“Our wedding was in Sorrento so it was only right for us to go with an Italian style. Our tables were named after Italian landmarks and our wedding cake was decorated with local Sorrentine lemons. We served locally made wine and limoncello shots and our venues were decorated with olive branches and eucalyptus leaves.

Our colour scheme was sage green and white. The bridesmaids dresses were silk sage and we chose white flowers of different textures, with olive branches and eucalyptus leaves. We chose silver jewellery / accessories and everything blended effortlessly. We were delighted with how our vision was brought to life.”

Wedding photographer’s website

https://jossdenham.co.uk

Wedding photographer review

Joss was an incredible photographer. There really aren’t enough words to express our gratitude to him for being an all round fabulous person. He felt like a friend from the outset, gave us encouragement and guidance when we needed it and was such an asset to our day.

We chose to do a pre-shoot with Joss a few days before the wedding and this was an invaluable experience. It made us more comfortable with the camera and also allowed us to meet Joss and get to know one another. The photos also turned out great!

Joss kindly attended a dinner the night before our wedding and captured some special moments of us greeting our friends and family. He made an effort to talk to people and lots of our guests commented on what a lovely guy he is.

Joss returned over 700 beautifully edited photos and they capture every element of our day perfectly. He found and captured little moments that we ourselves missed and it’s wonderful that we can relive our wedding from different perspectives. He also returned all of the photos within just a few weeks which is unheard of!

We would without a doubt recommend Joss to anyone getting married, he was one of the best decisions we made and we will cherish our photos forever.

We wanted our photos to be natural and ‘in the moment,’ with as little posing as possible. Even for our portraits we wanted a fairly relaxed vibe. We were so lucky with the surroundings that we had a multitude of incredible options for shoot locations. We got some stunning ceremony photos at the Cloisters along with the portraits with our families and wedding party. We got some romantic photos of just the two of us on the windy path down to La Marinella beach. Golden hour was fairly muted for us but it didn’t matter at all, the photos came out perfectly! We also have some amazing drone footage.

Venue name + review

We got married in Chiostro di San Francesco (The Cloisters) in Sorrento, Italy. It is a 14th century town hall with a rustic court yard, classic archways, draping vines and a bell tower. It is a truly stunning and romantic space, as soon as we set eyes on it we knew this was the place!

For our reception we chose Hotel Mediterraneo for its incredible sky bar with panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Both venues were a dream and we would 100% recommend them to anyone wishing for a Sorrento wedding.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

My dress was a simple shape but covered in sequins. I chose it because it was comfortable, weather appropriate and felt glamorous! It sparkled in the light and in photos, which was what I was going for. I chose a plain waterfall cathedral length veil.

Tom wore a 3 piece navy tux with a bow tie. He chose it because it was timeless and was surprisingly not too hot on the day! We both felt great on our wedding day.

Flowers

We found it difficult to choose flowers initially but after a visit to the Florist in Sorrento it all fell into place. We went for white avalanche roses, white lysinathus, white hydrangeas, cotton flowers to add some texture, olive branches and eucalyptus leaves. We had two flower columns next to the ceremony table and these were transported to the reception venue and used as table decorations. We were both delighted with the flowers.

Entertainment, music and dancing!

We had a Guitar & Mandolin duo play during the ceremony and they created a romantic atmosphere. The mandolin particularly is an instrument we don’t hear very often and it felt authentic and special.

For entertainment in the evening we had a DJ and saxophonist do joint sets. Together they really brought the party vibe and it was a surreal experience dancing to a live sax on a rooftop with everyone we love! One of our most cherished and special memories to date. The DJ opened with Earth, Wind & Fire – September, and so many people commented 21st night of September.. oh that’s today! This song will now always hold a special place in our hearts.

The post Eleanor & Tom’s magical Sorrento wedding, with Joss Denham Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

“Planning a wedding should be an enjoyable experience and of course the happy couple shouldnt feel stressed, but if you are planning on tying the knot in 2025 (or even 2026), here is a checklist to help you get those wedding wheels turning. You should aim to have these steps nailed down nice and early, because the end of the aisle is not so far away!”

All photos in this blog are by Somerset wedding photographer Martin Dabek Photography, and are from Eleanor and James’s wedding at Crowcombe Court.

BEGIN WITH A WEDDING BUDGET:

Yes I know! Budgets may seem like the party pooper that’s ready to shatter your big celebration of love, but it really should be the thing you consider first. It’s essential that you sit down with your partner and have an honest conversation about what you can afford.

Yes your wedding is an incredibly important day but heading into debt is sure to put a downer on things to say the least! If you are expecting financial help from relatives it is important to have those conversations with them as an urgency too.

GET YOUR GUEST LIST:

Your budget will significantly influence your guest list, so consider who you would like to invite next. I recommend an A, B and C list.

The ‘A’ list is day guests, who you just couldn’t see yourself getting married without.

List ‘B’ should consist of evening guests, who you would love to have in the day and could be included as a day guest if someone declines.

Finally list ‘C’; people who you wouldn’t mind if they were unable to come or who are acquaintances. This can be a list of people who you know will bring the fun and you would love to invite if your venue allows you to have unlimited evening guests. List ‘C’ can also act as a bank of people to invite if other guests decline to make up numbers.

VIV: VERY IMPORTANT VENUE:

As the owner of 12 wedding venues I’ve seen the joys of grooms and brides securing their fairytale location for their happily ever-after.

I have also, however, seen couples incredibly disappointed because they have left booking their dream venue too late and now we have no dates available!

Once you know what budget you have to spend on a venue and how large it will need to be to accommodate your wedding party, it is essential to start doing your research on wedding venues. Get those tours booked in and get ready to be wowed by the incredible venues available.

CREATE YOUR WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE:

So now you have your budget sorted, venue booking fee down and you know who is coming, work out a timeline for wedding planning. e.g. Decide when you’ll need to book your florist (if you have one), cake designer, videographer, ice cream van(!) etc and when to start thinking about colour palettes and decor?

A PHOTO FINISH:

Before I owned wedding venues I was a wedding photographer, and let me tell you they book up fast! Working with a photographer who is going to immortalise your wedding day forever is something you want to get right. Spend time looking at portfolios and social media and make a decision with your partner on what you want your day to be remembered like – then get that deposit down! You don’t want to be left with your second (or third, or fourth) choice.

As you navigate the initial stages of wedding planning, remember that securing certain milestones like setting a budget, confirming your guestlist and picking a venue sets the foundation for the entire process. Enjoy the journey, and here’s to crafting a celebration that reflects the essence of your love story. Cheers to your happily ever after!”

The post Five easy first steps to ease you into wedding planning! appeared first on English Wedding.

The images are sublime: Dorset wedding photographer Nathan from Libra Photographic joined the happy pair and caught all the loveliest moments of their day. As a wedding photographer himself, Az chose very carefully who would capture their day. Their love shines from the pictures, as do the personalities of this fabulous couple. Az & Tiff – we wish you the happiest married life in the world!

Wedding photographer’s website

Dorset wedding photographer Libra Photographic

Wedding photographer review

As a wedding photographer myself, it was so important for me, and my now wife to feel comfortable on our wedding day. Photographing another photographer’s wedding can be daunting, but Nathan took it all in his stride. He captured the day beautifully, with a strong combination of reportage and posed images, and his creativity shone through. Nathan listened to exactly what were were looking for, and he exceeded our expectations on the day. More importantly, we all enjoyed his company on the day.

Your best moment or memory

Coming out of the ceremony venue to our guests and seeing the confetti all across the Kings Road.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Both our outfits were handmade for us, and included a very special waistcoat lining with photographs of our time together over the years.

Venue name + review

Kensington and Chelsea Old Town Hall Historic London wedding venue, with wonderful staffing that made us feel very comfortable on the day.

After photographs in and around Chelsea, we headed to the The Hollywood Arms for lunch.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Tiff wore a classic knee length 60s style dress in an ivory heavy queen satin, which featured a simple pleat on the back. Worn with ballet pumps and an elegant handmade birdcage by the the dressmaker.
Over her dress Tiff wore a classic style, pre loved, camel coloured ankle length coat, purchased in East Wittering before the dress was made – it was perfect for our February wedding.

As chose a three piece forest green velvet suit, white, shirt, knitted mustard tie and tan swede brogues.

Accessories included a brass hare pin on the lapel, a pocket watch borrowed from a friend, and a pocket square bought for me by Tiff 10 years ago from Suit Supply.

Dress or suit shop name + review

Peridot Bridal

From initial discussions via email I instantly knew Megan was the person to make my wedding dress. Megan listened to my ideas and provided a detailed, professional and unique service.

Megan made the most beautiful dress which was just how I envisioned. She guided me with samples, ideas, and made a bird cage to compliment my dress which completed my look.

My dress was classic, classy and felt like a dream to where. From the start to the finish the whole experience was exceptional.

Az’s suit was made by Anthony Formal Wear in Essex.

The ceremony

Tiff’s daughter Meg walked her down the aisle. During the ceremony the rings (see below) were carried to the front by Tiff’s younger daughter Rosie on the ears of a bronze rabbit. “This was bought for me by Tiff as a gift in Glastonbury on an early date 12 years ago. I also proposed to Tiff at Glastonbury Tor last year.”

Witnesses were Gabe & Mitch the girls’ partners. The engagement ring, earrings, and wedding bands were handmade for us by South Jewellery in Cornwall. We married on valentines day, as this was also the date of our very first date 13 years ago.

Florist name + review

Buds Floristry Anna White

I immediately hit it off with Anna. We spoke about incorporating the colours of the famous Chelsea Town Halls garland that drapes the famous blue doors.

Anna created a stunning February bouquet and added pussy willow at my request.

The colourful, classy bouquet was the perfect accessory to my dress. Anna took her time to explain the meaning of the beautiful dusky pink rose and the scent was beautiful. It was simply perfect. I didn’t let go of it the whole day.

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

For the entrance to the ceremony: Waterloo Sunset by The Kinks
During Signing: Give a Little Bit by REO Speedwagon
For the Leaving Ceremony: Itchycoo Park by The Small Faces

The post Tiff & Az’s timelessly beautiful city wedding, with Libra Photographic appeared first on English Wedding.

As always, we’ll share lots more including favourite photos on instagram @englishweddingblog

This luxury celebration will have you aching to make lemonade! The welcome party is a glorious fiesta styled with a thousand lemons, sunflowers everywhere and festoon lights shining into the Italian evening light. The bride’s floral dress is divine; Michelle created the most captivating ambiance for the happy couple and their guests.

“Guests were totally immersed in their surroundings by abundant decor, lighting and cosy seating areas provided by Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design and Alma Project. A chinoiserie-and-citrus theme gave a flavour of the vintage charm of Florence, and we doubt there was a lemon left in the whole city when we’d finished! Beyond the seating area was the main event space; a fantastic hidden gem in the city, a grassy courtyard that unfolds before your eyes and was filled with warm fairy lighting, tables set with blue, white and yellow, and an array of wonderful Italian food and drink. It was a beautiful sight to see, and as the sun set on their very own cosy little corner of Florence we knew A&A’s wedding day was going to be something special.” ~ Elegante by Michelle J

The wedding day itself is styled with breathtaking and abundant florals in shades of red and pink, filling tables and cascading into the most fabulous arrangements.

“When it was time for the big reveal, guests made their way up from the gardens and were greeted with the warm honey-yellow facade of the Villa and a spectacular clearspan marquee, filled to the brim with stunning florals and delicate details. The whole design was sumptuous and flowing, filling the space with lavish life and surprising the guests at every turn. Beautiful bespoke stationery by Ceci New York announced the menu for the evening, and custom monogrammed napkins from Laurel House Design made for a lovely personalised touch. ”

This wedding was previously featured on Smashing the Glass. If the welcome bags look familiar they inspired us to write a piece on Thoughtful Touches: wedding welcome bags earlier this month!

For a fascinating peek behind the scenes, head on over to Michelle’s own blog, where she shares a brilliant behind-the-scenes wedding video showing the incredible hard work, and contributions from all the amazing suppliers that came together to create this exceptional celebration.

Photography – David Bastianoni
Planner – Elegante by Michelle J
Videography – Waterfall Visuals
Venue – Villa di Maiano
Dresses – Elie Saab
Bride’s shoes – Jimmy Choo
Hair + Makeup – Your Beauty Team
Flowers – Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design
Band – Muzika
Catering and Cake – Galateo Ricevimenti
Stationery/Invitation – Ceci New York
Embroidered napkins – Laurel House Designs
Marquee – Pellicci & Meschi
Production – Alma Project
Travel Services – Come Wander Travels
Singer – Udi Ullman
Welcome Party Venue – Palazzo Ximenes
Synagogue – Florence Synagogue

The post An incredible two-day wedding in Florence, with Elegante by Michelle J appeared first on English Wedding.

Today’s brilliantly beautiful wedding is all about the feels. It’s Jen & Josh’s wedding at Alpheton Barns, captured by our friends and award winning wedding photographers York Place Studios. The photos capture the gloriously chaotic behind-the-scenes getting ready parts of the day before taking us through a heartfelt ceremony filled with laughter and impromptu hugs.

The celebrations after Jen and Josh say their vows are a whirlwind of love and joy and family connections. The air is filled with hugs and happiness and we get to see all of the tiny moments that make up the atmosphere of a wedding. There’s something incredibly special running through these images: perhaps it’s the sense of belonging and of family that this stunning couple inspire.

Seen through the eyes of Dom and Liam at York Place Studios, it’s “Irresistible, impulsive embraces during the ceremony, laughter through the vows. Quizzical looks and knowing glances; idiosyncrasies, inside jokes, charisma and chaos. These are characterful qualities that we are inspired to capture but cannot create. The photographic themes emerge not from our minds, nor even from theirs. They are found through the unconscious acts and connections of the people around us; our job is not only to see but to feel.”

The venue is lovely: a rustic barn with bunting and lanterns and country charm, set in the Suffolk countryside. It’s an exclusive use venue with a woodland ceremony space, and different barns for different parts of your day. The owners of Alpheton Hall Barns try to make it as nature-friendly as possible, through tree planting and a wildflower meadow – an idyllic setting!

The styling touches are fun and creative: the flowers are wonderful, the cake is a joy (and we adore the little birds on top) – and the table plan is ace! Stealing the show though, is Jen’s sparkly, sunshine-catching beautiful wedding jumpsuit – a showstopper of a wedding outfit if ever we saw one! (With Josh’s superb tartan suit a very, very close second!)

We’ll share more images on our instagram at @englishweddingblog – for now, here are some absolute favourites to make you smile, laugh and stop your scrolling in its tracks! This is how weddings should be remembered: for all of the amazing people who were there by your side, at their authentically brilliant best!

The post Jen & Josh’s relaxed family wedding at Alpheton Hall Barns, with York Place Studios appeared first on English Wedding.

1. A relaxed and heartfelt wedding ceremony.

Celebrants have recently emerged as a valuable option for couples who prefer a personalised approach rather than a traditional church wedding.

“your celebrant will provide a bespoke ceremony that hits differently than your typical Vicar of Dibley vibe.” ~ Jordan Fox Photography

Celebrants are our favourite trend for modern weddings – we have a feeling they’re here to stay!

2. Rehearsal dinners come to UK weddings!

A long term trend over in the US, rehearsal dinners go hand in hand with the growing popularity of all-weekend weddings.

“We anticipate that the traditional rehearsal dinner will become an increasingly popular and extravagant event in 2024. Certainly, my recent enquiries have included this addition to their love story.”

From elaborate menus to curated cocktails and stunning decor, couples can let loose and enjoy the company of their closest family. A wedding rehearsal dinner usually follows a rehearsal of the marriage ceremony, and includes the wedding party only.

3. Wedding content creation

Bringing all the social vibes, wedding style! Wedding content creators are on the up!
The concept: while you and your guests focus on being in the moment and enjoying the day, your wedding content creator will capture all the insta-worthy moments and create beautifully curated content for you to share on social media – within hours!

“Unlike a videographer who meticulously crafts a polished edit of your special day, complete with multiple cameras, drones, and microphones, your content creator captures the raw and natural essence of your wedding.

Picture having your bestie by your side throughout the day, capturing candid moments, and intimate snapshots that might have otherwise slipped away.”

4. Sustainable weddings are here to stay – and they’re all the more beautiful.

Think locally sourced and organic produce from ethical wedding caterers, sustainably grown florals with minimal carbon footprint, and wedding decor hire. Sustainability is crucially important in the climate crisis, and it’s essential to minimise wedding waste.

Couples are consciously making choices like sourcing local and seasonal flowers, opting for ethically-made wedding attire, and repurposing decorations to minimize waste. They’re also choosing digital invitations and plant-based catering while donating excess food to local shelters.

Sustainable weddings aren’t just a passing trend, they’re a commitment to eco-friendliness and responsible consumption that we truly believe will continue beyond 2024 into 2025 and the years to come! ~ Jordan Fox Photography

5. Film wedding photography, smoke bombs and drones

If something works and looks amazing, it stays on top of our wedding trend lists! Smoke bombs look amazing in photos and bring so much fun to the day!

Jordan also says, “Film wedding photography is making waves in the wedding scene. It’s definitely a bold choice, especially when it comes to weddings. Personally, I love the security of my digital camera, but there’s something undeniably timeless about wedding photos captured on film.”

Lastly, drones provide an additional angle and perspective to wedding photos, giving them a unique touch.

6. Locally grown, sustainable florals

Flowers for weddings have traditionally been devastating in terms of air miles, carbon footprints and harm to nature (via pesticides and monocultures) – not to mention the environmental impact of floral foam.

Couples are still choosing arrangements made from dried wedding flowers and pampas grass. “It’s a super chic and boho look that can be incorporated into various wedding elements, from bouquets to centrepieces.”

7. Wedding fashion – 3D floral accents and green suits

Jordan highlights floral accents as a modern twist that satisfies the desires of brides seeking a fashionable edge. She names coloured wedding dresses as a key 2024 wedding trend, with blush pink, pastel blue and even deep emerald colours at the forefront of bridal fashion. This goes hand in hand with Andrew Brookes’ predictions for wedding suits in shades of green – an emerging colour in 2023 which seems set to stay a favourite for 2024.

Wedding veils are making a comeback, with creative options in colourful veils, and the addition of pearls and bows.

8. One for the brave and playful couples: first dance lessons!

Definitely an optional trend, is the choreographed first dance. We’ve seen this one come and go, long with the choice to even have a first dance at all! But if you don’t want an awkward slow shuffle and you do want a first dance, having lessons will give you confidence and courage to hit the dance floor in style!

9. Redesigned heirloom jewellery

The sustainable choice for wedding jewellery is to repurpose vintage diamonds, gold and precious stones. This could be from family heirlooms, hunting for antiques or choosing an artisan jeweller using ethically sourced metals and gems.

10. “Undone” wedding hair styles

Perfectly in keeping with a relaxed wedding vibe, loose and “undone” wedding hair is trending for summer 2024 weddings.

11. Destination weddings and longer celebrations

If the pandemic showed us anything, it was that weddings can be intimate, with smaller guest numbers. This is contributing to the trend for destination weddings and extended celebrations.

“Destination weddings will always be my favourite! The soft light, the lighter dress code, sun-kissed beaches, the extended wedding weekend – yes please

Extended celebrations are a big part of celebrating your love story further afield and they allow some of the more weather-dependent wedding trends we’ve already mentioned including rehearsal dinners and the after-party.”

We hope you’ve found some inspiring ideas for your summer 2024 wedding in this little lot. Thanks to Jordan Fox Photography for her own beautiful blog post talking about her favourite wedding trends for the coming year. As Jordan says, “each trend represents the individuality and spirit of the modern couple. These trends are not mere passing fads, but rather windows into the very essence of what makes a wedding truly extraordinary.”

Read more at https://www.jordanfoxphotography.co.uk/blog/wedding-trends-2024

The post Relaxed, heartfelt and sustainable – summer 2024 wedding trends with Jordan Fox Photography appeared first on English Wedding.

As English Wedding has grown and thousands of weddings have appeared on our screens, I’ve learned to understand the subtleties of great wedding photojournalism. As someone who spends most days looking at wedding photos, I know it’s the stop-you-in-your-tracks reality of authentic images which call to me above any others.

I know many wedding photographers incorporate some documentary style images into their portfolios. I also know there’s a true art to capturing natural photos during a wedding day, which is about more than a handful of candids or relaxed portraits or guest images.

York Place Studios‘ images have always carried their own genre of magic. The composition, interest and humour in their wedding galleries have the power to slow my scrolls like nothing else. These are images that make you stop, scroll back, and smile as you spot a detail, a glance or a carefully constructed frame – something special that stands out from the crowd.

And that’s why I was so excited to see the launch of Is This Something? – an insight into the documentary wedding photography of the UK’s very, very best.

In this 300+ page exploration of the documentary artform, brother & sister duo Liam & Dominique Shaw reveal their photographic process and philosophies in full. Read their ideas, see their settings, examine their contact-sheets and discover their methods, settings and techniques throughout every stage of a wedding day, from the big “set pieces” to the most seemingly insignificant moments.

“Over nearly two decades we have forged a style of shooting that we love; a way of embracing spontaneity that brings excitement to each and every shoot. We want to help others to find that same passion – that same joy in creating images and confidence in the ability to find them wherever you choose to look. Our passion is documentary photography, but whether shooting documentary, landscapes, portraits, editorial or any other style, we hope that the resources here on “Seemingly Insignificant” can assist you in your path and help you to see and capture more photographic opportunities.” ~ Dominique and Liam Shaw, authors of Is This Something?

Alongside the book, the team behind Seemingly Insignificant offer photography and videography workshops and mentoring, and are sought after by some of the biggest conferences in the world; headlining events as far and wide as Bali’s Limitless, Germany’s Keep It Real and Poland’s Boring Workshop along with Europe’s biggest wedding photography convention BodaF. Their mission: to open eyes and minds to more possibilities; to see more photographs and develop new ways to understand and capture moments.

Buy Is This Something? and find out more at https://seeminglyinsignificant.com

The post For photographers: Is This Something? appeared first on English Wedding.

Wedding welcome bags are a lovely treat for guests, especially for weekend weddings. If your guests have travelled a long way and are staying overnight, it’s an especially thoughtful touch to provide a little welcome bag.

A little welcome pack is brilliant for destination weddings. If guests have flown to be with you on your big day, make them feel really at home with all the information they could need – and some treats!

Where to start with wedding welcome bags

Think through your budget first of all, as this will dictate the contents of your welcome bags.

How much can you spend overall on your welcome bags?

What will the cost be for each bag? (Allow one per couple / family rather than one per guest)

Don’t forget to include the cost of the bag itself! Structured jute bags will be most expensive; printed or blank totes are mid-range, and paper gift bags are most affordable. You could personalise the bags themselves by having them printed, or design a gift tag to tie to the handle.

Wedding welcome bags for a luxury destination wedding in Italy – Elegante by Michelle J. Photographer credit David Bastianoni

Location and information first

Wedding welcome bags should be useful as well as lovely!

Information should come first: a map of the area, with your venue(s) and routes between them marked on.

A schedule of events will help your guests know where to be, and when. Include any dress codes and whether food will be served.

Although you have likely already given out this information in the form of an invitation or wedding website, including a welcome booklet detailing where they need to be, what time to arrive, and what the dress code is will save you fielding a lot of questions! ~ Elegante by Michelle J.

A thoughtful touch is to think what guests might need in your location: if it’s hot, a paper fan. If it’s cold, hand warmers! For example, Michelle suggests including heel protectors if your wedding will be on grass.

When preparing information cards for your wedding welcome bags, try to answer your guests’ questions before they have to ask:

• Are there taxis?
• How long will it take to walk from A to B?
• Local tourist attractions and must-sees
• Where’s the nearest supermarket / chemist?
• Any recommended local cafés, bars etc.

Something to keep and take home!

You could include a little souvenir or a personal gift in each bag – a little treat or keepsake which is easy to pack to take home. Avoid anything tacky, and personalise these if you can.

Affordable gifts for welcome bags might be cute packs of tissues (for happy tears!), lip balm, bottle openers, or fridge magnets. Michelle says it is possible to find beautiful, handmade or locally designed trinkets your guests will love. Look for artisan craftspeople in the local area.

The most essential component of any wedding welcome back is a personal note. It’s free and will be the one little thing your guests treasure most of all. Say thanks for coming, and let them know why you’re thrilled they – personally – can be with you for your wedding!

Treats and nibbles

Include little treats for your guests to tuck into! These might be local cookies or snacks – see if you can provide a sweet and savoury snack in each bag.

Local drinks and nibbles have been especially popular at our Italian weddings this year, and guests love to be greeted by local wines, home-grown olives and other snacks and refreshments they can enjoy in their rooms

Here are some more ideas on what to include in wedding welcome packs

Things to avoid in wedding welcome bags

• Single use plastic bottles are never necessary. Choose glass bottles over plastic, or include a reusable drinks bottle if your budget allows
• A one-for-all approach never works. Consider any guests who don’t drink alcohol, or who are vegan, or who have allergies. Hangover kits for non drinkers might offend, for example. And be sure you include an alternative to alcohol gifts for any guests who don’t drink
• Don’t include anything bulky or heavy which your guests would have to pack in their suitcases to take home – keep it light and easy to pack!

Handing out your wedding welcome bags!

This is where the experience of a top wedding planner can come in especially handy! Logistics require a little thought, so plan carefully and no one will miss out on your welcome gift bags.

If you’re hiring an exclusive use venue for a weekend wedding, with all of your guests staying on site, you could put welcome gift bags in al of their rooms. This can be a little complex if there are any last minute room changes though!

If guests are scattered all around, staying in difference places, have your welcome gift bags at the first event of your weekend. Make a lovely display of them and put someone in charge of seeing that everyone picks theirs up!

It’s really key to make sure everyone knows about the welcome event well in advance, if you’re doing this.

If wedding welcome bags are over your budget

Your welcome doesn’t have to be in a bag filled with gifts. A simple note to welcome everyone is enough – even better if you can take a little time to personalise each one! Remember your guests are coming because they want to share the occasion with you both, and because they love you and enjoy your company! If you can’t afford a welcome note, go all in with a massive hug!

Michelle says,

Great wedding welcome bags can really make a significant difference to your guests’ experience, and the advice we’ve given here is a good starting point for you to work from when putting them together. Don’t forget that if your budget doesn’t stretch to welcome bag gifts, a thoughtful welcome note with an itinerary booklet or sheet will always be appreciated instead. Michelle’s blog is full of helpful tips and advice for planning your wedding, and if you’d like the expert guidance of an Elegante by Michelle J full planning service, get in touch – welcome bags are just the tip of the planning iceberg!

The post Thoughtful touches: wedding welcome gift bags appeared first on English Wedding.