Getting Married? Read this first!

Getting married? Read this first! Expert advice and top tips from our wedding suppliers for engaged couples who are planning their wedding!

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Throw The Confetti Now!

This is one of my favourite parts of a wedding day - the exit of the couple from the ceremony to a crowd of friends and family chucking stuff at them! But what should you chuck? Like most wedding paraphernalia, there’s almost too much choice when it comes to confetti. Rice paper bells and angels, foiled plastic party poppers, dried flower petals all the way through to the original idea: rice!

Having photographed hundreds of weddings, I know the type I prefer, and even where to get it from. Read on! Confetti choice comes down to two factors for me: ease of throwing and environmental risk. Rice paper melts in the rain but isn’t easy to chuck as it’s so light (it can stain your dress too!).

Foiled plastic stuff is just plain evil - who’s going to pick it all up? Dried pot-pourri type petals are just too darned itchy-scratchy - particularly when some well-intentioned but ill-informed relative thinks it’s hilarious to shove it down your backs! So my preferred confetti is freeze-dried flower petals from www.trulymadlydeeply.biz. Their product is GORGEOUS - super soft flower petals of all types and colours, heavy enough to throw and 100% natural and biodegradable.

My final piece of advice about confetti is to check with your venues before ordering any - not all venues allow it at all! Finally, if the weather means you’re stuck indoors, have some bubbles on hand for a fun alternative.

Tip by Daniel Charles Photography 

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Wedding Day Timeline - Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club

As a wedding venue, we always get asked about timelines for the wedding day. To help we’ve put together a rough timeline for brides and grooms to work from:

14:00 - Civil Ceremony

14:30 - Reception Drinks

14:45 - Photos

16:00 - Wedding Breakfast

18:00 - Retire to Bar for room turnarounds

19:00 - Evening Guests Arrive

20:30 - Evening Buffet

00:00 - Evening comes to a close

If you are opting for a Church Ceremony allow 45minutes for the ceremony, 30minutes for photos plus travelling time to the venue, then pick up at Reception drinks.

Obviously, these times are all dependant on the time of the ceremony, and different photographers require different time frames but it’s a good starting point and we will help work out the details when you come for your final details meeting.

Tip by Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club 

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Your Wedding Day restricted by guest numbers? Move your wedding outside!

What an emotional roller coaster it has been for couples over the last 18 months, rescheduling, changing the plan, deciding to delay or go ahead with smaller numbers! Maybe the government announcement of the 14th of June 2021 still leaves you uncertain?

Consider all your options:

Perhaps your chosen venue cannot accommodate your number of guests safely inside, speak to them to see if you can move the ceremony outside! Maybe the Registrar cannot deliver your ceremony outside, a celebrant can!

Choosing a Celebrant led ceremony may have always been your 1st choice or maybe changing to a Celebrant now can help you remove the obstacles which are preventing you from having the Wedding Ceremony you have been dreaming of.

What are you waiting for?

Get in touch, we can chat and discuss your options.

You can still have the day of your dreams!
Tip by: Pure Silk Ceremonies

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Preparing for your first bridal appointment!

Boda Boutique is a boutique focused on fun, love and creating moments! I love everything weddings and can’t wait to hear all your plans and help you create your perfect bridal look!

Our top tips for a successful first appointment!

- Research your shop beforehand and make sure they have the style of dresses you're looking for that fall within your budget.

- Bring the decision-makers with you, if you can't envisage saying "yes" to a dress without that one special person present, make sure they are with you at your appointment.

- Wear nude underwear, don't buy a special bra for the day 9/10 Brides will end up ditching their bra during their fittings.

- Have an open mind..!

- Trust your gut, if it feels like the one, it most likely is.

Tip by: Boda Bridal

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Your wedding, your way!

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. Your wedding can be anything you want it to be. Escape the restrictions of the standard ceremony and write your words, your promises, your story, your way ……with a little help from me to ensure your day is perfectly magical.”

Tip by: www.oaklandscelebrants.co.uk

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Set the tone of your wedding with your invites!

Your wedding invitation should be the first thing to check off your wedding to-do list. Once they are sent out, it sets the tone for the wedding itself, maybe giving a clue to how your event will play out. Plus it takes the pressure off while you argue (surely not!) over the flowers, venue, bridesmaids, guest list etc.

We have been providing wedding stationery since ABBA were in the charts. A simple text based invitation or an intricate four-page cut out with bows and diamantes - (and everything in between!). Choice is yours - It’s Your Wedding Day! And when you have the time, don’t forget the table plan, menu, order of service, table numbers or names, place cards…. SO if a wedding on a Greek isle or a simple local event (and everything in between!) is on the horizon, please contact us.

Tip by: david@sblprint.co.uk

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Look & feel your best on your wedding day!

The start of a new life together is the time for a fresh start, a clean slate and a commitment to your future goals. With that in mind and knowing that you want to look and feel your best on your big day, why not kickstart a healthier lifestyle together too? 

The C9 is not just a nine-day programme. It includes advanced nutrition and exercise routines to help you succeed and reach your personal best. It helps adjust your mindset and get your nutrition on track so you can challenge yourself to really look and feel better for your big day. 

To support you with your reset and help you make the most out of the programme you will have access to a support group and myself. Five products make up the foundation of this programme, and each one is designed to fuel your body and provide supplemented support. 

Tip by: Aloe with us 

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Think about your wedding disco playlist and set up!

Let me introduce ourselves. We are Faraway Disco, a professional mobile Wedding Disco Company, based
in North Wales. Hiring a Wedding DJ is one of the most important decisions you make, that will impact the success of your wedding evening reception.

OUR TOP TIP:

The Music even though you may love the music you pick for your playlist or your music choices. Your taste may not suit everyone else. Your guests have come to be part of your special day but also to help you celebrate it, and to enjoy the end of the day party. So keep an open mind over the music, allow your DJ to" Mix it up’’

The Setup:
Consider the space you have available for the disco, communicate with your DJ. So the setup they use fits in the space, while still looking Stylish.

Tip by: Faraway Disco

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Yes, Your Wedding Can Be Sustainable AND Luxurious

A lot of people are under the impression that a wedding can either be sustainable or luxurious, but I am here to tell you that it can be both.

If you want your wedding to be a sumptuous and sophisticated event, but you also want to be mindful of the planet, it is perfectly possible to do so, and here are a few ideas of how you can do that:

Upcycle your decor

Instead of buying lots of accessories, that will probably end up in landfill shortly after the event, to decorate your tables, the venue and whatever else you want to decorate, try your hand at upcycling instead. From DIY centrepieces made from old champagne corks to upcycled jewellery used as wedding favours, there are so many ways you can reuse and recycle and still ensure that your wedding looks amazing.

Give seeds as favours

If making your own upcycled favours isn’t your thing, make sure to give a sustainable gift to your guests. Wildflower seeds or tree bombs are ideal because they will grow and flourish and help the environment while having little to no negative impact at all, Your wedding could actually help to make the world a little brighter, greener and eco-friendly, which is really lovely when you think about it.

Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels

Choose a vintage wedding dress

Wearing a vintage wedding dress is no hardship because they are often more beautiful, unique and intricate than anything you can buy new, and by wearing one, you can very easily make your wedding that bit more sustainable.

Use local suppliers

Instruct your luxury wedding planners to, where possible, source anything you do need to buy for your wedding from local suppliers. This will mean that the components of your wedding do not have to travel so far, which will cut your event’s carbon footprint down a great deal. Not only that, but it will help to support local businesses, which is a really important thing to do right now.

Choose an eco-friendly venue

There are a surprising number of eco-friendly wedding venues available in the UK, and they are every bit, if not more, amazing than traditional venues. From National Park barns to stunningly romantic 12th-century priory houses, there’s something for everyone, and an eco-venue will have perhaps the greatest impact in terms of making your wedding more sustainable.

Lower the guest list

Okay, so this may not be possible or desirable for some couples, although covid has made it easier if you do want to have a smaller wedding, but inviting fewer people to your wedding will literally reduce your carbon footprint by a whole lot. It will also mean that you can spend your budget on upgrading to more sustainable products and services, as well as giving your guests higher quality food, drink and so on.

As you can see, it really is possible to plan a really lovely, not to mention luxurious, wedding while still paying mind to the environment, so what are you waiting for?

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How To Both Enjoy Your Wedding Day & Stay Mindful Over Its Planning

Your wedding day will surely be a wonderful, memorable and romantic event, but it’s also true to say that it’s a complex event, one with many moving parts. This, of course, will not be news to you. 

It’s something you have understood when planning your wedding day, when choosing the best wedding photographer, scheduling the entertainment, and deciding on your catering options. That said, because you’ve been thinking of your wedding day as something of a ‘planned event’ for maybe even over a year (thanks to Covid), then it’s true that actually enjoying it and having a good time can feel like a secondary priority.

So, is it possible to both enjoy your wedding day while staying mindful over its planning and not worrying about every little thing? We would say absolutely, but it might take a little time for you to conform to this new mode of thinking, and to let your hair down just a bit. With that in mind, let’s consider how to achieve this, while still ensuring your day goes smoothly and comfortably:

Plan Beforehand

Plan beforehand. It can help you more readily make sure that everyone knows what to expect and what their roles are. Going over your menu one last time and sampling each dish, making sure you check ahead to ensure all of your guests that have confirmed will be attending and ensuring that your venue knows when you’ll be arriving and who they’ll be dealing with after you go on honeymoon, all of this can go without a hitch if you meet with each individual beforehand and do your best to express your needs.

Wedding Rehearsals

Wedding rehearsals are tremendously important for obvious reasons, but they can really help you and your close-knit family understand how this will take place. From here you can double-check that the seating arrangement is properly placed, or that everyone knows the schedule of the day. You’ll even be able to find little flaws such as what to do with a lack of parking space, or perhaps what alternate room you’ll spend time greeting everyone in if the outdoor socializing isn’t quite as supported by the weather as you planned. For a rehearsal lasting a couple of hours, it can really give you peace of mind.

Assign A Chaperone & Manager

It can be nice having someone looking over the event for you while you focus on getting married and having a good time. This might be a senior member of your wedding planning team, or a couple of them. You might even ask for help from other family members, like asking your nephews to help direct traffic into the parking spaces of the venue. Feel free to ask for favors like this, they can make a big difference, and they’ll almost always be happy to help you going forward.

With this in mind, we hope you can both enjoy your wedding day and stay mindful over its planning.

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Summer Weddings: 18 Cool Trends & Pinterest Ideas You Should Seriously Consider

For a sizzling hot summer wedding, your guests will never forget, consider our top 18 cool summer trends and Pinterest ideas you’ll love for your wedding day. From garden weddings to festival-themed weddings we have picked the best trends for any summer wedding!

Kats Weil

#1 Decorate your outdoor wedding with quirky food and drink vans everyone will love!

Add a new dimension to your wedding day with unique bars and food vans. Or amazing bars for those refreshing drinks on a hot day. Nick owner of the White Label Bar, says:

''Our lovingly converted Mercedes horsebox & horsebox trailer 'Amélie' are custom-built bars and are complete showstoppers at any event or wedding, especially summer festival vibe weddings! The best weddings are those that do a little DIY and put that personal touch that makes your wedding different from everyone else's. That could be personalised decorations or customisable signage, mirrors, beer matts, a custom bar menu, and even labelled beers and wines!! Your guests will love it! Bars are so versatile too, the awning set up can be adapted to the space available. Seating, a lounge, a pub, a games room? You decide.
At our wedding, we decided against cutting a cake and instead had a giant cake-shaped piñata to hit! Dream big when it comes to your wedding day.''

White Label Bar | Darren Musgrave Photography

#2 Natural Wedding Makeup

Living the last year in lockdown has definitely paved the way for a summer 2021 makeup trend, ‘less is more’. 

Get the look by using this summer’s go-to product, a demi-matte foundation. A dewy and matte combination that is long lasting and imparts full coverage but still provides a natural finish. “Whether you prefer minimalist or full glam, my advice is not to go for anything to trend-led and aim for looking like yourself,” says Jess, Bridal Makeup Artist from The Stack Sisters. 

Top tip: Make your makeup last. Ask your makeup artist to decant a small amount of your wedding lipstick into a pot so you can top up during the course of your day especially after food and drinks. 

NYX professional make up setting spray from amazon is perfect to set your make up for the whole day and is small enough to fit in your bridal make up bag.

Make up by The Stack Sisters. Instagram: thestacksisters

#3 Keeping the little ones entertained with a Chaperone at your summer wedding!

Michelle from Children's Flight Chaperone Ltd provides a popular Wedding Chaperone-service for Children of all ages. Michelle says: ''You can enjoy that idyllic dream venue whilst we keep an eye on your little explorers. Let us take all the care duties and grant yourself the day-off you deserve!

We look after children from start to finish from making sure the children have a good breakfast as you focus on getting dressed; aiding the ceremony's flow by keeping the young minds engaged during key moments and entertaining them all the way into the evening celebrations. Our service aims to enhance celebrations so no one needs to hold back: everyone can enjoy themselves to the fullest, with good, safe company and sound peace of mind. Not only do we provide wedding chaperones for children but event companions for older guests who require assistance during the day. 

Keep the little ones entertained with fun wedding activity packs. Amazon have a great selection you can buy here including packs of four which include crayons, drawing, colouring book & travel games.

#4 Sentimental bespoke stationery and invites.

After a year of living through a pandemic and many postponed weddings, weddings are much more sentimental this summer! Couples are looking for a bespoke, personalised celebration and your stationery and invites can do just that! Designer Grace from Grace Emily Designs says: ''I have seen a rise in couples requesting bespoke commissions of freehand sketching to create unique wedding stationery and invites. Brides and grooms want to personalise their wedding day and stationery is the perfect way to tell a couple's love story.

Our design work varies in style and brings elegant and original stationery to their special day through drawings of their beautiful wedding venue or home. The stationary we create is sentimental and the guest books are often framed to keep as wall decor. Bring your wedding to life by incorporating drawings of iconic landmarks into prints, cards, table plans, thank you cards and gifts.''

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www.graceemilydesign.co.uk

www.graceemilydesign.co.uk

#5 Go wild with your backdrops!

Backdrops are a huge part of weddings, they can completely change a room, hide any unwanted places and makes the perfect frame for your wedding vows, dance floor or guests to have a fun photoshoot! Anything goes and more fun the better!

We found amazing personalised wedding selfie frames with 22 different themes to choose from for any wedding style. You can check them out here.

#6 DIY creative order of service!

Rather than printing tons of orders of services that will be may get thrown away anyway, why not create a huge outdoor sign or you wedding day itinerary that all guests will see when they arrive. Make a big statement with a simple but effective sign with crates, or anything rustic you can find! Perfect for an outdoor farm summer wedding!

#7 Decorating the surrounding nature

We are loving these day and night decoration ideas for your summer wedding. For summer and outdoor weddings think about what is around you, get your creative juices flowing and think about how you can include the nature around you to create a magical feel to your wedding day. We love this DIY photo art wrapped around a tree and you can never go wrong with romantic lanterns and twinkle lights at night time.

#8 Rugs and carpets

Bohemian rugs are a stunning wedding trend that really set off any setting. If you’re having an outdoor wedding and the ground may not be too soft, think outside the box and use some rugs to dress the floors. Whether it’s to decorate your wedding aisle, a seating area or complement a backdrop rugs and carpets give a warm desert chic ‘look’ to your wedding day.

#9 Create romantic tunnels of light.

Neon & LED lighting create a romantic ambiance to any venue or location whether inside or out. Why not get create a ‘tunnel of light’ for your evening party that your wedding guests will love to walk through! Perfect for the instawedding photos! DIY with these amazing 6m x 3m waterproof led fairy curtain lights here. You will need a plug or an extension lead close buy for power.

#10 Colourful Groom Suits.

Traditionally black or grey suits are worn by grooms and his ushers. For Summer Weddings colourful or lighter coloured suits such as duck egg blue, green or cream are just as smart. If you want to keep to a darker suit add a splash of colour from your wedding theme with a patterned suit or coloured tie.

Add a splash of colour with Marc Darcey from Munros Menswear www.munrosmenswear.co.uk

#11 Different coloured bridesmaid dresses.

If you want a colourful wedding mix and match your bridesmaid dresses in all the colours of the rainbow creating a fun and vibrant feel to your summer wedding!

PK Wedding Photography

#12 Festival wedding theme!

Outdoor weddings are hugely popular and for the bohemian, festival-loving couples a festival wedding themes are a must! Make use of the outdoors this summer with tipis to party all night long in, you can really go all out with a festival wedding theme.

#13 Shorter Wedding Dresses

With the warmer weather in summer short wedding dresses, backless or off-the-shoulder wedding dresses are popular to keep cool in the summer. We love this Tea Length off the should wedding dress, or choose a lightweight floaty wedding dress as they are so easy to wear and will keep you cool all day! Always ask your bridal designer which fabrics and styles are best to wear in summer to avoid feeling clammy and sweat marks.

#14 Bunting and ribbons!

You can never go wrong with tons of bunting and hanging ribbons to brighten up any wedding location! Not an expensive choice but always so effective! We love this 40ft vintage bunting pack from amazon here. It comes in a cute little bag too and you can cut the bunting made to measure.

#15 Floor Seating

Wild souls will love this! Create a cozy wedding reception with floor seating filled with pillows and cushions! Mix and match furniture is huge in 2021 too so don’t worry about mixing it up a bit to give an even more authentic shabby chic feel to your wedding day!

#16 Add in fruits to your table decoration

Adding in fruits will look incredible at a summer wedding. Use fresh or dried fruits and add them as decor to your table for a fresh look. Leave mouth-watering bowls of fresh fruit to match your summer wedding colour scheme on tables that guest will love to have as a refreshing snack on a hot summers day! Garnish any decor with some foliage to contrast if using light or bright colours.

#17 Patterned plates & crockery

Add a splash of colour to your table settings that your guests will love. Patterned and colourful table wear, crockery and plates can really set off your wedding tables. Bronze cutlery will compliment your table wear perfectly.

#18 Summer Wedding Colour pallets!

Sherbert pops, seaside blue, greys with pops of gold and tropical colours are huge wedding colours this year. Choose bright colours that fit right in to a summer vibe.

Zola

Zola

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How to create the perfect first dance on your wedding day

Wedding Dances have trended and gone viral over the years and have wowed guests with showstopping routines! From Dirty Dancing lifts, Gangnam Style breakouts and beyonce’s put a ring on it, Wedding Choregraphy has exploded and there is no sign of this wedding trend slowing down!

First dances are notoriously embarrassing for most people especially if you haven’t had dance experience before, so hiring a wedding dance choreographer could be your saving grace and is the perfect idea to settle those pre-wedding dance nerves! Not just for the extroverts who want to show off a full-on routine but also for the couple with two left feet who don’t know where to start! Thankfully Joanne from True Love At First Dance is here to chat with us about how the natural first dance (and learning the basics) is trending this summer and how she can help boost your confidence for your wedding day dances!

• What type of wedding dance is popular?

Couples are looking to get away from old fashioned stifled wedding dances. First dances are notoriously embarrassing for most people without any dance experience. Practicing a simple routine can make couples feel so much more confident in front of a crowd whilst also giving their guests a more personalised wedding day experience.

• What would you recommend for couples who haven’t had any experience with dancing before?

More relaxed wedding dances without set choreography is huge in 2021/2022. You might want to use the old format of a couple swaying to the music arm in arm but have a few moves under your belt to shake things up a bit. This means you don't have to practice and rehearse a routine but your guests are watching more than a couple swaying back and forth.

• Can you recommend any advice for couples getting married outdoors?

For outdoor weddings your choreographer should think about the floor on which you are dancing. It could be a beautiful meadow setting... your teacher can set more steps for your dance instead of turns which would create a bit of a mess on your bridal shoes!

• What different types of wedding dance do you usually offer for weddings?

Father of the bride dances suits a classic ballroom set. Adoring fathers can use turns to show off their beautiful daughters and embrace their precious and special time together.

Bride and groom dances are as individual as the couple. Starting with a classical ballroom piece and then breaking out into a fun dance is a great way to enjoy your special moment but still show your personality as a couple.

Group dances including aisle entrance or exits ideas and movement training, you can even incorporate learning a group dance into your hen/stag party which are always so much fun!!

• Any tips or advice you can give to couples or groups who want to have a wedding dance at their wedding?

If you are hiring a teacher make sure they know what type of dress you are wearing. They can choreograph the movements to compliment the line of the dress and also avoid any steps that could be inhibited by a close cut fishtail!

You don't have to follow any set rules! Remember, if you are worried about remembering a routine on the day then simply don't! Just learn three or four movements with your partner and pick music that is special to you. Your wedding day is there to be enjoyed and not stressed over!

For all your wedding choreography questions contact Joanne below:

trueloveatfirstdance@gmail.com | 07984596811 | www.trueloveatfirstdance.com | www.facebook.com/Trueloveatfirstdance

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Registrar V's Celebrant Explained: What exactly is a Licenced Premises and do you have to get married in one?

Hello, my name’s Denise a Celebrant from Oaklands Family Celebrant. Firstly huge congratulations if you are visiting this article as part of your journey to planning the wedding of your dreams.

The last year has been tough but now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s shining very brightly.

The wedding industry has a lot of catching up to do and many of the most popular, licenced venues are being rapidly booked as more and more couples now feel comfortable making wedding plans without the risk of them being stopped again.

At present the only way you can be legally married is if your Ceremony is a held following the rules of Religious Ceremonies or it is officiated by a Registrar at the Local Registry Office or another Licensed Premises.

So what exactly is a Licenced Premises and do you have to get married in one ?

Put simply the answer is No.

Awarding a Licence to a venue means that your wedding will be officiated by a registrar on the day of your Ceremony, making it Legal.

From the Citizens Advice Bureau’s website “the marriage ceremony will take approximately 10-15 minutes” and “each partner will repeat a standard set of vows”, which “may not be changed but may be added to”.

What isn’t commonly known is that the Legal side of your wedding can be carried out for a small fee in what is known as a “two plus two” Ceremony. This is held at the Local Registry Office in the presence of a Registrar, the couple and 2 witnesses, usually at a time when they are less busy.   

Licenced Venues and Local Authorities don’t over publicise this option as it diverts business away from them. 

But there is so much more available to you.

Using the combination of the 2+2 Ceremony and  Celebrant for your Wedding opens up the possibilities to hold your Ceremony anywhere, a beach, a hillside, your favourite beauty spot, your family home or any other venue you may have discounted as it isn’t licenced for Weddings.

The 2+2 Ceremony, usually held a few days before, gets the legal bits out of the way and then the fun begins working with your Celebrant to create the day of your dreams. 

Unlike a Registrar Ceremony the world really is your oyster. Your Celebrant will work closely with you both to get to know your story, your families and how you want your day to ‘feel”.

There are no restrictions to the words you choose, the vows you make or the additional elements you choose, such as Hand Fasting or a Unity Candle Ceremony.

There are so many options available to you which I’m happy to talk through with you either over the phone or over a coffee which ever works best for you.

This quick guide will be a help to you :

Whatever you choose I wish you Good Luck with your planning and more importantly your future.

Denise xxx
Call: 07718 584575 | Email: denise@oaklandscelebrants.co.uk | Websiteoaklandscelebrants.co.uk | North West, England

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How To Take The Perfect Photos On Your Wedding Day

Many people regard their wedding day as the best day of their lives. As a result, it also tends to be one of the most memorable experiences you will ever encounter, meaning you aren’t about to forget the event in a hurry. 

However, photographs - whether a friend or professional photographer is behind the lens, are a great way to make the memories last forever, ensuring that you always have something to look back on. 

With that in mind, here are some tips for taking the perfect photographs on your wedding day! 

• Though you may not feel entirely comfortable having your photograph taken, try to find a way to own your confidence on your wedding day. Instead of worrying about how you may look on camera, focus on the happiness and elation you feel. This joy will then begin to radiate from within, meaning that every photograph will turn out great! 

Jakob Owens

• Focus on capturing the small details, such as the moment when you put the rings on each other's fingers or make eye contact as one of you walks down the aisle. 

• Speak to your partner in between shots, sharing jokes, smiles or even kisses. This is a great way to ensure that you both feel comfortable and will help the photographs appear much more natural. 

• Ensure that you take a mixture of photographs - from posed shots to candid snaps, as this means you will then have plenty of pictures to choose from when putting together an album. 

Lauren Rader

• Take photographs inside and outside (weather permitting) - this is a great way to make the most out of your venue and add variation to your pictures. If possible, you should also try to take photographs at sunset - as this is the perfect romantic backdrop to take pictures against. 

• When visiting your venue before the ceremony, keep an eye out for interesting photo backdrops and locations. That way, you’ll know exactly where you want to take photographs on the day and won’t have to waste time searching for a spot with a good background or good lighting. 

• While you’ll probably want to encourage your guests to turn off their phones during the ceremony, you should encourage them to take their own photographs throughout the rest of the celebrations. This is a great way to ensure your pictures of everyone enjoying themselves! Then, set up an email address specifically for your wedding photographs and ask your guest to send them to this address after the event. 

• Remember that your photographs should be a representation of your relationship with your partner - meaning that they don’t all have to be serious, posed photos. Don’t be afraid to pull silly faces, dance, or try out inventive poses. The more fun you are having behind the camera, the better the photos will turn out. 

• Look into Photo booth hire in your local area. Whether you hire a photo booth or selfie pod, this is a great way to get photographs of your guests enjoying themselves - especially as they often come with a variety of props to make the photos stand out. They also make great keepsakes and wedding favours! 

Mark Billante

• Take photographs of things other than yourself and the guests. For example, you may want to capture some pictures of the wedding venue, decorations, food and cake. This is a great way to capture the small details that made your wedding special and unique. 

• Plan ahead of time what photographs you would like to take - and put together a list. For example, in addition to photos of brides walking down the aisle, you may want to take pictures of family members seeing the dress for the first time. Putting together a list of each kind of photograph means you won’t forget to capture a special moment. 

Genessa Panainte

• If you are taking your own photographs, consider hiring a photo editor after the fact, who can make your pictures appear cleaner, polished and more professional. You should also ensure that you take photographs on a quality camera instead of on a mobile phone alone. 

Though there are many things to consider when it comes to taking the perfect photographs at your wedding, the easiest way to ensure you receive quality pictures is to simply relax and try to live in the moment. Don’t worry about the small things - such as whether the wind has messed up your hair or if you look good at that angle and try to enjoy yourself. This will make every photograph turn out great - and ensure that you have plenty of material to look back on. 

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4 Apps To Help You With Your Bridal Makeup

Planning your bridal makeup is such an important part of your wedding preparation. You might be choosing to hire a professional makeup artist, or doing your own makeup. Whichever option you choose, these apps can help you to experiment with a few makeup looks. You might plan a look to show to your makeup artist, or attempt it yourself. From skincare to choosing the right lipstick, let’s take a look.

1. Sephora

Sephora offers plenty of inspiration on hair and makeup. Here you can find tutorials, inspiration, and product reviews. The Sephora TV section provides plenty of makeup videos which are perfect for bridal looks. There’s also a Beauty Insider section where you can get points and reviews on makeup products. There are plenty of cool features of Sephora including:

• Use the virtual artist to try on lipsticks.

• A shade finder to find the best foundation for you.

• A beauty feed with articles about plenty trends.

• Expert makeup videos to learn new things.

2 . Perfect365

With the help of this virtual makeup tool, you can experiment with plenty of different bridal looks. All you have to do is snap a photo of your face, next you can use plenty of different filters, to practice different makeup styles. You can use lots of different features, such as:

• Twenty makeup tools, to customize your own style.

• Experiment with a range of eyeshadows, mascaras, lipstick and contouring options.

• Pre-set makeup looks when you need inspiration.

• Link to beauty tutorials on YouTube, and create the look.

• Touchup settings to tweak your look.

• Face detection settings, to ensure the placement looks natural.

• Share photos on social accounts, or save to your phone.

3. You Cam

You Cam is a great app to try out virtual makeup. You can virtually try on top brands, with the live cam setting. You can experiment with everything from your lipstick to your hair color, or eyebrows. There are several cool features such as:

• Hair makeover: The You Cam app can help you to plan your bridal hair style.

• Beauty Cam: Experiment with all the makeup styles you could dream of, to find your perfect look.

• Skincare cam: With the help of AI you can get insights about your skin health, plus lots of skin care advice.

4. TroveSkin

You’ll want perfect skin for your big day, and The TroveSkin app can help you to improve your skincare routine. The app can help you to analyze your skin issues, whether it’s pore issues, wrinkles, or blemishes. First you can take a quiz to determine your skincare type. Next, you’ll get the best advice about your skin. Whether you have combination skin, oily skin or dry skin, Trove has all the answers. Using the tips on this app, you’ll improve your skin fast!

Preparing for a wedding involves so many different elements, whether it’s finding the perfect dress designer or planning your wedding hair. Using these apps, you can create a wedding make up look that’s right for you.

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Download Your Free Wedding Decoration Checklist

Make sure no space is overlooked with our FREE Wedding Decor Checklist, screenshot or click the image below to download your free venue styling list. Print and use as a guide when planning and choosing your venue dressing!

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The do’s and don’ts to remember for getting the most out of your wedding venue stylist.

No wedding would be complete without a beautiful dressed wedding venue and decorations. Choosing the right venue dressing for your wedding day takes a lot of thought. We chatted with expert Nicola from Elegant Event Designs to find out the do’s and don’ts when looking for your perfect decor or stylist. So before you book your stylist make sure you’re fully equipped with some basic knowledge about venue styling and decoration.

·      Do research Wedding Themes: When planning venue dressing a wedding theme or colour pallet is essential as a basis. Research early, go to wedding fayres and ask your venue dresser for ideas! Venue dressing should complement and express your wedding theme so this is a great starting point.

·      Do create a mood board/pinterest board: once you have decided on your wedding theme or colour pallet the next steps would be to create a visual. Use cut-outs from wedding magazines or create a virtual wedding mood board on pinterest, you can even invite your venue dresser who can add ideas to a shared board too! Creating a mood board is perfect for visualising your wedding day and for your venue dresser to match up their decoration to your ideas! 

·      Don’t forget to use the venue dressing company to dress the wedding venue: venue dressers are the experts so use them! Rather than asking your mum, guest or even try and take on the task yourself, venue dressers or event planners will save you time and definitely stress on your wedding day. Tying a bow might look easy but when you have many and you want your decoration to look perfect it’s best to leave the dressing down to the experts so you can relax and enjoy your day!

·      Don’t book two sets of venue dressing: many couples make the mistake of hiring two sets of venue dressing. You have hired decor for the entire day so why not use the ceremony venue dressing and move to the next venue or evening party? Your venue dresser or event planner will be more than happy to move the decor for you. 

·      Do make sure your Venue Dresser is fully insured: always check their certificated to ensure they are fully insured to work in your wedding venue.

·      Do be organised: List down all the different types of venue dressing you can have at your wedding, for example, centerpieces, aisle decor, candles, chairs, backdrops… the list goes on! Make sure no space goes uncovered!

• Do download our free wedding planning checklist! Click the link below for your free download!

·      Do stick to your budget: there are some amazing packages out there, do stick to your budget, shop around to find a venue dresser whose packages match your budget.

·      Do go to your venue and meet your venue dresser at the venue: a site visit is a great way to bounce your ideas off your venue dresser and to agree exactly on what you want and where, especially if the venue dresser has not been to the venue before, if they have then ask them for tips on how they have dressed the rooms previously for some inspo!

·      Do look at the decor: ensure you get the opportunity to view the look or different types of décor you expect, and where possible, have a full consultation with your dresser so each party fully understands requirements and expectations.

·      Do ask questions: make sure you discuss everything, ask questions and listen to the advice of your venue dresser, they may have some different ideas from your initial vision but they are the expert so keep an open mind and don’t reject any ideas they have that might that initially does not fit it with what you had in mind.

·      Do make sure there is no space overlooked: You don’t have to dress every single nook and cranny but maybe there is a wall/partition or painting you want to hide? Adding backdrops or some moon arches can help hide those parts of the venue you want to hide. 

·      Do not stress: once you have booked a reputable venue dresser then don’t stress over the details (that’s their job!) In my experience your big day goes by so quickly, just enjoy it and let the professionals do the rest

·      Do check out my next article: ‘‘Top Wedding Decor Trends you need to know about’’ here!

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Elegant Event Designs bring their professional creativity and inspiration to your wedding day. Set to your budget, they will work with you to create the right theme and style that is tailored to perfectly reflect your wedding. Contact Elegant Event designs today

Call: 07921067543 | Email: info@eleganteventdesigns.co.uk

Websites: www.eleganteventdesigns.co.uk | Facebook: www.facebook.com/eleganteventdesigns1

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A Big Day Boost! Ways To Make Extra Money for Your Wedding

Everybody knows that weddings are not the cheapest things in the world! One of the biggest struggles in planning a wedding is setting the budget but also finding the money to make it your perfect day. While eloping is certainly cheaper, if you are looking to make some extra money quickly for your wedding day, let's provide you with some options.

Freelancing

No doubt, there is a lot of stress going on at the moment. You've got to fit in your working life, and every spare moment is spent meeting with wedding planners or getting on the phone with caterers. This means that finding extra money is not easy. But freelancing is the best way for you to make the most of any spare time. You can use many freelance bidding boards such as Shiply and be a delivery driver if you are looking for shipping bidding. One of the benefits of being a delivery driver in this respect is that you could use it as an opportunity to go and tick off a couple of wedding duties at the same time! If you need to pay a visit to the venue, for example, you could combine this with a delivery job going in that direction!

Renting Out Part of Your Home 

While you may not like the idea of sharing your home with a complete stranger in the run-up to your big day (not least if they try to bag themselves an invitation), Airbnb is one of the best ways to make the most of part of your home. You can rent out your home entirely if you are trying to get a bit of extra cash for after the honeymoon. If you have a trip coming up, or you are going to the wedding venue so you'll be away for the weekend, why don't you rent out your home or a room to someone who is visiting your area? In addition, you could rent out your car parking space or if you have a space, you could rent it out for an event. Websites like Peerspace mean you can host events such as meetings or parties which you can get paid for. If you hold a party, it might be a good dry run for the night do anyway!

Decluttering and Selling Your Stuff

You might find this is one of the better options. If you and your significant other are starting a new life together, this is the perfect opportunity to declutter and to make new memories. It gives you the opportunity to go over your old life, and a lot of items that you just don't use anymore. You might not want to be ruthless, because there are things that you may like to keep, but if you've got CDs or DVDs that you've got doubles of, get rid of them through websites like Decluttr. 

The greatest day of your life is not cheap. But there are plenty of ways for you to get those extra finances to make your special day that little bit more special.

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Top 5 Hottest Honeymoon Destinations

Every holiday should be special, filled with magical memories and moments that you remember forever. But if any trip gains the top spot, it's your Honeymoon! A journey across the world with your newlywed as you start the next chapter of your book together; you're inseparable, you're truly-madly-deeply in love and PDA is acceptable anytime & anywhere - this is the trip you talk about for years to come, so it has to be special.

This is where we come in! Why? We love to travel and we love 'love'. Combine them and you'll find our Personal Travel Consultants who are here to help turn your whimsical dream - with over-the-top romanticism on every corner - into a reality that you get to be a part of.

Honeymoons ought to be a grand gesture and a time where spoiling yourself is a given. Let's face it, nobody comes home from their romantic rendezvous saying "oh I wish we'd just done this"; this is the holiday where you say YES, and we want to make your YESing easy & stress-free.

We feel it's important to say that a Honeymoon isn't a 'one size fits all' scenario. Some will inevitably desire the perfect paradise to stroll down a pristine beach with your toes in the sand, others may seek adventure; who says that climbing a mountain can't be romantic? Each couple is unique and that's exactly what your experience should be. So whether you head East or West in search of hot or cold, seeking out rejuvenation or adrenaline, there is somewhere out there that's perfect for you.

With that in mind, we couldn't choose a single destination, so in no particular order, here are our Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations!

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla

French Polynesia

It may be an obvious choice, but the islands of French Polynesia are the epitome of picture-postcard-perfect; even the name sounds quintessentially exotic! From the mesmerisingly blue coral reefs to the raw, sprawling jungles and the most secluded strips of beach on earth, if you're in search of relaxation, you needn't look further. Whilst ultraluxe all-inclusivity is in abundance here, that's not your only option...

If you're deciding on this part of the world, then you need to be prepared for the journey; it's no 'hop across the pond'. If there was ever a time to splash the cash on a comfy aeroplane seat, this is it!

Bora Bora is, of course, one of the most visited islands in the region but with so many others, each as beautiful as the next, how do you choose just 1? Maybe the answer is, you don't.

For a blend of relaxing and exploring, this Island Hopper itinerary is ideal. Visit Tahiti, Moorea & Bora Bora on this 10-night odyssey to the other side of the world. Discover an underwater world full of marine life; snorkel or scuba in the clearest waters with the fishiest of fishes around you. It's not all about the sea though as you'll learn as you hike to waterfalls, enjoy safaris by jeep across the rugged terrain and even enjoy an ATV tour for those who like the driving seat. A romantic sailing excursion in the waters surrounding Bora Bora is sure to be a winner during this itinerary for you and your partner. After all, you'll have to get an InstaSnap to make everyone jealous back home!

Speaking of ultraluxe, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is an absolute must. Overwater bungalows so stunning you'll want to stow away; 5 bars & restaurants to choose between along with 3 authentic dining experiences, you certainly won't be going hungry. A stay in one of their Villas comes with Ohie Butler Service, so you'll truly never want for anything - magical!

Borabora

 (10 nights island hopping including return flights, domestic flights, accommodation & excursions from £5,500 per person based on 2 adults sharing)

African Adventure

From one extreme to the other (well, almost); if you get a little restless laying by the pool, why not head on an African adventure? With such a diverse continent and so much to see & do, there's something for everyone here. We're going to focus on 2 regions; the Southern coast for sightseeing & sipping wine and the Eastern region for walking & wilderness.

Get a feel of South Africa's urban and wild sides as you start your journey in the showstopper city of Cape Town! Simply seeing Table Mountain for the first time is enough to make your jaw hit the ground. Stay at an iconic hotel on the V&A Waterfront, head up Table Mountain for panoramic views, see penguins on Boulders Beach and visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. After a few days exploring the city, continue along the coast to the Cape Winelands for endless tipples and ultimate foodie experiences. Craving a bit of sand? Spend the day at Pearly Beach; a quaint village with panoramic views of the ocean and Dyer Island Reserve. Hermanus is close by for a spot of land-based whale watching too. Want to extend your trip? Fly to Port Elizabeth and head on safari at Kariega Game Reserve, where you'll go on game drives to look for wildlife including the Big Five before relaxing back at your lodge for sundowners and dinners under the stars.

Silo Cape Town

 (7-night independent tour including return flights, accommodation & car hire from £2,000 per person based on 2 adults sharing)

If that isn't enough adventure for you and you're looking for something more physical, the East coast of Africa is for you. This 3-in-1 delivers adrenaline, adventure & absolute paradise to finish off. From its highest peak to its animals to its fascinating culture and history, this 19-day tour leaves none of Tanzania's stones unturned. The challenge begins with a six-day trek up & down Mt Kilimanjaro's Machame route before you embark on a safari through the Serengeti to see your favourite nature documentaries unfold in real life. Complete the adventure in tropical style, snorkelling through the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, or by simply by lounging on the white-sand beaches nearby to revel in the incredible experiences you've just encountered. Conquer Africa's highest peak; trek past verdant forests & silent glaciers; watch the sunrise from Uhuru Peak; savour traditional cuisine in a local village; it's not a luxurious resort but it's the kind of story you replay to your Grandchildren in 30 years and the kind of memories that last a lifetime.

Tanzania Kilimanjero Summit

 Make your safari even more spectacular as you're spirited aloft in a hot-air balloon, seeing the wildlife and terrain of the Serengeti that only the birds see as you enjoy a champagne breakfast in the sky. After an exhilarating start to this tour, you spend your final days relaxing on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, maybe with a cocktail or two to celebrate.

Serengeta National Park Tanzania

(19-night guided excursion excluding return flights, including all tour elements & accommodation from £3,750 per person)

Indian Ocean

Bucket List destinations, you ask? The Indian Ocean has to be close to the top. What do Mauritius, the Seychelles and the Maldives have in common? They are all stunningly beautiful! Floating islands that emerge from the ocean with crystal-clear waters boasting house reefs, to the towering peaks of the Seychelles or the lush jungles and rolling hills of Mauritius that seamlessly blend into the idyllic beaches - it's no wonder that millions visit the region each year for their piece of paradise.

For the most part, this is a relaxing trip - you're not going to be exploring cities - as each atoll in the Maldives is a resort, which you'll reach via seaplane or speedboat from the main (is)land of Malé. There are far too many resorts to mention, so instead, we'll just bring to your attention one of the newest members to the party; Patina. This ultraluxe & ultramodern resort boasts an elegant design with gorgeous Overwater Villas and much more to please the eye. There's a selfie waiting to be taken at every turn!

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

 If you're a keen golfer then consider Mauritius, as the island is home to many award-winning courses with awe-inspiring views. Links and Legend at Constance Belle Mare Plage, a European Tour Destination property, are some of the best in Mauritius and if you're a hotel guest (or staying at Constance Prince Maurice), green fees are included. If you're in the Seychelles, Constance Lemuria is home to the only 18 hole PGA championship golf course in the country and its setting is beautifully unique.

Similar to Bora Bora in its concept, the Indian Ocean is about spoiling yourself; go for that luxurious villa with a private infinity pool and floating breakfast; go for that all-inclusive 5* resort, and so much more. With endless choice, our Personal Travel Consultants are here to help point you in the right direction and find the perfect place for you to spend your Honeymoon.

Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles

(7-night stay at Constance Ephelia, Junior Suite, half-board including return flights, £1,899 per person based on 2 adults sharing)

Santorini

Out of all the islands in the Greek archipelago, Santorini stands out above the rest for those breathtaking moments of wonder as you stare out at the sun setting over the dormant volcanic isle - epic, right? A popular wedding & honeymoon destination alike, Santorini offers a fantastic assortment of activities. Hike the trail between Fira & Oia, the 2 epicentres of the island; call at Santo Winery to sample fine wines with stunning views of the bay; scuba dive into the ivory-blue waters surrounding the coast; a private boat trip to a nearby secluded beach; an ATV adventure across the rugged desert terrain; spend your days exploring the island or simply laying by the pool under the lavish Grecian heat, nourishing yourself on cocktails and mezze platters galore - sounds good to us!

With a stay at 'Grace', their luxurious rooms, suites & private villa embrace Santorini's sensual sophistication and seaside splendour, blurring the lines between indoor & outdoor with clean lines and natural materials. Each come with expansive indoor-outdoor spaces featuring heated plunge pools opening to sweeping views of Santorini's emblematic caldera. They truly deliver Cycladic luxury and clifftop exclusivity. Whilst this resort is at the higher end of the price spectrum, there are many others dotted around the island offering incredible views and luxury service for that romantic escape.

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(7-night stay at Grace, Honeymoon Suite with plunge pool, breakfast including return flights, £5,500 per person based on 2 adults sharing)

Here's a little secret... we love a wildcard! So if you want to see more of Greece, embark on a private yacht sailing tour around the "Circular Islands". Get involved in the navigating or head aft and chill with a beer; this is your chance to be chauffeured around the countries best destinations onboard a 56ft yacht!

Sailing in Yacht

 (10-day sailing tour of the Cyclades, includes accommodation & certified crew, from £1,149 per person)

 Baja California

On the other side of the world, you'll find ancient lands rich with culture, heritage and history... and margaritas! In the broader term, we're referring to Mexico as this offers a variety of holiday styles to match all travellers; from trekking to touring the cities to adults-only resorts along golden sand beaches. Whilst Cancun and the Riviera Maya are popular destinations - partially owing to their easy reach from the UK with a 10-hour nonstop flight - we're going to continue further West. But before, it's only fair that we highlight a few of our faves in this region.

All-Inclusive is your best option in Cancun as many of the resorts feature between 10-20 restaurants, all without having to leave the glorious boundaries of the property. Some feature a more rustic, Aztec approach to decor focusing on Mayan culture, earthy tones & wooden features like the beautiful TRS Yucatan which offers an array of suites with private pools and gardens. Others take a 21st-century approach, with floor-to-ceiling glass, marble bathrooms and modern finishes such as Secrets The Vine. Whether you want to stay on the resort or venture out, this region is worth a visit.

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But we're flying straight over and landing on the Western Coast of the continent in Baja California, the peninsula representing some of the best of Mexico. You'll find the hallmarks of an authentic Mexican village in San Jose del Cabo, but also dozens of pristine beaches for above-water & underwater activities and of course, divine resorts such as the elegantly minimalist Las Ventanas al Paraíso, the shiny new Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal or one of our favourites, Viceroy Los Cabos. If you're looking for somewhere a little less popular, the Eastern Cape features spectacular seascapes and has a major 'escapist vibe'. Just over the border in bougainvillea-laden Valle de Guadalupe is some of the best wine and food imaginable, but don't take our word for it, find out for yourself.

(7-night stay at Viceroy Los Cabos, Junior Suite with ocean view including return flights, from £2,500 per person based on 2 adults sharing)

 This truly is just the tip of the iceberg. We haven't even mentioned a romantic tour of the Amalfi Coast, or an adventurous expedition across Iceland witnessing the Northern Lights dance across the sky, or snorkelling in the Caribbean Ocean as turtles pass you by, or hiking Mount Batur in Bali at sunrise with a cup of freshly brewed Sumatran coffee, or road-tripping across America, or climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Corcovado in Rio... with so much choice it can be hard to choose. This is why our specially trained Personal Travel Consultants (who spend their days romanticising about planning your dream honeymoon) are waiting to speak with you so that we can share all the incredible destinations and worldly experiences that are available to help you celebrate your new life together.

So whether you're planning a honeymoon, a wedding abroad, a minimoon, familymoon or any other kind of 'moon, what are you waiting for?

For all your honeymoon questions and enquiries contact TRAVLUX today!

Click here to find your next Holiday or your honeymoon! Or join their Special Offers group on Facebook.

Call: 0330 1333 655 | Email: info@travlux.co.uk

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