Archives: Articles
-
How to avoid FOMO if you have to miss a Hen’s night
FOMO. It sucks. We all get it from time to time. But FOMO can feel especially worse when you have to miss an important event such as a 70% off sale or a good friend’s bachelorette party. If you have to miss a Hen’s night, don’t stress, there are plenty of ways to make it…
-
11 awkward situations brides find themselves in
As a bride-to-be you may encounter some exasperating, embarrassing or uncomfortable situations during your journey towards making it down the aisle. Here are 11 awkward situations brides find themselves in… When your mother-in-law suggests centrepieces you hate Yeah, I’m going to have to stop you there… When your fiance says ‘the boys are keeping the…
-
Wedding flash mob: how to make yours memorable
In recent years, the trend of including a flash mob as wedding entertainment has become increasingly popular, with cute videos cropping up all over YouTube and Facebook. If you’re considering surprising your wedding guests with the ultimate form of unexpected entertainment, here’s how to make your wedding flash mob an incredibly memorable experience. Alexandra Evans, director of…
-
Wedding day emergency kit checklist
Any recently married bride will tell you that it’s important to keep an emergency kit with you on your wedding day. To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together a wedding day emergency checklist so you know exactly what to pack! Here’s what to pack in your wedding day emergency kit: Tissues Don’t…
-
Bridesmaid bonding: fun things to do with your bridesmaids
Want to encourage some bridesmaid bonding? Organising some fun activities to do with your bridesmaids in the lead up to your wedding will help everyone get to know each other a little better – and it’s a good excuse for a girl’s day too! After all, planning a wedding can become much more enjoyable when…
-
The seven stages of getting engaged
When you get engaged you may feel a range of emotions. For the most part, you might be surprised. Maybe a little anxious. But above all, VERY excited. To help prepare you, we have listed the seven stages of getting engaged below. You find a clue… A ring box? A series of text messages between…
-
Mother-in-law wedding horror stories
While the stereotype of the evil mother-in-law is mostly untrue, there is the occasional mother-in-law horror story that sounds like a scene from a Hollywood film. The below Reddit users share their most awful mother-in-law wedding horror stories… Shortly after my engagement I had to send my ring in to be resized because it was a…
-
Casual and fun wedding food ideas
Looking for some casual and fun wedding food ideas? Here are some of our favourites… Casual wedding food and catering is perfect for an outdoor or garden wedding, and, you can get super creative with how and where you serve your food too! These below ideas included everything from gourmet fish and chips to toasted…
-
Wedding reception games: let the fun begin!
Entertain your guests with wedding games they will love. Here are some of our favourites. Jumping castle Bouncy castles aren’t just for children, right? Test your strength A game of ‘test your strength’ will create a fairground atmosphere your guests will love. Shooting tins If you really want to impress your guests with great wedding…
-
Am I too young to get married?
Am I too young to get married? The only one who can answer that is you – and the law. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the marriageable age (the legal minimum age at which one can marry) for both males and females is 16, though parental consent is required if a couple is less…
-
Something special: unique bridal shoes
So many brides spend a mammoth amount of time and energy devoted to picking the dress, that, often, their wedding shoes end up being somewhat of a rushed afterthought. But, choosing your bridal footwear doesn’t have to be a last minute decision, nor do you have to choose shoes with the intention of having…
-
Things to include in a garden wedding
While garden weddings naturally have a slightly more relaxed feel, they can still be just as glamorous, creative and stylish as any indoor wedding. A garden wedding is a wedding ceremony/reception which takes place in a garden. Garden ceremonies are perfectly suited to couples who have a great love for the outdoors and the styling…
-
Eight beautiful floral wedding decorations
There are so many different ways to use flowers as wedding decorations. From flower walls to wedding favours and floral arches, here are some gorgeous floral wedding decorations to help inspire you. Make your wedding ceremony and venue look extra special by including some beautiful floral decorations. Jars and vases Enhance your wedding theme by…
-
Eight wedding movies to watch the night before your wedding
‘Twas the night before your wedding day and all the planning is finished, all the bags and emergency kits are packed, all your beauty prep is complete, and everything is ready to go. So now what? If you’re wondering what to do the night before your wedding day, we have the perfect solution. A…
-
7 tips to ensure guests respond to your RSVP on time
You’ve spent countless hours picking out the perfect venue for your wedding and reception. The dress and tuxedo are handled; you have the music, the cake, the celebrant and the rings. There’s just one thing that you have to wait on; the RSVP responses from your guests. One of the more frustrating aspects of wedding…
-
Eight stunning autumn weddings
Brilliant red and burnt orange leaves, beautiful countryside, sunshine – what’s not to love about Autumn? It’s no wonder so many couples choose to marry in the Autumn-time, after all, it’s the perfect season for an outdoor or garden ceremony and there are so many beautiful blooms to choose from. These eight stunning Autumn weddings…
-
Awkward marriage proposals
Pulling off the perfect proposal requires a lot of courage, and, for some people it can be an utterly smooth process, while for others it can become a terribly awkward memory they’d rather forget. Users of social media site Reddit have shared some of their most awkward marriage proposal stories, and, just a little FYI…
-
Groom’s guide: Why can’t I see my bride in her dress before the wedding?
One of the few things most men DO know about getting married is that you’re not supposed to see the bride in her wedding dress before the big day, but I realised I had no idea why that is. Bad luck? Surely there has to be more to it than that. Why can’t I see my bride…
-
8 gorgeous boutonnieres
Whether you call them buttonholes or boutonnieres, lapel flowers were, once, a common site on men’s suits and tuxedos, however, just about the only place we see them these days is at a wedding. Though traditionally worn by the men in the bridal party, these days, they can be worn by both sexes and, sometimes, they…
-
The pros and cons of having a themed wedding
A themed wedding is the perfect opportunity for creative couples to celebrate their union in a style that reflects their personalities. If you’re thinking of having a themed wedding, here are some pros and cons to consider. What is a themed wedding? A themed wedding is a wedding which is planned, styled and decorated to…
-
Double trouble: the ins and outs of holding a double wedding
Double weddings. They don’t happen often, but they do happen and they’re exactly as they sound: two couples marry at the same time during the same ceremony and, though double weddings, generally, involve two siblings (or cousins) who elect to share their big day, it can also be two friends who decide to host a joint celebration. And, of…
-
12 tips for remaining organised throughout your wedding planning
In our current digital climate planning a wedding can be a very easy task – granted you start early. Long gone are the days when brides would lug around binders filled with countless quotes, notes and magazine clippings. Nowadays, thanks to wedding planning websites and apps, the modern bride can easily plan her wedding and…
-
Eight ways to preserve your wedding flowers
While your wedding flowers will be full of life and zest on your wedding day, chances are they won’t live much longer than a week or so after you walk down the aisle. That’s why many brides choose to preserve their wedding flowers. Thankfully, there are so many ways to do so! If you want to…
-
Wedding dress shapes
Don’t know the difference between a trumpet or a mermaid-style wedding dress? Here are the seven main wedding dress shapes and their definitions. A-Line A-line dresses flare out from the hips and gradually widen towards the hem, essentially creating a silhouette which resembles the letter A. Princess/ball gown A ‘princess’ or ball gown wedding dress features…
-
5 wedding dress terms you need to know before you go dress shopping
When shopping for your wedding dress, you may come across terms and phrases that you haven’t heard before. In fact, they may sound like a completely different language and that’s because some of them are. From dressmaking terms that have French origins such as demi-couture and prêt-à-porter, to phrases that all confusingly mean the same…
-
Bridal shower etiquette
The bridal shower is a pre-wedding ritual in which close female relatives and friends of the bride gather together for a party in her honour, and traditionally bring gifts to prepare her for married life. Here are some answers common questions regarding bridal shower etiquette. What is a bridal shower? The tradition of the bridal…
-
Wedding fireworks: everything you need to know
Want to add a little wow-factor to your wedding? You can’t go past fireworks. Yes, fireworks! Depending on the time of day and the season, a fireworks display can be incorporated into your celebrations for some serious pizzazz. Here are your most popular wedding fireworks questions answered: Are wedding fireworks expensive? Although the old saying…
-
10 modern metallic wedding cakes (that rock)!
Metallic washes, embellishments or even entire tiers of sparkling sheens can add some serious pizazz to your wedding cake, especially if you’re after a contemporary cake. Here are 10 modern metallic wedding cakes. With a top layer of sparkling edible metallic gold and delicate filigree down the sides of the other two tiers, this striking creation…
-
10 bridal accessories you probably never considered – but should
With so many brides sporting similar frothy tulle gowns, sleek up-dos and understated stud earrings, it can be hard to set yourself apart. If you want to forge your own bridal fashion path, a unique accessory may be exactly what you need to take your bridal game to a whole new level. Here are 10 bridal…
-
5 times NOT to wear your engagement ring
The idea of removing your beloved engagement ring may sting a little but, believe it or not, there are times when wearing your engagement bling is definitely not a good idea. Here are 5 times not to wear your engagement ring. When you’re working out No, it’s not the sweat that’s the worry here, it’s…
-
10 child-friendly honeymoon destinations
Planning a honeymoon is much more complicated with your new baby tagging along. From keeping your little one entertained to finding some alone time, picking the perfect destination that caters to all your needs and your child’s is very important. To make sure you find that ideal balance of both a romantic and family-fun on your honeymoon…
-
8 awesome alternative hen’s party ideas
Today’s hen’s parties are no longer confined to wild nights out. After all, not every bride is the party-’til-you-drop type and many aren’t at all interested in strippers, endless rounds of booze and whatever else a ‘last night of freedom’ may bring. Here are eight hen’s party alternatives that may be tamer than the traditional –…
-
Video: seven grooms who nailed their wedding speeches
With mobile phones and tablets sometimes outnumbering people, there are cameras everywhere and, though it can be annoying, we’re glad that some of these fabulous wedding speeches were caught on camera for us to enjoy again and again. Groom’s wedding serenade We’ve loved groom’s singing their wedding day speeches since we saw McFly’s lead singer Tom Fletcher…
-
Nom, nom: 10 wonderfully wacky wedding cakes
When it comes to wedding cakes, most of us think beautiful, delicious and memorable. For some couples, however, their idea of the perfect wedding cake is one that’s delicious and memorable, but also just a little bit ‘out there.’ Here are 10 wacky wedding cakes that most certainly fit the bill of being out there,…
-
10 gorgeous bridal hairstyles for short hair
You needn’t have Rapunzel-length locks to rock a gorgeous hairstyle on your wedding day. Here’s proof you can be a stunning bride, even if you prefer your hair short or are considering giving your tresses the big chop. Platinum quiff Freshly bleached shaved sides and plenty of height at the top create an edgy yet glamorous look…
-
How do I decide who can bring a plus-one to my wedding – and who cannot?
Choosing who can and who cannot bring a plus-one to your wedding can be a painful decision, especially if you’re on a tight budget – and are already desperately culling your guest list. In addition to having to cut friends and family you actually want at your wedding, you’re also faced with, potentially, raising the…
-
10 gorgeous eye make-up looks for brides
To some, applying eye make-up means a quick dust of eyeshadow and a slick of mascara, but it’s amazing what can be done by a professional make-up artist with the same tools. Here are some gorgeous dramatic eye make-up looks to take to your next make-up trial. Rose gold Pink hues are often worn on the…
-
How to avoid family dramas on your wedding day
Every family has their issues, but wedding are meant to be a time of joy and celebration, not for the airing of grievances. So, if you find yourself with a guest list full of relatives that can’t stand each other, here’s eight tips for avoiding family dramas – and fights – on your big day. Remain united When handling…
-
How to write a (kick-ass) bridesmaid speech!
In the past, only the father-of-the-bride, the groom and the best man tended to give wedding speeches but, today, it could also be the bride, her mother, a close friend or, of course, her bridesmaids. Here are some tips for pulling off the perfect bridesmaid speech though, of course, they could be used by anyone tasked with speaking…
-
Addicted to marriage: folks who like to marry – again and again and again…
Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor did it eight times. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch four. And actress Pamela Anderson had three husbands over four marriages. But re-marriage isn’t confined only to celebs. When it comes to marrying more than once, plenty of us ‘normal folk’ appear to live by the credo ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try…
-
How to pull off the ultimate Gatsby wedding
Gatsby style is all about the roaring 20s: plush, lavish and elegant. Sounds too much for a wedding? Absolutely not. If anything, it’s one that’ll make a statement—a really sparkly one. Have a look at these wonderful Gatsby-inspired wedding ideas and let your inner Baz Lhurmann do the wedding planning. Your wedding invitation Once you’re fully…
-
Modern vs traditional: 8 big wedding etiquette questions answered
Wedding traditions and etiquette vary from generation to generation, but they also change from time to time. Here are 10 wedding etiquette traditions explained alongside their modern equivalents. It’s entirely your choice whether you snub them – or stick with them! Wedding invitations: whose name goes first? Then: Traditionally, the honour of having your name…
-
14 totally corny love songs you won’t be able to resist including in your wedding playlist
Whether it’s for your first dance or your big walk down the aisle, here are 14 supremely cheesy love songs that are so darn corny and so darn sugary sweet, you’ll (secretly) adore playing them during your wedding – no matter how many of your guests roll their eyeballs. The Power of Love (Celine Dion)…
-
10 wedding photos we absolutely adore
Of the thousands of wedding photographs we see every year, some jump right off the page and poke us in the hearts. They don’t need to be technically perfect – or highly edited, but there’s something about them that forces us to stare – and keep staring. Here are 10 we’ve recently seen that did…
-
30 thoughts every bride has on her wedding day
No matter what sort of bride you are – or how prepared you think you may be – there are some thoughts every bride will, inevitably, think on their wedding day. We spoke with a dozen brides in a range of age groups and these were the most common (silly) things most of them thought…
-
Honeymoons: what are they and why do we have them?
Honeymoons today are very different from honeymoons of days gone past. After all, most couples today live together, so the idea of heading of for a little getting-to-know-you time with your new spouse isn’t as necessary as it once was. However, honeymoons are still important and treasured occasions, but what are they – and why…
-
Ways to have a unity ceremony and 10 variations
The most popular styles of unity ceremonies usually involve sand or candles, but there are many more options. Here are 10 styles of unity ceremony you may want to try at your wedding. But first, what is a unity ceremony? Unity ceremonies are non-denominational ceremonies that represent the coming together of two people as one. They’re…
-
10 things nobody tells you about being a best man
Playing the role of best man at a wedding is much more than just ordering the beers at the stag do. With it comes great responsibility and a whole host of other aspects that you probably never thought of. Here are 10 things nobody tells you about being a best man. Your jaw will hurt…
-
10 things nobody tells you about being a bridesmaid
So you’re going to be a bridesmaid – how exciting! But as much as you try and imagine the experience and prepare for it, it really has to be experienced to be fully understood. Coming from someone who has already had the honour, here are 10 things nobody tells you about being a bridesmaid. It’ll strengthen…
-
13 questions to ask before buying a wedding dress
Having your wedding dress custom-made, purchasing it off-the-rack or, even, buying a pre-loved gown are all very different shopping experiences, however, there are a number of overlapping issues and questions that anyone about to pay for a wedding gown – new, old or custom-sewn – should definitely ask. When should I start shopping for my…
-
10 totally sweet – and classic – father-daughter dance songs
One of the most special and truly emotional moments at any wedding is when the bride takes to the dance floor with her Dad. Here are 10 absolute classic father-daughter dance songs you can’t go wrong with. We’ve provided links to the original versions, which you can ask your DJ to pump out or, better yet,…
-
(Hilarious) old world marriage advice: how to keep your man happy
Congratulations! You’re engaged. Brace yourself not just for your wedding planning, but also a torrent of (well-intentioned) marriage advice that is bound to come your way. However, hopefully, none of it will be quite as old world as the advice doled out to new brides by psychologists and therapists galore over the past century. Here are some…
-
From satin to silk and creme to charmeuse: wedding dress fabric explained
Picking out a wedding dress is tough enough before you figure out that you have to choose your fabric too. There are so many types of fabric that it’s easy to get lost in the French names, such as georgette and tulle. Have no fear, we’re here to be your guide through the overwhelming drapes…
-
How to choose a wedding gift (the couple will actually want – and use)
Your wedding present is a token of your love and well wishes for the couple marrying and it can be as big or as small as you wish – and can afford. However, whatever its size or price, it’s always nice to choose a wedding gift the happy couple truly want or need. So, here are six…
-
Wedding alcohol: a beginner’s guide
There’s a lot more to wedding alcohol than merely choosing between a nice red and white. And, although you don’t have to be a vintner or a sommelier to put together a wedding’s alcohol menu, it will certainly help if you’re aware of the basics. Here’s your beginner’s guide to wedding alcohol. Champagne It’s important…
-
10 ways to include loved ones in your wedding – when your bridal party is FULL!
One of the trickiest wedding planning decisions is figuring out who will and who won’t be in your bridal party. Realistically, you can only include so many people, so, unfortunately, there will be those amongst your nearest and dearest who will be left out. But just because they’re not sitting at the head table, doesn’t mean they can’t contribute…
-
Seven words that mean something else once you’re engaged
An engagement is something that alters your life irrevocably – in really beautiful ways. Some of them you expect, like the deepening of your love for your spouse to be while others simply sneak up on you. They can be a little unexpected but also fun, challenging, eye-opening and emotional. Here are seven words that…
-
10 things guests hate about weddings
Yes, your wedding is about you, but it’s also about your guests – and their mood and happiness on your big day can affect your happiness, too. If they’re unhappy, it can put a real dampener on your own enjoyment, so here are a few things (most) weddings guests hate. An inconvenient location It truly is lovely that you’re…
-
10 proposal ideas (that don’t suck)…
Let’s face it, you don’t pluck up the courage to propose every day. So, as this is, arguably, the biggest decision (and hopefully the best) you will ever make, give the occasion a bit of pizzazz. Try and find something unusual, special or, even, unique. Here are some proposal ideas that have wow-factor – but no corn.…