Advice Archives - English Wedding

Five easy first steps to ease you into wedding planning!

Claire Gould — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 09:18:14 +0000

Samantha Gilchrist, the owner of The Gilchrist Collection, has had the pleasure of working with thousands of nearlyweds, across 12 venues including Crowcombe Court and The Ravenswood, making her the expert when it comes to wedding planning:

“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.

Relaxed, heartfelt and sustainable – summer 2024 wedding trends with Jordan Fox Photography

Claire Gould — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:51:17 +0000

We love to hear about meaningful wedding trends. Something more than favours and fripperies, but trends and ideas for a really special and memorable day. Luxury wedding photographer Jordan Fox shares her inspiration for summer 2024 wedding trends which will bring joy to your day!

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.”

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

Thoughtful touches: wedding welcome gift bags

Claire Gould — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:47:15 +0000

Weekend weddings are here to stay, as lots of couples plan a celebration to last for more than just one day. We’re here for it, and we have some great tips to share with you – courtesy of top UK destination wedding planner Elegante by Michelle J.

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.

The modern couple’s guide to hiring a wedding magician

Claire Gould — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:00:24 +0000

When we feature real couples’ weddings on our blog, we don’t ask if they had a magician. It’s a rare choice – but it’s absolute genius. Those couples who fill out our interview and who did hire a magician always, always point them out as one of the very best decisions they made. And that’s thanks to a new breed of exceptional entertainers, including our lovely friend Close-Up Chris. Wedding magicians have levelled up – big time. We’ve got 10 brilliant reasons to hire a magician for your wedding, inspired by Chris’s blog ‘Reasons to hire a wedding magician‘.

1. A good magician brings groups together

Without a magician, your wedding guests will stand around in groups with a handful of social butterflies flitting between family and friends. But it’s the dream to have everyone at your wedding chatting and laughing together… and a magician is where that starts. Picture the scene: your mates from work are huddled around the canapés, while auntie Jane and the family are chatting by the cocktail station – it’s all a bit subdued. A magician will easily bring both groups together, and have them laughing in no time!

2. The best ice breaker

Even if you’re away having your photos taken, a magician will make sure the ambience begins early. While entertainment like garden games might appeal to some of your guests, they can actually separate groups. But a magician will bring people together, looking after your guests who will be in very capable hands! As he steps away to entertain another group, the crowd that’s gathered around him will have something to keep talking about!

“Imagine the whirlwind of laughter, chatter, and good times as I steal thoughts, wallets and watches to get the fun started.” ~ top wedding magician Close-Up Chris

3. Photo opportunities – Photographers. Love. Magicians.

This is fabulous: “The true magic of any wedding (no pun intended) is those candid, unplanned moments that have your photographer clicking faster than a teenager texting their crush.”

And it’s absolutely true. I’ve heard wedding photographers say time and again that the last photos they want are the ones where guests have spotted the camera and stiffened into their ‘photo face’. Those belly laughs and eyes wide open, surprise and delight are what brings characters to the fore. That’s a dream for every wedding photographer: off guard, having fun, joyful moments and connection!

4. The lull buster

A great magician is there to fill any potential gaps before they happen. Every wedding day will have quiet bits – the vibe can’t run at 100 miles an hour all day long! And while the two of you might need some quiet time to breathe and relieve the pressure, or to feed your baby, or give some time to your little ones… your magician is there for your guests. Lulls are necessary: they’ll keep you sane. Meanwhile, a great wedding magician will mingle with guests, take hungry uncles’ minds off their tummies and make sure no one look at their watch (except if they need to check it’s still on their wrist!)

“It’s crucial to have some emergency “entertainment parachutes” ready to deploy during the lulls. In my experience, the most monotonous part of a wedding is right after the wedding breakfast… Pump in some fun that’ll invigorate your guests, shaking them out of their food stupor and gearing them up for an evening of revelry.”

5. X-Factor – unforgettable memories of an epic day (to outshine any other, if that’s your goal!)

Do you remember the weddings you went to last year? What was the best bit? (I’m guessing it was the food… and nine times out of ten, it’s the evening food. Am I right?) Or you might remember a stand-out wedding you went to – and that will be down to the entertainment.

If you want your wedding to be THE one your guests remember, you might be looking for something “more dazzling, more thrilling, more momentous – and I’ve got just the ticket. Close-up magic is like a secret weapon for weddings… There will be stories told long after the last slice of cake has been devoured, about how the magician invaded Zoey’s mind, how the magician made off with the groom’s watch, and so forth.”

6. Just the most awesome FUN!

A great magician at a wedding means guests will be laughing so hard their cheeks ache – and they’ll be laughing toegther. “Bringing in a top-notch wedding magician (or any other form of live entertainment, for that matter) is like performing CPR on your party. It injects a much-needed jolt of fun into the proceedings.”

Other entertainment will have guests smiling or tapping their feet, but only a magician can look after everyone and have the air ringing with laughter!

“While the chocolate fountain might offer a saccharine delight and the DJ can crank up the decibels till the cows come home, close-up magic is the real game-changer here.” I can almost hear the joy…

7. Versatile and there for you too!

“Procuring the services of a top-tier wedding magician is like getting an insurance policy against any wedding day hiccups:
The caterer’s timing on the roast beef has gone awry? Not an issue. Position the magician in front of your famished guests for an impromptu performance that will distract them from the delayed dinner.
The groom is a jittery mess before his speech? No worries. Let the close-up magician work his charm and provide some light-hearted entertainment to lift his spirits.
One side of the family glued to ‘their spot’ in the corner? Don’t stress, your trusty entertainer will draw them out of their shell, diffusing any awkward tension.” – Close-Up Chris

Experience and empathy will really tell, and this is where it’s super important to hire a magician who is familiar with your style of wedding (e.g. in a formal setting, or a festival style wedding, or a mix of cultures) and the running order of the day!

8. It’s not down to the two of you to keep everyone happy all day long!

At some point in your wedding day, you’ll need to breathe… and ideally, you’ll be relaxed and enjoying the entire day! That doesn’t mean your wedding won’t be a whirlwind…

“You’ll be whizzing around like a pinball on steroids, and the last thing you need is to worry about guests nodding off during what should be the bash of the decade… Just wind me up and let me loose – I’ll keep your guests so riveted they won’t even notice you’ve snuck off to snap some pics”

9. Worth every penny and a thousand times more!

“It’s a strange paradox that we wedding magicians often find ourselves at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to wedding planning/wedding entertainment. But let me tell you, the seismic shift we can trigger at your reception is nothing short of extraordinary.”

10. A focal point – the ‘Close-Up Corner’.

After your wedding meal and speeches, there’s a gap in most weddings. We see lots of couples have an outfit change, or time to put little ones to bed, or just a breather and a chance to take it all in! Guests will be waiting to see what comes next… and many will be looking forward to evening guests’ arrival. But what you don’t want is for everyone to mark their territory (chair) at the back of the room away from the dance floor, park their bums and settle in for the night. You want them standing, walking around, and still in the mood for a party! Cue the wedding magician…

“Most receptions, especially in the evenings, suffer from a common ailment. Following the room turnaround, the first dance, and the cake cutting, guests tend to glue themselves to their seats, eyes fixated on the deserted dance floor, waiting for someone to make the first move.”

Chris’s trademark “Close-Up Corner” gives guests something to go and check out – an area to hang out and be entertained. It keeps the atmosphere light and happy, and your evening reception will kick off before people realise they were even waiting for it to begin!

To sum all of this up, a great wedding magician will create talking points and memories, and that’s what makes a wedding unforgettable.

“It’s not every day that Nanna has her watch stolen (relax, she gets it back eventually), or “one of the lads” gets completely taken to the cleaners with some slick back-and-fro’ banter from yours truly.

These unique moments are the stuff legendary weddings are made of. They cast your special day in a golden glow that lingers long after the last guest has left.”

Close-Up Chris offers all day solutions for wedding entertainment. His popular showman package is perfect for grandiose weddings, offering amusement during the drinks reception and evening, with a sprinkle of bonus extras. See why it’s become a crowd favourite at https://www.closeupchris.co.uk/

The post The modern couple’s guide to hiring a wedding magician appeared first on English Wedding.

Celebrating love and heritage: the beauty of multicultural weddings

Claire Gould — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:00:53 +0000

A guest blog by Carla Thomas Photography

As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the unique beauty of multicultural weddings. They aren’t just about two people tying the knot; they’re a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures, rich traditions, and unique personal stories. They offer a wonderful opportunity to honour both who you are and where you come from.

Why multicultural weddings are special

A multicultural wedding isn’t just about uniting two people; it’s a beautiful fusion of families, traditions, and cultures. These weddings are about much more than mixing races; they celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds within the same race too. For example, the subtle yet rich differences between Ghanaian and Nigerian customs can add a unique flavour to your day, often sparking playful debates over who makes the best jollof rice. No contest – Sierra Leone!

Planning your multicultural wedding: a step-by-step guide

Respect and celebrate differences: Your wedding should honour and celebrate both cultures. Aim for a harmonious blend of traditions that reflects your shared story, and make it authentic to you.

Family insights: Your families are your link to cultural heritage. Embrace their stories and traditions to bring depth to your wedding day. It’s about reinventing traditions in a way that resonates with your personal style.

Communicate and educate: Use your wedding programme or website to explain the significance of different cultural elements. This is particularly important for guests who may be unfamiliar with some traditions, helping them appreciate the cultural depth of your celebration.

Stay true to yourselves: Remember, it’s your day. Whether you choose to showcase your cultures throughout the day or select specific moments, what matters most is that it feels right for both of you.

Choose empathetic suppliers: Work with suppliers who understand and share your excitement about your vision. Wedding planners with multicultural wedding experience can be invaluable in blending different traditions respectfully and creatively.

Acknowledging and overcoming challenges

Multicultural wedding planning can present unique challenges, such as reconciling different family expectations or navigating logistical complexities. The key is open communication.

Discuss your visions and concerns with your families, finding common ground where possible. The goal is to celebrate your love and heritage in a way that’s meaningful to you both.

Where to incorporate your cultural heritage

Feast for the senses: Your wedding menu is a chance to wow your guests. Think of a fusion that represents you both.

Ceremony with a twist: The ceremony is where your cultural blend takes centre stage. Mix traditions and customs that mean the most to you, creating a unique and heartfelt experience.

Fashion fusion: Your wedding outfits are a powerful way to express your heritage. Embrace the idea of multiple outfit changes to showcase different cultural clothing, each change symbolising a different aspect of your heritage. I once shot a wedding with 3 outfit changes, so they could honour all aspects of their lives. Imagine switching between a stunning dress and a colourful ashobie or combining a cheongsam with mehndi

Groove to your own beat: Music transcends boundaries and is where the fun really starts. Mix rhythms and styles that let your guests feel a vibe that’s unique to you.

In the details: The little details can powerfully reflect your cultural blend. Weave in elements from your cultures, be it through colour themes, patterns, or even the flowers you choose.

Stay true to you

Remember, this is about what feels right for you. Your wedding can be a grand cultural celebration or a more intimate affair with subtle nods to your roots. The key is to make it authentically yours.

Celebrating your story

Every time I photograph a wedding, I’m reminded of how love brings worlds together.

Multicultural weddings aren’t just beautiful; they’re powerful narratives of unity, diversity, and the incredible journey you’re on. So here’s to you and making your mark in your own unique way.

Your Turn: Which cultural tradition excites you the most for your wedding? Share your thoughts and use the hashtag #MyCulturalWedding on social media to join the conversation!

Carla Thomas Photography is a member of English Wedding

Web: https://carlathomasphoto.com

The post Celebrating love and heritage: the beauty of multicultural weddings appeared first on English Wedding.

On leap year proposals…

Claire Gould — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 19:30:31 +0000

We absolutely can’t let a leap year pass by without mentioning leap year proposals – a cute tradition, perhaps a little outdated now the patriarchy is beginning to crumble (who’s with me?!), but still makes for a fun blog post!

If you haven’t a clue what I’m on about, a leap year was traditionally the one day of the year when women could propose. Of course, 1) I’m not sure where that leaves queer couples and 2) it’s not the 1800s any more so ANYONE can propose at ANY TIME!

Still – the point of traditions in the 21st century is that they’re adorable and if you want to use them as an excuse for something a bit special, absolutely go for it!

Here’s your leap year proposal tips!

Samantha Gilchrist, the owner of The Gilchrist Collection, has had the pleasure of working with thousands of newly engaged couples, across 12 venues including three US, meaning she’s heard all the tales of proposals that have gone right… and wrong!

“I love a Leap year! It gives ladies an excuse to step into their power and take control of the romance by proposing to their partner.

“As women, we may think that proposing is something that will happen to us. Not the case! Whilst women don’t need a reason to forgo tradition and propose to their partner, a Leap Year can act as an extra push of bravery for girls to get down on one knee and pop the question to their loved ones.”

“Over the years I have heard so many proposal stories. Most are wonderful tales about the start of a couple’s happily ever after, however a few have had an element gone wrong! I have a few tips on how brides-to-be can avoid an embarrassing fumble as they ask the most important question and instead make their proposal truly special”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Where you consider popping the question can make or break the moment. After all, if you know your partner is incredibly shy, a flash mob proposal in the middle of Piccadilly Circus may not be right for you. I always recommend thinking back to a special time you and your partner have spent together and think about where you were. Was it the bar you both first met, or maybe simply your kitchen as you cooked a meal together and danced to the radio? Make the location personal to you both.

RING SELECTION

“If you’re proposing to your partner and big diamond rings aren’t really their thing, think creatively! Consider what your partner would like to be presented with when you pop the question. Picking a ring can be tricky, particularly if your partner doesn’t usually wear jewellery. Would they feel more comfortable with a simple white gold band? Or how about a ring with the date of the first time you met engraved? Of course, you don’t have to propose with a ring at all, watches, chains and other gifts make great engagement presents.

INCORPORATE LEAP YEAR SYMBOLISM

The number four is considered very lucky on a Leap Year so why not incorporate that good fortune into your proposal? Write your partner four handwritten letters that tell them where to meet you as you pop the question or ask them ‘Will you marry me?’ four times before waiting for them to respond, or how about simply timing your proposal for 4pm? This is a fun and on theme way to bring even more magic to your proposal.

DON’T FORGET THE PHOTOGRAPHER

If all goes to plan you should only be proposing once in your life, so make sure you have someone on hand to discreetly capture the moment. If you plan on getting down on one knee whilst with family and friends, ask a few people to quietly record the special moment. If you are keeping your engagement as a surprise from loved ones for the time being, consider hiring a professional photographer. They will be well versed on keeping a low profile so not to intrude on this personal moment between you and your partner.

SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

I get it, post-proposal you’ll be feeling elated that your partner just agreed to spend the rest of their lives with you – so much so you want to shout it from the rooftops. Think carefully however about how best to announce your engagement. Most importantly ask your partner their thoughts. Maybe you want to enjoy stepping into the next stage of your relationship privately for a short while, so posting that engagement pic on Instagram may not be the way forward. Of course, you and your partner may want to let everyone know your happy news in which case have fun making a splash! It’s your moment!

PLAN YOUR ENTOURAGE

For such a special moment it is essential you think about who you would like to include as you ask your beloved to marry you. If you know your loved one would like their family or friends present at such an important moment why not get them involved in the proposal? I’ve heard Gilchrist Collection couples plan everything from flash mobs to getting children in the family to hold signs and it can be a lovely way to share your special proposal with those closest to you.

THINK OF THE AFTER PARTY

Picture this, your partner has just agreed to marry you, and you are both so happy… but now the night is over and you have nothing else planned but a cup of tea and bed. Think about what you and your partner would most like to do after they agree to marry you this Leap Year. Book a table at your partner’s favourite restaurant, plan a romantic walk together or head out dancing! Take time to savour the fact that you and your partner have just agreed to take the move into the next chapter of your love story and make a day or night of it. You deserve to celebrate together!

“All engagements are special but there is just something so lovely when a woman decides to take matters into her own hands. I wish each new engagement all the luck this Leap Year.

To see the Gilchrist Collection’s full list of venues and to find out more about Samantha Gilchrist please visit: https://gilchristcollection.co.uk/

Images via Unsplash

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Celebrated – the book for nearlyweds

Claire Gould — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 09:00:39 +0000

Back in December I was lucky to be given a preview copy of Celebrated, by a wedding photographer I’ve been following on instagram for a couple of years. Ross Willsher is a thoughtful, empathetic and talented author and wedding photographer based in Essex. He’s also a bloody lovely human being and a brilliant writer.

Celebrated is the wedding book I wish every couple could read. It’s not a checklist, it doesn’t give overwhelming lists of things to do and buy. It’s the opposite.

Beautifully written and filled with empathy, Celebrated was an absolute joy to read – more than just a book, it’s a heartfelt welcome into wedding planning for every reader which gives warmth and reassurance and inspires a gentle strength and confidence to create a glorious celebration that will be wonderful, proud and authentic – just like you.

I have been wondering if Ross will love what I’m about to write next, or be horrified… but as I read Celebrated for the first time, I turned over the corners of my favourite pages. (Sorry Ross! Your beautiful book has little folded bits… but it’s done with love!) By the time I got to the end, there were quite a lot of little corner folds – a sign of how much I loved it!

And Celebrated is a book you will go back to again and again, not just during your wedding planning but for life.

The first page that really stopped me in my tracks was “Shine” – an insightful piece of writing about self-judgement and seeing yourself through the eyes of the people who love you.

“Validity” had me fist pumping the air.

“Choice” brings perspective to wedding planning in a way no other book, website or wedding media ever will. Yet, they all should.

“They looked so happy” made me cry real tears.

Other standout chapters include Celebrated, Bring all of You (more tears), It’s OK, and Cheers. But really, this is an unforgettable piece of writing which strikes right to the heart – and I will carry it with me always.

You can buy your copy of Celebrated on Amazon – it’s a wonderful companion to anyone planning a wedding and a fabulous gift for anyone with a wedding in their future.

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How To Navigate A Wedding If You or Your Guests Are Teetotal

Claire Gould — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 09:00:19 +0000

Weddings are a celebration, and one thing you can always expect from a celebration is the presence of alcohol. In all the excitement of a wedding day it can be difficult to say no to drinking – but there are ways to overcome this.

Be firm in your beliefs

When you are planning a wedding, couples often feel overwhelmed and stressed with everything they have to do. You’re not alone. You might think that one drink will calm your nerves, but if you are struggling with alcohol, this is a bad idea.

It is important to remember why you are not drinking and sometimes being honest will help those around you understand why. If you don’t want to tell people the reason you aren’t drinking you’re opening yourself to peer pressure, which is why you must be firm when you say “NO”. Set boundaries, and make sure that these boundaries are kept.

How to stay booze-free

Many weddings are now going alcohol-free, and you can have one too. It’s your wedding after all, and you make the rules.

If you don’t mind there being booze at the wedding, have a cash bar at the wedding for those who want to drink.

You can also limit the alcohol at the wedding to just for the celebratory toast during the reception. There is also sparkling fruit juice that can be used for this moment, instead of champagne.

For those who are attending a wedding with alcohol, keep like-minded people close to you or have a sober buddy who is also abstaining to be with you during the ceremony. Spend time chatting with people you know are designated drivers, or other friends who aren’t drinking.

Divert the attention away from alcohol

When planning your wedding, you can make a note of it being alcohol-free on the invitation, so guests can expect it to be a dry wedding. You can still make your ceremony a memorable one by diverting the attention away from there being no alcohol.

• Instead of a regular bar, have a mocktail bar or a dessert station instead.

• Focus more on the quality of the food and options of food that you are providing to your guests.

• If you are a guest at a wedding, you can avoid drinking by opting for the alcohol-free alternatives that are available.

• You should order your own drinks so that others don’t accidentally order an alcoholic drink for you.

• At the wedding, take part in other fun activities like enjoying the food, dancing, socializing, and meeting new people. This will take your mind off the temptation to drink.

What happens if you relapse or break your streak

When you are going to a social event with lots of booze around, it can be hard to say no. As long as you make sure to surround yourself with like-minded people and stick to your boundaries then you won’t have any issues. If you slip up, there is help available to get you back on track. It’s important to be kind to yourself and to forgive yourself for having that drink.

If you are dealing with excessive alcohol consumption in your life, there are people who can help. This article was written for Rehab Guide, who provide comprehensive treatment for all kinds of addictions including alcohol addiction.

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