Advice for rebooking your wedding band and entertainment during a pandemic!

It is fair to say that the pandemic has spoiled a lot of our plans. While it isn’t the end of the world to have to rebook your holiday or change your theatre tickets, having to rebook your wedding creates a lot more upheaval. As well as the practical considerations, cancelling your wedding day takes a big emotional toll on everyone involved.

But we’re here to help! Of all the problems that arise from rebooking your wedding, making sure you’ll still have entertainment in place can be one of the most frustrating. So how do you go about rebooking your wedding band and entertainment? And what can you do if this isn’t an option?

Check the fine print

When you first booked your wedding band or entertainment, you will have entered into a contract. If you need to postpone your wedding, make sure that you read over your contract to check what your legal rights are. This will tell you whether there will be extra fees for rebooking a different date or cancelling altogether, and the whole rebooking process will be a lot easier.

Austinloveing

Talk to your band

When cancelling, hopefully, you had a conversation with your band or entertainment provider. This should have made it clear whether you were cancelling or simply indefinitely delaying – though, understandably, this might have been uncertain. Now you are rebooking, you need to get your schedules together so that no one is disappointed. This might be difficult, as there will probably be a rush of couples looking to rebook. Depending on how much you want the same entertainment you had before, you may have to be a little flexible on your wedding date!

In case of cancelling

While bands are eager to reconnect with you and make magic happen on your wedding day, inevitably there may be some times when it doesn’t work out. This can happen even with a contract. If your chosen entertainment has members who have had to travel abroad to be with loved ones, or even if the band has broken up over the pandemic, it can be crushing to miss out on your first pick. But even if this happens, remain polite and understanding. This is a hard time for everyone.

Find fantastic entertainment

Luckily, there are many incredible live bands out there just waiting to bring their own brand of beautiful music to your wedding day. Whether you want a folksy acoustic trio, a band that will sing everyone’s pop favourites, or even an R&B band – there is surely something for everyone out there. Remember that being a little more flexible than usual is an advantage in these times, whether you are rebooking or starting from scratch.

While postponing your wedding day is never ideal, remember that plenty of people have been in the same boat this year! You can still get great entertainment and enjoy a wonderful day – and it will be all the sweeter with all your family and friends around you once more.

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How to Own Your Confidence On Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day will always be memorable, and on reflection, you’ll be extremely likely to look back on it as an excellent, life-changing event in your life. However, there are no guarantees that you’ll have fun at the time. This is something that takes many brides (and grooms) by surprise. It’s not that they’re not happy, it’s just that there are so many details and anxieties that they have to think about. Fortunately, there are things you can do ahead of time that’ll push you in the right direction. It’s all about having confidence in yourself and the day as a whole.

In this blog, we’ll look at some ways you can have just that. 

Photo by Jeremy Wong from Pexels

Plan to Perfection

You’ll have months, or perhaps even years, to get everything into shape for your wedding. So why not make the most of that time by planning everything to perfection? If you know that every detail of the big day is secure and watertight, then you’ll be able to throw yourself into the serious business of having fun. If you’re having a big and extravagant wedding, then look at hiring a wedding planner to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Prepare Ahead of Time 

We’ll talk about looking your best later on, but first, let’s think about feeling your best. There are plenty of things you can do that’ll ensure you’re physically and mentally at your best, but to get the effect, you’ll need to incorporate these habits into your life ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute before you begin thinking about these things! If you’ve got several months of eating well, working out, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding the things that can drag you down (such as alcohol consumption and smoking), then you’ll be a real force of confidence and positivity when the big day arrives. 

Looking the Part

Now let’s think about looking the part! You’ll feel oh so confident when you’re walking down the aisle and beyond if you know you look, well, the best that you’ve ever looked. There are some tried and tested tips for making sure this is the case. First, there’s the matter of the dress. Check out these beautiful wedding dresses by Ronald Joyce, find one that you like, and you’ll have a jaw-dropping style on your big day. Beyond that, it’s all about making sure that your hair and makeup are perfect -- do a trial run beforehand, so you know you’re completely happy with the look.

Don’t Stress The Small Stuff

Finally, remember that even with all the planning in the world, it’s still possible that there’ll be one or two small problems that crop up. And when they do, don’t stress -- it’s unlikely that the problem will be so grand that the whole day is ruined. And even if things don’t go to plan, remember that you can always make things work. If you have great people around you and a positive attitude, then there’s no telling what you can do! 

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16 of the hottest Wedding Trend Secrets for 2021 to create an incredible wedding day!

Huge weddings have scaled back and been replaced by smaller- celebrations because of the coronavirus. This will without dought has had an impact on 2021’s Wedding Trends. For the couples who decide to SAY YES to getting hitched in 2021, here are the hottest Wedding Trend Secrets in 2021 to create your incredible wedding day! 

Micro Weddings

2020 and the pandemic gave birth to the Mirco Wedding! These will be huge in the first part of 2021 with the promising news that weddings will be back this summer! Many couples are opting for an intimate micro wedding.

Bringing the destination wedding to you

We’re all craving a holiday or an exotic trip right whilst travel remains up in the.  A big wedding trend in 2021 is bringing the destination to your wedding! The goal here is to bring your original wedding destination, your dream honeymoon location, or an experience you shared together abroad into your wedding.

Whether you create a colourful Mexican wedding with tacos and tequila or you want to dress your wedding in lushes of greens from Sri lanka, submerge your guests in an intimate affair via destination-inspired experiences; tastes, textures, smells and beautiful colours pallets. Express your themed destination through table décor, crockery, florals and music can  indulge in a multisensory experience. If Morocco was your dream destination, think of the smells and foods to give the authentic smell and taste.

Smaller Cakes

Wedding Cakes will be smaller in size due to the reduced guest list. Expert cake baker Mel from Mel’s Amazing Cakes says, ‘’A small cake doesn’t necessarily mean smaller details. Dramatic and artistic cakes will be huge in 2021! Concentrate on the detailing rather than the size!

If you want to still keep some tradition choose a two-tier cake or for a non-traditional cake choose a taller one tier or individual treats and cupcakes. Treats such as pop stickles, cookies, and mini cakes will be the highlight of your dinner. Couples are exploring more with taste too, bring herbs and spices into the mix infusing that destination wedding theme!’’

Mel’s Amazing Cakes!

Mel’s Amazing Cakes!

Splashing out on your rings

 As you’ll have money left over from a Micro Wedding couples are deciding to spend more money on their wedding rings. Splash out on the ring you’ve always wanted. After all it’s something you will wear for the rest of your life.

Concert style music

After a year of lockdowns, concerts, festivals and clubs being closed, dance floors have been moved to our front rooms! Let’s face it we’re all missing live music and a good old boogie! if you’re getting married there may be a limited number of guests, no dancing and some social distancing in place but that doesn’t mean you should skip the music! Weddings are all bout celebration, music and happiness, you defiantly SHOULD book some live music for a mini concert-style reception to enjoy! You will not regret it and your guests will love it too!

British Garden Style Weddings

With less tables to prepare you can go all out on aisle and ceremony décor and your guest tables too! Flowers will be HUGE 2021. Influenced by Princess Beatrice’s Royal Wedding, and Netflix’s Bridgeton which have been trending, 2021 weddings will ooze romance and stylish elegance depicting pretty ‘British Garden’. Think huge OTT floral backdrops, arches, hanging flowers, draping centre pieces and arrangements!

Photo by Benjamin Wheeler.

 Silk and artificial flowers.

Silk and artificial flowers have been becoming more and more popular over the years. Flower power is back in a huge way in 2021 and silk flowers are a top choice chosen by couples who want to create the’ British Garden’ look whilst keeping within a budget.

Nicola from Elegant Event Designs a venue dressing expert said ‘Silk flowers nowadays are made so beautifully that they look authentic and are much more cost-effective then fresh flowers!  Our silk flowers are hugely popular, most brides don’t even realise they are not real, I think this is why they are so popular! You can choose to have huge displays such as arches, blossom trees, center pieces, hanging wisteria, bouquets and any flower displays you want to create a floral wonderland but without going overboard on costs! If you want fresh flowers we can add in a few fresh flowers throughout the display to make them pop and enhance your colour scheme too!"

www.eleganteventdesigns.co.uk

Shorter dresses

Hemlines will be shorter for some brides in 2021. Off the rail dresses, cocktail dinner style dresses and dresses you can wear more than once are becoming more popular! If you still dream of the huge bridal dress then go for it! 

Transforming Outfits

2021 is not just about the shorter dress it’s about the little details to create a changeable look. Items that can be worn in multiple ways to make you look different. Swap the veil for a stand-out headpiece or a flower crown for the night do. Or think about what you will wear to keep you warm, a fur shrug in the winter or a sequin shawl to add for the evening party. Perfect for the bride who wants to switch up their look from the day to the night do!

Choosing your wedding shoes is one of the most important decisions you will make. These tips from Hats & Tiaras will help you when making your choice. 

Isabel Wallis, Hats & Tiaras, “You want to enjoy every moment of your wedding, so wearing heels for an entire day and evening could instead mean worrying about sore feet! There has been a growing trend with brides choosing a beautiful bridal shoe for the ceremony and daytime reception, then stepping into something more comfortable for the rest of the evening. The great thing about wedding trainers is that you can wear them afterwards! With your wedding shoes, and trainers, make sure you break them in a little before your wedding by just wearing them around the house for short periods. You will be so thankful you did! And lastly, make sure you have your wedding shoes before any final alterations on your dress. There would be nothing worse than discovering your gorgeous heels were too high or too low for the perfect length on your wedding dress, so get your shoes sorted quite early!”

Hats & Tiaras

 Outdoor or garden weddings

If you love the idea of a British garden wedding then you’re in luck! 2021 is all about the outdoor or garden wedding! Choosing outdoor venues over indoor spaces is recommended for the ventilation, marquees are great too! Outdoor locations offer a relaxed and informal setting and you will already in beautiful surrounding full of flowers and greenery! If kids are involved in your wedding it’s a great space for them to play and gardens are stunning backdrop for your images. 

Mix and match living room furniture!

Now if you’re opting for the DIY or Garden Wedding this one is definitely for you! Mix & match living room style furniture will be a comfortable sitting in 2021. You can even bring your furniture from inside your home out, borrow a few stools from friends and family, you’ll be bang on trend whilst saving money on chair hire and adding a touch of vintage to your wedding theme!!

Ambient Lighting!

With the rise of outdoor and garden weddings lighting will create a sparkle in 2021! Mixed with a stunning garden, marque or outdoor location soft LED lighting will enhance the romance and give a warm feel to your wedding. Drape your lights to create walking caves your guests will love

 Going local & sustainability

Coronavirus has confided us all to our local areas, more couples are now being more mindful about using local suppliers, food, produce and drinks reducing their footprint and supporting local businesses! Lots of couples will go digital too with invites reducing paper waist!

 Restaurant-style dinner party weddings!

Table service is now a must and wedding receptions should be a sit-down meal and take place in a covid secure venue or environment. Say bye bye queuing up for buffets and hello to table service and fine dining, adding a touch of elegance to any wedding. You can all sit back and relax whilst being waited on hand and foot!

 Cool Cocktails

 With bar service being confined to our seats cool cocktails will be a popular choice for couples! Don’t forget to include a few mocktails for the non-drinkers to enjoy too!

Wedding Nanny

Whether you want a wedding with or without children wedding nannies are a fab and popular option for parents. If you’re looking to reduce numbers at your micro-wedding this could be a perfect option too!

Kim Owner of Kim’s Creche says ‘Hiring a nanny gives brides, grooms or guests a chance to enjoy the wedding without children. If you opt for a child-free wedding (maybe you have restrictions on guest numbers), couples have sent out our babysitting invites to parents so they can use our nannying service, this enables them to have a fun-filled time without children around and know they are in safe hands.  

Children love being involved in weddings they love to feel important and we can still do all this within Kim's crèche too. We help them to feel safe, secure and like they have a role within the wedding. Our nannies have always been available throughout the pandemic and we have many options whatever your wedding size. From wedding nannies, craft tables, a fully supervised kids corner or we can even bring beds so children can settle down and parents can collect them later that evening. Make sure you choose the right childcare that suits you though. You need to feel reassured by whoever is looking after your child that they are safe, secure and able to have fun. Our staff are all fully vetted so you can rest assure that your children are in safe hands.’’ For more information on wedding nannies click here

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9 ideas to involve your close friends and family who can’t make your Wedding day!

My best friend had been engaged for 5 years, she’d already had one wedding postponed after falling pregnant and a 2nd due to the lockdown in October 2020. So when she told me that she was finally going to get married in December I was so incredibly happy for her and her fiancé!

The rule of 15 guests to attend a wedding in December meant, unfortunately, myself and many other close family and friends of the couple would not be allowed to attend. Although of course, I was sad that I was not going to be there to see them say ‘I do’, I quickly realised that in a year of miserable news, we all had something to celebrate! And how fantastic was that!

Whether you’re a bride or groom thinking about a micro wedding (but nervous about letting some guests down) or you’re an uninvited guest who can no longer attend. Here are my top tips (from my experience) on how you can still very much involved in a wedding without being able to physically be there!!

These recommendations will depend on the government guidelines. Please check the government website for the most up-to-date details on social gatherings.

Be there something old, something new, something borrowed something blue!

We all know the tradition something old, something new, something borrowed something blue! why not give or borrow the bride a gift that is old, new, borrowed or blue that they can wear on the day. I secretly found out what my friend didn’t have and she mentioned she needed earrings to go with her bridal headpiece. Sending a gift is a lovely keepsake for the bride or groom and a way that the couple can feel that you are still there with them on the day!

Live Stream your friends and family! Your whole guest list can still be there virtually!

There are many ways your friends or family can still be a part of your big day! Live streams are super easy to set up so guest can ‘virtually’ be there. You can invite your whole guest if you like, platforms like zoom are fantastic. Your guests can still dress up to the nines with a glass of fizz!

Be a ‘Groupie’.

Create a WhatsApp group with your guests who can’t make it. Keep them updated with pics of your dress fittings, hair and make-up trials and all your ideas for your wedding! They will love being involved and you will have your squad by your side for those hard decisions on whether to choose white, off white or cream ;-)

Share your wedding day!

Have a designated person in the whatsapp group who is attending the wedding who can also post photos or videos of the special moments throughout your wedding day. They will be so happy to share in the joy you felt on the day by looking at the photos.

Be there outside of the wedding venue to throw confetti

If the restrictions permit and you don’t live to far from the wedding venue, why not wait outside for the ceremony to finish. Throw confetti and congratulate the newlyweds. It will mean so much to the new bride and groom!

Have a small gathering the night before.

Depending on the restrictions, organise a small gathering with your closest guests who can’t make it. Enjoy a prosecco and a garden get together in a well-ventilated space so you can help the bride or groom prep for their big day!

Be a part of their ‘Glam Squad’ and see them in their dressed up in their wedding outfits!

Be a part of their Glam Squad and help the bride or groom get ready the morning of the wedding! You will see get to see them in their dressed up in their wedding outfit and you can capture that social distancing selfie for the gram too!

Share your wedding menu!

Share you wedding menu with your uninvited guests so they can enjoy the same meal on the day too! Or order extra slices of cake, cupcakes or your sweet treats to send to your uninvited guests for them to enjoy on your wedding day.

Capture your special day.

Book the professional photographer and videographer so you have those special moments to share after your wedding with your guests.

The hardest thing for a bride and groom having a micro wedding will be not having all their closest friends and family at their wedding. Letting close ones down or letting them know they can’t be their will not be easy and will cause a lot of anxiety and stress. Be as understanding and supportive as possible. Keep in contact with the bride and groom you can still be very much a part of their big day.

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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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