddings

Why we need eco-friendly weddings

Your wedding should be the most memorable day of your life, but you don’t want yours to be remembered for its carbon footprint! To avoid emitting the average 21 tonnes of carbon dioxide that most weddings generate, lots of couples are trying to think of ways to make their special day more eco-friendly. The wedding planning process may be shrouded in uncertainty at the moment due to the ongoing lockdown, and it can sometimes feel overwhelming to plan everything exactly the way you would like in these circumstances. So if you’re struggling, let us take some of the burden off by talking you through why we need eco-friendly weddings – and how to make them a reality.

Borrow don’t buy

A good rule of thumb is not to buy anything you can borrow or hire (this is not just good for the planet but also your wallet). Ask your friends and family what they have in the attic, as you might find beautiful fabric bunting or sets of wine glasses on offer if you just take the time to enquire. Even if you have to buy things, consider looking at vintage and secondhand items. There are lots of great wedding rings and dresses out there that are pre-loved but still fabulous.

Ditch disposables

The average UK wedding produces 18kg of plastic waste. To reduce this, try to avoid single-use items. For example, wedding stationery is beautiful but it is headed for the recycling bin, so why not skip it and send out virtual invitations instead? Similarly, dodge plastic decorations and use natural décor like local foliage where you can or things made from paper or fabric. When it comes to centrepieces, use pot plants instead of cut flowers - you can even take them home afterwards as a living memento, or gift them to your guests as favours. Other great ideas for eco-friendly wedding favours include edible items or packs of bee-friendly wildflower seeds.

Keep it local

You might have dreamt about an exotic destination wedding, but keeping it local will definitely help your green agenda. It’s also worth considering whether you can use one venue for the ceremony and reception so guests do not have to shuttle between them. If you do have to have two venues, hire a coach so you can transport your guests in masses.

Eco-friendly venues

And when it comes to picking the venue itself, don’t be afraid to ask about its green credentials. Don’t let them undo all your hard work by engaging in unsustainable practices themselves! There are many green venues and caterers out there to choose from, with responsible policies around such areas as recycling, food waste, energy-efficient appliances, biodegradable products and more.  

Be mindful with your menu

Champagne and camembert sound romantic, but there’s no need to rely on shipping in food and drink from the continent to ensure it's high quality. There are lots of award-winning cheesemongers, winemakers and spirit distilleries here in the UK - and just think of the fun you can have sampling their wares to find the perfect ones. Design your menu with an eye to what food is in season and maybe have one course, if not all of the meal, vegetarian or vegan for extra eco points.

Ask for donations not gifts

It’s practically impossible to plan a wedding that is completely environmentally friendly, and you need to indulge your whims sometimes during the planning. So, if you’re left with a little green guilt, why not ask guests for donations to an environmental charity rather than providing them with a gift register to pick a present from? You can live without the bread maker!

Planning an eco-friendly wedding can seem like a scary task, especially in the current circumstances. But don’t be afraid: even small steps can make a big difference!

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Bridal beauty calendar: How and when to prep your hair and skin for the big day

Preparing your wedding can be a busy time and it can be tricky to know just how far in advance you need to get things done. Here, Margo Marrone from natural skincare and cosmetics brand The Organic Pharmacy, shares her top tips to help you schedule all your beauty needs ready for your big day.

There's a lot going on in the lead up to your wedding. You've got everything to think about, from getting the invitations out on time to making sure each element is running smoothly in the run up to the day. So, it's understandable that with so much on your mind you might have forgotten about your beauty regime.

You'll no doubt want to have your skincare routine, hair, and make-up all taken care of so you can look your very best. To help make the process stress-free, I've put together a bridal beauty schedule for you to follow, so you can look after your skin and hair and look fresh and beautiful on your big day.

At least six months before: Look after your health

While you're going through a potentially stressful time like planning your wedding, it's all the more important to focus on your health. Getting regular exercise will give you some time to check in with your body and keep it feeling strong and healthy ready for your big day. So, make sure you put aside some time in your busy schedule to get active. Anything from a walk around your neighbourhood to a relaxing yoga session at home can help keep your body healthy and relaxed.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water, too. The NHS recommends you drink six–eight glasses of water to keep your body hydrated. This will help flush out any toxins from your body and keep your skin looking fresh and bright. So, while you're doing the rest of your wedding planning, remember to keep a bottle of water at your side so you can easily stay hydrated.

Six months before: Plan any major hair changes

If you've got any major hair changes in mind, such as a completely new cut or colour, then you should consult your stylist about them at least six months before the wedding. Your colour might need to be done gradually, so this will give you plenty of time to dye your hair and keep it healthy. You'll also have enough time to discuss any tweaks you'd like to be made to make sure your bridal look will be as perfect as you imagine.

Four months before: Start your skincare regime

Although you'll usually be taking care of your skin each day, now is your time to work on any areas of concern, such as dry patches or discolouration. Your cosmetics will take some time to show results, so the earlier you start, the better. We'd usually advise starting at least four months in advance so you can get the full benefit from your skincare regime. This will also give you enough time to work out what is and isn’t working for your skin.

You should be cleansing, toning, and moisturising your skin twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. If you have very sensitive or dry skin, you might want to reduce this to once a day to avoid over-drying.

If you'd like a more concentrated skincare regime to tackle any redness, fine lines, or pigmentation, then a serum underneath your moisturiser will help. Look for a product that is specially designed for your skin problems for the best results.

Three months before: Have a test run of your hair and make-up

You'll want to do a test run of your hair and makeup at least three months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to decide which look you want. Plus, you'll know just how long each look will take on the day so you can prepare. Remember to take plenty of photographs so you can refer back to them on your wedding day.

For your bridal hair, try to keep the style in for at least six hours so you can make sure it'll hold for the whole day.

Two days before: Get a spa treatment

The last few days before your wedding is a time to relax and pamper yourself with a spa treatment or two. We'd usually recommend gentle treatments such as massages and face masks that will soothe and brighten your skin before your big day. If you'd like to treat yourself to something a little more invasive, such as a microdermabrasion treatment, do so at least three weeks in advance to give your skin time to settle.

This is also a good time to get any last-minute beauty tweaks done, such as eyebrow shaping. It's also a great idea to get a manicure and pedicure at this point, as it's close enough to the day that your nails will still be looking fresh and neat for your final bridal look.

On the day: Prep your skin

The morning of your big day will be a busy one, so make sure you prep your skin first thing so you're all prepared for the arrival of your make-up artist. An exfoliating mask or cleanser will buff away any dirt and impurities, leaving a lovely smooth canvas for your make-up to sit on. You might also want to apply a vitamin C serum to give you a healthy glow for your big day.

The run-up to your wedding can be incredibly busy. Hopefully these tips will help you keep on top of your beauty regime, so you can get the most out of your bridal look.

We hope this advice from The Organic Pharmacy has been helpful. If you're still hunting for a make-up artist, hair stylist, or any other wedding service, just take a look at our list of wedding suppliers.

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A Laidback Micro Tipi Wedding by The Copper Knots

A Micro Tipi Wedding

What we have to say:

Hannah’s & Ric’s Micro Wedding at Kilminorth Cottages, featuring an incredible Tipi was an absolute pleasure to photograph. The small group of close friends and immediate family had travelled from Cheshire to Cornwall and were able to take over the small set of holiday cottages for the beautifully sunny May bank holiday weekend. 

The atmosphere was laid back, the laughter abundant and the Cornish hedgerows full of Spring delights. 

Despite the small number of guests no effort was spared on creating a truly stunning and incredibly personal day for Hannah & Ric to share with the most important people in their lives. 

The beauty of having the whole venue to themselves meant that everything from bridal prep to first dance was on site, allowing for a truly relaxed day with absolutely nothing to worry about other than winning the lawn games! 

The evening light could not have been more perfect and it was such a pleasure creating these images with Hannah & Ric to look back on over the years to come.

This is what they had to say:

Both Ciara and Jack were great, they put everyone at ease and were so unobtrusive with their photography but the shots they managed to capture were like they were at the forefront of the day! Fantastic! People are still talking about the photographs nearly a year later, they are the most perfect way to remember the day and help us see things we might have missed, like some choice dance moves!

Hannah & Ric

Images : The Copper Knots

Email: hello@thecopperknots.com

Web: www.thecopperknots.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheCopperKnots

Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_copper_knots

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Bride Essentials To Pack For Your Big Day

Bride Essentials To Pack For Your Big Day

There are so many things that could be overlooked or missed on a day as big and important as your wedding day, no matter how obvious they may seem. 

Have you heard of the traditional something new, something old, something borrowed, and something blue? Have you considered preparing an emergency kit? Well, we have curated a list of things that you cannot forget, which are necessary and essential, for every prepared bride on her wedding day. 

Something New, Something Old, Something Borrowed

We’ve all heard of the bridal trousseau, which is a collection of items from the clothing and jewellery you wear on your wedding day to more traditional pieces like a garter or something blue.

Your something new can be anything from your dress, jewellery, shoes, or anything you’ll be wearing that was specifically bought for the occasion. This means that you will have prosperity and happiness in your marriage.

For something old, you can wear a family jewel or relic. It symbolizes that family and friendship ties will never be broken and will lead with your partner.

Something blue represents the purity of marriage, and you can choose to wear it on a small ribbon, bridal bouquet, a hair accessory, or earrings.

As for something borrowed, it refers to something another bride has already worn. Someone in a happy marriage lends you something, and yours will be equally delighted. It is a symbol of friendship from the person who lends it to you, and it can be a jewel, a garter belt, or a handkerchief.

Emergency Kit

Things happen; there’s dancing, spilled drinks, sweating, etc. Lots of things to consider and lots to prevent, so you must always consider carrying a bridal emergency kit that consists of :

• barrettes

• bobby pins or hair clips,

• disposable tissues, 

• sewing kit, 

• mint sheets,

• hairspray, 

• lint roller, 

• double-stick fashion tape, 

• stain remover pen, 

• perfume, 

• blotting papers, 

• pain reliever, 

• pads or tampons, 

• eye drops, 

• toothbrush and toothpaste, 

• deodorant, 

• allergy medication, 

• antacid medication, 

• extra earring backs,

•  brush or comb, 

• phone charger, 

• cords and an emergency camera, 

• snacks and protein bars, water, etc. 

The list could seriously go on; it is important to keep anything that may come in handy and have the mother or bridesmaid keep it around when needed. 

Makeup To Retouch

With all the hustle and bustle of the day, the dancing, sweating, happy tears, pictures, kissing, and hours going by, you will probably need a little touch-up on your makeup. This can be part of your emergency makeup kit: translucent powder, lash glue and extra eyelashes, blush, eyeliner, makeup remover to clean up any mess, tweezers, lipstick and lip liner, lip balm and makeup setting spray, and refreshing spray (very important!) Better safe than sorry!

Flats or Comfortable Shoes

We know how exciting getting a beautiful pair of cream pumps is on your big day; indeed, a girl will always love shoes! But the reality is wedding days are usually long and packed, and by midnight you will want to throw them and never see them again! So don't forget to buy some nice flats, sandals or tennis shoes for this occasion. Make sure they are comfortable and preferably broken into already. Wedding dresses are long, and by midnight no one will even notice you’re not wearing your heels anymore. 

Keep Three Bouquets At Hand

One bouquet is never enough; we recommend that you use three: the first in case you want to keep it as a souvenir, the second will depend on whether you want to offer it at the ceremony, and the last will be the one that you throw to all your single guests. This can also come in handy if anything happens to your bouquet, mostly if it’s made out of natural fresh flowers. You’ll always want a fresh-looking flowers in your picture. 

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Must Have Bridal Hair Accessories For The Winter Bride And 4 Top Tips To Choose The Right Accessory For You!

If you’re getting married in Winter, what a special season to celebrate your marriage! A Winter Wedding will be full of magic, sparkle, festivities, snowdrops and roaring log fires creating a beautiful enchanting day! Make your hair-do sparkle too with Cassie’s M Top Picks of their Bridal Accessories perfect for the Winter Bride.

Cassie is here to offer important top tips on how to choose the right accessory to compliment your Hair Style & Your Wedding Dress too! No matter what hairstyle you would like for your wedding day, they have a bridal hair accessory to suit you!

Ella - Snowflake Clips!

The clips on the left are called “Ella”, depicting beautiful vintage-inspired snowflakes, you can’t pick a better bridal hair accessory that says you’re a Winter Bride! These clips are perfect for loose curls but are very versitile and work with most hairstyles!

These individual clips can be used separately or clustered together to give an extra dimension to any hairstyle! We just love the look of snowflakes in this bride’s hair and is perfect for a Classic Winter Bride or for a ‘‘no-fuss bride!’’

These hairpins are a very popular choice for “Boho” style weddings too, with brides wanting their hair in loose waves and tousled. They go perfectly with a half up half down hairstyle too!

Bridal Hair Styles To Match:

Messy up-do, Cascading braid, Fishtail braid, Chignon, Half up half down, can be incorporated into most hair styles!

Match The Bridal Look:

Classic Winter Bride, Vintage Bride, Bohemian Bride, the ‘ No-Fuss Bride’

Anastastia Hair Vine

If you’re getting married in winter but you love a bohemian style then this is a perfect bridal hair accessory for you! Vines are popular to use throughout your venue dressing to give you a wintery feel to your wedding day! So why not deck your hair in vines too?

The hair vine on the left is called “Anastastia”. With precious silver flowers accented with delicate seed pearls and sparkling crystals interwoven, this bridal accessory is perfect for a bohemian winter bride!

If you are wanting more of a statement piece in their hair then this is the bridal hair accessory for you. Anastastia can either be placed as a headband or woven into a long braided hairstyle.

Bridal Hair Styles To Match:

Loose curls, Half up half down, Fishtail, Chignon, Curly up-do, Long braided hairstyle.

Match The Bridal Look:

Winter Bride, Bohemian bride.

Make A Statement With Cassandra

Cassandra is a showstopper piece, not over the top but the gorgeous ”look at me” statement whilst still being beautifully elegant and classy for a Winter Bride.

Filled with simulated pearls, ceramic flowers, and the silver finish leaves on delicate entwined branches gives the perfect wintery feel!

It’s perfect in bridal up-dos to really make a focus on your hairstyle without it being overpowering. It looks perfect in a wintery sleek bun or a textured classic bridal look, it’s a really versatile piece!

Bridal Hair Styles To Match:

Half up half down, Textured updo, Messy Bun, Sleek Chignon, French Roll and any updos.

Match The Bridal Look:

A bride who wants to make a statement, Classy Bride, Winter Bride.

Pearl 

Pearl hair comb and pins is a set of 5 pieces in different sizes to really get the most for the “pearly bride”, this set of pearl accessories are very classy, elegant and timeless in their style. A beautiful comb and pin set that depicts snowdrops for a wintery feel!

Also another keen favourite for our winter brides who want to elegance and simplicity of just pearls.

Bridal Hair Styles To Match:

Half up half down, Hollywood waves, Vintage roll, Messy up-do, Halo braid

Match The Bridal Look:

Timeless Bride, Winter Bride, Elegant Bride, Classic Bride,

Cassie M’s Top Tips To Choosing the Right Bridal Hair Accessory For you!

1. Choose what stands out to you!

We often get asked by brides for advice on what would suit the style of hair they have chosen for the season they are getting married, and our advice is always to pick something that stands out to you. Don’t be swayed by friends or family on what they think is the right accessory for you.

2. Pick something that reflects who you are!

If most of the year you’re very minimal and natural with your makeup and hair- don’t go and pick the biggest, shiniest encrusted Swarovski hairpiece you have seen, it simply won’t be you!!

If you like the no fuss and minimal, pick a delicate and elegant piece that gives just enough sparkle to not be overpowering and so that your comfortable and love wearing it in the hairstyle that suits you! 

For all the brides who love the glam, big, oversized voluminous hair, you ladies need the “wow” factor, there are many endless options in hair accessories and styles, some of the most beautiful big statement pieces suit the most minimal sleek hair buns, accompanied by a gorgeous veil is just breath-taking if the correct one is chosen.

3. Choose the right bridal accessory to match your wedding dress!

Depending on the style of your dress, we always advise that if you have a statement back to your dress (like low back or pretty lace detail), have your hair up, to show off the beautiful detail. Go for a more classic hair accessory, one that won’t take the eye off your dress, the less is more approach definitely will compliment your wedding dress perfectly!

If you have a bohemian style dress with a flowy, dreamy, relaxed look, the hair vines are just perfect for almost all bohemian style dresses. If you won’t want to have a statement piece then choose more delicate hairpins that don’t have too much of a contrast with the style of your wedding dress.

4. Try on bridal hair accessories after your bridal hair trial!

I always advise my brides to come to me on the day of their hair trial or come to me with some ideas of some hairstyle they like. We work together to build their perfect hairstyle from all the inspiration pictures, their Pinterest boards, and also to find the accessory that suits their personality too!

If your unsure what accessory you want, have your hair trial with your stylist first, then once you're happy with your hairstyle discuss what sort of accessory will suit your style with your stylist. We do many online videos and live chats with brides to discuss which accessory suits which style through our Instagram page (click here to go to the videos!)

Contact Cassie M Accessories

We would love to have a chat with you about which accessory would suit the style you have chosen. Please feel free to contact us with any queries through the below links!

Special Offer!!

We are offering a 10% discount for this event off our accessory range – use the code REDEVENT10 on our website or when you have a chat with Cassie!

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6 Top Venue Dressing Trends for an Autumn and Winter Wedding!!

Autumn and Winter give a wonderful opportunity to add rich, warm colours and tones to your wedding dressings, coupled with seasonal details to create a sumptuous, welcoming space. Wachadoin Events is here to showcase their top trends in venue dressing and their top tips to create wonderful Autumn or Winter Wedding!

Go Rustic With Foliage and Berries!

For winter weddings choose seasonal flowers, foliage and berries in soft tones complement rustic dressings for a wonderful wintery feel

Add Seasonal Fruits & Use Warm Colours!

Beautiful hues of reds, oranges and yellows create a glorious Autumnal backdrop or arch, don’t be afraid to add in something a little different such as fruits and foliage to create a talking point

Add a Splash of Gold or Copper!

Using metallic golds and coppers instantly give your dressings a rich and luxurious look, soften them with beautiful florals and candlelight to create a sparkling room!!

Use soft Candlelight

Rich colours, luxury fabrics and soft candlelight create a warm and opulent vibe. We chose Navy and copper candelabra to create a warm room to match the couple’s colour theme in Winter!

Choose A Christmas Theme For A Festive Winter Wedding!

From Christmas trees to baubles, holly and mistletoe, hints of Christmas add to the festive spirit to welcome family and friends

Bring The Outside In!

Autumn dressings give the perfect opportunity to bring the outside in, with leaves, pumpkins, pine cones and acorns to compliment flowers in rich autumn tones!

Wachadoin Events offer a truly personalised service to meet your needs.  From handmade, personally designed stationery to stunning table and venue dressing alongside beautiful floral design. Contact them to make an appointment to visit their showroom once lockdown has been lifted!

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