Categories
Latest news

Bridal Prep: How To Survive the Getting Ready Process (+ FREE schedule template!)

Your wedding day has finally arrived! You’ve probably not slept much the night before, and are conscious that numerous people are going to begin bundling through your front door any moment. So how can you keep calm and focused? How can you actually survive and enjoy the should-be-exciting getting ready process?

I was very lucky to get married in June this year, and I was really looking forward to having all my bridesmaids and closest family members around whilst I got ready, but I knew I had to prepare and I have a lot of tips that can help you survive the getting ready process (and actually enjoy it!).

how-to-survive-bridal-prep-wedding-morning
Source: atravelersheartphoto.com

It’s all in the prep

I’d highly recommend getting as organised as possible in advance to the day. This will avoid rushing around trying to get everything done on the morning of.

Buy some yummy nibbles, a range of drinks (soft and bubbly), make sure all the bathrooms are clean and beds are fresh for a relaxed start. I also arranged designated areas for the hair stylists and makeup artists to set up and prepared it for their arrival.

I also prepared a Spotify playlist, filled with feel good songs to play throughout the morning. You can listen and download it here.

Print off your morning schedule

I created a morning schedule with all the important events of the morning listed. This included things like what time the photographer was due to arrive, what time to leave for the church etc. Basically anything I needed to remember I put into the schedule.

Click here to download and print your own wedding morning schedule.

Remember to sit down & relax

It’s so important to take some time out to chill, have a bite to eat and drink lots of water. The time goes very quickly so it’s good to enjoy the moment.

Get dressed in plenty of time

The bridesmaids and Mother of the Bride should get into their dresses around 45 minutes before leaving, then they can all assist you.

My bridesmaids totally underestimated the amount of time if takes to get into dresses (sorry ladies!). The final half hour turned into a mad rush to get everyone dressed and out the door. The bridal cars were outside eagerly anticipating our departure, but the neighbours kept them chatting!

It’s important to remember that it will take the longest time to get you into your dress (especially if you have buttons running all down the back like I did!) so get your bridesmaids to help as soon as they’re dressed.

I hope you’ve gained some tips and tricks to getting ready on your wedding day. Don’t forget that you can access my library of free planning resources by clicking here.

Categories
Latest news

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

You’ve secured the date, booked your dream wedding venue and drafted the all important guest list.

But it’s the small details at a wedding that make all the difference. Guests will remember your day for the little extras, and these will make your day the most talked about wedding for years.

Here are my top simple and budget friendly picks to make your guests say “wow”.

Keep them entertained

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guest

Weddings are often a looong day. And with the wedding breakfast lasting up to two and a half hours on average, it’s important to keep your guests throughly entertained. Having games on the table is a good, simple way to keep guests alert and they can also be a fantastic ice breaker if guests aren’t familiar with each other.

Psst – We have been getting crafty recently and can create completely bespoke table games for you. Contact us for a free quote

Anticipate their needs before they do

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

It’s your job to think of absolutely everything your guests could possibly need to make the day a little more comfortable for them.

A popular idea is to offer flip flops for tired feet, or blankets if the weather’s predicted to be a little chilly.

The idea is to anticipate your guests needs before they do.

Give them a say

It’s important to hear your guests out. Find out what song they’d like to hear by including a space for a request on the invitations.

Create an interactive guest book

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

Polaroid’s are a fun an alternative way to create a guest book. Have your guests snap away and sign the polaroids, then stick them into the guest book.

Write a personalised note

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

Personalised notes are a great way to show your guests that you really appreciate them sharing the day with you.

Write each person a personalised note and leave it on their place setting to show your appreciation.

Give them favours they’ll actually use

wedding-favours-ideas-hangover-relief-kit

Favours are something people always tend to leave until the last minute and skimp on. Do you guests really want a pebble with your initials on? Give them something they can really appreciate.

Click here for wedding favour ideas.

Do a surprise choreographed dance

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

This is throughly entertaining for guests and is such fun for you as a couple. Create a fun mix of your favourite cheesy hits. You can have first dance lessons for as little as £30.

Assign Ushers to guide guests to their seat

10 Simple & Budget Friendly Ways to Wow Your Wedding Guests

Believe it or not, this was originally an Ushers duty at a wedding, however the tradition has faded in time. Why not bring it back and make guests feel cared for.

Let us know if you try any of these tips!

Categories
Latest news

6 Things Brides Wish They’d Done Differently on Their Wedding Day

Planning your wedding can be a tough journey – to say the least. Brides often rely on the likes of Pinterest and Bridal magazines to gain inspiration on the current trends and themes, and Bridal Forums can be a planning saviour.

Your wedding day is quite possibly one of the most important and memorable days of your life. This comes with an immense amount of pressure for everything to be perfect.

But what would REAL Brides have done differently if they could plan their wedding again?

We asked a selection of past Brides this exact question and put their responses in a blog post for you to relish.

 

6-things-brides-wish-done-differently-wedding-day

Had a photograph with their nearest and dearest

The day is often such an overwhelming blur that it’s easy to forget to be photographed with the people you love the most. Discuss your requirements with the photographer prior to the wedding and they’ll give you a little nudge on the day to prompt the important shots.

Having a photobooth or disposal cameras on tables make it easy for guests to grab shots together.

 

Had a wedding video

This is the number one biggest Bridal regret. Having decent photographs is one thing, but a wedding video truly captures the day.

Those that organised a professional to shoot the whole day on film were really glad they had spent the extra money.

 

Lived in the moment

A lot of Brides become so overwhelmed on their wedding day that they forget to take a step back, breathe and just look at what they’ve created.

It’s your day, so don’t end up annoyed that you didn’t enjoy every minute of it because you were running around making sure everyone is happy.

 

Hired a Wedding Planner

We couldn’t count the amount of times we’ve heard “I wish I’d had a Wedding Planner”.

Sooo many brides only realise how stressful planning their wedding would be after their big day, and they desperately wish they’d reached out for some help and guidance before it all got too much.

We can be on site for your entire day to ensure everything runs smoothly, as well as helping with your styling and decor.

 

Taken a spare pair of comfortable shoes

What ruins a night? Sore feet!

Don’t forget that you’ll be wearing your wedding shoes since mid morning. Your feet are bound to throb as the day progresses. Have your Maid of Honour look after some comfy flats for you.

 

Letting the stress take over

The day will go extremely quickly, so it’s important to make the most of it and truly enjoy every moment.

I think it’s better to accept that there will be minor hiccups on the day. Then you can at least prepare yourself for this.