It seems an age since I last posted tips on choosing a wedding cake, so it was a great excuse to meet up with Cheryl from Celebration Cakes Marske for a quick update over a cuppa.
Colours
Cheryl suggests you match the cake colour to your dress, for example don’t choose a white cake if you are having an ivory dress, or vice versa. Match the accents on the cake (flowers, ribbons, beading) to your flowers or bridesmaid dresses.
Tiers
If you would like a tiered cake, you are no longer bound to have the traditional pillars. A current trend is to stack the cakes with glass tumblers or bowls filled with crystals or flowers to tie in with your colour scheme.
However the american style ‘stacked’ cakes are remaining very popular.
Flavours
You don’t have to have a traditional fruit cake for your wedding. There are many options now including plain sponge, chocolate, chocolate orange and lemon cakes. A good option may be to have different flavours for each tier, with the bottom tier as fruit if used, because it is the heaviest.
Lemon and chocolate orange have been the most popular flavours this year.
Inspiration
Browse wedding magazines, and also flickr and google images to see photos of wedding cakes and get ideas. These can be a valuable starting point in terms of finding out what you do and don’t like, before discussing further with your cake supplier. If you are drawn to a cake at a wedding fayre and it isn’t in the correct colours, remember that can be changed to suit you!
Many thanks to Cheryl at Celebration Cakes Marske for sharing these tips.
Facebook: Follow Celebration Cakes Marske on facebook
Website: Celebration Cakes Marske
Images © Celebration Cakes Marske/ Debbie Stogden Photography
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details and prices on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
For those of you who got engaged over the holidays, this is a very exciting time. The latest wedding fayre season is already underway and unusually this is an opportunity to view some fabulous venues in snow! (I know we cannot predict the weather but for those of you considering a winter wedding, you never know…)
So having decided to head for a Wedding Fayre, how do you make the best of your time there…
Have a good look around
At the larger fairs the number of stalls could be intimidating, but do have a good look around. The chances are there will be more than one of each supplier, so there is an opportunity to compare their work and see who would be right for you and your style of wedding. Also look out for promotions, some suppliers will offer a discount if you book within a specified period.
Chat to suppliers
This is also your chance to talk one to one with a range of wedding suppliers, so make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it is useful to us to know what our customers want, and it gives you a chance to get to know us and whether or not we are right for your wedding. It is particularly important that you get on well with suppliers who will be in attendance on the day, such as videographers and photographers. In the unlikely event that you don’t get on with someone, move on! If you wind each other up after 10 minutes, imagine what it would be like over 8 hours.
Collect information as you go
It would be awful to get home and find you are struggling for the name of a particular videographer/ photographer or other supplier that you would like to use. Much of this information will be in your goodie bag, but it is not all guaranteed to be so collect cards and leaflets as you go. At the bigger fairs the day can be a bit of blur and they can prompt your memory when you get home! You can also take advantage of the free-to-brides magazines that are given out. They are packed full of ideas and will have details of even more suppliers who perhaps couldn’t make it on the day.
And don’t forget to try the cake samples, after all you want your cake to taste as good as it looks.
If you have not yet chosen your dress…
A lot of wedding fayres include a fashion show and these are great for seeing wedding dresses on real people rather than on racks or tailors dummies. Sit back, enjoy the show, take note of any styles, hair dos or accessories that you particularly like and don’t forget to also note the suppliers.
If you have chosen your dress…
Think carefully about whether or not to go to the fashion show. This is not the time to find an alternative to THE dress, especially if you have paid for yours. There may still be some value in seeing the accessories and hair dos, but tread carefully.
Finally…
Treat it as a day out rather than a military operation and enjoy it. Take a friend or relative who will also enjoy it (dare I say Husband-to-Be may not like looking at dresses and flowers as much as you do).
Details of more Fayres in our area can be found on The Wedding Guide: Wedding Fair Diary.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Portfolio.
Links
The Wedding Guide: Wedding Fair Diary
The Wedding Guide – Yorkshire and the North East
Kiss the Bride Magazine on Facebook
I spoke to Eveline of Eveline Brentano Flowers, Saltburn to get some tips on choosing wedding flowers.
Seasonality
Seasonal availability will almost certainly come into your choice of flowers. Some items are available all year round, some can be sourced out of season (at greater cost), whilst others are not available at all out of season. Wedding magazines can be misleading, the Spring/Summer editions may include weddings from Autumn and Winter and vice versa, so it is best to check with a florist early on before you are absolutely set on a flower that you cannot get. If you have your heart set on a flower that is not available, a good florist will be able to offer suitable alternatives to suit you and your wedding. At any rate, once you are consulting on flowers, the chances are your colour schemes are decided. If you are able to provide colour swatches for the florist to work to this would be very helpful.
Your Bouquet
Considerations for the bridal bouquet should include looking at what shape and style will compliment your proportions and THE dress. For example, if you are very petite you may choose a smaller bouquet so that you are not swamped, but a very full statement dress may require more dramatic flowers to complement it. You could also consider personalising your bouquet, perhaps including a brooch on the ribbon from your mother or grandmother (this could also double up as your “something old”).
Bridesmaids/Flower Girls
For younger bridesmaids, a bouquet may not be the best thing. Some may not want to carry them, and others may systematically destroy them! You could look at flower baskets, flowers in their hair or a wrist corsage as alternatives.
(Another good alternative I saw was an artificial flower ball, virtually indestructible, it survived the photos and beyond, and was useful as a shot-put – Debbie).
The Venue
For table decorations, choose either very tall or very small arrangements, so that guests can talk easily without them getting in the way. The same applies for the top table where several small, low arrangements, or one long one may be appropriate. For those on a budget, don’t be afraid to get the most out of your flowers. If you have a pedestal arrangement in the church, you could nominate one of the wedding party to collect it and use it again at the reception venue. (I have also seen this done with pew-end decorations that were used to decorate the window latches in a period venue – Debbie.)
Don’t Forget – Flowers for Gifts
There is an unspoken tradition that during the speeches the Mums (and often others who have contributed to the wedding) are presented with bouquets of flowers. To save a last minute panic, get your order in with the florist when you are booking your wedding flowers.
Eveline Brentano Flowers can be found at 7 Station Buildings, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS12 1AQ
Facebook: Eveline Brentano Flowers
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Images on this page © Debbie Stogden Photography/ © Eveline Brentano
No sooner have I blogged about the rise in Summer Wedding Fayres, than the more establised Autumn Wedding Fayre season is upon us. I hope you will forgive me for repeating myself…It is a great opportunity to view venues and meet suppliers face to face.
How to make the best of your time there?
Have a good look around
At the larger fairs the number of stalls could be intimidating, but do have a good look around. The chances are there will be more than one of each supplier, so there is an opportunity to compare their work and see who would be right for you and your style of wedding. Also look out for promotions, some suppliers will offer a discount if you book within a specified period.
Chat to suppliers
This is also your chance to talk one to one with a range of wedding suppliers, so make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it is useful to us to know what our customers want, and it gives you a chance to get to know us and whether or not we are right for your wedding. It is particularly important that you get on well with suppliers who will be in attendance on the day, such as videographers and photographers. In the unlikely event that you don’t get on with someone, move on! If you wind each other up after 10 minutes, imagine what it would be like over 8 hours.
Collect information as you go
It would be awful to get home and find you are struggling for the name of a particular videographer/ photographer or other supplier that you would like to use. Much of this information will be in your goodie bag, but it is not all guaranteed to be so collect cards and leaflets as you go. At the bigger fairs the day can be a bit of blur and they can prompt your memory when you get home!
And don’t forget to try the cake samples, after all you want your cake to taste as good as it looks.
If you have not yet chosen your dress…
A lot of wedding fayres include a fashion show and these are great for seeing wedding dresses on real people rather than on racks or tailors dummies. Sit back, enjoy the show, take note of any styles, hair dos or accessories that you particularly like and don’t forget to also note the suppliers.
If you have chosen your dress…
Think carefully about whether or not to go to the fashion show. This is not the time to find an alternative to THE dress, especially if you have paid for yours. There may still be some value in seeing the accessories and hair dos, but tread carefully.
Come and see me for a chat…
I will be exhibiting at:
Gisborough Hall Wedding Exhibition
12-4pm
Free Admission
~oOo~
Grand Wedding Fayre
The Bellamy Pavilion, Kirkleatham Hall, Redcar
Sunday 7th October
12-4pm
Free Admission
~oOo~
or Contact me to make an appointment to discuss your requirements.
Finally…
Treat it as a day out rather than a military operation and enjoy it. Take a friend or relative who will also enjoy it (dare I say Husband-to-Be may not like looking at dresses and flowers as much as you do).
Details of more Fayres in our area can be found on The Wedding Guide: Wedding Fair Diary.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Your Wedding Day really will go fast. Quality, well executed photographs can help preserve those precious memories. So how should you go about choosing your Wedding Photographer?
Why should you book a professional?
Your wedding is a very important day and you have spent time and effort in planning it. Your photographs will help you remember that day for years to come. By booking a professional wedding photographer you will get the benefit of their experience, both of photography and of weddings. Remember a good camera does not automatically make a good photographer.
If you are considering a friend or relative for your wedding photography, remember they will be effectively working throughout your day. Be honest with yourself, could you forgive them if the photos don’t turn out, or would the relationship be soured? Wouldn’t it be better if they were a guest at your wedding instead? I have spoken to a few keen amateurs who have found themselves in this position, and most say they would never do it again.
We all have to start somewhere, but do you want to risk your memories for someone to build their portfolio?
Assuming you do go down the professional route, how should you go about choosing?
Do you like their style?
It may seem obvious, but do you like their photographs? Each photographer develops their own individual style over time and it is unlikely that they would radically change it for your specifications. So, if you don’t like their photographs, start looking at other photographers.
View a full Wedding
On websites in particular, you will be presented with a photographer’s pick of their portfolio, those they consider to be their very best shots.
There is nothing wrong with that, but it will help you to judge the quality of their work, and give you confidence in them if you ask to see a complete set of wedding photographs, ideally in a wedding album if that is part of their package.
If you don’t like what you see, walk away.
Are they Insured?
A professional wedding photographer should at the minimum have public liability insurance, but most will now have professional indemnitiy insurance too. This covers them and you in the unlikely event that things don’t go to plan.
Are they offering what you want?
If the packages are not exactly what you are after there is probably some flexibility on the part of the photographer, but if you cannot get what you want… you guessed it, walk away and look at someone else.
If you or your partner are camera shy, it would be worth looking out for a photographer who offers an engagement/pre wedding shoot as part of the package. This will give you chance to work together with the camera before the wedding, and will mean you are more relaxed when it comes to having photos taken on the Day. There is also the bonus that you get some lovely photos which could be used on invitations, in the seating plans or on a signing board depending on the timing.
Do You Get On?
I asked a friend what she was looking for in her wedding photographer, and she said someone who wouldn’t get her guests’ backs up!
The day does go fast, but that doesn’t mean it is worth being stuck with someone you don’t get on with all day, who just happens to be a photographer – however wonderful their images. Depending on your package, the photographer could be with you all day or well into the evening, so choose carefully. Have a good chat with any prospective wedding photographer before booking. Do you get on with them? Do you think they will get on with your guests? Are they interested in your wedding, or will you just be one of many?
If there is a good raport between you, and they meet all the above criteria, get them booked!
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
I think some wedding traditions are worth continuing and that is definitely true of “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue“. It can be an opportunity to participate in family traditions and build a link with older generations of the family. What did your mother or grandmother do? I recently photographed a beautiful wedding where the colour scheme was the same as the Bride’s mother’s and her mother before her. How lovely!
Something old
Something old is meant to signify continuity and a link with past generations of the Bride’s family.
There may already be a tradition in your family for a particular piece of jewellery to be passed through the female line on their wedding day. If so, lucky you! If this is not the case, anything that is gifted to you, or you already own, that is not new, will suffice. If you are getting married in vintage clothing, or your mother’s wedding dress then the criteria is definitely met!
In my case, I wore antique earrings that were the first piece of jewellery my husband bought for me.
Something new
Something new is to symbolise good luck, good fortune and the future success of the marriage.
Since most of the outfit is liable to have been bought for the occasion, this is probably the simplest part of the tradition to follow.
You can nominate any part of your outfit that is new!
Something borrowed
Something borrowed is to show that the Bride’s friends and family are available to call on when she needs help. One key thing to keep within the tradition is that the borrowed item must be returned to its rightful owner.
This is the part of the tradition where you can be the most creative. I was very honoured when a close friend chose to borrow my veil for her wedding. It saved her the expense of sourcing her own and I felt as though I had contributed to the day. I should also add she looked fabulous in it! Other traditional items to borrow could be jewellery, a garter, the headdress, or you could go further and borrow the dress itself!
Something blue
The colour blue is intended to symbolise faithfulness, loyalty and purity.
If you buy a garter, it is likely to have a blue ribbon on it. Similarly, many dressmakers will sew blue ribbon into the hem of the garment. It is not difficult to build in this tradition, with blue toe nail varnish also proving to be a popular option. Or why not ask your florist to incorporate a small blue flower or ribbon in your bouquet?
The tradition goes on to say ‘…and a silver sixpence in her shoe’. I think it may be best to just gloss over that bit, but if you are dedicated I should note that the silver sixpences are available to buy online! Let’s face it though, truly beautiful shoes are uncomfortable enough!
Do you have any family wedding traditions you would like to share? Please feel free to add comments below.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding package details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
It used to be that if you got engaged in the summer you had to wait for the Autumn Wedding Fayre Season to kick in to get ideas for your wedding. Not any more.
In the last couple of years venues and suppliers have spotted this opportunity so look out for Fayres and Wedding Open Days in your area. The difference between the two tends to be that Wedding Open Days are for the venue to showcase their wedding service with a few preferred suppliers there by invitation only. Wedding Fayres tend to offer a larger number of suppliers, with less emphasis on the venue. Once you have found one you wish to attend, how do you make the best of your time there?
Have a good look around
At the larger fairs the number of stalls could be intimidating, but do have a good look around. The chances are there will be more than one of each supplier, so there is an opportunity to compare their work and see who would be right for you and your style of wedding.
Chat to suppliers
This is also your chance to talk one to one with a range of wedding suppliers, so make the most of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, it is useful to us to know what our customers want, and it gives you a chance to get to know us and whether or not we are right for your wedding. It is particularly important that you get on well with suppliers who will be in attendance on the day, such as videographers and photographers. In the unlikely event that you don’t get on with someone, move on! If you wind each other up after 10 minutes, imagine what it would be like over 10 hours.
Collect information as you go
It would be awful to get home and find you are struggling for the name of a particular videographer/ photographer or other supplier that you would like to use. Much of this information will be in your goodie bag, but it is not all guaranteed to be so collect cards and leaflets as you go. At the bigger fairs the day can be a bit of blur and they can prompt your memory when you get home!
And don’t forget to try the cake samples, after all you want your cake to taste as good as it looks.
If you have not yet chosen your dress…
A lot of wedding fayres include a fashion show and these are great for seeing wedding dresses on real people rather than on racks or tailors dummies. Sit back, enjoy the show, take note of any styles, hair dos or accessories that you particularly like and don’t forget to also note the suppliers.
If you have chosen your dress…
Think carefully about whether or not to go to the fashion show. This is not the time to find an alternative to THE dress, especially if you have paid for yours. There may still be some value in seeing the accessories and hair dos, but tread carefully.
Finally…
Treat it as a day out rather than a military operation and enjoy it. Take a friend or relative who will also enjoy it (dare I say Husband-to-Be may not like looking at dresses and flowers as much as you do).
Come and see me for a chat…
I will be exhibiting at Redcar Summer Wedding Fayre at Redcar Racecourse on Sunday 29th July, 12 noon – 4pm.
or Contact me to make an appointment to discuss your requirements.
Is there something you would like to see featured in future wedding blogs? If so, please Contact me with the details.
View wedding details on the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
So you’ve chosen your dress, picked the shoes, ordered the cake and sent out all the invites. You’re pretty much there with your wedding plans and there are just a few last minute bits and pieces to sort out before the big day.
One of the last few items on your to-do list is the seating plan, but you know that won’t take you long and you’re aiming to get that sorted a few days before the wedding, once you’re pretty certain there won’t be any last minute cancellations. Easy!
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. In reality, the seating plan can often be one of the most trickiest and stressful parts of planning a wedding.
Who knew that Auntie Ethel couldn’t be on the same table as Auntie Joan because they had a falling out a few years ago? Your Best Man’s girlfriend has asked if she can be on the Top Table as well because she doesn’t really know anyone else. You know there isn’t enough space though.
Then there’s the group of nine and group of six work colleagues that you somehow need to get on two tables of eight, but don’t really want to split any of them up.
And what do you do with your five single friends – do you scatter them amongst the couples or sit them together and hope they don’t think you’re trying to matchmake.
Fortunately, by following a few simple tips you can avoid that pre-wedding seating plan nightmare that so many couples face, and enjoy those last few days and evenings instead.
Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, start working out who’s sitting where as soon as you can. Maybe even before you’ve got any RSVPs back! There’s bound to be a significant number of friends and family who will almost certainly be coming.
By starting early, you’ve got plenty of time to work out where those troublesome Aunties and Uncles are going to sit, and how you’re going to get your square groups into round holes!
You could have a chat with your venue to see if they could accommodate a few different sized tables as that could make the seating plan much easier to arrange.
Think about guests that may have special requirements too. You may want to sit your older guests away from any speakers for example, or sit older children on a table together perhaps with some colouring books and pencils to help keep them occupied.
Give some thought to your table names too. Instead of giving each table a number (which can imply a perceived hierarchy) give them names instead – places you’ve been visited together, the names of famous couples or even London Underground stations! There are plenty of ideas for table names here.
Finally, consider using seating planning software such as Toptableplanner.
You simply drag your guests and tables around the screen, moving them all around until you’ve created the perfect plan. It’s easy then to load your saved plan at a later date and make any necessary changes.
Thanks to Adam at Toptableplanner for providing this article. See the Toptableplanner blog for more inspiration on developing and presenting your seating plan.
For details of Debbie Stogden Photography’s packages, see the Weddings Page.
See a selection of wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured on future blogs? If so please Contact me with the details.
Links
Toptableplanner website: http://www.toptableplanner.com.
Okay, so this post probably isn’t for the Bride, feel free to pass to your chief bridesmaid with suitable un-subtle hints on what you would like.
From talking to recent Brides, we are no longer limiting ourselves to one hen night, with wild nights with the girls AND spa days for the Mums.
What will you do? One thing is for sure, there is no shortage of choice out there.
Traditional Pub Crawl
For the party girls out there…co-ordinated T-shirts and headwear optional. The best I have been on was where the Bride’s sister set up a list of challenges, most of which cannot be repeated on here, but one of which was to write on a guys chest in red lipstick. Fortunately the Bride had a great sense of humour and ticked off everything on the list (and then some). I don’t remember much else…Great for the party girls, but maybe not so much for the Mums and Mum-in-Laws.
Holiday in the Sun
Pre the recession this was a very popular option, with the Bride’s best friends taking time out to have a week or weekend in the sun and let their hair down. Some friends of mine enjoyed a hen weekend so much that a girly city break in the sun still happens every year, in the absence of any hens as they are all married! The upside is you will have a great time, with better weather, but getting time off work and finding money for flights and hotels may mean that not everyone you would like to come along can be there.
Spa Experience
An indulgent spa weekend could be good choice if you are not up for clubbing and could easily include Mum and Mum-in-law to be without you showing yourself up. If your budget doesn’t stretch to paying for a hotel, some beauty therapists and nail technicians can come to you if you want to have treatments over a few bottles of wine with friends in your own home.
Vintage Tea Party
With all things vintage being in vogue, how about a tea party, think afternoon tea with pretty china cups, bunting and traditional cakes and scones. If the weather picks up it could be in a garden or outside space. Very civilised…and again, very suitable for Mums. Sweet Pea Events offer beautiful styling for Vintage Style Hen Parties.
Learning a New Skill
One Bride I know INSISTED that she really wanted to learn how to Pole Dance over her Hen weekend. Absolutely hilarious I have to say, but one word of warning, it is very physical and the related bruises are in very unfortunate places. Not one to do immediately before the wedding. On the same weekend there was a brilliant cocktail making workshop, behind a working bar with the full on cocktail shakers, mexican elbows (lemon squeezers) and everything. Brilliant! I would highly, highly recommend it, and of course it would be rude to let the cocktails go to waste…
You could also go carting, paintballing, surfing, the only real limit is your imagination and the willingness of the group as a whole to join in.
What would be your ideal Hen Night? Have you been to one really good Hen night that you want to share?
For details of packages and prices, see the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured on future blogs? If so please Contact me with the details.
Well, by the time this is posted you ladies will have had your opportunity to pop the question on 29th February, or perhaps you got engaged over Valentines weekend. Congratulations! Either way if you are newly engaged the big question is what next?
Choose/size your ring
You may have been given an engagement ring, or you may be heading out to choose one together. Either way, having the ring sized to fit as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you do not lose it. It is also worth considering putting the ring on your household insurance just to be on the safe side.
Set a date
This could mean literally, or it could be a case of deciding roughly what time of year you would like it to be to get you started or how long it will take if you need to save for the wedding. If you have a particular venue in mind, dates could be dictated by their availability. Popular venues have bookings years in advance.
Get Inspired
I have blogged on this subject before, see Wedding Inspiration. The key thing is that in terms of weddings now, anything goes. It is your wedding but if you don’t know where to start there are many sources available old and new to help you. These include online wedding blogs, facebook pages, Wedding apps and of course the traditional glossy mags.
Image from inspirational "Amaryllis and Lace" photoshoot by Becky Mitchell Photography
You can also take inspiration from wedding fayres and venue open days, with the advantage that you can also chat to the suppliers at the same time.
Set a Budget
There are so many lovely things available for your wedding that it would be easy for things to get out of hand financially. Try to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Within the budget prioritise what means a lot to you and budget for it appropriately. For instance, you may choose to scale down favours or make your own and use the money saved to help finance your dream dress, or book the services of an amazing florist.
I would say do not scrimp on your photography (but then I would say that wouldn’t I!). If you spend a great deal of money (not to mention the time and care in the planning stages) it would be a great shame not to record it in photographs you will love.
You can now get iPhone and Android Apps to track your wedding budget and I think these are an excellent idea, especially for those of us addicted to our phones.
Make a Start
Once you have decided on the number of guests it is time to book the venue for the ceremony and for the wedding reception (these can be one and the same). You then have a firm date to pin everything else on. It is best to do this as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. You may also choose to send ‘save the date’ cards to key guests at this point to make sure they don’t disappear on holiday on your special day.
Then book the photographer/ videographer – most will only do one wedding in a day and so can be booked up well in advance too. See my previous blog How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer.
Now comes the fun part!
Choose your Bridesmaids, Best Man, Ushers and then get looking at dresses, flowers, cakes and colour schemes. Enjoy! (Just try not to totally lose sight of your budget.)
Debbie Stogden Photography will be attending the following Spring Wedding Fayres. It would be great to see you there.
For details of packages and prices, see the Weddings Page.
See more wedding images in the Wedding Gallery.
Is there something you would like to see featured on future blogs? If so please Contact me with the details.