Clare Beckwith Weddings Events Parties

NHS Staff Awards Event, Wycombe Hospital, Buckinghamshire

2011-12-14T16:56:00.000Z

It's always a pleasure to work on events and we were really happy to be asked by Wycombe hospital to help with the venue decoration for their staff recognition event. We had a tight brief: to create maximum impact with minimum budget. Always up for a challenge, we designed the rooms around a pink and blue theme to complement aspects of the room already in place. In keeping with the celebratory nature of the event, we laid a lushious pink carpet and complemented it with warm lighting to create plenty of atmosphere. In the foyer where guests were treated to canapes and champagne, we hung drapes and used mood lighting to light the walls and cocktail tables to create a fun, yet prestigious feel. We also dressed the outside space to create an inviting area for guests to gather.

Sarah Klamut, HR Manager says “Thank you for all your hard work with dressing the rooms for our staff awards event recently. The rooms looked fantastic and everyone was very complimentary! I have been particularly impressed with your professionalism, enthusiasm and 'can do' approach. It has been such a pleasure to work with you. Many thanks.”

If you would like us to design your reward and recognition event, please call us now on 01296 663 726. We'd be delighted to share our ideas.

Get fit for your big day

2011-11-30T17:48:00.000Z

Ok, so it's winter. It's cold out there, it's December tomorrow and the rain is due to set in. At times like these, there's nothing we all love more than to cosy up in front of a log fire, with snuggy socks, a big jumper and a bar of Cadbury's. But for those of you with a wedding round the corner you might want to swap your socks for a pair of trainers and start thinking about getting fit for your big day. Now we know it's tricky and you need huge amounts of motivation, but just think of the benefits when you slide effortlessly and elegantly into your gown this summer.

So what are we suggesting? Well, how about a weekend at fit camp? Now those of you who follow this blog will know we're not huge fans of the traditional 'boot' camp. The name just makes us want to run for the hills, but we've found one with a difference! Happy Bodies in Milton Keynes have introduced a weekend fit camp; great for those of you who have other commitments in the week. The emphasis is also on diet and nutrition so you can keep up all your good work when you get home.

Check them out on www.happybodies.co.uk

Music at a marquee wedding

2011-10-21T14:57:00.001+01:00

Marquee weddings are wonderful. You can pretty much start from scratch and personalise your design right down to the last detail. But don't get caught out when it comes to your music. If you don't plan everything carefully you could really upset your neighbours. We asked Susan Heaton-Wright from Viva Live Music how to avoid the pitfalls of live music in a marquee. Here is what she said...

“Last week I attended an event in a beautiful marquee. The venue and the catering was wonderful. There was also an excellent duo of musicians, but guests struggled to speak to each other despite the music being ‘background’. It was a shame because the musicians were great and it was a fabulous event.

Marquees are particularly challenging for sound. The ‘walls’ don’t allow sound to bounce off them, and most marquees are quite large, so in order for guests to hear and enjoy the music, amplification and sound levels need to be higher.

In addition to this, the sound does not remain in the marquee and neighbours can be disturbed by any entertainment: whether it be a DJ, band or just the sound of guests talking. Therefore noise levels need to be managed carefully, to ensure guests’ enjoyment and neighbours expectation is met.

We heard that Paul McCartney’s wedding caused angry neighbours to contact Environmental Health in the early hours, and for them to visit the venue to have the music stopped. We don’t want this to happen at another wedding!

Initially, I would seek advice from Environmental Health at your local authority. They have the power, ultimately, to have music stopped if an event is disturbing neighbours and no one wants this to happen at a wedding. They would be able to advise you on what time the music should be stopped (whether it be a live band or a disco) and also the sound volume (decibels). Local authorities vary with their systems, but it could be that you could register the event and agree on timings and sound levels (and remember to have a decibel meter), so if there are any complaints from neighbours, you will be able to prove you have permission.

There are other tips regarding sound levels;

Make sure the musicians set up and sound check in plenty of time. Give them a deadline when they can do this BEFORE the event – don’t tell them on the day.

Delegate someone in your party: a best man, father of the bride etc. who will monitor the sound levels.

Choose musicians or a DJ that will respond to requests for sound levels to be managed. We always have a clause saying that musicians respond to requests for music volume to be altered by clients – I would recommend this is put in any contract.

Be clear about whether you want the musicians or music to be ‘background’ or a ‘feature’ – eg After dinner cabaret or a band.
As I mentioned earlier, marquees are particularly difficult to supply sound to; so often musicians only have two speaks at the front, and will put the volume of those high, so it is too loud in front of them, but the other side of the marquee can’t hear the music. A better solution is to have four speakers, one in each corner. The volume can be kept lower and more guests can hear it.
It is worthwhile using the services of a sound engineer who will mix the sound levels correctly. A common mistake for DJs and musicians is to put the treble too loud, which in a marquee is particularly difficult for guests to hear each other speak as the sound cuts through the atmosphere.

In the end, it is about being informed; for the musicians or DJ working with the client to ensure the event goes well; listening to the client and also the client being prepared with timings for the supplier to ensure the event is a great success.”

Paige and Harish's wedding is featured on J Crew's website

2011-10-19T12:14:00.000+01:00

We have very fond memories of Paige and Harish's Spring wedding. Every detail was perfect, Paige looked amazing in her J Crew gown, and even the sun came out to play. Paige just contacted us to let us know that her wedding has now been featured on the J Crew website. Take a look at these beautiful pics by photographer Helen Jones...

http://www.jcrew.com/wedding.jsp#/6

Credits: www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk

Weddings inspired by Autumn

2011-09-19T15:53:00.000+01:00

Once again we are delighted to feature in the October/ November issue of Your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine. Here's the question and what we have to say about it!

Q. I'm in the early stages of planning my wedding, which is set to take place next autumn. I've chosen a lovely venue but apart from that I'm a bit clueless. I've heard that selecting a colour scheme is the next step as it's a good base to work around. What colour combinations work well at this time of year?

A. Clare Beckwith says: Look at the trees at this time of year and you will see them change from green to yellow and red and then to brown. Rosy red apples are ripening on the trees, orange pumpkins are fit to burst and golden corn is being harvested from the fields, I can't think of a better time of year to take your inspiration from nature.

It's such a vibrant season that you might want to choose a combination of complementary colours, or even contrasting ones. Pick one or two main hues, and then use a couple of accents to add interest, perhaps for the ribbons on your bouquet. Popular autumnal colours include red, burgundy, orange, peach, rust, gold, mustard yellow, dark green, and brown. Create a mood board by cutting out pictures from magazines and using colour swatches to see what colour combinations work best for you.

That said, if you really are a fuchsia pink kind of girl and want to add turquoise accents, don't let the season stop you. It's your wedding and you should have it just the way you want.

Choosing the perfect...... wedding venue

2011-07-18T22:03:00.011+01:00

The other day, a friend asked me which wedding venue I’d recommend in their local area.

As a wedding planner, I am familiar with quite a few venues and it’s really easy to just list all the beautiful ones that look good and have capacity for the number of guests you are inviting. But for me, the perfect wedding venue has to have so much more.

You might have an idea in your mind that you want to get married in a particular style of venue. You might like the idea of a barn reception, or saying ‘I do’ in a Highland castle for example. Maybe you’ve got your eye on an English country manor house. But take it from me, there’s more to choosing the right venue than just looking at the bricks and mortar.

The Bingham Hotel, Richmond, Surrey

http://www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk/

For me, it’s mostly about the people.

Everyone you come into contact with at the venue will be critical to your enjoyment of the day, so it’s really important to choose one with exceptional customer service.

Depending on the size of venue, you will often come across several of the venue’s staff. Larger venues have sales staff that show you round, talk you through the benefits of a wedding at their venue and eventually take your booking. Different staff from the operational team will then manage your wedding day. Smaller venues are likely to have one or two people who cover off both these areas.

My advice would be to spend some time at the venue beforehand to get a real feel for the people. If you are thinking about having a civil ceremony and reception at a hotel for instance, book a meal or an overnight stay well in advance so that you can sample the customer service for yourself.

Is the receptionist courteous? If you’ve been for a visit once or twice, do they recognise you and welcome you personally? How is the service at dinner? Was the food inspirational and well prepared? Do the staff smile and look happy? All these things will impact on your day.

Bisham Abbey in Buckinghamshire

http://www.lordandleverett.com/

I’ve been married for nearly a decade now. My husband and I return to our wedding venue every year. Why? Well, the staff at the hotel were true professionals in the run up to our big day and were nothing but outstanding on the day itself. We remember their amazing hospitality and I can hand-on-heart say that they have been consistently outstanding every year since.

If ‘customer service’ features highly on your list too, you might be interested to know that in the coming months I will be revealing some of my favourite wedding venues that tick this all important box.

Jenna and Graeme's Pre-wedding shoot in Brighton

2011-07-11T10:00:00.003+01:00

Jenna and Graeme from Buckinghamshire chose sunny (and windy!) Brighton as the backdrop for their pre-wedding shoot. Pre-wedding and engagement photo shoots are becoming more and more popular. They absolutely loved theirs and think that there are lots of reasons to make them part of your wedding plans …

1. It’s a great way to get to know and feel totally comfortable with your photographer, before the big day

Our wedding photographer is Phil Bourne, owner of e.motion images. He’s a brilliant photographer but he’s also an old friend of mine, so for me and my hubby to be, it was really important to feel confident and relaxed with Phil … not as mates, but as photographer and bride.

A pre-wedding photo shoot was a brilliant opportunity to do that and we think it worked pretty well!

2. It’s a great way to express yourself and your personality

We love all things vintage and fun … so straight away we knew we’d have a vintage photo shoot. After some thought and chat with Phil, we also knew Brighton would be the best venue for this. Not only was it an excuse to have some fun by the sea, we also knew it would really suit the vintage theme.

I’ve also seen some lovely picnic shoots, beach parties for two, and tea parties used as engagement themes. Some carefully selected props make the pictures stand out too!

3. Photos can be a great way of injecting personal touches in to your wedding day

We’ve used our pictures on our invites, order of service and in other little touches to be revealed on September 1st! (our wedding day!)

4. We’ve also made our own album as a keepsake and some as presents for family and friends, which they love!

The only piece of advice I would give anyone doing a pre-wedding photo shoot is to ‘be prepared’! When we did ours, the weather was absolutely freezing … and as you can see, very, very windy!!!!

To check out Phil’s work, have a look at http://www.e-motionimages.co.uk/or contact him phil@e-motionimages.co.uk

If you would like your wedding or your pre-engagement shoot featured on our website, please email your details to info@clarebeckwithweddings.co.uk and send us a few sample shots to look at. We especially like to see your unique weddings with lots of special touches as these are most likely to be published.

Wedding gifts you really want!

2011-07-04T12:51:00.000+01:00

The tradition of giving wedding gifts for the home is not always appropriate for today’s couples. It comes from times gone by, when more often than not, brides and grooms-to-be still lived with their parents and would set up home together as newly-weds for the first time. Gifts like teapots and cutlery would have been more than welcome, I am sure. Today’s couples tend to live together before getting married and have pretty much everything they need in the way of household accessories.

To get the gift you really want, why not ask guests to donate money towards your honeymoon. That way you get special memories and shared experiences - and which wedding guest could deny you that! If you set up your list with a specialist honeymoon gift company, your guests will have the chance to specify what they can buy. For instance, they can treat you to a bedroom on stilts, a luxurious spa treatment, surf lessons or a decadent champagne breakfast.

Now, you will always get the odd guest who doesn’t agree with the whole concept and would prefer to offer a wrapped present instead, so you could set up a mini gift list too. That way everyone wins!

Photo credits: http://www.thebottomdrawer.co.uk/

Don’t get stressed, get a wedding planner!

2011-06-20T13:00:00.004+01:00

If you think wedding planners are just for celebrities with big budgets then think again. Couples who employ wedding planners are just like me and you. Looking at my recent clients, most have been brimming with great ideas, but haven’t got the time to put them into action. Or they start planning their wedding day only to realise the enormity of the task ahead. Some have needed help organising the whole thing; some just need a list of trusted suppliers and then get on with it themselves. Others just need help tying up loose ends in the final few weeks leading up to the big day.

Working with a professional wedding planner can be a great asset. Here are 5 good reasons to think about hiring one for your celebrations:

1) Wedding Planners know the best wedding suppliers to work with

More often than not, you’ll be planning your wedding for the first time. You may scour the internet and countless wedding magazines in search of perfect suppliers, but in the end it’s a lottery - you really have no idea whether they’ll be right for you. Wedding planners have done this before. I personally have a database of everyone I’ve worked with. I make little notes on them. The only ones that make my final short list are 100% reliable, 100% professional and 100% fun to have around! It is the best day of your life after all.

2) Wedding Planners can generate ideas you may not have thought of

Now you need to be careful here as some planners are all about the organisation, and less about creativity. But if you choose carefully, you can have both. Talk to your planner about your theme and ask them to come up with ideas. Good planners will put a fresh spin on things and you can choose unique ideas that really capture your imagination.

3) Wedding Planners do all the leg work, so you so don’t have to

Whether it’s internet research, personal visits to suppliers or simply phoning around, a wedding planner can save you huge amounts of time and energy. On average, we visit all suppliers at least twice during the planning process and send and receive literally hundreds of emails. Just think how you could spend all that saved time!

4) Wedding Planners can help your day run more smoothly

Father’s of the Bride with security tags still fastened in their suits, bands refusing to play as they’ve not been paid, feuding families, and even feuding brides and grooms. These are some of the situations I’ve faced when I’ve been hired to work purely ‘on the day’. It takes a great deal of skill to manage situations like these at short notice, but any professional wedding planner will take it in their stride and work to calmly resolve tricky situations.

5) Wedding Planners can save you money

I don’t ever like to promise that I will save you money, but I promise to always try. Most reputable wedding planners charge you a fee up front rather than taking commission from suppliers. That means you always know what you are spending in advance. Good planners will keep on top of your budget. They will also know the venues that offer reduced rates for certain days of the week, or which suppliers are likely to offer discounts on your order.

With the wedding industry crammed full of suppliers, ranging from the very best to the unspeakably bad, a professional Wedding Planner could be a big asset on your wedding day!

Pictures shown are from Nic and Nic's wedding at Bisham Abbey, Buckinghamshire which Clare Beckwith Weddings planned. Photos used with the kind permission of http://www.lordandleverett.com/

Creative genius

2011-06-15T15:44:00.005+01:00

We are always really interested in soming across quirky little businesses that offer something different from the norm for our brides and their weddings.

Using our contacts, we have recently discovered creative people who do amazing things with buttons and odds & sods to make the most incredible wedding head gear and people who can create beautiful flower pom poms out of bits of tissue paper.

Our newest find is Kyleigh who has a way with completely blank pieces of white paper. Now, if I were to give you a piece of blank paper, you'd probably make a dodgy paper aeroplane, right?

Not Kyleigh. She does this!

She clearly has a way with paper and a scalpel. You can find her personalised creations at http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/kyleighspapercuts

They'd make a great gift for the happy couple, or a display on the sweetie buffet. Even a gift to each other a special momento of your perfect day.

If you are a small business with an amazing product that you think our brides might like to see, just let me know. I don't take bribes or payment for featuring you and your product, but I will only cover the ones I love, love, love.

Turning heads

2011-06-13T13:20:00.000+01:00

Now I don't know about you, but if I come across a stray button, or a piece of ribbon or the like, I pop it in my 'button box' (a small plastic airtight food container) which is where it lives untouched...well ...forever.

But some people have a way with bits and bobs and can create the most inspired pieces from the most unlikely materials. Which is why I just had to introduce you to Chloe Haywood from Hatastic http://www.hatastic.folksy.com/

Chloe started making hats and fascinators when she couldn't find a hat to go with a vintage cream crepe dress for a very special wedding. She wanted a fascinator, but all she could find were bright and brash designs that were really expensive and looked like everything else on the high street.

I met Chloe a few years back when I worked on her equally creative sister's wedding. She can lovingly craft the most amazing head pieces including bridal veils, hats and fascinators.

Each item is handmade from secondhand, vintage or recycled items. Her headpieces are unique, so you know that your design is a true one off. No mass produced stuff here. Perfect for the bride or wedding guest with an individual style.

Hatastic! has been nominated to be Accessory Designer of the Year at the Finest Fashion Awards in July 2011. One to watch!

Photo credits: http://www.julietlemon.com/, http://www.jerileebrownphotography.co.uk/

Sing your heart out

2011-06-08T14:12:00.002+01:00

I asked my favourite music expert Susan Heaton-Wright http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/
to look at how brides can take elements of the Royal Wedding and make them their own. One aspect that would be interesting to recreate is the choir.

The choir at the Royal Wedding was simply outstanding. They are one of the best choirs in the world and the sound they created was perfect for the Abbey. They led the hymn singing; sang anthems during the service, including during the signing of the register, and performed the astonishing “I was Glad” by Parry, as Catherine walked down the aisle.

Some churches do have a choir and they will be used to singing popular hymns and anthems for weddings. If you've booked a church it is worthwhile listening to the choir at a service, to see if you like the sound of them.

An alternative might be to either book a professional quartet of singers, who would lead the singing and anthems as required, or to book the services of a local amateur choir.

One note about an amateur choir; they are doing this for pleasure, but there are costs involved for them such as rehearsal time, the time of the conductor (who is normally a professional musician), hiring the music and the rehearsal room and arranging the singers to come to the wedding. I normally recommend that you make a donation to the choir of £200 - £300 to cover their expenses and time.

There are plenty of beautiful choir anthems that could be included such as:

Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring: Bach
Lead Me Lord : Wesley
The Lord is my Shepherd: Various * many choirs will have the ‘Vicar of Dibley’s’ version by Howard Goodall
Hallelujah Chorus: Handel
If ye love me: T Tallis
Cantique de Jean Racine: Faure

The choir will also lead the hymn singing for the congregation. Just think how relieved all your guests will be!

The wedding of your dreams for less

2011-06-06T16:33:00.003+01:00

Once the initial excitement of your engagement is over you can often be brought down to earth with a bump when the reality of the cost of your wedding sets in. But help is at hand with our ideas to help you plan the wedding of your dreams for less.

Our first piece of advice is to set a budget that you can afford and stick to it. Having large debts to pay off is no way to start married life. And remember, weddings really don’t have to cost a fortune. Some of the most beautiful and memorable weddings we have seen have been on a smaller budget.

For a more cost effective wedding, try to enlist the help of talented family and friends to create flower arrangements, cakes, invitations etc. They are often delighted to be asked and your wedding will be more personal as a result. One bride we had the pleasure to work with designed her own dress, had her sister make all the bridesmaids dresses and asked an old aunt to make the cake – one of the most beautifully crafted we have ever seen.

Prioritise the elements of your wedding that are important to you – ditch the costly favours or make them yourself for example. It’s a fact that nearly half of your wedding budget will go towards paying for the reception, so keep your guest numbers to a minimum or costs will creep up. Consider getting married on a weekday when venues offer reduced prices. Choose a more alternative venue – golf clubs and village halls, for example, can often be set in pretty locations and are so much more cost effective to hire than a 5 star manor house!

One last piece of advice - always keep in the back of your mind that it’s the thoughtful touches that your guests will treasure, not how much you spent on a 5 tier cake!

Recreate aspects of the Royal Wedding with a Trumpet Fanfare

2011-06-01T13:58:00.000+01:00

Wasn’t the trumpet fanfare when the Queen arrived; Catherine arrived and also when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appeared after signing the register, fab?

Westminster Abbey is a huge venue, and requires a group of trumpeters to fanfare. For most of us though, our wedding venues are a little smaller so a single trumpet player can re-create this feature very easily.

Rather than the trumpeter just playing as the bride arrives at the ceremony, they could play throughout the ceremony. Here are our music expert, Susan Heaton-Wright's music suggestions:

Processional:

Trumpet Voluntary: Clarke
Bridal Chorus: Wagner (Lohengrin)
Trumpet Voluntary: Stanley
Prelude to Te Deum: Charpentier

Recessional:

Wedding March: Mendlessohn
Rondeau: Mouret
Hornpipe from Watermusic: Handel
Ode to Joy: Beethoven (Ninth Symphony)

During the signing of the register:

Let the Bright Seraphim: Handel (with a soprano soloist)
One of the solos from above.

In addition, the trumpeter could play the melody of any hymns, to lead the hymn singing.

With thanks to Susan Heaton-Wright http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/

Sweet Treats

2011-05-30T12:49:00.002+01:00

Sweet tables are really popular at weddings at the moment. There are quite a few companies that offer this service, but if you are on a budget it's really simple to set one up yourself.

For this one, we hired the pretty vintage style jars from http://www.thecakeparlour.com/ and sourced the sweets ourselves. You can put them out in the evening for guests to enjoy. Or in this instance, the bride adorned the wedding breakfast tables with pretty vintage-style bags for the guests to fill up at their leisure.

Simple, but very effective!

Take the lead from the Royal Wedding

2011-05-28T13:37:00.000+01:00

If you were glued to the TV last month soaking up every last detail of the Royal Wedding, you have to agree that the organisers must be very pleased with themselves. An undeniable triumph! The beautiful lace gown. Pippa's incredible bridesmaid dress, the impeccably timed logistics (wouldn't have wanted that job!) and the beautiful music.

Of course, the happy couple had a rather large budget available, a unique venue, and some of the world’s best musicians to play. However, there are ways you can re-create some aspects of the wedding ceremony for your wedding. I spoke to my music guru Susan Heaton-Wright (http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/) for some hot tips and here they are...

Music before your wedding ceremony

The music played before the Royal Wedding was programmed and listed in the order of service. I always recommend that brides ask musicians to play music 15 minutes before the start of the ceremony; not only does this create a wonderful atmosphere, but guests don’t arrive in silence and are entertained. If you've booked a church organist, they could play a programme of music; similarly other musicians you might have booked, including a harpist, string quartet, pianist or even a singer, could perform at this point.

The musicians in this picture are http://www.adriamus.com/ who played outside on the terrace at Paige and Harish's wedding at the Bingham Hotel in Richmond.

Photo credit: http://www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk/

All you need is love

2011-05-27T13:50:00.001+01:00

I'm pretty sure blog etiquette says that I should write more than this, but what more is there to say?

I adore this cake!

Photo crdedit: http://www.choccywoccydoodah.com/

Wedding flowers that rock

2011-05-24T14:32:00.004+01:00

If you want your wedding to be full of unique and quirky details that suit your own personal style, then you have to go the extra mile to hunt down stuff that isn't sold en masse on the high street. All the time spent surfing on the web in the years, months and weeks leading up to your wedding will be totally worthwhile when you stumble across a lesser known supplier who has just what you want - they just take a bit of time to find!

Here's one we came across the other day - Bookworm Eats Flower. They make beautiful bouquets, accessories, buttonholes and corsages using handmade paper flowers and the lovely Lauren who makes them is happy to create something bespoke for you too.

Check out these little works of art...

Photo credits: http://www.bookwormeatsflower.com/

Wedding Transport ideas

2011-05-23T13:19:00.002+01:00

If you are getting married in a church and your reception venue is miles away, it can be a headache to ask guests to make the long drive. Will it break up the flow of the day? What if they get lost? Will there be enough parking? But worry not, there are loads of things you can do to ensure the journey is as fun, and easy for guests as possible.

One idea to ensure that your guests arrive relaxed and happy at the reception venue is to hire transport to take them all from the church to the reception venue. That way, they can all travel together knowing that everything is taken care of and that they don’t need to worry about parking or finding the venue by themselves. You can also ensure that they all arrive at the same time. You could consider a vintage bus, or a perhaps a luxury modern coach.

If your church and reception venue are beside water, you could consider a hiring a boat as a really fun treat for your guests.

To make a 40 minute journey seem like just 5, you could consider having some kind of activity or entertainment on board. You might like to devise a quiz about the bride and groom that your guests can take part in. Or maybe you could set them a challenge of spotting key landmarks on the way. When they arrive at their destination, you might consider some organised entertainment to greet guests as they disembark and are waiting for other guests to get off the bus. A singer, a mix and mingle magician or a caricaturist would be the perfect welcome to your venue.

Help!

2011-05-18T20:27:00.000+01:00

This is a cute idea - it's the small details that add personality to your wedding day afterall and these would be great photo props. These little 'help' stickers are from http://www.weddingideasshop.com/ and are only £5.99. Snap them up, I say!

Have fun with your wedding photography

2011-05-17T13:30:00.000+01:00

We have just come across this fabulous piccy by one of our favourite wedding photographers Lord and Leverett and it brought a smile to our faces.

We had plenty of fun the other day at Paige and Harish's wedding when we used a range of props to inject fun into the photos. This young bride had other ideas when she suggested doing cartwheels. Brave girl - we have much admiration for you. Please don't try this in a tight dress!

Photo credits: http://www.lordandleverett.com/

Your retro themed wedding

2011-05-16T12:02:00.001+01:00

Retro themes are so popular nowadays, and you can have loads of fun planning every detail to ensure it's in keeping with the era you choose. If you have a lot of children attending your retro-themed wedding and want to ensure they have something fun to remember the day by, what better than to choose a wedding favour that keeps them entertained, and complements your theme.

There’s nothing more retro and iconic than a Rubics cube and this will keep them entertained for ages, as well as being a memorable game to take home. Try http://www.thingsretro.co.uk/ The kids might also enjoy other retro mini games like Twister, Connect 4, Operation and Etch a Sketch. You can find all these pocket-sized classics at http://www.prezzybox.com/

Continuing the games theme, why not treat each child to a 70s style space hopper. The younger ones might enjoy a mini wind-up version http://www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/ whilst I am sure the older ones will appreciate a full sized one. http://www.a1gifts.co.uk/

If it’s a musical treat you are after, vinyl style recordable CDs would be perfect for the teens. They have the look of old vinyl records, and come in cases styled like 7" record sleeves. Despite their retro looks, each CD can store up to 700Mb of data, songs or pictures http://www.shinyshack.com/

For the younger ones, why not consider a retro harmonica from Heals. It’s great for beginners, as well as experts! http://www.heals.co.uk/

The little girls among your guests will treasure adorable Milly Molly Mandy books http://www.amazon.co.uk/
Why not present them in retro ‘cut out doll’ party bags from http://www.lovethelittlethings.co.uk/

For the boys, and also available from Love the Little Things, is a pin ball game with a cool retro picture on the back of the tin. Again present in a retro bag adored with cars especially for the boys.

Pretty much all kids love sugary treats, so retro sweets are bound to impress. Try a mini gum ball machine or a mini gum ball slot machine http://www.beau-coup.com/ This is an American website, but I have found they reliably deliver to the UK. Other ideas are classics like Love Hearts, black jacks, sherbet dib dabs and cola cubes http://www.keepitsweet.co.uk/ For a retro funfair feel, you could go for candy floss, personalised rock, toffee apples or popcorn.

Paige and Harish's vintage wedding at The Bingham, Richmond

2011-05-09T18:47:00.005+01:00

It was a complete treat to be invited to work with Paige and Harish on their wedding at the fabulous Bingham Hotel in Richmond. Wonderful riverside location, wonderful ideas, completely wonderful couple.

Paige, originally from New Jersey, USA and Harish met at St Andrews university just over 6 years ago, when Paige popped a valentines card under Harish's door. Brave move, and it clearly bowled him over!

Their guests flew in from all over the globe and were treated to the amazing Bingham hospitality. They could not have had a more perfect day for their celebrations as temperatures soared to an unseasonal 26 degrees on Easter Sunday.

I've been excited to see their photos - mainly because they incorporated so many really interesting details - a wedding planner's dream. Take a look.

Wedding planner - Clare Beckwith Weddings http://www.clarebeckwithweddings.co.uk/
Photographer - Helen Jones photography http://www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk/
Brides's dress - J Crew (USA)
Bride's sash - Marisa (USA - handmade in New Jersey, where bride is from)
Bridesmaids dresses - David's Bridal (USA)
Bride's shoes - New Look
Groom's suit and groomsmen's waistcoats/cravats - Moss Bros
Flowers - Conservatory Florist, Richmond, Surrey
Wedding cake (birdcage) - The Cake Parlour, Wimbledon
Groom's cake and cupcakes with St Andrews crest - The Cake Parlour, Wimbledon
Favour bags - Handmade by groom's mother with fabric bought in USA
'Something borrowed and something old' - Vintage birdcage charm from Ireland (a gift from Paige's bridesmaid Grace - pinned to bouquet)
'Something blue' - Ribbon monogrammed with bride's initials and date of wedding - J Crew (pinned to bouquet)
'Something new' - Bride's necklace - Baccarat
Invitations and placecards - Vera Wang
Orders of Ceremony, table numers and seating plan - Ruth Springer Design
Frame for seating plan - Not on the High Street
Tall Birdcages - Wedding Day Hire
Double sided picture frames - John Lewis
Oversize Balloons - Signature balloons

Ivory lace for balloons - John Lewis

Ivory satin ribbon - The Ribbon Company

A family affair

2011-05-09T15:57:00.003+01:00

Question: Two years ago my partner and I were forced to cancel the wedding of our dreams because I was made redundant. Since then, we’ve scrimped and saved for the big day and finally have the funds to make it happen. The problem is, a few family members are being a bit too generous, insisting that they hand-make favours, bake the cake and even help with the entertainment. Both my partner and I have politely refused their offers because we’d rather hire professionals. However, because of our past money problems, they’re not taking ‘no’ for an answer. What can we do to get the wedding we want without hurting anyone’s feelings?

CBW Answer: Why not take a different tack and try to channel their energies into an area of the wedding that you would appreciate their help on.

Maybe they could save you time, rather than money and help collect and return suits or arrive early and help set up the reception venue, for example. Maybe you could allocate them important roles so that they still feel they are making a valuable contribution. Ask them to do a reading or poem during the ceremony, be a witness, make a speech...

That said, I really can’t help feeling that you are blessed with having such a lovely family who are willing to go the extra mile in making your day so special. In my experience as a wedding planner, some of the wedding cakes and hand-made favours created by ‘gifted amateurs’ in the shape of mums, aunts, sister, dads and other family members are some of the best I’ve seen, and they give your wedding a really personal touch!

Photo credit: http://www.helenjonesphotography.co.uk/
Favour bags hand sewn by groom's mum, with pretty fabric sourced from the USA.

Invite Betty to your wedding

2011-05-03T14:36:00.000+01:00

If you want to bring a bit of retro style to your wedding, why not invite Betty?

Betty, owned by Hayley of Vintage Scoops http://www.vintagescoops.co.uk/ is a 1973 Bedford cf who has been lovingly restored and decorated in beautiful shades of pale blue and cream. To complete the authentic 50's feel she is decked out in Cath Kidston oilcloth and festooned with bunting.

We bumped into Betty while we were Easter egg hunting at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, and thought what a perfect addition to your wedding she would be.

The ice cream comes locally from Beachdean Dairies and is free from artificial flavourings, colourings and additives. The flavours are to die for. There are all the usual ones you'd expect like rum and raisin, double chocolate, sticky toffee fudge. But they also have a selection perfect for weddings such as Champagne Sorbet, Bailey's or Pimms and Lemonade. They also have a range of lollies. I expect any kiddies at the wedding might enjoy the bubble gum flavour. And the men-folk? Well, what better than the lager and lime, or cider varieties?

Weddings on a budget

2011-05-02T15:52:00.001+01:00

We are often asked to contribute as a Wedding Expert to County Wedding magazine's range of local glossy wedding magazines. Here is one of the questions we were recently asked:

Question: My partner and I got engaged five years ago, and at the time we threw a massive party and told everyone there that they would be invited to our big day bash. Since then however, we’ve both had money troubles and can no longer afford the lavish wedding that we promised – in fact we can only afford to invite half of the people that attended our engagement party. Now that we’re finally tying the knot, I’m nervous about having to explain our situation. Is there anything we can do to soften the blow?

CBW answer: Five years is a very long time, and a lot can change in that time. If the current economic climate is affecting you, you can be certain that it is affecting the people who attended your engagement party too. If they are good friends they will completely understand and be happy for you both and the love that you have for each other. After all ‘love’ is the fundamental reason to get married, not the wedding itself. Sometimes situations like this are for the best, and you can turn them into a positive. Just think how expensive it might have been for your guests to attend your wedding: to buy a new outfit; a wedding gift; overnight accommodation. They might be quite relieved not to have to spend money they can’t afford either! They are ways that you can still keep your day special and allow everyone to share in your happiness. Before the wedding, why not craft a handwritten note to explain your change of plans – remember, well thought out, heartfelt words cost nothing. To soften the blow further, you might want to consider sending them a mini montage of the photos of your day so that they can treasure your special memories too.

Music at the Royal Wedding Reception

2011-04-25T13:21:00.004+01:00

If you are as excited about the Royal Wedding as we are, you will be desperate to know every small detail about it. Susan Heaton-Wright, our music expert has been keeping her eye on what is happening on the music front and gives us her thoughts about the types of music that might be played at the reception.
She says:

"After the wedding ceremony, William and Catherine and their guests will be attending a reception, hosted by the Queen, at Buckingham Palace. It was announced that the Welsh Harpist, who is the harpist by royal appointment, will be providing some background music for the reception.

Any reception is enhanced by good quality background music, and the Royal household is experienced in creating the most memorable occasions which include unforgettable music. I know a number of outstanding musicians that have performed at royal occasions, as background musicians, and they have said that the Royal household is always actively involved in choosing play lists, to create the correct atmosphere for each occasion. They might have been asked to include a ‘favourite song’ of a special guest; ‘Happy Birthday’ or even a special national song of a foreign guest!

We know that William and Catherine have engaged the Royal Harpist, Claire Jones to perform background music; she hasn’t revealed what she is playing, but as for any musician playing at a wedding, it is a very special occasion and one that she is very excited about.

We also know that the Welsh Guards: The Prince of Wales’s regiment are playing as guards of honour. My understanding is that they will play along side the Royal party going to and from the Abbey, but also play at the Buckingham Palace entrance that guests arrive at. What a welcome, and what an unforgettable experience!

We don’t know at this stage what other background music will be taking place during the reception, although there could be some options, including a smaller ‘concert’ band of the Welsh Guards playing background music, or possibly a string quartet or small orchestra. What we do know is that William and Catherine will have been proactive in the play list choices. I can’t wait to hear more details!"

Credits: Susan Heaton-Wright, http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/

Royal Wedding Ceremony Music

2011-04-24T13:12:00.002+01:00

In a series of blogs leading up to the Royal Wedding, our music expert Susan Heaton-Wright tells us her thoughts about the type of music that the Royal couple might choose for their big day. Susan tells us:

"As with any wedding ceremony, the music chosen defines the taste of the couple and also creates a unique atmosphere for the occasion. In the case of a Royal Wedding, where a huge venue like Westminster Abbey is being used, the chance to be grand and over the top isn’t too much, but a requirement! Also, research has shown that music that makes you happy, excited or provokes positive memories results in dopamine to be produced by the brain. This has more ‘feel good’ effects than chocolate!!

The royal couple have at hand, some of the world’s most talented and experienced professional musicians to perform at their wedding, and they will have benefited from their experience and advice, although ultimately the music is their decision.

In a statement, St James's Palace said: "Both Prince William and Miss Middleton have taken a great deal of interest and care in choosing the music for their service, which will include a number of well-known hymns and choral works as well as some specially commissioned pieces." – so we can be clear that the music will reflect their tastes.

Also, this country isn’t good at celebrating its musicians’ talents, but here is an international occasion where we can showcase our outstanding talent and standards. That can only be good for our country!

So from what we have gathered, there will be the excellent Westminster Abbey Choir and London Chamber Orchestra led by conductor and music director Christopher Warren-Green. They will lead and accompany the hymns; and be able to give the best advice on what will work best acoustically for the Abbey.

As you can see from the video, the young choristers are rehearsing hard: I doubt if they will have had an Easter Holiday, but what a brilliant experience for them, and how proud their parents will be.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8458190/Choir-warm-up-vocal-chords-for-royal-wedding.html

There will be a fanfare from the Central Band of the RAF; they will play as Catherine enters the Abbey, and possibly as the couple first appear as a married couple before leaving the Abbey.

Thinking about the music for the ceremony, Catherine will need to choose a striking piece of music to walk up the aisle to. Perhaps she will have the choir and orchestra playing; possibly the organ playing as an ‘entrance’ piece of music. This can be the most exciting part of the ceremony; when we first see what the bride is wearing and how she wishes to portray herself with the music.

Since it is a church wedding – and the Queen is head of the Church of England, there will be hymns. We will discover what William and Catherine will have chosen on the day, but sensibly they have a choir to lead the singing. For other weddings, a solo singer or choir to lead the singing is a good idea since guests feel less self conscious if there is a ‘lead’. They will also have the benefit of a strong orchestra; for normal weddings an excellent organist or small instrumental ensemble are great.

During the signing of the register, there will be further music. Given that there will be pressure for Catherine to adjust her veil, two or three pieces will be performed. Will these be by the choir? Orchestra? Or will there be a surprise performer?

When William and Catherine re-appear, it will be their first appearance as a married couple. Possibly there will be another fanfare before the exit piece of music is performed whilst they walk down the long aisle at Westminster Abbey. Again, they will have been advised as to how long the music will need to be, to ensure they are actually leaving the Abbey as the music ends.

One point I should mention is that music will play prior to the ceremony starting (and Catherine arriving at the Abbey), but also after they leave. We have all attended weddings where it is silent until the bride arrives, and after the bridal couple leaves; no one wants to speak! Be rest assured, the Royal Wedding won’t have this; there will be musical entertainment for the guests before and after in the Abbey – inside and out!"

Credits: our thanks goes to Susan Heaton-Wright for her thoughts on music for the Royal Wedding Ceremony. http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/

Entertaining the crowds at the Royal Wedding

2011-04-23T21:07:00.000+01:00

It's less than a week away and excitement around the Royal Wedding is growing. To get us all in the mood and to find out what we can expect on the day, we asked our music expert, Susan Heaton-Wright from Viva Live Music to talk about what kind of music we can expect on the day. Here are her thoughts:
Susan says "Part of the whole pageantry associated with Royal occasions, includes entertainment for the general public who will watch and celebrate the wedding outside Westminster Abbey and along the route to Buckingham Palace. For Royalty, recorded music is not enough: live musicians are required to play and entertain.

One of the most effective ways of entertaining outside in this way is using brass bands. The sound they make carries and noise levels are not a factor. It really is exciting to hear a brass band performing in one of the Royal parks, or even marching on the streets to accompany the royal party.

The Cold Stream Guards will march down the Mall three hours before the ceremony, and play for two hours outside Westminster Abbey to entertain the crowds.

All of the musicians used in the bands are professionals: they will have either been at music college prior to joining the army, or they will have trained in the army. Their role is principally as band members, but during combat, they are required as front line professionals: carrying stretchers and as drivers. This is an extremely proud time for them, and they will have rehearsed extensively."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/royal-wedding/8463281/Coldstream-Guards-prepare-for-the-royal-wedding.html

Credits: http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/

Wedding Traditions - Receiving Lines

2011-03-24T16:12:00.000Z

I am often being asked by brides whether or not they should have a receiving line at their wedding. It's one of those wedding traditions that you'll either love or hate, and I have to say that only about 25% of the weddings that I have worked on have had one.

If you are having a large number of guests and your wedding is quite formal, it can be a good idea. Its original purpose was to allow the hostess (usually the mother of the bride) to welcome guests into the reception.

Three interesting facts about receiving lines:

1) Traditionally, no men stand in the receiving line, except for the groom. The father of the bride usually stands nearby and introduces guests to one another and generally makes people feel at ease.

2) The receiving line is traditionally never held at the church, but always at the reception venue.

3) The most traditional and formal receiving lines comprise the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, the bride, the groom, the maid of honour, the bridesmaids.

If you do decide to have one, try to allow about half an hour for all your guests to go through it. This will obviously depend on the number of guests and how much they chatter, but this is a general rule of thumb.

If your wedding is small and informal, you may not feel the need for a formal line. If you decide against it, you could still welcome your guests by going round each table at some point during the wedding breakfast to say hello.

Photo credits: http://www.mikaelamorgan.co.uk/

Sweetie heaven

2011-03-11T10:41:00.016Z

It’s no secret that we are huge fans of Zoe Clark and the Cake Parlour. Their wedding cakes are simply divine.

Now things have got even better as they have just introduced an inspired new service, ‘The Sweet Table’. It’s a completely bespoke and they design and create a look to co-ordinate with your particular celebration.

I can’t think of anything more delicious to treat your wedding guests to. You can create an impact with pretty macaroon towers, bon bon jars, meringues, cake pops, petit fours, mini cupcakes, fondant fancies and lollipops.

Your guests will be completely wowed by it. And with so many flavours to choose from, you’ll just have amazing fun planning it.
Photo credits: http://www.thecakeparlour.com/

Wedding Day Lingerie

2011-03-10T11:47:00.000Z

Choosing a wedding gown has to be one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your wedding. But for your dress to look absolutely stunning, it is essential to have great fitting underwear too. Any stylist will tell you the same thing.

Incredibly nearly 90% of us spend a large part of our lives wearing the wrong bra size, but if you take the time to get it right, it can make a huge difference to the way you look and to your overall figure.

When I think of figure enhancing underwear, visions of Bridget Jones style control pants cross my mind – not the type of thing that you really want to wear on the best day of your life. So it is refreshing to see that there’s such a huge range of more suitable bridal underwear out there to tempt you. I was recently introduced to Fauve lingerie; experts in creating beautiful, comfortable underwear for women with larger cup sizes.

New for March is their stunning Rosa range. A comprehensive bridal collection of luxurious French lace and the softest Italian fabrics with diamante charms. The collection includes an underwire moulded strapless bra that I am assured by a friend actually stays up, a beautiful basque, thong, briefs, suspender belt, and even a matching garter. There are plenty of stockists in the high street and on the web. Try Harvey Nics, Figleaves and Belle-lingerie. Or the Fauve website has comprehensive stockist details.

Buy, knowing that it truly is a wedding day essential!

Photo credits: www.fauve.co.uk

Spring weddings

2011-02-28T13:05:00.006Z

At about the time I press 'publish post' on my blog posts from Isobel Kershaw at the NHJ Style Consultancy, I get lots of my blog followers ask: "When's the next one?" They are beginning to attract a huge following and are a 'must read' for all wedding guests hoping to wow with all the latest trends.

Spring is no exception, and I am pleased to introduce to you Isobel's thoughts for this season. Here is what she has to say...

It's the end of February and I can feel Spring in the air. I have already spotted some blossom which is always a good sign and that means the busy wedding season is just about to kick off.

If you have been invited to a wedding this season, let me inspire you with some On-trend styles which will not only ensure you look fab for that celebration, but will also be versatile to use throughout the season.

Big Blooms

Prints always come to life in spring and just like your garden, you will also see bloom prints in the shops. So don’t shy away from them, embrace them whatever shape of height you are as, there are prints to suit everyone.

How about this very pretty Oasis dress aptly named 'Kew floral shift dress'. At £65, it ticks all the boxes. Add your own skinny belt and finish off with a cute knit cardi or edgy jacket which will take you from day to dinner.

Nudes

We have seen the 'Nude' trend before; and, if you are a little shy of colour, nudes may be the answer.

You may need to either add a vibrant tone to your accessories with this style or ensure your make-up is colourful. Either way, a spray tan may also be beneficial to avoid the pasty pallor look.

The texture of cream lace of a nude lining ensures this Reiss dress is stunning.

Add this LK Bennett Selina Dusk clutch for an utterly sophisticated look.

Brights

The catwalks have shown the most colourful collections in many years which hopefully reflects the positivity of the current climate. So ditch the black, navy and grey, and jump into colour – you can’t avoid it this season!

This colourful dress from FCUK does everything for you. Its V neck ensures it suits most body shapes, its sleeves mean no need for a cover-up, and the bead detail on the front accessories the dress for you! Fabulous!

That 70s show

I love the 70s look. It’s so much fun and feels so carefree. If the wedding you are going to is not so formal, experiment with the new 70s vibe styles coming into the shops this season. With wide-legged trousers and even wider brimmed hats, it can still be pulled off elegantly if put together in the right way.

This stylish BIBA print top is a great piece to add to the wardrobe and makes a perfect outfit for a spring summer wedding when dressed up with a white flared trouser such as these beautiful ones from Milly.

Credits: Our thanks as always go to our beautiful guest blogger, Isobel Kershaw, from the NHJ style consultancy, http://www.nhjstyle.com/

Also http://www.oasis-stores.com/, http://www.reissonline.com/, http://www.frenchconnection.com/, http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/,
http://www.julesb.co.uk/, http://www.lkbennett.com/

A lakeside wedding venue with character

2011-02-15T10:51:00.000Z

We were recently approached by the owners of Bellows Mill to take on the role of Wedding Co-ordinator at their beautiful wedding venue which is perfectly situated for Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire brides.

Bellows Mill is an idyllic old watermill nestling beneath the Chiltern hills and is a really stunning location for an English country wedding. It has an attractively converted barn which can accommodate up to 60 people for a civil ceremony, and for larger weddings of up to 120 people, there's a marquee which sits beside a pretty lake. The beautiful and extensive grounds provide the most perfect photographic opportunities.

We love this venue because with no staff, no fixed menus and no set ideas, you can build your wedding from scratch and shape the day you really want - with my expert guidance of course. What could be more perfect than that?

If you would like to see it for yourself, or to check on availability, please give me a call on 01296 663 726 and together we can start to make your wedding dreams a reality.

Romance in the air

2011-02-09T12:30:00.003Z

February is well and truly here and Valentines Day is only five sleeps away. To embrace the whole romantic vibe, we've put together some ideas to help you have a Valentine's Day to remember.

Our friends at Viva Live Music believe music is the key. They say:

"Recent research has identified that the brain secrets ‘feel good’ hormones when people hear music they know, or which they associate with happy memories. The impact is even more profound than tasting good food.

Throughout history, serenading has been an important romantic gesture; the troubadour: a wandering minstrel, serenading a lady below her window is a classic gesture. But even now, there are ways of creating a romantic atmosphere or arranging a romantic gesture. Here are five ideas.

1) A singing telegraph is a fun way of arranging the delivery of flowers, chocolates or champagne. The singer bursts into song, serenading the person of your choice.

2) In true Casablanca style, ‘Play it again Sam’, you could arrange to have specific music played by a live musician when you go out to dinner. If you call the restaurant beforehand, they may be able to advise you on what's possible. Alternatively, on the day, ask the musician if a request or dedication could be made. Guitarists or pianists are ideal for this.

3) If you decide you want to propose, a solo violinist is perfect. They could set the scene, playing romantic music, whilst the most important question is asked.

4) You might also consider a private singer to either serenade you when the two of you are dining privately or to sing a special song during your meal.

5) It is also truly romantic to create your own playlist of songs; downloading songs from itunes to burn either a CD or ipod playlist. This is a lovely romantic gesture, particularly if you and your loved one have some wonderful musical memories that you have shared together."

Have a great day!

Credits: Our warmest thanks go to Susan Heaton-Wright at Viva Live Music. http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/

Photo credits: http://www.janepackerdelivered.com/

Wine Glass Charms

2011-02-08T12:18:00.000Z

These pretty wine glass charms caught our eye the other day.

If you have ever been at a party and put your glass down only to find it lost among hundreds of others, you'll appreciate how useful these can be at a wedding. You can personalise them by using the initials of each of your guests and you can order them in a colour to match your theme. If you are really into the detail, you can also choose to replace the diamante with either a star, heart or flower. Very sweet, we think!

Photo credit: http://www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk/

Something old, something new...

2011-02-07T10:35:00.000Z

A bride-to-be recently emailed us a question which we have answered, and we thought we'd share with you:

Jenna Myles, Bride-to-be in September 2011: One thing I would like to know is do you have to have a separate piece on you that signifies each thing (something for old, something for new etc) or can you have piece of jewellery that's say, old and borrowed! My understanding is the old, new, borrowed, blue all have to be worn by the bride too, is that right?

CBW: Hello Jenna, The saying goes "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in your shoe". The last part is less well known but symbolises happiness and spiritual and financial wealth.

The bride wears something old as a symbol of her old life that she is leaving behind. Something new refers to the new hope in her new life. A borrowed item (usually a garter) from a happily married woman is believed to pass on good luck to the newlyweds. Blue symbolises purity, faithfulness and her commitment to her new husband.

It is definitely tradition that the bride wears all of these things, but we have scoured the internet and etiquette books and nothing seems to mention whether each of these items has to be separate. We don't think it would hurt to have the same item to signify two things. Your example of old borrowed jewellery for instance would be a symbol of the old life you are leaving behind and the 'borrowedness' of it would pass on good luck. That works for us. A very powerful piece of jewellery!

If you have a question about wedding traditions or etiquette, please feel free to email us. The best will be published on our blog.

Photo credit : http://www.lasenza.co.uk/

1970's bridesmaids

2011-02-02T20:12:00.002Z

1970s bridesmaids dressed in Biba

My mum sent over this photo of me and my sister as bridesmaids at a 1970s wedding. Not a fairy dress or pink sash in sight! Could this have been the start of my fascination with weddings?

If you've got a similar pic of bridesmaids in the 50s, 60s, 70's, 80s or 90s email them over and we'll post a selection of them.

Choosing the perfect...Wedding Cake

2011-02-01T13:00:00.033Z

"A sprinkle of design know how, a spoonful of passion, a dusting of exceptional expertise and a bowlful of the finest ingredients". That's how the amazing Rosalind Miller describes herself on her website, and that's why she is the perfect choice of contributor for our next feature on how to choose the perfect wedding cake.

Her cakes are incredible - just take a look at the delicious images in this blog post. Anyone peckish?

How do you get the ideas for the design of your cakes?

Each cake is like a new canvas. The seeds of ideas come from the consultation. Then it's a matter of coming up with a design, one which is in my own style, but that expresses the couples wishes. There's a lot of thinking and doodling goes into it! Ideas come to me and I try them out till I find the 'right' one. I find inspiration in many places; artworks and illustrations, films, fashion, jewellery, the garden. I like to mix classic and contemporary and I'm always on the lookout for anything interesting that could be translated into a cake.

Who else do you admire in your field of work?

I love Peggy Porschen's work, it combines, timeless elegance and simplicity with a modern twist.

Tell us about the history of wedding cakes

In ancient Rome, marriages were sealed when the groom smashed a barley cake over the bride’s head. In medieval times, newlyweds kissed over a pile of buns, supposedly ensuring a prosperous future. Unmarried guests sometimes took home a little piece of cake to tuck under their pillow.

One early British recipe for “Bride’s Pye” mixed cockscombs, lamb testicles, sweetbreads, oysters and (mercifully) plenty of spices. Another version called for boiled calf’s feet.

By the mid sixteenth century, though, sugar was becoming plentiful in England. The more refined the sugar, the whiter it was and so pure white icing soon became a wedding cake staple. Not only did the colour allude to the bride’s virginity, but the whiteness was a display of wealth. A wedding cake that had a lot of tiers and height was also a status symbol. Formal wedding cakes became bigger and more elaborate through the Victorian age. The queen's wedding cake in 1947 weighed 500 pounds.

With the huge choice of cake designers out there, how should a couple go about choosing the right one for them?

Use the internet. Most cake designers will have a website where you can browse their designs, and choose someone whose style you like. Then arrange to meet them for a consultation where you can usually taste their cakes.

Once I have chosen my cake maker, what sort of process should I expect from briefing to seeing the cake on the day?

Most of my customers contact me by email before coming for a consultation. The prospective bride and groom can taste different flavours of cake; a few of which are Madagascan Vanilla sponge, Banana, Carrot Walnut and Ginger, Raspberry, Chocolate, Lemon, Elderflower, Lavender and Rose, Red Velvet.

We discuss their preferences for flavours, and whether they want different flavours for each tier of the cake. We will talk about their own design ideas, themes and colours for their wedding, and together come up with a cake design they're happy with, either based on one of my previous cakes adapted in some way, or a completely bespoke design. This may involve an email conversation, where we discuss sketches, but it's usually sorted out on the day of the consultation.

How do I go about tying in the cake with the theme of the wedding?

It's best to have thought about this before the consultation, so you can bring along some colour and fabric swatches and images of the flowers you are having and any decorations.

Cakes can be inspired by any of these things, and we can incorporate colours, patterns from fabric or the invitations on the cake design.

What are the current trends in wedding cakes?

The Royal Wedding will obviously influence wedding cake designs in 2011. Cakes will have lots of regal details, intricate piping, and majestic designs. A strong trend this year is for double height tiers, which can look very elegant. The vintage theme is still going strong, with lots of sugar flowers, butterflies and jewellery on the cake. There is also a strong trend for square cakes with offset tiers and strong graphic patterns.

A recent bride and groom said to us "We are not bothered too much about the cake. It's just a cake" - What would you say to persuade them differently?

I think guests still expect cake at the wedding and the cake cutting 'ceremony' is an important part of a wedding. It symbolises the bride and groom helping each other as they will throughout their marriage. Sharing the cake is like sharing the couple’s good fortune amongst their friends and family.

A beautiful wedding cake is an important focal point during the reception.

Our thanks go to Rosalind Miller for her contribution to this blog post. http://www.rosalindmillercakes.com/

How to get the most perfect lashes on your wedding day

2011-01-24T13:57:00.000Z

Ok, put your wedding 'to do' list down for a moment and take time out. It's probably full of boring organisational stuff anyway like 'find a venue', 'research caterers', 'book a florist' etc etc. Now where's the fun in that?

When you are planning your wedding, make sure you cover off other important stuff too, like your beauty regime. It can't all be about menu tasting, napkin folding and an endless search for the perfect wedding favour. One treat you might like to consider is having eye lash extensions. They are incredibly popular now, and so much more natural looking than they ever used to be. One of the pioneers is Jinny Lash, so we took time out to interview them to find out just how they go about giving us UK girls longer, thicker lashes.

What is Jinny Lash and how did it all begin?

Jinny Coffey was born in South Korea and moved to England in 1998 to continue her success as a beauty therapist in the UK.

Jinny Lash was founded in 2002 in South Korea by company director Jinny Coffey. By 2004, Jinny joined forces with her sister and brother-in-law and sourced the necessary materials to create and patent this innovative eyelash extension technique, a first of its kind.

Jinny worked closely with a South Korean factory to produce all the materials. From the specially formulated glue to the synthetic eyelashes, Jinny ensured the perfect end result.

On her frequent trips back to South Korea, Jinny also set up an education centre that offered training in the art of Jinny Lash ensuring that anyone who specialises in this technique is of the highest calibre.

In 2004, Jinny Lash was launched at the Excel Beauty Show and created a worldwide frenzy. Jinny Lash became an overnight success with numerous TV appearances and magazine reviews.

How can wearing lashes enhance a bride's look on her wedding day?

Eyelash extensions are the perfect 'beauty' cheat and a great add-on to your wedding day make up. Jinny Lash are incredibly natural, there are no visible bonds and they are light weight. They look and feel like your real eyelashes. They also provide an alternative to mascara so there will be no need to worry about panda eyes as the vows are read out! Jinny Lash extensions last up to 4 weeks and are waterproof, so will last well into a honeymoon, ensuring you look groomed all day, every day, even from the moment you wake!

What makes Jinny Lash different from all the rest?

Jinny Lash were the original eyelash extensions. Once this pioneering treatment was launched in the UK, many brands followed. What makes Jinny Lash so unique is the quality and research that is put into making each product. Jinny and her team regularly search for the most elite ingredients and products. In doing so, Jinny Lash extensions are lightweight plus the selection of tried and tested lash glues and lash bonds do not damage the natural eyelash. Jinny Lash pride themselves on offering a bespoke service and natural looking lash extensions with technicians who have undergone stringent training.

If a bride isn't used to wearing false eyelashes, how are they going to feel on the day?

Jinny Lash feel no different to your natural lashes. Unlike standard strip 'false' lashes, there is no skin contact. The lash extensions and the natural extensions are bonded so there is no need to worry about allergies or sensitivity. Take extra care not to rub the eye area and these lashes will last for the full 4 weeks.

How are the lashes applied? How long does it take?

The lash extensions are applied individually by a trained and certified Jinny lash technician. This is a 'hair by hair' process so incredibly intricate. A full set (75 lashes per eye) takes approximately 1 hour 30 mins and a half set (40 lashes per eye) takes approximately 1 hour. We also offer a bespoke service eg corner flicks etc, this process will depend on the number of lashes required.

How long do they last?

Jinny Lash last approximately 4 weeks if suitably cared for. We recommend in and maintenance fills every 3 weeks.

What if a bride has blond eyelashes currently?

If a bride's natural eyelashes are particularly 'light' in colour, we may suggest tinting them prior to the extension process which can also be done at the Jinny Lash salons. Jinny Lash offer an overall eyelash service, consider this an eyelash MOT. They will extend, curl and tint to ensure you have the perfect set of eyelashes for your wedding day.

How can brides get some in time for their wedding day?

Come in and see the Jinny Lash team. They will be happy to help. Why not try a few lashes to start with and see how you go? There are a variety of thicknesses, length and curl type to choose from for a perfect set of lashes. Jinny Lash certified salons are located at 16 James Street, London W1 and in New Malden, 71 Kingston Road, New Malden, Surrey KT3 3PB.

There are also numerous trained technicians in and around the UK. Please call the head office on 0207 495 8385 to find your nearest qualified Jinny Lash technician.

Choosing the perfect...wedding photographer

2011-01-20T09:15:00.002Z

When helping couples select their wedding suppliers, our philosophy is simple. We always put forward those we believe to be outstanding in their field and those who have great personalities that add something to the day. Miserable, clockwatching, wedding-weary types don't ever make it to our shortlist!

So, with this in mind, we thought it would be nice to introduce you to some of our favourites in a series of blog interviews.

First up are photographers, Lord and Leverett (Mark Lord and Tristan Leverett). As if to prove just why they always deserve to make our shortlist, they managed to take time out to chat with us, as well as move both home and office. How's that for fabulous?! They also kindly shared with us five of their favourite Lord and Leverett pics of 2010 which we have dotted throughout this post.

We love them for their style, their sense of fun and their attitude. See what you think...

How did you become photographers?

Mark and I came to wedding photography from different directions and that has been of great benefit for us both as we bring different experiences to our business.

Mark worked hard at Uni and received a B A Hons Degree in photography, then went on to train with a pro. social photographer in Cornwall before going on to get a job as a contemporary portrait photographer in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. I (Tristan) studied photography and graphics at college before working my way up to a being a photographer after starting my photography career in a camera shop.

Mark and I went on to work together as employed photographers for a portrait company, where after a couple of years we felt it was time to do something different and decided to launch Lord & Leverett.

What fascinates you most about your work?

We are very lucky to do the job we love so much. We enjoy working at different weddings and I guess the thing that fascinates us the most is how every wedding is so individual. That makes our job great fun as we always have a different challenge to tackle.

Who or what is the inspiration for your work?

Having studied the greats of photography, we both have a list of famous photographers we love. Many are photojournalists and some portrait photographers.

We both love films and get some great inspiration from them too.

How do you get your ideas?

We find ideas come organically on the wedding day. Often we start out with certain ideas, but then we see something and the old grey cells get working and new ideas flow. At every wedding a new idea usually comes.

Who else do you admire in your field of work and why?

There are a couple of wedding photographers whose work we admire, but we both love the work of the portrait photographer Harry Borden - his work is just brilliant.

How do you think photography styles have changed at weddings over the years?

Wedding photography today is almost unrecognisable to the style around just twenty years ago. We would like to think it has improved exponentially and continues to do so as more and more clients want something different from their wedding photos.

There's such a huge choice of photographers out there. How should couples go about choosing the right photographer and style that's right for them?

Well, the photography you want for your wedding is a personal decision. Not only do you have to like the photographer who will be at your wedding, but you also need to decide on a style that works for you on your wedding day.

For instance, do you want a formal/traditional approach with lots of photographer input and lots of group shots or would you prefer a more unobtrusive approach where a photographer will capture the story of the wedding day without directing the wedding day. It is always worth seeing at least two photographers before you make a final decision.

Once couples have chosen their photographer, what sort of process should they expect from initially meeting you to seeing you on the day?

Well, we usually have a couple of meetings with our clients before their weddings - one initial meeting and a further one closer to the wedding date to discuss all the timings and small details. We also do a pre-wedding shoot which is a good way for us to get to know our clients better and a great way for our clients to get a feel for how we will work with them on the wedding day.

We will also speak to our clients on the week of their wedding to chat about any final details or changes to the day's schedule.

Are there any current trends in wedding photography?

Well, trends in photography can sometimes be a bad idea. We would hate the thought of someone looking through one of our albums in twenty years time and just thinking it’s full of gimmicky photography effects that were en vogue at the time, so we always like to keep our photography true to classic values: good colour pictures, good black and white pictures that are well composed with a great use of light.

Having said that, the industry is really jumping both feet into a vintage feel at the moment and that suits us fine as we both love photographing the vintage inspired wedding dresses that are available at the moment.

Photography vs videography - discuss!

This is always a hot potato subject among the photography industry, the truth of it is photographers and videographers are both trying to do a very important job. Problems can arise though, as they are both trying to occupy the same space on the day to get the best shots and this can sometimes lead towards friction for both parties.

Now we are not saying that problems are inevitable and nine times out of ten photographers and videographers work together very well, but it should be a consideration for anyone thinking of having both at their wedding. You should at least discuss it with both parties before the wedding and don’t just spring it on them on the actual wedding day.

We personally prefer it if there isn’t a video team at the wedding because as we work as a duo we think adding another couple of people to the wedding with cameras can be a bit much, but we understand it is a personal choice of the clients, so if they want a videographer at their wedding we would do our utmost to work well with them.

Photo credits: http://www.lordandleverett.com/

A New Years Resolution

2011-01-04T17:59:00.002Z

Over the New Year, I was reading a really great article about New Years Resolutions. It suggested we forget making pointless resolutions like 'I want to lose weight, eat less chocolate, drink less alcohol, cut down on the crisps blah, blah', as we make those every year and somewhere along the way we give in, (usually around about February)!

The article challenged us to make resolutions that actually help us achieve something life enhancing - Like taking up a new skill.

I can think of hundreds of things that are on my 'to do list', that I should really get down to, and if you are getting married in 2011, here's a delicious idea for you too.

Why not make your own wedding cake, and favours.

No, I haven't been watching too much 'Kirsty's Home Made Home'. I really am serious and it really is possible - with the help of the wonderfully talented Zoe Clark (http://www.zoeclarkcakes.com/)

Just imagine the pure pride when a guest asks you 'Who made your wedding cake?' and you say 'I did!'.

The courses are starting in January at Zoe's new shop in Wimbledon Park called the Cake Parlour. You can learn the secrets of Zoe’s designs and learn how to create them yourself. There are courses on cupcakes and cookies as well as tiered wedding cakes and seasonal goodies. If you are not quite at the wedding planning stage yet, but want to make an impact when proposing, there is an entire day dedicated to baking the most romantic Valentine's cup cakes.

Go on, I challenge you to have a go!

Credits: http://www.zoeclarkcakes.com/

The images used in this blog post are from Zoe’s books (Cake decorating at home & Bake me I’m yours – Cupcake Love), so our special thanks go to her publisher – David and Charles.

Who will be at your side when you walk down the aisle?

2010-12-23T16:23:00.000Z

In the latest issue of An Essex Wedding (Jan/ Feb 2011), we were asked by a bride whether she could have both her real dad and her step dad at her side when she walked down the aisle.

Here is our advice:

Q: My parents divorced when I was five and I have always been closer to my stepfather than my biological dad. However, while I would prefer to have my stepdad walk me down the aisle, I feel as though this would break my real dad's heart. Is there any way I can have them both at my side or should I ask my mum to walk me down the aisle instead?

Clare Beckwith Weddings: It's common for brides and grooms to try and make everyone happy on their big day, but I'm a firm believer in having the wedding that you truly want, rather than trying to please everyone else - even if that means parting with tradition. Therefore, if you would like both of your dads to walk you down the aisle and they're happy to do so, there's no legal reason why this can't happen.

Why not have a chat to your registrar or religious minister to see what the possibilities are? It all depends on the type of ceremony you're having and where you are having it, as every district has its own set of rules.

However, if having both fathers walk you down the aisle isn't possible, perhaps it would be wise to ask your mum to step in and give each dad another important role in your day instead.

A White Wedding...Dreamy backdrop or a planning nightmare?

2010-12-22T13:51:00.001Z

It’s been snowing quite heavily here at Clare Beckwith Weddings HQ for a quite few days, but last Saturday we did venture out to a wedding at the 5 * Hanbury Manor where we have been invited to help out as Wedding Concierge.

With the forecasters predicting snow, we packed the car full of sensible essentials (spade, food, water, high vis. jacket etc) plus lots of warm clothing, and set out early.

It started to snow heavily after we arrived and the snowy backdrop of the Garden Court was picture perfect. It was everything you could ever dream of for a white wedding.

But white weddings can cause havoc with your plans too, as we were about to witness when the live 5 piece band call in to say they couldn’t make it, and the photographer turned up red faced and hassled, half way through the ceremony.

It wasn’t a wedding that we had designed and organised ourselves, so all we could do was watch and learn.

As a wedding planning business, we always think ahead and put contingency plans in place, and if you are organising your wedding yourself you should too. It’s essential, even on a normal weather day!

We’ve spoken to a few of our wonderful suppliers to help compile these 10 top tips to help you think of everything if you are facing a snowy, crisp weather wedding.

1) In the planning process, make sure you get good wedding insurance and have a written contract with all your suppliers containing a cancellation clause.

2) A few days before your big day, watch the weather. Yes, boring we know and much like watching paint dry, but very necessary if you want to avoid nasty surprises. Try http://www.accuweather.com/

3) As soon as you hear of weather warnings, contact your suppliers to alert them, and to see what their travel/contingency plans are.

4) If snow is forecasted, encourage suppliers to drive up the day before and stay in a B&B.

5) Make sure all suppliers know where they are going and what time they need to be there for. Provide maps and rough estimates of drive times between venues. It might seem like spoon feeding, but some people aren’t as sensible as you!

6) If you are planning a winter wedding, try to hold it all in one place, or within a very short distance from ceremony to reception venues. Make sure staff are prepared for the winter conditions and that guests are kept happy and not standing around in the cold.

7) If you are booking a live band, try to do so through a reputable agent. Try http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/
They only have musicians and bands that have been interviewed and auditioned. The musicians are trustworthy and won’t let down clients. In the unlikely event that someone is ill in the band, they will organise other musicians – giving you additional peace of mind.

8) If you are let down by any of your suppliers, check with your venue. They should have a list of local suppliers that could be contacted in an emergency. Alternatively, they might have other musicians on-site for residencies or other events that might be able to provide some entertainment – even if it wasn’t what was originally planned.

9) Contact suppliers via local business websites that might be able to assist. Even if they can’t, they might know someone that can. You would be surprised how everyone helps in a crisis!

10) If you find yourselves without a photographer, ask one of your guests with a decent camera to stand in for a bit until they arrive. You might even discover a hidden talent!

And to keep everyone comfortable and warm...

1) Make guests aware of the conditions so that they can dress appropriately, wearing suitable footwear, coats etc. Read my last blog post by Isobel Kershaw for some stylish ideas!

2) Prime your ushers to help push cars in the snow and also make them aware they may have to remove snow in places for guests to get to the church. Give them spades to do the job!

3) Serve warm mulled cider in the church to keep guests warm and happy!

4) If you are having a church ceremony, give out hand and foot warmers to guests with their order of service. Churches often have no heating and are cold at the best of times.

5) At the reception venue, ask your photographer to set up lights in an allocated room to do all the formal family shots which will keep guests in the warm.

6) Lay out a red carpet laid for the bride to walk on in places where it is particularly snowy or icy.

Winter weddings are wonderful. Don’t let the snow put you off. Just be prepared!

Our sincere thanks go to the amazing Lord and Leverett http://www.lordandleverett.com/ and to Viva Live music http://www.vivalivemusic.co.uk/ for their contributions to this blog post.
Photo credit: http://www.marriott.co.uk/

Are you a guest at a Winter wedding?

2010-12-14T17:23:00.000Z

OMG - it's just 2 degrees outside at the moment - a comparatively warm mini-break from the really, really cold snap of the past few weeks. The weather forecasters are telling us to prepare for another an arctic blast this week. That’s fine if your winter weekends are pretty free and you can embrace the snow and go sledging, but what do you do if you are invited to a wedding and want to look stylish?

To help you with your winter wedding style woes, I have done what I always do when I need style advice, and called the very lovely and incredibly stylish Isobel Kershaw from the NHJ Style Consultancy. She has these words to stop the onset of style panic...

Isobel says...
“The great thing about a winter wedding is that you don’t rely on the weather and can therefore dress to accommodate it, knowing that it will be cold!

And so with this in mind, here are a few inspiring looks to help you on your way to choosing a stylish outfit as a guest of a winter wedding.

A Church Wedding

Church weddings will be cold and you know that you will be travelling from the church to a reception venue, so how do you dress up warm, but still look like you are at a wedding as opposed to on a skiing holiday?

Fur!

It’s big this season, and fake fur has never looked better.

This faux fur from FCUK will ensure you will stand out in the crowd and it will certainly keep you warm!

Or go for drama with this vibrant red faux fur jacket from M&S.

If you are not into the all over fur look, there are some great coats on the High Street which have fur trims to give that glamorous edge to any outerwear.

The other alternative for a bang on trend winter coat which is dressy enough to go to any event – is the cape! There are lots on the High Street including this one from Reiss with the military shoulder detail.

So with the outerwear sorted, what goes underneath? Here are a few dresses for different body shapes to inspire you.

For the Rhubarb shape, we have a stunning print dress from Karen Millen with long sleeves to keep you warm whilst looking very stylish.

Accessorise with statement earrings colourful opaque tights (red) and platform heels.

For the hourglass, we have a curvy and very sexy dress from LK Bennett.

This is a very versatile dress that can be used after and with the right accessories can be glammed up for a winter wedding. Add a skinny patent belt and sparkly cuff to ensure that you will turn heads! And to add to the appeal, it has been reduced from £195 to £115.

So for all you lovely pears out there, here is the dress for you.

A fabulous navy lace (again so on trend) dress from Whistles. Another feminine dress with sleeves which is so important in the winter. To style it up, I would change the belt for one of a contrast colour in red or cream or even a metallic to make it look more party.

Also accessorise it with colourful tights in orange or a more subdued purple.

And now for the Apples, let me entice you will a dress that will flatter and make you feel gorgeous.

This pretty print dress from Phase Eight will certainly brighten your day with its colourful flower print and is a very flattering with an empire line shape. This dress also doesn’t need too much accessorising as it makes a statement with its print and colour.

And so to finish off with a few more accessory ideas to ensure you individualise your look.

The hat – Many of you may think about wearing the classic style hat for a wedding whether it is winter or summer, but think outside the box and again think fur!

The Cossack hat from Debenhams at £18 will bring a bit of edge to your outfit, but sometimes you need to be brave to carry off such a hat!

Gloves will be needed and if you are wearing the cape, you will need long ones!

These long red gloves from Hobbs will really make a statement and are certainly a nice change from black!

At £69 though, you had better make sure you don’t lose them!

So if you have a winter wedding to prepare for, you may now be a little more inspired by what you are going to choose to wear and with lots of reductions already happening in the shops, you can splash out on a few extra accessories.”

A passion for all things vintage

2010-11-29T14:55:00.000Z

There's something about vintage weddings we adore. Pretty vintage dresses (be they the genuine article, or simply vintage inspired), beautiful flowers like peonies and roses, music from yesteryear...the list of beautiful and desirable things goes on.

You can really have fun with the styling of the reception too and with the current popularity of vintage weddings, there are no shortage of suppliers to help you create the look you are after. One particular one that caught our eye in the week was http://www.rosesallover.co.uk/

When Rosie Watson and Katie Coakes first met at work back in 2006 little did they know that their shared fascination for the old fashioned would eventually mean they would end up starting their own business together four years later. Scouring flea markets during their teabreaks really paid off when they launched their professional china hire and styling service.

We loved their vintage collection (and their passion) so much that we contacted them to find out more. Rosie told us

"Our ethos is to reclaim, revive, recycle and breathe new life into forgotten treasures. We offer the ultimate ‘green’ style solution, and choosing vintage means that brides on a budget can make their funds go further. Why buy new when you can re-use something original for a fraction of the cost?"

We totally agree Rosie, and wish you and Katie all the best as you approach your first anniversary!

Having an outdoor ceremony?

2010-11-19T15:01:00.000Z

...then take a look at our advice in this month's issue of An Essex Wedding (page 94).

Their reader said: "I have my heart set on an outdoor ceremony next summer, but I'm conscious that the British weather can be very unreliable. What's the best way to prepare for the grisly conditions?"

We said: "It’s lovely that you are planning an outdoor ceremony – it’s such a romantic idea and will save on venue decorations, as you’ll have the natural beauty of your surroundings to wow guests!

And don’t worry; there are quite a few things that you can put into place to put your mind at rest on the day, so that you can relax whatever the British weather brings! Here are some of our ideas...

• Choose a venue that offers an alternative indoor space if the weather makes a turn for the worse. Braxted Park in Essex is a great example. You can hold your wedding outside in the beautifully restored Knott Garden, and they also keep the Orangery free for your use in case of unexpected downpours! http://www.braxtedpark.co.uk/

• Consider having some sort of cover like an open-sided canopy where your guests can sit out of the rain. Mangapp Manor in Essex provides just the thing, with the opportunity for you to marry in an African thatched gazebo, floating on water. Your guests are seated on the lakeside, under cover if required. http://www.mangappmanor.co.uk/

• Make sure that you tell your guests that the wedding will be held outside so that they can dress appropriately. If there is a drizzle, leave a selection of pretty umbrellas for your guests to huddle under. My personal favourites are the ones by Lisbeth Dahl.

• The outdoor surroundings can sometimes also drown out the sound of you making your wedding vows, especially if the rain is coming down too, so consider hiring in a sound system for you and your groom. Your DJ or band should be able to organise this for you.

• With rain often comes a drop in temperature, so why not consider leaving cosy blankets on everyone’s chair. That way, guests won’t be left in the cold should the rain come down! You could also consider using portable heaters and have warm drinks ready for your guests after the ceremony.

• If all else fails, use the weather as an excuse to acquire more pretty wedding accessories. Embrace the rain with a pair of wellies! I love the ones by Weddington Boots (http://www.weddingtonboots.com/). They can even be customised with diamante, feathers and ribbons!"

Wedding Favours on a budget

2010-11-19T14:52:00.001Z

It's always lovely to have your advice in print, and once again, we've been featured in your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine (December 2010 / January 2011 issue) on page 85.

Here's what we had to say:

Question: I know it's traditional to give favours to your guests, but my partner and I are working to a really tight budget, so to afford gifts for everyone, we'd have to compromise on other parts of the wedding. Is there anything else that we could do, or give that our guests will appreciate?

Clare Beckwith Weddings' answer: Giving favours to guests has long been a wedding tradition, the most popular type being five sugared almonds representing fertility, health, wealth, happiness and longevity. Favours can be expensive, but there really is no need to overspend if your budget is tight. My advice to you is to make your own – it would be a lovely gesture to hand craft something personally and you don’t even need to be particularly creative. Why not look at recipes for simple chocolate truffles for example. Seedlings and cuttings from your own garden make great favours too and add that extra personal touch!

Or if you really don’t have a penny more to spend – then skip the favours altogether! Traditions are lovely, but you don’t have to follow them!

William and Kate to marry!

2010-11-16T11:31:00.000Z

Gosh - it's going to be a wedding frenzy next year with William and Kate set to marry. Congratulations to both of you. We couldn't be happier. Let us know if you need any help with the planning!

We made it on TV...

2010-11-09T18:11:00.000Z

... well almost! Check us out on the Living TV website http://www.livingtv.co.uk/shows/four-weddings/wedding-planning.php

Elegant body art

2010-11-05T11:15:00.001Z

If you'd have asked us a few years ago what we thought about the idea of one of our brides being 'tattooed' on her wedding day, we might have raised our perfectly plucked eyebrows! But times change and we've got a feeling creative body art is going to be big in 2011.

Check out the range by Jinny Rainbow. With 200+ stencil designs, and over 100 glitters (including a new sterling silver one), the only thing to limit you will be your imagination.

Fun, elegant, different. We LOVE them!!

Our one plea - just make sure they are professionally applied!

Credits: http://www.jinnyrainbow.com/

No ordinary wedding stationery!

2010-11-04T16:27:00.000Z

At Clare Beckwith Weddings, we love fresh creative ideas, so you can imagine our delight when these bold stationery designs appeared in our in-box!

They are by Ruth Springer Design who has a passion for everything 3-D. We adore the clean, modern style. They are sure to create an impact with your guests! Take a look at some of these designs, or you can work with Ruth to create one of your very own...

Credits: http://www.ruthspringer.com/

Real weddings: Fay and Andrew @ Hanbury Manor, Hertfordshire

2010-10-25T13:46:00.004+01:00

Having worked on so many weddings over the years, you'd really think we'd be hardened to the emotion of them by now - but no!

Fay and Andrew had the most incredible day at Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire, and the touching, heartfelt speeches meant the tears of joy just kept coming! They've been kind enough to share their photos with us - can't wait to show you these...

Photo credits: http://mikaelamorgan.co.uk/
Our thanks also go to Fay and Andrew for giving us permission to display their photos on our blog.

Real weddings: Sarah and Tom at Haileybury School, Hertfordshire

2010-10-18T20:42:00.002+01:00

As wedding planners, most of the brides we work with ask us to design their days from beginning to end as it helps to take the stress out of the planning. That's not always the case though. Sometimes we get calls from brides-to-be asking to tap into our fab address book of suppliers.

Planning weddings 24/7 means we get to know the good, the bad and the ugly - politely steering you away from the latter and helping you choose ones that will really enhance your day (and of course meet your budget!). So when Sarah called us, we were happy to recommend a wonderful photographer, Mikaela Morgan. After we met with Sarah and Tom, we knew that Mikaela's relaxed, yet professional style and girl-next-door personality would suit them well. Mikaela has sent us a small selection of the gorgeous photos she took on the day. They are very 'wow'.

Sarah and Tom were delighted with Mikaela saying 'Oh Mikaela, they are just AMAZING! You have captured our day, and everything we remember about it (and a lot more!), to perfection. We laughed and cried watching the slide show. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and special selection of pics. We are about to begin watching it all over again!

Photo credits: http://www.mikaelamorgan.co.uk/
Our thanks also go to Sarah and Tom who have kindly given their permission for us to display their photos on our blog.

Top Tips: Your wedding, what to plan and when

2010-10-02T14:48:00.007+01:00

Autumn is upon us and if you are getting married in the Spring/Summer of 2011, you are probably putting your mind to getting your wedding plans sorted. Planning your own wedding can be lots of fun, but it can also be quite overwhelming if you haven’t organised an event on this scale before, or indeed, one that is so close to your heart. To help you approach planning your big day with a clear head, we’ve put together this sequence of events as a guideline.

As soon as you can after your engagement...

• Spread the news to close family and friends – you might want to think about doing this over the course of a few weeks. Everyone will want to know the entire story of your engagement, and it can be really tiring repeating yourself again and again...and again!

• Set a realistic budget which you can easily monitor as you go

• Decide whether you are having a church or civil ceremony and book the registrar or minister

• Make a guest list and finalise numbers

• Search for reception venues that cater for the size of your wedding party and make a booking as soon as you fall for one!

• Make appointments with bridal boutiques and start the search for your perfect wedding gown

• Choose your bridesmaids, best man, ushers etc

• Search for and book a photographer

• Take out wedding insurance

• If it all starts to get on top of you, book a professional wedding planner

9 months before

Frill Cake by Maisie Fantaisie

• Choose and book your wedding cake maker (make sure you have a tasting first!)

• Think about the music and entertainment that you would like throughout the day, and book it. It is often best to go through a reputable a music company or agency. As a professional third party, they can often resolve problematic situations, without causing you unnecessary anxiety

• Choose and book your florist

Bridal Bouquet by Big Day Flowers

• Choose a supplier for your wedding stationery and start by sending out ‘Save the day’ cards
• Forget the wedding – have fun choosing your honeymoon destination!

6 months before

• Book your hair and make-up artists and go for a pre-wedding consultation

• Buy your bridal accessories

• Choose bridesmaids dresses and accessories

• Get your groom and his groomsmen kitted out

• Book your wedding transport (if you need it)

• Set up your gift list with a reputation retailer

• Order your favours

Elegant favour boxes by Kate Aspen

• Choose your wedding rings

3 months before

• Contact your minister and discuss the service and banns

• Choose your hymns and order of service

• Go for a menu tasting at your reception venue and finalise the menu and wine list

• Send out your wedding invitations (include details of your gift list, and local accommodation if needed)

• Have a make-up and hair trial

2 months before

• Choose your readings and/or poems

• Confirm all your supplier bookings – make sure you put everything in writing!

• Choose presents for your bridesmaids, best man, ushers and mums

1 month before

• Confirm your ‘must have’ shots with your photographer. Try to keep these to a minimum otherwise your mingling time at the drinks reception will be drastically cut short!

• Go for your final dress fitting

Final 2 weeks

• If you chose to hire a wedding planner, meet up for a final run through of every detail of the day

• Meet with your reception venue to go through final details including the menu, the wine, the order of the day and any special requests you might have

• Give the venue a copy of your table plan and guests’ dietary requirements

• Pick up and carefully store your wedding dress

• Take delivery of on-the-day stationery such as the menu cards, place cards, table numbers, order of service etc

• Finalise your choice of first dance and the evening’s playlist with your DJ / Live band

• Pick up any hired suits

• Pay any outstanding supplier invoices

The day before

• Go for a manicure and pedicure at your favourite beauty salon

• Deliver your on-the-day stationery, table plan, gifts etc to the venue

The day itself

• Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready. Try not to have too many people in your room as this can be quite stressful when you are having your make-up and hair done!

• Take delivery of your wedding bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, corsages etc

• Relax and let the day take its course knowing you have done everything you can to make it perfect!

After the wedding

• Return any hired suits

• Thank your guests for their wedding gifts

• Write thank you notes and testimonials to your favourite suppliers. This isn’t mandatory, but will be gratefully received I am sure!

Photo credits: http://www.bigdayflowers.co.uk/, http://maisiefantaisie.co.uk/, http://www.mikaelamorgan.co.uk/, http://www.kateaspen.co.uk/

Favourite Wedding Venues...Shendish Manor

2010-09-30T18:59:00.003+01:00

A piece about some of our favourite venues is well overdue on this blog. We've been privileged enough to work at some really stunning ones, so writing about them all is just a matter of time. We thought we'd kick off with one that we saw only today. It was the perfect day to see it, as the sun has been shining here in this part of Hertfordshire for a full 8 hours or more!

Here are our thoughts on Shendish Manor.

You kind of have to ignore the drive to the venue, if we are truthful, as Apsley and Hemel Hempstead aren't that easy on the eye. (For us anyway!) Don't let that cloud your judgement though, as once you turn off the main road and the Manor greets you at the end of a long driveway, it really is a pretty sight.

The house itself is steeped in history. The origins of the Shendish name go back to Norman times, when William the Conqueror’s brother is believed to have sub-let the farmhouse which was on the site to a Ralf de Chenduit, whose surname gradually became corrupted over time to the current Shendish pronunciation.

In 1853 it was acquired by Charles Longman who demolished farmhouse and built the present Shendish Manor. In the first world war it was used an army camp. Now it's a gorgeous venue for weddings and other events.

We liked the whole feel of the place. It felt intimate, even though the newer part of the venue has a capacity of 350 people!

We particularly loved the gardens. As we said earlier, the sun was shining and that always helps, but the grounds were absolutely stunning with mature trees, old brick walls, and a beautiful Gazebo which is licensed for outdoor ceremonies. If you are hunting for a venue with the option of getting married outdoors, this one is certainly worth a look! Tell them Clare Beckwith sent you!

Give your wedding the personal touch!

2010-09-22T14:07:00.000+01:00

We are once again delighted to be featured across the entire suite of County Wedding Magazines, with our thoughts and ideas on giving your wedding the personal touch. Check us out on page 74 of the Herts and Beds issue.

Style tips for...The Mother of the Bride

2010-09-20T10:20:00.002+01:00

At a wedding fayre recently, I had the opportunity to talk to quite a few ‘Mothers of the Bride’ who have been looking for advice about what to wear at their daughter’s wedding. With so much choice on the high street, and the new season’s ranges now in stock, I took the opportunity to ask guest blogger Isobel Kershaw from the NHJ Style Consultancy “What should the modern day Mother of the Bride be wearing this Autumn?”
Here are her thoughts...

When it comes to a wedding, the second most important outfit after the bride’s is The Mother of the Bride; however, if you are the Mother of the Groom, I don’t want you to feel that you aren’t important as well!

I’m afraid though as etiquette goes, the Bride’s mother gets first choice in deciding what colour she is going the wear and the Groom’s mother possibly needs to coordinate – they must not be in the same colour and it is advisable not to clash, just for the photo albums sake!

Even though there may be a colour scheme for the bridal party, the mothers do not need to match. They simply need to compliment the bride’s chosen colour scheme and there are some great colours which will sit well with every option - navy and neutrals for instance.

Many Mothers of the Bride often opt for the dress or skirt suit, which after the wedding may not be that flexible. I’ve put together some alternative ideas to inspire you, for a stylish look that can be worn again and again.

1. The dress and jacket, as opposed to the dress suit

The Tina dress @ LK Bennett

This gorgeous dress is beautifully cut for a figure flattering silhouette for all body shapes. Team it with the Greta lace jacket from Coast for a wonderful Autumn/Winter wedding.

Greta Lace Jacket @ Coast

2. The Skirt and Jacket

Skirts are the most flattering for pear and hourglass shapes as they define the waist whilst covering more shapely thighs. So here are some options for a perfect Mother of the Bride look.

Navy striped skirt@ Reiss

This is a really stylish skirt shape from Reiss. Ensure that there is little or no detail at the top of the skirt because you will want to keep your top out to elongate the torso. Less bulk at the waistband means a slimmer tum!

Navy knit top @ Karen Millen

Team it with this beautiful navy knit top with satin trim from Karen Millen for an elegant yet understated look, and go wild with the accessories to dress it up as much as you want. Choose a fabulous pair of shoes and finish with a statement necklace and shimmery wrap.

Hallie shoe by KG

Pendant @ Jaeger

3. The Trouser Ensemble

Many of you may feel more comfortable in trousers and you can still look very glamorous and feminine at the same time. In fact this is the season where trousers are dominating in evening wear and so the options are good.

I would recommend a wide flowing trouser which is softer and can then be teamed with a glam evening top and possibly a jacket depending on the time of the wedding.

Wide-leg trousers @ Jaeger

This pair of elegant wide-leg silk linen trousers from Jaeger is not only perfect for a wedding and many occasions beyond, they are also bang on trend as a colour option this season.

Pamela top @ Coast

Add a vibrant feminine top called ‘Pamela’ from Coast, and give it that Mother of the Bride touch with an elegant cream jacket from Jaeger and finish off with some statement pearls also from Jaeger.

Cream Jacket @ Jaeger

Pearls from Jaeger

And finally – we haven’t talked hats yet. Whilst they may be more common at a church venue, it is always the Mother’s prerogative to wear one. Ensure the brim is no wider than your shoulders and if it is too big, sew in a few darts in the grosgrain trim inside the hat for a perfect fit.

If it is an evening wedding, you may want to opt for a fascinator or jewelled hair piece and remember, you don’t have to match it up with your outfit if you are wearing up to 2 colours.

My Hot Tips for Mother of the Bride looks:

1. Think about the flexibility of the outfit and whether you can wear it after.

2. Try not match up your outfit, especially with your shoes and bag. Contrast for a more current and youthful look.

3. Always buy clothes that suit your body shape and you will feel more confident and more comfortable during the big event.

4. Ensure your shoes are stylish but comfortable.

5. Be adventurous with your accessories to ensure you achieve the right look.

6. And the finishing touches are always important so treat yourself to make-up and hair.

Photo credits: http://www.lkbennett.com/, http://styleshop.co.uk/, http://karenmillen.com/, http://coast-stores.com/, http://reissonline.com/, http://kurtgeiger.com/

Latimer Place Wedding Fayre

2010-09-15T11:29:00.002+01:00

We are just unpacking from the Latimer Place wedding fayre near Chesham in Buckinghamshire. It was a great show and it was really lovely to have a chat with so many brides-to-be, grooms-to-be and their parents. At the show, we handed out some competition leaflets to win a personal shopping experience to find your perfect gown. There are now just a few days to go until the deadline of Friday 17th September, so log onto http://www.yourhertsbedswedding.com/ to enter today!

Meanwhile, here are some pictures from the show...

Our special thanks go to Beth at Be Vintage and the girls at Jonnyssister for supporting us at the show.

Real weddings: Sharon and Darren on their day to remember

2010-09-10T13:42:00.003+01:00

Whilst working at Hanbury Manor, I met a great new photographer, Russell Neal. He was a complete dream to work with and his relaxed approach really suited Sharon and Darren's day which was filled with fun and laughter from the moment they arrived! He has sent me selection of shots which I wanted to share with you.

Sharon and Darren had a beautiful wedding at St Andrew's Church in Much Hadham and after the ceremony, they arrived in style at Hanbury Manor's Garden Court in a vintage Rolls Royce.

My special thanks go to Sharon and Darren Mansfield for their permission to use these photos.

Photo credit: http://www.russellnealphotography.com/

Stunning bridesmaids dresses...from the high street

2010-09-08T16:11:00.001+01:00

Gotta tell you about the stunning new season occasionwear by Karen Millen, which is perfect for any glamorous bridesmaid. We've been a KM fan since they opened their first store in Maidstone, Kent back in 1983 (...think we might be showing our age now!), and it just gets better and better.

This elegant 'limited edition' signature column dress stopped us in our tracks, but there are plenty of others to feast your eyes on.

And then there are the shoes...

Credits: http://www.karenmillen.com/

Some kind words

2010-09-06T11:30:00.001+01:00

We've been working hard at Hanbury Manor during the Summer, overseeing the weddings of some really lovely couples. It made it all worthwhile when these kind words popped up on our email the other day from the Bestman to Sharon and Mark Pringle...

"Clare, your attention to detail, focus and high energy plus an extraordinary level of good humour turned a lovely day into a wonderful day and your efforts were appreciated by all that were there. I cannot recommend you and your team highly enough for any function, from Wedding to corporate, you will be in safe hands"

Now, we have smiles on our faces!

Wedding entertainment ideas

2010-09-01T12:06:00.002+01:00

Every bride wants her day to be special and different to other weddings. Of course having live music and entertainers will always make your wedding unique. Plenty of people organise a harpist or string quartet to play background music during the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, which is lovely, but there are so many other choices available.

So, if you are in the process of organising your wedding entertainment, why not consider some of these alternative options suggested by Susan Heaton-Wright from NSN Productions.

1. Gospel Singers. They could sing during your wedding ceremony and throughout the drinks reception. At NSN, our Gospel Singers are singing at a wedding which is being filmed for ‘Four Weddings’. They will lead the hymns if you are having a church ceremony and generally ‘up’ the energy levels!

2. Mix and Mingle artistes. This could include singers, moving musicians and magicians who entertain guests during the drinks reception. This is often a time when everyone is waiting around for the bride and groom to finish having their photographs taken, so entertaining guests in this way is great fun and really memorable. Surprise singing guests: singers who mingle with guests and suddenly burst into song is also great fun and unforgettable. At NSN, one of our most popular musicians is ‘The Romantic Tenor’ who serenades guests during drinks receptions.

3. Wedding ceremonies can be made special by musicians playing both before and after the ceremony. Music can really relax the atmosphere and provide a welcoming environment for your guests, so why not ask the musicians to play 15 minutes before the ceremony and for 10 minutes afterwards.

4. If you are having a church ceremony, why not consider having a professional singer, while the register is being signed. You could also ask the singer to lead the hymns. We find it can really help to encourage shy guests to join in the singing too! Alternatively, you could consider booking the church choir to lead the singing which will always be memorable.

5. Consider times during the day when there isn’t much going on; when photos are being taken for example, or after the wedding breakfast and before the evening reception. Guests are often kept waiting for the next thing to happen. As well as the mix and mingle artistes, magicians and surprise singing guests that we mentioned earlier, you could also consider singing waiters who are a complete surprise for guests and make everyone laugh! If you have a hired a themed band for the evening – such as a 50s or Jazz band, why not employ the services of a dance teacher to show your guests a few dance steps in preparation for the evening. Older guests will enjoy showing younger ones how it is done!

6. One of the most memorable weddings I attended had a Ceilidh which included a number of people singing; dancing and playing instruments. The band had an excellent caller, but the bride and groom also invited guests to perform. It is so memorable when a musical friend or family member plays an instrument or sings at your wedding.

Credits: Our thanks go to Susan Heaton-Wright, http://www.nsn-productions.com/

Wedding day make-up

2010-08-30T12:53:00.003+01:00

At Clare Beckwith Weddings, Julia Camilleri is one of our favourite bridal make-up artists. She is not only talented at what she does, but we are reliably informed by one of our recent brides, that she is a complete scream too; putting brides at ease, calming nerves and keeping them in stitches while they are getting ready!

A freelance make-up artist carrying out bridal, fashion and photographic make-up in London and the South East, Julia has worked with leading model agencies and numerous magazines including Sugar, Elle, B, TV Hits and FHM Magazine to name but a few during her 14 years working as a make-up artist.

Make-up is a hot topic among the stylish brides that we work with and because your wedding day is the one day it just has to be perfect, we asked Julia some of the questions on your mind...

CBW: How do I decide what colours and style of make-up would really suit me on my wedding day?

Julia: I usually recommend using neutral colours and a neutral and classic application that won’t date and that will photograph well....there are different techniques I would use that would make the make-up photographic, but still look natural in the daylight.

CBW: I go really red and blotchy when I get anxious, especially on my chest area - is there anything I can do to stop this showing?

Julia - This is a common bridal problem especially when nerves hit on the day! I use a product called 'dermablend' as this a product that was originally devised to cover birth marks on the face.

CBW: How can I get my make-up to stay put all day, especially my lipstick?

Julia: I use predominately MAC products and in the 14 years of doing make-up I have tried and tested many products and find MAC the best for staying power. The lipstick inevitably comes off however I give my brides a pot of the colour I have used so that you can reapply throughout the day.

CBW: Should I go for false eyelashes on my wedding day?

Julia: I tend to use individual lashes as these give a natural look to enhance and open eyes. Of course these aren’t for everyone so that’s why I recommend a make-up trial before the wedding.

CBW: Do you have any tips for keeping my skin in tip top condition in the run up to my big day?

Julia: I would recommend monthly facials to clear and radiate your complexion.

CBW: Are there any tips you have for getting my make up to look good in the photos?

Julia: There are special techniques used to make the make-up photographic that you wouldn’t even notice. These help to enhance eyes, define lips and lift cheekbones.

CBW: Do you have any tips for someone who never usually wears make up?

Julia. Yes I do! Keep it natural, don’t ever be tempted look too different on your wedding day!! Just an improved version of yourself!

Credits: http://www.juliacamilleri.co.uk/

Pretty vintage weddings

2010-08-27T14:45:00.001+01:00

Imagine an English country setting, a glorious sunny day and a historical venue full of exquisite fine bone china, lace, pearls, sweet peas, peonies, roses, pastel colours, mirrors catching flickering candlelight, and glass sweet dishes displaying retro sweets from yesteryear and you have yourself a vintage-themed wedding.

As vintage style weddings are so popular nowadays, we wanted to offer you some style tips to get you thinking about a vintage theme for your special day so we asked Vintage expert Beth Morgan from Be Vintage for some ideas.

As a bride, it’s important to stand out from the crowd, so why not set the scene in a beautiful genuine vintage wedding dress. http://www.thevintageweddingdresscompany.com/ has a stunning collection of original vintage dresses starting from the 1900’s, right through to the 1970’s. All their dresses are beautifully cleaned and restored and can be tailored for you to a couture finish using their in-house specialist alteration service.

For new dresses that are created in a vintage style, take a look at http://www.circabrides.com/

1930's style dress by Circa Brides

1970's style dress by Circa Brides

For a completely personal touch, Magpie Vintage is a company that makes bespoke jewellery using vintage pieces, so if you have an old brooch that belonged to your grandma they can incorporate that into a necklace for you. http://www.magpievintage.co.uk/

Here are some other ideas to achieve the style you want:

1920’s style

If you favour a 1920’s feel, think:

• Flapper dresses with a low sash

• Pinstripe suits

• Long pearl necklaces

• Pretty beaded bags, feathers and stylish headpieces

• Arrive in a classic Regent convertible car!

• A jazz band for your guests to listen to during the drinks reception

Inside your venue, you could use feathers draped on tables, single glass candlesticks standing on mirrored bases with pearls intertwined everywhere, creating a simple but very effective vintage look. Pretty glass sweet dishes displaying pastel coloured sweets can be dotted around. Birdcages can be used to display simple flowers and draped pearls.

The Victorian era

For the Victorian era, the clothes and accessories comprise frock coats, capes, long lace gloves, parasols, and beaded bags. For a lovely collection of lace gloves, parasols, fans and vintage beaded bags available for hire, try http://www.bevintage.co.uk/

If you are having a Victorian themed wedding, why not arrive in a horse drawn carriage?

Your guests could drink tea from vintage bone china teacups and saucers and eat pretty cupcakes served from vintage cake stands whilst listening to a harpist or violinist playing in the background.

Inside your venue, the room could be full of pastel coloured roses, sweet peas and peonies displayed in cut glass rose bowls or single stem glass vases grouped together. In between the flowers could be glass and silver candlesticks draped in pearls providing a sophisticated romantic atmosphere.

You could also use teacups, saucers and teapots to display flowers for an unusual piece of vintage charm. You could also use perfume bottles, glass decanters and sweet dishes as displays on your tables. For all your glass vases, vintage china, candlesticks and lots of extra accessories available for hire see http://www.bevintage.co.uk/

Credits: Clare would like to thank Beth Morgan from Be Vintage for her thoughts and ideas on Vintage weddings

Photo credits: http://www.circabrides.com, http://www.bevintage.co.uk

Top Tips: Booking a band for your wedding

2010-08-23T11:16:00.003+01:00

At Clare Beckwith Weddings, we’ve had a busy Summer 2010 wedding season and we’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing musicians this year. We’ve heard everything from opera singers, string duos, string quartets, saxophonists, harpists, live bands... the list goes on. If you are new to booking musicians though (as most brides are), it can be a minefield if you don’t know what to look out for. So we spoke to expert Susan Heaton-Wright of NSN Productions to see if she had any helpful hints for our brides...

Susan told us...

“When I attend meetings and tell people what I do, I am often greeted with “I wish we’d known about you” – and then they tell me about a wedding disaster involving musicians. In some cases the disaster occurred a number of years ago, and still upsets the bridal couple; yet these problems could have been easily avoided. Here are my top tips for choosing and booking a band; what questions to ask; what to avoid and what to include in any agreement:

1. Be clear about what type of music you want for the reception. You’d be amazed at what a journey of discovery this can be for a couple when you realise your fiancé loves heavy metal and you prefer jazz! Ask bands for their play lists. Do they arrange ‘requests’? Is there a charge for this? How much notice do you need for requests?

2. Ask for references and if it is possible go to meet the band and listen to their sound samples.

3. When receiving a quote, check what it includes. Are there any hidden extras – including sound systems, travel, VAT, lighting etc. Make sure you receive a fee which includes everything before making a booking.

4. The band should have Public Liability Insurance certificates as well as having all electrical equipment PAT tested. The former is a requirement by many venues; the latter is mandatory.

5. Confirm everything that you agree in writing or write up a contract.

6. Some bridal couples engage friends of friends who play in bands to play at their weddings. Make sure everything is agreed in writing with clear cancellation clauses. It is not unknown for friends of friends’ bands to suddenly get a paid engagement, leaving the bridal couple in the lurch at the last minute.

7. Most bands will request a deposit to confirm a booking. Remember to ask for a receipt for this deposit and to ask the conditions of the deposit before parting with your money.

8. A band will normally be setting up early; performing and packing away – making a long evening’s work. They will get hungry and will perform better if they’ve been fed. They don’t need the meal you are serving your guests. Most venues will offer a ‘suppliers’ meal – either a pasta dish or substantial sandwiches which costs less. We recommend you also offer soft drinks but not alcohol.

9. Be clear about when they should set up and do their sound checks. You need to avoid them walking through the wedding breakfast with their equipment or doing “One, Two – Hello O2” whilst your speeches are in full flow. The venue will normally be able to advise you on a practical solution – including a discreet entrance for the band to use to set up. Likewise, consider how they will pack up after they have played, to avoid any disruption to the wedding.

10. Dress code; it is important to specify how you would like the band to dress – and put it in the contract. Some bands will coordinate their clothing to match your theme, others will not. It is also important to request that they are smartly dressed when they arrive and set up. There is nothing worse than scruffy jeans and t shirts being seen; they can wear smart t shirts and trousers to move equipment.

11. Noise levels. When we set up our company, we conducted a survey of 500 people of all ages. 97% said their biggest complaint about live music – and bands in particular were that they were too loud. There is a time and place for very loud music, and weddings, where there are usually a wide range of ages, and people that want to talk to each other – and be heard, isn’t one of them. If it is possible, have another room for people who want to talk. However we recommend you have someone in the wedding party (probably the Best Man) who liaises with the band; is involved in setting the sound levels and asks them to reduce the volume if necessary. Ensure it’s in the contract that the band should adjust volume levels if necessary.

12. We recommend you book a band via a music company or agency. As a professional third party, they can often resolve problematic situations, without causing the bride unnecessary anxiety.”

Our special thanks to Susan for her great advice. http://www.nsn-productions.com/

Win a personal shopping experience to find your perfect gown, plus a Wedding Concierge for the day

2010-07-28T10:43:00.005+01:00

Here at Clare Beckwith Weddings, we have teamed up with Your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine to offer their readers the chance to win a personal shopping experience and wedding concierge service worth over £800.

The winning bride will be treated to an initial consultation to discuss ideas on the dress, followed by a shopping trip with us, either locally or in London. We will arrange all dress fitting appointments, and offer our advice on the right style for you. We will also throw in a spot of lunch to discuss all the options.

On your wedding day itself, we will act as wedding concierge. We will finalise all the finer details with your suppliers two weeks before your wedding day and be on hand throughout the day to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

To enter, and for full terms and conditions, visit http://www.yourhertsbedswedding.com/

The closing date is 17th September 2010.

Photo credit: http://www.lordandleverett.com/

Find us in Your Herts and Beds Wedding - August/September Issue

2010-07-22T18:48:00.000+01:00

We are always delighted to offer our advice to the team at Your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine because they are such a lovely bunch, and in the August/September issue we feature a number of times with hints and tips for their readers.

Here's what we have to say...

First Song Confusion

Reader question: I want my first dance to be special, but my partner and I have never really had a song that's personal to us, so it's proving to be difficult. We've gone through all the usual lists of songs, but nothing ever seems quite right. Are there options we haven't explored yet?

Clare Beckwith Weddings say: If you've already gone through all the usual options, perhaps you should consider commissioning a bespoke song for your first dance. This will allow you to have your track tailor-made to suit you both, and everything from the musical style to the lyrics can be especially constructed around your shared memories.

Try Jenna Myles at Pocket Songbird. Pocket Songbird offers a personalised song writing and production service to make your big day extra special. Whether it’s a bespoke song for your first dance together, with lyrics written especially about the two of you, or a very special surprise gift, delivered to your partner on the morning of your wedding, Pocket Songbird works with you to say it all in a song.

After talking through your ideas, their experienced songwriters will write and produce your very own song in your preferred musical style … package it beautifully and deliver it directly to you. They can also arrange a live performance of the song at your wedding, if you are looking for a truly personal first dance!

Call Jenna on 07855 357580.

I want our personalities to shine through

Reader question: Having been to lots of traditional style weddings, I'm desperate to make my own big day more original, but I'm finding it difficult to think of ways to inject my personality into the proceedings. How can I add all the special touches that my partner and I want without 'theming' the whole wedding?

Clare Beckwith Weddings say: You and fiance have been evolving your personal styles since you were young, and what better occasion than your wedding day to let your personalities shine through? There are hundreds of ways to add character to a wedding, starting with the date itself. Why not schedule it for a date that's special to you? The anniversary of the proposal, or when you first met each other is ideal.

Other ways in which you can add your own individual touch is to ask your florist to attach a piece of sentimental jewellery, like a broach to your bouquet, or personalise your favours by hand writing and attaching a heartfelt message for each guest telling them why they are so special to you. Writing your own vows is also a popular way to persoanlise the service.

But whatever you decide on, remember that your day is an extension of your personal style so don't put on an East End inspired day complete with a red London bus and jellied eels if you are more of an uptown girl.

Photo credits. My very special thanks to the gorgeous Mark and Tristan at Lord and Leverett, and to Mark and Rachel at eXpression photography.

First dance: http://www.lordandleverett.com/
Flowers with broach: http://www.expression-photography.co.uk/

Honeymoon Wardrobe Essentials

2010-07-19T15:56:00.003+01:00

With the wedding season in full swing, and luxurious honeymoons on every bride’s mind, we took the opportunity to ask our guest blogger, top stylist Isobel Kershaw from the NHJ Style Consultancy, what every style-conscious bride should be packing in her suitcase this summer. Here are her top style tips for a honeymoon wardrobe that’s bang up to date:

Isobel says:

Your honeymoon is a wonderful time to relax after the excitement of the wedding with your new husband, and so it is important to look and feel great at all times.

Writing a list of honeymoon essentials is a great way of ensuring you can mix and match your clothes without packing too many! We all have a penchant for packing those ‘maybe’ clothes, and then getting to the airport to find that our luggage is overweight!!

So here is a list of the items you should consider.

1. The swimwear

This is one of the most important pieces to take as you will be wearing your swimwear the majority of the time. The great thing is that it is a very small piece of clothing, so you can take 4-6 options.

If you are a bikini wearer think about intermatching your tops with your bottoms. Go for colour and flattering shapes to suit your body.

Small busted girls should consider wearing swimwear that has padding in the bust or ensuring that the top has alot of fabric to give the illusion of a bigger bust.

Ted Baker Oceano Bikini

Bigger busted girls should choose bikinis that are bra sized to ensure the perfect fit.

2. Cover-ups

We may think of the sarong as the only cover-up option, or some of you may just don an old t shirt!

This season, however, is very much about the jumpsuit and the maxi dress and so we can bring these options to the beach as well as dress them up for dinner!

Sweaty Betty Kiyoko Jumpsuit

3. Shorts

Trying to find a sexy pair of shorts can be challenging. White denim can look good and there are many options on the street now. If you prefer a longer short opt for a slim fit style to flatter the leg.

4. Tops

Instead of packing your regular boring t shirt, think about a top with interest i.e. that has colour, detail fit and femininity. They should be versatile to go from day to dinner and work with your trouser and skirt options.

Mint Velvet Hydranga Top

5. Footwear

As well as taking the usual flip-flops and comfortable shoes, ensure that you pack at least one pair of sexy heels to complete your evening looks. If you find heels uncomfortable, practise in them before you go!

6. Underwear

This is the time to indulge in some sexy underwear so head off to Selfridges and get yourself a free fitting and some romantic sets to show off to your new husband!

Elle McPherson Spree Set

7. Accessories

Accessories are a great way to finish off an outfit as well as changing the look of it, so if you want to repeat an outfit, accessorise it differently.

Top Shop Lace detail belt

And finally, grab yourself a pretty summer bag to carry around all those essentials such as your sunglasses, perfume, suntan lotion and essential summer chic lit.

Ted Baker Poppy Bag with Flip Flops

Stamps to put a smile on your face!

2010-07-17T21:28:00.000+01:00

We always say that it's the little touches that add that extra something to your big day, so we just love this nifty idea from the Royal Mail.

'Smilers' allow you to combine beautifully designed stamps with your own photographs. They are perfect for putting on your wedding invitations - you could use your favourite pic from your pre-wedding shoot. Or you could use an iconic shot from your wedding day and use it on your thank you cards.

They are reasonably priced, really easy to order online and they say that you receive your Smilers within 5 working days of ordering. A really novel way of personalising your day!

Credits: http://www.royalmail.com/

Meet us at Latimer Place's Wedding Fayre!

2010-07-16T14:07:00.001+01:00

Sunday 12th September 2010, 11am-4pm

Wedding Fayres are a great way to meet prospective suppliers and gather ideas for your wedding, so why not pop along for a chat with Clare Beckwith Weddings on Sunday 12th September at the stunning Latimer Place in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

Tickets are £5.00 per couple and all proceeds from the day will be donated to the Variety Club. For more information about Latimer House’s Wedding Fayre or any other wedding enquiries please contact the lovely Caroline on cheavisides@deverevenues.co.uk or 01494 545550.

Say it with 'Love Letters'

2010-07-14T15:01:00.003+01:00

Here is a great idea that we came across today – especially if you want to give your wedding day a completely personal touch. They are beautiful bespoke wooden letters from a lovely company in Dorset called Jonny’s Sister http://www.jonnyssister.co.uk/

The letters can be made in any size and come unpainted so that you can tie them into your own colour scheme.

We also love their large wooden letters and can think of endless ways to use them. You could use them to decorate your gift table for instance – using the words ‘Mr & Mrs’. Or you could have words like ‘Love’ or ‘Cherish’ around the venue.

Their hand carved Little Wooden Letters are cute too. They are just 6 centimetres tall and come with a white satin ribbon. You could use them around your napkins to decorate your place settings!

They also do bunting – isn’t this a fun idea for a proposal!

As well as the colours they show on their website, the bunting can also be made up in any colour scheme provided they have fabric in that colour. We also understand that they are happy for customers to send in their own fabric for them to use. How’s that for fantastic customer service!

Elegant, sexy, glamorous, sassy – what’s your style?

2010-07-09T19:12:00.000+01:00

It’s always wonderful making new discoveries and I made a really exciting one the other day when I stumbled upon the website for ‘State of Grace’. It’s a bridal destination like no other you will experience in London, with bespoke wedding dress design, styling and personalised hair and make-up all under one roof. The new website is stunning and the bridal imagery really caught my eye, so I just had to go there myself.

Old School Glamour

The private and extremely gorgeous atelier is in London’s vibrant Notting Hill and I was invited there by the very elegant founder and creative design director, Lucia Silver. I also met her lovely head of production, Claire Grey who oversees quality control and the bespoke services for clients.

French Chic

State of Grace is truly unique.

It’s for women who know what they want for their wedding day and can’t find it, or for those who really don’t know where to start and need professional guidance.

Shopping for wedding dresses on the high street can be a daunting task. There is so much choice, and after a day pounding the streets, the dresses can all morph into one leaving you feeling exhausted and confused. And then you’ve got to organise your shoes, accessories, hair, make-up....

In the calm and sumptuous surroundings of State of Grace, you are in the hands of a highly skilled team of experts to help you look the way you want – from head to toe. Lucia told me that when they researched the market, they found that many modern brides don’t want to look like vestal virgins. She says, “Women are getting married later and are often paying for their own weddings – they know their own minds and how they want to look on their big day. Some just need a helping hand to achieve this”.

Innocent

You just have to make an appointment and experience it for yourself. They offer a completely personal service and you honestly feel like you are in someone’s home, among friends who want the very best for you! With the added bonus of being in dreamy surroundings adorned with bespoke jewellery, hats and head pieces, shrugs and evening coats, shoes and bags...

Photo Credits: http://www.thestateofgrace.com/

Heavenly Hanbury

2010-07-09T11:43:00.003+01:00

Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire is very special to us as one of our first brides, Nila, chose Hanbury's beautiful Garden Court to host her wedding. A few years on, we are really pleased to let you know that Clare Beckwith Weddings has been invited to be one of their preferred suppliers.

It's an opulent 5 star venue with a choice of banqueting rooms to suit weddings, big or small. Poles Hall, the original chapel belonging to the Manor House is one of our favourites. It's got bags of character, high ceilings and a minstrel gallery.

For a summer wedding, Garden Court is the perfect setting. We particularly love its walled gardens and beautifully manicured lawns.

Credits: http://www.expression-photography.co.uk/

A gift for your groom

2010-07-01T10:57:00.000+01:00

What gorgeous gift are you going to give your groom on his wedding day? Maybe a Mont Blanc pen? Perhaps a drive day in an Aston Martin... Both lovely ideas, but I think I can help you out here with something just a little bit special and totally unique...

One of my favourite photographers, Julie Lovegrove of Lovegrove Weddings was so inspired by Gok Wan’s ‘How to look good naked’ programme, that she now specialises in her own style of classic nude and boudoir photography and is currently celebrating the launch of ‘Reveal Portraits’.

She offers packages where you can ‘Reveal Less’ (either fully clothed or showing a peek of your underwear), ‘Reveal More’ (gorgeous, classy boudoir shots), ‘Reveal All’ (I probably don’t need to explain this one!), or ‘Reveal your Bump’ (gorgeous pregnancy shots when you are in full bloom).

If you are looking for the perfect, personal and intimate gift for your future husband to unwrap on your wedding day, then this has to be just the thing. I promise you, he will adore it! It’s timeless, elegant and something for both of you to treasure for years to come.

Julie also told me that she has an introductory offer of £50 off product for any bookings received before the end of July 2010.

Go on, contact Julie for an appointment and give him a gift that will knock his socks off – and empower yourself at the same time!

Photo credits: Julie Lovegrove, http://www.revealportraits.co.uk/

Hot, hot, hot

2010-06-28T14:55:00.001+01:00

We saw this classic 1920’s style ice cream tricycle at a wedding at the weekend and thought it was a great idea for a summer wedding or garden party. As temperatures soar into the 30’s, there’s nothing like a fruity sorbet, or English strawberry ice cream to cool your guests down. This one is from http://www.ice-cream-bike.co.uk/

Beautiful you!

2010-06-25T14:49:00.002+01:00

I came across a statistic that I thought was interesting the other day. According to a study by Cornell University in the US, over 70% of brides-to-be plan to lose weight before their big day, many opting for extreme dieting and fasting.

And apparently there’s every type of diet waiting to tempt you - there are even bridal boots camps that promise to make you the belle of the ball on your wedding day, helping you to lose 12lbs in one week!

The pressure is so high nowadays for brides to look ‘perfect’.

Now, I’m no dieting expert, but I can’t help thinking like fashion god Gok here, when I say, “You are gorgeous as you are!”

So, I was more than interested when I got a call from Louise at Nurture and Nature in Tring, Hertfordshire. She approaches dieting in a different way, helping you to make lifestyle changes rather than opt for radical diet changes.

Louise told me...

“Being on a diet and eliminating foods, ensures that someday your cravings will hit a peak and as a result you end up eating more than you would have done before. When you have the added pressure of organising a wedding and preparing yourself for your wedding that can push you into emotional overload.

Our attitude to food, diet and weight loss is influenced by what is happening in other areas of our lives. Willpower and motivation can be related to issues that we don’t realise, but we do know that there is an ‘internal tussle’. We just don’t understand why we do the opposite to what we want.”

Using a combination of Kinesiology, Reiki, Massage and other energy balancing techniques, Louise helps you to understand why your internal ‘tussle’ blocks you from having what you want. She can then help to restore a positive and focussed attitude to achieving your goal weight, and making lifestyle changes that feel positive, not being resigned to the boredom of a ‘diet’.

She looks at your feelings around dieting, different foods, how you feel about food on your plate, why you might want to keep hold of your weight, your awareness of how much you eat and why you don’t always do what you know you need to do to lose weight. Crucially she provides support along the way.

Now, that sounds better than trying the next faddy diet to me!

Credit: http://www.nurtureandnature.co.uk/
Illustration credit: Duchesssa, http://www.sxc.hu/

Stylish table settings

2010-06-17T17:46:00.006+01:00

We are firm believers that the gorgeous little touches you put into your big day can really set your wedding apart, and beautifully set tables at your wedding breakfast are one detail guaranteed to wow your guests. They are also a really effective way of transforming your venue and complementing your overall theme.

If you are having a marquee you can have loads of fun designing the look for your tables from scratch. If you are hiring a venue, then why not ask to see their standard table settings, and see how you might personalise them. Most venues don't mind.

We asked experts 'Well Dressed Tables’ based in South Wimbledon to explain how to choose the perfect setting for your wedding.

Here’s what they say...

“It’s really important to consider the overall look that you are trying to achieve. Do you want to make a statement? Are you going for subtle elegance? Do you want a contemporary look, or is traditional more your thing?

A really good way of dramatising your table is with the glassware, whether it’s with a burst of colour or a unique design.

Another way to create an impact is with a charger plate which you can tie in to your colour scheme. You can choose from a variety of designs, whether it’s clear with a gold rim, a funky purple or an obscure shape.

When it comes to your table settings, we’d always advocate being brave! Try to steer away from the ordinary - your guests have seen a classic setting before!”

There’s a whole world of contemporary and traditional cutlery, crockery, and glassware out there. Go discover!

Credits: http://www.welldressedtables.co.uk/

The Art of a Good Marriage

2010-06-10T13:09:00.000+01:00

On old school friend asked me to read this at her wedding...It's The Art of a Good Marriage, by Wilferd A. Peterson.

It's simple, but oh so true!

"A good marriage must be created.
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...

It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once each day.

It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is not only marrying the right partner...
It is being the right partner."

Music at your wedding to make your heart sing!

2010-06-07T14:17:00.006+01:00

I have just met a fantastic singing duo who I can't wait to tell you about.

Chris and Taira recently formed 'Mantal' following glittering careers in London’s West End. They've taken lead roles in some of theatre's most memorable shows including Billy Elliot, We Will Rock You, Blood Brothers, Fame, Grease and Starlight Express. They've also sung with famous names such as Phil Collins and Elton John.

Now, you can hire them for your wedding - for the ceremony, for your first dance, or even for your wedding reception. Believe me, not only are they a beautiful couple, but they sing beautifully too! In a class of their own.

Credits: http://www.mantal.co.uk/

Find us in the June/July issue of Your Herts and Beds Wedding

2010-06-06T20:37:00.002+01:00

We are delighted to be featured in the June/July issue of Your Herts and Beds wedding. They asked us for our ten tops tips to help you plan your wedding. So, here they are...

Tip No 1 – Set a realistic budget

Whether money’s tight or plentiful, and regardless of whether you are paying for your own wedding or your parents are contributing, you’ll need to set a budget. Try to be realistic at the outset and track your spend as you go – a simple Excel spreadsheet should suffice. In my experience, whatever the reception venue costs (including food and drink), add this figure again to get an estimate of your total budget!

Tip No 2 – Make a list

There are many different aspects of a wedding to organise, so before it all starts to spin in your head, take a deep breath and make a list – a long one if need be! You’ll find over the course of planning your wedding you’ll end up with quite a few lists – the guest list, the supplier list, the gift list, the DJ’s play list, his ‘to do’ list, her ‘to do’ list, the ‘things to do in the last few weeks’ list. Just commit all your ideas to paper, sort out what needs doing first and create an action plan.

Tip No 3 – Do nothing...

Once you’ve got your lists in place and you know what you need to do...do nothing! There’s no initial hurry to book up all your suppliers. My advice is to sit and relax for a while. Cosy up on the sofa and do some research to gather ideas for your wedding. Look at what other couples have done and take inspiration from wedding magazines and the internet. You’ll begin to get an idea of trends and styles you love, and those that you don’t. You can also research suppliers and begin to discover the ones with excellent reputations!

Tip No 4 – Suss out your style

All that research will have given you ideas about the type of wedding that suits you both best. Will it be intimate, or an ‘anyone who’s ever known us’ affair? Will it have a modern feel, or would you prefer something more classic? Will you have a religious or civil ceremony? Is overseas more your thing? Will children be invited, or are they a definite ‘no no’? Whatever you decide, you both need to be in agreement, and if not, be prepared to compromise!

Tip No 5 – Meet potential venues and suppliers

Once you know the style of wedding you want to create, start visiting venues and meeting suppliers that complement your personal style. Secure appointments with at least three in each category and ask them for prices so that you can compare. You won’t always select the cheapest, but it will help you decide who provides more value for money. Go with your instincts. Pick a venue that feels right providing it fits your budget (you’ll know if it’s right the moment you walk through the door) and surround yourselves with suppliers whose personalities and professionalism will enhance your day!

Tip No 6 – Call on friends and family

Something I have learned during my time as a wedding planner is that there’s a wealth of ‘amateur’ talent out there. Some of the best wedding cakes I have ever seen have been made by family and friends. One of my brides designed her own wedding gown. The groom designed the stationery. Aunties have made bridesmaids dresses and friends have offered to create the floral arrangements. If you’re lucky enough to have such talent in your family and circle of friends, use it! It’s a great way of saving money and of adding really personal touches to your day.

Tip No 7 – Make time for small details

It’s easy to get carried away planning the ‘obvious’ wedding necessities such as your dress, the venue, the photographer, etc - and undoubtedly these things are key. But try and make time to think about details that can really make your day special. Sometimes it’s the littlest things that guests treasure. A hand written personal message from you to each guest, a reading or poem at the ceremony that you have written to each other, a magician that circulates during the wedding breakfast – these are some of the special touches that I have witnessed making a difference to the day.

Tip No 8 – Prepare your inner-selves!

Preparing yourself mentally and physically for your wedding day is just as important as making all the other preparations. So that you feel great in the run up to your wedding and the day itself, try to make quality time for yourselves. Get in shape, eat well, pay attention to your skincare regime and sort out your wardrobe. It’s really therapeutic and doing it together will be fun!

Tip No 9 – Don’t make planning your wedding the only thing you do all year

Yes it’s time consuming, yes it’s detailed, but that’s not an excuse to talk about your wedding from the moment you get engaged. If you do, the likelihood is that you will become bored and see it as a chore. Have an evening, a day, or even a week off together. If you have done all your planning up front, and booked the most important suppliers, you can afford to put away your files and do something else. Spending more time together will make you remember what all the planning is for in the first place!

Tip No 10 – Enjoy the journey

Planning your wedding will be something you’ll either love or hate. If you relish the prospect of designing every last detail, discovering venues, meeting suppliers and learning the intricacies of folding napkins in ways you never thought possible, that’s great. If you don’t, are time-pressed, or the whole thing is stressing you out, then why not ask for help. Allocate tasks to friends and family, or consider hiring an experienced wedding planner. Don’t ever feel you have to do it all on your own!

The perfect wedding outfit

2010-06-04T14:07:00.000+01:00

It’s one of life’s lovely moments when you are invited to a friend’s wedding, but what if like some people, you go into a spin about what you should wear. So many people use a wedding as the perfect excuse to buy something new (no, honestly darling, I’ve had it for a while!). It can be an expensive time too, so don’t waste your hard earned cash, have a look at these fantastic tips by Isobel Kershaw from the NHJ Style Consultancy and just know that you’ll look gorgeous!...

There is nothing worse than arriving at a wedding to find that two other guests are wearing the same outfit as you. The problem is usually last minute panic buying and seemingly little choice for wedding outfits; this means we can be prone to looking at the same brands.
However, help can be at hand with your very own stylist – www.nhjstyle.com – who will create a unique ensemble which can then be reinvented for many other occasions. If you haven’t got a stylist on speed dial (tut, tut!) then what are the tips for a perfect outfit?

Tip 1 - It’s all about mixing the brands to ensure you are wearing something unique. The temptation is to hit a department store and buy everything from the same place. Write a list of what you need and then go looking. Check out options first before you buy. Shop assistants will tell you that you look great in everything but they are keen to make a sale. Use your eye and trust your judgement. Pretend you are looking at you – what do you think?

Tip 2 - Ensure that the outfit is flexible for other occasions – Try to avoid the obvious wedding looks of the matching dress with jacket, hat, handbag and shoes. Put together individual pieces which you can separate afterwards and incorporate in your wardrobe. Avoid over fussy prints and resist the temptation to be too flamboyant – leave that to the bride.

COAST GOLD SEQUIN TOP

TED BAKER WHITE TUX JACKET

REISS YELLOW FRILL SKIRT

Tip 3 - Boutiques are a great place to start to find something a little less high street. Again, have a clear idea of what you want and perhaps select a couple of items rather than get everything from the boutique. There will be more individual brands you don’t see on the High street, but only buy something you truly love and feel ‘wow’ in.

Tip 4 - Spend more on the outfit, then accessorise at a lower budget. A gorgeous pair of shoes and a great dress will be worth the expenditure if you select something to wear again and again. Then buy your bag and costume jewellery from a choice of places like Accessorise, Oasis, John Lewis, and Top Shop. Again remember which stores are likely to be the most popular and make sure you mix the brands up.

KAREN MILLEN BRONZE SHOES

Tip 5 - Well chosen accessories will ensure that your outfit looks individual and stylish. Choose a bold statement necklace for a bold colour dress in a different colour. A sequin clutch bag or a glitzy pair of shoes will add sparkle to a simple suit or dress.

ACCESSORISE SNAKE PRINT BAG

TOP SHOP HEART EARRINGS

Tip 6 - Above all – a good manicure and blow dry will finish the look.

Credits: NHJ Style Consultancy, Coast, Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Reiss, Accessorise, Top Shop

Wedding reception cool

2010-06-04T13:50:00.000+01:00

I’ve just been looking into hiring some chairs and tables for an intimate wedding this summer. Check out these for super cool! They are Philippe Starck Louis Ghost chairs which look great teamed up with a perspex table. Perfect for the design- conscious bride looking for something a little more out-of-the-ordinary. Simply stunning!

Credits: greathire.co.uk, design-conscious.co.uk

Birthday Party Heaven

2010-05-09T11:59:00.000+01:00

Oh my goodness this is gorgeous! What little girl wouldn’t want to throw her birthday party at the Betty Blythe Fine Food Pantry in West London, especially if they love all things pink and glittery? They get to delve into the dress up boxes, experiment with sparkly make up, eat scrumptious cakes, as well as mini muffins and brownies, all washed down with hot chocolate. Wish I was 10 again!

If you aren’t 10, but still love the concept, they have some great ideas for grown- ups too! I love the new range of seasonal hampers they’ve just bought out for Spring /Summer. They are packed full of yummy things, from fresh sandwiches and cakes to Champagne and ginger beer! Perfect for an informal party in the park! You can even tailor the contents to your own taste.

They’d also be great catering for a wedding reception or garden party. They say on their website “Canapés, fine dining and tea parties are presented by elegant starlets and dapper chaps, dressed in our black and white outfits and a touch of red lipstick, we and add a touch of vintage style to any occasion.”

Feels like Summer already!

Credits: bettyblythe.co.uk

Find us in the April / May issue of Your Herts and Beds Wedding

2010-04-04T13:20:00.002+01:00

Your Herts and Beds Wedding magazine contacted us to ask about our ideas for 'thoughtful' favours to give to wedding guests at a budget of £3 per guest. See page 70 for some of our suggestions!