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Happy 2nd birthday to #UKWedLunch

Happy 2nd birthday to #UKWedLunch

Your help is needed to shape the future of wedding Twitter networking hours – please complete this short survey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8C7CLK6

Last month marked two years since my wedding Twitter networking hour started.

#UKWedLunch was born to cater for couples planning a wedding in their lunch break. It was designed to connect brides and grooms looking for recommendations with UK based wedding professionals networking in their lunch break.

It has around 1700 followers and counting; a different discussion topic (currently on the second and third week of the month); lively interaction; and lots of connections and new contacts have been formed as a result of #UKWedLunch.

Changing focus of wedding Twitter networking hours

However in the quieter networking times (which typically seem to coincide with school holidays and half terms), I question whether twitter networking hours have run their course in today’s busy and ever changing social media platforms.

The purpose of twitter networking hours (topics or conversation typically grouped together by a common hashtag at a regular time/day) has commonly been to find new contacts, discuss topics, gain more followers, share other people’s content, increase sales and primarily have a conversation with others (this is ‘social’ media after all!)

For me, twitter networking hours should be about contributing and participating in a conversation. The old saying ‘you get out what you put in’ is often true in any form of networking and more so when you’re online. After all, if you just tweet and run then how do you know if what you are saying is on message with the week’s current topic?

All networking is a huge time commitment. Nowadays, it seems that the twitter forum is saturated with networking hours and new ones pop up all the time. Within each networking hour, there are also an increasing number of sales tweets rather than quality advice or conversation. Rather than spreading a marketing message wide, it is often better to be selective with the networking you choose so you can be more focused and have a personal approach.

Additionally, the users of these hours is changing to become more about supplier relationships rather than couples searching for answers.

Evolution of wedding Twitter networking hours

So I’m left wondering whether twitter networking hours have had their day, who participates in them and what is the purpose of them now.

I feel that #UKWedLunch is at a crossroads and I’d like it to evolve to the next stage. It was one of the first wedding twitter hours to focus on a separate topic each week with top tips and advice. Now is the time for a new format in twitter networking.

You can help shape the future of wedding twitter networking hours by completing this short survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8C7CLK6

I’m looking forward to how things develop and the next year of networking. Please spread the word so others can join us on Wednesdays 1-2pm on Twitter.

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th July 2018 – keeping calm

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th July 2018 – keeping calm

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th July 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today we are talking about keeping calm whilst wedding planning with top tips from Stephanie Varda Bridal Coach #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: Do it together. Discuss things as a couple – talk to your partner about what you both want from your wedding. You don’t have to take responsibility for all the decision making involved in planning your wedding. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: Get help. If friends and family offer help, then accept it. Either delegate some smaller tasks or accept advice where you need it. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: Take breaks. Don’t live and breathe your wedding for the entire time you are planning. Take time out to do something else for a little while. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: Adapt. Things might not go exactly to plan, and plans may change. Don’t get upset about things that you can’t do anything about, and stay flexible and open to change. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: Prioritise. Decide which parts of the day are most important to you and which bits you don’t care so much about. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Think about the whole day and the bigger picture of what you want from your wedding. Don’t get caught up in worrying about the details. #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about keeping calm whilst wedding planning with top tips from Stephanie Varda Bridal Coach taken from ‘Keep calm and carry on wedding planning’ #UKWedLunch

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 20th June 2018 – wedding insurance

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 20th June 2018 – wedding insurance

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 20th June 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: insure your wedding just like your other life assets, car and property #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: protect your wedding ceremony and reception in case of cancellation due to illness, fire, flood or adverse weather conditions #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: check for policies that cover bankruptcy or liquidation of suppliers plus cover for wedding cars and transport for breakdowns or accidents #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: think about additional cover for wedding gifts, rings, flowers, wedding cake and attendants gifts #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: check with your venue if you need additional public liability to cover accidental injury or loss of all guests #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: consider bespoke cover for ceremonial sword, marquee, mobile WC, overseas etc #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group taken from ‘Why you should take out wedding insurance’ #UKWedLunch

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 13th June 2018 – minimalist wedding

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 13th June 2018 – minimalist wedding

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 13th June 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, there’s some #toptips as well. This week’s theme is ‘tips for a minimalist wedding’ #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: Make sure any existing elements of venue or furniture are hidden to ensure nothing will distract the eye #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: Keep decor, florals and styling to a few key pieces and remember that less is more #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: Stick to one colour for maximum impact with white making an amazing statement #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: Ask guests to wear a certain colour to create a theme and the use of minimal colours throughout #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: Create reflection – use metallic decor, silverware or mirrors to bounce natural light around the space #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: Use Perspex tables and chairs with no fussy table cloths or chair cover #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips taken from Hanami Dream blog ‘Top ten tips for a minimalist wedding with the wow factor’ #UKWedLunch

See more inspiration at https://www.pinterest.com/HanamiDream/white-minimalist

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about wedding insurance with top tips from Wedding Insurance Group #UKWedLunch

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 16th May 2018 – toasts at weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 16th May 2018 – toasts at weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 16th May 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about toasts at weddings #UKWedLunch

WHY: traditionally toasts were a way of checking your drink wasn’t poisoned, or the clink was to keep evil spirits at bay. An actual bit of toast was put in drinks to soak up the dregs (with the person being honoured receiving the saturated piece of toast). #UKWedLunch

WHO: The welcome toast is by the host / father of  bride = toasts the bride and groom
The groom = toasts the bridesmaid(s)
The best man = final toast to the bride and groom
#UKWedLunch

WHEN: after speeches, toasts bring the formal part of the wedding day to an end, so the informal part can begin #UKWedLunch

WHAT: traditionally toasts are with champagne, sparkling wine, prosecco, or alternatives may include shots, a signature cocktail, sparkling elderflower or have your guests choose their own drink

HOW: arm raised and outstretched with glass in hand and say either: please be upstanding, please raise your glasses, join me in toasting. Followed by a sentence for everyone else to repeat like ‘to the bride and groom’ or ‘to good health’ #UKWedLunch

HOW MUCH: allow 1 bottle for every 8 guests for the champagne toast and only pour half glasses (as most guests will just take sip and go back to their original drink) #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about toasts at weddings. Take a look at previous top tips from #UKWedLunch networking hours

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 9th May 2018 – catering at weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 9th May 2018 – catering at weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 9th May 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today we are talking about catering at weddings with top tips from Ross and Ross Food #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: consider food stations – different types of food that your guests can approach & select what they want to create a social aspect to your wedding & allows variety instead of a plated dish #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: use seasonal food – to ensure the produce is fresh and of excellent quality #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: think about a sharing board – great for your guests to connect and socialise #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: establish dietary requirements – construct a menu with your caterer to suit your guests’ needs. Confirm with guests and show them specific ingredient lists from the chef #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: communication is key – let your caterers know enough in advance about any special requirements or changes so they can plan and prepare for different meals #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: trust in your suppliers – you have chosen them for a reason, so relax and leave the work to them #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about catering at weddings with top tips from Ross and Ross Food taken from guest blog post ‘Food, food, glorious food – a guide to catering a wedding reception’ #UKWedLunch

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about toasts at weddings #UKWedLunch

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 18th April 2018 – wedding photographs

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 18th April 2018 – wedding photographs

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 18th April 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about wedding photographs #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: Keep a traditional photographer – nothing beats professional photographs! 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. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: Consider having an engagement shoot so that you can get comfortable in front of the camera with your photographer before the big day. Plus it gives you a chance to recce some good photo locations at your venue.  #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: Share running order of the day with photographer so they don’t miss key moments. Put together a shot list for your obscure requests. Think about shots you’d like to sum up the day (formal, candid and details). And feed your photographer – it’s a long day! #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: Guests – please make sure that you don’t block the photographer on the day. Plus, 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. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: 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. #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: Hold your flowers by your belly button to have a nice shape with your arms. Take group photo of all the guests from up high to see all the faces and fit everyone in. Take phones and keys out of pockets. Get plenty of full length shots of the dress. Smile:) #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about wedding photographs. Take a look at previous top tips from #UKWedLunch networking hours.

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th April 2018 – wedding traditions quiz

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th April 2018 – wedding traditions quiz

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th April 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, this week there’s a wedding traditions quiz (just for fun!) Tweet your replies (answers at the end of #UKWedLunch)

Here we go… QUESTION 1: What did brides from the east often shave off for their wedding? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 2: What do Swedish people traditionally do any time the bride and groom leave the table? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 3: What do German newlyweds have to do in front of their guests? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 4: An old Scottish wedding tradition is to do what to a bride on the eve of her wedding?#UKWedLunch

QUESTION 5: In English folklore, it is good luck if a bride meets this person on the way to the wedding #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 6: What is placed on top of a wedding cake in Bermuda? #UKWedLunch

Hope you’ve had fun! Here are the answers: A1= eyebrows, A2= kiss, A3= saw a log in half, A4= wash her feet, A5= chimney sweep , A6= cedar sapling #UKWedLunch

Congratulations if you got all the questions correct. See more wedding traditions on Hanami Dream blog https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/category/traditions/ #UKWedLunch

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about wedding photographs #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 16th May 2018 – toasts at weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 21st March 2018 – drinks at weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 21st March 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today will be about drinks at weddings #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: drink seasonally – if it’s hot you’ll need cool drinks (and possibly extra ice) and vice versa #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: If guests are self serving then they may pour more than a bar tender. However they may drink less depending on time of wedding or on a weekday #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: main alcohols to stock a basic wedding bar include: gin, vodka, rum, tequila, whisky, beer, wine, and champagne #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: roughly you can get 4 servings per bottle of wine and 18 servings per bottle of liquor #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: allow 1 bottle for every 8 guests for the champagne toast and only pour half glasses (as most guests will just take sip and go back to their original drink) #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: Here’s a quick sum to give you a rough number of drinks needed for your wedding = number of guests  x  1.5  x  number of hours of serving #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about drinks at weddings Take a look at previous top tips from #UKWedLunch networking hours

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about networking #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

 

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 14th March 2018 – destination weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 14th March 2018 – destination weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 14th March 2018

As well as general wedding planning chat, today we are talking about destination weddings with top tips from Wed in Central Park #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: destination weddings don’t have to be a sunny beach location – think city or countryside, at home or abroad for alternatives #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: check whether the country requires paperwork, or how long to be in the country before you can marry, and how you’ll deal with a different language #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: consider marrying close to home for the legal part and then have ceremony and celebration somewhere else #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: think what time of year you would be at destination and who you would bring with you (if anyone!) #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: tag a honeymoon on after the wedding, somewhere close to the wedding location to save money #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: throw a big party on your return for wider friends and family – perhaps with the theme of your wedding location #UKWedLunch

This week’s top tips were about destination weddings with top tips from Wed in Central Park taken from guest blog post https://www.hanamidream.co.uk/elope-to-the-big-apple/ #UKWedLunch

Thank you for all the RTs, follows and likes! Hope to see you again next Wednesday 1-2pm for more wedding planning chat #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week will be about drinks at weddings #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT