by Hanami Dream | 1, May, 2018 | blog, guest post, tips
Food, food, glorious food – a guide to catering a wedding reception
As mentioned, in the post ‘How to keep your wedding guests happy’, my number one top tip to keep your wedding guests happy (and ensure your wedding is remembered as a great day by all) is to keep your guests fed, watered and entertained.
If you get this right then you pretty much can’t go wrong by them. Fail at one of these things and your guests will get twitchy, tetchy or bored. Plus as someone with dietary requirements, I’m always impressed (& relieved) when different diets are considered at a wedding (take a look at my post on ‘Catering for special dietary requirements’).
Top tips from top caterers
Here are some tips from top local caterers Ross & Ross Food, who have been recently named ‘The Best Wedding Caterers in the UK’ in the Hitched Wedding Awards 2018. Here is their insight into catering your wedding reception and a look at current catering trends to consider in your wedding planning.
1) Food stations are a huge trend right now
Since we started wedding catering in 2015, we noticed a big spike in people’s love for food stations. Basically, they are small stations of different types of food that your guests can approach and select what they want.
The idea behind our food stations is that it creates a social aspect to your wedding. It also allows your guests to try a variety of different foods, instead of having a simple plated dish. Our food stations include Iberico Ham stations, Oyster stations, Doughnut walls and Yakitori stations.
2) Seasonal food is a must
At Ross & Ross Food we pride ourselves on quality and a bespoke service. We provide this excellent quality by always using seasonal food in our clients bespoke menus.
Using seasonal food ensures the produce is fresh and of excellent quality. This, therefore reflects in the standard of our food and evidently our clients are always blown away. We pride ourselves on the idea of supporting local, so always try to use local producers around the Cotswolds.
3) Sharing boards are great for socialising
Sharing boards are a great idea for your guests to connect and socialise, whilst tasting amazing food! Some of our sharing boards include: Our famous Scotch Eggs & Coleman’s Dressing; Hot Smoked Salmon; King Prawns & Lemon Mayonnaise and Cotswold Cured Meats.
Hopefully these will give you some ideas, if you are looking at the idea of sharing boards. They are also a great opportunity to try a variety of foods, instead of one traditional option.
4) Trust in your suppliers
Once you’ve decided who is going to cater for your wedding, you must put your trust in them! You have chosen them for a reason, so you know they are going to a fantastic job.
We ensure there is regular communication with our clients to ensure they are happy at every stage of the process. All of our clients have had extremely positive things to say about our food and service which is why we are a trusted caterer. Once you have been through your ideas and requirements, just relax and leave the work to them.
@rossandrossfood
@rossandrossfood and @rossandrossfoodevents
@rossandrossfood and @rossandrossfoodevents
My tummy is rumbling just thinking about all this food! Bon appetite!
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by Hanami Dream | 18, April, 2018 | blog, tips
Top tips on getting your wedding photographs picture perfect
After choosing a venue, the next important supplier to pick is the wedding photographer (and often the second most expensive element too). After all, this is the supplier who will be immortalising your special day and creating the keep sake to look back on in years to come. So it is vital you get this part right if you want to have amazing wedding photographs on your mantel piece.
Hire a professional photographer
Don’t dismiss the need for a professional photographer or think that you can just rely on people’s iPhone snaps. Nothing beats professional photographs!
When you’re looking around, please bear in mind that just because someone has a decent camera, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can take good photos. However, advancement in technology does at least mean that there is more chance of getting it right.
Digital photography makes such a difference to capturing special days like weddings. There are so many advantages of having digital photography, no more so than having instant results. There’s no waiting around to get the photos developed, so the photographer can see what they are capturing straight away and make any adjustments as they go along. Hopefully this means more reliability and less surprises, plus more shots can be taken (as you’re not limited to a certain number of rolls of film) and you could change between colour and black/white images more easily. It also means that photos can be edited, backed up, stored, and shared with others online afterwards.
Photography style
Photographers may offer different styles of shots in their wedding photography repertoire. Think about the style of photos you want and pick a photographer who has this style in their portfolio whether that be formal, candid or reportage:
- Formal shots = this is the more posed stuff, perhaps with groups of people in scenes and is likely to be staged, with everyone looking at the camera
- Candid shots = these are a bit more relaxed and are more about catching a moment in time
- Reportage = this style tells a story and follows the main events throughout day in an informal manner
Practice makes perfect
Consider having an engagement shoot so that you can get comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer before the big day. Plus this will give you a chance to recce some good photo locations at your venue too.
Think about contingency plans – what happens if the photographer can’t do your wedding at the last minute? Do they have a stand in? Check what your insurance covers and ask your venue if they have a designated space for group shots in case it rains. It’s always best to plan for the worst, hope for the best.
Checklist for selecting the right photographer for you
Here are some other things that it is worth checking when you are considering the photographer to hire for your wedding day:
- Portfolio – take a look at their previous work and any weddings they’ve shot before
- Style – does their style of shots suit how you’d like to have your photos taken?
- Ability – are they able to do the style that you’d like?
- Qualifications – are they a member of the Association of Photographers, British Institute of Professional Photography, Society of Wedding & Portrait Photographers?
- Testimonials – what have previous couples had to say about them?
- Award – have they won anything for their work?
- Experience – how long have they been shooting weddings?
- Familiarity with venue – have they done any weddings at your chosen venue before?
- Availability – can they do your chosen date?
- Turn around time – how quickly will you get your photos back after the wedding?
- Insurance / contingency – what happens if they can’t do your wedding at the last minute?
- Presentation – does how they dress and carry themselves fit with the style of your day?
- Personality – do you gel with them? Would you want them to be at your wedding with you?
- Cost – how much do they charge, for how long and what is included in the price?
- Is an album included in cost? How many photographs are in the album?
- What other expenses are included/additional? Travel? Food?
Help your wedding photographer get the best results
Share the schedule or running order of the day with your photographer so they don’t miss key moments. Look after your photographer and don’t forget to feed them – it’s a long day for them too!
A good photographer will already know the shots that they would capture for a wedding day. However, it’s good to put together a shot list for your more obscure requests. Think about the shots you’d like to sum up the day (formal, candid and details).
You may well go for a mixture of colour and black/white, plus a combination of formal and informal shots to give you a good representation of the day, as well as some group shots to keep the older relatives happy too!
It’s a good idea to nominate a couple of your most reliable attendants in charge of rounding people up for the big group shots. Have the giant group photo of all the guests taken from up high. That way you’ll be able to see everyone’s faces and fit them all in.
Suggested wedding photography shot list:
Shots to sum up the day
- getting dressed
- getting ready to walk down the aisle
- close ups of couple individually just before the big entrance
- exchanging vows and rings
- the first kiss
- walking up the aisle after the ceremony together
- getting showered in confetti
- in the wedding car leaving the ceremony
- chatting to guests
- the toasts
- couple sharing a private moment
- the first dance
- cutting of the cake
- tossing of bouquet / lantern release
The formal shots
- couple individually
- couple signing the marriage certificate
- couple outside the service venue
- couple with each set of parents
- couple with both sets of parents
- couple with each of their immediate families (grandparents, siblings etc)
- with the bridesmaids
- with the best man and ushers
- couple with any special friends
- the entire wedding party
- reception shots per table
The candid shots
- wedding party getting ready with hair and make up
- big reveal to rest of wedding party
- couple’s first glimpse of each other
- wedding party making their way to, and arriving at, the ceremony
- guests arriving/with drinks before the reception
- the couple chatting to friends and family
- receiving line
- entrance of newlyweds to the reception
- guests signing the guestbook
- guests dancing
- entertainers/musicians
The detail shots
- clothes hanging on the wardrobe or bedpost
- close ups of dress, shoes, accessories
- wedding rings resting on an invitation
- close up of the couple holding hands (focus on the rings)
- close ups of wedding details (stationery, favours, place cards, table settings, table plan)
- the guestbook
- the cake before being cut
- bouquet and floral arrangements
- close up of the wedding car/transport
- room all set up
Wedding guests taking photographs
You may want to remind your guests politely to make sure that they don’t block the photographer on the day. And also consider having a unplugged wedding so you can see their faces (not their phones) when you look back on your photographs. Perhaps, chose a moment in the ceremony when guests can take their own photos.
Strike a pose
Above all, you want to look good in these momentous photos so here are some final tips for being picture perfect:
- Hold your flowers by your belly buttons to make a nice shape with your arms
- Keep your arms slightly away from your sides to give you biceps room to breath for a flattering look
- Take phones and keys out of trouser pockets to give a better line
- Get plenty of full length shots of the dress
- Avoid the midday sun (and squinty eyes!)
- Use the best ‘golden hour’ light 1 hour before sunset for some amazing shots!
- Smile with your eyes!
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by Hanami Dream | 13, March, 2018 | blog, tips
There’s no doubt about it, social media has changed (and continues to shape the way) we communicate, our relationships, our society and culture. It is a part of our every day lives and so it’s no wonder that you’ll want to think about the role that social media will play on your wedding day too.
About a third of the world uses some sort of social media. And the age of technology that we live in has meant that we are rarely uncontactable. There is a sense of urgency in our communicating and the need to share. Social media has enabled us to publish and share our lives not only with our nearest and dearest but to a wider audience too. We can share events, connect with people and it certainly has made the world feel like a smaller place.
I believe that social media has also made the news more relevant and accessible to more people, as well as personalising and interacting with announcements.
We are now living in the moment (all be it a digital one) with a need for things to be instant and live. We are also becoming more visual in our communications and video is the king of social media right now.
Whether you are going to embrace social media or shun it for your wedding, here are my top ten tips and modern day etiquette suggestions to make the most of social media on your special day.
Top tips for social media at your wedding day:
- Make sure you keep things personal – perhaps tell your closest family and friends in person before changing your status on social media or posting an engagement ring photo.
- Don’t rely on social media for all your wedding communications – think about your guest list as it may cover people from a variety of generations and technological abilities. Not everyone will have access or regular use of social media. A physical invitation will mean everyone on your list gets the same message.
- Don’t overshare on social media – keep an element of surprise beforehand. Also you don’t want to make any of your social media followers feel left out if they haven’t been invited to your big day.
- If you feel like going tech free then have an unplugged wedding – just make sure you set expectations with your guests early on.
- Create a hashtag or a personalised Snapchat filter – share the # on your invitations, order of service and on signs around the reception. Then collect images on a social media wall at the reception or an online wedding album.
- Use Facebook live or Periscope – for those guests that can’t make it (or live far away) consider streaming your wedding live so that they can still experience the day.
- Give a selfie stick as wedding favours – instead of the old disposable cameras on each table at the reception, give guests a selfie stick or a list of photos to try and capture.
- Etiquette tip – guests should wait until after the bride or groom have posted anything before putting up shots of the happy couple.
- Keep a traditional photographer – nothing beats professional photographs! And guests, please make sure that you don’t block the photographer on the day. The couple want to see your faces not your phones when they look back on their photographs. Chose a moment in the ceremony when guests can take their own photos.
- Enjoy the moment – above all remember to live the day and not just be recording events. Put the phone down for one day and make the most of having all the people you love in one room at the same time to celebrate your special day.
Take a break from tradition with this handy guide to modern alternatives to personalise your wedding.
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by Hanami Dream | 2, March, 2018 | blog, guest post, tips
Whilst we are very lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing wedding venues in the Cotswolds, there is always the allure and escapism of flying off somewhere else to tie the knot, perhaps to evade the stress and politics of wedding planning on your home turf.
Couples may chose to elope in secret (possibly behind their parents back) and sometimes in a hurry. However, elopement nowadays is less about running away and more about picking a romantic destination to get married with just a few of your close family and friends.
Here are some top tips from Claire at Wed in Central Park about planning your very own wedding abroad:
When many people hear the term “destination wedding” they think of a wedding ceremony taking place on a beach, somewhere sunny. Beach weddings are beautiful but they’re not for everyone, and many couples are considering eloping, or bringing a small group of their nearest and dearest to a city or countryside destination abroad for their special day.
1.Paperwork
The first thing a couple should check when they start thinking about a particular location for their destination wedding, is whether they can legally marry in that country. Some countries require complicated paperwork, or for the couple to be in the country for a very long time before they can marry, and if you don’t speak the language things can get tricky, and for same-sex couples matters can be even more complicated. Often couples get around this by marrying close to their home for the legal part of their wedding, and then having the ceremony and celebration (and photos!) somewhere else.
2.American Dream
Did you know that a wedding in the USA will be legally binding for British couples who live in the UK? So, there would be no need for marrying in a register office at home for the legal side of things, just one wedding (and one anniversary) each year! Perhaps the idea of marrying at the Grand Canyon appeals to you? Or in a forest on top of a hill in the Yosemite National Park? Or for that beach wedding in Hawaii or California? Or a big-budget Disney wedding? Or the ever-popular Vegas wedding? All of these locations would be fantastic in my opinion, although some easier than others to achieve. My personal favourite, and the area I specialise in, is helping couples to get married in New York’s Central Park, or indeed anywhere outdoors in New York. It’s my personal favourite because that’s where I got married!
3.New York, New York
To get married in New York, all you need to do is go to City Hall in person, together, with your passports and a credit card to pay $35 with and pick up a license. Then you wait at least 24 hours and after that you can get married! I guide couples through all of the decisions needed to decide how to have the wedding of their dreams in this beautiful, iconic, world-famous oasis of calm in the centre of one of the world’s greatest and busiest cities. After a wedding ceremony in the stunningly beautiful Central Park, with the iconic backdrop of the skyscrapers behind the tress, couples can go all over the city taking photos – the Top of the Rock, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Grand Central – there are so many places that will truly make your wedding photos unique. And then after that; a reception and celebration in one of New York’s incredible restaurants! There really is something for everyone in New York.
4.Who, where, when and how much
If you are considering a wedding abroad I would suggest that you consider what time of year you would be there, and who you would bring with you, if anyone. That will help you to work out a basic costing of the travel and accommodation, which are the major costs when it comes to a destination wedding. You might want to tag a honeymoon on to the trip after the wedding, somewhere close to the wedding location. Many of my clients plan on eloping and then, when they tell their loved ones what their plans are, their close family and friends want to come along too! I would always suggest discussions with your nearest and dearest, whether you are planning on inviting them or not. If they’re coming along, then you need to work out a good time for everyone. You will also need a plan for where everyone will stay and how long for – if you are marrying in New York, then some guests might come for a few days before or after the wedding day, or you might want everyone there at the same time, to allow for hen and stag outings while you are there. If you are eloping, then you might want to throw a big party on your return for wider friends and family, and perhaps keep to the theme of your wedding location.
@CentralParkWed
@centralparkweddingclaire
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by Hanami Dream | 7, February, 2018 | blog, tips, venues
Getting married at a licensed wedding venue in the Cotswolds
We live in such a stunning part of the country, commonly regarded as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Cotswolds is located in south central England and made up of 6 counties: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. It’s no wonder that every year 20,000+* of couples getting married in England choose to say ‘I do’ in a wedding venue in the Cotwolds.
About the Cotswolds region
Mainly rural landscape, with it’s lush green countryside, the Cotswolds is a relaxing escape from the big cities. With acres of lavender fields, historical towns, stately homes and picturesque, chocolate box villages with their honey coloured limestone buildings. It’s no surprise that this region has many places that feature in the Britain’s richest towns list. And we are perfectly located amongst the ‘golden triangle’ of the Cotswold towns of Burford, Chipping Norton and Woodstock.
Wedding venues in the Cotswolds
Hanami Dream is based in West Oxfordshire and there are some truly beautiful venues to choose from in the surrounding Cotswolds. Whether in a barn, a manor house, a marquee or a hotel, there are some amazing places (with some breathtaking views) to hold your wedding or special occasion. There’s something out there to accommodate most styles, guest numbers and budgets.
Take a look at the venues with wedding licences where you can get married in West Oxfordshire:
-
- Bay Tree Hotel
- Blenheim Palace
- The Blue Boar
- Caswell House
- Cogges Manor Farm – see my wedding venue review for Cogges Manor Farm here
- Eynsham Hall – see my wedding venue review for Eynsham Hall here
- Ferryman Inn
- Friars Court
- Heythrop Park Hotel
- Merriscourt – see my wedding venue review for Merriscourt here
- Old Swan and Minster Mill – see my wedding venue review for Old Swan and Minster Mill here
- Oxleaze Barn – see my wedding venue review for Oxleaze Barn here
- The Cotswold Plough
- The Trout at Tadpole Bridge
- Oxford Witney Hotel (formerly Four Pillars Witney)
- Witney Lakes Resort
- Witney Registration Office – Windrush Room
- Woodstock Town Hall
- The Wychwood Golf Club
Not technically in Oxfordshire, but we also wanted to include new kid on the block in Chipping Campden:
20. Lapstone Barn – see my wedding venue review for Lapstone Barn here
We are certainly spoilt for choice around here for amazing venues to hold a special occasion. For more details on how to pick your perfect wedding venue look out for my The Holy Trinity of Wedding Planning – Part 2: where.
*Data from Office of National Statistics www.ons.gov.uk Area of occurrence 2015. Based on 245,513 marriages in England. Based on 20,106 marriages in the Cotswolds (combined Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire).
by Hanami Dream | 9, January, 2018 | blog, tips
where
You will need to give notice of your marriage in your local registration district. If you and your partner live in different areas, you will both need to give notice in your own district.
You can get married in a church, registry office or an approved venue. Or you could choose a legal service followed by a celebratory ceremony because you want to celebrate your marriage or civil partnership in a venue that is not licensed for ceremonies.
Remember that if you’re using a celebrant then there’s no restrictions when it comes to location (as long as you have permission from the land owner) nor temperature, or time of day!
when
In order to give notice of marriage in a registration office, you must have lived in that district for a minimum of seven days. The earliest date the notice of marriage can be given is 12 months before the wedding ceremony. Normally, 28 clear days’ notice is required.
how
You will be asked to produce evidence of your full name, nationality, age and proof of current address plus evidence of marital status.
how much
A non refundable booking fee of £46 will be payable for all ceremony bookings with a registrar.
To give notice of marriage or civil partnerships costs £35.
Marriage certificates cost from £4 each.
Attendance of a registrar at a wedding or civil partnerships in a registry office will cost £275 from April 2018 (inc £4 cost of marriage certificate)
Attendance of a registrar at a wedding or civil partnerships in a church costs £90 (inc £4 cost of marriage certificate)
Attendance of a registrar at a wedding or civil partnerships in an approved venue will cost from £495 from April 2018 depending on day of the week and time of the day (inc £4 cost of marriage certificate)
For a church wedding there is a required legal fee. If you marry in your home parish (providing you both live there) it costs £474 in 2018 (and £517 if you marry outside your own parish). This is set by the Church of England and the same for each church nationwide. This fee covers the cost of the vicar, calling your banns, a banns certificate, the marriage certificate, plus lighting and admin.
This doesn’t include the services of a verger, heating, organist, bell ringers, choir and church flowers. So, you’d need to check with your church on the costs and booking process for these additional elements.
A church wedding must take place between 8am and 6pm on any day.
who
Two registrars will attend a civil wedding: one to conduct the ceremony and the other to register your marriage.
You will need two adults to be your witnesses. They can be friends or relatives, but should be over the age of 16 and able to understand English.
useful links
Getting married in a church
Guide to licensed venues in Oxfordshire
How to legally marry with a Celebrant
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by Hanami Dream | 1, January, 2018 | blog, holy trinity of wedding planning, tips
Happy New Year! And huge congratulations to you if you’ve got engaged over the festive period.
Telling people your big news and flashing your new piece of jewellery is such an exciting time and it won’t be long until you’ll be asked (again and again) when is your big day.
So here’s a little help with picking a date for your special day (and take a look at this useful guide to setting the date too).
Make sure you think about what else is going on in the world such as national, local and annual events including:
- Public holidays
- Sporting events
- Royal occasions
- Other people’s occasions (like birthdays, wedding anniversaries and religious festivals)
Here’s a list of some events (in England) in 2018 that could influence your choice of dates:
- New Year’s Day 1 January
- Epiphany 6 January
- Orthodox Christmas Day 7 January
- Orthodox New Year 14 January
- Burns Night 25 January
- Winter Olympics 9-25 February
- Shrove Tuesday 13 February
- Valentine’s Day 14 February
- Chinese New Year 16 February dog
- St David’s Day 1 March
- International Women’s Day 8 March
- Mother’s Day 11 March
- St Patrick’s Day 17 March
- First Day of Spring 20 March
- Boat Race 24 March
- Clocks go forward 25 March
- Good Friday 30 March
- Passover 30 March – 7 April
- April Fool’s Day 1 April
- Easter Day 1 April
- Easter Monday 2 April
- London Marathon 22 April
- St George’s Day 23 April
- May Day Bank Holiday 7 May
- Ramadan begins 15 May
- Royal Wedding 19 May
- FA Cup Final 19 May
- Spring Bank Holiday 28 May
- Trooping the colour 9 June
- Eid 14-15 June
- Father’s Day 17 June
- Royal Ascot 19-23 June
- First Day of Summer 21 June
- Wimbledon 2 – 15 July
- Independence Day 4 July
- Henley Regatta 4 – 8 July
- British Grand Prix 8 July
- Summer Bank Holiday 27 August
- First Day of Autumn 23 September
- Diwali 19 October
- Clocks go back 28 October
- Guy Fawkes 5 November
- Remembrance Day 11 November
- Thanksgiving 22 November
- St Andrew’s Day 30 November
- Hanukkah 2-10 December
- First Day of Winter 21 December
- Christmas Day 25 December
- Boxing Day 26 December
Enjoy celebrating in 2018 and I wish you a very Happy New Year.
by Hanami Dream | 16, October, 2017 | blog, holy trinity of wedding planning, tips
So far in the series, I’ve introduced the three key aspects of planning a wedding that pretty much affect every other thing that is connected with your big day. These are who, where and how much (otherwise known as your guests, venue and budget). This group of three things are very much intertwined. Plus when you hold your wedding is connected too! As previously covered (in the who and where posts), nearly all the decisions you have to make about your wedding will come back to one, two or all of the elements in what I class as ‘the holy trinity of wedding planning’.
This post deals with the tricky topic of money and how to allocate and prioritise your budget.
For example, where you have your wedding will affect the cost, as a wedding abroad, a local hotel wedding or a rustic barn venue will all vary considerably in price.
Likewise, when you have your wedding will incur different price structures, especially for venues. Different times of the year vary in price and peak season (summer months in the UK) will be more expensive than winter or off peak times. Less popular days of the week are often cheaper than weekend days.
Finally, who you invite or how many guests will obviously have an impact – the more you invite, the more it will cost.
There’s often a perception that anything labelled ‘wedding’ will be more expensive. In certain areas, I don’t believe that the type of event that you’re holding should affect the costs. However, I do understand that a wedding is a really special day and so it demands a certain level of consideration, time and effort to create the special day the couple have envisaged. Couples do have a greater expectation for this life changing event (that they’ll hopefully only do once) and so this will mean more attention from suppliers which can often increase costs to cover additional involvement and interaction.
So, how much will your wedding cost?
Well, this is like asking how long is a piece of string? Because everyone has a different sized budget and it can vary based on what you choose for your day.
As with most elements of the wedding day, each component can be prioritised in order to put the focus where you want it to go. Bear in mind that within each category of your budget you have a range of price points you could choose depending on the quality (ie you could pick caviar or chips for your food! You could arrive by helicopter or have your mate’s dad drop you off in his car.)
Overall wedding budgets are on the rise. The average cost of a wedding in the UK (outside of London) is currently £27,000. The largest part of the wedding budget is spent on catering, the venue, photography, the wedding dress and entertainment – in that order.
As a guide, I tend to suggest to couples that they allocate around 35% of their overall wedding budget (£9,450 of a £27,000 budget) to cover all aspects of the reception (to include cake, décor, drink, favours, food, furniture and venue hire costs).
Other areas of the budget should include these categories:
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Entertainment
- Attire
- Rings
- Photography
- Flowers
- Stationery
- Transport
- Gifts
- Hen/stag parties
- Honeymoon (optional)
Take a look at an example of a wedding budget in percentage terms and please contact me if you’d like to see a further breakdown of costs.
Fixed costs
Pivotal to all your planning is how much money you have to play with. This will determine whether you can go to town or be a bit more creative and diy some elements yourself. How much you have to spend will definitely factor in to how many people you can invite, where you can afford and what they can eat.
There are some costs that won’t change no matter how many people are at your wedding. These are called fixed costs such as:
- Ceremony fee
- Decorations
- Entertainment
- Insurance
- Photography
- Rings
- Venue hire costs
- Wedding dress
Variable costs
There are a number of costs that will alter depending on how many people are enjoying them. As well as the number of guests, you should also consider the size of your bridal party too. These variable costs include:
- Accommodation
- Cake
- Drinks
- Favours
- Food
- Flowers (for attendants)
- Gifts
- Stationery (such as invitations, menus, orders of services, name places etc)
- Suits and dresses for the bridal party
- Transport
Here are my top tips for planning and managing your wedding budget:
- Ascertain how much money you have available
- Determine who is paying or contributing and by how much
- Decide whether to include your honeymoon in the wedding budget costs
- Set a budget
- Stick to the budget
- Have a contingency of about 10%
- Determine the size of your bridal party (and who is paying for all elements of their attire etc)
- Calculate number of guests attending
- Prioritise the budget categories to ascertain your ‘must haves’ versus your ‘nice to haves’
- Adjust the budget according to your priorities
- Research costs – get at least three quotes for each item for comparison
- Work out your fixed costs
- Calculate the difference in variable costs depending on the number of guests attending
- Confirm when and how much deposits and instalment are payable
- Ask about cancellation fees and timings
- Write down what you’ve paid, when you’ve paid it and what you’ve still to pay
- Include tips for waiting staff etc
- Remember it’s just one day and focus on what is really important – your life together!
With the who, where and how much at the fore front of your mind, you can set the date and everything else can fall in to place so you can start planning all the other finer details. Take a look at this handy wedding planning timeline to see when you need to plan for other elements of the wedding day.
Please contact me if you’d like further help and guidance with your budget allocation and a budget spreadsheet template to help with all aspects of your wedding planning.
by Hanami Dream | 27, July, 2017 | blog, tips, traditions
I’m gettin’ married in the morning
Ding-dong the bells are gonna chime
We’ll have a whopper, pull out the stopper
Get me to the church on time
I’ve got to get there in the morning
Spruced up and lookin’ in my prime
Pull out your compass, kick up a rompass
Get me to the church on time
As the old Frank Sinatra song says, it’s important to know where and when you’re getting married so you can get there in plenty of time. It’s worth thinking about how far away you live from the venue/s as well as the distance in between the ceremony and reception locations too. Think about how far the venues are not only in terms of miles but also timings. Depending on what time of day you’re getting married it may conflict with rush hour or school runs that could affect traffic and people travelling between locations. (See more about when and where in my Holy Trinity of Wedding Planning series.)
Traditionally, couples used to walk to the church together (and then on to the reception too) or splash out on a horse and carriage (just like in the famous Daisy Daisy song below). Then before people owned cars the ushers were responsible for organising transport for all guests.
Nowadays, here are some of the wedding party that you need to consider transport for:
From home to ceremony
- bride and giver-away
- bride’s mother & bridesmaids
- groom & best man
To reception
- bride & groom
- bride’s parents & bridesmaids
- best man & other guests
From reception
- bride’s parents
- bride & groom
- best man
Another tradition of tying cans or shoes to the back of the going away car stems from the old tradition of throwing boots at the newly weds. It was considered lucky if you managed to hit the carriage as they rode off. Before then, shoes were given to the groom by the bride’s family to symbolise handing over the responsibility of the bride.
Nowadays couples choose to have at least one special mode of transport to make a statement for the bride’s entrance (and again for after the ceremony). Whether that is horse drawn carriage, an old fashioned car, a limousine, a vespa, a big red bus for your guests or something a little more unusual.
Here’s my pick of some brilliant local suppliers in and around Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds that can help get you to the church on time:
2CV Wedding Cars
If you are looking for something truly unique for your wedding day then look no further than our 3 beautiful Citroen 2CVs.
Established in 2011 and having just celebrated our 5th Anniversary, we are a family run business with bases in Hereford and Leicester supplying our iconic Citroen 2CVs to weddings across England and Wales.
These chauffeur driven cars are available for hire exclusively to yourselves for the day, we do not book more than one wedding per car a day.
They are decorated with Ivory ribbons and bows as standard but can be requested in any colour to match your theme, just married sign in the back window following the ceremony and vintage style bunting in the car if requested.
So whether your wedding be classic, vintage, French themed or something completely different we will be happy to discuss all details and options with yourselves.
@2cvweddingcars
2cvweddingcars
@2cvweddingcars
@2cvweddingcars
Bainton Bikes
Bainton Bikes is an independently owned cycle hire and tours company with a shop in Oxford and self-service hire hubs throughout the Cotswolds & Cheltenham. We have been operating since 2009 and we specialise in offering cycle hire, tours and holidays for all ages and abilities providing a safe, fun and memorable experience for everyone. Take a look at our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Here is where you get your bicycle made for two!
@baintonbikes
@BaintonBikes
@baintonbikes
British Classic Car Hire
From a life full of motorsport and petrol-headism, and a love of classic cars, British Classic Car Hire was born. Angela, your chauffeuse, is owner-operator and see’s to it that every bride and groom get to enjoy the ride and feel extra special for their first wedded journey.
Angela’s “girls” are stunning examples from a different age… true vintage beauties, and having been built in Coventry are true British Classic cars. “Hester” the 1935 Humber 16/60 is gorgeous in her Black and Old English White Art Deco styled splendidness! (and also featured in my Wind in the Willows shoot as seen above) “Dolly” the 1938 EL24 Daimler is resplendent in French Navy and Old English White. The young lady of the bunch is “Ruby” the pictured Classic 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I. Travel in classic style with Angela and her “girls”.
@britishclassiccarhire
Cotswold Balloon Safaris
We attend a lot of weddings but not in the capacity of transport. We provide a unique and fun entertainment for guests to take tethered rides and to go inside and explore what makes balloons work. We find what we provide works best in between the end of the wedding breakfast / speeches and the start of the evening phase. Most guests appreciate a chance to stretch their legs, get a bit of fresh air and the staff also enjoy being able to clear away and re organise the room ready for the evening’s events.
@CotsBallSafaris
@CotswoldBalloonSafaris
Cotswold Tuk Tuk
Cotswold Tuk Tuk was launched in 2017 by Chris Webb as an alternative form of wedding transport. The brand new Thai style tuk tuk is stunning blue with beautiful ivory seating. It can seat up to 6 passengers so is ideal for a range of options including bride and bridesmaids; groom, best man and ushers; or shuttle runs for guests between a ceremony and reception venue.
Chris can decorate the tuk tuk with different bunting and ribbon, or anything else you want to make your day bespoke. He takes great care to make sure it is looking on point, and if the weather does turn it has fitted rain covers. Discover the rustic charm of the tuk tuk for your big day.
@cotswoldtuktuk
@cotswoldtuktuk
Kushi Cars
Getting married in and around the Cotswolds? Looking for a totally unique way to get to your wedding? Well, you’ve just found our fabulous and ever so kitsch Indian Ambassador wedding car. Kushi means happiness in Hindi, and with our vintage Ambassador, our mission is to make you even happier on your wedding day. Reminiscent of a Morris Minor on the outside, our Kushi Car has bumpers festooned with exotic flowers and an interior decorated in rich fabrics of red and gold.
Established in 2010, we have been hired for weddings at venues all over the Cotswolds and beyond, including Cripps Barn, Kingscote Barn, Stone Barn and Pitville Pump Rooms to name a few. Previously a London Karma Kar, we changed our name to Kushi Cars in 2013.
Based in the regency town of Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, we travel throughout the Cotswolds. We also drive to Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, The West Midlands, Bristol and Bath. Further afield is possible on request.
@KushiCars
kushicars
@KushiCars
@kushicars
Rusty & Roses – Classic VW Camper Wedding and Event Hire
Rusty and Roses is a vintage events and hire company. They have two restored classic camper vans, a campervan photo booth, ice cream hire and venue decorations services. Located in Thatcham Berkshire. Hiring unique split screen camper called “Rusty” and a VW Bay window “Roses”. Covering all areas and love to assist your wedding in any ways we can.
@rustyandroses
@rustyandroses
@rustyandroses
Quirky Gertie Vintage Caravan
Looking for something really special for your wedding day? Do you love everything vintage, and the classic English countryside? If so, meet Quirky Gertie!
Gertie is a 1968 Carlight Cassetta caravan, beautifully restored, and ready to be the part of your special day.
She will make a beautiful setting for your informal, behind the scenes photos. Pre-wedding or post wedding family and friends photo shots.
New for 2017, we can provide a photo booth option, with a photographer, and on site printing. Producing quality post card photos for your guests to take away on the day.
We can also provide bespoke catering with anything from a cream to one of our ‘Proper Hampers’ for sharing. All our food is locally sourced and home- made to order.
If it’s unusual transport to and from your wedding venue that you need, we have just added another 1960’s classic to our stable. Molly the Morris Minor, who can be hired with a driver for your special day.
If you are interested in hiring Gertie, or Molly please have a look at our website or any of our social media, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch….we are here to help make your day how you see it.
@quirkygertie
Quirky Gertie Vintage Caravan and Photobooth
@quirkygertie
The Wedding Chauffeur
Award-winning wedding chauffeur car hire in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Royal Forest of Dean, Worcestershire, Wye Valley.
1960s design British carriages of distinction including Rolls-Royce & rare 7-seater limousine
Tip – Dooooo book a car (or two or three), fabulous added value for memorable photographs (especially dare it rain) & that priceless time straight after being married, just the two of you.
Tradition – getting it right, being just so … alike the Butler in Downton, it is the expert chauffeur who ensures that the Bride, the priceless gem of the day, arrives suitably & appropriately late.
Trend – For quite a time now the in thing has been to choose something whacky, a Beauford, a Camper Van, a red London bus, a helicopter or a parachute, so the classic white Rolls has become the cool rarity, the head-turning wow-factor.
Tastefully done, The Wedding Chauffeur takes pride in being the quintessential English gentleman, immaculately turned out in tweeds, cravat, sober suit, your choice, The Wedding Chauffeur devotes time and attention to every detail, from brushing the sheepskin over-rugs to providing emergency needle & thread & confetti, ‘you name It’, getting it right for you is the rewarding challenge on your very special day.
It is not just driving a car that won The Wedding Chauffeur the ‘Best Transport’ Three Counties Supplier Award 2016.
The Wedding Chauffeur
And not forgetting these selection of other modes of transport too:
Daisy, Daisy,
Give me your answer, do!
I’m half crazy,
All for the love of you.
It won’t be a stylish marriage
I can’t afford a carriage
But you’ll look sweet
Upon the seat
Of a bicycle made for two.
by Hanami Dream | 27, June, 2017 | blog, tips
Photography by Tom Weller
Flowers can make an amazing statement to your wedding and can compliment and reflect the theme, style, colours, tone and surroundings of your day. See more in this beginner’s guide to wedding flowers.
The tradition of wedding flowers is steeped in symbolism and there’s lots to think about in terms of colours, meaning and seasonality. Plus, you need to need to make plans in advance for what you want to happen to your flowers after the wedding day too.
Here are some suggestions for the enjoyment of your flowers to continue after the wedding:
- give the bouquet to a friend or relative
- let the bridesmaid who caught it take it home
- put it on the grave of a loved one
- donate the flowers to a retirement home
- leave it somewhere for someone to find it in the lovely lonely bouquet trend
- get it dried and framed
- get the flowers preserved in jewellery, christmas baubles or a paperweight
- turn it in to pot pourri
- use dried flowers to dye fabric or clothing
Photography by Farrow Photography
However a massive trend right now is to pick an alternative to real flowers altogether, with paper florals emerging as an ecological and lasting alternative. See some of my other key wedding trends to look out for in 2017.
Photography by Robin Smith
Here are some of my favourite wedding bouquet alternatives:
- make alternative flowers out of
- fabric
- felt
- paper
- sheet music
- comic book pages
- use flowers in different formats
- corsage
- floral rings
- anklets
- chockers
- pomander
- hoop / wreath
- dried
- hold an object instead of flowers
- book
- bible
- giant balloon
- lantern
- fan
- parasol
- clutch bag
- muff
- carry something on a stick
- ribbon wand
- dream catcher
- pinwheels
- use sparkly things to make a bouquet
- jewels
- beads
- brooches
- buttons
- use other natural alternatives to flowers
- fruit
- vegetables
- feathers
- wheat
- pine cones
Foliage is also a great alternative to flowers (and a fraction of the price) and sits nicely alongside trends for ‘bringing the garden inside’. If you do go for flowers then make a statement – ‘go big or go home’!
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- Photography by Nick Bradbury
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- Photography by Tom Weller
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- Photography by Farrow Photography
red wicker heart on black and white checkered floor
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- Photography by Farrow Photography
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- Photography by Neil Hanson Photography
cream roses and wheat in vintage floral print covered vases along with wooden hearts at wedding reception
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- Photography by Farrow Photography
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- Photography by Farrow Photography
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