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Enjoy a dream destination with a Phuket wedding

If you’d love to do something different for your wedding and you’re searching for a dream destination, you’d do well to consider the Thai island of Phuket. Being the largest and most popular of the country’s many islands, it is the ideal wedding and honeymoon spot whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or a…
Setting up a wedding gift list for the bride and the groom

While the wedding gift list used to be the bride’s domain many grooms now want an equal say in the items that make the registry. Follow our advice on setting up a wedding gift list that will keep you both happy. Even though setting up the gift list has become a joint effort, there will…
How does a wedding gift list work?

Wedding gift lists are new territory for most couples. They are unique to weddings and as most people only plan to tie the knot once, compiling a wedding gift registry is generally a once in a lifetime experience. If you’re worried about any aspect of your gift list, check out our wedding gift list questions…
Large wedding gifts for your registry

It’s the best part of wedding planning – putting together your gift list! While you’ll need to include plenty of small to medium presents, you can also include a few large wedding gifts for close family members or groups of guests that might want to club together on something. Check out these ideas for large…
Asking for money instead of wedding gifts

Asking for money instead of wedding gifts is a bit of a taboo subject as some couples feel it looks a bit greedy, but your guests will want to get you something you will enjoy and if that means contributing to your honeymoon fund or a deposit on a new home they’re unlikely to mind.…
Deciding between wedding gift list providers

There are numerous department stores and online retailers offering wedding gift lists you might just be spoilt for choice when you’re searching for the perfect one. As with all other aspects of your wedding planning, it’s best to carefully consider all the options before you make your final decision on wedding gift list providers. Do…
A practical guide to using a bridal registry

Registering for gifts is one of the fun parts of planning a wedding. You can add all those lovely things that you really want but can’t justify buying yourself. If you’re planning to register for wedding gifts read our practical guide to a bridal registry. What is a bridal registry? A bridal register is a…
Bride and groom gifts to give each other

The exchange of gifts between bride and groom is a time-honoured tradition, however, not everyone does it. There are many couples who agree that the cost of a wedding outweighs the need to give each other gifts, and some even feel that the marriage ceremony is enough of a symbol of love and commitment, without…
Ten things to look for in wedding gift list providers

Registering for wedding gifts should be one of the best parts of planning a wedding, but to make the most of your gift list you need to make sure you’ve chosen the right wedding gift list providers. Here are ten things you might want to look for in wedding gift list providers: A great selection…
Benefits of registering for wedding gifts

Registering for wedding gifts is now a very common practice, and many guests find it a simple way of buying a wedding present they know you’ll love. Check out the benefits of a wedding gift list and some tips on registering for wedding gifts. Select a range of gifts If you do choose to register…
Wedding gift problems and how to solve them

Receiving wedding gifts is one of the perks of getting married, and your guests are usually only too happy to buy you something wonderful to celebrate your marriage. However, the process of wedding gift giving doesn’t always run smoothly. Here are a few common wedding gift problems and our simple solutions. Wedding gift problem 1:…
Seven points of gift registry etiquette

Registering for wedding gifts is a great way to get the presents that you really want, and is a perfectly acceptable practice for modern wedding. Here are seven points of gift registry etiquette to make the process run smoothly. Inform guests of the list subtly It’s not appropriate to print details of your gift list…
Gift registry wording – how to get it spot on

Your wedding guests will know that they are expected to bring a gift to your wedding so you don’t need to feel coy about mentioning your registry as long as you don’t print it directly on your wedding invitations. Here are some tips on gift registry wording. If you are registering for wedding presents… If…
Contemporary ideas for alternative gift lists

Wedding gift lists these days are about far more than bath towels and tableware. Many couples are using alternative gift lists to register for presents that they really want instead of more mundane household goods. Here are six of the current wedding gift list trends: Experience gift lists Experiences could include race car driving, cookery…
Four popular wishing well poems you can use

Wedding wishing wells are a great way to collect envelope-style gifts of money or vouchers on your wedding day, and guests can also use them to deliver messages and well wishes. However, not all guests will know what your wishing well is for, and wishing well poems are a good way to explain. Here are…
How do we get newlywed perks?

Of course the most important thing about being on honeymoon is spending time with your new hubby, but if your hotel or airline wants to throw in some newlywed perks you’re never going to complain! Here are a few tips on getting those newlywed perks: It’s always worth asking Don’t be shy about asking for…
Four things to look for in a honeymoon suite

Booking the honeymoon suite for your wedding is one way to guarantee a luxurious honeymoon, and you may get a few extras aimed at couples such as a four poster bed or a hot tub. Some couples don’t care too much about whether they stay in a fancy hotel room or not, but on your…
Exotic honeymoon destinations to tempt you

Despite some fantastic locations here in Britain and closer in Europe, many couples are still looking for exotic honeymoon destinations for a once in a lifetime holiday. Here are some ideas for fabulously exotic honeymoon locations: Total luxury in the Pacific Islands The Pacific Islands offer an ultimate honeymoon getaway and the Cook Islands –…
All you need to know about honeymoon planning

Unless your groom is arranging it as a surprise, honeymoon planning should be a fun oasis in the middle of wedding organisation. Take a weekend together looking through brochures and dreaming of sandy beaches and sunshine. Honeymoon practicalities It’s not very romantic but when you are confirming your honeymoon arrangements, there are a number practical…
Great reasons to honeymoon in the UK

The pressure of having a good honeymoon can sometimes be too much. You’re expected to have a once in a lifetime trip, somewhere with fantastic beaches or vibrant cities all after paying for a wedding! Well, if its beaches and cities you’re after, why not honeymoon at home in the UK? Here are some great…
Honeymoon packing – a list of essentials

Honeymoon packing often gets left to the last minute as you’ve got so much else to think about in the run up to the wedding, but make sure you schedule some time in your diary as it’s more important than you think. Here are our top tips on honeymoon packing: Selecting the right items to…
Affordable honeymoons for brides on a budget

A honeymoon might be an expensive addition to your wedding budget but it’s an amazing opportunity to spend some quality time with your new spouse and to relax after all the stress of wedding planning. Here are a few tips on arranging affordable honeymoons as well as various ways to pay for them. Here are…
Choosing necklaces for brides – five simple tips

Necklaces for brides come in all shapes and styles. Your bridal necklace plays a key role in your wedding look and you should choose it very carefully. To help you out, here are five simple tips that can make picking the right bridal necklace a breeze. Keep it simple Generally brides should only wear two…
Pretty pearl jewellery for brides

Pearl jewellery for brides is a popular choice and can create a very elegant look for your big day. Whether you go with simple stud pearl earrings or add a pearl necklace to complement a soft ivory wedding dress, nothing looks prettier and more feminine. Pearl jewellery for weddings can often be more forgiving than…
Wedding necklace styles for the bride

Your jewellery is a key part of your bridal outfit, especially the bridal necklace. You need to pick something that perfectly fits and complements your bridal gown. Depending on the type of dress you have, different wedding necklace styles can make a big difference to your look and can ensure the whole outfit works well…
A bride’s guide to engagement ring care

Your engagement ring will be both the most expensive and the most important jewellery purchase you ever make, so you’ll want to take good care of it. Follow our top tips on engagement ring care. Protecting your engagement ring Try to avoid wearing your ring during strenuous exercises, or when performing other activities which could…
Why gemstone engagement rings are now in vogue

When it comes to engagement rings one of the most popular options right now is gemstones. Colourful gemstones give you that extravagant look without the same cost as traditional diamond rings. You’ll definitely be able to stand out from the crowd with a bright gemstone ring, so what are the things to keep in mind…
Diamond engagement rings – a timeless choice

Diamond engagement rings are a classic choice, and are still considered to be one of the most stylish options for a romantic proposal. Make sure you keep our tips in mind when you go shopping to make sure you receive the best possible diamond you can afford. How a diamond is cut is the difference…
Handy guide to engagement ring metals

The diamond is usually the star of the show when it comes to engagement rings but what about the metal band and setting? Check out our hand guide to engagement ring metals to decide on the best choice for you. Platinum engagement rings Platinum is a rare, precious metal. Its heavy weight and durability is…
Finding the right engagement ring jewellers

An engagement ring is a big purchase and one that you want to be sure about. Take some time to look for good engagement ring jewellers that you feel you can trust and do your research into the quality of the stone and the design of the ring you want. Here are some things to…
Grooms wedding rings are more complex than you think

If your groom decides to wear a wedding ring he will have plenty of styles to choose from. These days, grooms wedding rings come in all sorts of intricate designs and materials accommodating various tastes and budgets. For decades a groom’s wedding ring has been a plain metal band but as it becomes increasingly acceptable…
Pandora beads as wedding jewellery

A Pandora bracelet is a popular, personalised charm bracelet for which you can buy tons and tons of beautiful finely-crafted beads and charms. Pandora jewellery is especially fashionable with brides and Pandora beads make wonderful presents for bridesmaids, maids of honour, and the other important females in your life. Why Pandora beads are so special…
How to choose bridal jewellery and hair accessories

Your wedding to-do list usually includes things like picking your wedding gown, choosing the photographer and sorting out the flowers, but what about your jewellery and bridal hair accessories? When it comes to necklaces, tiaras, and headbaands the choices are endless and picking your favourites can be tough. To help you make the process a…
The latest wedding ring trends

Modern couples are becoming increasingly adventurous when it comes to wedding rings. Rings are becoming more elaborate and many brides and grooms are choosing something other than the standard gold band. Here are some of the latest wedding ring trends: You should aim to order your wedding bands four to five months before the wedding…
It’s time to go engagement ring shopping!

The task of choosing an engagement ring can be too daunting for a lot of men so it may be that your groom-to-be has asked you to choose the ring yourself. Check out our engagement ring shopping guide and take your time. It’s a ring symbolising love and you will wear it for the rest…
Trends in wedding rings to inspire you

You’ve never spent so much time shopping for jewellery – you’ve hardly got that sparkling diamond on your finger when it’s time to shop for your wedding ring! If you’re not sure what to buy here are the latest trends in wedding rings to inspire you. Trend 1: Individual bands Most brides and grooms are…
A simple wedding ring guide

While engagement rings get all the attention and the sparkly diamonds, it’s your wedding ring that is most symbolic and will get the most wear. At the very least you will have to wear your wedding ring for the rest of your life, and you might even want to pass it on to your children…
Beautiful engagement ring styles

Don’t feel daunted when looking at engagement ring styles. It’s all about personal tastes and remembering that, in this modern world, anything goes! Trying on as many rings as possible increases the chances of finding the perfect one, so give yourself a day to just meander around your jewellery shops and remember the following advice.…
Who should buy the engagement ring?

The question of who should buy the engagement ring is a difficult one. While it’s usual for the groom to actually pay for it, many brides want the option of choosing it. On the other hand being presented with a sparkling diamond when you get engaged is very romantic. Here are some of the pros…
Ten top tips on showing off your engagement ring

Once you’re engaged you’ll be dying to show off that sparkling diamond to the world and his wife. Before you dash of and wave it anyone within a one mile radius, here are ten top tips on showing off your engagement ring. Get a manicure Before you begin showing off your engagement ring, ensure you…
The latest engagement ring trends

The typical image that springs to mind when the words ‘engagement ring’ are uttered is the classic diamond solitaire and, quite rightly, it will always be a timeless choice. However there are plenty of other engagement ring trends to make your ring that little bit different. Elaborate settings Engagement ring designers are now paying as…
Short guide to mens engagement rings

Just like a wedding band, the engagement ring is a physical symbol of a couple’s love and commitment to each other so it’s not unusual these days to see men wearing engagement rings. If you’re deciding whether to buy your fiancé an engagement ring check out our guide to mens engagement rings. When to buy…
What’s the alternative to wearing two rings?

Traditionally the bride’s left ring finger becomes a lot heavier once she’s engaged and married. She’ll usually wear her engagement ring and the wedding band on the same finger, perhaps adding an eternity ring when she has children or reaches a special anniversary. However, some brides don’t like the idea of wearing two rings, so…
Engagement ring tips for men planning to propose

Gentlemen – do not lose sleep over buying your partner’s wedding ring, while it may seem daunting it really doesn’t have to be. Follow these engagement ring tips for men to ensure that you select the one she really wants. Finding the right size Do your best to purchase your fiancée’s ring in the correct…
Why you need engagement ring insurance

It’s never romantic to be pessimistic, but accidents do happen and engagement ring insurance will put your mind at ease, allowing you to show off your sparkling diamond without the worry that it will get lost or damaged. Two options for insuring your ring Before you can take out engagement ring insurance your ring will…
What should an engagement ring cost?

There’s a fine balance to strike when shopping for an engagement ring. As the ring is the first in a long line of wedding related expenses, you don’t want to plunge your finances into the red at the first hurdle, but you want something that will last forever. Here are some guidelines on engagement ring…
All you need to know about a wedding dove release

There are many relatively new traditions creeping into modern weddings and a wedding dove release is one of them. Doves have long been a wedding motif as they symbolise love, peace, and happiness, so it makes sense to include them in your wedding plans. Here are some things to consider if you’re planning a wedding…
All you need to know about wedding wishing wells

Wedding wishing wells have become a popular feature of modern weddings where couples ask for gifts of money or vouchers that can be placed in an envelope rather than household goods that can be wrapped up. Find out more about wedding wishing wells. A wedding wishing well is set up on the gift table at…
Do we need wedding dance lessons?

Ballroom dancing is back in vogue thanks to Strictly Come Dancing and many couples want to shine on the dance floor during their first dance, which usually means taking wedding dance lessons. Here are a few top tips for getting the most out of those wedding dance lessons. Here are seven tips on how to…
Hens party ideas for a really special day

Hen parties aren’t the stay-at-home tea parties they used to be – modern brides want to party with their girlfriends after a day of fun filled activities. Here are some great hens party ideas for brides or whoever is in charge of hen party planning. A spa day A spa day is particularly beneficial for…
Imaginative ideas for stag party activities

Today stag parties are becoming more about exciting activities and adventures and less about just getting his mates together for a few drinks at the local. There is a lot on offer, from paintballing to abseiling but the trick is to find stag party activities that the whole group will enjoy and hopefully will remember…
Guide to planning a stag party

Pranks and practical jokes might be the best bits of a stag party but it also takes quite a lot of planning to arrange a truly memorable event. Here are some frequently asked questions about planning a stag party. What kind of things can we do at a stag party? Some people think that all…
Hen parties planning tips for the maid of honour

Anyone who has ever had to organise a hen party, knows that it’s not nearly as easy as it seems. Just the thought of getting the girls to agree on where to go, when to go and who to invite can be enough to put you off the whole idea, so here are a few…
Fun stag party themes for the guys

The guys are usually less keen on dressing up than the girls so themed stag parties aren’t generally as popular as hen night themes. However, a theme can add a bit of fun to the night and can also make it easier to plan. Here are some great stag party themes. If you plan with…
Ideas for stag party pranks

The stag party is probably the wedding ritual that the bride is looking forward to the least because of what might happen to the groom. Stag party pranks can be a lot of fun as long as the best man can keep them under control. Here are a few common stag party pranks and how…
Top bridal shower questions and dilemmas

The bridal shower is a traditional gathering of the bride’s close female relatives and friends, held prior to the wedding. The guests bring gifts for the bride and together they celebrate the bride’s upcoming nuptials. Some future brides also choose to have separate hen and tea parties for their female friends. Here are the answers…
Inspirational bridal shower gift ideas

It can be difficult to decide on an appropriate gift to bring to the bridal shower, especially when you have already purchased a gift for the wedding. As there is no bridal shower gift list, many are left wondering what sort of present to buy, so check out these tips on bridal shower gift etiquette…
Bridal shower gift tips for the host

A bridal shower can be overwhelming for the star of the show, especially if you’re not particularly confident about being the centre of attention. Check out these bridal shower gift tips for the bride to help you deal with that pile of pressies: Specify the types of gifts you would like to receive It is…
A short guide to bridal shower etiquette

Like all parts of the wedding bridal showers come with their own set of rules and etiquette tips. Although you don’t need to get too stressed about the proper bridal shower etiquette, you should keep the key points in mind as to avoid causing offence to anyone in the wedding party. Here are five every…
Five fun bridal shower trends

A lot has changed when it comes to bridal shower trends. In the past, these used to be generally small gatherings, with only the female relatives of the bride and groom attending. Nowadays, they are large and boisterous celebrations demanding quite a bit of thought and planning. Bridal shower weekend away trips Bridal showers have…